Integrated Evaporator-Condenser Casing for Compact Heat Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration machinery and heat pump systems require separate casings for evaporators and condensers, leading to increased size, weight, manufacturing costs, and space requirements, as well as additional piping needs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an integrated outer casing containing both an evaporator and a condenser, separated by a partition wall, using standard-sized heat exchanger parts and a gravitational droplet separator to minimize size and manufacturing costs, with the evaporator and condenser connected via pipings and an expansion valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the evaporator and condenser are arranged in separate outer casings, then the reliability and operational independence of each component is improved, but the overall size, weight, and space requirements of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the evaporator and condenser into a single integrated apparatus with one common outer casing, eliminating the need for separate casings. This merging reduces the overall apparatus size and space requirements while maintaining the functional separation of the evaporator and condenser through internal arrangement and piping design.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator and condenser components are nested within the same outer casing structure, with each component having its own internal chamber or designated space. This nesting approach allows both components to coexist in a compact configuration, reducing the overall volume while preserving their operational independence through internal spatial separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator and condenser are located separately, then the ease of manufacturing and maintenance of individual components is improved, but the manufacturing costs and weight of the arrangement increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the evaporator and condenser into a single apparatus with a common outer casing and shared support structures, the total weight of the apparatus is reduced. The shared casing and mounting structures eliminate redundant materials that would be required if two separate casings were used, while still allowing for relatively easy manufacturing and assembly of the integrated unit.
3Reliability
If the evaporator and condenser are arranged separately with additional piping, then the operational independence of each component is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaporator and condenser into a single integrated apparatus where the piping connections are arranged to utilize the compact internal space efficiently. The shared outer casing allows for optimized piping routes that reduce the overall complexity of the fluid distribution system compared to connecting two separate casings, while maintaining operational independence through proper valve and connection design.
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
The solution reduces the size and manufacturing costs of the apparatus while maintaining efficient operation by integrating the evaporator and condenser within a single casing, allowing for compact design and efficient heat exchange processes.
Implementation Method 1
a gravitational droplet separator that is arranged inside the first part above the plate pack functioning as an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a plate pack functioning as an evaporator, which is arranged inside the first part, in its lower part
Implementation Method 3
an inlet connection and an outlet connection for a heat exchange medium for leading the medium into and out from the plate pack functioning as an evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a plate pack functioning as a condenser, which is arranged inside the second part
Implementation Method 5
an inlet connection for leading the vapourised medium into the second part and an outlet connection for leading the condensed medium out from the second part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An apparatus (3) for vapourising a medium and separating droplets as well as for condensing, in which apparatus an evaporator (A) and a condenser (B) are arranged inside a single outer casing (8, 9, 9') in such a manner that they are separated from each other by a partition wall (12).