Heat Source Unit Drain Gutter Design for Clog-Resistant Water Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heat source unit for refrigeration apparatuses is prone to failure due to clogging of drain hoses by foreign substances, leading to water overflow and potential damage to internal components like compressors and electric components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a drain gutter with a main drain port and a secondary drain port, where the secondary port is positioned lower than the main port, allowing water to drain externally even if the main port is clogged, and a guide portion to direct water away from the casing, preventing overflow and clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single drain port is used in the drain pan, then the structure is simple, but foreign substances can clog the drain port causing water overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is divided into multiple drainage zones with separate drain ports (first drain port and second drain port) positioned at different locations and heights. This segmentation allows water to drain through multiple independent paths, preventing complete clogging failure while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the drain pan are designed with different drainage characteristics - the first drain port is positioned at a higher location for normal drainage, while the second drain port is positioned at a lower location as a backup. This local differentiation ensures that each area serves its specific drainage function based on water level and clogging conditions.
2Productivity
If the drain pan is positioned directly under the heat exchanger, then condensed water is efficiently collected, but rainwater can also enter and increase drainage load
Solution Approach 1:
The drain pan is pre-positioned at the lowest point of the heat exchanger assembly with drain ports strategically located before rainwater can accumulate to harmful levels. This preliminary positioning ensures that condensed water is captured efficiently while the multi-port design anticipates and prepares for additional rainwater influx.
3Productivity
If a hose is used to drain water from the drain pan, then drainage is effective, but the hose can be clogged by foreign substances like fallen leaves
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single hose connection, the system provides multiple drain ports that can serve as independent drainage paths. This eliminates the single point of failure in hose-based drainage, as water can exit through alternative ports if one path becomes blocked by foreign substances.
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 effectively prevents water overflow and ensures reliable drainage, protecting internal components from moisture damage and enhancing the reliability of the heat source unit.
Implementation Method 1
In the heat exchanger serving as an evaporator, water vapor in the air is condensed
Implementation Method 2
The water that has flowed into the drain gutter (70) flows toward the end portion where the depth of the drain gutter (70) is deepest, and flows out of the machine chamber (31A to 31D) through the main drain port (81)
Data Source
AI summary
A chiller unit, which is a heat source unit, includes devices, such as a compressor and an electric component box in a machine chamber in a lower portion thereof, and a heat exchanger in an air passage in an upper portion thereof. A drain pan is disposed under the heat exchanger, and a drain gutter is disposed under the outflow port of the drain pan. The drain gutter includes a main drain port at its end portion where the depth of the drain gutter is deepest, and a secondary drain port at its end portion where the depth of the drain gutter is shallowest. The drain gutter has a guide portion, the end of which protrudes to the outside of the casing.