Portable Air Conditioner Condenser Layout With Auxiliary Exchanger
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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 external size of the unit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an auxiliary exchanger, such as a de-superheater, in the refrigerating circuit in close proximity to the condenser, where the cooling gas passes through both before reaching the throttling member, to reduce the temperature of the cooling gas and subsequently the absolute condensation pressure, thereby 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 compression gas, then cooling efficiency increases and compression work decreases, 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 functions to be combined in a single integrated structure rather than requiring separate air handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary exchanger is nested within or adjacent to the condenser structure, with both components arranged to utilize the same air flow path. The compact arrangement allows the auxiliary exchanger to be housed within the existing condenser assembly boundaries, adding functionality without proportionally increasing overall device volume.
2Volume of moving object
If the external size of the conditioner is reduced, then portability improves, but the internal configuration space for heat exchange components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary exchanger is arranged in series with the condenser along the air flow path, utilizing the length dimension of the air stream rather than requiring additional lateral or vertical space. This linear arrangement allows both heat exchange components to be accommodated within the existing device footprint by optimizing the air flow path utilization.
3Power
If the compression gas temperature is reduced before condensation, then absolute condensation pressure decreases and compressor work is reduced, but the power absorbed by the compressor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary exchanger performs preliminary cooling of the compression gas before it enters the condenser. By pre-cooling the gas in this initial stage, the absolute condensation pressure is reduced, which allows the compressor to operate at lower pressures and thereby reduces the overall power absorption and compression work required.
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 modifying the external size or internal configuration of the air conditioner, making it suitable for existing models with minimal production line adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary exchanger, such as a de-superheater, in the refrigerating circuit in close proximity to the condenser, where the cooling gas passes through both before reaching the throttling member, to reduce the temperature of the cooling gas
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
cooled in a condenser so that, during evaporation, they are able to absorb heat
Implementation Method 4
during evaporation, they are able to absorb heat and thus allow the air conditioner to perform its function
Data Source
AI summary
Portable air conditioner provided with an external container comprising internally a refrigerating circuit provided with a condenser.