Refrigerant liquid-gas separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle air-conditioning systems face challenges with electronics overheating, refrigerant backflow, and liquid refrigerant accumulation, which can lead to component damage and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant liquid-gas separator system with integrated electronics cooling and a check valve to prevent backflow, utilizing a cavity to separate liquid and vapor refrigerant, and thermally coupling electronics to transfer heat to the refrigerant for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid-gas separator device is used to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor, then compressor damage is prevented, but liquid refrigerant may accumulate in the separator over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the refrigerant by integrating an electronics cooling system that heats the refrigerant in the separator. This temperature change causes liquid refrigerant to evaporate into vapor, preventing accumulation while maintaining the separator's protective function against the compressor
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics cooling system serves dual purposes: it cools the electronics components and simultaneously heats the refrigerant to evaporate accumulated liquid. The waste heat from electronics is self-utilized to maintain refrigerant in vapor form, preventing accumulation without requiring additional energy input
2Reliability
If a check valve is integrated into the separator to prevent refrigerant backflow, then backflow damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the check valve function with the separator body by integrating it into the outlet passage structure. This combination allows the check valve to prevent backflow while being part of the separator's unified structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet passage structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the refrigerant outlet channel and incorporates the check valve mechanism for backflow prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure
3Temperature
If electronics are thermally coupled to the refrigerant for cooling, then electronics temperature is reduced, but evaporation rate of refrigerant increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of increased evaporation rate (which could lead to insufficient liquid refrigerant) into a benefit by using the electronics cooling system to control and maintain optimal evaporation. The waste heat from electronics is utilized to prevent excessive cooling of the refrigerant, ensuring proper phase change occurs
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
The system effectively cools electronics, improves evaporation rates, and prevents refrigerant backflow, reducing the risk of component damage and enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of air-conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to substantially separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
electronics thermally coupled to refrigerant in the refrigeration section, such that heat from the electronics is transferred to the refrigerant in the refrigeration section during use of the refrigerant system
Implementation Method 3
a check valve integrated into the liquid-gas separator device, the check valve comprising: a body having a flow passage extending therethrough; a closure element movable within the body along the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC system includes a refrigerant liquid-gas separator. The liquid-gas separator is thermally coupled to electronics to transfer heat away from the electronics, and assist in vaporizing liquid refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator device includes a refrigeration section configured to couple to a refrigeration loop, and electronics thermally coupled to the refrigeration section. The refrigeration section includes: (a) a refrigerant inlet configured to receive refrigerant from the refrigeration loop; (b) a refrigerant outlet configured to release vapor refrigerant to the refrigeration loop; and (c) a cavity coupled to the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet, the cavity configured to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor refrigerant. During use of the HVAC system, heat from the electronics board is transferred to the refrigerant. The liquid-gas separator includes a check valve configured to inhibit flow of refrigerant into the liquid-gas separator device via the refrigerant outlet.