Condenser With Lateral Vapor Introduction for Compact Heat Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat pump condensers with direct counter-flow configurations are inefficient due to suboptimal condensation distribution, requiring larger cross-sections or other parameter adjustments, which can lead to system enlargement and reduced performance coefficients, especially in space-constrained applications.

Innovation Solution

A condenser design featuring a condensation zone with lateral vapor introduction, allowing vapor to enter transversely, creating a transverse flow direction that enhances condensation efficiency without increasing the condenser's volume, achieved through geometric design and the use of fillers like Pall rings to induce turbulence and redirect vapor flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If direct counter-flow configuration is used in conventional condensers, then heat transfer occurs between vapor and liquid, but condensation distribution becomes suboptimal requiring larger cross-sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondenser cross-sectionVSAvoidcondensation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional one-dimensional counter-flow configuration to a three-dimensional design where vapor is introduced laterally into the condensation zone. This dimensional change allows vapor to penetrate deeper into the liquid pool, creating more uniform condensation distribution throughout the volume rather than concentrating it at interfaces, thereby improving condensation efficiency without increasing cross-sectional area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates different flow conditions in different regions of the condenser. By introducing vapor laterally at specific locations and using fillers like Pall rings, the design creates zones of enhanced turbulence and condensation in specific areas, optimizing the local quality of heat transfer throughout the condensation zone rather than relying on uniform counter-flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If condenser cross-section is increased to improve condensation distribution, then condensation efficiency improves, but system size enlarges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing cross-sectional area to improve condensation distribution, the invention utilizes the third dimension by introducing vapor laterally into the condensation zone and creating vertical circulation patterns with fillers. This allows efficient condensation to occur within a compact cross-section by maximizing volume utilization through three-dimensional flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the flow parameters by introducing vapor at different locations and angles, creating turbulence and enhancing mass transfer coefficients. This allows improved condensation efficiency within a smaller volume by optimizing the intensity and distribution of heat transfer rather than relying on increased size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If other parameters are adjusted to improve condensation distribution, then condensation efficiency improves, but performance coefficients reduce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation efficiencyVSAvoidperformance coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces fillers such as Pall rings as intermediary elements within the condensation zone. These fillers serve as mediators that enhance vapor-liquid contact, promote turbulence, and improve condensation distribution without requiring extreme parameter adjustments. The fillers act as a bridge between vapor and liquid phases, improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining stable and reliable performance coefficients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 results in a compact, high-performance heat pump with improved condenser efficiency, enabling effective heat transfer and reduced system size while maintaining high performance coefficients.

Implementation Method 1

a condensation zone (100) for condensing vapor (101) to be condensed in an operating liquid (103)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

the condensation zone being implemented as a volume zone (100) in which a flow of operating liquid (103) takes place in an advantageous direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9803899B2Condenser, method for condensing, and heat pump

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 VERTIV SRL

AI summary

A condenser includes a condensation zone for condensing vapor to be condensed in an operating liquid, the condensation zone being formed as a volume zone including a top end, a bottom end and a lateral boundary between the top end and the bottom end, and a vapor introduction zone extending along the lateral end of the condensation zone and being configured to feed vapor to be condensed into the condensation zone laterally via the lateral boundary.