Compact radial condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-cooled refrigerant condensers face challenges in maintaining high flow velocity and effective heat transfer as refrigerant transitions from vapor to liquid state, particularly in compact heat exchanger configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact radial condenser design featuring radially inward refrigerant flow passages and a circular heat exchanger with radially outward airflow, utilizing thermally conductive materials and structures to optimize passage density for efficient heat transfer and condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If compact heat exchanger configuration is used, then space efficiency is improved, but flow velocity and heat transfer effectiveness deteriorate during vapor condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the passage cross-sectional area along the flow path. The passages have different dimensions at different locations, with the cross-sectional area changing to maintain appropriate flow velocity throughout the condensation process. This local variation in passage geometry allows the compact heat exchanger to maintain effective heat transfer while achieving space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the flow passages, specifically the cross-sectional area dimensions, to optimize performance. By adjusting passage height and width at different locations along the condensation path, the design maintains high flow velocity in the compact configuration, resolving the contradiction between compact size and heat transfer effectiveness.
2Volume of moving object
If passage density is increased to maintain compact size, then space efficiency is improved, but flow velocity decreases during condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the condensation process into different zones with different passage characteristics. By dividing the heat exchanger into multiple sections with varying passage dimensions, it maintains appropriate flow velocity in each segment while achieving overall compactness. The passages are segmented both spatially and dimensionally to optimize flow characteristics throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar passages to three-dimensional variable cross-section passages. By utilizing the third dimension (varying cross-sectional area along the flow path), the design maintains flow velocity while achieving compact overall dimensions, effectively resolving the contradiction between compact size and flow speed.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform passage density is used throughout the heat exchanger, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but heat transfer effectiveness deteriorates during phase transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic variation in passage dimensions along the flow path, transitioning from static uniform passages to dynamic variable passages. This allows the passage cross-sectional area to adapt to the changing thermodynamic conditions during condensation, improving heat transfer effectiveness while maintaining manufacturability through systematic dimensional variation.
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
Maintains high flow velocity and effective heat transfer by compensating for reduced volumetric flow during vapor condensation, enhancing condensation heat transfer through optimized passage density and thermal conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
heat from a first fluid flowing between the first plate and the second plate and around the plurality of structures is transferred from the first fluid to at least one of the first plate, the second plate, or the plurality of structures
Implementation Method 2
as the first fluid transitions from a gaseous state to a liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
A compact radial condenser is disclosed. The compact radial condenser includes a first plate; a second plate; and a plurality of structures disposed between the first plate and the second plate. In the compact radial condenser, heat from a first fluid flowing between the first plate and the second plate and around the plurality of structures is transferred from the first fluid to at least one of the first plate, the second plate, or the plurality of structures. In the compact radial condenser, the plurality of structures includes a first set of structures, the first set of structures extending radially from an inner edge of an opening in the first plate to an outer edge of the first plate.