Shell-and-plate type heat exchanger and refrigeration device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The variation in the amount of refrigerant flowing along the longitudinal axis of a pressure container in a shell-and-plate heat exchanger reduces heat exchange efficiency, as the refrigerant flow between stacked heat transfer plates does not vary in the stacking direction, leading to inefficiencies in heat exchange.
Innovation Solution
A partitioning member is introduced to divide the refrigerant flow into sections, with communication holes and channels guiding the refrigerant to reduce variations in flow distribution, ensuring uniform refrigerant distribution across the plate stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a shell-and-coil type heat exchanger is used, then the structure is simple and it can be disassembled, but the heat exchange efficiency is insufficient due to insufficient contact between the heat exchange medium and the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple plate bundles arranged in parallel within the shell. Each plate bundle consists of multiple stacked plates with flow channels, creating segmented flow paths that increase the effective heat exchange area while maintaining the simple shell structure. This segmentation allows multiple heat exchange surfaces to work simultaneously, improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a coil-based three-dimensional heat exchange path to a plate-based two-dimensional stacked structure. The plates are arranged in layers with alternating flow directions, creating a multi-layer heat exchange system that maximizes contact area within the limited shell volume, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the heat exchange surface while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Ease of repair
If refrigerant is leaked in a refrigeration device, then the refrigerant can be recovered by disassembling the compressor, but the refrigerant is scattered inside the compressor and recovery is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the refrigerant recovery function from the compressor assembly by providing a dedicated recovery port on the heat exchanger shell. This allows refrigerant to be accessed and recovered directly from the heat exchanger where it is most likely to leak, rather than requiring complete compressor disassembly. The recovery port is positioned to allow easy connection of recovery equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell acts as an intermediary chamber that collects refrigerant from the heat exchange plates and provides a centralized access point for recovery. Instead of refrigerant being scattered throughout the compressor, the shell's enclosed space consolidates refrigerant accumulation, and the recovery port serves as the mediator interface between the system and recovery equipment.
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 partitioning member enhances heat exchange efficiency by stabilizing refrigerant flow, reducing variations in refrigerant distribution and improving overall heat exchange performance.
Implementation Method 1
a front surface heat exchanger and a rear surface heat exchanger which are integrated into a case of the air conditioner
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange between the refrigerant and air through the plate surfaces
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger in a state of being mixed with oil, and the refrigerant and the oil are separated in a separator
Implementation Method 4
evaporator, and the refrigerant flows into the expansion device in a two-phase state
Implementation Method 5
condenser, and the refrigerant flows into the expansion device after being condensed
Implementation Method 6
the refrigerant and the oil are separated in a separator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A partitioning member (5) is arranged between a plate stack (30) and a refrigerant inlet (21). The partitioning member (5) extends along a first direction that is a stacking direction of the plate stack (30). The partitioning member (5) has a plurality of communication holes (50). The plurality of communication holes (50) are open toward the plate stack (30) at positions facing the central heat exchange section (35), the first heat exchange section (36), and the second heat exchange section (37).