Condenser Intake Air-Guide Layout for Compact Refrigerators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration appliances face challenges in efficient heat dissipation due to limited space at the rear, which restricts the size of the refrigerant circuit components and impairs cooling efficiency, especially in built-in installations where air flow is constricted.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger assembly with a radial fan and condenser arrangement where the condenser is positioned at the intake opening of an air guide channel connected to the fan, ensuring that the majority of the air flow passes through the condenser, and a second air guide channel with an extended discharge opening to facilitate efficient air expulsion along the rear wall, allowing for a compact design and reduced parasitic air flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the condenser is arranged at the rear wall of the refrigeration appliance, then heat dissipation is facilitated, but the available space for storage compartment is reduced and air flow is constricted in built-in installations
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide channel extends the air flow path in the depth dimension (front to back) rather than relying solely on rear wall placement. By creating a three-dimensional flow path that penetrates through the appliance depth, the system achieves effective heat dissipation without constraining the rear wall space, thus resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation efficiency and storage space availability.
2Productivity
If axial fan is used to convey air through the condenser, then air flow is generated, but parasitic air flows occur and flow losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide channel acts as an intermediary structure that channels and directs air flow through the condenser in a controlled manner. It serves as a mediator between the fan and the condenser, preventing parasitic air flows by providing a defined flow path, thus reducing flow losses while maintaining effective air mass flow through the heat exchanger.
3Temperature
If radial fan is used with condenser at intake opening, then parasitic air flows are reduced and heat dissipation is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide channel performs multiple functions simultaneously: it directs air flow through the condenser, prevents parasitic air flows, supports the radial fan assembly, and structures the overall heat exchanger unit. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the design achieves enhanced heat dissipation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 configuration enhances heat dissipation at the condenser, reduces flow losses, and enables a more compact refrigerant circuit, allowing for increased storage space while maintaining high air mass flow even in constrained installations.
Implementation Method 1
a radial fan (4) to convey an air flow by way of the condenser (32)
Implementation Method 2
a condenser (32) to deliver heat to the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration device, in particular for a domestic refrigeration device, has: a condenser for delivering heat to the environment and a radial fan for conveying an air stream over the condenser. The condenser is arranged at a suction opening of a first air guide channel which is connected to a suction connection of the radial fan.