Receiver With Integrated Capillary Metering for Refrigerant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant vapor compression systems lack effective flow metering capabilities in the liquid injection line, relying on small orifice valves that are inefficient for compressor capacity control and discharge temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a capillary tube metering device within the refrigerant receiver, which includes a capillary tube formed into a multiple loop coil, and a solenoid valve with a fixed orifice of at least two millimeters in diameter in the refrigerant injection line for precise flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small orifice valve with port diameter less than 2.0 millimeters is used for flow metering in the liquid injection line, then the device structure is simple, but the flow metering precision and compressor capacity control effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow metering device with the receiver by integrating a capillary tube metering device inside the receiver's enclosed volume. The capillary tube inlet is in communication with the receiver interior, and its outlet connects to the liquid injection line. This merging eliminates the need for separate external metering valves while providing precise flow control through the capillary tube's inherent flow resistance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary tube acts as an intermediary flow metering element between the receiver and the liquid injection line. Instead of using a complex valve mechanism, the capillary tube provides precise flow metering through its narrow bore and length, creating sufficient flow resistance to control refrigerant flow into the compressor without requiring additional control components.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid valve with fixed orifice is used in the liquid injection line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow control precision and discharge temperature management capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow control parameter from a variable orifice valve to a fixed capillary tube dimension. The capillary tube's internal diameter and length are precisely manufactured to provide the desired flow characteristics. This fixed geometric parameter approach provides more consistent and reliable flow metering compared to adjustable valves, improving discharge temperature control through predictable flow rates.
3Productivity
If a capillary tube metering device is integrated within the receiver, then the flow metering precision and compressor capacity control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary tube metering device is nested inside the receiver's enclosed volume. The capillary tube is positioned within the receiver housing, with its inlet opening into the receiver's refrigerant storage space and its outlet extending to connect with the liquid injection line. This nesting arrangement utilizes the existing receiver structure to house the metering device, providing improved flow control without requiring a completely separate external metering system.
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of refrigerant flow metering, enabling better compressor capacity control and discharge temperature management, improving the overall performance of the refrigerant vapor compression system.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant metering device is capillary tube metering device. In an embodiment, the capillary tube metering device comprises a capillary tube formed into a multiple loop coil
Implementation Method 2
controlling a flow of refrigerant discharging through the second outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver (50) is provided for collecting a refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant flow circuit. The receiver housing (52) defines an enclosed volume (55) establishing a refrigerant collection reservoir, and has an inlet (54), a first outlet (56), and a second outlet (58). A refrigerant metering device (70) is disposed within the enclosed volume (55) in operative association with the second outlet (58) for controlling a flow of refrigerant discharging through the second outlet (58). The refrigerant metering device (70) may be a capillary tube metering device (72). The receiver (50) may also include a refrigerant filter/dryer (80) disposed within the enclosed volume (55).