Concentric Compressor Heat Exchanger Layout for Compact Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heating/cooling modules for motor vehicles have inefficiencies in arranging 'hot' elements, leading to undesirable heat transfers and increased size and costs.
Innovation Solution
A compressor heat exchanger unit with a compact design, featuring a heat exchanger device with concentrically arranged flow channels around the compressor device, minimizing heat transfers by optimizing the arrangement of 'hot' and 'cold' components, and utilizing a tube-in-tube or extruded metal profile heat exchanger for efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional heating/cooling modules arrange components separately with standard piping, then assembly and maintenance are easier, but the module size increases and undesirable heat transfers occur between hot and cold components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the compressor and heat exchanger into a single compact unit where the heat exchanger surrounds the compressor. This merging of components reduces the overall module size and minimizes the space required for installation, directly addressing the volume reduction goal while maintaining functional effectiveness through the concentric arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is designed with flow channels that completely surround the compressor, creating a nested configuration where one component is positioned within the spatial envelope of another. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces the external dimensions of the module without compromising the thermal exchange functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If hot and cold components are placed close together to reduce module size, then installation space is reduced, but undesirable heat transfers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger flow channels are specifically arranged to create distinct thermal zones. The concentric configuration allows the refrigerant to flow through channels at different radial distances from the compressor, enabling localized heat exchange control. This spatial differentiation of thermal quality prevents unwanted heat transfer while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of close proximity between hot and cold components into a beneficial counterflow heat exchange mechanism. By arranging the refrigerant flow to move in opposite directions through concentric channels, the design utilizes the temperature gradient efficiently for intended heat transfer while minimizing parasitic losses through proper channel configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact concentric arrangement is used to reduce module size, then space is saved, but manufacturing and assembly become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor and heat exchanger are manufactured and assembled as an integrated unit rather than separate components requiring complex piping. This merging eliminates the need for additional refrigerant lines and connections, simplifying the assembly process despite the compact concentric geometry. The unified structure reduces the number of assembly steps and potential leakage points.
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 design allows for a spatially compact and cost-effective arrangement of high-temperature components, reducing heat transfers and enabling a smaller, more efficient heating/cooling module with reduced installation space and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger device with at least one first circuit for the flow of the first fluid and a second circuit for the flow of a second fluid
Implementation Method 2
having a compressor device for compressing the first fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a compressor-heat exchanger unit (1) for a heating-cooling module for a motor vehicle, in which at least one fluid serving as a coolant flows, comprising a compressor device (20) for compressing the first fluid, at least one heat exchanger device (40) that has at least one first circuit for the first fluid to flow through and a second circuit for a second fluid to flow through, this heat exchanger unit (40) being arranged in the fluid stream after the compressor device (20), characterised in that the first fluid is guided at least partially in flow channels (45) of the first circuit that at least partially enclose the compressor device (20).