Refrigeration device and system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-temperature refrigeration devices face challenges in efficiently cooling the working gas and managing mechanical stresses due to installation in ships, where space is limited and subject to forces from roll and pitch.
Innovation Solution
The refrigeration device is designed with cooling heat exchangers positioned around the common heat exchanger within the frame, rather than beneath it, allowing for improved mass distribution and mechanical stability. This configuration also optimizes the arrangement of cooling fluid circulation to enhance heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cooling heat exchangers are positioned beneath the common heat exchanger between the common heat exchanger and the lower base of the frame, then space utilization in the vertical direction is improved, but mechanical stability and mass distribution are worsened due to higher center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (beneath the common heat exchanger) to a horizontal/distributed arrangement (around the common heat exchanger). This dimensional change allows the cooling heat exchangers to be positioned at multiple locations including side walls and upper portions, distributing mass more evenly and lowering the center of gravity while still utilizing available space effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cooling heat exchangers into multiple separate units positioned at different locations around the common heat exchanger rather than consolidating them in one location beneath it. This segmentation allows for better mass distribution and mechanical stability while maintaining cooling functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple heat exchangers and associated pipes are incorporated in a frame with limited volume, then cooling capacity is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple cooling heat exchangers and the common heat exchanger into a unified frame structure with coordinated fluid circulation. The cooling fluid circulation system merges the flow paths through different heat exchangers, allowing them to function as an integrated cooling assembly rather than separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it acts as a heating heat exchanger in the working circuit and simultaneously serves as a structural support and mounting platform for the cooling heat exchangers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device.
3Productivity
If cooling heat exchangers are positioned to optimize heat exchange efficiency, then cooling performance is improved, but mechanical stress distribution under roll and pitch forces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of cooling heat exchangers around the common heat exchanger, placing them at strategic locations including side walls and upper portions rather than symmetrically beneath it. This asymmetric distribution optimizes heat exchange surfaces while distributing mass to resist roll and pitch forces more effectively, reducing mechanical stresses.
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 mechanical integrity of the device by distributing mass closer to the base, reducing mechanical stresses, and improves cooling efficiency by optimizing the heat exchanger layout and fluid circulation, thus addressing the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
the mechanisms for cooling and heating the working fluid comprising a common heat exchanger through which the working fluid passes in countercurrent in two separate passage portions of the working circuit depending on whether it is cooled or heated
Implementation Method 2
the mechanism for cooling the working fluid comprising two cooling heat exchangers that are disposed respectively at the outlets of the two compressors and ensure heat exchange between the working fluid and a cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A framed, low-temperature refrigeration device is provided, which includes a working circuit that forms a loop and contains a working fluid, the working circuit forming a cycle that includes in series: a compression mechanism, a cooling mechanism, an expansion mechanism and a heating mechanism, wherein the mechanisms for cooling and heating the working fluid include a common heat exchanger in which the working fluid flows in opposite directions in two separate transit portions of the working circuit. The device may also include a refrigeration heat exchanger for extracting heat from at least one member by exchanging heat with the working fluid flowing in the working circuit, wherein the compression mechanism includes two separate compressors, wherein the mechanism for cooling the working fluid includes two cooling heat exchangers which are arranged respectively at the outlet of the two compressors and ensure heat exchange between the working fluid and a cooling fluid, wherein the frame extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a lower base intended to be mounted on a support, the cooling heat exchangers are located in the frame about the common heat exchanger, i.e. the cooling heat exchangers are not located below the common heat exchanger between the common heat exchanger and the lower base of the frame.