Dual Collector Capacitor Layout for Stable Refrigerant Subcooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensers in refrigerant circuits for air conditioning systems face limitations in increasing the collector volume without expanding installation space, as the diameter and length of the collector are constrained by vehicle design, leading to a limited plateau length in the temperature vs. charge quantity diagram, affecting supercooling stability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual collector system where two collectors are arranged adjacent to each other, in fluid connection, with overflow openings and optional filters or dryers, allowing for increased storage volume while maintaining a small overall depth and improving weight distribution for vehicle vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the diameter of the collector is increased to increase the filling volume, then the collector volume increases, but the installation space is exceeded due to vehicle design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The single collector is divided into two separate collectors (first collector and second collector) that are arranged adjacent to each other. This segmentation allows the total collector volume to be increased while maintaining a compact overall footprint that fits within vehicle installation space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the collector volume by expanding in a single dimension (diameter), the solution transitions to utilizing multiple dimensions by arranging two collectors side-by-side in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing volume while maintaining a small overall depth.
2Quantity of substance
If the length of the collector in the longitudinal direction is increased to increase the filling volume, then the collector volume increases, but the collector hits the engine hood
Solution Approach 1:
The collector volume is increased not by extending the length of a single collector, but by segmenting the system into two collectors arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, thereby achieving volume increase without excessive length extension that would conflict with the engine hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from increasing volume through single-dimension length extension to multi-dimensional arrangement, placing two collectors side-by-side to achieve the required volume while controlling the overall longitudinal footprint.
3Device complexity
If a single collector is used, then the structure is simple, but the weight distribution is poor regarding vibrations and accelerations in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The single collector structure is segmented into two collectors arranged on opposite sides, which improves weight distribution and balance regarding vehicle vibrations and accelerations. The increased structural complexity is justified by the significant improvement in operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The two collectors are arranged asymmetrically on opposite sides of the tube-fin block, creating a balanced weight distribution that accounts for vehicle dynamics, vibrations, and accelerations, thereby improving overall system stability.
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 enhances the collector volume, stabilizes the subcooling temperature over a wide operating range, reduces installation space requirements, and improves refrigerant storage and filtration capabilities, leading to more stable air conditioning performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first collector is in fluid connection with the first collector pipe via a first overflow opening and with a second overflow opening
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant is de-heated, condensed and supercooled along its flow path through the floods
Implementation Method 3
a tube-fin block with tubes and fins arranged between the tubes
Implementation Method 4
if at least one filter is provided in the first collector between the overflow openings, so that the refrigerant flowing into the collector can flow out of the collector again after being deflected and filtered
Implementation Method 5
When a dryer and/or filter is arranged, the second collector can be used to store the refrigerant and, if necessary, to dry or filter the refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The capacitor (1) has pipes (3) whose facing ends are reciprocally fixed with a pipe rib block (2). The pipe rib block is arranged in collection tubes (8, 9) and provided with apertures. A first battery (20) is fixed with the collection tubes. A second battery (26) is in fluid connection with the first battery and the collection tubes. The first battery and the second battery are provided with rushing over apertures. Parallel flowed through-pipes are arranged between the first battery and the second battery.