Integrated Subcooler Accumulator to Cut Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cooling systems consume more space and experience increased pressure drop due to the separate use of subcoolers and accumulators, which can lead to reduced system efficiency and shorter compressor lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a subcooler and accumulator into a single vessel, where the refrigerant passes through a chamber defined by an exterior housing and a tube, allowing for heat exchange and liquid separation by gravity, thereby acting as both a subcooler and accumulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate subcoolers and accumulators are used in traditional cooling systems, then the system can perform subcooling and liquid separation functions, but the system consumes more space and experiences increased pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the subcooler and accumulator into a single integrated vessel. The subcooler coil is positioned inside the accumulator chamber, allowing the same physical space to serve both subcooling and liquid separation functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall system volume and pressure drop while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated vessel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an accumulator for liquid refrigerant storage and separation, a subcooler for cooling the refrigerant, and a separator for removing liquid refrigerant before it reaches the compressor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and optimizes space utilization.
2Reliability
If separate subcoolers and accumulators are used in traditional cooling systems, then the system can perform subcooling and liquid separation functions, but the pressure drop increases leading to reduced system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the subcooler and accumulator into one integrated component, the patent eliminates the pressure drop that would occur across separate components and connecting piping. The refrigerant flows through a single integrated path, reducing cumulative pressure losses and improving system efficiency while protecting the compressor from liquid ingress.
3Reliability
If separate subcoolers and accumulators are used, then the system can provide subcooling and liquid separation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by combining multiple components (subcooler, accumulator, and separator) into a single integrated vessel. This consolidation simplifies the system architecture, reduces the number of installation points and connections, and maintains the essential function of preventing liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor.
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 increases available space on the cooling system rack and reduces pressure drop, enhancing system efficiency and extending compressor lifespan by preventing liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressors.
Implementation Method 1
The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
Heat is removed from the liquid refrigerant circulating through this tube
Implementation Method 3
The flash tank stores the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
The compressor receives the refrigerant from the chamber between the exterior housing and the tube and compresses the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a high side heat exchanger, a flash tank, a vessel, a load, and a compressor. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The flash tank stores the refrigerant from the high side heat exchanger. The vessel includes a chamber defined by an exterior housing and a tube positioned within the chamber. Heat is removed from the liquid refrigerant circulating through this tube and coming from the flash tank. The load uses the refrigerant from the tube to remove heat from a space proximate the load. The load sends the refrigerant into the chamber between the exterior housing and the tube. The compressor receives the refrigerant from the chamber between the exterior housing and the tube and compresses the refrigerant.