Refrigerator appliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing refrigeration systems in refrigerators face inefficiency due to the recirculation of hot air exhaust into the cold air intake, which reduces the heat rejection to the ambient surroundings and decreases the refrigeration process efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vertically and horizontally extending partition wall system that segregates the airflow between the air inlet and outlet vents, preventing the recirculation of hot air exhaust into the cold air intake, thereby enhancing the segregation of airflow paths and improving heat rejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the air inlet and outlet vents are positioned close together on the rear wall to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the hot air exhaust recirculates into the cold air intake reducing heat rejection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rear wall is segmented into multiple functional zones using vertical and horizontal partition walls. The vertical partition wall divides the rear wall into a cold air intake zone and a hot air exhaust zone, while the horizontal partition wall separates the upper and lower airflow paths. This segmentation prevents hot air recirculation into the cold air intake while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls extend in multiple dimensions (vertically and horizontally) to create three-dimensional airflow separation. The vertical partition wall extends from the top surface downward, and the horizontal partition wall extends from the vertical partition wall toward the front of the refrigerator, creating layered airflow paths that prevent recirculation without increasing frontal footprint.
2Loss of energy
If the partition walls are extended to fully segregate the airflow paths, then the heat rejection efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical and horizontal partition walls are merged into an integrated air separation system that works as a unified structure. The horizontal partition wall is positioned at the bottom end of the vertical partition wall, creating a continuous separation barrier that is easier to manufacture as a coordinated assembly rather than separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are positioned strategically at critical locations where airflow separation is most needed - the vertical partition wall is positioned between the inlet and outlet vents on the rear wall, and the horizontal partition wall is positioned at the bottom to separate cavity airflow. This localized placement achieves effective segregation without requiring complex structures throughout the entire refrigerator.
3Volume of stationary object
If the bottom wall is positioned higher to increase the cavity volume, then the storage capacity is improved, but the heat rejection to ambient surroundings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into distinct zones using partition walls, allowing the bottom wall to be positioned higher to increase cavity volume without compromising heat rejection. The horizontal partition wall ensures that airflow within the enlarged cavity remains separated from the outlet vent, maintaining efficient heat rejection while accommodating the increased volume.
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 increases the heat transfer efficiency by 74.7% and reduces the compressor and condenser temperatures, leading to improved refrigeration performance and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The vertically extending partition wall is configured to segregate an airflow into the air inlet vent from an airflow out of the air outlet vent along the exterior surface. The horizontally extending partition wall is configured to segregate at least a portion of an airflow within the cavity from the air outlet vent.
Implementation Method 2
The gas refrigerant is then condensed into a liquid and the excess heat is rejected to the ambient surroundings.
Implementation Method 3
The gas refrigerant is then condensed into a liquid and the excess heat is rejected to the ambient surroundings.
Implementation Method 4
Refrigerators circulate refrigerant and change the refrigerant from a liquid state to a gas state by an evaporation process in order cool the air within the refrigerator. During the evaporation process, heat is transferred to the refrigerant.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator appliance includes a rear wall, side walls, a bottom wall, and partitions. The side walls are secured to and extend from the rear wall toward a front side of the refrigerator. The bottom wall is secured to the side walls along a bottom end of the rear wall. The side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity below the bottom wall and define an opening to the cavity along the front side of the refrigerator. The rear wall and the bottom wall define a machine compartment. An exterior surface of the rear wall defines an inlet to and an outlet from the machine compartment. A first partition extends outward from the exterior surface and is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A second partition extends from a bottom of the first partition. The partitions are configured to segregate airflows between the inlet and outlet.