Refrigerating System Atomizer Design for Condensate Water Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerating systems, particularly in display cabinets, face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively managing condensate water, as manual draining and electrical heating are labor-intensive and energy-inefficient, and traditional solutions like water pans and drain devices are cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an atomizer in a water tank to mechanically vibrate condensate water into tiny droplets, enhancing evaporation through air convection, with optional water level control and mist removal pipes to optimize condensate water removal and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual draining is used to remove condensate water, then the system is simple in structure, but it requires frequent manual activities which disturbs consumers and reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the refrigeration cycle itself to remove condensate water. The condensate water is evaporated by the refrigerant vapor in the evaporator, and the resulting vapor is compressed and condensed in the condenser, where it is discharged as liquid. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual draining while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system exploits phase transitions of water (liquid to vapor in evaporator, vapor to liquid in condenser) to automatically remove condensate water. The condensate water evaporates in the evaporator and is then condensed in the condenser, creating a continuous automatic drainage system without mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-generated harmful factors

If electrical heating is used to evaporate condensate water, then condensate water is effectively removed, but operation cost and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensate water removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful condensate water into a useful resource by using it as refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The condensate water evaporates in the evaporator absorbing heat, and the vapor is then compressed and condensed in the condenser, effectively removing the water while utilizing it for cooling purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigeration system itself provides the energy needed to evaporate and remove the condensate water through its normal operation. The refrigerant vapor from the evaporator carries the water vapor to the condenser, eliminating the need for separate heating energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a dedicated drain device is used to remove condensate water, then condensate water is effectively managed, but deposition and device complexity become additional problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensate water managementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the condensate water removal function with the existing refrigeration cycle components. The evaporator and condenser serve dual purposes: cooling and condensate water management. This integration eliminates the need for separate drain devices while maintaining effective water removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigeration system components (evaporator and condenser) perform multiple functions: they provide cooling while simultaneously evaporating and condensing the condensate water. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated drain devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

The atomizer-based system significantly reduces labor and energy costs by 10-20% compared to electrical heating, while ensuring efficient condensate water removal without disturbing users, making it a more convenient and energy-saving solution.

Implementation Method 1

an atomizer disposed in the water tank, wherein the atomizer is an ultrasonic atomizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

accelerate evaporation of the tiny droplets through convection with the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

accelerate evaporation of the tiny droplets through convection with the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2894422B1Refrigerating system and display cabinet having same
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 CARRIER CORP
  • EP2894422B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2894422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2894422B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a refrigerating system and a display cabinet having the same. By disposing an atomizer within a water tank carrying condensate water, condensate water generated by an evaporator is removed effectively, and it is more convenient than a manner of manual draining in the prior art, and is more energy-saving than a manner of electrical heating in the prior art.