Combined Heat Exchanger with Integrated Internal Heat Exchange Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor compression refrigeration cycle apparatuses face complexity in cycle configuration due to the addition of internal heat exchangers, which complicates the system while attempting to improve the coefficient of performance (COP).
Innovation Solution
A combined heat exchanger with a heat exchange unit comprising plate-like members stacked and joined together, including a heat absorption evaporation unit and an internal heat exchange unit that connects high and low-pressure refrigerant passages, allowing for heat exchange between refrigerants flowing out of the heating unit and those sucked into the compressor, thereby enhancing heat absorption without adding complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an internal heat exchanger is added to improve the coefficient of performance, then heat absorption is enhanced, but the cycle configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the internal heat exchanger and the cooling evaporation unit into a single integrated heat exchange unit. The plate-like members form both the internal heat exchange passages and the cooling evaporation passages, merging two separate heat exchange functions into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate internal heat exchanger components while maintaining the COP improvement benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the internal heat exchanger (exchanging heat between high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerant) and the cooling evaporation unit (absorbing heat from the space to be air-conditioned). The plate-like members are designed to facilitate both heat exchange functions within a single component, making the system more versatile and less complex.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate internal heat exchanger and cooling evaporation units are used, then heat absorption is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal heat exchanger and cooling evaporation unit into a single heat exchange unit composed of stacked plate-like members. The internal heat exchange passages and cooling evaporation passages are integrated within the same structure, reducing the total number of separate components while maintaining effective heat absorption in both functions.
3Productivity
If multiple separate heat exchange units are installed, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange unit employs a nested structure where multiple plate-like members are stacked and joined together. Each plate contains passages for different refrigerant flows, and the plates are arranged in a compact stacked configuration. This nesting approach allows multiple heat exchange surfaces to be contained within a small volume, maintaining high heat exchange efficiency while minimizing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear or distributed arrangement of heat exchange components to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The plate-like members are stacked in multiple layers, creating a compact volumetric structure that maximizes heat exchange surface area within a limited space. This dimensional change allows efficient heat exchange without increasing the system's footprint.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The combined heat exchanger improves the coefficient of performance of the refrigeration cycle apparatus by increasing heat absorption in the cooling and heat absorption units while maintaining a simplified cycle configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a heat absorption evaporation unit that absorbs heat of a heating medium into the refrigerant to evaporate the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an internal heat exchange unit that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing out of the heating unit and the refrigerant sucked into the compressor
Implementation Method 3
a cooling evaporation unit that absorbs heat of the fluid to be heat-exchanged into the refrigerant to evaporate the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A combined heat exchanger includes a heat exchange unit having a plurality of plate-like members stacked together. The heat exchange unit includes a heat absorption evaporation unit and an internal heat exchange unit. The heat absorption evaporation unit includes a heat absorption refrigerant passage, and the internal heat exchange unit includes a high pressure refrigerant passage and a low pressure refrigerant passage. The combined heat exchanger has at least one of a high pressure refrigerant outlet port that allows the refrigerant flowing out of the high pressure refrigerant passage to flow out to a cooling refrigerant passage and a low pressure refrigerant inlet port that allows the refrigerant flowing out of the cooling refrigerant passage to flow into the low pressure refrigerant passage.