Condenser With Integrated Internal Heat Exchanger to Reduce Leak Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning circuits for motor vehicles with phase-change refrigerants face challenges in integrating an internal heat exchanger due to space constraints and potential leak sources, particularly in condensers designed for refrigerants like R 134a, where additional conduits and connections are needed.
Innovation Solution
The condenser design incorporates a second heat exchange block that functions as an internal exchanger, eliminating the need for external conduits and connections by allowing an additional pass between the condenser and evaporator, and directly connecting the first and second heat exchange blocks via a bottle, which simplifies the structure and reduces potential leak points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal heat exchanger is integrated into the condenser with additional conduits and connections, then heat exchange efficiency between high and low pressure refrigerants is improved, but device complexity and potential leak sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the internal heat exchanger functionality directly into the second heat exchange block of the condenser. The high pressure refrigerant flows through passages in the second block while the low pressure refrigerant flows through alternate passages, enabling heat exchange without external conduits or connections. This integration eliminates the need for separate internal exchanger components and their associated connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The second heat exchange block serves multiple functions: it provides subcooling for the condensed refrigerant from the first block and simultaneously serves as the internal heat exchanger for heat exchange with the low pressure refrigerant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If an internal heat exchanger is integrated into the condenser, then space efficiency is improved by eliminating external conduits, but the structure of the condenser becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is divided into two distinct heat exchange blocks with specific functions. The second block is further segmented into separate passages for high pressure and low pressure refrigerant flow. This segmentation allows the internal heat exchange function to be integrated within the existing block structure without requiring external conduits, thereby improving space efficiency while managing structural complexity through organized segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal heat exchanger passages are nested within the second heat exchange block structure. The high pressure and low pressure refrigerant passages are arranged in a nested configuration where one set of passages is integrated within the same block that handles the other refrigerant stream, eliminating the need for external nesting structures or separate housings.
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 achieves a significant gain in space efficiency and reduces the risk of leaks by integrating the internal exchanger within the second block, ensuring effective heat exchange between high and low-pressure refrigerants without additional ducts or connection blocks, thus enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the air conditioning circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchange block (212) for ensuring the cooling of a refrigerant until its condensation by means of a cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchange block (214) for ensuring the subcooling of the condensed refrigerant from the first heat exchange block
Implementation Method 3
the second block (214) consists of an internal exchanger to ensure heat exchange between the condensed and subcooled refrigerant, called 'high pressure refrigerant', and the same refrigerant once expanded, called 'low pressure refrigerant'
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a condenser (10) that includes a first heat-exchange block (12) for cooling a refrigerant fluid until condensation thereof using a coolant, and a second heat-exchange block (14) for sub-cooling the refrigerant fluid using a coolant. The second block (14) defines an internal exchanger (34) for the heat exchange between the condensed and sub-cooled refrigerant fluid, or high-pressure refrigerant fluid, and the same refrigerant fluid after expansion, or low-pressure refrigerant fluid. The invention can be used in automobiles.