Condenser subassembly with integrated flash tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration circuits with dedicated flash tank assemblies are space-intensive and costly due to extensive piping and supporting structures, limiting their efficiency and installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A condenser subassembly integrating both condenser and flash tank chambers within a single housing, utilizing an internal or external expansion device to reduce piping and enhance space utilization, while allowing for easier maintenance and design optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated flash tank assembly is used, then the economizer function is provided, but the space requirement increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condenser and flash tank into a single integrated assembly where the flash tank is positioned within the condenser housing. This merging of previously separate components reduces the overall space requirement while maintaining the economizer function through the flash tank's vapor-liquid separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The condenser assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: heat rejection (condensation) and economizer operation (flash separation). By integrating the flash tank within the condenser structure, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated assemblies, thereby reducing space and manufacturing costs.
2Reliability
If a dedicated flash tank assembly is used, then the economizer function is provided, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the flash tank with the condenser into a single assembly, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, shipped, and installed separately. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces overall manufacturing costs while preserving the economizer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated condenser-flash tank assembly provides multiple functions (condensation and flash separation) in a single manufactured unit, eliminating the need to produce and assemble separate dedicated flash tank assemblies, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If extensive piping and supporting structures are used, then the flash tank is connected to the condenser, but the space requirement increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for extensive external piping and supporting structures by integrating the flash tank directly within the condenser housing. The refrigerant flow connection is achieved through internal pathways and direct physical integration, significantly reducing device complexity.
4Volume of stationary object
If an internal expansion device is used, then additional space is conserved, but the maintenance accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion device is designed as a removable component that can be accessed through service ports or by disassembling specific sections of the integrated assembly. This segmentation allows the expansion device to be replaced or maintained without removing the entire condenser-flash tank assembly, balancing space conservation with maintenance accessibility.
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 integrated design reduces space and manufacturing costs, enhances efficiency by separating vapor and liquid refrigerant, and allows for repurposing of existing pressure vessels, thereby streamlining the design and approval process.
Implementation Method 1
the expansion device is arranged to pass condensed refrigerant from the condenser chamber to the flash tank chamber
Implementation Method 2
separating the expanded refrigerant flow. The vapour refrigerant is directed to the economizer port and the liquid refrigerant is directed to the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a condenser chamber... to cool the refrigerant therein so that it condenses to a liquid
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A condenser subassembly for providing an economizer function in a refrigeration circuit, the condenser subassembly comprising: a condenser chamber 113; a flash tank chamber 114; an expansion device 117; and a housing, wherein the housing defines a vessel 112a, the vessel comprising the condenser chamber 113 and the flash tank chamber 114, wherein the condenser chamber 113 and the flash tank chamber 114 are separated from one another by a partition 115a in the vessel 112a and wherein the expansion device 117 is arranged to pass condensed refrigerant from the condenser chamber 113 to the flash tank chamber 114.