Device for improving the efficiency of a heat exchange system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refrigeration systems experience inefficient heat transfer and frost buildup in the evaporator coils due to low vapor content and inefficient refrigerant flow, leading to poor cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A tubular device with a cylindrical screen coated with diamonds is positioned between the expansion valve and the evaporator, enhancing heat transfer by increasing the vapor content of the refrigerant and improving flow turbulence, while an auxiliary passive condenser or sub-cooling device further optimizes refrigerant conditions to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant flows through the evaporator in traditional systems, then cooling function is provided, but heat transfer efficiency is poor due to low vapor content and inefficient flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters of the refrigerant by introducing a pre-heating section that raises the refrigerant temperature before it enters the evaporator. This parameter change increases the vapor content and improves heat transfer efficiency throughout the evaporator coil
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the refrigerant in a dedicated section before it enters the main evaporator. This preliminary heating ensures the refrigerant is in optimal condition (higher vapor content) before entering the cooling zone, preventing frost buildup and improving overall efficiency
2Temperature
If refrigerant temperature drops drastically after expansion valve, then refrigeration effect is achieved, but frost or ice builds up in the lower portion of the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter distribution along the evaporator by introducing a pre-heating section. The refrigerant temperature is gradually increased before entering the main cooling zone, preventing excessive temperature drops that cause frost buildup in the lower portions of the coil
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pre-heating section between the expansion valve and the main evaporator. This intermediary zone acts as a buffer that warms the refrigerant gradually, preventing direct contact of super-cold refrigerant with the evaporator coil and thus preventing frost formation
3Productivity
If liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, then cooling capacity is provided, but adiabatic liquid cannot absorb or reject heat efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase composition parameter of the refrigerant by pre-heating it before it enters the evaporator. This increases the vapor fraction in the two-phase mixture, allowing more effective heat absorption since vapor phase refrigerant can efficiently absorb heat during evaporation throughout the coil
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 achieves improved heat exchange efficiency by increasing the vapor content of the refrigerant, reducing frost buildup, and lowering energy consumption, enhancing the overall performance of the refrigeration system by up to 20%.
Implementation Method 1
heat removal means comprises a cylindrical screen coated with diamonds
Implementation Method 2
Only when liquid changes to the vapor state, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the warmer environment that needs to be cooled
Implementation Method 3
Once it passes through the expansion valve, the temperature drops drastically (to about 41 deg F.)
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for improving the efficiency of a heat exchange system having a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and a flowing refrigerant is provided. The apparatus is a tubular device having a refrigerant entrance and a refrigerant exit and is positioned in the heat exchange system between the expansion valve and the evaporator. The device further comprises a means for removing heat from the refrigerant. According to an embodiment of the invention, the heat removal means is a cylindrical screen coated with diamonds.