Vertical Heat Exchanger Layout for Lower Air Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners with multiple heat exchangers face pressure loss and reduced heat exchange performance due to limited case size and condensate flow issues, which affect air flow rate and heat exchange efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a case with a guide member and water collecting member to block air flow between adjacent heat exchangers and collect condensate, preventing it from reaching lower heat exchangers, thereby reducing pressure loss and enhancing heat exchange performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple heat exchangers are installed in the width direction to increase heat exchange area, then the heat exchange area increases, but the pressure loss of air increases and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging heat exchangers horizontally in the width direction to stacking them vertically in the height direction. This dimensional change allows multiple heat exchangers to be arranged in succession from top to bottom within the case, increasing the heat exchange area while maintaining better air flow characteristics and reducing pressure loss compared to horizontal arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heat exchange function into multiple separate heat exchanger units arranged vertically. Each heat exchanger processes air sequentially, and the vertical arrangement with guide members creates distinct flow paths that reduce turbulence and pressure loss while collectively providing increased heat exchange area.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple heat exchangers are installed in the case of predetermined standard size, then the heat exchange area increases, but a new arrangement design is required to reduce pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical height dimension of the case to arrange multiple heat exchangers in succession, which is a more space-efficient approach within standard case dimensions. This vertical stacking with guide members creates a systematic arrangement that reduces pressure loss while fitting within predetermined standard sizes, avoiding the need for complex horizontal arrangements.
3Productivity
If heat exchanger is operated as evaporator, then condensed water flows down by gravity, but heat exchange performance deteriorates and air flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes condensed water from the heat exchange process by providing drainage paths that guide condensed water away from the heat exchanger surfaces. The guide members and case structure create drainage channels that prevent condensed water from accumulating on lower heat exchangers, thereby maintaining heat exchange performance and air flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide members as intermediary structures between heat exchangers that serve dual functions: guiding air flow vertically through the heat exchangers and providing drainage paths for condensed water. These guide members mediate the interaction between air flow and condensed water, preventing condensed water from interfering with the heat exchange process.
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 increases the heat exchange area, reduces pressure loss, and prevents heat exchange performance degradation from condensate, improving air flow rate and overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
condensed water formed on a surface of the heat exchanger flows down from the heat exchanger by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An air conditioner includes a case having an inlet and an outlet; a first heat exchanger arranged in the case; a second heat exchanger being spaced apart from the first heat exchanger; a guide member to block a space between adjacent edges of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and a water collecting member provided at the guide member to collect condensed water from the first heat exchanger.