Heat exchange unit for air conditioning device and air conditioning device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air cooling methods for heat exchange units in air-conditioning apparatuses lead to increased size and inefficient heat transfer, particularly in spaces with limited ventilation, where heat generated by control units cannot be efficiently discharged.

Innovation Solution

Attaching the control unit to a radiator connected to a heat medium pipe, allowing the control unit to be cooled by a circulating heat medium, eliminating the need for an air path and enhancing heat transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If an air cooling method is used for the control unit, then the control unit can be cooled, but the air-conditioning apparatus structurally increases in size due to the need for a heat sink and air path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol unit temperatureVSAvoidair-conditioning apparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is integrated with the radiator that is already part of the heat medium circuit, combining the cooling function for electronic components with the existing heating/cooling function. This eliminates the need for a separate air cooling system and its associated components, thereby preventing structural size increase while achieving effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat medium (water or brine) circulating through the radiator serves as an intermediary to transfer heat from the control unit to the outdoor environment. This liquid-based heat transfer medium is more efficient than air and allows for compact heat exchange without requiring large air paths or heat sinks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control unit is installed in a space with limited ventilation such as above a ceiling, then installation flexibility is improved, but heat generated at the control unit cannot be efficiently transferred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation location flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol unit temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat medium circulating through the radiator acts as an intermediary that actively transports heat away from the control unit regardless of its installation location. This eliminates dependence on natural air convection and ventilation conditions, enabling efficient heat transfer even in enclosed spaces like above ceilings where air circulation is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If a heat sink and air path are provided for air cooling, then the control unit can be cooled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol unit temperatureVSAvoidcooling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is thermally coupled with the existing radiator of the heat medium circuit, merging the electronic cooling function with the building heating/cooling function. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling components such as heat sinks, fans, and air paths, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiator serves multiple functions: it cools the control unit during operation and simultaneously provides heating or cooling to the building through the heat medium circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling components, simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution prevents the upsizing of air-conditioning apparatuses, suppresses breakdowns, and efficiently transfers heat generated by the control unit, while maintaining the control unit's temperature below 100 degrees Celsius, preventing condensation and reducing the risk of electrical component damage.

Implementation Method 1

the control unit is cooled by the heat medium circulating through the heat medium circuit via the indoor unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the control unit is attached to a radiator connected to the heat medium pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3650769B1Heat exchange unit for air conditioning device and air conditioning device

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

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AI summary

An air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, a heat-source-side expansion device, and a circuit-circuit heat exchanger are connected via a refrigerant pipe and refrigerant circulates, and a heat medium circuit in which a pump, the circuit-circuit heat exchanger, a load-side expansion device, and a load-side heat exchanger are connected via a heat medium pipe and a heat medium circulates. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a radiator that is connected to the heat medium pipe and a control unit that is attached to the radiator. The circuit-circuit heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit. The control unit is cooled via the radiator by the heat medium flowing in the heat medium pipe.