Ejector Movable Nozzle Design for Refrigerant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses with ejectors face challenges in precise control of nozzle dimensions and adaptability to changing pressure conditions, leading to efficiency issues due to expansion deficiencies or over-expansion of refrigerants.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movable nozzle and needle system within the ejector, allowing for controlled adjustment of the nozzle's sectional area and gap between the nozzle and mixing portion, enabling optimal positioning based on compression ratios to maintain efficient refrigerant flow and prevent expansion deficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle is fixed with precise dimension control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to changing pressure conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle movable rather than fixed. The nozzle can be positioned at different locations within the ejector body, allowing the system to adapt to varying pressure conditions and thermal loads. This dynamic positioning capability enables the nozzle to adjust its effective area and orientation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining precise manufacturing dimensions and adapting to changing operational conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a moveable needle is added to control nozzle diameter, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the nozzle itself to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the flow control element and the adjustable component. The movable nozzle replaces the need for a separate needle mechanism, allowing diameter control while simplifying the overall structure. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise dimension control is implemented, then manufacturing difficulty increases, but manufacturing precision is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the manufacturing contradiction by transitioning from a static, precisely dimensioned nozzle to a dynamic, movable nozzle. This allows for larger tolerance ranges in manufacturing since the effective dimensions are adjusted through positioning rather than requiring tight dimensional control during fabrication. The movable design inherently compensates for manufacturing variations.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of the ejector by allowing precise control of the nozzle's sectional area and low-pressure passage dimensions, improving the refrigeration cycle's performance and reducing production complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector configured to expand a main flow of high pressure refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
to increase a pressure of a suction flow of low pressure refrigerant discharged from an outlet of the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector and a refrigeration cycle apparatus having an ejector are provided. The ejector may include an ejector body having a suction portion into which a high pressure refrigerant and a low pressure refrigerant may be suctioned, and having a mixing portion provided at one side of the suction portion and configured to mix the high pressure refrigerant with the low pressure refrigerant; a nozzle movably provided in the suction portion, and configured to inject the high pressure refrigerant; a needle inserted into an end of the nozzle and configured to control a flow sectional area of the nozzle; and a nozzle drive configured to drive the nozzle so as to be relatively movable with respect to the mixing portion and the needle. As a flow sectional area of a high pressure refrigerant passage and a flow sectional area of a low pressure refrigerant passage are controlled, a driving efficiency of the ejector may be enhanced.