Heat Exchanger Throttle Layout for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchange systems face challenges in preventing condensation near cooling elements without increasing costs, particularly due to the use of expensive electronic expansion valves.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchange system incorporating a variable throttle and a fixed throttle with a check valve, allowing for adjustable refrigerant flow and fan speed control to manage condensation risks without the need for two electronic expansion valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two electronic expansion valves are provided between condenser and evaporator to adjust refrigerant temperature and prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a variable throttle (electronic expansion valve) with a fixed throttle (capillary tube) in series to achieve the function of temperature adjustment and condensation prevention. This merging approach allows the system to utilize the adjustable特性 of the electronic expansion valve and the cost-effectiveness of the capillary tube, thereby preventing condensation without requiring two expensive electronic expansion valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces one electronic expansion valve with a capillary tube, which is a much cheaper fixed throttle device. Although the capillary tube lacks adjustability, when combined with the variable throttle in series, it achieves the desired temperature control and condensation prevention function at a lower overall system cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If two fixed capillary tubes are used to adjust refrigerant temperature, then system cost is reduced, but ability to adapt to varying operating conditions deteriorates, causing condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable throttle (electronic expansion valve) into the system, which can dynamically adjust its opening degree based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying temperatures and loads, preventing condensation while maintaining cost-effectiveness when combined with the fixed capillary tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow resistance parameter of the refrigerant by using a variable throttle that can adjust its opening degree. This parameter change enables the system to control the refrigerant temperature precisely, adapting to different operating conditions and preventing condensation without requiring two expensive electronic expansion valves.
3Ease of operation
If a variable throttle is used alone to control refrigerant flow, then temperature adjustment is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a variable throttle with a fixed throttle (capillary tube) in series to achieve temperature control. This combination allows the variable throttle to handle the dynamic adjustment needs while the capillary tube provides stable flow resistance, thereby maintaining good temperature control capability without excessive system 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 effectively prevents condensation in both cooling and heating operations while maintaining cost-effectiveness by using a combination of variable and fixed throttles and controlling fan speeds based on humidity levels.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve (17) provided on a bypass passage that connects a first branch position (B1; B3) and a second branch position (B2; B4) in parallel with said fixed throttle, said check valve being provided to allow said refrigerant to flow from said first branch position (B1; B3) to said second branch position (B2; B4)
Implementation Method 2
a fixed throttle (16) provided on said second path... a variable throttle (15) provided on a second path (PT2)... the pressure difference occurring across both ends of the cooling element can be relatively freely adjusted
Implementation Method 3
a cooling element (20) that is provided on said second path and that cools an object to be cooled (30)
Implementation Method 4
a compressor (13) provided on a first path (PT1)... said compressor compressing a refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A heat exchange system (1A) includes an outdoor heat exchanger (11), an indoor heat exchanger (12), a compressor (13), an expansion valve (15), a capillary tube (16), and a cooling jacket (20). The compressor (13) is provided on a first path (PT1) that is one of two paths connecting the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the indoor heat exchanger (12), and the expansion valve (15), the capillary tube (16) and a check valve (17) are provided on a second path (PT2) of the two paths connecting the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the indoor heat exchanger (12) that is opposite to the path on which the compressor (13) is provided. The cooling jacket (20) for cooling an object to be cooled (30) is provided between the expansion valve (15) and the capillary tube (16).