Integrated suction header assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems face inefficiencies, increased complexity, and higher costs due to the use of external suction line heat exchangers and accumulators, which can lead to issues like slugging and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a suction header assembly with an internal heat exchanger for liquid sub-cooling, allowing for heat exchange between evaporator and receiver flows within the suction header assembly, eliminating the need for external devices and reducing part count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external suction line heat exchangers and accumulators are used, then refrigeration system functionality is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction header, heat exchanger, and accumulator functions into a single integrated assembly. The suction header serves as both a flow distribution component and a heat exchange surface, while the accumulator function is provided by the volume within the integrated assembly itself, eliminating the need for separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated suction header assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes refrigerant flow from evaporators, provides heat exchange with liquid line refrigerant for subcooling, and acts as an accumulator to prevent slugging. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external heat exchangers are used for liquid sub-cooling, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange function for liquid subcooling is merged into the suction header assembly itself. The suction header provides a heat exchange surface where liquid line refrigerant can be subcooled by exchanging heat with warmer suction vapor, eliminating the need for a separate external heat exchanger component.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction header assembly serves as both a flow distribution component and a heat exchange surface for subcooling liquid refrigerant. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve energy efficiency improvements through subcooling without adding separate heat exchanger components.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used, then system functionality is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate components (suction header, heat exchanger, accumulator) into a single manufactured assembly. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining all necessary system functions.
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 configuration enhances energy efficiency by sub-cooling the refrigerant, reduces the risk of slugging, and lowers costs through reduced part count and energy savings, while protecting compressors from liquid damage without additional heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
The suction header heat exchanger receives a receiver flow from the receiver such that the evaporator flow and the receiver flow exchange heat in the suction header assembly
Implementation Method 2
The suction header heat exchanger provides sub-cooling with an opposed refrigerant flow within the suction header
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may include an evaporator assembly, a suction header assembly with a suction header heat exchanger therein, and a liquid header in communication with the suction header heat exchanger.