Integrated circuit for circulating fluids for gas-absorption heat pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas-absorption heat pump systems face challenges due to the need for complex and costly manufacturing processes, manual welding, and inefficient thermal isolation in closed circuits for refrigerants like ammonia, which require airtight and corrosion-resistant materials, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated steel circuit with a tube bundle and connection plates allows for simplified assembly, reduced welds, and automatic welding techniques, enabling compact designs and efficient thermal isolation, while using a smaller amount of coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple separate heat exchangers are used in the closed circuit, then thermal efficiency can be optimized through multiple recovery exchangers, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate heat exchangers (condenser, evaporator, and recovery exchangers) into a single integrated tube bundle structure. All heat exchange functions are performed within one unified component, eliminating the need for multiple separate exchangers and reducing circuit complexity while maintaining thermal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The single tube bundle structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the condenser, evaporator, and recovery exchanger all in one component. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve multiple heat exchange operations without requiring separate dedicated exchangers for each function
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate heat exchangers are connected with tubular conduits, then the circuit can be assembled, but the number of welding operations increases, requiring more space and manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple heat exchanger functions into a single tube bundle structure with internal fluid passages, eliminating the need for multiple external tubular conduits and connections. The unified structure requires minimal welding operations compared to assembling multiple separate exchangers with connecting pipes
3Reliability
If manual welding operations are performed for circuit assembly, then the circuit can be sealed, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tube bundle design reduces the number of welding operations to a minimum, enabling the use of automatic welding techniques rather than manual welding. This significantly increases production speed while maintaining the reliability of the sealed circuit through consistent automated welding processes
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 solution significantly reduces production costs, increases efficiency, and improves reliability by enabling automatic testing and assembly, while minimizing coolant usage and enhancing thermodynamic control.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant, under evaporation, absorbs heat from the external fluid
Implementation Method 2
by means of the condenser, gives it to the means to be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for circulating fluids, in particular for gas-absorption heat pumps, made from a single integrated structure consisting of a compact tube bundle and two connection plates which provide mechanical and fluid connection to the tubes of the tube bundle by virtue of a plurality of internal channels.