Distributor module for a refrigerant circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant and coolant systems require significant mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic integration efforts, leading to numerous interfaces and increased installation complexity, which results in inefficiencies such as temperature and pressure losses.
Innovation Solution
A distributor module for a refrigerant circuit that integrates key components within a housing, reducing the need for separate mechanical and hydraulic interfaces by preassembling components like clamps, brackets, and lines, thereby enhancing integration and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If key components are integrated within a housing to reduce interfaces, then installation effort is reduced and efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (distributor, heat exchanger, valve, connectors, and optionally cooling device and evaporator) into a single integrated housing structure. This merging eliminates numerous separate mechanical and hydraulic interfaces, reducing installation effort while maintaining functional complexity through modular internal arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes refrigerant, performs heat exchange, provides flow control through valves, and optionally cools additional components. This multi-functionality within a single unit reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Ease of manufacture
If the number of mechanical and hydraulic interfaces is reduced, then installation effort is reduced, but the degree of integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into one housing unit, the patent reduces the number of interfaces that need to be connected during installation. The internal connections are pre-established during manufacturing, making installation simpler despite the higher internal integration degree.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are pre-assembled and pre-connected within the housing during manufacturing before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary integration of connectors, valves, and heat exchanger pathways eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and interface establishment.
3Loss of energy
If line lengths are reduced through integration, then temperature and pressure losses are reduced, but component integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant lines connecting the distributor, heat exchanger, and valve are integrated within the same housing, dramatically reducing line lengths compared to distributed components. This minimizes thermal losses and pressure drops while the internal layout manages the integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple components within each other spatially - the heat exchanger and valve are positioned within or adjacent to the distributor housing, with refrigerant lines routed internally. This nested arrangement minimizes the physical distance refrigerant travels between components.
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 integration reduces installation effort, minimizes interface leaks, and decreases pressure and thermal losses, resulting in a more efficient operation of the refrigerant circuit.
Implementation Method 1
The internal heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant inlets and the refrigerant outlets such that heat of a refrigerant flowing between the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet and between the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet can be exchanged
Implementation Method 2
The cooling device is connected to the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. As a result, heat from a coolant flowing between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet is able to be transferred to the refrigerant flowing between the first refrigerant connector and the second refrigerant connector
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor module includes a housing having first and second refrigerant inlets and first and second refrigerant outlets for connection to a compressor and a condenser-evaporator device. A heat exchanger and a shutoff valve are arranged within the housing. The heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant inlets and refrigerant outlets such that heat from a refrigerant flowing between the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet and between the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet can be exchanged. The shutoff valve is connected to the second refrigerant inlet and the heat exchanger. A refrigerant connector is connected to the second refrigerant inlet on a shutoff valve inlet side. A further refrigerant connector is connected to the heat exchanger on a shutoff valve outlet side. At least one refrigerant subcircuit is formed between the refrigerant connectors, and sections of the subcircuit are arranged within the housing.