Integrated Turbo-Compressor-Condenser-Expander for Isothermal Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning and refrigeration systems require separate devices for compression, condensation, and expansion, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the physical separation of components and the need for more energy to compress heated gases, while also being complex and costly, especially for smaller-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A combined device incorporating an isothermal turbocompressor, turbocondenser, and turboexpander that performs simultaneous refrigerant compression, condensation, and expansion using a central hub and spokes to direct refrigerant flow, allowing for centrifugal compression and cooling within a single apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for compression, condensation, and expansion, then each function can be performed by a dedicated component, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor, condenser, and expander into a single integrated device where refrigerant flows through a continuous path. The compressor section compresses refrigerant, the condenser section condenses it, and the expander section expands it, all within one apparatus. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining all necessary functions, directly resolving the contradiction between functional reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single device performs multiple functions simultaneously: compression of refrigerant, condensation of refrigerant, and expansion of refrigerant. The apparatus is designed as a universal system that handles the entire refrigeration cycle in one unit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If compression is performed on heated gases, then the compression function is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser section is positioned immediately after the compressor section, allowing condensation to begin while the refrigerant is still hot from compression. This preliminary condensation action removes heat during the compression process itself, cooling the refrigerant before it enters the expander section. This prevents the need to compress already-heated gases for extended periods, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining compression productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design ensures continuous heat removal throughout the compression and condensation process. The refrigerant flows continuously from compression through condensation to expansion without interruption, maintaining optimal temperature and pressure conditions throughout the cycle. This continuous useful action prevents energy waste that would occur with separate, disconnected components.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the compressor, condenser, and expander into a single integrated apparatus, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. The unified design allows for economies of scale in manufacturing and reduces assembly costs, directly addressing the contradiction between functional optimization and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the design parameters of the integrated device to achieve efficient compression, condensation, and expansion within a single apparatus. By carefully selecting and adjusting parameters such as refrigerant flow paths, heat exchange surfaces, and compression ratios, the system maintains functional optimization while reducing overall system cost through integrated manufacturing.
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 solution reduces the number of components, improves efficiency by enabling more-isothermal compression, and decreases energy consumption, making it suitable for smaller-scale applications while maintaining long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus for the compression of a gas including a rotating hub having a plurality of spokes, the rotation of which directs a flow of refrigerant through at least one tube disposed in each of the spokes
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated by the (heated) pressurized refrigerant within the coil is transferred to the exterior (cooler side) by the atmospheric air (or other transfer fluid) passing over the coil
Implementation Method 3
This causes the refrigerant to expel heat and liquefy
Implementation Method 4
Once a sufficient amount of heat is removed, the refrigerant is expanded and decompressed in an expansion valve 125, causing its temperature to drop
Data Source
AI summary
An isothermal turbo-compressor-condenser-expander (ITCCE) includes heat-transferring fan blades that are mounted on, or surround, individual conduits to promote air exchange and heat transfer. In operation, the open framework rotates in free air to promote heat exchange. An ITCCE bladed assembly includes a driven central hub assembly with a first fluid coupling. A first inner plenum is in fluid communication with the fluid coupling. A plurality of compressor multiport conduits extend radially, and pass fluid from, the first inner plenum to an outer plenum that acts as an equalizing line. A return path is provided to the fluid coupling from the outer plenum. The conduits can be formed as metal extrusions, including internal ribs that separate a plurality of ports formed therebetween along an entire length of the conduits. The conduits can define an airfoil shape and/or are axially twisted, generating axial airflow. The return path can include return multiport conduits.