Compressor Heat Storage Tank With Gap-Bridging Heat Transfer Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat storage apparatuses for refrigeration cycles suffer from inefficient heat storage due to gaps between the heat storage tank and the compressor, leading to heat loss and reduced storage efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heat storage apparatus with a heat transfer member that includes a first heat transfer face contacting part of the compressor's outer circumferential face and a pair of second heat transfer faces extending in parallel, forming a space to enhance heat transfer and storage, along with a connection member and fixing member to secure the heat transfer member and heat storage tank to the compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the diameter of the inner circumferential face of the heat storage tank is designed to be larger than that of the outer circumferential face of the compressor to facilitate installation, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to gap formation
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressor and the heat storage tank. This member includes a first heat transfer face that contacts the outer circumferential face of the compressor and a second heat transfer face that contacts the inner circumferential face of the heat storage tank, effectively bridging the gap and enabling efficient heat transfer without requiring precise dimensional matching between the compressor and tank
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer system is segmented into three distinct components: the compressor, the heat transfer member, and the heat storage tank. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances while maintaining effective thermal contact through the heat transfer member, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and heat transfer efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If the heat storage tank encloses more than half of the outer circumferential face of the compressor to maximize heat storage, then the heat storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer member serves as a mediator that simplifies the installation process while maintaining large heat transfer area. By providing a standardized interface between the compressor and heat storage tank, it enables the tank to enclose more than half of the compressor's outer circumferential face without increasing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional contact problem (direct contact between compressor and tank) to a three-dimensional assembly involving the heat transfer member. This additional dimension allows the heat storage tank to encompass a larger portion of the compressor surface area while maintaining manageable installation complexity through modular assembly
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 solution effectively stores heat emitted from the compressor, improving heating performance and defrosting efficiency by ensuring nearly complete heat transfer and reducing thermal contact resistance, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer member configured to deliver heat emitted from the compressor to the heat storage tank
Implementation Method 2
a heat storage tank installed in the compressor for storing heat emitted from the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a heat storage apparatus for storing heat emitted from a compressor arranged in an outdoor unit, wherein the heat storage apparatus includes a heat storage tank installed in the compressor for storing heat emitted from the compressor and a heat transfer member configured to deliver heat emitted from the compressor to the heat storage tank, wherein the heat storage tank includes a first heat transfer face configured to have a form corresponding to a part of an outer circumferential face of the compressor to come into contact with the outer circumferential face of the compressor and a pair of second heat transfer faces configured to extend from both ends of the first heat transfer face to be in parallel to each other and form space with the outer circumferential face of the compressor, and wherein the heat transfer member is arranged in the space.