Cooling module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerating modules are large in size and require multiple components for detecting refrigerant leaks, with slow detection times and a risk of explosion due to combustible and toxic refrigerants, necessitating a compact and safe solution.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerating module with an insulated housing maintaining sub-atmospheric pressure, where the first fluid circuit components are housed within a sealed environment, using a second fluid circuit for heat transfer and a barrier film to prevent refrigerant escape, with rapid leak detection and explosion prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refrigerant-conducting components are screened off in a sealed housing, then refrigerant escape into the environment is prevented, but the device size increases and construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by maintaining a permanent negative pressure environment inside the housing. This creates an inert-like condition where refrigerant cannot escape outward because the pressure gradient prevents it. The suction device continuously removes any refrigerant that might leak, maintaining the negative pressure and ensuring the housing interior remains a safe, controlled environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful element (refrigerant gas) by using a suction device with a fan that actively removes any refrigerant leakage from the housing interior. The extracted refrigerant is conducted through a conduit to an absorption device outside the housing, effectively taking the harmful substance out of the enclosed space and preventing its accumulation.
2Measurement precision
If detection devices are added to detect refrigerant escape, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and construction space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the suction device serves multiple functions: it maintains negative pressure, detects refrigerant leakage through pressure sensors, and actively removes leaked refrigerant. The control unit integrates these functions, automatically activating the suction device when leakage is detected, eliminating the need for separate detection and response systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device and control unit serve multiple purposes: they maintain the negative pressure environment, detect refrigerant leakage via pressure sensors, activate alarms, and remove leaked refrigerant. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high detection precision.
3Loss of substance
If active ventilating devices are used to conduct out escaping refrigerant, then refrigerant removal is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where pressure sensors continuously monitor the housing interior pressure. When refrigerant leakage is detected (pressure change), the control unit automatically activates the suction device. The system continuously adjusts based on pressure feedback, activating or deactivating the suction device as needed, which optimizes energy consumption by running the ventilating device only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is pre-positioned and ready to activate immediately upon detecting refrigerant leakage. The negative pressure environment is maintained continuously, and the suction device can be rapidly activated without delay, ensuring prompt refrigerant removal while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the system in a low-power state during normal operation.
4Productivity
If housing volume is reduced for compact design, then productivity and space utilization are improved, but heat transfer efficiency between components decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing insulation specifically at the housing walls and connections where heat transfer occurs, rather than insulating the entire internal space. This targeted insulation approach maintains compact dimensions while preventing energy loss through the housing boundaries and connection points, optimizing the balance between compactness and thermal efficiency.
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
The module achieves rapid leak detection, prevents refrigerant escape into the environment, and minimizes the risk of explosion, allowing for a compact design with reduced thermal interference and energy within the housing.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-atmospheric pressure prevails in the housing
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger which undertakes transmission of the 'coldness' to at least one section of a second fluid circuit
Implementation Method 3
the components of the first fluid circuit are arranged in an insulated housing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cooling module having a first fluid circuit with a cold generator, the components of the first fluid circuit being arranged in an insulated housing. At least one component of the first fluid circuit is coupled to at least one section of a second fluid circuit, which section runs in the housing, wherein said housing includes connections for the at least one second fluid circuit, and a negative pressure prevails in the housing.