Refrigerator Cooling Module Layout for Frost and Defrost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold appliances face challenges in modular design due to the need for a compact cooling module with efficient air circulation and defrosting systems, which are hindered by the conventional rectangular shape of the evaporator and compressor placement, leading to inefficiencies in heat management and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular cold appliance design featuring a self-contained cooling module with a compact evaporator and compressor arrangement, utilizing a thermosiphon tube for condensation prevention and a pre-defrost plate to manage humidity, and an air circulation system that minimizes heat leakage during defrosting without the need for additional movable parts or control equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the evaporator and compressor are positioned beside each other to make the cooling module compact, then the volume of the cooling module is reduced, but the defrost system becomes more complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
A defrost water channel is introduced as an intermediary structure between the evaporator and compressor. This channel collects defrost water from the evaporator and directs it to the compressor, where the compressor's heat serves to evaporate the water. This intermediary solution resolves the positioning conflict by providing a functional pathway that works within the compact side-by-side arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor serves a dual function: it compresses refrigerant and simultaneously provides heat for evaporating defrost water collected from the evaporator. The defrost water channel system uses gravity and the compressor's waste heat automatically without requiring additional energy input or complex control systems, allowing the system to self-manage the defrost process.
2Productivity
If air ducts are used to circulate air during defrosting, then air circulation is maintained, but warm air rises through the ducts causing heat leakage into the cold compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The defrost water channel is positioned and configured in advance to collect water during the defrost process before it can cause issues. The channel system is pre-designed with the appropriate slope and openings to ensure water automatically flows to the compressor, preventing water accumulation that would otherwise cause heat loss or operational problems during defrosting.
3Loss of energy
If a modular design is implemented to reduce transportation costs, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the assembly and interconnection of technical equipment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cold appliance is divided into separate modular components: a cabinet and a self-contained cooling module. The cooling module integrates the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and defrost water channel as a unified assembly. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and transported separately, then easily assembled together, reducing transportation costs while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator, compressor, condenser, and defrost water channel are merged into a single integrated cooling module. This combination simplifies the overall system by reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled during assembly, while still allowing the module to be transported separately from the cabinet for cost-efficient logistics.
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 solution enhances thermal and cost efficiency by reducing frost formation on the evaporator, improving air circulation, and maintaining low temperatures within the cold compartment during defrosting, while allowing for cost-effective and efficient assembly and transportation of modular units.
Implementation Method 1
a heat carrier tube (28), which is closed and which comprises a heat source for boiling the heat carrier fluid arranged in thermal contact with a heat source in the cooling module
Implementation Method 2
a heat carrier tube (28), which is closed and which comprises a heat source for boiling the heat carrier fluid arranged in thermal contact with a heat source in the cooling module
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator (33), and a first fan (42), which generates an air flow through the evaporator (33)
Implementation Method 4
a first fan (42), which generates an air flow through the evaporator (33)
Implementation Method 5
a compressor and a condenser arranged in the warm section
Implementation Method 6
a cold section and a warm section, which is separated from the cold section by an insulating wall
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A cold appliance, such as a refrigerator or a freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) having a cold compartment (104) and a cooling module (102). The cooling module comprises an air outlet (43) delivering cooled air to the cold compartment, an air inlet (44) receiving air from the cold compartment, an evaporator (33), and an evaporator fan (42), which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and out of the air outlet. The cooling module further comprises a pre-defrost device (47), which is arranged adjacent to the evaporator, such that the air from the cold compartment is guided by the pre-defrost device before reaching the evaporator such that at least some humidity in the air sticks to the pre-defrost device.