Hermetically Sealed Refrigeration Module for Rapid Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration modules are large and inefficient in detecting refrigerant leaks due to the need for numerous components and delayed detection of refrigerant escape, with flammable and toxic refrigerants posing risks to the environment and safety.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration module with an insulated housing containing a first fluid circuit under negative pressure, coupled with a second fluid circuit, featuring a barrier film and support core to prevent refrigerant escape and facilitate quick detection, using a heat exchanger to transfer 'cold' to an external coolant circuit, ensuring the refrigerant remains contained and safe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refrigerant-carrying components are shielded in a hermetically sealed housing with detection devices, then refrigerant leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to numerous components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigerant-carrying components, barrier film, support structure, and detection devices into a single integrated hermetically sealed housing unit. This merging approach maintains comprehensive leak detection capability while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple separate components into one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hermetic sealing for refrigerant containment, structural support through the support framework, thermal insulation, and houses the detection devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hermetically sealed housing is used to contain refrigerant, then refrigerant escape prevention is improved, but installation space increases due to the size of the housing and required components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a barrier film as a thin, flexible sealing element that provides hermetic containment for the refrigerant while occupying minimal space. The barrier film stretches across the housing to create an effective seal without requiring thick walls or large containment volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is nested within the housing, and the barrier film is stretched across the support structure, creating a compact nested arrangement. This nesting allows the refrigerant-carrying components to be positioned within the confined space defined by the barrier film and housing walls.
3Reliability
If detection devices and ventilation systems are added to monitor and vent refrigerant, then safety is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection devices are integrated into the housing structure itself rather than being separate external components. The housing serves as both the containment chamber and the mounting structure for sensors, combining safety monitoring functionality with the existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetically sealed housing with barrier film creates a self-contained system where refrigerant leaks are detected by sensors within the housing and can be contained without requiring external ventilation systems. The system monitors and responds to leaks autonomously within the sealed environment.
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
The module allows for rapid detection of refrigerant leaks within a compact design, preventing environmental release and reducing explosion risks, while maintaining efficient heat transfer and safety through hermetically sealed connections and sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure prevails in the housing
Implementation Method 2
the housing has a barrier film surrounding a support core
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger to transfer the 'cold' to at least one section of a second fluid circuit
Implementation Method 4
the support core forming the support structure to prevent collapse of the barrier film due to the vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling module having a first fluid circuit with a cold generator, the components of the first fluid circuit being arranged in an insulated housing (12). At least one component of the first fluid circuit is coupled to at least one section of a second fluid circuit, which section runs in the housing (12), wherein said housing (12) comprises connections for the at least one second fluid circuit, and a negative pressure prevails in the housing (12).