Combined suction header and accumulator unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of HVAC&R systems are increased by separate suction headers and accumulators, which also reduce efficiency due to additional connections and heating, as compressors are designed to receive vapor refrigerant and not liquid refrigerant.
Innovation Solution
A combined suction header and accumulator unit is integrated into a single body, merging refrigerant flows from multiple evaporator circuits and blocking liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, thereby protecting the compressor and reducing system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate suction header and accumulator components are used, then compressor protection from liquid refrigerant is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction header and accumulator into a single integrated component. The accumulator is positioned within the suction header assembly, allowing both functions (merging refrigerant flows and protecting the compressor from liquid refrigerant) to be performed by one component rather than separate parts, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining compressor protection
2Reliability
If separate suction header and accumulator components are used, then compressor protection from liquid refrigerant is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the accumulator within the suction header as a single manufactured unit, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be produced, stored, and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies the supply chain while maintaining the same level of compressor protection
3Reliability
If separate suction header and accumulator components are used, then compressor protection from liquid refrigerant is achieved, but efficiency decreases due to additional connections and heating
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design eliminates the need for additional connections between separate accumulator and suction header components. By having the accumulator内置 within the suction header, the patent reduces the number of joints and connections in the refrigerant flow path, thereby minimizing heat transfer losses and improving overall system efficiency while still protecting the compressor from liquid refrigerant
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
This integration simplifies the system, reduces costs, and improves efficiency by ensuring the compressor operates with primarily vapor refrigerant, allowing the evaporator to function optimally and lowering superheat values, thus enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid accumulator disposed within the main body of the suction header. The liquid accumulator is blocks the liquid portion of the flow of refrigerant from exiting the main body
Implementation Method 2
The evaporator evaporates a refrigerant from a liquid into a vapor
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator where the refrigerant absorbs heat
Implementation Method 4
The compressor may then compress the vapor to cause the pressure and/or temperature of the vapor to rise
Data Source
AI summary
A combined suction header and accumulator for a refrigeration system is described that may protect a compressor from refrigerant liquid entering the compressor while reducing superheat used to evaporate the refrigerant. The combined suction header and accumulator unit for a refrigeration system includes a suction header coupled to an exit side of an evaporator. The suction header includes a main body and receives a flow of refrigerant from the evaporator. The flow of refrigerant includes a liquid portion and a vapor portion. The combined suction header and accumulator unit includes a liquid accumulator disposed within the main body of the suction header. The liquid accumulator blocks the liquid portion of the flow of refrigerant from exiting the main body.