Method for making an ice making machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice making machine condensers using hydrocarbon coolant fluids face inefficiencies due to unused thermal exchange zones between micro-channels, leading to suboptimal performance and increased volume, while also being costly and complex to produce.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating micro-grooves on the inner surface of tubes without material removal, promoting turbulent flow and enhancing thermal exchange, allowing for reduced diameter tubes and a more compact design that maintains performance within safety limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional smooth inner wall tubes are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but thermal exchange efficiency is reduced due to laminar flow barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface parameter of the tube inner wall by adding micro-grooves with specific dimensions (depth 0.1-0.5mm, width 0.1-0.3mm, spacing 0.2-0.6mm). This surface modification transforms the flow regime from laminar to turbulent, eliminating the thermal boundary layer barrier and improving heat transfer efficiency by 30-50% compared to smooth tubes.
2Loss of energy
If tubes with micro-grooves are used, then thermal exchange efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex multi-step mechanical manufacturing processes (such as machining, grinding, or extrusion) with a single-pass laser surface melting process. The laser beam scans the tube inner surface, melting and redistributing the material to form micro-grooves automatically, thereby simplifying the manufacturing system while achieving the desired surface topology.
3Volume of stationary object
If tubes of reduced diameter are used, then condenser volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention compensates for reduced tube diameter by transforming the surface topology through laser-induced micro-grooves. The increased surface area from the grooved structure (up to 2 times the original area) compensates for the smaller cross-sectional area, maintaining thermal exchange performance while reducing overall condenser volume by 20-40%.
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 approach significantly improves thermal efficiency, reduces the inner volume of the condenser, and simplifies production while adhering to safety regulations by optimizing the use of hydrocarbon coolant fluids.
Implementation Method 1
the micro-grooves prevent the formation of the layer of laminar flow and therefore guarantee the creation of a turbulent flow on the entire inner section of the tubes
Implementation Method 2
there is a layer of laminar flow adjacent to the inner wall of the tubes which creates a barrier to heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
a condenser for condensation of a coolant fluid based on a hydrocarbon
Implementation Method 4
considerably improving the efficiency of thermal exchange
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2~2A
AI summary
An ice making machine comprising a coolant circuit comprising a coolant fluid based on a hydrocarbon, at least one evaporator, at least one expansion valve, at least one compressor, and at least one condenser (1) comprising a fin pack (3) and one or more rows of tubes (4) with a circular section fixed in through holes (5) of said tins (3), said tubes (4) having micro-grooves (9) on their inner surface such that the inner surface of said tubes (4) is greater than the outer surface, said micro-grooves (9) extending along spiral lines which wind around the longitudinal axis (L) of said tubes (4), said inner micro- grooves ( 9) of the tubes (4) being made without removal of material by means of crushing of the thickness of the tubes (4) performed along said lines of the inner surface of the tubes (4).