Refrigeration device and facility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-temperature refrigeration devices face challenges in incorporating multiple heat exchangers and pipes within a limited volume, and significant temperature variations can cause dimensional issues affecting the device's integrity.
Innovation Solution
The drive shaft of the motor is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, with the turbine and compressor arranged longitudinally relative to each other, and the common heat exchanger is connected to the frame at an intermediate position between the cold and hot ends, allowing for free expansion and contraction of components without causing mechanical stress, while two cooling heat exchangers are positioned transversely to the common heat exchanger to improve heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple heat exchangers and pipes are incorporated in a limited volume, then the refrigeration function is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple heat exchangers (first heat exchanger for cooling and second heat exchanger for heating) into a single integrated structure with a common heat exchanger body. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and connections required, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the necessary refrigeration functions within the limited volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the first and second heat exchangers are positioned within or adjacent to the common heat exchanger structure. The countercurrent passage portions are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones, maximizing the use of limited volume.
2Stability of the object's composition
If components are fixed rigidly to the frame, then structural stability is improved, but dimensional variations due to temperature changes cause mechanical stress and integrity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities through adjustable support elements that allow the heat exchangers to move or expand/contract in response to thermal dimensional variations. This dynamic support system replaces rigid fixed connections, enabling the structure to adapt to temperature-induced dimensional changes while maintaining overall stability and preventing mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs support elements with adjustable parameters (such as adjustable length or position) that can be modified to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction. This allows the structural parameters to change dynamically with operating conditions, maintaining both stability and reliability across different temperature regimes.
3Volume of moving object
If the drive shaft is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, then space utilization is improved, but access for maintenance and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the drive shaft is oriented at an angle (neither perfectly perpendicular nor parallel to the longitudinal direction) to optimize both space utilization and accessibility. This asymmetric positioning allows maintenance personnel to access the drive shaft and associated components from multiple directions while still achieving compact packaging of the overall device.
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 mechanical stress and improves the integrity of the device by allowing components to expand and contract freely, enhancing the refrigeration capacity and reducing electrical consumption while maintaining high performance over a wide operating range.
Implementation Method 1
a common heat exchanger through which the working fluid passes in countercurrent in two separate passage portions of the working circuit depending on whether it is cooled or heated
Implementation Method 2
allowing for free expansion and contraction of components without causing mechanical stress
Data Source
AI summary
Low-temperature refrigeration device arranged in a frame and comprising a working circuit forming a loop and containing a working fluid, the working circuit forming a cycle comprising in series: a compression mechanism, a cooling mechanism, an expansion mechanism and a heating mechanism, the device comprising a refrigeration heat exchanger intended to extract heat from at least one member by exchanging heat with the working fluid, the mechanisms for cooling and reheating the working fluid comprising a common heat exchanger in which the working fluid transits in counter-flow in two separate transit portions of the working circuit, the compression mechanism comprising at least two compressors and at least one motor for driving the compressors, the working fluid expansion mechanism comprising at least one rotary turbine, the device comprising at least one drive motor comprising a drive shaft, one end of which drives a compressor and the other end of which is coupled to a turbine, the motor being attached to the frame at at least one fixed point, the common heat exchanger being attached to the frame at at least one fixed point, the two counter-flow transit portions of the common heat exchanger being orientated in a longitudinal direction of the frame, the drive shaft of the drive motor being orientated in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and the turbine and the compressor being arranged relatively longitudinally such that the turbine is located longitudinally on the side corresponding to the relatively cold end of the common heat exchanger when the device is being operated and the compressor is located longitudinally on the side corresponding to the relatively hot end of the common heat exchanger when the device is being operated.