Common-Fin Dual Condenser Layout for Large-Capacity Refrigerators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with large capacities face challenges in installing two compressors and two condensers in limited machine room space, leading to reduced storage chamber volume and inefficient refrigerant condensation.
Innovation Solution
The design includes two compressors and two condensers with refrigerant tubes holding common cooling fins, arranged in a zigzag pattern, allowing for efficient installation in a limited space and independent or simultaneous cooling of refrigerating and freezing compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two compressors and two condensers are installed in a machine room to supply cold air to a large volume storage chamber, then the refrigeration capacity is improved, but the machine room volume must be increased which reduces the storage chamber volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate condensers into a single integrated condenser unit with common cooling fins. The first condenser and second condenser share the same cooling fins structure, allowing both refrigerant condensation functions to be performed within a compact space. This merging reduces the overall volume required in the machine room, thereby preserving storage chamber volume while maintaining dual-compressor refrigeration capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the refrigerant tubes of the first condenser and second condenser are integrated within a shared cooling fins structure. The tubes are arranged in a zigzag pattern through the common fins, creating a space-efficient nested configuration that accommodates multiple condensation functions within a single condenser volume.
2Reliability
If two separate condensers with separate cooling fins are installed, then each condenser can independently condense refrigerant, but the space occupied in the machine room increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate condenser assemblies into one integrated unit where the first condenser and second condenser share common cooling fins. This combining maintains the independent refrigerant condensation capability of each condenser while significantly reducing the total space occupied in the machine room compared to having two completely separate condenser units.
Solution Approach 2:
The common cooling fins structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as the heat dissipation surface for both the first condenser and the second condenser. This multi-functional design allows a single structural element to support two independent refrigerant condensation processes, optimizing space utilization while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the machine room volume is increased to accommodate two compressors and two condensers, then the refrigeration system performance is improved, but the overall refrigerator size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two condensers into a single integrated unit with shared cooling fins, the patent reduces the space required in the machine room. This allows the refrigerator overall size to be minimized while still accommodating two compressors and maintaining high refrigeration system performance through dual independent condensation pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the refrigerant tubes in a zigzag pattern through the common cooling fins, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This spatial arrangement allows both condenser refrigerant tubes to be accommodated within the same cooling fins volume, effectively using vertical and lateral dimensions to pack more functionality into a compact 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
This configuration enables efficient space utilization in the machine room, provides excellent heat dissipation, and allows for independent or simultaneous cooling of compartments, enhancing refrigerant condensation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first condenser for condensing refrigerant compressed by the first compressor... a second condenser for condensing refrigerant compressed by the second compressor
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator for evaporating refrigerant passed through the first expansion valve, a second evaporator for evaporating refrigerant passed through the second expansion valve
Implementation Method 3
a first compressor for compressing refrigerant, a second compressor for compressing refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a first compressor (110) for compressing refrigerant, a first condenser for condensing refrigerant compressed by the first compressor, a first expansion valve for lowering temperature and pressure of refrigerant condensed by the first condenser, a first evaporator for evaporating refrigerant passed through the first expansion valve, a second compressor (210) for compressing refrigerant, a second condenser for condensing refrigerant compressed by the second compressor, a second expansion valve for lowering temperature and pressure of refrigerant condensed by the second condenser, and a second evaporator for evaporating refrigerant passed through the second expansion valve. The first condenser and second condenser include refrigerant tubes arranged to hold cooling fins in common, thereby forming a common-fin-held condenser (300).