Fan Assembly With Nested Heat Exchanger for Compact Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan assemblies with refrigeration systems face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining effective airflow uniformity and heat exchanger performance.
Innovation Solution
The fan assembly incorporates a heat exchanger that surrounds a major portion of the airflow generator, creating a compact arrangement with improved airflow uniformity. Additionally, a filter assembly surrounds the heat exchanger to enhance airflow distribution, and specific gap ratios between the airflow generator and heat exchanger are optimized to prevent airflow pinching and distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heat exchanger is made larger to improve heat exchange performance, then the heat exchanger area increases, but the height and footprint of the fan assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow generator is nested within the heat exchanger, with the heat exchanger surrounding a major portion of the airflow generator. This nested arrangement allows the heat exchanger to be positioned closely around the airflow generator, maximizing heat exchange efficiency while minimizing the overall height of the fan assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is configured in a substantially U-shape with vertical and horizontal sections, transitioning from a purely vertical arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration. This allows the heat exchanger to expand in horizontal space rather than vertically, improving heat exchange area without proportionally increasing height.
2Length of stationary object
If the axial gap between the airflow generator inlet and the wall is reduced to decrease height, then the height of the fan assembly decreases, but the airflow becomes pinched and distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The axial gap ratio is optimized to a specific parameter range (0.15 ≤ axial gap/inlet diameter ≤ 0.25). This quantitative parameter optimization ensures sufficient space for uniform airflow while minimizing the overall height of the fan assembly, balancing compactness with airflow reliability.
3Length of stationary object
If the heat exchanger is positioned closer to the airflow generator to reduce height, then the height of the fan assembly decreases, but the airflow uniformity over the heat exchanger deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger surrounds a major portion of the airflow generator, creating a nested configuration that maintains optimal spacing between components. This ensures uniform airflow distribution across the heat exchanger surfaces while keeping the overall assembly compact and minimizing height.
4Area of stationary object
If the fan assembly is made more compact to increase domestic utility, then the height and footprint are reduced, but the airflow generator may not be adequately nested within the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is configured to surround a major portion of the airflow generator, with the airflow generator centrally positioned within the U-shaped heat exchanger. This nested arrangement maximizes heat exchange efficiency by ensuring adequate contact between the airflow generator and heat exchanger surfaces while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for domestic settings.
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 results in a more compact fan assembly that can be easily accommodated in domestic settings, with improved heat exchanger performance and reduced noise due to uniform airflow and optimized gap ratios.
Implementation Method 1
The refrigeration system may employ a heat exchanger to remove heat from the airflow
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger may be cylindrical in shape
Implementation Method 3
an airflow generator for generating an airflow over the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A fan assembly is described comprising a refrigeration system and an airflow generator. The refrigeration system comprises a heat exchanger. The airflow generator is for generating an airflow over the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger surrounds a major portion of the airflow generator.