System to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using water as the refrigerant

Abstract

A system to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using water as the refrigerant is provided and includes an evaporator to output water vapor having a water vapor temperature of a first temperature and a water vapor pressure of a first pressure, a condenser to output liquid water at a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature, and a second pressure, which is higher than the first pressure and a compressor, operably disposed downstream from the evaporator and upstream from the condenser, to compress the water vapor to thereby increase the water vapor temperature from the first temperature and to thereby increase the water vapor pressure from the first pressure by at least a 7:1 ratio.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a National Stage Application of PCT Application No. PCT / US12 / 22180 filed Jan. 23, 2012, which is a PCT Application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 436,405 filed Jan. 26, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle using water as the refrigerant.[0003]Vapor-compression refrigeration is of the many refrigeration cycles available for use. It has been and is the most widely used method for air-conditioning of large public buildings, offices, private residences, hotels, hospitals, theaters, restaurants and automobiles. It is also used in domestic and commercial refrigerators, large-scale warehouses for chilled or frozen storage of foods and meats, refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, and a host of other commercial and industrial...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system that uses water as a refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The system has an evaporator to produce water vapor at a first temperature and pressure, a condenser to liquefy the water vapor at a higher temperature and pressure, and a supersonic compressor to compress the water vapor using a two-stage process. The resulting water vapor has a higher temperature and pressure than the original water vapor. The technical effect of this invention is an improved and efficient refrigeration system that uses water as a refrigerant and achieves a high temperature and pressure of the refrigerant through a compressor.

Problems solved by technology

That pressure reduction results in the adiabatic flash evaporation of a part of the liquid refrigerant.

On the other hand, water requires a high volumetric flow rate and a high compression ratio, which cannot be achieved efficiently by conventional centrifugal or axial compressors.

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