Stacked Plate Condenser With Integrated Receiver and Subcooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional condensers of stacked plate design with integrated receivers and subcoolers have complex constructions and high manufacturing costs, making them unattractive for use due to increased complexity and production expenses.
Innovation Solution
A condenser of stacked plate design with a first flow channel for desuperheating and condensing refrigerant and a second flow channel for subcooling, featuring a receiver integrated within the refrigerant flow channel, connected via tubes to ensure efficient refrigerant transfer and subcooling, allowing for a simple and cost-effective construction using predominantly identical plate elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a receiver and subcooler are integrated into a stacked plate condenser, then the condenser can store and subcool refrigerant, but the construction becomes very complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the receiver and subcooler functions directly into the stacked plate condenser structure by utilizing existing plate elements and flow channels. The receiver is formed by closing off specific flow channels at the rear of the condenser, while the subcooler utilizes the same plate structure to provide subcooling capacity, thereby integrating multiple functions into a single compact unit without requiring separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The stacked plate elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide heat transfer surfaces for condensation, form flow channels for refrigerant distribution, create the receiver storage volume by channel closure, and enable subcooling capacity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function
2Reliability
If a receiver and subcooler are integrated into a stacked plate condenser, then the condenser can store and subcool refrigerant, but manufacturing outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the receiver and subcooler functions directly into the stacked plate condenser structure by utilizing existing plate elements and flow channels. The receiver is formed by closing off specific flow channels at the rear of the condenser, while the subcooler utilizes the same plate structure to provide subcooling capacity, thereby integrating multiple functions into a single compact unit without requiring separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predominantly identical plate elements throughout the stacked plate structure, with only minor variations in specific channels or closures. This homogeneity allows for standardized manufacturing processes, simplified assembly, and reduced tooling costs, thereby keeping manufacturing outlay low despite the integrated functionality
3Reliability
If conventional fin and tube condensers are used with external receivers, then refrigerant storage is possible, but the construction is complex and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the receiver function within the internal structure of the stacked plate condenser by closing off specific flow channels to create storage volume. This nested arrangement allows the receiver to occupy space that would otherwise be unused, creating a compact integrated unit rather than requiring an external receiver attached to the condenser
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 results in a compact, low-cost condenser with fully subcooled refrigerant at the end, maintaining constant refrigerant volume, drying, and filtering capabilities, while achieving efficient heat transfer through selective flow channel configurations and internal heat exchangers, enhancing the condenser's capacity and heat transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow channel for a refrigerant and a second flow channel for a coolant... a first region for desuperheating and condensing the vaporous refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a first region for desuperheating and condensing the vaporous refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a second region for subcooling the condensed refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a condenser of stacked plate design, having a first flow channel for a refrigerant and a second flow channel for a coolant, wherein 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.