Refrigeration Cycle Flow Path Switching to Reduce Piping Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses require complex piping routing and redesign for different specifications, leading to increased space requirements and manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple pipes and valves connecting unit flow paths in series and parallel configurations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus with a second flow path switching unit that switches between series and parallel connections of outdoor heat exchangers, simplifying piping routing and eliminating the need for redesign by using a four-way valve and on-off valves to manage refrigerant flow between different heat exchanger configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pipes and valves are used to connect check valve and solenoid valve to each of the plurality of unit flow paths, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but piping routing becomes complicated and space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor heat exchanger is designed with multiple unit flow paths that can be universally configured in either series or parallel connections through a single flow path switching device. This multi-functional design allows the same hardware to serve different operational requirements (cooling/heating) without requiring separate piping systems, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency while avoiding increased piping complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A flow path switching device is introduced that dynamically reconfigures the refrigerant flow paths between series and parallel configurations based on operational mode. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt its internal flow distribution without external piping changes, resolving the contradiction between optimized heat exchange and simplified routing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipes are used to connect flow paths in series and parallel configurations, then operational flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to large number of processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor heat exchanger is segmented into multiple independent unit flow paths, each with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the units to be manufactured separately and assembled in different configurations (series or parallel) using a minimal set of common pipes and valves, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path switching device is pre-configured with internal routing mechanisms that enable series or parallel connections without requiring external piping modifications. This preliminary design of the switching mechanism eliminates the need for complex field installation and multiple processing steps, reducing manufacturing cost while preserving operational flexibility
3Productivity
If outdoor heat exchanger specifications are varied for different horsepower, then system performance is improved, but piping routing must be redesigned for each specification
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path switching device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different numbers and configurations of unit flow paths through standardized interfaces. This universal design allows the same basic piping architecture to serve multiple horsepower specifications, eliminating the need for redesign while maintaining optimized system performance for each application
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 configuration reduces piping complexity, allows for standardized designs across different specifications, and enhances heat transfer performance by optimizing refrigerant flow rates and velocities, resulting in improved coefficient of performance (COP) and reduced pressure loss during heating and cooling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is configured to serve as a condenser while the third heat exchanger is configured to serve as an evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant circuit through which refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor
Implementation Method 4
In the first state, at least one of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is configured to serve as a condenser while the third heat exchanger is configured to serve as an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a second flow path switching unit, a first outdoor heat exchanger, a second outdoor heat exchanger, a first indoor heat exchanger and a second flow path switching unit. The second flow path switching unit switches between a third state in which the first port, the second port, the first outdoor heat exchanger, the fourth port, the third port, the second heat exchanger, the fifth port and the sixth port are successively connected in series, and a fourth state in which the sixth port, the fourth port, the first heat exchanger, the second port and the first port are successively connected in series, and the sixth port, the fifth port, the second heat exchanger, the third port and the first port are successively connected in series.