Integrated Multi-Unit Heat Exchanger for Compact Refrigeration Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration and heat pump systems are complex and require significant space due to the separation of components, leading to increased space requirements and complexity in installation.
Innovation Solution
A compact device that combines three or more units of a refrigeration or heat pump system within a single common outer casing, utilizing a longitudinal cylindrical shell and end plates, and incorporating plate packs with inlet and outlet connections, as well as baffle plates to form additional units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components of the refrigeration or heat pump system are located separately as own devices, then each component can be independently maintained and replaced, but the space required for the system is remarkable and the complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration system components (evaporator, condenser, economizer, superheater, desuperheater, subcooler, oil cooler, reservoir) into a single integrated device with a common outer casing. This merging reduces the overall space required while maintaining functional independence through internal partitioning and separate flow passages for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple heat exchanger units are positioned inside a common outer casing. Each unit has its own internal structure and flow passages, yet they are contained within the same external housing, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces space while preserving component independence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are located separately, then each unit can be optimized independently, but piping is required to circulate refrigerant which increases space and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single device with integrated refrigerant flow passages. The refrigerant circulates through all units (evaporator, condenser, economizer, etc.) within the same device without requiring external piping connections, thereby reducing complexity while allowing each unit to be independently optimized through its own internal flow channel design.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple units are combined in one common device, then the size of the system decreases and installation is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated device into distinct functional units (evaporator, condenser, economizer, superheater, desuperheater, subcooler, oil cooler, reservoir), each with its own internal structure and refrigerant flow passages. This segmentation allows multiple units to be combined in a compact configuration while managing structural complexity through modular internal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each unit within the common device its own specific structural characteristics and flow passage configurations tailored to its function. For example, the evaporator has different flow channels than the condenser, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific thermal exchange requirements while maintaining overall compactness.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate devices are used, then manufacturing can be standardized, but the number of devices and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple refrigeration units into a single pre-assembled device with a common outer casing and integrated components. This allows the entire multi-unit system to be manufactured as one standardized product, improving installation efficiency by reducing the number of separate devices that need to be installed and connected, while still maintaining standardized manufacturing practices for each internal component.
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 overall size of the refrigeration or heat pump system, simplifies installation, and minimizes the need for separate devices and piping, while allowing for easy manufacturing using standard-sized heat exchanger parts.
Implementation Method 1
The hot, compressed refrigerant gas is then at a temperature and pressure at which it can be condensed with cooling medium, such as cooling water or cooling air. This is a phase of the vapor-compression refrigeration system, wherein the circulating refrigerant rejects heat from the system
Implementation Method 2
The refrigeration system may also comprise a desuperheater and a sub-cooler for improving condensation of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
A circulating refrigerant is compressed to a higher pressure, resulting a higher temperature as well. The hot, compressed refrigerant gas is then at a temperature and pressure at which it can be condensed with cooling medium
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in a refrigeration or heat pump system. A device includes an outer casing which includes a longitudinal cylindrical shell and end plates arranged at both ends of the shell, and at least three units of the refrigeration or heat pump system arranged inside the same common outer casing, which units are selected from the group consisting of an evaporator, a superheater, an economizer, a condenser, a desuperheater, a sub-cooler and an oil cooler.