Systems including pressure exchangers, related methods, and related non-transitory machine-readable storage media

Abstract

A system and method includes identifying, by a processing device, a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger (PX) of a heat transfer system. The method further includes determining a target opening value of the first valve based on the first indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger. An inlet of the first valve is coupled to a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The method further includes causing actuation of the first valve based on the target opening value. Another system and method includes adjusting an operating speed of a low pressure supercharger. Another system and method includes determining a target adjustment of a first valve fluidly coupled to a first outlet of a heat exchanger and a secondary fluid inlet of the heat exchanger based on first temperature data, and causing actuation of the first valve based on the target adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control of systems, and more particularly, to control of refrigeration and heat pump systems including pressure exchangers. Background Art

[0002] The system uses fluids at different pressures. The system uses pumps and / or compressors to increase the pressure of the fluid. The energy usage of the fluid handling system may be primarily consumed by the pumps and / or compressors that increase the pressure of the fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a hydraulic energy transfer system, according to some embodiments.

[0005] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a hydraulic energy transfer system, according to some embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of a pressure exchanger (PX) according to some embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a pressure exchanger according to some embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a fluid treatment system according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments described herein relate to control of refrigeration and / or heat pump systems including pressure exchangers (e.g., refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, pressure exchanger systems, fluid handling systems including pressure exchangers, heat transfer systems, carbon dioxide (CO2) systems integrated with rotary pressure heat exchangers, etc. 2 ) Control of a control system of a refrigeration system, etc.). In particular, a control module for controlling, maintaining, adjusting, etc. the operation of a system including one or more pressure exchangers is described.

[0011] The system can use fluids of different pressures. The fluid supplied to the system may be under lower pressure, and one or more parts of the system may be operated under higher pressure. The system may include a closed loop, wherein various fluid pressures are maintained at different parts of the loop. These systems may include hydraulic fracturing (for example, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) or fracturing (fracing)) systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, energy generation systems, mud pumping systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste liquid systems, fluid transmission systems, etc. Pumps or compressors can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid of such systems.

[0012] Conventionally, heat transfer systems (e.g., refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, reversible heat pump systems, etc.) use pumps or compressors to increase the pressure of a fluid (e.g., a refrigeration fluid such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), R-744, R-134a, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ammonia (NH 3 ), refrigerant mixtures, R-407A, R-404A, etc.). Traditionally, a separate pump or compressor mechanically coupled to a motor is used to increase the fluid pressure in any part of the system that includes an increase in fluid pressure. Pumps and compressors, especially those operating on large pressure differences (e.g., causing a substantial increase in fluid pressure), require a large amount of energy. Therefore, conventional systems consume a large amount of energy to increase the fluid pressure (via a pump or compressor driven by a motor). In addition, conventional heat transfer systems reduce the pressure of the fluid via an expansion valve and / or a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser and / or evaporator, etc.). Conventional systems cannot effectively increase and reduce fluid pressure. This is wasteful in terms of the energy used to run conventional systems (e.g., energy used to repeatedly increase the pressure of the refrigeration fluid to increase or decrease the temperature of the surrounding environment).

[0013] The systems, devices and methods of the present disclosure enable control of a system (e.g., a fluid handling system, a heat transfer system, a refrigeration system, a heat pump system, a cooling system, a heating system, etc.) including one or more pressure exchangers (PX). In one system, the pressure exchanger can be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a high pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid in a refrigeration cycle) and a second fluid (e.g., a low pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid in a refrigeration cycle). The pressure exchanger can receive the first fluid (e.g., the high pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid) via a first inlet (e.g., a high pressure inlet) and receive the second fluid (e.g., the low pressure portion of a refrigeration fluid) via a second inlet (e.g., a low pressure inlet). When entering the pressure exchanger, the pressure of the first fluid can be higher than that of the second fluid. The pressure exchanger can exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid can leave the pressure exchanger via a first outlet (e.g., a low pressure outlet), and the second fluid can leave the pressure exchanger via a second outlet (e.g., a high pressure outlet). When leaving the pressure exchanger, the second fluid will have a higher pressure than the first fluid (e.g., pressures have been exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid).

[0014] In some embodiments, a heat transfer system (e.g., a refrigeration system, a heat pump system, etc.) can target a controlled operating condition. For example, a refrigeration system can target a specific temperature in a cold storage area (e.g., for safe storage of perishable materials such as food, medicine, scientific or research materials, etc.); a heat pump system can target a comfortable internal temperature of a home; a system can target the rate of heat exchange between the system and the environment; one or more parts of the system can target an operating temperature, pressure, fluid density, or the like; etc. The operating parameters for maintaining the target condition may depend on many factors, such as the ambient temperature; the quality, type, and initial temperature of the material in the temperature-controlled area; the frequency of material and / or energy exchange between the controlled area and the surrounding environment; etc.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can operate at a range of operating speeds. For example, a rotary pressure exchanger can operate at various speeds, a reciprocating pressure exchanger can operate at multiple cycle frequencies, and so on. The pressure exchanger can be connected to a motor. The motor can be configured to control the operating speed of the pressure exchanger. The operating speed of the pressure exchanger may have an impact on the fluid flow rate, the fluid pressure of various parts of the fluid treatment system, and so on. In some embodiments, the motor can drive the pressure exchanger, for example, if the target is a faster flow rate through the pressure exchanger, the motor can accelerate the operation of the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the motor can be used to inhibit the pressure exchanger, for example, if the target is a slower flow rate through the pressure exchanger, the motor can inhibit the movement of the pressure exchanger to maintain the desired flow rate. The controller can be operably connected to the motor of the pressure exchanger. The controller can receive data collected from one or more parts of the fluid treatment system, for example, pressure data indicating the fluid pressure associated with the condenser of the fluid treatment system, flow rate data indicating the flow rate through a part of the fluid treatment system, and so on. The controller can generate a control signal for the motor based on the received data indicating one or more operating conditions of the fluid treatment system. The motor can be configured to adjust the operating speed of the pressure exchanger based on the control signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the operating speed of the pressure exchanger can be used to maintain one or more conditions of the fluid system. For example, the speed of the pressure exchanger can be selected to maintain a target fluid pressure of a component upstream of the pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger speed can further affect other conditions of the system, but due to the impact of the pressure exchanger speed on multiple conditions and components of the system, it may be at least partially impossible to adjust. Additional control methods can be used to maintain one or more target conditions of the fluid system, which conditions may be further affected by the operating speed of the pressure exchanger.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fluid system may include one or more control valves that can be opened or closed to achieve a target fluid flow rate. The control valve may be included in the fluid system and coupled to a high pressure outlet of a pressure exchanger. For example, a fluid may leave the high pressure outlet of a pressure exchanger, pass through an auxiliary gas cooler, and be provided to the control valve. The control valve may have an adjustable opening, the opening being adjusted based on one or more inputs to maintain a target condition of the fluid system. The control valve opening may be adjusted to maintain a target travel distance of the pressure exchanger.

[0018] The travel distance is a measurement (measurement) of the fluid flow rate of the pipeline entering the pressure exchanger. For example, a fluid can flow into the pipeline from a first inlet and exchange pressure with a second fluid entering the pipeline from an inlet disposed on the opposite side of the pipeline. Then, after exchanging pressure, the fluid can be removed via an outlet disposed on the same side of the pipeline where the fluid enters. The travel distance is a measurement (measurement) of the distance that the first fluid flows into the pipeline before retreating to the outlet. The travel distance represents the volume flow through the pressure exchanger, for example, based on the speed of the pressure exchanger, the number of pipelines in the pressure exchanger, and the total pipeline volume of the pressure exchanger. The two inlets of the pressure exchanger may have their own associated travel distances. For example, in operation, the pressure exchanger can operate under a first low-pressure travel distance associated with the travel of the fluid disposed at the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger and a second high-pressure travel distance associated with the travel of the fluid disposed at the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The travel distance target can be selected based on a target volume flow, a target energy efficiency, a target pressure exchange efficiency, a target mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid, etc. through the pressure exchanger.

[0019] One or more travel distances of a pressure exchanger can be adjusted and / or maintained via adjusting the operation of components of a fluid delivery system that includes the pressure exchanger. For example, a low-pressure inlet travel distance (e.g., the volume of fluid provided to a low-pressure inlet of a pressure exchanger compared to the working volume of the pressure exchanger) can be maintained by adjusting the opening of a control valve coupled to a high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The working volume of the pressure exchanger depends on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger. For example, in a rotary pressure exchanger, as the speed increases, the number of pipes used by the pressure exchanger over a period of time also increases. The control valve can be configured to control based on the pressure exchanger speed to maintain a target low-pressure inlet travel distance in the pressure exchanger. When setting the opening of the control valve, other signals can be considered, such as the total system load (e.g., the total fluid flow through the system), the temperature of one or more gas coolers, etc.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fluid system may include a supercharger, a compressor or a pump, such as a low-pressure supercharger, that is fluidically coupled to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The low-pressure supercharger may be configured to enable fluid to flow to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The low-pressure supercharger may further affect the low-pressure inlet travel distance in the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, one or more parameters (e.g., parameters such as the operating speed of the pressure exchanger, the target low-pressure inlet travel distance, the pipeline volume of the pressure exchanger, and the operating volume of the low-pressure supercharger) may be used to set the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger, thereby achieving the target low-pressure inlet travel distance in the pressure exchanger.

[0021] In some embodiments, the fluid system can control the fluid flow to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger via a control valve. In this case, the fluid system may not include a low-pressure supercharger. In some embodiments, the main flow of the fluid (e.g., the main heat transfer fluid flow, such as the fluid through the main compressor, evaporator, gas cooler, condenser, etc.) can pass through the main flow channel of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be located after the main gas cooler or the main evaporator of the refrigeration system or the heat pump system. A part of the output of the main channel of the heat exchanger can pass through a cooling valve (e.g., a controlled expansion valve) and be provided to the secondary channel of the heat exchanger, for example, cooling is provided for the main (most) fluid passing through the main channel of the heat exchanger. The control valve can be used to adjust the supercooling achieved in the heat exchanger to the main fluid flow. For example, the amount of fluid passing through the cooling valve can be increased to increase the cooling of the main fluid in the heat exchanger, so as to achieve the target supercooling, the target temperature at the main outlet of the heat exchanger, etc. Achieving and / or maintaining the target fluid temperature, the target fluid supercooling amount, etc. can improve the energy efficiency of the system, the heat transfer efficiency of the system, etc. By adjusting the opening of the control valve to adjust the amount of cooling provided to the primary fluid by the secondary fluid in the secondary passage of the heat exchanger, a target temperature drop across the heat exchanger can be achieved.

[0022] In some embodiments, the supercharger-free system may further include a second control valve. The second control valve may be connected to the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger, for example, after the auxiliary condenser or gas cooler. The second control valve may further affect the condition of the fluid system. The second control valve may be controlled based on, for example, the opening of the first control valve, the total system load, the temperature at the outlet of the main body channel in the heat exchanger, etc.

[0023] The system, device and method of the present disclosure have advantages over traditional solutions. Compared with traditional systems, the system of the present disclosure reduces energy consumption. For example, the pressure exchanger of the heat transfer system of the present disclosure can recover the energy stored as pressure and transfer the energy back to the system, thereby reducing the energy cost of operating the heat transfer system. The various controllers used in the system can improve the energy efficiency of the system by, for example, maximizing the pressure transmission from the first fluid to the second fluid via the pressure exchanger (for example, by adjusting the fluid flow rate, fluid pressure, pressure exchanger operating speed, etc.). Compared with traditional systems, the system of the present disclosure can reduce the wear of components (such as pumps, compressors). The introduction of the pressure exchanger can reduce the pumping load on one or more pumps / compressors, for example, the target pressure difference to be achieved by the compressor can be reduced. One or more controllers (for example, control systems) can improve the operation of pumps and compressors by enabling the pumps and compressors to operate at a target pumping speed, for example, the pumping speed is selected to meet the target system output (for example, maintaining the target temperature in the heat transfer system) while protecting one or more components of the system (for example, the minimum feasible pumping speed). The system of the present disclosure can protect one or more components from damage. For example, the compressor of the system may be sensitive to the phase of the material supplied to the compressor (e.g., the compressor may be configured to compress gas and may be damaged if supplied with liquid, etc.). The controller of the system may change one or more operating parameters of the system (e.g., fluid flow rate, pumping speed, pressure exchanger operating speed, control valve opening, etc.) to maintain the supply of gas to the compressor (e.g., by maintaining a target value of superheat of the gas). The system of the present disclosure may allow greater flexibility in the selection of components for the fluid treatment system. For example, one or more controllers (e.g., control systems) may be operably coupled and may work together to maintain one or more operating conditions. For example, the system may include multiple controllers (e.g., control systems) operably coupled to multiple components (e.g., configured to facilitate adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the components). Multiple control signals may be generated to achieve one or more target tasks, for example, the temperature of an area associated with a heat transfer system may be maintained, and the load on the pump may be maintained within a target range. By utilizing multiple controllers of the system, these goals may be achieved, and / or the user may use more component selections in the system (e.g., a pump having a small operating pressure range recommended by the manufacturer may be included in the system, wherein the pressure at the pump may be maintained within the range under various operating conditions).

[0024] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to pressure exchangers, energy recovery devices, and hydraulic energy transfer systems, the present disclosure can be applied to other systems and devices (e.g., non-isobaric pressure exchangers, rotating components other than pressure exchangers, non-rotating pressure exchangers, systems that do not include pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0025] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to exchanging pressure between fluids used in fracturing systems, desalination systems, heat pump systems, and / or refrigeration systems, the present disclosure can be applied to other types of systems. Fluids can refer to liquids, gases, transcritical fluids, supercritical fluids, subcritical fluids, and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes obtaining, by a processing device, a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger of a heat transfer system. The method also includes determining a target opening value of a first valve based on the first indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger, wherein an inlet of the first valve is coupled to a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The method also includes generating a control signal based on the target opening value. The method also includes actuating the first valve to the target opening value by providing a first control signal to the first valve.

[0027] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes obtaining, by a processing device, a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger of a heat transfer system. The method also includes determining a target operating speed of a low-pressure supercharger based on the first indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger, wherein an outlet of the low-pressure supercharger is connected to a low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The method also includes generating a first control signal based on the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger. The method also includes providing the first control signal to the low-pressure supercharger. The low-pressure supercharger is configured to adjust the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger according to the first control signal.

[0028] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes obtaining first temperature data by a processing device. The first temperature data represents the temperature difference between the fluid at the main fluid inlet of the heat exchanger and the fluid at the main fluid outlet of the heat exchanger. The outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The method also includes determining a target adjustment degree of a first valve connected to the main fluid outlet of the heat exchanger and the secondary fluid inlet of the heat exchanger based on the first temperature data. The method also includes generating a first control signal based on the target adjustment (degree). The method also includes providing a first control signal to the first valve. The first valve is configured to adjust the opening of the first valve according to the target adjustment based on the first control signal.

[0029] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium stores instructions. When executing these instructions, a processing device performs any of the above methods. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a system includes a memory and a processing device connected to the memory. The processing device is configured to perform any of the above methods. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a fluid treatment system includes a pressure exchanger and a controller. The controller is configured to perform operations related to maintaining a target condition of the fluid treatment system according to the above method.

[0030] Figure 1AA schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100A (eg, a heat transfer system) including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0031] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger, a collection of components including a pressure exchanger, etc.) receives a low pressure fluid input 120 from a low pressure (LP) input system 122 (e.g., via a low pressure inlet). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 also receives a high pressure fluid input 130 from a high pressure (HP) input system 132 (e.g., via a high pressure inlet). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) exchanges pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120 to provide a low pressure fluid output 140 to a low pressure fluid output system 142 (e.g., via a low pressure outlet), and provides a high pressure fluid output 150 to a high pressure fluid output system 152 (e.g., via a high pressure outlet). The controller 180 can adjust the flow rate of the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid output 140 through one or more flow valves, pumps, and / or compressors (not shown). The controller 185 can be configured to perform various operations (e.g., various operations of the controllable components 186). The controller 185 can be configured to cause actuation of one or more valves. The controller 185 can be configured to adjust the operating speed of one or more components. The controller 185 can cause other operations of the controllable components 186. The controller 185 can cause actuation of one or more valves. The controller 185 can start, deactivate, or adjust the operation of one or more pumps (e.g., adjust the operating speed of a boost pump).

[0032] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger to exchange pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger is substantially or partially isobaric (e.g., an isobaric pressure exchanger (I pressure exchanger)). The pressure exchanger can be a device that transfers fluid pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120 with an efficiency (e.g., pressure transfer efficiency, substantially isobaric) of more than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more (e.g., without using centrifugal technology). High pressure (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130, high pressure fluid output 150) refers to a pressure that is higher than a low pressure (e.g., low pressure fluid input 120, low pressure fluid output 140). The low pressure fluid input 120 of the pressure exchanger can be pressurized and exit the pressure exchanger at a high pressure (e.g., a high pressure fluid output 150 having a pressure greater than the pressure of the low pressure fluid input 120), while the high pressure fluid input 130 can be at least partially depressurized and exit the pressure exchanger at a low pressure (e.g., a low pressure fluid output 140 having a pressure less than the high pressure fluid input 130). The pressure exchanger can operate with the high pressure fluid input 130 directly applying a force to pressurize the low pressure fluid input 120, with or without a fluid separator between the fluids. Examples of fluid separators that can be used with the pressure exchanger include, but are not limited to, pistons, bladders, diaphragms, and / or the like.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can be a rotary device. A rotary pressure exchanger, such as that manufactured by Energy Recovery, Inc. in San Leandro, California, may not have any independent valves because the effective valve adjustment action is completed inside the device via the relative movement of the rotor relative to the end cap. In some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger operates with an internal piston to isolate the fluids and transfer pressure with relatively little mixing of the inlet fluid streams. In some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger operates between fluids without an internal piston.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can be a reciprocating device. The reciprocating pressure exchanger may include a piston that reciprocates in a cylinder for transferring pressure between each fluid stream. For example, the reciprocating pressure exchanger may include one or more pressure exchange chambers. The pressure exchange chambers may each include a piston. A high-pressure first fluid may be allowed to enter one side of the pressure exchange chamber to transfer energy (e.g., via the displacement of the piston) to a low-pressure second fluid on the other side of the pressure exchange chamber. Then, the first fluid, which is now at low pressure, may be allowed to be discharged from the pressure exchange chamber, and the second fluid, which is now at high pressure, is used for the operation of the fluid treatment system (e.g., for desalination, fracturing, refrigeration, heat transfer, etc.). Then, the low-pressure second fluid may be allowed to fill the second side of the pressure exchange chamber, and the high-pressure first fluid may then be introduced into the first side of the pressure exchange chamber to transfer energy to another part of the second fluid. The reciprocating device may include many pressure exchange chambers that operate in a cycle for causing the high-pressure second fluid of the device to flow substantially continuously.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can be a hydraulic turbocharger device. The hydraulic turbocharger pressure exchanger can introduce a high-pressure first fluid into a chamber including a first impeller. The first high-pressure fluid can rotate the impeller by transferring energy from the first fluid to the impeller. The first impeller can be coupled to a shaft that is also coupled to a second impeller in a separate chamber. The rotation of the first impeller can cause the rotation of the second impeller. The second impeller can contact the second fluid at a low pressure. The rotation of the impeller can transfer energy to the second fluid (e.g., increase the pressure of the second fluid).

[0036] Any pressure exchanger or multiple pressure exchangers may be used in the present disclosure, such as, but not limited to, a rotary pressure exchanger, a reciprocating pressure exchanger, a hydraulic turbocharger pressure exchanger, or any combination thereof. In addition, the pressure exchanger can be disposed on a unit platform (slide) that is separate from other components of the fluid treatment system 100A (e.g., where the pressure exchanger is attached to an existing fluid treatment system). For example, the pressure exchanger can be fastened to a structure that can be moved from one location to another. The pressure exchanger can be connected to a system built on site (e.g., piping of the system, etc.). The structure to which the pressure exchanger is fastened can be referred to as a "unit platform."

[0037] In some embodiments, the motor 160 is coupled to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., coupled to a pressure exchanger). In some embodiments, the motor 160 controls the speed of the rotor of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to increase the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, reduce the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, etc.). In some embodiments, the motor 160 generates energy based on the pressure exchange in the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., acts as a generator). For example, a pressure difference (e.g., a pressure difference between the low pressure fluid input 120 and the high pressure fluid input 130) can drive the rotation of the rotary pressure exchanger, and the motor 160 can introduce resistance to the rotation to slow the rotation and generate electricity. Alternatively, the motor can slow down the pressure exchanger without generating electricity.

[0038] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may include a hydraulic turbocharger or a hydraulic pressure exchanger, such as a rotary pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger may include one or more chambers and / or channels (e.g., 1 to 100) to facilitate pressure transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid (e.g., gas, liquid, multiphase fluid).

[0039] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can transfer energy (e.g., pressure) between two fluids of substantially different composition and phase. For example, the pressure exchanger of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can transfer pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a pressure exchange fluid, such as a proppant-free fluid, a substantially proppant-free fluid, a low viscosity fluid, a fluid having a certain chemical content below a threshold, etc.) and a second fluid, the second fluid can have a higher viscosity (e.g., high viscosity), include certain chemicals (e.g., corrosive chemicals) in excess of a threshold amount, and / or contain solid particles (e.g., a fracturing fluid containing sand, proppants, powders, chips, ceramics, etc.). By transferring energy from one fluid to another, expensive components such as pumps can be protected from contact with fluids such as viscous, corrosive, or abrasive fluids that may be harmful to them.

[0040] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can transfer energy (e.g., pressure) between two fluids of substantially similar composition. For example, in some conventional systems, the waste stream of the system may include a fluid at high pressure. The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can accept the high pressure waste stream as a high pressure input (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130) and transfer energy from that stream to a low pressure working stream (e.g., low pressure fluid input 120). In some systems, such as closed refrigeration systems, energy can be recovered from the high pressure portion of the fluid stream to reduce the requirements of the pump and / or compressor on the fluid stream.

[0041] In some embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 includes a pressure intensifier (e.g., a pump and / or a compressor) to increase the pressure of the fluid to form the low pressure fluid input 120, or to facilitate mass transfer of the fluid to supply the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. In some embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 receives gas from a low pressure output system 142. In many embodiments, the low pressure input system 122 receives fluid from a receiver (e.g., a flash tank). The receiver can receive the low pressure fluid output 140 output from the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0042] The fluid treatment system 100A also includes a control module 180. The control module 180 may include one or more controllers 185. The control module 180 may be configured to execute FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C any method. The controller 185 of the control module 180 may receive data (e.g., measurement data) from sensors associated with the fluid treatment system 100A. The controller 185 may be configured to generate control signals based on operating parameters (e.g., threshold values, specified operating ranges, target parameter values, etc.) and / or data received from the sensors. The controller 185 may include a single device that performs one or more control tasks, a separate device for each control task (e.g., each controllable component of the fluid treatment system 100A), multiple devices for each performing multiple functions, etc. For example, the operation of each controller 185 may be performed by a separate device, or the operation of all controllers 185 may be performed by a single device, or a combination of separate devices and combined devices may be used. The components of the control module 180 may include a general computing device, a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, a microcontroller, a dedicated controller (e.g., hardware, circuitry, etc.), a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller (e.g., a three-term controller), a network device, or any other device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specifies the actions to be taken by the device. The control module 180 may include multiple controllers that act independently (e.g., there is no input from one controller to another, no measurement data from one sensor is fed to multiple controllers, etc.). The control module 180 may include multiple controllers that work in coordination with each other, for example, a targeted adjustment to an operating parameter of the fluid treatment system 110A (e.g., as reported by one or more sensors of the system) may include one or more controllers of the control module 180 adjusting the operation of one or more components of the system.

[0043] The fluid treatment system 100A may further include one or more sensors to provide sensor data associated with the fluid of the fluid treatment system 100A (e.g., flow data, pressure data, velocity data, etc.). The controller 185 may control one or more flow rates of the fluid treatment system 100A, the operation of one or more components of the fluid treatment system 100A (e.g., the operation of the motor 160, the operation of one or more pumps, etc.), etc. based on the sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller 185 actuates one or more flow valves based on the received sensor data.

[0044] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can be used in different types of systems, such as fracturing systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems (e.g., Figure 1B ), heat pump systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste fluid systems, fluid transmission systems, etc.

[0045] The controller 185 of the control module 185 can provide control signals to interdependent components of the fluid treatment system 100A. For example, the controller 185 can provide a control signal to the motor 160 to control the operating speed of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. The operating speed of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 can further affect conditions at other locations of the fluid treatment system 100A. Other components, such as valves, pumps, etc., can be operated to control conditions of the fluid treatment system 100A that are affected by the operating speed of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. The controller 185 can provide signals to various controllable components 186 included in the fluid treatment system 100A. Various components of the subsystems of the fluid treatment system 100A can be controlled by signals provided by the controller 185, which are based on the operating speed of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0046] Figure 1B 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100B including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 according to certain embodiments. The fluid handling system 100B can be, for example, a heat transfer system, a refrigeration system, or a heat pump system. The fluid handling system 100B can be configured to cool and / or heat an environment (e.g., an indoor space, a refrigerator, a freezer, etc.). In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100B includes a Figure 1B More components, fewer components, same wiring, different wiring, and / or the like may be shown. Figure 1B The reference numerals of some features in Figure 1A Similar to the reference numerals in Figure 1A Those similar features, functions and / or structures in.

[0047] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) may receive a low pressure fluid input 120 from a low pressure input system 122 (e.g., a low pressure lift device 128, a low pressure fluid pump, a low pressure boost pump, a low pressure compressor, a low pressure ejector, etc.) and a high pressure fluid input 130 from a high pressure input system 132 (e.g., a condenser 138, a gas cooler, a heat exchanger, etc.). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) may exchange pressure between the low pressure fluid input 120 and the high pressure fluid input 130 to provide a high pressure fluid output 150 to a high pressure output system 152 (e.g., a high pressure lift device 159, a high pressure fluid pump, a high pressure boost pump, a high pressure compressor, a high pressure ejector, etc.) and provide a low pressure fluid output 140 to a low pressure output system 142 (e.g., an evaporator 144, a heat exchanger, etc.). The low pressure output system 142 (e.g., the evaporator 144) may provide fluid to the compressor 178 and the low pressure lift device 128. The evaporator 144 may provide fluid to the compressor 178 and / or the low pressure lift device 128. In some embodiments, different components may provide fluid to the low pressure lift device 128, the evaporator 144, etc. For example, the low pressure fluid output 140 can be provided to a receiver of a flash tank. The liquid output of the flash tank can be provided to an evaporator 144, and the gas output of the flash tank can be provided to a low pressure lift device 128. In some embodiments, additional valves, pipelines, pipes, fluid flow paths, etc. can provide fluid to different devices in different orders and / or combinations. The condenser 138 can receive fluid from the compressor 178 and the high pressure lift device 159. The controller 180 can control one or more components of the fluid treatment system 100B, for example, including the motor 160 and various other controllable components 186. The high pressure lift device 159 can be a high pressure booster, and the low pressure lift device 128 can be a low pressure booster.

[0048] The fluid treatment system 100B may be a closed system. The low pressure fluid input 120, the high pressure fluid input 130, the low pressure fluid output 140 and the high pressure fluid output 150 may all be fluids (eg, refrigerants, same fluids) circulating in the closed system of the fluid treatment system 100B.

[0049] The fluid handling system 100B may additionally include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the system. For example, the sensors may report fluid properties such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, density, etc. at various stages of the system (e.g., various components of the system). The sensors may measure properties related to the function of the fluid handling system 100B, for example, a refrigeration system may include one or more temperature sensors that report the temperature of an area to be refrigerated. The sensors may measure properties that affect the operation of the fluid handling system 100B, for example, a heat transfer system intended to heat an area associated with the condenser 138 may measure a temperature near the evaporator 144, and the temperature measurement near the evaporator 144 may be used to change one or more operating parameters of the fluid handling system 100B, for example, to achieve a target output (e.g., temperature), improve operating efficiency, etc.

[0050] The control module 180 may be configured to perform a combination FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Any of the methods described herein. The controller 185 of the control module 180 can receive sensor data (e.g., raw sensor data, pre-processed sensor data, average sensor data, data as a difference between a measured value and a target / threshold value, etc.) from the sensor. The controller 185 can be configured to generate one or more control signals based on the input sensor data. The control signals can facilitate the operation of the adjustable components of the fluid treatment system 100B.

[0051] The fluid handling system 100B may include one or more valves with variable openings. For example, the fluid flow rate may be changed by adjusting the opening of the valve. The valve may be electronically adjusted, for example, the valve may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV). The valve may be configured to adjust the opening of the valve (e.g., the opening percentage value) based on a control signal received from a control module 180. The fluid handling system 100B may include one or more pumps, compressors, etc. The pumps and compressors may be configured with variable operating speeds (e.g., motor operating speeds, pumping speeds, etc.). The pumps and compressors may be configured to adjust the operating speed based on a control signal received from a control module 180. The fluid handling system 100B may include a motor 160 of a pressure exchanger coupled to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. The motor 160 may be configured to adjust the operating speed of the pressure exchanger based on a signal received from the control module 180. For example, the motor 160 may act as a generator by converting the rotational energy of the pressure exchanger into electrical energy.

[0052] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, rotary pressure exchanger, rotary liquid piston compressor (LPC)) according to certain embodiments. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Some features in one or more of the graphs may have Figure 1A to Figure 1BThe similar features, functions and / or structures in one or more of the figures herein may be used to represent the similar features, functions and / or structures in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The pressure exchanger 40 is configured to transfer pressure and / or work between a first fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, a particle-free fluid, a proppant-free fluid, supercritical carbon dioxide, a high pressure fluid input 130) and a second fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, a slurry fluid, a fracturing fluid, superheated gaseous carbon dioxide, a low pressure fluid input 120) with minimal fluid mixing. The rotary pressure exchanger 40 may include a generally cylindrical body portion 42 including a sleeve 44 (e.g., a rotor sleeve) and a rotor 46. The rotary pressure exchanger 40 may also include two end caps 48 and 50, which include manifolds 52 and 54, respectively. The manifold 52 includes respective inlet ports 56 and outlet ports 58, while the manifold 54 includes respective inlet ports 60 and outlet ports 62. In operation, these inlet ports 56, 60 enable the first fluid and the second fluid to enter the rotary pressure exchanger 40 to exchange pressures, while the outlet ports 58, 62 enable the first fluid and the second fluid to subsequently exit the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In operation, the inlet port 56 can receive the high pressure first fluid (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130) output from the condenser, and after exchanging pressure, the outlet port 58 can be used to deliver the low pressure first fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid output 140) from the rotary pressure exchanger 40 to a receiver (e.g., a flash tank) configured to receive the first fluid from the rotary pressure exchanger 40. The receiver can form a chamber configured to separate the fluid into gas and liquid. Similarly, the inlet port 60 can receive the low pressure second fluid (e.g., low pressure slurry fluid, low pressure fluid input 120) from the booster, the booster is configured to receive a portion of the gas from the receiver and increase the pressure of the gas, and the outlet port 62 can be used to discharge the high pressure second fluid (e.g., high pressure slurry fluid, high pressure fluid output 150) out of the rotary pressure exchanger 40. The end caps 48, 50 include respective end caps 64, 66 (e.g., end plates) disposed within the respective manifolds 52, 54, which enable fluid-tight contact with the rotor 46.

[0054] The port fluid of the pressure exchanger is coupled to the fluid system. The fluid system may include one or more controllable components 186. The controllable components 186 are coupled to the pressure exchanger, for example, via the outlet port 58 and the outlet port 62. The controllable components 186 may include control valves, pumps, or compressors, etc. There may also be controllable components 186 that are not directly fluidly coupled to the pressure exchanger 40, for example, one or more fans, for providing additional heat transfer to or from a heat exchanger that is fluidly coupled to the pressure exchanger 40.

[0055] One or more components of the pressure exchanger 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, and / or the end cap 66, can be constructed of a wear-resistant material (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness value of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250, or more). For example, tungsten carbide can be more durable and can provide improved wear resistance to abrasive fluids compared to other materials such as alumina ceramics. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the pressure exchanger 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, the end cap 66, and / or other sealing surfaces of the pressure exchanger 40, can include inserts. In some embodiments, the insert may be formed of one or more wear-resistant materials (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness value of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250 or more) to provide improved wear resistance.

[0056] The rotor 46 may be cylindrical and may be disposed within the sleeve 44, which enables the rotor 46 to rotate about the axis 68. The rotor 46 may have a plurality of passages 70 (e.g., ducts, rotor ducts) extending substantially longitudinally through the rotor 46, with openings 72 and 74 (e.g., rotor ports) at each end symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis 68. The openings 72 and 74 of the rotor 46 are arranged to be hydraulically connected to inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) and inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) in the end caps 64, 66, so that the passages 70 are exposed to fluids at high pressure and fluids at low pressure during rotation. As shown, the inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 and the inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 may be designed in the form of arcs or segments of a circle (e.g., C-shaped).

[0057] In some embodiments, control module 180 may be operably coupled to controllable components 186. In some embodiments, a single control module may be used to control some or all of controllable components 186. In some embodiments, one or more of controllable components 186 may have a dedicated corresponding control module 180. Control module 180 may be configured to perform a combination of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The control module 180 may receive sensor data (e.g., revolutions per minute measured by a tachometer or optical encoder, volume flow measured by a flow meter, pressure or temperature data of a fluid in a fluid handling system, etc.). The control module 180 may generate a control signal based on the sensor data. The control module 180 may use the control signal to adjust the operation of the controllable component 186.

[0058] The controllable component 186 may include one or more control valves. Control of the control valve may include performing an operation so that a target amount of fluid passes through the control valve. The valve opening may be opened to a range of sizes, a range of opening percentages, etc. For example, the control module 180 may generate a control signal that causes a valve actuator to operate to move the valve component to a target position to produce a target opening for fluid flow.

[0059] Controllable components 186 may include one or more pumps, compressors, superchargers, etc. Control module 180 may generate control signals that cause pumps (including superchargers, compressors, etc.) to reach a target operating speed (eg, RPM of a component of the pump), a target pumping speed, etc.

[0060] The control module 180 can determine target set points for one or more controllable components to maintain target performance of the fluid system. For example, the control module 180 can receive sensor data and generate control signals based on the sensor data to increase or decrease some characteristic of interest in the fluid system. The control module 180 can receive sensor data for the characteristic of interest, or can receive sensor data related to the characteristic of interest. For example, the control module 180 can be configured to provide control signals based on pressures measured in various parts of the fluid system that indicate the travel distance of the pressure exchanger 40 to maintain a target travel distance of the pressure exchanger 40 (e.g., within a threshold error).

[0061] The operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40 can be used to control the degree of mixing between the first fluid and the second fluid in the rotating pressure exchanger 40, which can be used to improve the fluid treatment system (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1BThe invention also provides a method for improving the operability of a fluid handling system 100A to 100B). For example, changing the volumetric flow rate of the first fluid and / or the second fluid entering the rotary pressure exchanger 40 allows an operator (e.g., a system operator, a plant operator) to control the amount of fluid mixing within the pressure exchanger 40. In addition, changing the rotational speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., via a motor) also allows the operator to control the mixing. Three features of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 that affect mixing are: (1) the aspect ratio of the rotor channel 70; (2) the duration of exposure between the first fluid and the second fluid; and (3) the formation of a barrier (e.g., a fluid barrier, a piston, an interface) between the first fluid and the second fluid within the rotor channel 70. First, the rotor channel 70 (e.g., a pipe) is typically long and narrow, which stabilizes the flow within the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In addition, the first fluid and the second fluid can move through the channel 70 in a piston flow state with minimal axial mixing. Second, in some embodiments, the speed of the rotor 46 reduces the contact between the first fluid and the second fluid. For example, the speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., a rotor speed of about 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)) can reduce the contact time between the first fluid and the second fluid to less than about 0.15 seconds, 0.10 seconds, or 0.05 seconds. Third, the rotor channel 70 (e.g., a small portion of the rotor channel 70) is used for pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid. In some embodiments, a certain volume of fluid is retained in the channel 70 to act as a barrier between the first fluid and the second fluid. All of these mechanisms can limit mixing within the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In addition, in some embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 can be designed to operate with an internal piston or other barrier that completely or partially isolates the first fluid and the second fluid while achieving pressure transfer.

[0062] In some embodiments, the operating speed of the pressure exchanger can be set (e.g., to target the properties listed above, or other properties of interest in the fluid system). The properties of the fluid system may be affected by the speed of the pressure exchanger 40. The control module 180 can receive an indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40 (e.g., from a sensor, a control signal from a controller of the pressure exchanger 40, etc.), and can generate a control signal for the controllable component 186 based on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control module 180 can receive an indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40. The indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40 can be provided by a sensor that measures the operating speed. The indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40 can be provided by a control module of the motor of the pressure exchanger 40 based on the same information as the control signal of the speed of the pressure exchanger 40, etc. Based on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40, the control module 180 can provide a control signal to the control valve of the controllable component 186. The control valve can adjust the opening of the control valve to the target opening in response to the control signal. In some embodiments, other sensor data can be used, such as temperature data of the fluid, pressure data of the fluid, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the control module 180 can receive an indication of the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40. Based on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 40, the control module 180 can provide a control signal to a control valve of a pump, such as a low-pressure boost pump. The pump can adjust the operating speed of the pump based on the control signal. The pump speed can be selected to achieve a target travel distance (e.g., low pressure input (LP-IN) travel distance) of the fluid provided to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 40. Other indications can be considered when generating the control signal, such as a fluid temperature of a gas cooler (e.g., a heat exchanger), a fluid pressure of the gas cooler, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control module 180 can receive temperature data of the temperature difference between the fluid at the main fluid inlet of the heat exchanger and the fluid at the main fluid outlet of the heat exchanger. The control module 180 can generate a control signal based on the temperature difference. The control signal can cause valve actuation. The control signal can enable the supercooling target value of the main fluid to be achieved in the heat exchanger.

[0066] FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is an exploded view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 showing the sequence of positions of a single rotor channel 70 in the rotor 46 as the channel 70 rotates through a complete cycle. Note that FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is a simplified diagram of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 showing one rotor channel 70, and the channel 70 is shown as having a circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may include multiple channels 70 having the same or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.). Thus, FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is a simplified diagram for illustrative purposes, and other embodiments of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may have the same FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E. As described in detail below, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 promotes the pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid (e.g., particle-free fluid and slurry fluid, high-pressure refrigerant and low-pressure refrigerant, etc.) by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to contact each other briefly in the rotor 46. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger promotes the pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to contact the opposite side of the barrier (e.g., reciprocating barrier, piston, not shown). In some embodiments, the exchange occurs at a certain speed, which causes limited mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid. The speed of the pressure wave traveling through the rotor channel 70 (once the channel is exposed to the orifice 76), the diffusion rate of the fluid and / or the rotation speed of the rotor 46 can determine whether any mixing occurs and the degree of mixing.

[0067] FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E A controllable component 186 is included that is fluidly connected to one or more outlets of the pressure exchanger 40. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Any method of providing a control signal to the controllable component 186. FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E Various operating stages of the pressure exchanger 40 are depicted. The operation of the pressure exchanger 40 may be controlled by a control module, such as Figure 1A to Figure 1B The control module 180 of the pressure exchanger can be connected to the pressure exchanger. For example, the control module can be operably connected to the motor of the pressure exchanger. The control module can send one or more control signals to the motor. The motor can adjust the operation of the pressure exchanger 40, for example, the speed of the pressure exchanger 40, the speed of the pressure exchanger 40, etc. The control module may be operably coupled to other components of the fluid handling system that affect the operation of the pressure exchanger 40. For example, one or more compressors that supply fluid to the pressure exchanger 40 may be controlled by the control module, a valve that supplies fluid to the pressure exchanger 40 may be controlled by the control component, a valve coupled to the outlet of the pressure exchanger 40 may be controlled by the control component, and so on. These components may include FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E Controllable component 186.

[0068] Figure 2B FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2B, the channel opening 72 is in a first position. In the first position, the channel opening 72 is in fluid communication with the orifice 78 in the end cap 64, and is therefore in fluid communication with the manifold 52, while the opposite channel opening 74 is in fluid communication with the orifice 82 in the end cap 66, and is in fluid communication with the manifold 54 through the extension. The rotor 46 can rotate in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 84. In operation, a low-pressure second fluid 86 (e.g., a low-pressure slurry fluid) passes through the end cap 66 and enters the channel 70, where the low-pressure second fluid 86 contacts the first fluid 88 at the dynamic fluid interface 90. The second fluid 86 then drives the first fluid 88 to leave the channel 70, pass through the end cap 64, and leave the rotary pressure exchanger 40. However, due to the short duration of contact, mixing between the second fluid 86 (e.g., a slurry fluid) and the first fluid 88 (e.g., a particle-free fluid) is minimal. In some embodiments, the low pressure second fluid 86 contacts a first side of a barrier (e.g., a piston, not shown) disposed in the passage 70, which contacts (e.g., on the opposite side of the barrier) the first fluid 88. The second fluid 86 drives the barrier, which pushes the first fluid 88 out of the passage 70. In such embodiments, there is negligible mixing between the second fluid 86 and the first fluid 88.

[0069] Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2C , the passage 70 has been rotated clockwise through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. In this position, the opening 74 (e.g., outlet) is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 80 and 82 of the end cap 66, and the opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 76 and 78 of the end cap 64. Thus, the low pressure second fluid 86 is temporarily contained within the passage 70.

[0070] Figure 2D is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2D In the channel 70, Figure 2B The position shown is rotated through an arc of approximately 60 degrees. The opening 74 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 80 in the end cap 66, and the opening 72 of the passage 70 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 76 of the end cap 64. In this position, the high pressure first fluid 88 enters and pressurizes the low pressure second fluid 86, thereby driving the second fluid 86 out of the rotor passage 70 and through the orifice 80.

[0071] Figure 2E is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2E In the channel 70, Figure 2BThe position shown is rotated through an arc of approximately 270 degrees. In this position, opening 74 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 80 and 82 of end cap 66, and opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 76 and 78 of end cap 64. Thus, first fluid 88 is no longer pressurized and is temporarily contained within passage 70 until rotor 46 rotates another 90 degrees to begin the cycle again.

[0072] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B According to certain embodiments, a pressure exchanger and one or more controllers (e.g., a control system, Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 300A to 300B of a control module 180 (controller 185). FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Some features in one or more of the graphs may have FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Similar features, functions, and / or structures (e.g., features with similar names and / or reference numerals) to those in one or more of the figures. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B One or more of the systems may be used to perform FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C One or more of the methods.

[0073] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Various fluid handling system architectures (fluid handling systems 300A-300B) and various controllers are depicted in accordance with certain embodiments. The depicted architectures are example architectures, for example, the depicted architectures highlight the operation of the controllers of the fluid handling systems. Figure 3A Any of the controllers depicted in FIG. 3D may be included in any combination in any architectural design of a fluid handling system. For example, executing Figure 3A The controller 390 of the controller of the operation may be included in the architecture that does not include a low pressure boost pump (e.g., Figure 3B ), performs tasks such as controlling Figure 3B The control means for controlling the operation of the bypass valve controller 394 may include a Figure 3A , and so forth. Fluid handling systems that include any controller described herein (e.g., any controller that adjusts the operation of components of a fluid handling and / or energy transfer system including a pressure exchanger based on sensor data from the system) (alone or in any combination) are within the scope of the present disclosure. The controllers can be isolated components (e.g., each controller can be a separate device), the controllers can be combined components (for example, the operations of two or more controllers can be performed by the same device, control system), and so on. The controller can provide control signals in response to various inputs, such as sensor data provided to the controller. The controller can provide control signals to adjust characteristics of the fluid handling system, for example, to adjust the value of one or more conditions of the fluid handling device so that the condition value satisfies one or more threshold conditions.

[0074] In some embodiments, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The devices of the fluid handling system 300A to 300B can communicate via a wired connection. In some embodiments, the devices of the fluid handling system 300A to 300B can communicate wirelessly. In some embodiments, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The devices shown in can communicate via a network. For example, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The controller can receive sensor data via the network and can transmit control signals via the network. In some embodiments, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The devices of the fluid handling system 300A to 300B can communicate via one or more wired networks. In some embodiments, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B The devices of the fluid treatment systems 300A-300B can communicate via one or more wireless networks (eg, personal area networks, wireless local area networks, etc.). In some embodiments, the devices of the fluid treatment systems 300A-300B can communicate via some wired networks and some wireless networks.

[0075] In some embodiments, the controller of the fluid treatment system 300A to 300B can be a PID controller. The controller of the fluid treatment system 300A to 300B can calculate an error value (e.g., the difference between the target set point and the measured value). The controller of the fluid treatment system 300A to 300B can apply corrections (e.g., generate control signals) based on the proportion, integral, and derivative terms of the error value. For example, the proportional term can be based on the difference between the set point value and the measured value, the integral term can be based on the past value of the error term integrated over time, and the derivative term can be based on the future trend predicted by the error term based on the current rate of change of the error term. In some embodiments, the controller of the fluid treatment system 300A to 300B can be a computing device. The controller of the fluid treatment system 300A to 300B can be implemented as software (e.g., executed by a general computing device), hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some embodiments, the operation of the controller of the fluid treatment system 300A to 300B can include receiving one or more adjustable settings, parameters, etc. For example, the response of the controller (e.g., the amplitude of the output signal, the value of the adjustment instruction included in the control signal, etc.) can have a variable intensity (e.g., for a given difference between a measured value and a target value of a measured characteristic, the controller can have a range of possible output values, and the achievement of one of the output ranges can be responsive to one or more settings and / or parameters of the controller). In some embodiments, the controller can have an associated lookup table, and for a given input (e.g., the difference between a set point and a measured value), the controller can generate an output according to the table. In some embodiments, the controller can perform calculations including adjustable parameters (e.g., user adjustable parameters, and adjustable settings, etc.), and in response to the input, the controller can generate an output based on the input. In some embodiments, the parameters and / or settings of the controller can be selected / adjusted by a user. In some embodiments, the parameters and / or settings of the controller can be adjusted by a computer-implemented method, such as a method of a controller, an associated computing device, etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the performance of the controller may be tracked (e.g., measured over time and stored for analysis). If the controller causes an overshoot (e.g., if a component of the fluid handling system overcorrects in response to receiving a control signal from the controller, if a measured characteristic value passes through a target value before stabilizing within a threshold of the target value, etc.) exceeding a threshold (e.g., a percentage of the difference between the initial value and the target value, exceeding an overshoot frequency threshold and / or a severity threshold, etc.), the sensitivity of the controller (e.g., the strength of the response to a measurement value that is different from the target characteristic value) may be reduced. For example, the controller may generate a control signal in response to receiving a measurement value that is different from a set point (e.g., the difference between the set point and the measurement value exceeds a threshold). The controller may later receive a measurement value that is different from the set point but in the opposite direction (e.g., the control signal may be intended to correct a measurement value that is below the set point, while a subsequent measurement value may be above the set point). The responsiveness of the controller may be adjusted (e.g., a calculation parameter that determines the strength of the output relative to the input difference between the set point and the measurement value, a table entry that determines the severity of an action indicated in a control signal based on a sensor input, etc.) to reduce the likelihood of overshoot in future operations. Adjustments to controller settings may be global, e.g., a parameter or table may be updated so that all future control signals are generated based on the update. Adjustments to controller settings may not be globally applicable, e.g., one or more lookup table values ​​may be adjusted while other values ​​are not (e.g., lookup table values ​​associated with a range of differences between setpoints and measured values ​​may be adjusted, lookup table values ​​associated with one or more differences in a range of measured values ​​may be adjusted, etc.), parameters used in some cases may be updated (e.g., a parameter list may apply to different measured values, different setpoint values, different values ​​of the difference between a measured value and a setpoint, etc.), etc.

[0077] Similarly, if the controller is not sensitive enough (e.g., if the characteristic value in the system is slower than expected to reach a target value within a threshold), the response of the controller can be increased. For example, the controller can receive a measurement that is different from the set point (e.g., the controller can be configured to receive a pressure measurement from a pressure gauge and can receive a measurement that differs from the set point pressure value by at least a threshold amount). The controller can generate a control signal in response to receiving the measurement (e.g., the controller can generate a control signal for opening a valve to adjust the pressure at the pressure gauge). The controller can subsequently receive a measurement that the pressure has not yet reached the set point (e.g., the action taken by the valve in response to the control signal is insufficient to reduce the difference between the set point and the measured value below the threshold). One or more settings / parameters of the controller can be adjusted to increase the response of the controller to the input (e.g., increase the output signal generated based on an input signal of a given strength, increase the severity of the instructions contained in the control signal associated with a given difference between the set point and the measured value, etc.).

[0078] In some embodiments, determining updates to the sensitivity and / or response of the controller (e.g., updates to parameters or settings indicating output intensity or severity) can be performed by a machine learning model. The machine learning model can be trained with inputs including target characteristic values, measured characteristic values, responses of the controller (e.g., control signals), and / or results of the actions of system components on instructions received by the controller. Once trained, the machine learning model can be configured to receive measured characteristic values ​​and target values ​​as inputs and generate an indication of appropriate actions (e.g., control signals) to be taken by one or more components of the fluid treatment system as outputs. For example, historical data can be provided as training data for the machine learning model. The machine learning model provides one or more historical characteristic values ​​associated with the characteristic to be corrected in the fluid treatment system (e.g., one or more set point values ​​and one or more measured values ​​generated before and after the components of the system perform actions in accordance with the instructions of the controller) as training inputs. After making adjustments to correct the measured characteristic values, the machine learning model is provided with historical characteristic values ​​(e.g., one or more measured values ​​measured after generating control signals for one or more components of the system). The machine learning model provides one or more historical control signals (or data indicating control signals) as target outputs. Once trained, the machine learning model can receive current characteristic values ​​(e.g., one or more set point values, one or more measured values, etc.) as input and generate a control signal (or data related to a control signal) as output that is predicted to cause one or more measured characteristic values ​​to be within a threshold difference of one or more set point values.

[0079] The fluid handling system 300A-300B may be a heat transfer system. The fluid handling system 300A-300B may be a refrigeration system. The fluid handling system 300A-300B may be a heat pump system. The fluid handling system 300A-300B may be a reversible heat pump system. The reversible heat pump system may include FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Components not shown, such as reversing valves (e.g., four-way valves for reverse flow). A reversible heat pump system can reverse the flow direction of the coolant fluid in one or more parts of the fluid handling system, for example, the flow through the condenser and / or evaporator (e.g., an outdoor heat exchange unit and / or an indoor heat exchange unit) can be reversed. A reversible heat pump system does not reverse the flow direction in one or more parts of the fluid handling system, for example, the flow through the compressor or pump does not reverse. A reversible heat pump system can include additional flow paths, additional valves, etc., such as for use when the flow is reversed. Although FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Additional components and flow paths associated with a reversible heat pump system are not depicted, but a reversible heat pump system including these components is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 3A300A is a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 300A including a pressure exchanger 310 and controllers 390, 391, 392, and 393 according to some embodiments. The system 300A can be configured to control various components of the system based on sensor data received from sensors of the system. The system 300A can be configured to determine the opening of one or more valves based at least in part on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The system 300A can be configured to determine the operating speed of one or more pumps (e.g., low pressure booster 314) based at least in part on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0081] The pressure exchanger 310 can be a rotary pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is an isobaric or substantially isobaric pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger 310 can be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 can be configured to exchange pressure between a high-pressure first fluid (e.g., provided to the pressure exchanger 310 at a high-pressure inlet, labeled as a high-pressure input (HP-IN)) and a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., provided to the pressure exchanger 310 at a low-pressure inlet, a low-pressure input (LP-IN)). The pressure exchanger 310 can reduce the pressure of the first fluid (e.g., for output from the pressure exchanger 310 at a low-pressure outlet, a low-pressure output (LP-OUT)), and increase the pressure of the second fluid (e.g., for output from the pressure exchanger 310 at a high-pressure outlet, a high-pressure output (HP-OUT)). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is coupled to a motor (e.g., the rotation of the rotor of the pressure exchanger 310 is controlled and / or adjusted by the motor). In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., controller 390, controller 391, controller 392, controller 393) receives sensor data from one or more sensors. The controller may receive sensor data from one or more sensors and generate one or more control signals based on the received sensor data. In some embodiments, the mass flow rate (e.g., the first fluid, the second fluid, etc.) through the pressure exchanger 310 may be related to the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., the speed of the rotor rotating the pressure exchanger). In some embodiments, the pressure of the fluid (e.g., the first fluid, the second fluid, etc.) in various components of the fluid handling system (e.g., fluid handling systems 300A to 300B) may be related to the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0082] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is configured to receive a high-pressure first fluid (eg, Figure 1A to Figure 1B In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is configured to receive a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B120). Although there are references to "high pressure" and "low pressure", "high pressure" and "low pressure" may be relative to each other and do not mean a specific pressure value (e.g., the pressure of the high pressure fluid input 130 is higher than the pressure of the low pressure fluid input 120). The pressure exchanger 310 can exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. The pressure exchanger 310 can provide a first fluid via a low pressure outlet (e.g., the low pressure fluid output 140) and can provide a second fluid via a high pressure outlet (e.g., the high pressure fluid output 150). In some embodiments, the first fluid provided via the low pressure outlet is at a low pressure, while the second fluid provided via the high pressure outlet is at a high pressure. The pressure exchanger 310 can act as a high pressure expansion valve, for example, a fluid flowing through the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., from a high pressure inlet to a low pressure outlet) can expand. The pressure exchanger 310 can transfer pressure from one fluid stream to another, thereby increasing the pressure of one fluid stream. The pressure exchanger 310 can act as both an isentropic (or substantially isentropic) expansion device and a compressor, which can cause heat transfer and can facilitate one or more operations of a refrigeration cycle, such as the like. The compression process of the pressure exchanger 310 can be substantially isentropic.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a supercritical state (e.g., supercritical CO 2 In some embodiments, the first fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a liquid state (e.g., liquid CO 2 In some embodiments, the second fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a gaseous state (e.g., gaseous CO 2 In some embodiments, the second fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a two-phase mixture (e.g., CO 2 In some embodiments, the second fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a liquid state (e.g., liquid CO 2 ).

[0084] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes a main gas cooler 329 (e.g., a condenser), an auxiliary gas cooler 327, an evaporator 318, and a main compressor 322. In some embodiments, the main gas cooler 329 and / or the auxiliary gas cooler 327 may be used or not used as a condenser, for example, the fluid handling system may be operated at a pressure and temperature such that the fluid condenses or does not condense in the gas cooler. Any embodiment discussed herein may include a gas cooler that may be used or not used as a condenser in one or more applications. In some embodiments, for example, above the critical point of the fluid, the thermodynamic distinction between the gas and liquid of the fluid disappears, and the fluid (e.g., the fluid in the condenser) may exist in a supercritical state (e.g., the input fluid and the output fluid of the cooler may both be in a supercritical state, one of the input fluid or the output fluid of the condenser may be in a supercritical state, neither fluid may be in a supercritical state, etc.). In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A is a refrigeration system. For example, the evaporator 318 may facilitate the system 300A to absorb heat from a heat source (e.g., a cold storage area, a cold storage, etc.) into a refrigeration fluid. Heat can be discharged to a heat sink (e.g., ambient, heat storage, etc.) via the primary gas cooler 329 and / or the secondary gas cooler 327. In some embodiments, the refrigerant fluid facilitates heat transfer from the environment associated with the evaporator 318 to the environment associated with the primary gas cooler 329. The primary compressor 322 of the fluid handling system 300A can increase the corresponding pressure of the refrigerant fluid along the flow path between the evaporator 318 and the primary gas cooler 329. In some embodiments, the refrigerant fluid is CO 2 or another refrigerant fluid. The refrigerant fluid may flow substantially in a cycle (eg, from gas cooler 329 to pressure exchanger 310 to evaporator 318 to compressor 322 to gas cooler 329, etc.).

[0085] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A is a heat pump system. For example, heat can be discharged by the fluid at the main gas cooler 329 to a target area to be heated (e.g., for heating the interior space of a building). Heat can be absorbed from the environment by the fluid of the fluid handling system 300A at the evaporator 318 to be transferred to the environment of the main gas cooler 329. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A can be a reversible heat pump.

[0086] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes a low-pressure booster (e.g., low-pressure booster 314) and / or a high-pressure booster (not shown). Both the low-pressure booster 314 and the high-pressure booster can be configured to increase (e.g., "boost") the pressure of the second fluid. For example, the low-pressure booster 314 can increase the pressure of the first fluid output from the evaporator 318 (e.g., the evaporator 318 can receive the low-pressure second fluid from the pressure exchanger 310 and output the fluid to the low-pressure booster 314). The high-pressure booster can increase the pressure of the second fluid output by the pressure exchanger 310 via the high-pressure outlet. The second fluid can be connected to the auxiliary gas cooler 327 from the high-pressure output of the pressure exchanger 310, and then connected to the flash tank 313. The second fluid can be connected to the flash tank 313 via the auxiliary high-pressure valve 368. The auxiliary high-pressure valve 368 can be a control valve, for example, can be configured to set a certain range of openings to be able to control the flow of fluid through the valve. Alternatively, the second fluid may be provided to combine with the fluid output from the main compressor 322 (e.g., upstream of the inlet of the main gas cooler 329) to be provided to the main gas cooler 329. The low-pressure booster 314 may be configured to increase the pressure by less than a threshold value (e.g., the low-pressure booster 324 may operate at a pressure difference less than a threshold amount, the fluid handling system 300A may transfer pressure through the pressure exchanger 310 to reduce the pressure difference at the low-pressure booster 314, and the like). For example, the low-pressure booster 314 may increase the pressure of the second fluid by about 10-100 psi, about 30-80 psi, about 40-60 psi, about 50 psi, any range contained therein, etc. When the second fluid flows from the low-pressure booster 314 to the second inlet (e.g., the low-pressure inlet) of the pressure exchanger 310, the second fluid may experience pressure losses (e.g., parasitic losses). Low pressure booster 314 may be configured to increase the pressure of the fluid to a target value, such as a value selected for system operation, a value related to another pressure in the system (eg, the pressure of the fluid associated with a low pressure outlet of a pressure exchanger).

[0087] The high pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the second fluid between the second outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and the inlet of the main gas cooler 329 or the auxiliary gas cooler 327. The high pressure supercharger can increase the pressure less than the threshold value (for example, the high pressure supercharger can operate under a smaller pressure difference). For example, the high pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the second fluid by about 10-100psi, about 30-80psi, about 40-60psi, about 50psi, any range contained therein, etc. The high pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the second fluid to the inlet pressure of the connected gas cooler. The high pressure supercharger can increase the pressure of the fluid to a target value (for example, a value selected for system operation, a measured pressure value matched with the output of the main compressor 322, etc.). In some embodiments, the high pressure supercharger can be connected to the outlet of the gas cooler / condenser. In some embodiments, the fluid leaving the gas cooler is in a liquid state. Therefore, in some embodiments, the high pressure supercharger pumps the liquid from the outlet of the gas cooler (for example, the liquid discharged from the gas cooler) to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The high pressure booster may increase the pressure of the liquid output from the condenser to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 .

[0088] In some embodiments, the main compressor 322 increases the pressure of the fluid by more than a threshold amount (e.g., the main compressor 332 can operate at a pressure difference greater than a threshold amount, which is greater than the pressure difference at which the low-pressure booster 314 operates, and so on). For example, the main compressor 322 can increase the pressure of the fluid by about 100-1200 psi, about 500-1100 psi, about 800-1000 psi, about 900 psi, at least 100 psi, at least 500 psi, any range included, etc. In some embodiments, the operation of the main compressor 322 can be performed by multiple physical devices, such as multiple compressors, multiple pumps, etc. The multiple compressors that perform the operation of the main compressor 322 can be arranged in parallel, in series, or in combination. Any discussion of the main compressor 322 can be generalized to include multiple devices, for example, by adding the energy consumed or calculating the total fluid flow through the compressor system, while taking into account the arrangement, specifications, and operating speed of each compressor of the compressor system.

[0089] The fluid handling system 300A may include one or more sensors. One or more sensors measure characteristic values ​​associated with the system. For example, one or more temperature sensors may measure the temperature of the flowing fluid, the temperature of the environment, the temperature of a radiator and / or a cold radiator associated with the system, and the like. One or more pressure gauges may measure the pressure of the fluid of the fluid handling system 300A. One or more flow meters may measure the flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate) of the fluid through the fluid handling system 300A. One or more density meters (e.g., two-phase fluid density meters, two-phase densitometers, etc.) may measure the density of the fluid of the fluid handling system 300A. Other sensors (e.g., metering instruments) may measure additional characteristic values, such as the work performed by various components, the heat flow through the system, the power consumed by system components, the total fluid flow through various parts of the system, and the like. Figure 3A Meter 380 and meter 384 are depicted in FIG.

[0090] Fluid treatment system 300A includes controllers 390, 391, 392, and 393. The controller of fluid treatment system 300A may be a PID controller. The controller of fluid treatment system 300A may perform operations based on a known relationship between sensor data and control output, for example, via a lookup table, a functional form of the relationship, etc.

[0091] The controller 390 is operably coupled to the pressure exchanger 310. The controller 390 may receive one or more measurements from the meter 380. The controller 390 may receive pressure measurements of the fluid from the meter 380. The controller 390 may receive the measurements as raw measurement data, as pre-processed measurement data, as average (e.g., boxcar average) measurement data, etc. In some embodiments, the controller 390 may receive additional measurement data, for example, from one or more other sensors associated with the fluid handling system 300A. The controller 390 may receive ambient temperature data, such as the environment near the main gas cooler 329 and / or the auxiliary gas cooler 327 (e.g., in the example of a refrigeration system) or the environment near the evaporator 318. The controller 390 may receive sensor data from the pressure exchanger 310, such as data indicating an operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310, etc. The controller 390 may be configured to generate one or more control signals based on the received measurement data. The controller 390 may provide a control signal to a device configured to adjust the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310 , such as a motor coupled to the pressure exchanger 310 (eg, coupled to a rotor of the pressure exchanger 310 ).

[0092] The motor or other speed adjustment device may be configured to adjust the operation of the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., by adjusting the operating speed of the motor) in response to a control signal received from the controller 390. The meter 380 may provide an indication of the pressure of the fluid in the main gas cooler 329. The controller 390 may generate a control signal intended to achieve and / or maintain a target pressure for the main gas cooler 329. The target pressure for the main gas cooler 329 may be modified based on ambient temperature (e.g., the temperature of a heat sink for rejecting heat), for example, to achieve optimal energy efficiency, heat transfer, refrigeration, etc. For example, increasing the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310 may increase the flow rate of the fluid through the pressure exchanger 310. Increasing the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310 may reduce the fluid pressure of the main gas cooler 329, the pressure measured by the meter 380, etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, the target pressure of the main gas cooler 329 can be selected to maximize heat transfer of the system, maximize heat transfer between the main gas cooler 328 and the environment, maximize the energy efficiency of the system, maximize the coefficient of performance (COP, e.g., the ratio of the heat transferred by the system to the power consumed by the system's pump / compressor), and the like.

[0094] In some embodiments, a device for adjusting the speed of the pressure exchanger can be used to operate, actuate, or accelerate the pressure exchanger 310. For example, a motor can drive the pressure exchanger 310. The motor can draw power from a power source to drive the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the motor can work like a generator. For example, the pressure exchanger 310 can be driven by the fluid of the fluid treatment system 300A (e.g., driven by a pressure difference in the fluid, driven by one or more pumps and / or compressors of the system, and so on). The motor can apply additional resistance to the operation of the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., resistance to the rotation of the rotor of the rotating pressure exchanger), which can reduce the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The motor can generate electricity (e.g., the rotational energy of the pressure exchanger 310 can be converted into electrical energy).

[0095] The controller 391 is operably coupled to the auxiliary cooling component 302. The auxiliary cooling component 302 may be a device configured to increase heat transfer between the auxiliary gas cooler 327 and the surrounding environment. For example, the auxiliary gas cooler 327 may discharge heat to the ambient atmosphere, and the cooling component 302 may be a fan that increases the transfer of heat from the auxiliary gas cooler 326 to the atmosphere. The auxiliary cooling component 302 may be a heat exchanger coupled to the auxiliary gas cooler 327, or another type of component that increases the heat transferred away from the auxiliary gas cooler 326.

[0096] In some embodiments, the controller 391 may receive data measurements from the meter 384. The meter 384 may provide a temperature measurement of the fluid temperature of the auxiliary gas cooler 327. The meter 384 may provide a temperature measurement of the fluid temperature of the fluid output from the auxiliary gas cooler 327. The controller 391 may generate a control signal based on the data provided by the meter 384. The controller 391 may generate a control signal to achieve a target temperature of the fluid output by the auxiliary gas cooler 327. The controller 391 may generate a control signal to adjust the operation of the auxiliary cooling component 302. For example, the controller 391 may adjust the operating speed of the fan to achieve a target temperature of the fluid at the outlet of the auxiliary gas cooler 327 (e.g., within a threshold).

[0097] The controller 392 is operably coupled to the auxiliary high pressure valve 368. The controller 392 may receive a signal from the pressure exchanger 310 indicating an operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The signal from the pressure exchanger 310 may be a signal from a sensor that measures the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The signal from the pressure exchanger 310 may be a signal from a component of the pressure exchanger 310 or a component coupled to the pressure exchanger 310, such as a motor of the pressure exchanger 310. The signal indicating the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310 may be provided by the controller 390, for example, a control signal may be provided to the pressure exchanger 310 to adjust the operation of the pressure exchanger 310, and a control signal may be provided to the controller 392 for use by the controller 392 in other operations.

[0098] The controller 392 can generate a control signal for the auxiliary high pressure valve 368 based on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The auxiliary high pressure valve can be opened or closed to a target opening size, a target opening value, etc. The target opening size can be selected to achieve a target travel distance of the fluid in the pressure exchanger 310. For example, the target opening size can be selected to achieve a target low pressure input travel distance of the fluid provided to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The travel distance can be or include a measurement of the flow through the pressure exchanger 310 compared to the operating volume of the pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., the pipe volume, the pipe volume modified by the operating speed, etc.). The travel distance can describe the portion of the operating volume of the pressure exchanger 310 that is filled or displaced by the incoming fluid. A value or range of travel distance can be targeted, such as optimized efficiency of the system 300A, optimized heat transfer, etc. In some embodiments, the target low pressure input travel distance can be approximately 100%, 90%-110%, 80%-120%, 70%-130%, or any included range or other range.

[0099] The controller 392 may also receive additional sensor data. Additional sensor data may be used to determine the opening of the auxiliary high pressure valve 368. Additional sensor data may include a gas cooler temperature (e.g., provided by the meter 380). Additional sensor data inputs may include an indication of a system load. As used herein, a system load is the total flow of fluid passing through the system 300A. The system load may be determined based on the operating speed of the main compressor 322, for example, by considering the swept volume per revolution of the main compressor 322 and the operating speed of the main compressor 322. The control signal provided to the auxiliary high pressure valve 368 by the controller 392 may also depend on the additional sensor data provided to the controller 392.

[0100] The controller 393 is operably coupled to the low pressure supercharger 314. The controller 393 may send a control signal to the low pressure supercharger 314 to adjust its operating speed. The operating speed of the low pressure supercharger 314 may be determined based on the target low pressure input travel distance of the pressure exchanger 310. The controller 393 may receive sensor data indicating the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The controller 393 may generate a control signal for the low pressure supercharger 314 based on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0101] In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., a central controller, a system controller, which may be combined with one or more of the controllers 390 to 393) receives sensor data indicating the temperature of the refrigerated space (e.g., the cold storage near the evaporator 318) and / or the temperature of the heated space (e.g., the heat storage near the main gas cooler 329). The controller may control the low-pressure booster 314, the auxiliary cooling component 302, the auxiliary high-pressure valve 368, the pressure exchanger 310, and / or the main compressor 322 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors (e.g., one or more fluid flow sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) of the fluid handling system 300A. In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) are disposed near the inlet and / or outlet of various components of the fluid handling system 300A (e.g., fluid discharged from various components). In some embodiments, one or more sensors are disposed inside the components of the fluid handling system 300A. In some embodiments, a pressure sensor may be disposed near the inlet of the main compressor 322, and an additional pressure sensor may be disposed near the outlet of the main compressor 332. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor may be disposed near the inlet of the evaporator 318, and another temperature sensor may be disposed near the outlet of the evaporator 318 (e.g., for measuring the temperature of the fluid discharged from the evaporator 318). In some embodiments, a temperature sensor may be disposed inside the main gas cooler 329 and / or the auxiliary gas cooler 327. In some embodiments, a flow sensor may be located at each inlet and outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to measure the flow rate of the first fluid and the second fluid into and out of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0102] In some embodiments, the evaporator 318 is a heat exchanger for providing corresponding thermal energy from the environment (e.g., the medium of the environment) to the fluid of the fluid treatment system 300A. For example, the evaporator 318 can receive heat (e.g., thermal energy) from the ambient air and provide the heat to the fluid. In some embodiments, the environment is a refrigerated space, such as the interior of a refrigerator or freezer, an interior space (e.g., of a building or vehicle), or any other space to be kept cool. For example, the environment can be the interior of a freezer or cold storage area of ​​a supermarket or warehouse. In some embodiments, the evaporator 318 can absorb heat from the environment to provide to the main gas cooler 329, for example, heating the area around the main gas cooler 329 can be a target result of the fluid treatment system 300A.

[0103] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A may include a secondary evaporator. The fluid handling system 300A may also include secondary components corresponding to any components of the evaporator 318, such as input and output pipelines, valves, meters, controllers, etc. In some embodiments, the secondary evaporator receives a portion of the fluid flow directed to the evaporator 318. For example, the secondary evaporator may receive a portion of the flow from the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the secondary evaporator may be targeted to a temperature different from that of the evaporator 318 (for example, the evaporator may be associated with a refrigeration system with different target temperatures, such as a refrigerator and a freezer). In some embodiments, two evaporators (for example, the evaporator 318 and the secondary evaporator) may operate at different fluid pressures. The fluid output by one or more secondary evaporators may be directed to one or more components (for example, valves, expansion valves, pumps, compressors, etc.) to change the pressure of the output fluid so that when the output flows of the two evaporators are combined, the pressure is substantially similar.

[0104] In some embodiments, the main gas cooler 329 and / or the auxiliary gas cooler 329 are heat exchangers for providing heat energy from the fluid of the fluid handling system 300A to another environment. For example, the main gas cooler 329 can discharge heat (e.g., heat energy) to the air of the outside (e.g., external) environment. In some embodiments, the main gas cooler 329 exchanges heat energy (e.g., discharges heat) to the external space. For example, the main gas cooler 329 can be placed outside a supermarket or warehouse building (e.g., on the roof of the building) and discharges heat to the external environment. In another example, the main gas cooler 329 can be placed underground and promote the transfer of heat energy between the fluid and the ground. In some embodiments, the main gas cooler 329 discharges heat to the internal space, and the evaporator 318 absorbs heat from the external space (e.g., in a heat pump structure that provides heat to the internal space). The heat energy discharged from the main gas cooler 329 can be used to heat a closed (e.g., substantially closed) space.

[0105] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A may include an auxiliary gas cooler 327. In some embodiments, the auxiliary condenser receives the second fluid from the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310, and the main gas cooler 329 receives the output from the main compressor 322. In some embodiments, the auxiliary gas cooler 327 is a heat exchanger that exchanges thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the second fluid and the ambient medium. In some embodiments, the auxiliary gas cooler 327 exchanges thermal energy between the second fluid and the same environment as the environment in which the main gas cooler 329 exchanges thermal energy. In other embodiments, the auxiliary condenser exchanges thermal energy between the second fluid and an environment different from the environment in which the main air cooler 329 exchanges thermal energy. In some embodiments, the auxiliary gas cooler 327 operates at a different temperature than the main gas cooler 329.

[0106] The fluid handling system 300A also includes a high pressure valve 304. The high pressure valve 304 may be a controllable valve. The high pressure valve 304 may be used to determine a portion of the output of the main gas cooler 329 provided to the pressure exchanger 310. The high pressure valve 304 may be used to determine a portion of the output of the main gas cooler 329 provided to the flash tank 313. The high pressure valve 304 may be set to maintain a target high pressure within the travel distance of the pressure exchanger 310. The control of the high pressure valve 304 may include determining the pressure of the working fluid and providing a control signal to the high pressure valve 304 based on the pressure. The pressure of the fluid provided to the high pressure valve 304 (e.g., measured by the meter 380) may be used to determine the control signal provided to the high pressure valve 304. The operating indication of the pressure exchanger 310 may also be used to determine the control signal provided to the high pressure valve 304, determine the target opening of the high pressure valve 304, etc. For example, the operating speed of the pressure exchanger 310 may be received by the controller and used to generate a control signal to actuate the high pressure valve 304. In another example, whether the pressure exchanger 310 is to be operated (eg, based on ambient conditions near the main gas cooler 329 ) may be used to determine one or more operating parameters (eg, opening percentage) of the high pressure valve 304 .

[0107] Fluid handling system 300A also includes flash gas valve 320. Fluid handling system 300A may include flash gas valve 320 to adjust the gas flow on the flash gas bypass flow path. In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 is a bypass valve that adjusts the gas flow from the gas outlet of flash tank 313 to combine with the output of evaporator 318. In some embodiments, the gas flow from flash tank 313 flows along the flash gas bypass flow path to bypass evaporator 318. In some embodiments, the flash gas flow path is between the flash tank 313 and the position downstream of the outlet of evaporator 318. The gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path can be combined with the output of evaporator 318. As the gas flows to main compressor 322, flash gas valve 320 can expand (e.g., reduce pressure) the gas collected in flash tank 313. In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 can be a regulating valve. In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 is actuated by a controller based on sensor data.

[0108] The fluid handling system 300A may include an expansion valve 316. In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is disposed along a flow path between the flash tank 313 and the evaporator 318, i.e., is coupled between the flash tank 313 and the evaporator 318. The expansion valve 316 may be a regulating valve (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a poppet valve, etc.). The expansion valve 316 may be controlled by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.) or a controller (e.g., a controller similar in design and / or function to one or more of the controllers 390 to 393). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is actuated by the controller based on sensor data (e.g., pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, temperature sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is a thermal expansion valve. The expansion valve 316 may be actuated (e.g., opened and / or closed) based on temperature data associated with the evaporator 318 (e.g., liquid temperature in the evaporator, gas temperature in the evaporator, temperature of the fluid entering the evaporator, temperature of the fluid leaving the evaporator, etc.). For example, a pressure-sensitive component (e.g., a sensing ball) of the expansion valve 316 can increase or decrease the pressure on the diaphragm of the expansion valve 316, causing the poppet valve coupled to the diaphragm to open or close, thereby causing more or less fluid to flow to the evaporator 318, thereby causing the fluid to expand more or less. The pressure-sensitive component of the expansion valve can be positioned near the downstream end of the evaporator 318 (e.g., near the outlet of the evaporator 318, outside the evaporator 318, inside the evaporator 318, etc.), and can be fluidly coupled to the diaphragm via a fluid line (e.g., a sensing capillary). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is controlled and actuated entirely based on electronic commands (e.g., from a controller).

[0109] Reference is made herein to a "first fluid" and a "second fluid". In some embodiments, the first fluid and the second fluid are the same type of fluid (e.g., a refrigeration fluid flowing in a fluid handling system). The "first fluid" may refer to a fluid that flows from the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 through the pressure exchanger 310 to the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and / or to or away from the high pressure inlet and / or the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 410. The "second fluid" may refer to a fluid that flows from the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 through the pressure exchanger 310 to the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and / or to or away from the low pressure inlet and / or the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 410.

[0110] In some embodiments, system 300A is a heat pump system capable of heating and cooling an environment (e.g., an indoor space). In some examples, one of the main gas cooler 329 or the evaporator 318 is an outdoor unit, while the other is an indoor unit. In some examples, the main gas cooler 329 is an outdoor unit (e.g., a condensing unit), while the evaporator 318 is an indoor unit (e.g., arranged in an air handler). The fluid flow through the main gas cooler 329 and the evaporator 318 can be reversible (e.g., via a reversing valve coupled to the main compressor 322). The reversing valve can switch the fluid flow leaving the main compressor 322 between being directed to the inlet of the main gas cooler 329 (e.g., an outdoor unit) or being directed to the inlet of the evaporator 318 (e.g., an indoor unit). In some embodiments, one or more valves and pipes may be used to direct fluid flow in the same direction through all components (e.g., one or more pressure exchangers 310, low pressure booster 314, high pressure booster, main compressor 322, and / or the like) while reversing fluid flow through the main gas cooler 329 and evaporator 318.

[0111] In some embodiments, the thermal energy transfer (e.g., heat transfer) of the system 300A can be reversible. For example, in some embodiments of the system 300A, the main gas cooler 329 can absorb heat (e.g., provide corresponding thermal energy from the corresponding environment to the refrigerant fluid), and the evaporator 318 can reject heat (e.g., provide corresponding thermal energy from the refrigerant fluid to the corresponding environment). Therefore, in some embodiments, the main gas cooler 329 can be an evaporator (e.g., a single component can operate as an evaporator in some modes and as a condenser in some modes), and the evaporator 318 can be a condenser (e.g., a single component can operate as a condenser in some modes and as an evaporator in some modes). In some embodiments, the system 300A includes one or more valves (e.g., a reversing valve, one or more diverter valves, etc.) to reverse the function of the system 300A (e.g., reverse the thermal energy flow facilitated by the system 300A). In some embodiments, one or more refrigeration fluid flows (e.g., to / from pressure exchanger 310, to / from high pressure booster, to / from low pressure booster 314, to / from main compressor 322, to / from main gas cooler 329, and / or to / from evaporator 318) can be reversed and / or diverted. For example, in some embodiments, one or more reversing valves or diverter valves included in system 300A in some embodiments can direct fluid from main compressor 322 to evaporator 318. A similar valve can direct fluid from main gas cooler 329 to compressor 322.

[0112] The reversibility of the system 300A can be controlled (e.g., via one or more controllers, via a programmable thermostat disposed in the indoor space, via user input, etc.). In some examples, the controller can determine (e.g., based on temperature data, based on user input, based on a schedule) whether to use the system 300A to heat the indoor space or to cool the indoor space. In some embodiments, the controller can actuate one or more valves (e.g., a reversing valve, (one or more) diverter valves, etc.) to reverse the flow of fluid through the main gas cooler 329 and the evaporator 318. For example, the controller can actuate the valve to allow the refrigeration fluid to flow from the main compressor 322 to the evaporator 318. In such an embodiment, the evaporator 318 can be used as a condenser (e.g., the refrigeration fluid can be condensed in the evaporator 318), and the evaporator 318 can provide corresponding thermal energy from the refrigeration fluid to the corresponding environment (e.g., the evaporator 318 will reject heat). In some examples, the controller can actuate the valve to allow the refrigeration fluid to flow from the main gas cooler 329 to the main compressor 322. In such an embodiment, the main gas cooler 329 can be used as an evaporator (e.g., the refrigerant fluid can evaporate within the main gas cooler 329), and the main gas cooler 329 can provide corresponding thermal energy to the refrigerant fluid from the corresponding environment (e.g., the main gas cooler 329 can absorb heat). In an embodiment where the function of the system 300A is reversible (e.g., reversible between heating and cooling the indoor space), the evaporator 318 can be an internal heat exchanger (e.g., disposed within the indoor space, disposed in an air handler system that provides airflow to the indoor space), and the main gas cooler 329 can be an external heat exchanger (e.g., disposed outside the indoor space). Any system of the present disclosure can be a reversible system, for example, it can be a heat pump capable of heating and cooling the indoor space.

[0113] In some embodiments, system as described herein is a heat pump system capable of heating environment (e.g., indoor space). In this heat pump system, main gas cooler 329 is placed indoors, and evaporator 318 is placed outdoors. In a heat pump system, the evaporator absorbs heat from the environment and evaporates the two-phase refrigerant fluid flowing through the evaporator before it is sent to the compressor inlet. In some embodiments, in order to switch to a heat pump system from a refrigeration or air cooling system, a reversing valve can be used so that the fluid flow leaving the main compressor 322 can be switched between the inlet directed toward the outdoor unit or toward the inlet of the indoor unit. In some embodiments, one or more valves and pipelines can be used to guide fluid flow through all components (e.g., one or more pressure exchangers 310, low-pressure superchargers 314, high-pressure superchargers, main compressors 322, and / or similar components) in the same direction, while switching fluid flow from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0114] In some embodiments, the direction of thermal energy transfer (e.g., heat transfer) of system 300A can be reversible. For example, in a refrigeration / air conditioning / air cooling embodiment of system 300A, a main gas cooler 329 placed outdoors rejects heat (e.g., provides corresponding thermal energy from a refrigeration fluid to a corresponding environment), while an evaporator 318 can absorb heat (e.g., provide corresponding thermal energy from a corresponding environment to a refrigeration fluid). In a heat pump embodiment of system 300A, a main gas cooler 329 placed indoors rejects heat to its indoor environment, while an evaporator 318 absorbs heat from its outdoor environment. In some embodiments, system 300A includes one or more valves (e.g., a reversing valve, one or more diverter valves, etc.) to reverse the function of system 300A (e.g., reverse the thermal energy flow facilitated by system 300A). In some embodiments, one or more refrigeration fluid flows (e.g., to / from pressure exchanger 310, to / from high pressure booster, to / from low pressure booster 314, to / from main compressor 322, to / from main gas cooler 329, and / or to / from evaporator 318) can be reversed and / or diverted. In some examples, one or more reversing valves or diverter valves included in system 300A in some embodiments can direct fluid from main gas cooler 322 to outdoor unit. Similar valves can direct fluid from main compressor 322 to indoor unit.

[0115] The reversibility of the system 300A can be controlled (e.g., via a controller of the system 300A, via a programmable thermostat disposed in the indoor space, via user input, etc.). In some examples, the controller can determine (e.g., based on temperature data, based on user input, based on a schedule) whether to use the system 300A to heat the indoor space or to cool the indoor space. In some embodiments, the controller can actuate one or more valves (e.g., a reversing valve, (one or more) steering valves, etc.) to reverse the flow of fluid through the system. In embodiments where the function of the system 300A is reversible (e.g., reversible between heating and cooling the indoor space), the evaporator 318 can be an internal heat exchanger (e.g., disposed in the indoor space, disposed in an air handler system that provides airflow to the indoor space), and the main gas cooler 329 can be an external heat exchanger (e.g., disposed outside the indoor space). In other embodiments, the evaporator 318 can be an outdoor heat exchanger, and the main gas cooler 329 can be an indoor heat exchanger.

[0116] In some embodiments, the systems described herein (e.g., FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B A system as in one or more of the Figures ) can be used to heat an interior space and / or an enclosed space, cool an interior space and / or an enclosed space, and / or selectively (e.g., reversibly) heat and cool a space.

[0117] Figure 3B FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a fluid treatment system 300B according to some embodiments, the system including a pressure exchanger (pressure exchanger 310) without a low pressure booster. In some embodiments, features with reference numerals corresponding to reference numerals in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functions as described in other figures. In some embodiments, in combination with Figure 3A The optional components described (e.g., a secondary evaporator, a compressor system that replaces the main compressor 322, etc.) may also be optional components of the fluid treatment system 300B. In some examples, the features of the fluid treatment system 300B have the same Figure 3A Similar characteristics, structure and / or functions of the fluid handling system 300A.

[0118] The fluid treatment system 300B may be configured to receive a working fluid (e.g., CO 2 ) circulation provides heat transfer (e.g., refrigeration). The fluid handling system 300B can be configured to perform operations based on sensor data generated by sensors of the fluid handling system 300B to adjust one or more components of the fluid handling system 300B. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B can perform operations to achieve and / or maintain a target temperature of the bulk fluid output from a heat exchanger, such as heat exchanger 315. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B can receive temperature data from one or more temperature sensors, the temperature data indicating the temperature of the fluid of the fluid handling system 300. The fluid handling system 300B can actuate one or more valves (e.g., bypass high pressure valve 348) based on the temperature data. The fluid handling system 300B can adjust one or more components to achieve and / or maintain a target fluid temperature, a target fluid subcooling, etc.

[0119] The fluid handling system 300B may include a bypass high pressure valve 348. The bypass high pressure valve 348 may be an expansion valve or a flow control valve. In some embodiments, the bypass high pressure valve 348 selectively adjusts the fluid flow (e.g., the fluid discharged by the main gas cooler 328) from the outlet of the main gas cooler 329 to the heat exchanger 315, the auxiliary gas cooler 327 and / or the flash tank 313 (e.g., a receiver) parallel (in parallel) to the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the bypass high pressure valve 348 may be actuated to selectively adjust the flow of the fluid. The bypass high pressure valve 348 may selectively provide a portion of the fluid output by the main gas cooler 329 to the flash tank 313. For example, the high pressure bypass valve 348 may be actuated to further open so that more fluid flows from the main gas cooler 329 to the flash tank 313, or the bypass high pressure valve 348 may be actuated to further close so that less fluid flows from the main gas cooler 329 to the flash tank 313. As the fluid flows through the bypass high pressure valve 348, the fluid may expand, causing the pressure and / or temperature of the fluid to decrease. In some embodiments, the controller 394 can actuate (e.g., open and / or close) the bypass high pressure valve 348 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors of the fluid handling system 300B.

[0120] In some embodiments, the main gas cooler 329 can be used as a condenser. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system can operate at a pressure and temperature at which the fluid condenses or does not condense in the main gas cooler 329. Any embodiments discussed herein may include a condenser that can be used as a gas cooler in one or more applications.

[0121] The fluid handling system 300B may include a flash tank 313 (e.g., a receiver). In some embodiments, the flash tank 313 is a receiver configured to receive a fluid flow (e.g., a first fluid) output from the low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The flash tank 313 may form a chamber to collect the first fluid from the first outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The flash tank 313 may receive a first fluid in a two-phase state (e.g., a liquid and a gas), a transcritical fluid, a supercritical fluid, a subcritical fluid, and / or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flash tank 313 is a tank constructed of welded metal sheets. The flash tank 313 may include one or more flash tank inlets for receiving the fluid, and one or more flash tank outlets (e.g., a gas outlet and a liquid outlet) for discharging the fluid. The first fluid (at low pressure) may be separated into a gas and a liquid (e.g., a liquid outlet) within the flash tank 313. Figure 3B318). The liquid of the first fluid can settle at the bottom of the flash tank 313, while the gas of the first fluid can rise to the top of the flash tank 313. The liquid can flow from the flash tank 313 to the evaporator 318 (e.g., via the expansion valve 316). The chamber of the flash tank 313 can be maintained at a set pressure. The pressure can be set by a user (e.g., an operator, a technician, an engineer, etc.) and / or by a controller. In some embodiments, the pressure of the flash tank 313 is controlled by one or more valves (e.g., an expansion valve 316, a flash gas valve 320, a pressure regulating valve, a safety valve, etc.). In some embodiments, the flash tank 313 includes at least one pressure sensor (e.g., a pressure transducer). In some embodiments, the liquid level of the flash tank 313 can be monitored (e.g., to prevent the liquid from being directed through the flash gas valve 320).

[0122] The fluid handling system 300B may include an expansion valve 316. In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is disposed along a flow path between the flash tank 313 and the evaporator 318, i.e., is coupled between the flash tank 313 and the evaporator 318. The expansion valve 316 may be a regulating valve (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a poppet valve, etc.). The expansion valve 316 may be controlled by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.) or a controller (e.g., a controller that shares one or more features with the controller 394). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is actuated by the controller based on sensor data (e.g., pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, temperature sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is a thermal expansion valve. The expansion valve 316 may be actuated (e.g., opened and / or closed) based on temperature data associated with the evaporator 318 (e.g., liquid temperature in the evaporator, gas temperature in the evaporator, temperature of the fluid entering the evaporator, temperature of the fluid leaving the evaporator, etc.). For example, a pressure-sensitive component (e.g., a sensing ball) of the expansion valve 316 can increase or decrease the pressure on the diaphragm of the expansion valve 316, causing the poppet valve coupled to the diaphragm to open or close, thereby causing more or less fluid to flow to the evaporator 318, thereby causing the fluid to expand more or less. The pressure-sensitive component of the expansion valve can be positioned near the downstream end of the evaporator 318 (e.g., near the outlet of the evaporator 318, outside the evaporator 318, inside the evaporator 318, etc.), and can be fluidly coupled to the diaphragm via a fluid line (e.g., a sensing capillary). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is controlled and actuated entirely based on electronic commands.

[0123] Fluid handling system 300B may include flash gas valve 320 to adjust the gas flow on flash gas bypass flow path. In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 is a bypass valve that adjusts the gas flow from the gas outlet of flash tank 313 to combine with the output of evaporator 318. In some embodiments, the gas flow from flash tank 313 flows along the flash gas bypass flow path to bypass evaporator 318. In some embodiments, the flash gas flow path is between the flash tank 313 and the downstream position of the outlet of evaporator 318. The gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path can be combined with the output of evaporator 318. As the gas flows to main compressor 320, flash gas valve 322 can expand the gas collected in flash tank 313 (e.g., pressure reduction). In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 can be a regulating valve. In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 is actuated by a controller based on sensor data.

[0124] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B may also include one or more additional heat exchangers, such as heat exchanger 315, for exchanging heat between fluids in different parts of the fluid handling system 300B. For example, the fluid handling system 300B may include a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the fluid output by the main gas cooler 329 and the fluid output by the flash tank 313. The heat exchanger 315 may be used to exchange heat between the fluid output by the main gas cooler 329 and the fluid expanded by the bypass high pressure valve 348. A first flow path including one or more fluid channels passing through the heat exchanger may be connected between the outlet of the main gas cooler 329 and the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and the bypass high pressure valve 348. A second flow path including one or more fluid channels passing through the heat exchanger may be connected between the outlet of the bypass high pressure valve 348 and the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between a fluid traveling along the first flow path and a fluid traveling along the second flow path. The cooled fluid (e.g., fluid along the main fluid path, fluid directly coupled to the main gas cooler 329 and / or the main compressor 322, etc.) can pass through the main fluid passage of the heat exchanger 315 via the main fluid inlet and the main fluid outlet. The heat exchanger can transfer heat from the output fluid of the main gas cooler 329 to the output fluid of the bypass high pressure valve 348. The fluid can expand through the bypass high pressure valve 348, thereby reducing the temperature and / or pressure. The cooler expanded fluid can act as a heat sink for the main fluid in the heat exchanger 315.

[0125] The heat exchanger 315 can be configured to achieve cooling of the bulk fluid passing through the bulk fluid passage of the heat exchanger 315. The heat exchanger 315 can be configured to achieve a subcooling target value of the bulk fluid passing through the heat exchanger 315. For fluids having a liquid / gas transition, subcooling refers to cooling the fluid to a temperature below the temperature at which it condenses into a liquid. Subcooling can be measured by measuring the temperature of the fluid, for example, by thermometer 386. The heat exchanger 315 can target a temperature drop across the heat exchanger 315, for example, as measured by thermometer 386 after the bulk fluid flows through the heat exchanger 315, and as measured by thermometer 388 before the bulk fluid flows through the heat exchanger 314.

[0126] The controller 394 may provide a control signal to operate the bypass high pressure valve 348. The controller 394 may receive temperature data from one or more temperature sensors, such as the thermometer 386 and / or the thermometer 388. The controller 394 may generate a control signal for the bypass high pressure valve 348 based on the sensor data. The controller 394 may generate a control signal to actuate the bypass high pressure valve 348 to a target opening. The controller 394 may generate a control signal to target the temperature of the bulk fluid output from the heat exchanger 315, a target level of subcooling of the bulk fluid in the heat exchanger 315, etc.

[0127] In another example, the fluid treatment system 300B may include a heat exchanger including a first flow path coupled between the output of the flash tank 313 and the output stream of the evaporator 318, and a second flow path coupled before the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The heat exchanger may facilitate heat transfer from near the inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to the fluid output from the flash tank 313. Heat transfer via the heat exchanger may be similar to the example heat exchangers described above to improve operation, for example, liquid may be evaporated and / or superheat of the output stream of the evaporator 318 may be increased, COP may be increased by increasing the density of the fluid flowing through the pressure exchanger 310, and the like.

[0128] In another example, the fluid handling system 300B can include a heat exchanger including a first flow path coupled between an outlet of the flash tank 313 and an output stream of the evaporator 318, and a second flow path coupled between a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 and an inlet of the flash tank 313. Heat can be provided to the output of the flash tank 313. The advantages provided can be similar to those of the heat exchangers discussed previously.

[0129] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B can include an auxiliary high pressure valve 369. The auxiliary high pressure valve 369 can control the flow through the auxiliary gas cooler 327. The auxiliary high pressure valve 369 can be coupled to the bypass high pressure valve 348, for example, the two high pressure valves can be along the same fluid flow path. The auxiliary high pressure valve 369 can have an effect on the travel distance of the pressure exchanger 310, for example, the low pressure inlet travel distance. The controller 395 can provide a control signal to the auxiliary high pressure valve 369.

[0130] The controller 395 may receive an input indicating the opening of the bypass high-pressure valve 348. The auxiliary high-pressure valve 369 provides a control signal so that the flow through the auxiliary high-pressure valve 369 corresponds to the flow through the bypass high-pressure valve 347 based on the opening of the bypass high-pressure valve 348. Various characteristics of the fluid handling system 300B, such as characteristics of components disposed between the bypass high-pressure valve 348 and the auxiliary high-pressure valve 369, may be further used to determine a target opening of the auxiliary high-pressure valve 369. The signal indicating the opening of the bypass high-pressure valve 348 provided to the controller 395 may be provided by the bypass high-pressure valve 347, a sensor associated with the bypass high-pressure valve 349, the controller 394 providing a control signal to the bypass high-pressure valve 346, etc. The controller 395 may determine the target opening of the bypass high-pressure valve 348 based on the signal from the thermometer 386 and / or the thermometer 388, and determine the opening of the auxiliary high-pressure valve 369 based on the determined opening of the bypass high-pressure valve 347. The controller 395 may receive temperature data from one or more of the thermometer 386 or the thermometer 388 and determine the opening of the auxiliary high-pressure valve 369 based on the temperature data. The controller 395 may also receive data indicating the total system load of the fluid treatment system 300B. The total system load may be determined based on the specifications (e.g., swept volume) and operating speed of the main compressor 322.

[0131] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300B may include a pressure exchanger high pressure valve and / or a pressure exchanger on / off valve. The pressure exchanger high pressure valve may control the flow of the fluid output from the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger high pressure valve may be connected between the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger and the inlet of the flash tank 313. The gas-liquid ratio of the fluid in the flash tank 313 may be changed by expanding the fluid into the flash tank 313 through the pressure exchanger high pressure valve. The pressure exchanger on / off valve may control the flow of the high pressure fluid from the outlet of the main gas cooler 329 to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The pressure exchanger high pressure valve and / or the pressure exchanger on / off valve may be controlled by one or more controllers. The valve may be controlled based on the measured value received from one or more sensors. For example, the pressure exchanger high pressure valve may be adjusted based on the sensor reporting the gas-liquid ratio in the flash tank 313.

[0132] In some embodiments, one or more components of the fluid handling system 300B and / or the fluid handling system 300A may be provided as a retrofit, as a supplement to an existing fluid handling system, as an upgrade package, etc. For example, the refrigeration system may not include the pressure exchanger 310, the low-pressure booster 314, one or more high-pressure valves, etc. All fluid input to the main gas cooler 329 in the refrigeration system may pass through the main compressor 322. Components including the pressure exchanger 310, associated motors, controllers 390 to 395, high-pressure valves, etc. may be added to the system, for example, by introducing the pressure exchanger 310 to improve the energy efficiency of the system (e.g., for energy recovery, pressure transfer, etc.).

[0133] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger system (e.g., fluid handling system 300A, fluid handling system 300B, etc.) may be included in a system with additional components. The additional components (e.g., a parent rack) may include sufficient components to perform the operation of the fluid handling system without the use of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Various components included in the fluid handling system, such as the pressure exchanger 310, the auxiliary gas cooler 327, the low-pressure booster 314, the auxiliary high-pressure valves 368 and 369, the bypass high-pressure valve 348, etc. In some embodiments, the operation of the fluid handling system can be performed so that the pressure exchanger 310 and related components are bypassed, such as components that benefit the main frame. One or more sensors can determine whether to perform operation of the pressure exchanger 310 and related components. For example, under certain combinations of target conditions, environmental conditions, fluid conditions, etc., the pressure exchanger 310 may not provide sufficient value to justify the operation of the pressure exchanger 310 and related components. In this case, the pressure exchanger 310 can be bypassed, and the main frame can be used to be operated by the pressure exchanger 310 and the combination. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Describes the operations performed by other components.

[0134] In some embodiments, the temperature of the fluid between the main gas cooler 329 and the high pressure input of the pressure exchanger 310 may be used to determine whether to operate the pressure exchanger 310. In the fluid path between the main gas cooler 329 and the high pressure input of the pressure exchanger 310, one or more associated valves may be provided for bypassing the main frame of the pressure exchanger 310. The valve directing the fluid flow to the pressure exchanger 310 may be operated based on the temperature of the fluid provided to the high pressure input of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, one or more valves may be included for safety purposes, for example, if a sensor detects a condition that may damage one or more components of the fluid handling system, the safety valve may be closed to prevent or reduce damage to one or more components of the system.

[0135] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4Cis a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a fluid handling system (e.g., FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Flowcharts of methods 400A to 400C of one or more of the fluid handling systems 300A to 300B of the present invention. In some embodiments, methods 400A to 400C are performed by processing logic, which includes hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing devices, etc.), software (such as instructions running on a processing device, a general purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, methods 400A to 400C are at least partially performed by one or more controllers (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B The control module 180, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B In some embodiments, the non-transitory storage medium stores instructions that are executed by one or more processing devices (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B The control module 180, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B When executed by controllers 390 to 395), these instructions cause the processing device to perform methods 400A to 400C.

[0136] For simplicity of description, methods 400A to 400C are depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or simultaneously with other operations not presented and described herein. In addition, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement methods 400A to 400C according to the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that methods 400A to 400C may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via state diagrams or events.

[0137] Figure 4A 4 is a flow chart of a method 400A for providing control of one or more components of a fluid handling system according to some embodiments. The fluid handling system of method 400A may be a heat transfer system, a heat pump system, a refrigeration system, and / or the like (e.g., in combination with FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B One or more of the architectures discussed in one or more of the above).

[0138] At block 402, processing logic optionally identifies first pressure data associated with a condenser of a heat transfer system. Processing logic may determine a pressure exchanger (e.g., Figure 3A In various embodiments, the condenser may be a gas cooler, such as Figure 3A The main gas cooler 329.

[0139] At block 404, processing logic identifies a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger (PX) of the heat transfer system. Identifying the first indication of the operating speed may include receiving sensor data from a sensor measuring the operating speed of the pressure exchanger (e.g., a rotational speed of a rotor). Identifying the first indication of the operating speed may include receiving a control signal for adjusting the operating speed of the pressure exchanger. Identifying the first indication of the speed may include receiving the sensor data, and the control signal for the operating speed of the pressure exchanger is based on the sensor data.

[0140] At block 406, processing logic optionally identifies a second indication of the temperature of the fluid entering the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. At block 408, processing logic optionally identifies a third indication of the system load based on the operating speed of one or more compressors of the heat transfer system. One or more compressors can be main compressors, for example, one or more compressors can drive fluid between an evaporator (e.g., a heat source) and a condenser (e.g., a radiator) of the heat transfer system. As used herein, the system load represents the total amount of fluid (e.g., refrigeration fluid) transmitted by the system (e.g., the mass flow rate through the main compressor or main compressor group). The system load can also be based on the specifications of the system and / or the main compressor, for example, the fluid pressure, the fluid pressure at the main compressor, the operating volume of the main compressor (e.g., the swept volume of the fluid discharged in one stroke or rotation), etc.

[0141] At block 410, processing logic determines a target opening value for a first valve based on a first indication of an operating speed of the pressure exchanger. An inlet of the first valve is coupled to a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The inlet of the first valve may be configured to receive a fluid output by the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger, for example, the first valve may be directly fluidly coupled to the high pressure output of the pressure exchanger. Determining the target opening of the first valve may also be based on additional data, for example, a second indication of a temperature of the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger and / or a third indication of a system load.

[0142] At block 412, processing logic actuates the first valve based on the target opening value. Actuation of the first valve may adjust the opening of the first valve to the target value.

[0143] In block 414, processing logic optionally determines the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger based on the first indication. The low-pressure supercharger (e.g., the outlet of the low-pressure supercharger) can be connected to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger can also be based on the relationship between the low-pressure supercharger operating speed and the pressure exchanger operating speed. The relationship can be enumerated, for example, encoded, recorded in a lookup table, etc. This relationship can be functional, formulated, etc. Determine that the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger can also be based on the measured pressure difference between the first pressure of the fluid at the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger and the second pressure of the fluid at the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. Processing logic can receive the data of the pressure difference, to determine the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger.

[0144] At block 416, processing logic optionally adjusts the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger based on the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C Any adjustments or component actions described in the above) may be performed by the processing logic of the controller providing a control signal to the low-pressure supercharger to cause an adjustment to the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger.

[0145] Figure 4B is a method 400B for regulating operation of a fluid handling system including a low pressure booster according to some embodiments (eg, via Figure 3A At block 420, processing logic optionally identifies first pressure data associated with a condenser of the heat transfer system. At block 422, processing logic optionally determines an operating speed of the pressure exchanger based on the first pressure data. The operations of blocks 420 and 422 may be similar to Figure 4A The operations of block 402 share features.

[0146] At block 424 , processing logic obtains a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger of the heat transfer system. The operations of block 424 may share features with the operations of block 404 .

[0147] At block 426, processing logic determines the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger. The outlet fluid of the low-pressure supercharger is connected to provide fluid to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger is based on the operating speed of the pressure exchanger. The target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger can also be based on the relationship between the low-pressure supercharger operating speed and the pressure exchanger operating speed. This relationship can be a functional relationship recorded in a lookup table, etc. The target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger can also be based on the target low-pressure inlet travel distance of the pressure exchanger. The target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger can also be based on the specifications of the low-pressure supercharger and / or the pressure exchanger, for example, the operating volume of the pressure exchanger and the pressure exchanger, the pumping efficiency of the supercharger and the pressure exchanger, the swept volume of the supercharger, the pipeline volume of the pressure exchanger, etc.

[0148] At block 428, processing logic causes an adjustment to the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger. The adjustment may be based on a target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger. The adjustment may cause the low-pressure supercharger to operate at the target speed. The adjustment may be performed by providing a control signal indicating the target operating speed to the low-pressure supercharger (e.g., a motor of the low-pressure supercharger).

[0149] At block 430, processing logic optionally identifies a temperature indication of an auxiliary gas cooler of the heat transfer system. An inlet of the auxiliary gas cooler may be configured to receive fluid from a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger (e.g., the auxiliary gas cooler may be coupled in a fluid flow path of the fluid handling system directly after the high pressure output of the pressure exchanger). At block 432, processing logic optionally adjusts operation of a cooling component of the auxiliary gas cooler based on the second indication. The cooling component may be a fan, a coolant pump, or other component configured to increase heat transfer from the fluid of the fluid handling system at the auxiliary gas cooler to the surrounding environment.

[0150] Figure 4C is a method 400C for adjusting operation of a pressure exchanger-less system based on sensor data of the pressure exchanger system according to some embodiments (eg, via Figure 3B 394). At block 440, processing logic identifies first temperature data indicating a temperature difference between a fluid at a main body inlet of a heat exchanger and a fluid at a main body outlet of the heat exchanger. The main body outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the main body inlet of the heat exchanger through one or more channels of the heat exchanger, for example, a channel passing through the heat exchanger for facilitating the exchange of thermal energy between the main body fluid and the secondary fluid. The main body outlet of the heat exchanger can be fluidly coupled to a high pressure inlet of a pressure exchanger. The main body outlet of the heat exchanger can be directly coupled to the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger, for example, the high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger can be configured to receive fluid from the main body outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0151] At block 442, processing logic determines a target adjustment for a first valve. This can be determined based on first temperature data. The first valve can be fluidly coupled to a main outlet of a heat exchanger and a cooling fluid inlet (e.g., a secondary inlet) of the heat exchanger. The first valve can be fluidly coupled between a large capacity outlet of a heat exchanger and a cooling fluid inlet of the heat exchanger. The cooling fluid inlet can be configured to receive an output of a main outlet of the heat exchanger via the first valve. Determining a target adjustment for the first valve can include determining that a subcooling value of the main fluid in the heat exchanger does not meet a threshold. Determining a target adjustment for the first value can include determining that a target adjustment is predicted to adjust the subcooling value of the main fluid to within a threshold of a target subcooling level. The adjustment can be based on a relationship between a fluid flow rate (e.g., mass flow) to the cooling inlet (e.g., the amount of cooling fluid provided to the secondary channel of the heat exchanger) and the subcooling of the main fluid.

[0152] At block 444, the first valve is actuated based on the processing logic for the target adjustment to the first valve. The actuation may reach a target position of the first valve.

[0153] In block 446, processing logic optionally determines the target adjustment to the second valve based on the opening of the first valve. The second valve can be fluidly coupled to the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The second valve can be fluidly coupled between the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger and the inlet of the flash tank. The second valve can be fluidly coupled to the outlet of a gas cooler (e.g., an auxiliary gas cooler). The second valve and the gas cooler can be arranged in a fluid path between the high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger and the inlet of the flash tank (e.g., a receiver). The target adjustment to the second valve can also be based on the mass flow through the first valve and the second valve, for example, including a lookup table of the corresponding relationship between the opening in the first valve and the second valve and the mass flow through the first valve and the first valve. The target adjustment to the second valve can also be based on the total system load of the heat transfer system including the pressure exchanger (e.g., the total fluid flow through the main compressor, the total fluid flow through the evaporator or condenser, etc.). The target adjustment to the second valve can also be based on temperature data indicating the fluid temperature at the main outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0154] At block 448 , processing logic optionally actuates the second valve based on the target opening of the second valve.

[0155] Figure 5 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 500 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a client device. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is a controller device (e.g., a server, Figure 1A to Figure 1B The control module 180, FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Controllers 390 to 395, etc.).

[0156] In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is connected to other computer systems (e.g., via a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet). The computer system 500 operates in the capacity of a server or client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a network appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any device capable of executing a group of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying the action to be taken by the device. In addition, the term "computer" shall include any collection of computers that execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions, either individually or in combination, to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0157] In some embodiments, computer system 500 includes a processing device 502, a volatile memory 504 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 506 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or a data storage device 516, which communicate with each other via a bus 508.

[0158] In some embodiments, the processing device 502 is provided by one or more processors, such as a general-purpose processor (e.g., a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor that implements other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor that implements a combination of various instruction sets) or a special-purpose processor (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a PID controller, or a network processor). In some embodiments, the processing device 502 is provided by one or more of a single processor, multiple processors, a single processor with multiple processing cores, and / or the like.

[0159] In some embodiments, the computer system 500 also includes a network interface device 522 (e.g., connected to the network 574). In some embodiments, the computer system 500 includes one or more input / output (I / O) devices. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 also includes a video display unit 510 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 514 (e.g., a mouse), and / or a signal generating device 520. The computer system 500 may include a signal input device 515, for example, for receiving signals from other devices. For example, the signal input device 515 can facilitate the computer system 500 to receive measurement data from a sensor associated with the fluid handling system. The signal generating device 520 can be used to generate and / or send control signals to send instructions to one or more components of the fluid handling system. The signal generating device 520 can send control signals to various high pressure valves, booster pumps, cooling components, pressure exchanger components, etc.

[0160] In some embodiments, the data storage device 518 (e.g., disk drive storage, fixed and / or removable storage, fixed disk drive, removable memory card, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS) and / or storage area network (SAN)) includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium 524 on which are stored instructions 526 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, as well as instructions 526 for implementing the methods described herein. The control module 527 (e.g., including FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Any one of controllers 390 to 395 ) may be included in instruction 526 .

[0161] In some embodiments, during execution of the instructions 526 by the computer system 504, the instructions 526 also reside, in whole or in part, within the volatile memory 502 and / or within the processing device 500, and thus, in some implementations, the volatile memory 504 and the processing device 502 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[0162] Although the computer-readable storage medium 524 is shown as a single medium in the illustrative example, the term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of executable instructions. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall also include any tangible medium that can store or encode a set of instructions for execution by a computer, which instructions cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include, but is not limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0163] The methods, components and features described herein may be implemented by decentralized hardware components, or may be integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented by firmware modules or functional circuits within a hardware device. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components or in a computer program.

[0164] Unless otherwise specifically stated, terms such as "actuate", "adjust", "cause", "control", "determine", "identify", "provide", "receive", "generate", "acquire", etc. refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by a computer system that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within computer system registers and memories and convert them into physical quantities similarly represented within computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are intended to be labels for distinguishing between different elements and may not have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0165] The examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. The apparatus may be specially configured to perform the methods described herein, or it may include a general-purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

[0166] The methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general purpose systems may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized equipment to perform the methods described herein and / or their respective functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Architectural examples of various such systems are set forth in the description above.

[0167] The foregoing description sets forth many specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, and the like, in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components or methods are not described in detail, or are presented in a simple block diagram format, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Specific implementations may differ from these exemplary details and still be expected to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The description of the system herein may include a description of one or more optional components. Components may be included in combinations not specifically discussed in the present disclosure and still be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 3AAny of controllers 390 through 395 of FIG. 3D , alone or in any combination, may be included in a fluid handling system within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0168] References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics associated with the description of the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". When the terms "approximately", "substantially" or "approximately" are used herein, this means that the nominal values ​​presented are accurate to within ±10%. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used in this article are meant to be labels that distinguish between different elements and do not necessarily have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0169] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," "disposed on," "before," "after," and "over" refer to the relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, a layer disposed on, above, or below another layer may be in direct contact with the other layer, or may have one or more intervening layers. Additionally, a layer disposed between two layers may be in direct contact with the two layers, or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless expressly stated otherwise, a feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent feature, or may have one or more intervening layers or components.

[0170] Although the operation of the method herein is shown and described in a particular order, the order of operation of each method can be changed so that some operations can be performed in reverse order, or some operations can be performed at least partially simultaneously with other operations. In another embodiment, the instructions or sub-operations of different operations can be in an intermittent and / or alternating manner.

[0171] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate rather than to limit. After reading and understanding the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents covered by each claim.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: identifying, by the processing device, a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger (PX) of a heat transfer system; determining a target opening value of a first valve based on a first indication of an operating speed of the pressure exchanger, wherein an inlet of the first valve is coupled to a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger; as well as Actuation of the first valve is caused based on the target opening value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is identifying a second indication of a temperature of a fluid coupled to a high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein actuation of the first valve is caused further based on the second indication.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is identifying a third indication of a system load, wherein determining the target opening value of the first valve is further based on the system load.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The system load is determined based on an operating speed of one or more compressors of the heat transfer system.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: determining a target operating speed of a low-pressure booster based on a first indication of an operating speed of the pressure exchanger, wherein an outlet of the low-pressure booster is coupled to a low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger; as well as Adjustment of the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger is caused based on a target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that A target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger is determined based on a relationship between an operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger and an operating speed of a pressure exchanger.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Also included is determining a pressure difference between a first pressure of a fluid at a low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger and a second pressure of the fluid at a low pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein a target operating speed of the low pressure booster is also determined based on the pressure difference.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: identifying first pressure data associated with a condenser of the heat transfer system; as well as The operating speed of the pressure exchanger is determined based on the first pressure data.

9. A method comprising: obtaining, by the processing device, a first indication of an operating speed of a pressure exchanger (PX) of a heat transfer system; determining a target operating speed for a low-pressure booster based on a first indication of an operating speed of the pressure exchanger, wherein an outlet of the low-pressure booster is coupled to provide fluid to a low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger; as well as Adjustment of the operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger is caused based on a target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that A target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger is determined based on a relationship between an operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger and an operating speed of a pressure exchanger.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Determining the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger includes obtaining a target travel distance of fluid provided to a low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein the target operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger is based on an operating volume of the low-pressure supercharger, an operating volume of the pressure exchanger, and the target travel distance.

12. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: identifying a second indication of a temperature of an auxiliary gas cooler of the heat transfer system, wherein an inlet of the auxiliary gas cooler is configured to receive fluid from a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger; as well as Operation of a cooling component of the auxiliary gas cooler is adjusted based on the second indication.

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: identifying first pressure data associated with a condenser of the heat transfer system; as well as The operating speed of the pressure exchanger is determined based on the first pressure data.

14. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: determining a target opening value of a first valve based on a first indication of an operating speed of the pressure exchanger, wherein an inlet of the first valve is fluidly coupled to a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger; as well as Actuation of the first valve is caused based on the target opening value.

15. A method comprising: identifying, by a processing device, first temperature data indicative of a temperature difference between a bulk fluid at a first inlet of a heat exchanger and a first outlet of the heat exchanger, the first outlet being fluidly coupled to the first inlet via one or more fluid passages of the heat exchanger, wherein the outlet of the heat exchanger is fluidly coupled to a high pressure inlet of a pressure exchanger (PX); determining a target adjustment of a first valve fluidly coupled to the first outlet of the heat exchanger and the secondary fluid inlet of the heat exchanger based on the first temperature data; and Actuation of the first valve is caused based on the target adjustment.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Determining the target adjustment for the first valve includes: determining that a subcooling value of the bulk fluid in the heat exchanger does not satisfy a threshold subcooling value; and Determining a target adjustment to the first valve is predicted to adjust a subcooling value of the bulk fluid such that the subcooling satisfies a target subcooling condition.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Based on a relationship between the flow rate to the secondary fluid inlet and the subcooling of the bulk fluid, a target adjustment to the first valve is determined to be predicted to adjust the subcooling value of the bulk fluid.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Also includes: determining a target adjustment of a second valve based on an opening of the first valve in consideration of the target adjustment of the first valve, the inlet of the second valve being fluidly coupled to a high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger; as well as Actuation of the second valve is caused based on the target opening degree of the second valve.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that Determining the target adjustment of the second valve includes determining an opening of the second valve based on an opening of the first valve, the opening of the second valve providing a mass flow through the second valve that corresponds to the mass flow through the first valve.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further includes obtaining a system load of a heat transfer system including the pressure exchanger, wherein determining the target opening degree of the second valve is further based on the system load.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further includes obtaining second temperature data indicating a temperature of a fluid at a first outlet of the heat exchanger, wherein determining a target opening degree of the second valve is further based on the second temperature data.

22. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed, cause a processing device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A system comprising a memory and a processing device coupled to the memory, wherein: The processing device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 21 .

24. A system comprising: Pressure exchanger (PX), including: First condenser; First valve; Heat exchanger, comprising: a body inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet of the first condenser; a body outlet fluidly coupled to both the first valve and a high pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger; and a secondary inlet fluidly coupled to the first valve; a first temperature sensor configured to provide first temperature data related to a temperature difference between a bulk fluid at the bulk inlet of the heat exchanger and a bulk fluid at the bulk outlet of the heat exchanger; and A first controller is operably coupled to the first valve, wherein the first controller is configured to actuate the first valve based on the first temperature data.

25. A system comprising: Pressure exchanger (PX), including: a first valve fluidly coupled to a high pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger; and A first controller is operably coupled to the first valve, wherein the first controller is configured to cause actuation of the first valve based on an operating speed of the pressure exchanger.

26. A system comprising: Pressure exchanger (PX), including: a low pressure booster including an outlet fluidly coupled to a low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger; and A first controller is operably coupled to the low-pressure supercharger, wherein the first controller is configured to adjust an operating speed of the low-pressure supercharger based on an operating speed of the pressure exchanger.

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