Refrigerator appliances and sealed refrigeration systems therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealed refrigeration systems face challenges in consistently exchanging adequate amounts of heat at phase-separator elements, often requiring significant space, which limits the size and usability of appliances like refrigerators.
Innovation Solution
A sealed refrigeration system incorporating a compressor, phase separator, and a rotatable heat exchanger with a thermally conductive body and dynamic shear surface, along with a set fluid gap and fins, enhances heat exchange efficiency while minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple static blades are used to improve heat exchange, then heat exchange effectiveness is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static heat exchange blades with a rotatable heat exchanger assembly. The assembly rotates to dynamically engage with the phase separator, allowing the same component to repeatedly contact different portions of the phase separator over time. This dynamic approach achieves thorough heat exchange coverage without requiring multiple large static blades, thereby reducing overall space requirements while maintaining heat exchange effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable heat exchanger operates through periodic action, where the assembly rotates in cycles to sequentially contact different areas of the phase separator. This periodic engagement allows a single compact heat exchanger to perform the function that would otherwise require multiple larger static components, resolving the contradiction between heat exchange effectiveness and space requirements.
2Reliability
If heat-exchange features are added to phase-separator elements, then heat exchange performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat exchange function with the phase separator by integrating the heat exchanger assembly directly onto the phase separator body. The heat exchanger is positioned to contact the outer surface of the phase separator, combining two functions (phase separation and heat exchange) into a unified structure. This integration improves heat exchange performance without adding separate complex subsystems, thereby managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger assembly serves multiple functions: it provides heat exchange, acts as a structural component attached to the phase separator, and enables rotational movement to enhance heat transfer efficiency. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve improved heat exchange performance without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single component performs multiple roles.
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 achieves significant increases in power density and efficiency, allowing for effective cooling with a smaller footprint, thereby improving the performance and size constraints of refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor may compress a refrigerant fluid through the sealed refrigeration system
Implementation Method 2
The rotatable heat exchanger may include a thermally conductive body defining a dynamic shear surface
Implementation Method 3
a set fluid gap may be defined between the dynamic shear surface and the outer face
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator, including a sealed refrigeration system, is provided herein. The sealed refrigeration system may include a compressor, a phase separator, and a rotatable heat exchanger. The compressor may compress a refrigerant fluid through the sealed refrigeration system. The phase separator may be in fluid communication with the compressor. The phase separator may include a separator body defining an inner face and an outer face. The inner face may define a refrigerant cavity within the phase separator body. The outer face may be directed away from the refrigerant cavity opposite the inner face. The rotatable heat exchanger may include a thermally conductive body defining a dynamic shear surface directed toward the outer face of the separator body. Moreover, a set fluid gap may be defined between the dynamic shear surface and the outer face.