Refrigerant liquid-gas separator having an integrated check valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle electronics face overheating issues due to high temperatures, leading to malfunction or failure, and air conditioning systems struggle with refrigerant backflow and liquid accumulation, which can damage components.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant liquid-gas separator system that thermally couples electronics to the refrigeration section, separating liquid and vapor refrigerant, and includes a check valve to prevent backflow, utilizing a liquid-vapor separator to inhibit liquid refrigerant release and enable oil exit, thus addressing cooling needs and preventing refrigerant damage.
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 the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liquid-gas separator and check valve into a single integrated device. The separator body contains both the separation chamber and the check valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the protective function against liquid refrigerant damage to the compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates liquid from vapor refrigerant, prevents backflow through the integrated check valve, and protects the compressor. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If a check valve is added to prevent refrigerant backflow, then component damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is integrated directly into the separator body, combining two protective functions (liquid-gas separation and backflow prevention) into a single device. This eliminates the need for a separate check valve component and reduces installation complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for separation and backflow prevention, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the check valve and separator into a single device, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and sealed. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the same level of reliability through the combined functions.
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, enhances evaporation rates, and prevents refrigerant backflow, improving the efficiency and reliability of air conditioning systems by converting liquid refrigerant to vapor and securing the refrigerant circuit.
Implementation Method 1
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 2
enhances evaporation rates, and prevents refrigerant backflow, improving the efficiency and reliability of air conditioning systems by converting liquid refrigerant to vapor
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.