Integrated air-conditioning assembly including an internal heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning circuits with internal exchangers require complex internal cores and generate a large diametrical bulk due to the need for space between windings to accommodate low-pressure fluid channels, complicating the architecture and increasing pressure drops in the low-pressure branch.
Innovation Solution
An integrated assembly featuring a spiral-wound heat exchanger with independent tubes for high-pressure and low-pressure fluids, where the low-pressure tubes are joined to the high-pressure tube, allowing for separate fluid management and reducing pressure drops by increasing passage sections for the low-pressure fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tube with internal core is used for heat exchange, then the device complexity is reduced, but the diametrical bulk increases due to required space between windings for low-pressure fluid channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat exchanger into separate functional tubes: a first tube for high-pressure fluid and a second tube for low-pressure fluid. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex internal core structure while maintaining compact dimensions, as each tube independently handles its respective fluid without requiring inter-winding spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The second tube (low-pressure) is positioned concentrically within or alongside the first tube (high-pressure), creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows both fluid paths to coexist in a compact arrangement without requiring additional diametrical space, effectively solving the bulk volume problem while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If space is provided between windings for low-pressure fluid circulation, then the low-pressure fluid can flow freely, but the diametrical bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the high-pressure and low-pressure fluid paths into distinct tubes, the patent eliminates the need for inter-winding spaces. The low-pressure fluid circulates freely within its dedicated second tube, maintaining ease of operation without compromising compact dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If tightly packed windings are used to reduce diametrical bulk, then the compactness improves, but pressure drops increase in the low-pressure branch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dedicated second tube for low-pressure fluid with sufficient internal cross-sectional area. This segmentation allows the tube to be tightly packed in the overall assembly (reducing bulk) while the internal diameter remains large enough to maintain low pressure drops, resolving the contradiction between compactness and energy loss.
4Device complexity
If an integrated assembly with separate tubes is used, then the architecture is simplified and pressure drops are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested concentric tube configuration allows both tubes to be manufactured as separate components and then assembled by simple concentric alignment and joining (such as brazing or welding). This nesting approach simplifies the overall architecture while keeping manufacturing processes straightforward, as each tube can be fabricated independently using standard heat exchanger manufacturing techniques.
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
Simplifies the architecture by eliminating the need for complex internal cores and reduces pressure drops in the low-pressure branch, enhancing the efficiency of the air conditioning circuit.
Implementation Method 1
the first tube (110) able to exchange heat with the second tube (120a, 120b) through their adjacent walls
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a heat-exchanger for an air-conditioning circuit that includes a first pipe (110) defining a path for a flow of fluid, the first pipe being spirally wound about a so-called exchanger axis (A). According to the invention, the heat exchanger (9) further includes at least one second pipe (120a, 120b) defining a path for a flow of a second fluid, said second pipe being provided against a surface of the first pipe (110) and spirally wound together with said first pipe (110) about said axis (A). The invention can be used in air-conditioning circuits operating with a super-critical coolant, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2).