Multi-Section Heat Exchanger Layout for Single-Outlet Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning apparatuses with a single air outlet suffer from reduced heat exchange efficiency due to variations in air flow speeds across different regions, leading to uneven subcooling and heat exchange performance.
Innovation Solution
The air-conditioning apparatus is designed with a housing that includes intake and blowout air passages, a fan that blows air in a circumferential direction, and strategically positioned heat exchangers, including a front heat exchanger and at least one rear or side heat exchanger, to ensure uniform air flow and efficient subcooling of refrigerant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air outlet is provided in the housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to non-uniform air flow distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is divided into multiple independent heat exchange units (first heat exchange unit, second heat exchange unit, third heat exchange unit) positioned at different locations. Each unit independently processes air flow, allowing the system to handle non-uniform air distribution from the single outlet without compromising overall heat exchange efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If the air outlet is not provided symmetrically with respect to the fan, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the heat exchange efficiency deteriorates due to variation in air speeds
Solution Approach 1:
Different heat exchange units are positioned to face different directions (front, rear, side surfaces) and are designed with different configurations suitable for their specific locations. This allows each unit to optimize its heat exchange performance according to the local air flow conditions, compensating for the non-symmetrical air outlet configuration.
3Productivity
If heat exchangers are disposed to surround the fan, then the heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple heat exchange units are integrated into a unified heat exchanger assembly that surrounds the fan. The units share common structural elements and are coordinated to work together, achieving comprehensive heat exchange coverage while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 configuration enhances heat exchange efficiency by ensuring uniform air distribution and subcooling, even when the air outlet is not symmetrically positioned relative to the fan, thereby improving system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (92) provided in the housing (5) to suck air from the air inlet (12) and blow out air from the air outlet (13)
Implementation Method 2
a front heat exchanger (20d) provided to face the air outlet (13) of the housing (5)... in the second heat exchanger (21), condensed and liquified refrigerant flows
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus includes: a housing having an intake air passage communicating with an air inlet and a blowout air passage communicating with an air outlet that allows air to be blown out in a single direction; a fan; a front heat exchanger facing the air outlet of the housing and including first and second heat exchangers; and at least one of rear and side heat exchangers that face rear and side surfaces of the housing, respectively. When the front heat exchanger operates as a condenser, the first heat exchanger operates as a condenser, and condensed and liquified refrigerant flows in the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is located downstream of the first heat exchanger and the at least one of the rear and side heat exchangers in the flow direction of a refrigerant.