Ribbed Condenser Receiver With PCM for Refrigerant Sub-Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sub-cooling function of existing condenser bottles in air conditioning systems is not optimized, which affects the efficiency of the compression cooling system and the overall performance of the air conditioning system.
Innovation Solution
A condenser bottle design featuring an outer wall with ribs to enhance heat exchange and an intermediate space filled with a phase change material (PCM) to store and release heat, stabilizing the fluid temperature and improving sub-cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional condenser bottle with smooth outer wall is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the heat exchange efficiency between the fluid and ambient air is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the smooth two-dimensional outer wall surface into a three-dimensional ribbed structure. The ribs extend radially outward from the outer wall, creating additional surface area and dimensional complexity that enhances heat exchange with ambient air while maintaining the fundamental cylindrical bottle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The outer wall is segmented into multiple ribs that are distributed around the circumference of the condenser bottle. This segmentation increases the surface area available for heat exchange while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for efficient thermal transfer to the surrounding air
2Strength
If the outer wall thickness is increased to improve structural strength, then the mechanical strength increases, but the heat exchange efficiency decreases due to increased thermal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing wall thickness in the radial direction, the invention adds thermal exchange capability in the circumferential dimension by adding ribs. This allows the wall to maintain its original thickness for strength while the ribs provide additional heat dissipation pathways to the ambient air
3Productivity
If the sub-cooling function is not optimized, then the device complexity remains low, but the air conditioning system efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbed structure adds a dimensional element to the heat exchange process, creating extended surfaces that increase the temperature gradient between the refrigerant and ambient air. This enhances the sub-cooling effect by providing additional thermal transfer pathways without requiring complex internal components
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 enhanced heat exchange and temperature stabilization improve the efficiency of the air conditioning system by optimizing the sub-cooling process, leading to better performance and comfort in vehicle air conditioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ribs making it possible to increase the heat exchange between the fluid contained in the interior space and the ambient air present outside of said bottle of condenser
Implementation Method 2
said intermediate space comprising a component adapted to store and release a determined quantity of heat. the component suitable for storing and releasing a determined quantity of heat comprises a phase change material (PCM)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a condenser receiver adapted to receive and house a fluid used in a cold loop of an air-conditioning system, said condenser receiver comprising an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall defines an inner space for housing a fluid, while the outer wall is provided on its outer surface with a plurality of ribs that increase the heat exchange between the fluid contained in the inner space and the ambient air outside the condenser receiver.