Refrigeration system with phase change material heat exchanger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to clogged condensers from dust and debris, leading to reduced cooling capacity, increased compressor discharge temperatures, and the need for energy-consuming fans that generate noise and require maintenance, with heat dissipation limited to compressor operation times.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration system incorporating a phase change material heat exchanger where the phase change material is positioned between the refrigerant tube and an outer jacket, allowing for continuous heat rejection and improved heat transfer, potentially eliminating the need for fans and reducing maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional fin and tube heat exchanger is used as a condenser, then heat transfer can occur during compressor operation, but the closely spaced fins become clogged with dust and debris reducing heat transfer efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddust and debris clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses phase change material (PCM) that transitions between solid and liquid phases to absorb and store thermal energy. The PCM undergoes phase transition at a specific temperature, absorbing latent heat during melting and releasing it during solidification, enabling continuous heat rejection even when the compressor is off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The PCM absorbs and stores thermal energy in advance during compressor operation when heat is generated, then releases this stored energy during compressor off-time. This preliminary energy storage action allows the condenser to maintain heat rejection capability without requiring the compressor to be running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If conventional air-cooled condensers with fans are used, then heat can be dissipated during compressor operation, but fans consume energy and generate noise requiring periodic maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidheat dissipation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PCM-based condenser is a passive system that does not require external power input or moving parts. The phase change material automatically absorbs and releases thermal energy based on temperature differences, eliminating the need for fan-driven forced convection and associated energy consumption, noise, and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-driven forced convection system with a passive thermal energy storage system using phase change material. The mechanical action of fans is substituted by the natural phase transition process of the PCM, which occurs without mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional condensers operate only during compressor running time, then system complexity is reduced, but cooling capacity is limited by available compressor operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacityVSAvoidheat dissipation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The PCM-based condenser enables continuous heat rejection action by storing thermal energy during compressor operation and releasing it during compressor off-time. This continuity eliminates the interruption in heat dissipation that occurs with conventional systems when the compressor cycles off, thereby increasing overall cooling capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution enhances cooling capacity and efficiency by 25% or more, reduces energy consumption, noise, and maintenance costs, while maintaining cooling even when the compressor is off, and allows for smaller, more energy-efficient components.

Implementation Method 1

the phase change material is positioned between the refrigerant tube and the outer jacket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 3

the phase change material is positioned between the refrigerant tube and the outer jacket, allowing for continuous heat rejection and improved heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3123083B1Refrigeration system with phase change material heat exchanger

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 THE COCA COLA CO

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AI summary

The present application provides a refrigeration system. The refrigeration system may include a compressor and a condenser downstream of the compressor. The condenser may include a refrigerant tube, an outer jacket surrounding the refrigerant tube, and a phase change material positioned between the refrigerant tube and the outer jacket and in contact with the refrigerant tube.