Cooling Unit Layout That Preserves Airflow Around Control Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling devices for heating element storing boxes experience a decrease in air flow rate and cooling capacity due to the installation of control devices, which can lead to inefficient heat exchange and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The cooling device design includes a box body with detachable panels, an indoor air channel, an outdoor air channel, indoor and outdoor air blowers, a heat exchanger, and a control device accommodating unit, where the blower axes are parallel, and the heat exchanger is positioned downstream of both blowers, with the control device unit adjacent to the indoor air flow-in port and impellers aligned to minimize air flow obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the control device is installed in the cooling device, then the control function is improved, but the air flow rate and cooling capacity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is relocated from the horizontal air flow path to the vertical dimension by installing it on the upstream side of the heat exchanger where it does not obstruct the impeller rotation. The air flow path is separated into horizontal movement (through the heat exchanger) and vertical accommodation (control device mounting), resolving the spatial conflict between control device installation and air flow maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the air suction section with impeller, the heat exchange section with heat exchanger, and the control section with control device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without interfering with others, maintaining air flow efficiency while enabling control functionality.
2Extent of automation
If the control device is installed in the cooling device, then the control function is improved, but the cooling capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is positioned in the vertical dimension above the air flow path, specifically on the upstream side of the heat exchanger. This spatial arrangement ensures that the control device does not interfere with the horizontal air flow through the heat exchange passages, maintaining optimal heat transfer efficiency and cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow characteristics are optimized in different local regions: high-velocity flow through the impeller, horizontal flow through the heat exchanger passages for efficient heat transfer, and vertical space utilization for control device mounting. Each region is designed with appropriate local qualities to fulfill its specific function without compromising overall performance.
3Extent of automation
If the control device obstructs the air flow path, then the control device can be installed, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is mounted in the vertical dimension above the air flow path rather than within the horizontal flow path. This dimensional separation eliminates obstruction to air flow, preventing pressure loss while still accommodating the control device within the overall cooling device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is extracted from the main air flow path and positioned in a separate spatial zone (upstream side of the heat exchanger, vertical mounting). This extraction removes the source of potential obstruction and pressure loss, allowing the air flow path to remain clear and efficient.
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 maintains a high air flow rate and cooling capacity by ensuring unobstructed air flow and efficient heat exchange, reducing pressure loss and maintaining performance even with the control device installed.
Implementation Method 1
By such forced convection, heat is exchanged through barrier walls of heat transfer plate 110, and the air in control panel 100 is cooled.
Implementation Method 2
the heat exchanger has an indoor air flow-in port, and exchanges sensible heat between the air in the indoor air channel and the air in the outdoor air channel
Data Source
AI summary
A control device accommodating unit (15) is provided in a section (50) accommodating an indoor air blower (7) adjacently to an indoor air flow-in port (16), and an impeller (7c) of the indoor air blower (7) is sequentially opposite to the indoor air flow-in port (16) and the control device accommodating unit (15) by rotation of the impeller (7c), and a space (51) is formed between the indoor air flow-in port (16) and the control device accommodating unit (15). In this configuration, it is possible to obtain a cooling device decreased in drop of air flow rate and drop of cooling performance due to mounting a control device (14).