Integrated Receiver-Subcooler Layout for Low-Loss Refrigerant Flow

The patent combines the receiver and subcooler into a single integrated unit. The receiver body serves as the subcooler by providing a heat transfer pipe that extends into the refrigerant storage space, allowing subcooling of liquid refrigerant without requiring a separate subcooler component. This merging eliminates the need for additional space and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the subcooling function.

The patent positions the inflow pipe end at a specific height relative to the heat transfer pipe end rather than simply at the upper or lower extreme. The inflow pipe end is arranged higher than the heat transfer pipe end but lower than the receiver opening, creating an optimized vertical arrangement that prevents refrigerant accumulation while maintaining structural simplicity. This dimensional optimization resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and refrigerant management.

The heat transfer pipe is nested within the receiver body, with the heat transfer pipe extending into the refrigerant storage space of the receiver. This nested arrangement allows the receiver to serve dual functions as both a storage container and a subcooler, eliminating the need for a separate second internal heat exchanger while maintaining the heat exchange function. The nested structure reduces component count and simplifies the overall system architecture.

The patent optimizes the subcooling degree by controlling the heat exchange parameters in the integrated receiver-subcooler system. By adjusting the heat transfer pipe surface area, refrigerant flow rate through the heat transfer pipe, and temperature difference between the heat transfer media, the system achieves appropriate subcooling without excessive cooling that would lower evaporator inlet quality too much. This parameter optimization balances subcooling benefits with evaporator performance.