Variable circuitry heat exchanger system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heat exchanger coils face challenges in optimizing refrigerant flow paths, requiring time-consuming testing and reconnection of conduits to adjust flow paths for different operating conditions, which limits dynamic heat transfer optimization.
Innovation Solution
A variable circuitry heat exchanger system that uses valves to modify refrigerant flow paths in real-time by adding or blocking conduits, allowing for length adjustment of flow paths within the heat exchanger coil to optimize heat transfer across varying operating conditions and modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant flow paths are optimized for different operating conditions, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the system requires time-consuming testing and reconnection of conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static, fixed conduit connections with dynamic, adjustable connections. Valves are installed at strategic locations within the heat exchanger to enable real-time modification of refrigerant flow paths. This allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions (heating, cooling, dehumidification, different capacity levels) without requiring physical reconnection or testing, thus resolving the contradiction between optimization efficiency and time consumption.
2Productivity
If conduits are reconnected to adjust flow paths, then heat transfer optimization is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the heat exchanger into multiple zones with controllable flow paths. Valves are positioned to segment the refrigerant flow, allowing independent control of different sections. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration of flow paths through valve actuation rather than physical reconnection, reducing device complexity while maintaining optimization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses valves as intermediary devices to control and redirect refrigerant flow between different conduit paths. Instead of requiring direct physical reconnection of conduits, the valves act as mediators that can dynamically open or close flow paths. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the system architecture and reduces manufacturing complexity compared to systems requiring physical conduit reconfiguration.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed conduit connections are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the manufacturing simplicity of fixed conduit connections by using valves instead of requiring physical reconnection. The conduits remain permanently installed and sealed, preserving ease of manufacture. The dynamic adaptability is achieved through the valve mechanism that can be actuated to change flow paths, thus providing versatility without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single heat exchanger unit that can perform multiple functions (heating, cooling, dehumidification) and adapt to different operating conditions through valve control. The same physical hardware configuration serves multiple purposes by dynamically reconfiguring flow paths, eliminating the need for different fixed configurations for different applications.
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
Enables real-time optimization of heat transfer in HVAC systems by dynamically adjusting refrigerant flow paths without the need for reconnection of conduits, improving efficiency across different operating capacities and modes such as startup, steady-state, and shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
A valve that actuates to fluidly couple a first set of conduits of the plurality of conduits in a first setting and fluidly couple a second set of conduits of the plurality of conduits in a second setting
Implementation Method 2
The evaporator coil and the condenser coil facilitate heat transfer between air surrounding the coils and a refrigerant that flows through the coils
Data Source
AI summary
A heat exchanger that includes a plurality of conduits that transmit a refrigerant therethrough. A valve that actuates to fluidly couple a first set of conduits of the plurality of conduits in a first setting and fluidly couple a second set of conduits of the plurality of conduits in a second setting.