Heat Exchanger Tube Material Layout to Prevent Air Conditioner Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners using copper refrigerant tubes are heavy and expensive due to copper's high cost and weight, and the use of different metals for refrigerant tubes and heat dissipating fins leads to corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of aluminum and copper combination tubes for refrigerant tubes and heat dissipating fins, where both components are made of the same metal to prevent corrosion and reduce weight, with distributors and injectors designed to enhance refrigerant distribution and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper refrigerant tubes are used, then reliability and thermal expansion characteristic are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant tube is divided into two segments: a copper tube portion (first tube) and an aluminum tube portion (second tube). The copper segment provides reliability and thermal expansion resistance where needed, while the aluminum segment reduces overall weight and cost. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high reliability and reduced weight by placing each material where it is most beneficial.
2Reliability
If copper refrigerant tubes are used, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant tube is segmented into copper and aluminum portions, allowing the expensive copper material to be used only where reliability is critical, while aluminum is used for the remaining portions to reduce cost. This selective material usage maintains reliability while significantly lowering manufacturing costs.
3Weight of moving object
If different metals are used for refrigerant tubes and heat dissipating fins, then weight is reduced, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material qualities to different locations: the copper tube portion is used where corrosion resistance and thermal expansion stability are most critical, while aluminum tubes are used where weight reduction is prioritized. The coupling tube design ensures that dissimilar metals do not directly contact, preventing galvanic corrosion while maintaining the weight benefits of aluminum.
4Weight of moving object
If aluminum refrigerant tubes are used, then weight and cost are reduced, but thermal expansion characteristic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant tube is segmented into copper and aluminum portions, with the copper segment specifically positioned to handle thermal expansion challenges. The copper portion provides stable thermal expansion characteristics where temperature variations are most severe, while aluminum portions provide weight reduction in less critical areas.
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 reduces the weight and cost of air conditioners, increases their lifespan by preventing corrosion, and improves thermal conductivity, leading to reduced power consumption and easier installation.
Implementation Method 1
refrigerant tubes and heat dissipating fins may be subject to corrosion when formed of different metals. The coupling tube includes a first metal part contacting the aluminum tube and a second metal part contacting the copper tube, preventing direct contact between dissimilar metals
Implementation Method 2
heat dissipating fins coupled to the refrigerant tubes for facilitating heat exchange between refrigerant in the tubes and external air
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger and is guided back to the compressor
Implementation Method 5
the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 6
the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 7
the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger and is expanded (decompressed) by the expansion device
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a compressor (10), a condenser (30), an expansion device (40) and an evaporator (70). The condenser or the evaporator may include a heat exchange tube formed of an aluminum material and allowing refrigerant to flow therein, and a fin connected to the heat exchange tube, the fin being formed of the same metal material as that of the heat exchange tube so as to prevent potential corrosion of the heat exchange tube.