PCM Condenser Receiver Structure for Stable Refrigerant Sub-Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The sub-cooling process in existing condenser bottles is not optimized, which affects the efficiency of air conditioning systems by limiting the modification of fluid enthalpy in the cold loop.

Innovation Solution

A condenser bottle design incorporating a phase change material (PCM) with a phase change temperature between 45 and 55 °C, a graphite component, and an outer wall with ribs to enhance heat exchange, creating an intermediate space for improved heat storage and release between the PCM and the fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional condenser bottle design is used, then the structure is simple, but the sub-cooling function is not optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesub-cooling functionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The condenser bottle is divided into three distinct spaces: an interior space for fluid storage, an intermediate space for PCM placement, and an exterior space for structural support. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, with the PCM in the intermediate space providing enhanced sub-cooling without complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The phase change material (PCM) is nested within the intermediate space that is itself nested between the interior and exterior walls of the condenser bottle. This nested configuration allows the PCM to be integrated into the existing structure, providing sub-cooling functionality without adding external components or significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the intermediate space is added for heat exchange, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phase change material in the intermediate space automatically absorbs and releases heat based on temperature changes, providing self-regulating heat exchange without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms. The PCM's phase transition properties enable it to store and release heat passively, improving efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The condenser bottle employs a composite structure combining the interior wall, intermediate PCM layer, and exterior wall with ribs. This composite design integrates multiple materials with different thermal properties to optimize heat exchange efficiency while maintaining a unified, relatively simple structural form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Area of stationary object

If ribs are added to the outer wall, then heat exchange surface area is increased, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange surface areaVSAvoidmanufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ribs on the outer wall modify the geometric parameters of the condenser bottle surface, increasing the heat exchange area through a standardized rib pattern. This parameter change approach allows for scalable manufacturing where the same rib design can be applied to different bottle sizes using conventional molding techniques, minimizing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The enhanced condenser bottle design stabilizes the fluid temperature, improves heat exchange, and optimizes the sub-cooling process, thereby increasing the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Implementation Method 1

the static component comprises a phase change material (PCM)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the phase change temperature of the phase change material (PCM) is between 45 and 55 ° C.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

the static component comprises graphite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the outer wall of said condenser bottle is provided with a plurality of ribs adapted to increase the surface area of the outer wall of the condenser bottle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3169948B1Condenser receiver adapted for use in an air-conditioning circuit, more specifically the air-conditioning circuit of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.06.06 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a condenser receiver adapted to receive and house a fluid used in a cold loop of an air-conditioning circuit. The condenser receiver comprises an outer wall and an inner wall which define an intermediate space, said inner wall defining an inner space for housing the fluid. The intermediate space comprises a static component adapted to store and release a given quantity of heat in order to allow a heat exchange between the static component and the fluid contained in the inner space.