Interleaved Evaporator-Condenser Layout for Compact Heat Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pumps are inefficient and space-intensive due to the separate configurations of evaporators and condensers, which limit their operational efficiency and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump design where the evaporator and condenser spaces are mutually interleaved, with the condenser space extending over the entire height and the evaporator space occupying the lower region, allowing for efficient operation and compact design by optimizing space utilization without the need for additional heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the evaporator and condenser are configured separately in conventional heat pumps, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall system becomes space-intensive and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the evaporator and condenser into a single integrated heat exchanger assembly where both functions occur within the same structural framework. The evaporator tubes and condenser tubes are arranged in an interleaved pattern within shared support structures, eliminating the need for separate component housings and reducing overall system footprint while maintaining independent functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaporator and condenser tube bundles are nested within each other in an interleaved arrangement, with both tube sets occupying the same spatial envelope. This nesting approach allows the evaporator to be positioned within the condenser space and vice versa, maximizing space utilization and enabling compact heat exchanger design without compromising individual component performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the evaporator and condenser are placed in separate configurations, then installation and maintenance are simplified, but the system requires more material and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated heat exchanger assembly combines evaporator and condenser support structures into a unified framework, reducing the total quantity of structural materials required. The shared support structures and common housing eliminate redundant materials while the modular tube bundle design maintains ease of assembly and disassembly for installation and maintenance activities.
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 design enhances the efficiency and compactness of the heat pump, reducing the thickness of both spaces while maintaining large volumes for each functional area, leading to improved condensation efficiency and reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator for evaporating working liquid within an evaporator space
Implementation Method 2
a condenser for condensing evaporated working liquid within a condenser space
Data Source
AI summary
A heat pump includes an evaporator for evaporating working liquid within an evaporator space bounded by an evaporator base, and a condenser for condensing evaporated working liquid within a condenser space bounded by a condenser base, the evaporator space being at least partially surrounded by the condenser space, the evaporator space being separated from the condenser space by the condenser base, and the condenser base being connected to the evaporator base.