Refrigerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with separate evaporators for freezing and refrigerating compartments face increased compressor load due to superheating of refrigerant, leading to higher power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage compression system with a low-pressure compressor and a high-pressure compressor, along with a flow adjustment mechanism that includes a three-way valve and adjustable flow rate valves, to reduce superheating and optimize refrigerant flow between evaporators, and a control unit that adjusts refrigerant distribution based on temperature sensors to prevent refrigerant concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate evaporators are used for freezing and refrigerating compartments, then independent cooling is achieved, but compressor load increases due to superheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigerant circulation paths by allowing the high-pressure compressor to receive refrigerant from both the first evaporator (refrigerating compartment) and the second evaporator (freezing compartment) through a common suction passage, combining previously separate systems into an integrated circulation path that reduces overall compressor load
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the compression function into two stages: the low-pressure compressor handles refrigerant from the second evaporator, while the high-pressure compressor handles refrigerant from the first evaporator, allowing each compressor to operate at optimized pressure levels and reducing superheating effects
2Duration of action of stationary object
If refrigerant is suctioned into the compressor from room temperature environment, then the compressor can operate continuously, but superheating degree increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cooling action by passing the refrigerant through the evaporators before it enters the compressors, ensuring the refrigerant is already cooled to the required temperature level before compression begins, thereby preventing superheating from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the evaporators as intermediary components between the room temperature environment and the compressors, where the evaporators act as heat exchange mediators that cool the refrigerant before it reaches the compression stage, isolating the compressors from direct exposure to warm ambient conditions
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
The system reduces the load on compressors, decreases power consumption, and improves cooling efficiency by optimizing refrigerant distribution and reducing superheating and dryness fraction, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the refrigeration cycle.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant heat-exchanged with the refrigerant of the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device
Implementation Method 3
a compressor compressing a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor
Implementation Method 5
an expansion device decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a compressor compressing a refrigerant, a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, a refrigerant tube guiding a flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, an expansion device decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, and an evaporator evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device. The evaporator includes an evaporation tube through which the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device flows, a coupling tube through a refrigerant heat-exchanged with the refrigerant of the evaporator flows, and a heat-exchange fin coupled to the evaporation tube and the coupling tube.