Refrigeration Casing Vent Layout for Passive Refrigerant Leak Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycle devices fail to function when refrigerant leaks in a non-energized state, leading to potential high refrigerant concentrations in the surrounding environment.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle device with a casing design that includes a refrigerant circuit filled with a refrigerant having a higher concentration than air under atmospheric pressure, featuring a specific opening configuration and diffusion means to prevent high refrigerant concentrations by directing leaking refrigerant to exit through a third opening positioned below the primary openings, utilizing guide plates or rotors to diffuse the refrigerant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigeration cycle device is not energized (stored, repaired, or relocated), then power consumption is reduced, but the device cannot detect or respond to refrigerant leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant leak detection system operates autonomously using the natural density difference between refrigerant and air. The diffusion means passively directs leaking refrigerant through gravity and density-driven flow without requiring external power, allowing the system to self-monitor for leaks even when not energized for other functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the harmful property of refrigerant density (being heavier than air) to create a beneficial passive detection and containment system. The density difference naturally drives the refrigerant toward the third opening and diffusion means, converting what would be a hazardous accumulation into a controlled discharge mechanism that works without power.
2Device complexity
If the refrigerant leaks in a non-energized state, then the device structure remains simple, but high refrigerant concentration regions form in the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is segmented into multiple opening zones: first and second openings for normal operation, and a third opening specifically positioned below the refrigerant circuit for leak discharge. This segmentation allows the system to handle normal airflow and refrigerant leak scenarios through different pathways, directing leaks away from areas where they could accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The third opening is positioned in a vertical dimension below the refrigerant circuit, creating a gravity-driven discharge path. By utilizing the vertical dimension and the density difference between refrigerant and air, the system passively directs leaking refrigerant downward and outward through the third opening, preventing horizontal accumulation in the surrounding environment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the third opening is positioned below the refrigerant circuit, then refrigerant leakage is directed away from accumulation zones, but the casing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The third opening serves multiple functions: it acts as a discharge path for leaking refrigerant, provides structural support for the diffusion means, and works in conjunction with the first and second openings to create a comprehensive ventilation system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the structural complexity with functional integration.
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
Effectively prevents the formation of high refrigerant concentration regions even when the device is not energized, ensuring safe refrigerant leakage and maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant circuit provided in the air course in the casing and filled with a refrigerant having a higher concentration than air under atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
diffusion means configured to diffuse the refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit and flowing from the air course through the third opening out of the casing
Implementation Method 3
the third opening being arranged below the refrigerant circuit, and a lower edge of the third opening being located below lower edges of the first opening and the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle device uses a refrigerant having a higher concentration than air under atmospheric pressure, and is capable of preventing a region having a certain refrigerant concentration or higher from being formed even if the refrigerant leaks in a casing of the refrigeration cycle device in a nonenergized state. The refrigeration cycle device includes: a casing having a first opening and a second opening, one of which is an inlet and the other of which is an outlet, and having therein an air course providing communication between the first opening and the second opening; and a refrigerant circuit provided in the air course in the casing and filled with a refrigerant having a higher concentration than air under atmospheric pressure, the casing having a third opening providing communication between the air course and outside of the casing.