Multi-Chamber Flash Tank for Multi-Stage Compressor Air Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flash tanks lack multiple air replenishment stages and a throttle device, making it difficult to meet the requirements of multi-stage compressors and accurately control air flow.
Innovation Solution
A flash tank with multiple flash chambers and air replenishment openings, along with a throttle device such as an electronic expansion valve, allows for sequential communication and pressure reduction between chambers, enabling precise air replenishment to multi-stage compressors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air replenishment opening is provided in the flash tank, then the structure is simple, but it cannot meet the air replenishment requirements of multi-stage compressors
Solution Approach 1:
The flash tank is divided into multiple flash chambers (first, second, third flash chambers) with each chamber having its own air replenishment opening. This segmentation allows the system to provide air replenishment at multiple stages, meeting the requirements of multi-stage compressors while maintaining a modular and manageable structure.
2Measurement precision
If no throttle device is provided in the flash tank, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to accurately control the flow of air discharged from the air replenishment opening
Solution Approach 1:
Throttle devices (such as electronic expansion valves or throttle hole plates) are introduced as intermediary components between the flash chambers and the air replenishment openings. These throttle devices precisely control the flow of refrigerant and air without significantly increasing the overall structural complexity, enabling accurate air flow regulation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple flash chambers are arranged in sequence with throttle devices, then air flow control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flash tank is segmented into multiple flash chambers arranged in sequence, with each chamber handling a specific stage of flash evaporation. This segmentation enables precise control at each stage while maintaining a systematic and organized structure that is easier to manufacture and maintain compared to a single complex chamber.
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 configuration effectively meets the air replenishment demands of multi-stage compressors, improving energy efficiency and precise control over air flow, enhancing the overall performance of the air conditioner.
Implementation Method 1
a small number of liquid refrigerants become air under an action of flash evaporation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Provided are a flash tank and an air conditioner having the same. The flash tank includes a flash tank liquid inlet (11) and a flash tank liquid outlet (12). The flash tank further includes: a plurality of flash chambers (13), wherein the flash chambers (13) are arranged in sequence, every two adjacent flash chambers (13) communicating; and a plurality of air replenishment openings (14), the air replenishment openings (14) and the flash chambers (13) corresponding one to one and communicating with each other. The flash tank liquid inlet (11) communicates with the first flash chamber of the flash chambers (13), and the flash tank liquid outlet (12) communicates with the last flash chamber of the flash chambers (13). The flash tank may meet an air replenishment demand of a multi-stage compressor.