Adjustable Multi-Pass Heat Exchanger for Variable Refrigerant Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat exchangers face inefficiencies and mechanical failures due to fixed operating conditions, inadequate refrigerant charge, and improper liquid-gas separation, leading to suboptimal performance and resource wastage when operating outside designed parameters.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pass heat exchanger system with adjustable flow paths and valves allows for variable operation between high and low states with a constant refrigerant charge, enabling efficient separation of gas and liquid through customizable flow paths and manifold configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a heat exchanger is designed for high load operation, then it performs well under high load conditions, but it encounters problems and operates inefficiently when running at low load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-pass heat exchanger configuration where the refrigerant flow can dynamically switch between different flow paths (first pass through first heat exchanger, second pass through second heat exchanger, or combined passes) based on operating conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to varying load requirements while maintaining optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the heat exchanger into multiple independent heat exchanger units (first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger) with separate flow paths. Each unit can operate independently or in combination, allowing the system to segment the refrigerant flow according to load requirements and improve adaptability across different operating conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigerant charge is set for high load operation, then the system operates efficiently at high load, but excess gas and liquid accumulate when operating at low load
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-pass configuration allows dynamic adjustment of refrigerant flow distribution between heat exchanger passes based on load conditions. At low load, the system can route refrigerant through appropriate passes to prevent excessive liquid accumulation and gas pockets, maintaining reliability without requiring variable charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system acts as an intermediary that distributes and redirects refrigerant flow between different heat exchanger passes. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to manage refrigerant distribution effectively across varying loads, preventing harmful liquid-gas mixing while maintaining a constant charge.
3Productivity
If liquid refrigerant is not properly separated in the heat exchanger, then cooling efficiency decreases, but mechanical failures increase due to excess gas and liquid in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the refrigerant flow into separate passes through different heat exchangers, allowing proper phase separation in each section. This segmentation prevents liquid-gas mixing that would reduce cooling efficiency and cause mechanical failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold system serves as an intermediary that facilitates proper liquid-gas separation by directing refrigerant flow through appropriate heat exchanger passes and ensuring proper phase separation before refrigerant recirculation, thereby maintaining both efficiency and reliability.
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 solution enhances operational efficiency, reduces mechanical failures, and optimizes resource use by allowing the heat exchanger to adapt to varying loads and conditions, maintaining predetermined fluid properties and improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers are often used as condensers and evaporators in air conditioning systems
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger selected for a particular application is often based on a high load or an average load
Implementation Method 3
The heat exchanger may encounter problems (e.g., vapor provided in a liquid exit line, liquid provided in a vapor exit line)
Data Source
AI summary
In various implementations, a heat exchanger system may include one or more flow paths. At least one of the flow paths may be associated with more than one pass and/or fluid flow through the flow path may be restricted. A setting of the heat exchanger system may include associations between flow path(s) and/or pass(es). A setting for the heat exchanger system may be determined, and the heat exchanger system may be allowed to operate in the determined setting, in some implementations.