Condenser
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional car air conditioner condensers require a large space due to the size of the first header tank, which hinders the installation of other devices and has unsatisfactory gas-liquid separation performance.
Innovation Solution
The condenser design includes heat exchange tubes with projecting portions and fins, where the first header tank is positioned outside the second header tank, allowing for a more compact layout and improved gas-liquid separation using gravitational force to separate refrigerant phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first header tank is made large to improve gas-liquid separation performance, then the gas-liquid separation performance is improved, but the space required for installing the condenser increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second header tank is nested within the spatial envelope defined by the first header tank's outer surface projection. The heat exchange tubes are arranged such that the second header tank fits in the available space without increasing the overall condenser footprint, effectively nesting components to maximize space utilization while maintaining separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical arrangement of heat exchange tubes and header tanks to achieve gas-liquid separation without increasing horizontal footprint. By arranging the first and second header tanks vertically and configuring heat exchange tubes to connect them, the design transitions from horizontal space consumption to vertical space utilization, resolving the contradiction between separation performance and installation space.
2Reliability
If the first header tank is made large to improve gas-liquid separation, then the gas-liquid separation performance is improved, but it hinders the installation of other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The second header tank is positioned within the spatial envelope of the first header tank, nesting functional components without expanding the overall boundary. This allows other devices to be installed in the space that would otherwise be occupied by an enlarged first header tank, improving installation flexibility while maintaining separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-liquid separation function is segmented between the first header tank (primary separation) and the second header tank (secondary separation/assisted function). This segmentation allows the first header tank to be smaller than a single large tank would require, freeing up space for other device installations while achieving the required separation performance through distributed functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If heat exchange tubes are connected over the entire length of the first header tank, then the connection is comprehensive, but the gas-liquid separation performance becomes unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange tubes are segmented into two distinct groups: first heat exchange tubes connected to the first header tank and second heat exchange tubes connected to the second header tank. This segmentation creates distinct flow paths that prevent short-circuiting of refrigerant, allowing comprehensive connection coverage while maintaining effective gas-liquid separation through staged processing in separate tank zones.
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 reduces the overall space required and enhances the condensation and super-cooling performance by optimizing the layout and functionality of the header tanks and heat exchange tubes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a first header tank which has a function of separating gas and liquid from each other and storing the liquid
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange tubes disposed in parallel such that the heat exchange tubes are spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction and extend in a left-right direction. Header tanks extend in the vertical direction. Left and right end portions of the heat exchange tubes are connected to the header tanks
Data Source
AI summary
A condenser includes first and second header tanks provided on one side of the condenser, and a third header tank provided on another side of the condenser. A plurality of second heat exchange tubes extend in an extending direction between the second header tank and the third header tank to connect the second header tank and the third header tank. A plurality of first heat exchange tubes are provided to extend in the extending direction between the first header tank and the third header tank to connect the first header tank and the third header tank. The plurality of first heat exchange tubes are directly connected to the first header tank. The plurality of first heat exchange tubes are longer than the plurality of second heat exchange tubes and are positioned downstream of the plurality of second heat exchange tubes with respect to a flow of refrigerant.