Condenser-Accumulator Heat Coupling for Refrigerant Recovery Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant recovery/recycling systems are inefficient, particularly at varying temperatures, due to the need for energy-consuming heating and cooling mechanisms like heat blankets and fans, which increase costs and complicate the system.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant recovery/recycling device that enhances heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator and condenser components, using thermally conductive materials or direct connections to stabilize and optimize temperatures, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat blankets and fans are used to warm accumulators and cool condensers, then the system can maintain optimal temperatures, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the accumulator and condenser into a single integrated assembly where the condenser is positioned adjacent to the accumulator. The condenser serves dual functions: cooling the refrigerant and simultaneously cooling the accumulator through thermal conduction across their shared wall, eliminating the need for separate heating devices like heat blankets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat accumulation in the condenser into a beneficial cooling effect for the accumulator. By positioning the condenser adjacent to the accumulator, the heat that would otherwise need to be dissipated by energy-consuming fans is instead used to maintain the accumulator at its optimal operating temperature, eliminating the need for both heat blankets and fans.
2Temperature
If heat blankets and fans are used to control temperatures, then optimal operating temperatures are maintained, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature control functions for both the accumulator and condenser into a single passive thermal coupling mechanism. The integrated assembly allows heat transfer between components through their physical arrangement, eliminating the need for separate control systems, fans, and complex temperature regulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational characteristics to self-regulate temperatures. The condenser naturally becomes warm during operation, and this warmth is automatically transferred to the accumulator through thermal conduction, creating a self-regulating system that requires no external control mechanisms or additional components.
3Productivity
If separate heating and cooling mechanisms are used, then temperature control is achieved, but production costs and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature control functions into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This simplification reduces production costs while maintaining or improving refrigerant recovery efficiency through optimized thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser in the integrated assembly serves multiple functions: cooling the refrigerant, cooling the accumulator through thermal conduction, and potentially serving as a heat source for vaporizing refrigerant in the accumulator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling mechanisms, reducing both production and operating costs.
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 approach simplifies the system, reduces costs, and improves refrigerant recovery efficiency and purity, enabling the system to meet stringent efficiency standards like the UL 120 Degree Ambient Test by effectively utilizing heat transfer to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The condenser and the accumulator are disposed for transferring heat from the condenser to the accumulator
Implementation Method 2
transfers heat from the refrigerant to the atmosphere, causing the gaseous refrigerant to condense into a liquid
Implementation Method 3
liquid refrigerant in accumulator 120 changes to the gaseous phase as it passes through
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methodology are provided for advantageously increasing heat transfer between the evaporator/oil separator (“accumulator”) and condenser of a refrigerant recovery/recycling system, to increase the efficiency of the system and to simplify the system. Embodiments include a refrigerant recovery/recycling device comprising a compressor having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet; an accumulator fluidly connected to a refrigerant source and to the compressor suction inlet; a recovery tank fluidly connected to the compressor discharge outlet; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the recovery tank to the accumulator, for raising the temperature of the accumulator and lowering the temperature of the recovery tank.