Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and methods

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Solution Overview

Problem

HVAC systems face inefficiencies and compressor wear due to high refrigerant discharge temperatures, which can be attributed to the refrigerant's temperature entering the compressor, necessitating a solution to reduce these temperatures for enhanced performance and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a refrigerant bypass system in conjunction with a refrigerant phase separator and suction accumulator, which lowers the refrigerant temperature entering the compressor by separating and combining gaseous and liquid refrigerant phases before compression, thereby reducing the discharge temperature and improving system performance and compressor longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If refrigerant is compressed at high temperature, then compression process is simpler, but compressor wear increases and system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor reliabilityVSAvoidrefrigerant discharge temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by cooling the refrigerant before it enters the compressor through a refrigerant bypass system. The bypass allows a portion of the refrigerant to be diverted and cooled externally, then recombined with the main refrigerant stream, reducing the temperature of refrigerant entering the compressor and thereby reducing discharge temperature and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary cooling mechanism where a separate cooling path (bypass) is introduced to cool the refrigerant before compression. This intermediary system includes bypass valves and heat exchangers that mediate the temperature reduction of refrigerant before it reaches the compressor, protecting the compressor from high-temperature damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If refrigerant bypass system is added, then compressor discharge temperature is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant discharge temperatureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bypass cooling system with the existing refrigerant circulation system. The bypass valves are integrated into the refrigerant lines, and the cooled refrigerant is recombined with the main stream, combining multiple functions (cooling, flow control, temperature regulation) into an integrated system that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the refrigerant by introducing a bypass path that allows temperature adjustment. By controlling the bypass valve opening, the system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant temperature entering the compressor, optimizing discharge temperature without requiring complex mechanical modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces the refrigerant discharge temperature from the compressor, enhancing HVAC system efficiency and extending the life of compressor components, while allowing for precise control over compressor discharge temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a refrigerant phase separator and suction accumulator that allows for further control over the compressor discharge temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation:

Implementation Method 2

a fluid transitioning from gas to liquid releases heat, while a fluid transitioning from liquid to gas absorbs heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

the heat exchanger transferring heat with the surrounding outdoor environment is described as being 'outdoors'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11841179B2Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and methods

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 GOODMAN GLOBAL GROUP INC

AI summary

A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) system for use with a refrigerant. The HVAC system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator, and a separator. The compressor is operable to compress the refrigerant. The condenser is positioned downstream of the compressor and operable to condense the refrigerant. The expansion device is positioned downstream of the condenser and operable to reduce a pressure of the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The evaporator is positioned downstream of the expansion device and operable to vaporize the refrigerant from the expansion device. The separator is positioned downstream of the expansion device and operable to separate the refrigerant into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant from the separator and the liquid refrigerant from the separator are combined prior to being compressed by the compressor.