Horizontal Condenser Coil Layout for Better Airflow Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses in appliances, such as refrigerators, face inefficiencies due to restricted cooling airflow and limited heat-transfer surface area in condenser coils, leading to reduced cooling performance and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A condenser assembly with a horizontally extending coil and vertically arranged rows, featuring connectors that are angled and baffles to direct airflow, increasing the heat-transfer surface area and ensuring efficient airflow across the condenser coil, thereby enhancing thermal energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If fins are added to condenser coils to increase heat transfer surface area, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but cooling airflow is restricted and air penetration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical fin arrangements to horizontal tubular configurations with multiple stacked layers. This dimensional change allows cooling air to flow horizontally through and around the tubes, accessing multiple surfaces simultaneously without the airflow restriction caused by vertical fins. The horizontal arrangement enables air to penetrate the entire length of the condenser coil effectively.
2Device complexity
If conventional vertical condenser coil arrangement is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer surface area is limited and cooling performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple tubular layers stacked horizontally within the condenser assembly, with each layer containing serpentine tubing. These nested layers maximize the heat transfer surface area within a compact footprint while maintaining relatively simple structural integration. The layered configuration allows efficient use of space without complex structural arrangements.
3Device complexity
If cooling air flow path is not optimized, then device simplicity is maintained, but air may bypass condenser coil and heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces baffles as intermediary elements that actively guide and direct cooling air flow through the condenser coil assembly. These baffles ensure air penetrates the entire length of the coil and prevents bypassing, maximizing heat transfer efficiency. The baffles are strategically positioned to create an optimized airflow path without requiring complex ducting or sealing systems.
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 improves cooling efficiency and reduces energy consumption by allowing more cooling air to interact with the condenser coil, resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature and faster cooling of the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser transfers thermal energy away from the refrigerant and into the ambient environment outside the refrigerator
Implementation Method 2
The condenser assembly comprises a horizontally extending condenser coil comprising an array of tubing layers
Implementation Method 3
A condenser transfers thermal energy away from the refrigerant and into the ambient environment outside the refrigerator
Implementation Method 4
an air mover provides cooling air to the machine room via the air intake
Data Source
AI summary
A condenser assembly for an appliance is provided. The condenser assembly can include a horizontally extending condenser coil assembly that has a plurality of supporting connectors that are arranged at an angle to the flow direction of cooling air. Cooling air is drawn through the refrigerator and across a length of the condenser coil by an air mover. Additionally, a baffle works in conjunction with the air mover to direct cooling air through the condenser coil and connectors.