Double Evaporator Flow Part Layout for Fewer Refrigerant Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing double evaporator structure for air conditioners requires multiple inlets and outlets, increasing manufacturing costs and hindering miniaturization due to the complexity of pipe connections and space requirements, which degrades heat exchange efficiency and cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
The evaporator design incorporates a flow part within the first header tank, featuring communication holes that allow refrigerant to flow between compartments, reducing the number of necessary inlets and outlets by integrating the outlet of the first column with the flow part, thereby simplifying the refrigerant channel structure and reducing the number of connection points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a double evaporator structure with separate first and second columns is used, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the number of inlets and outlets increases to four, degrading productivity and hindering miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outlet of the first column with the inlet of the second column into a single integrated structure within the header tank, reducing the total number of connection points from four to three. This allows refrigerant to flow continuously from the first column through the header tank to the second column without requiring separate inlet and outlet connections for each column.
Solution Approach 2:
The header tank is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a collection chamber for refrigerant from the first column, serves as a distribution chamber for the second column, and provides a flow path that eliminates the need for separate inlet/outlet connections. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and connection points required.
2Reliability
If four separate inlets and outlets are disposed in the first and second columns, then each column can independently process refrigerant, but manufacturing cost increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single header tank structure, merging what would otherwise be four separate connection points into three integrated connection points. This reduces the number of pipe fittings, seals, and welding operations required during manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The header tank automatically manages refrigerant flow distribution between columns through its internal geometry and flow paths, eliminating the need for complex external piping and control mechanisms. The structure itself provides the flow management function that would otherwise require additional components.
3Ease of operation
If multiple connection pipe lines are used for the double evaporator structure, then refrigerant flow control is improved, but the evaporator size increases, hindering miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple flow control functions into the header tank structure itself, combining what would otherwise require separate pipe lines and fittings into a single compact component. The internal flow paths within the header tank replace external piping, significantly reducing the overall volume required.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow paths for multiple refrigerant streams are nested within the header tank structure, with internal channels and passages providing flow control without requiring external piping. This nesting approach allows complex flow control functionality to be achieved within a compact volume.
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 design reduces the number of components and simplifies assembly, enhancing production efficiency, miniaturization, and heat exchange efficiency by minimizing the number of connection pipe lines and optimizing refrigerant flow, leading to improved cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant in a gaseous state that is introduced into the compressor from the evaporator is compressed at a high temperature and a high pressure by the compressor, liquefaction heat is discharged to the surroundings while the compressed refrigerant in a gaseous state is liquefied by passing through the condenser, the liquefied refrigerant is in a low-temperature and low-pressure wet saturated steam state by again passing through the expansion valve, and is again introduced into the evaporator and vaporized to absorb vaporization heat and cool the surrounding air
Implementation Method 2
liquefaction heat is discharged to the surroundings while the compressed refrigerant in a gaseous state is liquefied by passing through the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an evaporator including a flow part having a refrigerant flow therein, separately from a first compartment and a second compartment to improve a refrigerant channel structure, in a double evaporator in which a refrigerant flows in a first column and a second column, respectively, thereby reducing the number of four inlets and outlets that is disposed in the first column and the second column, respectively.