Outdoor Unit Housing Layout for Heat Exchange and Compressor Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing modular-type air conditioner outdoor units require a large installation area and compromise housing strength due to extended heat exchangers, necessitating a solution that secures necessary heat exchange performance while maintaining housing integrity and reducing installation space.
Innovation Solution
The outdoor unit design features a housing with a fan and compressor on a bottom base, a controller housing that covers side and front faces, and detachable maintenance panels, allowing the controller housing to be positioned above to reinforce the housing and prevent obstacles during compressor maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the heat exchanger is made to extend from the back face to the side faces of the housing, then the heat transfer area is secured without increasing the height dimension, but the area of the sheet metal member supporting the side faces is reduced and the strength of the housing is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is configured to extend along the side faces of the housing in the horizontal direction rather than only in the vertical direction, utilizing the lateral space to increase heat transfer area without compromising the vertical height dimension. This dimensional redistribution allows the heat exchanger to occupy side face areas while maintaining sufficient sheet metal support areas for housing strength.
2Productivity
If the heat exchanger extends up to the side faces of the housing, then the heat exchange capacity is increased, but a large opening must be provided in the housing to expose the heat exchanger, reducing the area of the sheet metal member and lowering housing strength
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is positioned to extend along the side faces of the housing, utilizing lateral space to achieve the required heat exchange capacity. This configuration allows the heat exchanger to be effectively exposed for heat exchange purposes while maintaining sufficient sheet metal coverage on the housing side faces to preserve structural strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If the controller housing is positioned lower, then it is easier to assemble, but it becomes an obstacle when the compressor is put out of and into the inside of the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented into different height zones, with the controller housing positioned in the upper portion and the compressor access area maintained clear in the lower portion. This vertical segmentation allows the controller housing to be easily assembled at a convenient height while preventing it from obstructing compressor removal and installation operations.
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 enhances the structural integrity of the housing, facilitates easy compressor maintenance, and maintains necessary heat exchange performance without increasing the installation area, thus improving assemblability and maintainability.
Implementation Method 1
The outdoor unit makes a refrigerant which passes through refrigerant piping and outdoor air exchange heat by a heat exchanger provided in a housing
Implementation Method 2
The outdoor unit makes a refrigerant which passes through refrigerant piping and outdoor air exchange heat by a heat exchanger provided in a housing
Implementation Method 3
a fan which sucks and expels air
Implementation Method 4
a compressor which compresses a refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
evaporates or condenses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
evaporates or condenses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 7
a controller which controls the fan and the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit (100, 110), comprising a housing (1, 20) having fans (2) provided thereon and a compressor (4) and heat exchanger (3-1, 3-2, 23-1, 23-2) disposed on a base (10, 210) thereof; a left-right pair of side covers (8, 28, 9, 29) each being bent and having two surfaces, one surface covering a portion of a side of housing (1, 20), and the other surface covering a portion of the front of the housing (1, 20); a controller housing (7) fixed to the upper section of the surface of at least one side cover (8, 28, 9, 29), of said left-right pair of said covers (8, 28, 9, 29), that covers a portion of the front of the housing (1, 20), said controller housing (7) being fixed at a height allowing the compressor (4) to be moved into and out of the housing unobstructed.