Refrigeration circuit with pressure equalization between multiple condensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern air-conditioning systems in vehicles face challenges in covering wide operating ranges of cooling capacity with fixed heat exchanger dimensions, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort due to pressure pulses during condenser switching, which affects energy efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant circuit with a permanently active main condenser and connectable condensers, where internal pressures are equalized using a pressure equalizing means, such as an electric heater or capillary, to minimize pressure pulses and ensure efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed structural dimensioning of the heat exchangers is used, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling capacity cannot cover wide operating ranges and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is divided into multiple segments (first condenser and second condenser) with different heat transfer areas. The switching means can connect different condenser segments to the refrigerant circuit based on operating conditions, enabling the system to adapt to wide cooling capacity ranges while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If a too large condenser is used to cover high cooling capacity, then the cooling capacity is sufficient, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to excessive heat transfer area
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different condenser configurations (first condenser alone, second condenser alone, or both in parallel) based on real-time cooling demands. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the heat transfer area matches the actual cooling capacity requirements, preventing energy waste from excessive heat transfer surface area while maintaining sufficient cooling capacity when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching between different condensers is performed frequently, then the adaptability to charging conditions is improved, but pressure pulses are generated causing noise and durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalizing means is activated before switching between condensers to equalize pressures in advance. This preliminary action prevents pressure pulses during switching by ensuring pressure balance is established beforehand, thereby eliminating noise and durability issues while maintaining the ability to respond quickly to charging conditions
4Speed
If switching between condensers is performed without pressure equalization, then the switching speed is fast, but refrigerant displacement occurs reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalizing means performs pressure equalization in advance before the actual switching operation. This preliminary pressure balancing prevents refrigerant displacement during switching, ensuring that refrigerant remains in active circulation areas and maintains energy efficiency, while the overall switching process remains sufficiently fast for practical applications
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 allows for wide-ranging cooling capacity while reducing pressure pulses and enhancing energy efficiency, preventing refrigerant displacement and maintaining system durability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure equalising means being designed to equalise (or approximate, respectively) an internal pressure of the at least one connectable condenser to an internal pressure of the main condenser
Implementation Method 2
A refrigerant circuit with a permanently active main condenser and connectable condensers, where internal pressures are equalized using a pressure equalizing means, such as an electric heater or capillary
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant circuit, which can be used in a vehicle or motor vehicle, includes an air conditioning compressor, a main condenser, at least one connectable condenser, and a switching valve. The switching valve can connect one or more of the switchable condensers to the refrigerant circuit. The circuit may also include a pressure equalizing device with an electric heater that can equalize an internal pressure of the at least one connectable condenser with an internal pressure of the main condenser.