Stacked-Plate Condenser With Integrated Receiver for Refrigerant Subcooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensers of stacked plate design for refrigerant systems have complex designs and high manufacturing costs due to the integration of condensers, receivers, and subcoolers, making them unattractive for use.
Innovation Solution
A condenser with a stacked plate design that incorporates a receiver integrated into the refrigerant flow channel, using tubes to connect the desuperheating and condensing regions for refrigerant transfer, allowing for a simple and cost-effective construction with identical plate elements and improved refrigerant subcooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the receiver is integrated into the plate stack as an additional layer, then the condenser can store refrigerant volume, but the manufacturing outlay and design complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the receiver to be formed using the same mold and manufacturing process as the condenser plate elements. The receiver is created by configuring flow channels within existing plate elements rather than adding separate components, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce both condensation and storage functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the receiver and condenser into a single integrated component structure. The receiver is formed as part of the plate stack by configuring flow channels within plate elements, combining what were traditionally separate components (receiver and condenser) into one unified assembly that can be manufactured together.
2Quantity of substance
If the receiver is integrated into the plate stack as an additional layer, then the condenser can store refrigerant volume, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the receiver to be formed using the same mold and manufacturing process as the condenser plate elements. The receiver is created by configuring flow channels within existing plate elements rather than adding separate components, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce both condensation and storage functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the receiver and condenser into a single integrated component structure. The receiver is formed as part of the plate stack by configuring flow channels within plate elements, combining what were traditionally separate components (receiver and condenser) into one unified assembly that can be manufactured together.
3Device complexity
If conventional fin and tube construction is used with external receiver, then the design is simpler, but the system occupies more space and has higher integration outlay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the receiver functionality within the internal structure of the condenser plate stack. The flow channels are configured within the plate elements themselves, nesting the storage function inside the condensation structure, similar to how nested dolls place one object inside another.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional external receiver attachment to a two-dimensional integration within the plate stack layers. By configuring flow channels within the plate elements and using the receiver as an additional layer in the stacked plate arrangement, the design utilizes the layered dimension of the plate stack to incorporate storage functionality.
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 solution enables a compact, low-cost condenser design with efficient refrigerant subcooling and volume management, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective refrigerant processing.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver is in fluid communication with the first region by means of a first connection element, which forms a first fluid connection of the receiver, wherein the first connection element is formed by a tube which passes through a number of plate elements by means of openings in the plate elements
Implementation Method 2
a first region for desuperheating and condensing the vaporous refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a second region for subcooling the condensed refrigerant having a receiver for storing a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of plate elements is provided, which form channels adjacent to each other between the plate elements when the plate elements are stacked on top of each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a condenser of stacked-plate design, having a first flow duct for a refrigerant and having a second flow duct for a coolant.