Frontal Heat Exchanger Configuration to Reduce Volume and Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger units in refrigeration systems are inefficient due to high costs and volume occupancy, and their scalability is limited, making them unsuitable for diverse applications and energy-efficient cooling demands.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger unit with an evaporator and condenser device in fluid communication, arranged in a frontal configuration, forming a modular structure that maintains optimal vapor flow and thermal separation, reducing thermal losses and enabling flexible scalability and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If heat exchanger units are designed with side-by-side arrangement of evaporator and condenser devices, then spatial separation is achieved, but volume occupancy and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evaporator device and condenser device into a single integrated heat exchanger unit with frontal arrangement, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing overall system volume. The devices are thermally coupled through a common plate structure, merging multiple functions into one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a side-by-side spatial arrangement to a frontal configuration where the evaporator and condenser are positioned facing each other. This dimensional change optimizes space utilization and reduces the footprint of the heat exchanger unit.
2Reliability
If droplet separators and steam curtains are added to prevent liquid splashes, then reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for droplet separators and steam curtains by optimizing the internal flow paths and thermal coupling between evaporator and condenser. The design inherently prevents liquid splash through proper fluid dynamics management, removing unnecessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger unit is designed to self-regulate liquid flow through its internal structure, using the thermal and fluid dynamic characteristics of the frontal arrangement to prevent liquid carryover without requiring additional separation devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heat exchanger units are scaled for different performance levels, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the heat exchanger unit with modular components that can be scaled by repeating basic functional modules. The frontal arrangement of evaporator and condenser allows for easy replication and scaling while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized module designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger unit is designed with universal proportions and standardized component ratios that maintain optimal performance across different size scales. The same design principles apply whether the unit is small or large, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving scalability.
4Productivity
If evaporator and condenser are arranged frontally with fluid communication, then heat and mass transfer efficiency improves, but thermal separation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a common plate structure as an intermediary thermal coupling between the evaporator and condenser devices. This plate enables efficient heat and mass transfer while maintaining adequate thermal separation through controlled thermal conductivity and geometric design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger unit employs localized thermal coupling at specific regions where heat transfer is most needed, while maintaining thermal separation in other areas. The frontal arrangement allows for optimized local heat exchange zones without compromising overall thermal management.
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 heat and mass transfer, reduces costs by eliminating the need for droplet separators, and allows for adaptable system sizing and performance, improving energy efficiency and compact design in refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator device (31) configured for evaporating a heat exchanger operating fluid
Implementation Method 2
configured for evaporating a heat exchanger operating fluid
Implementation Method 3
a condenser device (32) configured for condensing the heat exchanger operating fluid
Implementation Method 4
configured for condensing the heat exchanger operating fluid
Implementation Method 5
the evaporator device and the condenser device are in fluid communication with each other so that heat exchanger operating fluid can flow
Implementation Method 6
enhances heat and mass transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat exchanger unit having an evaporator device configured for evaporating a heat exchanger operating fluid, and a condenser device for condensing the heat exchanger operating fluid, wherein the evaporator device and the condenser device are fluidically connected to each other in a frontal configuration. The invention further relates to a thermotechnical system having a plurality of heat exchanger units.