Receiver for cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems, particularly air-cooled CRAC DX systems, face mechanical issues and increased energy consumption due to inefficient heat transfer and heating methods, especially in the receiver component where heating the coolant to maintain suction pressure is not effectively managed.
Innovation Solution
A receiver design with a cylindrical body incorporating a heater well and a polymer positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element, powered by a controller via a heater wire, which selectively heats the heat transfer fluid, eliminating the need for external heat tape and improving heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heater tape is applied to the receiver outer surface, then the coolant can be heated to increase suction pressure, but the installation complexity increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is integrated directly into the receiver assembly, merging the heating function with the coolant storage component. This eliminates the need for separate heater tape applications and insulation installations, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining the temperature control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is designed with a built-in heater well and heating element that automatically heats the coolant when needed. The system serves itself by having the heating capability intrinsic to the receiver structure, eliminating the need for external heating systems and their associated installation complexities.
2Temperature
If heater tape is applied to the receiver outer surface, then the coolant can be heated, but safety risks increase due to external heating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is nested within the receiver structure, specifically within a dedicated heater well. This nested configuration protects the heating element from external damage and prevents contact with surrounding components, thereby improving safety while maintaining heating functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating function is extracted from the external environment and placed inside the receiver structure. By taking the heater out of the external space and embedding it within the receiver, the system eliminates safety risks associated with external heating elements while preserving the temperature control capability.
3Temperature
If insulation around the receiver is removed for heater tape installation, then heater tape can be applied, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater well is pre-formed as part of the receiver manufacturing process, with the opening provided in the receiver wall. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-installation modifications such as removing insulation and applying heater tape, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining heating functionality.
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 solution reduces installation time and cost, provides a safer and more efficient heating method for the heat transfer fluid, and enhances the overall performance of the cooling system by ensuring consistent fluid temperature and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a heater positioned in the heater well to selectively heat a heat transfer fluid contained within the interior chamber of the cylindrical body
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver of a cooling unit includes a cylindrical body having a cylindrical wall that defines an interior chamber, a bottom wall formed with the cylindrical wall, and a top wall formed with the cylindrical wall. The receiver further includes an inlet provided in the cylindrical body, an outlet provided in the cylindrical body, a heater well disposed within the cylindrical body, and a heater positioned in the heater well to selectively heat a heat transfer fluid contained within the interior chamber of the cylindrical body. The heater well can be configured to extend from the top wall to adjacent the bottom wall along an axis that is coaxial with an axis of the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical body or extend horizontally adjacent the bottom wall of the cylindrical body.