Perfected portable air conditioner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable air conditioners face inefficiencies in cooling cycles due to the configuration of refrigerating circuits, which do not allow for reduced compression work and increased cooling efficiency without increasing the size or modifying the external shape of the conditioner.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an auxiliary exchanger, such as a de-superheater, in close proximity to the condenser, where the cooling gas passes through both components hit by the same air stream, reducing the temperature of the gas before it enters the condenser and lowering the absolute condensation pressure, thus reducing compressor work and enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an auxiliary exchanger is added to pre-cool the cooling gas before the condenser, then cooling efficiency increases and compression work reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary exchanger is merged with the condenser assembly, where both components share a common air stream path. The auxiliary exchanger is positioned to receive air from the same fan that cools the condenser, allowing heat exchange without requiring separate air intake systems or additional fans, thus reducing the impact of added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary exchanger serves multiple functions: it pre-cools the cooling gas from the compressor before it enters the condenser, and it does so using the same air stream that cools the condenser. This multi-functional approach allows the system to improve cooling efficiency without requiring dedicated cooling circuits or additional energy input for air movement.
2Productivity
If the auxiliary exchanger is positioned to receive the same air stream as the condenser, then heat exchange efficiency improves, but the available space for component placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary exchanger is positioned in a spatial arrangement that utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently. By arranging the auxiliary exchanger and condenser in close proximity with shared air flow paths, the design exploits spatial dimensions to maximize heat exchange surface area within the limited volume of the portable air conditioner housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary exchanger is nested within or adjacent to the condenser assembly, allowing both components to share the same air stream corridor. This nested arrangement enables the auxiliary exchanger to utilize the air flow generated for condenser cooling without requiring separate space for air intake and circulation paths.
3Power
If the auxiliary exchanger reduces the temperature of cooling gas before the condenser, then absolute condensation pressure reduces and compressor work reduces, but the power absorbed by the system increases due to additional heat exchange requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary exchanger utilizes the same fan-driven air stream that cools the condenser to perform the additional cooling function. The system serves itself by using the existing air circulation infrastructure to pre-cool the refrigerant, avoiding the need for additional fans or separate cooling circuits that would consume extra power.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary exchanger acts as an intermediary component between the compressor and the condenser, pre-cooling the refrigerant gas before it enters the condenser. This intermediate cooling step reduces the thermal load on the condenser and lowers the condensation pressure, thereby reducing the work required by the compressor while utilizing the existing air cooling infrastructure.
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 reduces the power absorbed by the compressor, increases cooling efficiency, and allows for improved thermal yield without altering the external dimensions or internal configuration of the air conditioner, making it applicable to existing models with minimal modifications.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary exchanger, such as a de-superheater, in close proximity to the condenser, where the cooling gas passes through both components hit by the same air stream, reducing the temperature of the gas before it enters the condenser
Implementation Method 2
the cooling gases coming from the compressor must then be cooled in a condenser so that, during evaporation, they are able to absorb heat
Implementation Method 3
the cooling gases coming from the compressor must then be cooled in a condenser
Implementation Method 4
during evaporation, they are able to absorb heat and thus allow the air conditioner to perform its function
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Perfected portable air conditioner provided with an external container comprising internally a refrigerating circuit (10) provided with a condenser (12).