Chiller or heat pump with a falling film evaporator and horizontal oil separator

Abstract

A refrigerant circuit using a vapor compression cycle, the circuit usable for air conditioning, refrigeration or heat pump purposes. The circuit includes a lubricated compressor connected to an oil separator vessel separate from the compressor, a falling film or hybrid falling film evaporator and a condenser. The oil separator vessel extends substantially horizontally. The oil separator vessel is separated into a primary space and a secondary space by a filter pad configured to substantially remove entrained oil droplets of about 5 mum and larger from the refrigerant entering the oil separator vessel. The primary space is in fluid connection with a discharge of the compressor. The secondary space is in fluid connection with an inlet of the condenser. The circuit has an oil entrainment flow discharge of lubricant from the compressor of at least about two percent by mass relative to refrigerant flow.

Description

Background technique [0001] The invention relates to machines for refrigeration and air conditioning or heat pumps with medium to high cooling capacity (typically around 100kW and higher) using a vapor compression cycle comprising falling film or hybrid falling film evaporators in combination with lubricated compressors , the lubrication compressor is connected to an oil separator separate from the compressor. [0002] In the field of research for energy saving and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, high plant efficiencies and low refrigerant charges are sought. To achieve these goals, improvements are being made to all components in the system: compressors, variable speed drives, optimal choice of refrigerant, oil separators, heat exchangers, etc. Most compressors require a large amount of lubrication which similarly creates a large amount of oil carried from the compressor into the refrigerant circuit. The oil entrained into the refrigerant circuit must then be returne...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, coalescing filters have some disadvantages

they tend to be relatively expensive

Some in-line separators may not meet operating specifications if coalescing filters are not installed properly

If it is possible to inspect and remove the filter, expensive additional flanges are required or a man hole is provided for access, which also increases the risk of refrigerant leaks

Additionally, hydraulic safety testing of vessels with internal coalescing filters increases the risk of damaging these filters, and there are associated difficulties in properly emptying and drying the vessel after the test is complete

[0014] Coalescing filters also suffer a loss of performance in the event of sudden high fluid mass flows and are susceptible to clogging and / or destruction under the influence of elevated fluid forces

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