Integrated Receiver Heat Exchanger for Compact Compressor Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft refrigeration systems face challenges in minimizing volume while incorporating suction line heat exchangers, which typically occupy a substantial volume equal to that of the receiver, and increase the viscosity of the oil-refrigerant mixture for improved lubrication and compressor component longevity.

Innovation Solution

A compact refrigeration system design incorporating a receiver with an integral suction-line heat exchanger within a single enclosure, where the heat exchanger is positioned between the evaporator and compressor, transferring heat from liquid refrigerant to vapor, thereby increasing oil viscosity and minimizing liquid refrigerant entry into the compressor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate suction line heat exchanger is incorporated into the refrigeration system, then the temperature of refrigerant vapor at the compressor inlet is increased and lubrication is improved, but the system volume increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication qualityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction line heat exchanger is merged with the receiver by positioning the heat exchanger coils inside the receiver enclosure, allowing the receiver to serve dual purposes: storing liquid refrigerant and functioning as a heat exchanger. This integration eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger component, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining the lubrication improvement benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores liquid refrigerant and simultaneously acts as a heat exchanger by containing the heat exchanger coils within its enclosure. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both refrigerant storage needs and vapor heating requirements, reducing the total number of components and system volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate suction line heat exchanger is used, then liquid refrigerant entry into the compressor is minimized, but the system occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor protectionVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction line heat exchanger is merged with the receiver by positioning the heat exchanger coils inside the receiver enclosure, allowing the receiver to serve dual purposes: storing liquid refrigerant and functioning as a heat exchanger. This integration eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger component, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining the lubrication improvement benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Weight of stationary object

If space is minimized in aircraft refrigeration systems, then weight and efficiency are improved, but incorporating a suction line heat exchanger increases volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem weightVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction line heat exchanger is merged with the receiver by positioning the heat exchanger coils inside the receiver enclosure, allowing the receiver to serve dual purposes: storing liquid refrigerant and functioning as a heat exchanger. This integration eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger component, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining the lubrication improvement benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it stores liquid refrigerant and simultaneously acts as a heat exchanger by containing the heat exchanger coils within its enclosure. This multi-functionality allows the same component to address both refrigerant storage needs and vapor heating requirements, reducing the total number of components and system volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively reduces system volume while maintaining improved lubrication and compressor component longevity by integrating the heat exchanger into the receiver, enhancing the refrigeration system's efficiency and space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

the heat exchanger interposed between the evaporator and the compressor and configured to transfer heat from the liquid refrigerant in the receiver to refrigerant vapor emerging from the evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10247456B2Integrated receiver and suction line heat exchanger for refrigerant systems

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A receiver for a refrigeration system includes an enclosure with an inlet for liquid refrigerant at a first end and an outlet for the liquid refrigerant at a second end. A heat exchanger with an inlet and an outlet for refrigerant vapor is surrounded by the enclosure. The heat exchanger includes baffles so that alternatingly positioned flow passages are positioned on opposing sides of the enclosure.