Gas-liquid separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas-liquid separators in air conditioning systems, such as those described in JP 2013-535372 A, have complex piping structures due to separate outlets for gas and liquid phases, leading to increased complexity in system design and connection units.
Innovation Solution
A gas-liquid separator design that integrates all necessary piping connections into a single unit above the tank, utilizing a switching valve to redirect refrigerant flow during heating and cooling operations, eliminating the need for external piping and valves, thereby simplifying the system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate outlets for gas phase and liquid phase refrigerant are provided in the gas-liquid separator, then the refrigerant can be properly separated and directed to different components, but the piping structure and connection unit become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piping connection unit by integrating all piping connections (first through fourth connection pipes) and the switching valve into a single unified structure mounted on the tank unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate connection points and simplifies the overall piping arrangement while maintaining the ability to properly direct refrigerant flow to different components based on operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The piping connection unit is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple refrigerant flow paths simultaneously. It incorporates switching valves that can direct refrigerant to different destinations (expansion valve or compressor) based on whether the system is in cooling or heating mode, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated piping for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection pipes and switching valves are provided outside the tank unit, then the refrigerant flow can be controlled during heating and cooling operations, but the system configuration becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection pipes (first connection pipe for expansion valve, second connection pipe for evaporator return, third connection pipe for compressor, fourth connection pipe for exterior heat exchanger) and switching valves into a single integrated piping connection unit. This merger maintains the adaptability to control refrigerant flow for both heating and cooling operations while significantly reducing system configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The piping connection unit acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the tank unit and the various system components. It provides a centralized location for flow control operations, allowing the switching valve to efficiently direct refrigerant to appropriate destinations without requiring complex external piping arrangements.
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 simplifies the piping connections between the gas-liquid separator and other components, reduces costs, and enhances the overall system's operational efficiency by streamlining the refrigerant flow paths during different operational modes.
Implementation Method 1
a tank unit storing refrigerant to separate a gas phase refrigerant and a liquid phase refrigerant from each other
Data Source
AI summary
This gas-liquid separator is provided with: a tank part which stores and separates a refrigerant; and a pipe connection part forming outlet/inlet ports for the refrigerant from the tank part. The pipe connection part has: a first connection part having a first connection pipe which guides the refrigerant to an expansion valve; a second connection part having a second connection pipe through which the cooled refrigerant returns; a third connection part having a third connection pipe which guides the refrigerant to a compressor; a fourth connection part having a fourth connection pipe which guides the refrigerant into the tank part from an outdoor heat exchanger; and a first flow path switching valve which allows the inside of the tank part to communicate with the third connection pipe during heating operations, and allows the second connection pipe to communicate with the third connection pipe during cooling operations.