Single module refrigeration system including a condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems require a large amount of refrigerant, leading to high installation and maintenance costs, environmental concerns due to refrigerant leaks, and inefficient power usage, as the compressor and condenser units are typically located remotely from the evaporator, resulting in long refrigerant paths and high pressure ratios.
Innovation Solution
A single module refrigeration system with a condenser unit integrated within the same room space as the evaporator and compressor, reducing the need for extensive refrigerant pathways and allowing for localized installation and maintenance, using a reduced amount of refrigerant, and incorporating a control unit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor unit and condenser unit are located remotely from the evaporator unit, then the refrigerated display can be installed in different locations, but the refrigerant path becomes long requiring significant refrigerant quantity and high pressure ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressor unit, condenser unit, and evaporator unit into a single integrated refrigeration module. This combination allows the entire system to be installed as one unit, maintaining installation flexibility while minimizing refrigerant path length to approximately 3 feet, thereby reducing refrigerant quantity requirements from conventional 2000+ lbs to only 3 lbs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerant path is long, then the system can accommodate remote installation, but the pressure drop increases requiring high pressure ratio at the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all refrigeration components into a single module with the refrigerant path reduced to approximately 3 feet, the patent eliminates long piping runs that cause pressure drops. This integration maintains installation flexibility while keeping pressure ratio within optimal compressor operating ranges, avoiding the high pressure ratios required by conventional remote installations.
3Reliability
If a large amount of refrigerant is used, then the system can function with remote components, but the cost of replacement after leaks becomes extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated module design reduces refrigerant quantity from 2000+ pounds in conventional systems to only 3 pounds. This drastic reduction means that even if a leak occurs, the amount of refrigerant lost and requiring replacement is minimal, making maintenance costs negligible while the system remains fully functional.
4Ease of operation
If high pressure ratio is required at the compressor, then the system can operate with long refrigerant paths, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components into a single module with minimal refrigerant path length, the patent eliminates the need for high pressure ratios. The compressor operates within its preferred efficiency range, significantly reducing power consumption compared to conventional remote installations that require high pressure ratios to overcome long path pressure drops.
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 solution reduces installation and maintenance costs, minimizes refrigerant usage and environmental impact, enhances power efficiency, and improves product preservation by integrating all units within a single module, allowing for easier maintenance and reduced refrigerant leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator unit for allowing the air to flow there through to provide latent heat to a refrigerant circulating within the single module refrigeration system
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator unit for allowing the air to flow there through to provide latent heat to a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a compressor unit downstream of the evaporator unit for compressing the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a condenser unit downstream of the compressor unit to remove latent heat from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
a condenser unit downstream of the compressor unit to remove latent heat from the refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
a pressure reducer unit upstream of the evaporator unit for ensuring a gaseous state of the refrigerant entering the evaporator unit
Data Source
AI summary
A single module refrigeration system located inside a room space for controlling the temperature of the air filling the room space. The system includes a housing for receiving an evaporator unit, a compressor unit, a condenser unit and a pressure reducer unit therein. The evaporator unit allows the air to flow there through to provide latent heat to a refrigerant circulating within the system. The compressor unit is downstream of the evaporator unit to compress the refrigerant. The condenser unit, downstream of the compressor unit, removes latent heat from the refrigerant. The pressure reducer unit, upstream of the evaporator unit, ensures a gaseous state of the refrigerant entering the evaporator unit. The housing includes inlet and outlet connectors to allow a cooling fluid to flow into the condenser unit to receive latent heat from the refrigerant flowing through the condenser unit.