Stacked-Plate Condenser with Integrated Collector and Subcooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of collectors and supercoolers in stacked disk condensers is complex, leading to increased production costs and making the devices unattractive due to their complex structure and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A condenser of stacked-plate construction with separate flow channels for refrigerant and coolant, where the collector is integrated between the condensation and supercooling areas, allowing for a simple connection to the refrigerant circuit using existing openings in the disc elements, and utilizing a separating disc with a connection element that runs through it to separate the areas fluid-tightly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If collectors and supercoolers are integrated in stacked disk condensers, then refrigerant handling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collector and supercooler functions into a single integrated component that is directly connected to the stacked disk condenser. The collector serves as both the refrigerant storage vessel and the supercooling heat exchanger, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient refrigerant handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The collector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: storing refrigerant, filtering particulates, drying the refrigerant, and providing supercooling. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system while improving refrigerant handling efficiency.
2Productivity
If collectors and supercoolers are integrated in stacked disk condensers, then refrigerant handling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the collector and supercooler into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and sealed. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly costs while maintaining the efficiency benefits of having both functions present.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional collector design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, thereby reducing material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly requirements while providing superior refrigerant handling capability.
3Reliability
If a complex integration method is used for collectors and supercoolers, then functional performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves functional integration by physically combining the collector and supercooler into one component with internal flow paths that enable both functions. This merging approach maintains reliable refrigerant flow and heat exchange while avoiding the complexity of connecting multiple separate components through intricate piping and sealing arrangements.
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 design simplifies the structure and reduces manufacturing costs, enabling efficient refrigerant handling and supercooling while maintaining a fluid-tight separation between the condensation and supercooling regions, thus addressing the complexity and cost issues of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of plate elements are provided which, when stacked on top of one another, form adjacent channels between the plate elements
Implementation Method 2
a first area for desuperheating and condensation of the vaporous refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The condenser (1) has coolant flow channels (36,40,45) formed between adjacent disc elements (42). The flow channels (36,40) have first region (2) for desuperheating and condensing coolant and second region (3) for subcooling condensed coolant while are separated by blade (31) with collector (8) for storing and/or filtering and/or drying of coolant. The collector is in fluid communication with region (2) through flow path (35) in fluid communication with fluid inlet of collector. A connecting element (4,38) is in fluid communication with region (3) and extends within flow path.