Condenser with external subcooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing vapor compression system components that are compatible with environmentally-friendly refrigerants and maximize efficiency is challenging, particularly due to the complexity and cost associated with incorporating subcoolers within condensers.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the subcooler external to the condenser shell reduces the refrigerant volume and condenser size, simplifies manufacturing, and maintains subcooling efficiency, while allowing for a reduced footprint and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an internal subcooler is incorporated within the condenser shell, then subcooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser system is divided into two separate components: the condenser shell with its tubes, and the external subcooler as a distinct unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining subcooling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The subcooler is extracted from the internal structure of the condenser and positioned externally. This extraction eliminates the complexity of integrating subcooling tubes within the condenser shell while preserving the subcooling effect through external heat exchange.
2Reliability
If an internal subcooler is incorporated within the condenser shell, then subcooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the subcooler into a separate external unit, manufacturing processes can be simplified and standardized. The condenser and subcooler can be manufactured independently using optimized processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining subcooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the subcooler from the condenser structure eliminates the need for complex internal tube arrangements and reduces manufacturing steps. The external subcooler can be manufactured as a separate, simpler component, lowering overall production costs.
3Reliability
If an internal subcooler is incorporated within the condenser shell, then subcooling efficiency is improved, but refrigerant volume and system size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the subcooler into an external unit allows for more efficient space utilization. The external subcooler can be positioned to optimize heat exchange without occupying valuable internal space within the condenser shell, reducing the overall system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
By taking out the subcooler from the internal structure, the condenser shell volume is reduced. The external subcooler occupies separate space that can be more efficiently utilized, resulting in a more compact overall system configuration.
4Reliability
If an internal subcooler is incorporated within the condenser shell, then subcooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the system into separate condenser and subcooler units simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced using standard, well-established processes. This avoids the need for complex integration and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the subcooler from the condenser structure eliminates the need for complex internal arrangements of tubes and chambers. The external subcooler can be manufactured as a simpler, more straightforward component, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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 minimizes refrigerant usage, reduces system size and manufacturing complexity, and lowers costs while achieving comparable subcooling efficiency to internal subcooler designs.
Implementation Method 1
the subcooler is configured to receive the liquid refrigerant from the condenser and to cool the liquid refrigerant to subcooled refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a condenser disposed downstream of the compressor along the refrigerant loop and configured to condense vapor refrigerant to liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator disposed downstream of the subcooler along the refrigerant loop and configured to evaporate the subcooled refrigerant to the vapor refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a vapor compression system that includes a refrigerant loop, a compressor disposed along the refrigerant loop and configured to circulate refrigerant through the refrigerant loop, a condenser disposed downstream of the compressor along the refrigerant loop and configured to condense vapor refrigerant to liquid refrigerant, a subcooler coupled to the condenser, where the subcooler is external of a shell of the condenser, and where the subcooler is configured to receive the liquid refrigerant from the condenser and to cool the liquid refrigerant to subcooled refrigerant, and an evaporator disposed downstream of the subcooler along the refrigerant loop and configured to evaporate the subcooled refrigerant to the vapor refrigerant.