Turbo-compressor-condenser-expander
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning and refrigeration systems require separate devices for compression, condensation, and expansion, leading to inefficiencies and increased component count and cost, particularly due to the physical separation of expansion valves from compressors, which limits energy transfer and increases energy demand.
Innovation Solution
A combined isothermal turbocompressor, turbocondenser, and turboexpander device that performs simultaneous refrigerant compression, condensation, and expansion using a central hub and spokes to direct refrigerant flow, allowing for centrifugal compression and heat transfer during compression, thereby reducing the number of components and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices (compressor, condenser, expansion valve) are used for compression, condensation, and expansion, then each function can be performed independently, but the component count increases and energy transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve into a single integrated device where refrigerant compression, heat dissipation, and expansion occur in sequence within one apparatus. The centrifugal compressor and condenser share a common housing, and the expansion valve is positioned to receive refrigerant directly from the condenser outlet, eliminating the need for separate external components and interconnecting tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the centrifugal compressor, provides the condenser heat exchange surface, and directs refrigerant flow to the expansion valve. This multi-functional design reduces component count while maintaining all necessary refrigeration cycle functions.
2Ease of operation
If expansion valve is physically separated from compressor, then installation flexibility is improved, but energy transfer efficiency decreases due to distance
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion valve is integrated within the same housing as the compressor and condenser, positioned to receive refrigerant directly from the condenser outlet. This eliminates long interconnecting tubing and minimizes energy loss during refrigerant transport while maintaining installation flexibility through the compact self-contained design.
3Ease of manufacture
If compression is performed without simultaneous heat expulsion, then compression simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is integrated with the compressor housing, allowing heat expulsion to occur immediately adjacent to the compression zone. The refrigerant passes from the centrifugal compressor directly into the condenser coils where heat is dissipated, creating a continuous compression-heat expulsion process that reduces energy consumption while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables continuous heat expulsion during and immediately after compression by positioning the condenser to receive refrigerant directly from the compressor outlet. This continuous action eliminates the energy waste associated with interrupting heat transfer and maintains thermodynamic efficiency throughout the refrigeration cycle.
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 more-isothermal compression process, reducing energy consumption and component count, improving the overall efficiency and design of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems by integrating compression, condensation, and expansion stages into a single apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
A combined isothermal turbocompressor, turbocondenser, and turboexpander device that performs simultaneous refrigerant compression, condensation, and expansion using a central hub and spokes to direct refrigerant flow, allowing for centrifugal compression
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer during compression, thereby reducing the number of components and enhancing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An isothermal turbo-compressor-condenser-expander (ITCCE) arrangement includes heat-transferring fan blades that are mounted on, or surround, individual conduits to promote air exchange and heat transfer. The open framework rotates in free air to promote heat exchange. An ITCCE bladed assembly includes a driven central hub assembly with a first fluid coupling. A first inner plenum is in fluid communication with the fluid coupling. A plurality of compressor conduits extend radially, and pass fluid from, the first inner plenum to an outer plenum that acts as an equalizing line. A return path is provided to a second inner plenum from the outer plenum. The conduits can be formed as metal extrusions, including internal ribs separating a plurality of ports formed therebetween along an entire length of the conduits. The conduits can define an airfoil shape and/or are axially twisted, generating axial airflow. The return path can include return multiport conduits.