Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diffusion-absorption cooling apparatuses are space-consuming due to their dimensions, making them impractical for certain applications, as they require specific element arrangements that increase size and hinder versatility.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus is designed with the absorber positioned above the evaporator, and the inert gas is heavier than the refrigerant, allowing for compact dimensions while maintaining performance, utilizing a bubble pump and specific fluid circulation to facilitate efficient heat transfer without mechanical pumps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus is designed with conventional element arrangement, then the diffusion-absorption cooling function is achieved, but the apparatus becomes space-consuming and difficult to utilize in various applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability in various settingsVSAvoidapparatus dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies vertical arrangement of components along the height direction rather than horizontal spreading. The absorber is positioned above the evaporator, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the apparatus's footprint and make it more adaptable to various installation spaces while maintaining the diffusion-absorption cooling function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If the absorber is positioned above the evaporator with heavier inert gas, then compact dimensions are achieved, but the fluid circulation and heat transfer efficiency must be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus dimensionsVSAvoidcooling performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the density parameter of the inert gas by selecting a gas heavier than the refrigerant (such as using air or carbon dioxide instead of lighter gases). This parameter change enables the heavier inert gas to settle below the absorber and rise through the evaporator, facilitating natural circulation and compact vertical arrangement while maintaining effective heat transfer and cooling performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by stationary object

If conventional element arrangement is used, then the cooling function is provided, but the apparatus requires more piping length and higher power fans

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefan power consumptionVSAvoidpiping length
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fluid circulation path with the heat transfer path by positioning the absorber directly above the evaporator and using the same vertical space for both functions. This integration reduces the need for separate return lines and minimizes overall piping length, thereby reducing pressure drops and fan power requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables a compact and efficient cooling solution that maintains high performance, allowing for flexible application in various settings by reducing the apparatus's width, depth, and piping length, while using a low-power fan due to reduced pressure drop and shorter air flow paths.

Implementation Method 1

the inert and refrigerant have been selected such that the inert is heavier than the refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity-driven convection: Gravitational Convection (non heat)

Implementation Method 2

an absorber (8) and a condenser (9), both arranged on the outside of the enclosure (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a generator (5), an evaporator (6), an absorber (8) and a condenser (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

an evaporator (6) which is arranged inside the enclosure (2) and which is arranged to receive a heat load from electric components (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3026990B1Apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3026990B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026990B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) utilizing a diffusion-absortion cycle for cooling electric components, the apparatus comprising a generator (5), an evaporator (6), an absorber (8) and a condenser (9) circulating a refrigerant (R), an inert (I) and an absorbent (A) in a diffusion-absorption cycle. The generator (5) and the evaporator (6) are arranged in an electric cabinet (2) to receive a heat load from primary electric components (3) and secondary electric components (4) . The absorber (8) and the condenser (9) are arranged outside of the electric cabinet (2) and at a higher level than the evaporator (6) to receive fluid from the generator (5) and the evaporator (6) and for dissipating heat from the received fluid to the surrounding environment. The inert (I) and refrigerant (R) are selected such that the inert (I) is heavier than the refrigerant (R) in order to obtain fluid circulation where the inert (I) exiting the absorber (8) flows downwards to the evaporator (6) and the inert (I) exiting the evaporator (6) flows upwards to the absorber (8).