Refrigeration and heat pump system with pressure exchanger

Abstract

A fluid treatment system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second pressure, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system also includes a condenser configured to provide corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid to a corresponding environment. The system also includes a receiver to receive the first fluid output by the pressure exchanger. The receiver forms a chamber to separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid. The system also includes a heat exchanger configured to receive a second fluid from a second outlet of the pressure exchanger and to provide the second fluid to a second inlet of the pressure exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The system uses fluids at different pressures. The system uses a pump or compressor to 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 to Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a hydraulic energy transfer system is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0005] Figures 2A to 2E is an exploded perspective view of a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments.

[0006] Figures 3A to 3P is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system including a pressure exchanger, according to certain embodiments.

[0007] Figures 4A to 4B is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system including a pressure exchanger and an ejector, according to certain embodiments.

[0008] Figures 5A to 5B is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system including a pressure exchanger and a sub-evaporator according to certain embodiments.

[0009] Figures 6A to 6C is a flow chart illustrating an example method for controlling a refrigeration system according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Embodiments described herein relate to refrigeration systems and heat pump systems (eg, fluid handling systems, heat transfer systems, pressure exchanger systems, carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigeration systems, etc.) that include a pressure exchanger.

[0012] Systems can use fluids at different pressures. These systems may include hydraulic fracturing (e.g., hydraulic fracturing or fracking) systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, energy generation systems, mud pumping systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste systems, fluid transfer systems, etc. A pump or compressor can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid used in the system.

[0013] Traditionally, refrigeration systems use pumps or compressors to increase the pressure of a fluid (e.g., a refrigeration fluid such as CO2, R-134a, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ammonia (NH3), refrigerant mixtures, R-407A, R-404A, etc.). Conventionally, a separate pump or compressor mechanically coupled to a motor is used to increase the pressure of the fluid. Pumps and compressors operating on a large pressure differential (e.g., causing a significant increase in fluid pressure) require a large amount of energy. Therefore, conventional systems consume a large amount of energy to increase fluid pressure (via a pump or compressor driven by a motor). In addition, conventional refrigeration systems reduce the pressure of the fluid through an expansion valve and / or a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser and / or an evaporator, etc.). Conventional systems cannot effectively increase or reduce fluid pressure. This is a waste of energy in terms of the energy used to operate 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).

[0014] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein provide a fluid handling system (e.g., for refrigeration, cooling, heating, etc.). In some embodiments, the system (e.g., a fluid handling system, a refrigeration system, a heat pump system, a heat transfer system, a CO2 refrigeration system, etc.) includes a pressure exchanger (PX) 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). In some embodiments, 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). Upon entering the pressure exchanger, the first fluid can have a higher pressure than the second fluid. The pressure exchanger can exchange pressure between the first and second fluids. The first fluid can exit the pressure exchanger via a first outlet (e.g., a low-pressure outlet), while the second fluid can exit the pressure exchanger via a second outlet (e.g., a high-pressure outlet). Upon exiting the pressure exchanger, the second fluid can have a higher pressure than the first fluid (e.g., due to the pressure exchange between the first and second fluids).

[0015] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat exchanger (e.g., a condenser, a condensing unit (CU), a gas cooler, an air conditioning condenser, etc.), which is configured to provide a first fluid to the pressure exchanger (e.g., via a first inlet of the pressure exchanger) and transfer corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the first fluid and a corresponding environment (e.g., a radiator, a heat reservoir, a heat source, a cold reservoir, ambient air, the ground, etc.). In some embodiments, the first fluid (e.g., a high-pressure fluid) dissipates heat to the environment and condenses in the heat exchanger. The output of the heat exchanger (e.g., a portion of the heat exchanger output, the first fluid, etc.) can be provided to the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger. The heat exchanger can be located upstream of the pressure exchanger in the flow path of the first fluid.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system further includes a receiver (e.g., a flash tank) for receiving the first fluid output from the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger. The receiver can form a chamber in which the gas and liquid of the low-pressure first fluid can be separated. The booster can receive gas (e.g., gas of the high-pressure first fluid) from the receiver and increase the pressure of the gas to form the second fluid.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the system also includes a supercharger, which is configured to receive gas (e.g., the gas of the low-pressure first fluid) from a receiver, and increase the pressure of gas (e.g., the first part of the first gas) to form a second fluid (e.g., a part of a refrigeration fluid under low pressure) under the second pressure, and provide the second fluid under the second pressure to the pressure exchanger via the second inlet. The supercharger can be a pump or a compressor, and can increase the pressure of the second fluid on a relatively low pressure differential. More details about the supercharger pressure differential are described herein. The supercharger can provide the second fluid to the low-pressure inlet (e.g., the second inlet) of the pressure exchanger under the second pressure.

[0018] The system may further comprise one or more of an expansion valve, another heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) and a compressor to perform a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration fluid may be expanded by the expansion valve, thereby reducing pressure and temperature. The refrigeration fluid may receive thermal energy (e.g., heat) from another environment (e.g., a heat source, a cold storage device, etc.) via another heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator). The refrigeration fluid may be compressed in the compressor to increase the pressure of the refrigeration fluid. Heat energy may be discharged from the refrigeration fluid in the condenser, and the first fluid (e.g., at least a portion of the refrigeration fluid) may flow into a pressure exchanger and exchange pressure with the second fluid as part of a refrigeration cycle.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system includes a pressure exchanger and a condenser. The system may also include an ejector. The ejector can receive a first gas output from the pressure exchanger and increase the pressure of the first gas to form a second fluid at a second pressure. The ejector can provide the second fluid at a second pressure to the pressure exchanger via a second inlet. The ejector can receive a high-pressure gas output from a compressor (e.g., a compressor described herein) and mix the high-pressure gas with the first gas in a converging nozzle of the ejector to increase the pressure of the first gas. In some embodiments, the ejector substantially performs the function of a supercharger as described above.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system includes a pressure exchanger and a condenser. The system may also include a first evaporator and a second evaporator. The first evaporator can provide corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) from a second environment to a portion of the first fluid output by the pressure exchanger. The second evaporator can provide corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) from a third environment to another portion of the first fluid output by the pressure exchanger. The system may also include a first compressor and a second compressor. The first compressor can receive the fluid output from the first evaporator, increase the pressure of the fluid, and provide the fluid to the condenser. The second compressor can receive the fluid output from the second evaporator, increase the pressure of the fluid to form a second fluid (e.g., at a second pressure), and provide the second fluid to the pressure exchanger.

[0021] The system, device and method of the present invention have advantages over traditional solutions. Compared with traditional systems, the system of the present invention can use a reduced amount of energy (for example, using less energy to run a refrigeration cycle or a heat pump cycle, etc.). The pressure exchanger can allow energy (for example, pressure) that is usually lost in traditional systems. This makes the system of the present invention more efficient, thereby using less energy compared to traditional solutions, and the cost to the end user is lower over time. In addition, compared with traditional systems, the system of the present invention reduces the wear of components (for example, pumps, compressors) because the pump or compressor of the system disclosed herein can operate more efficiently (for example, the pressure exchanger performs a part of increasing the fluid pressure to reduce the load of the pump and / or compressor) compared to traditional systems. In addition, some systems described herein reduce the number of moving parts (for example, some systems use ejectors instead of superchargers). This also allows the system of the present invention to have higher reliability, less maintenance, longer component life, less system downtime and higher output (for example, refrigeration, cooling, heating, etc.). The systems of the present disclosure may utilize pressure exchangers that allow system components to last longer, increase system efficiency, allow the end user to select from a wider range of pumps and / or compressors, reduce maintenance and downtime to service pumps and / or compressors, and allow new instrumentation and controls.

[0022] 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 that are not pressure exchangers, non-rotating pressure exchangers, systems that do not include pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0023] 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.

[0024] As used herein, the term "condenser" may be a gas cooler. In some embodiments, the condenser condenses the fluid. In some embodiments, the condenser does not condense the fluid.

[0025] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100A including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0026] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., pressure exchanger) 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., pressure exchanger) 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 a high-pressure fluid output 150 to a high-pressure fluid output system 152 (e.g., via a high-pressure outlet). A controller 180 can regulate the flow rates of the high-pressure fluid input 130 and the low-pressure fluid output 140 via one or more flow valves, pumps, and / or compressors (not shown). The controller 180 can actuate the flow valves.

[0027] 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 (IPX)). 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) exceeding approximately 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more (e.g., without the use of centrifugal technology). High pressure (e.g., high-pressure fluid input 130, high-pressure fluid output 150) refers to a pressure that is higher than 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 pressure of the high-pressure fluid input 130). The pressure exchanger can operate with the high-pressure fluid input 130 directly applying 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. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger can be a rotary device. Rotary pressure exchangers, such as those manufactured by Energy Recovery, Inc. of San Leandro, California, may not have any separate valves because the effective valving action is accomplished internally by the relative motion of the rotor relative to the end cap. In some embodiments, a rotary pressure exchanger operates with an internal piston to isolate the fluid and transfer pressure with relatively little mixing of the inlet fluid streams. In some embodiments, a rotary pressure exchanger operates between fluids without an internal piston. A reciprocating pressure exchanger may include a piston that reciprocates in a cylinder for transferring pressure between the fluid streams. Any 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, or any combination thereof. In addition, the pressure exchanger may be provided on a unit platform (trolley) that is separated from the other components of the fluid treatment system 100A (e.g., when the pressure exchanger is attached to an existing fluid treatment system). In some examples, the pressure exchanger may be fastened to a structure that can be moved from one location to another. The pressure exchanger may be coupled to a system built on site (e.g., piping of the system, etc.). The structure to which the pressure exchanger is fastened may be referred to as a "unit platform."

[0028] In some embodiments, motor 160 is coupled to hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., coupled to a pressure exchanger). In some embodiments, motor 160 controls the speed of a rotor of hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to increase or decrease the pressure of high-pressure fluid output 150, etc.). In some embodiments, motor 160 generates energy based on pressure exchange within hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., functions as a generator).

[0029] 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., a gas, a liquid, a multiphase fluid). In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger may 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 containing less than a threshold amount of certain chemicals, etc.) and a second fluid, the second fluid having a relatively high viscosity (e.g., high viscosity), including more than a threshold amount of certain chemicals and / or containing solid particles (e.g., a fracturing fluid and / or a fluid containing sand, proppant, powder, debris, ceramics, contaminants, particles from welded or brazed joints, etc.).

[0030] 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, thereby forming the low-pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the low-pressure input system 122 includes an ejector to increase the pressure of the fluid, thereby forming the low-pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the low-pressure input system 122 receives gas from a low-pressure output system 142. In some embodiments, the low-pressure input system 122 receives fluid from a receiver (e.g., a flash tank, etc.). The receiver can receive the low-pressure fluid output 140 output from the hydraulic energy transfer system 110.

[0031] The fluid treatment system 100A may further include one or more sensors to provide sensor data (e.g., flow data, pressure data, velocity data, etc.) associated with the fluid in the fluid treatment system 100A. The controller 180 may control one or more flow rates of the fluid treatment system 100A based on the sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller 180 actuates one or more flow valves based on the received sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller 180 may perform Figures 6A to 6C One or more methods in .

[0032] One or more components of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be used in different types of systems, such as fracturing systems, desalination systems, refrigeration and heat pump systems (e.g., Figure 1B), slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste liquid systems, fluid transmission systems, heat transfer systems, etc.

[0033] Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100B including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 is shown according to certain embodiments. The fluid handling system 100B can be a refrigeration system or a heat pump system. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100B is a thermal energy (e.g., heat) transfer system (e.g., a heat transfer system, a heat transport 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.

[0034] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., a pressure exchanger) can 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 intensifier, 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., a pressure exchanger) can 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 intensifier, a high-pressure compressor, a high-pressure ejector, etc.) and a low-pressure fluid output 140 to a low-pressure output system 142 (e.g., an evaporator 144, a heat exchanger, a receiver 113, etc.). The low-pressure output system 142 (e.g., evaporator 144, receiver 113) can provide fluid to the compressor 178 and the low-pressure lifting device 128. The evaporator 144 can provide fluid to the compressor 178, and the receiver 113 (e.g., flash tank) can provide fluid to the low-pressure lifting device 128. The condenser 138 can receive fluid from the compressor 178 and the high-pressure lifting device 159. As used herein, the term "condenser" can be a gas cooler. In some embodiments, the condenser condenses the fluid. In some embodiments, the condenser does not condense the fluid (e.g., is a gas cooler). The controller 180 can control one or more components of the fluid handling system 100B. The high-pressure lifting device 159 can be a high-pressure booster, and the low-pressure lifting device 128 can be a low-pressure booster.

[0035] The fluid handling 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, the same fluid) circulating in the closed system of the fluid handling system 100B.

[0036] The fluid handling system 100B may further include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the fluid. One or more flow valves may control the flow rate of the fluid based on the sensor data received from the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller 180 actuates one or more flow valves (not shown) based on the received sensor data.

[0037] Figures 2A to 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. Figures 2A to 2E Some features in one or more of the graphs may have Figure 1A to Figure 1B Similar features, functions and / or structures to those in one or more figures.

[0038] 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, a fracturing fluid, superheated gaseous carbon dioxide, a low-pressure fluid input 120) with minimal mixing of the fluids. 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, each including a manifold 52 and 54, respectively. The manifold 52 includes a corresponding inlet port 56 and an outlet port 58, while the manifold 54 includes a corresponding inlet port 60 and an outlet port 62. In operation, these inlet ports 56, 60 allow the first and second fluids to enter the rotary pressure exchanger 40 to exchange pressures, while the outlet ports 58, 62 allow the first and second fluids to subsequently exit the rotary pressure exchanger 40. In operation, inlet port 56 can receive a high-pressure first fluid (e.g., high-pressure fluid input 130) output from the condenser, and after exchanging pressures, outlet port 58 can be used to deliver a low-pressure first fluid (e.g., low-pressure fluid output 140) from the rotary PX 40 to a receiver (e.g., a flash tank) configured to receive the first fluid from the rotary PX 40. The receiver can form a chamber configured to separate the fluid into a gas and a liquid. Similarly, inlet port 60 can receive a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., low-pressure slurry fluid, low-pressure fluid input 120) from a booster configured to receive a portion of the gas from the receiver and increase the pressure of the gas, and 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.

[0039] 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 higher). In some examples, tungsten carbide can be more durable and can provide improved wear resistance to abrasive fluids compared to other materials such as alumina ceramic. 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 comprised 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.

[0040] The rotor 46 can be cylindrical and can be disposed within the sleeve 44, which enables the rotor 46 to rotate about the axis 68. The rotor 46 can 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 in hydraulic communication with inlet and outlet openings 76 and 78 (e.g., end cover inlet and end cover outlet ports) and inlet and outlet openings 80 and 82 (e.g., end cover inlet and end cover 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 and outlet openings 76 and 78, as well as the inlet and outlet openings 80 and 82, can be designed in the form of arcs or segments of a circle (e.g., C-shaped).

[0041] In some embodiments, a controller using sensor data (e.g., revolutions per minute measured by a tachometer or optical encoder, volume flow measured by a flow meter, etc.) can control the degree of mixing between the first fluid and the second fluid in the rotary pressure exchanger, which can be used to improve fluid handling systems (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1BThe fluid handling system 100A to 100B of the present invention is operable. In some examples, varying 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 fluids that mix within the pressure exchanger 40. In addition, varying the rotational speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., via a motor) also allows the operator to control 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. In some examples, the speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., a rotor speed of approximately 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)) can reduce the contact time between the first fluid and the second fluid to less than approximately 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.

[0042] Figures 2B to 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 Figures 2B to 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, Figures 2B to 2E is simplified for illustrative purposes, and other embodiments of the rotary pressure exchanger 40 may have Figures 2A to 2E. As described in detail below, the rotary pressure exchanger 40 promotes pressure exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid (e.g., a particle-free fluid and a slurry fluid, a high-pressure refrigerant and a low-pressure refrigerant, etc.) by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to briefly contact each other within the rotor 46. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger promotes pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to contact opposite sides of a barrier (e.g., a reciprocating barrier, a piston, not shown). In some embodiments, the exchange occurs at a speed that 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 rotational speed of the rotor 46 can determine whether any mixing occurs and the extent of the mixing.

[0043] Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary pressure exchanger 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2B , channel opening 72 is in a first position. In this first position, channel opening 72 is in fluid communication with orifice 78 in end cap 64 and, therefore, in fluid communication with manifold 52, while the opposing channel opening 74 is in fluid communication with orifice 82 in end cap 66 and, through an extension, in fluid communication with manifold 54. 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 end cap 66 and enters channel 70, where it contacts first fluid 88 at dynamic fluid interface 90. Second fluid 86 then drives first fluid 88 out of channel 70, through end cap 64, and out of rotary pressure exchanger 40. However, due to the short duration of contact, mixing between second fluid 86 (e.g., a slurry fluid) and first fluid 88 (e.g., a particle-free fluid) is minimal. In some embodiments, low-pressure second fluid 86 contacts a first side of a barrier (e.g., a piston, not shown) disposed in passage 70, which is in contact (e.g., on the opposite side of the barrier) with first fluid 88. Second fluid 86 actuates the barrier, which pushes first fluid 88 out of passage 70. In such embodiments, there is negligible mixing between second fluid 86 and first fluid 88.

[0044] 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, passage 70 has been rotated clockwise through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. In this position, opening 74 (e.g., outlet) is no longer in fluid communication with ports 80 and 82 of end cap 66, and opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with ports 76 and 78 of end cap 64. Thus, low-pressure second fluid 86 is temporarily contained within passage 70.

[0045] 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 illustrated position is rotated through an arc of approximately 60 degrees. Opening 74 is now in fluid communication with orifice 80 in end cap 66, while opening 72 of passage 70 is now in fluid communication with orifice 76 of end cap 64. In this position, high-pressure first fluid 88 enters and pressurizes low-pressure second fluid 86, thereby driving second fluid 86 out of rotor passage 70 and through orifice 80.

[0046] 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 2B The illustrated position is rotated through an arc of approximately 270 degrees. In this position, opening 74 is no longer in fluid communication with ports 80 and 82 of end cap 66, and opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with ports 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.

[0047] Figures 3A to 3P is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300A-300P including a pressure exchanger, according to certain embodiments. Figures 3A to 3P Some features in one or more of the graphs may have Figure 1A to Figure 1B One or more images and / or Figures 2A to 2E The similar features, functions and / or structures in one or more figures in the drawings. Figures 3A to 3P 、 Figures 4A to 4B and / or Figures 5A to 5B The system of at least one of the graphs in Figures 6A to 6C A method that can be used to display one or more images in a .

[0048] Figure 3Ais a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300A including a pressure exchanger 310, according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300A is a heat transfer system and / or a fluid processing system. The pressure exchanger 310 may be a rotary pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is an isobaric or substantially isobaric pressure exchanger. The pressure exchanger 310 may be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 is coupled to a motor 360 (e.g., the rotation of the rotor of the pressure exchanger 310 is controlled by the motor 360). In some embodiments, the motor 360 controls the rotational speed of the pressure exchanger 310. The mass flow rate (e.g., of the first fluid and / or the second fluid) passing through the pressure exchanger 310 may be related to the rotational speed of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the pressure of the fluid (e.g., the first fluid) in the condenser 329 may be related to the rotational speed of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., the controller 380) receives sensor data from one or more sensors of the motor 360.

[0049] In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 receives a high-pressure first fluid (eg, Figure 1A to Figure 1B In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger 310 receives a low-pressure second fluid (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B Although references to "high pressure" and "low pressure" are made, "high pressure" and "low pressure" may be relative to each other and do not imply specific pressure values ​​(e.g., the pressure of high pressure fluid input 130 is higher than the pressure of low pressure fluid input 120). Pressure exchanger 310 can exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. Pressure exchanger 310 can provide the first fluid via a low pressure outlet (e.g., low pressure fluid output 140) and can provide the second fluid via a high pressure outlet (e.g., 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.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A includes a condenser 329 (e.g., a gas cooler), an evaporator 318, and a compressor 322. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300A is a refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the condenser 329 is a heat exchanger that provides heat from the refrigerant (e.g., the first fluid) to the environment.

[0051] In some embodiments, the condenser 329 is a heat exchanger that condenses (eg, cools) the fluid flowing through the condenser 329. The phase of the refrigerant may change from gas to liquid (eg, condense) within the condenser 329.

[0052] In some embodiments, the condenser 329 is a heat exchanger that does not condense the fluid flowing through the condenser 329 (e.g., cools the fluid but does not condense the fluid). In some embodiments, the fluid pressure in the condenser 329 is higher than the critical pressure of the fluid. In some embodiments, the condenser 329 is a gas cooler that does not condense the fluid (e.g., in a gaseous state). The condenser 329 can provide heat from the fluid (e.g., gas) to the corresponding environment. In some embodiments, the temperature of the fluid in the condenser 329 can be reduced, but the fluid can be not condensed (e.g., the fluid does not change from a gas phase to a liquid phase). In some embodiments, above the critical pressure of the fluid (e.g., refrigerant fluid), the thermodynamic distinction between the liquid phase and the gas phase of the fluid in the condenser 329 disappears, and only a single fluid state called a supercritical state exists.

[0053] In some examples, the evaporator 318 can provide the heat absorbed by the system 300A from a heat source (e.g., a cold reservoir) to the refrigeration fluid. The heat can be discharged to a radiator (e.g., a heat reservoir) via the condenser 329. In some embodiments, the refrigeration fluid helps transfer heat from an environment associated with the evaporator to an environment associated with the condenser. The compressor 322 of the fluid handling system 300A can increase the corresponding pressure of the refrigeration fluid along the flow path between the evaporator 318 and the condenser 329. In some embodiments, the refrigeration fluid is CO2 or another refrigeration fluid. The refrigeration fluid can flow substantially in a cycle (e.g., from the condenser 329 to the pressure exchanger 310 to the evaporator 318 to the compressor 322 to the condenser 329, etc.).

[0054] 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 (e.g., high-pressure booster 324). Both the low-pressure booster 314 and the high-pressure booster 324 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 second fluid output from the evaporator 318 (e.g., received from the pressure exchanger 310). The high-pressure booster 324 can increase the pressure of the second fluid output from the pressure exchanger 310. The second fluid can be provided (e.g., by the high-pressure booster 324) to combine with the fluid output from the compressor 322 (e.g., upstream of the inlet of the condenser 329) to supply the condenser 329. The low-pressure booster 314 can increase the pressure to less than a threshold amount (e.g., the low-pressure booster 314 can operate at a pressure differential less than the threshold amount). In some examples, low-pressure supercharger 314 can increase the pressure of the second fluid by about 10 to 60 psi. As the second fluid flows from low-pressure supercharger 314 to the second inlet of pressure exchanger 310, the second fluid may experience pressure loss (e.g., due to fluid friction loss in the pipeline). High-pressure supercharger 324 can increase the pressure of the second fluid between the second outlet of pressure exchanger 310 and the inlet of condenser 329. High-pressure supercharger 324 can increase the pressure to less than a threshold amount (e.g., high-pressure supercharger 324 can operate on a pressure difference less than a threshold amount). In some examples, high-pressure supercharger 324 can increase the pressure of the second fluid by about 10 to 60 psi. High-pressure supercharger 324 can increase the pressure of the second fluid to a pressure that substantially matches the pressure of the fluid output from compressor 322 (e.g., the pressure of condenser 329). Compared with low-pressure supercharger 314 and high-pressure supercharger 324, compressor 322 increases the pressure of the fluid to exceed a threshold amount (e.g., compressor 322 can operate on a pressure difference greater than a threshold amount). In some examples, compressor 322 can increase the pressure of the fluid to greater than about 200 psi. In some embodiments, controller 380 controls the flow rate of the fluid through pressure exchanger 310 by controlling the flow rate of low-pressure booster 314. In some examples, controller 380 can set the flow rate of low-pressure booster 314 to control the flow rate of the first fluid through pressure exchanger 310.

[0055] In some embodiments, the evaporator 318 is a heat exchanger that exchanges (e.g., provides) corresponding heat energy from the environment (e.g., the ambient medium) to the refrigeration fluid. In some examples, the evaporator 318 can receive heat (e.g., thermal energy) from the air of the environment and provide the heat to the refrigeration 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. In some examples, the environment can be the interior of a freezer cabinet or refrigerated storage area of ​​a supermarket or warehouse.

[0056] In some embodiments, condenser 329 is a heat exchanger that transfers heat energy (e.g., heat) between the refrigerant fluid and the environment. In some embodiments, condenser 329 is used to provide the heat energy of the refrigerant fluid to another environment (e.g., an environment different from the environment associated with evaporator 318). In some examples, condenser 329 can discharge heat (e.g., heat energy) to the air of an external (e.g., external) environment. In some embodiments, condenser 329 exchanges heat energy (e.g., discharges heat) to an external space. In some examples, condenser 329 can be placed outside a supermarket or warehouse building (e.g., on the roof of the building) and discharge heat to the external environment. In another example, condenser 329 can be placed in the ground and facilitate heat energy transfer between the refrigerant fluid and the ground. In some embodiments, condenser 329 discharges heat to the interior space, while evaporator 318 absorbs heat from the exterior space (e.g., as in a heat pump configuration providing heating). The heat energy discharged from condenser 329 can be used to heat an enclosed (e.g., substantially enclosed) space. In another example, the evaporator 318 may be placed in the ground and facilitate the transfer of thermal energy from the ground to the refrigeration fluid.

[0057] The fluid handling system 300A may include a controller 380 (e.g., Figure 1A 1D ). Controller 380 can control the supercharger and / or compressor of system 300A. Controller 380 can receive sensor data from one or more sensors of system 300A. The sensors may include pressure sensors, flow rate sensors, and / or temperature sensors. In some embodiments, controller 380 controls a motor (e.g., motor 360) coupled to pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, controller 380 receives motor data from one or more motor sensors associated with motor 360. The motor data received from the motor sensors may include current motor speed (e.g., revolutions per minute), total motor run time, motor run time between maintenance operations, and / or total motor revolutions. The motor data may indicate a performance status of the motor.

[0058] In some embodiments, controller 380 receives sensor data indicating the temperature of the refrigerated space (e.g., the cold storage near evaporator 318) and / or the temperature of the heated space (e.g., the heat storage near condenser 329). Controller 380 can control low-pressure booster 314, high-pressure booster 324, and / or compressor 322 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors of fluid handling system 300A (e.g., one or more fluid flow rate sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc.). In some embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) are positioned near the inlet and / or outlet of various components of fluid handling system 300A. In some embodiments, one or more sensors are positioned internally within a component of fluid handling system 300A. In some examples, a pressure sensor may be positioned near the inlet of compressor 322, while an additional pressure sensor may be positioned near the outlet of compressor 322. In some examples, one temperature sensor may be positioned near the inlet of evaporator 318, while another temperature sensor may be positioned near the outlet of evaporator 318. In some examples, a temperature sensor may be positioned internally within condenser 329. In some examples, flow sensors may be located at each of the inlet and outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to measure the flow rates of the first and second fluids flowing into and out of the pressure exchanger 310 .

[0059] References to "first fluid" and "second fluid" are made herein. In some embodiments, the first and second fluids are the same type of fluid (e.g., a refrigerant fluid flowing in a fluid handling system). The "first fluid" may refer to a fluid flowing 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 from the high-pressure inlet and / or low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The "second fluid" may refer to a fluid flowing 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 from the low-pressure inlet and / or high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the first fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a supercritical state (e.g., supercritical CO2). In some embodiments, the first fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a liquid state (e.g., liquid CO2). In some embodiments, the second fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a gaseous state (e.g., CO2 vapor). In some embodiments, the second fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a two-phase state (e.g., a CO2 liquid-gas mixture). In some embodiments, the second fluid may be a refrigerant fluid in a liquid state (eg, liquid CO 2 ).

[0060] In some embodiments, system 300A is a heat pump system capable of heating an environment (e.g., an indoor space). In this heat pump system, condenser 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 from a refrigeration or air cooling system to a heat pump system, a reversing valve can be used to allow the fluid flow leaving compressor 322 to be directed toward the inlet of 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 booster 314, high-pressure booster 324, compressor 322, and / or similar components) in the same direction, while switching fluid flow from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0061] 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, condenser 329, positioned outdoors, rejects heat (e.g., provides corresponding thermal energy from the refrigerant fluid to the corresponding environment), and evaporator 318 absorbs heat (e.g., provides corresponding thermal energy from the corresponding environment to the refrigerant fluid). In a heat pump embodiment of system 300A, condenser 329, positioned indoors, rejects heat to its indoor environment, while 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 flow of thermal energy 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 324, to / from low-pressure booster 314, to / from compressor 322, to / from condenser 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 can direct fluid from compressor 322 to the outdoor unit. A similar valve can direct fluid from compressor 322 to the indoor unit.

[0062] The reversibility of the system 300A can be controlled (e.g., via the controller 380, via a programmable thermostat disposed in the indoor space, via user input, etc.). In some examples, the controller 380 can determine (e.g., based on temperature data, based on user input, based on a schedule) whether the system 300A is used to heat the indoor space or to cool the indoor space. In some embodiments, the controller 380 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 system. In embodiments where the function of the system 300A is reversible (e.g., 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 condenser 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 condenser 329 can be an indoor heat exchanger.

[0063] In some embodiments, the systems described herein (e.g., Figures 1A to 7 The system of one or more of the figures in FIG. 1 can be used to heat an interior space, cool an interior space, and / or selectively (e.g., reversibly) heat and cool a space.

[0064] Figure 3B FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300B including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300B is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300B have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figure 3A Similar characteristics, structure and / or functions of the fluid handling system 300A.

[0065] Fluid treatment system 300B may include a flash tank 313 (e.g., a receiver). In some embodiments, flash tank 313 is a receiver configured to receive a fluid (e.g., a first fluid) flowing from the low-pressure outlet of pressure exchanger 310. Flash tank 313 may form a chamber so as to collect the first fluid from the first outlet of pressure exchanger 310. Flash tank 313 may receive the first fluid in a two-phase state (e.g., liquid and gas). In some embodiments, flash tank 313 is a tank made of welded metal sheets. Flash tank 313 may be made of steel (e.g., steel sheet metal, steel plate, etc.). The first fluid (under low pressure) may be separated into gas and liquid within flash tank 313. The liquid of the first fluid may settle at the bottom of flash tank 313, while the gas of the first fluid may rise to the top of flash tank 313. The liquid may flow from flash tank 313 to evaporator 318 (e.g., via expansion valve 316). The chamber of flash tank 313 may be maintained at a set pressure. The pressure can be set by a user (e.g., an operator, technician, engineer, etc.) and / or by a controller (e.g., controller 380). In some embodiments, the pressure of the flash tank 313 is controlled by one or more valves (e.g., flash gas valve 320, pressure regulating valve, safety valve, etc.). In some embodiments, the flash tank 313 includes at least one pressure sensor (e.g., a pressure transducer).

[0066] Fluid handling system 300B may include an expansion valve 316. In some embodiments, expansion valve 316 is disposed along the flow path between flash tank 313 and evaporator 318. Expansion valve 316 may be an adjustable valve (e.g., an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve, a ball valve, a gate valve, a poppet valve, etc.). Expansion valve 316 may be controlled by a user (e.g., a technician, an operator, an engineer, etc.) and / or by controller 380. In some embodiments, expansion valve 316 is actuated by controller 380 based on sensor data (e.g., pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, temperature sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, expansion valve 316 is a thermal expansion valve. Expansion valve 316 may be actuated (e.g., opened and / or closed) based on temperature data associated with evaporator 318 (e.g., temperature data of the refrigerant fluid exiting the evaporator). In some examples, a sensing bulb (e.g., a temperature sensor, a temperature-dependent pressure sensor, etc.) of the expansion valve 316 can increase or decrease the pressure on the diaphragm of the expansion valve 316, causing a poppet valve coupled to the diaphragm to open or close, thereby allowing more or less fluid to flow to the evaporator 318, thereby causing more or less fluid to expand. The sensing bulb of the expansion valve can be positioned near the downstream end of the evaporator 318 (e.g., near the fluid outlet of the evaporator 318) and can be fluidically coupled to the diaphragm via a sensing capillary (e.g., a conduit between the sensing bulb and the expansion valve 316). In some embodiments, the expansion valve 316 is controlled and actuated entirely based on electronic commands (e.g., from the controller 380).

[0067] Fluid handling system 300B can 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, which regulates the gas flow from the gas outlet of flash tank 313 to be combined 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 position of the outlet downstream of flash tank 313 and evaporator 318. The gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path can be combined with the output of evaporator 318. Along with gas flow to compressor 320, flash gas valve 322 can expand the gas collected in flash tank 313 (for example, pressure reduction). In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 can be a regulating valve. In some embodiments, flash gas valve 320 is actuated by controller 380 based on sensor data.

[0068] In some embodiments, as Figure 3BAs shown, the low-pressure booster 314 receives a fluid flow from the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 314 receives an air flow from the flash tank 313. In some examples, the low-pressure booster 314 receives a portion of the gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path between the flash tank 313 and the flash gas valve 320. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 314 receives the fluid and increases the pressure of the fluid to form a second fluid (e.g., at a second pressure). The fluid under the increased pressure (e.g., the second pressure) is provided to the second inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 as the second fluid. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 314 is a compressor or pump that operates at a low pressure differential to "boost" the pressure of the gas received from the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the high-pressure booster 324 is a compressor or pump that operates at a low pressure differential to "boost" the pressure of the fluid (e.g., the second fluid) received from the second outlet of the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, a compressor is configured to increase the pressure of a fluid consisting essentially of a gas, while a pump is configured to increase the pressure of a fluid consisting essentially of a liquid.

[0069] Figure 3C FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300C including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300C is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300C have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figures 3A to 3B The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300B.

[0070] The fluid handling system 300C may include a parallel compressor 350. In some embodiments, the parallel compressor 350 receives gas from the flash tank 313. The parallel compressor 350 may receive gas from the flash tank 313. The parallel compressor 350 may operate in parallel with the pressure exchanger 310. The parallel compressor 350 may increase the pressure of the gas received from the flash tank 313 to a pressure substantially similar to the pressure of the fluid output by the compressor 322. The parallel compressor 350 may compress excess flash gas from the flash tank 313 that exceeds the flow capacity of the pressure exchanger 310, thereby avoiding the flow of gas through the pressure exchanger 310. Figure 3BFlash gas valve 320 is shown to reduce the pressure of the flash gas. Using a parallel compressor 350 in conjunction with pressure exchanger 310 can improve the energy efficiency of the system. Parallel compressor 350 can provide compressed gas to be combined with the output of compressor 322. Parallel compressor 350 can be a rotary compressor or a reciprocating compressor. In some embodiments, the work performed by parallel compressor 350 reduces the work performed by compressor 322, thereby improving the efficiency of the system because parallel compressor 350 operates at a pressure differential that is less than the pressure differential of compressor 322.

[0071] Figure 3D FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300D including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300D is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300D have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in other figures. Figures 3A to 3C The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures, and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300C.

[0072] The low-pressure booster 314 of the fluid handling system 300D can receive fluid via one or more of the low-pressure suction line 353 or the low-pressure suction line 354. The low-pressure suction line 353 can direct fluid from the flash gas bypass flow path (e.g., between the flash tank 313 and the flash gas valve 320) to the low-pressure booster 314. The low-pressure suction line 354 can convey fluid output from the evaporator and / or the flash gas bypass (e.g., downstream of the outlet of the evaporator 318) to the low-pressure booster 314. In some embodiments, the pressure of the fluid received via the low-pressure suction line 354 (e.g., by the low-pressure booster 314) is lower than the pressure of the gas received via the low-pressure suction line 353 (e.g., because the gas is received downstream of the flash gas valve 320, which reduces the pressure of the flash gas). A three-way selector valve (not shown) can be used to fluidly couple either the suction line 354 or the suction line 353 to the inlet of the low-pressure booster 314. Processing logic (e.g., a control algorithm, a processing device, a controller 380) can determine which suction line to fluidly couple to the inlet of the low-pressure booster 314 based on sensor data (e.g., pressure sensor data, temperature sensor data, flow sensor data, etc.). For example, in response to the gas in the flash tank 313 reaching a threshold amount (e.g., there is little gas in the flash tank 313) (e.g., when the ambient temperature is low, expansion through the pressure exchanger 310 may produce much more liquid than gas), the low-pressure booster 314 receives more gas through the suction line 354. The controller 380 can cause the three-way selector valve to fluidly couple the inlet of the low-pressure booster 314 to the low-pressure suction line 353 (e.g., to provide flow between the low-pressure booster 314 and the low-pressure suction line 352). This may allow the pressure exchanger 310 to operate closer to its flow capacity, thereby saving more energy.

[0073] Figure 3E FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300E including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, refrigeration system 300E is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of fluid handling system 300C have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in other figures. Figures 3A to 3D The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures, and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300D.

[0074] The fluid processing system 300E may include a flash gas heat exchanger 361. The flash gas heat exchanger 361 may receive a first fluid from the condenser 329 and provide the first fluid to the pressure exchanger 310. The flash gas heat exchanger 361 may receive flash gas from the flash gas valve 320 and provide the flash gas to mix with the fluid output by the evaporator 318. The flash gas heat exchanger 361 may transfer thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the first fluid and the flash gas. The flash gas heat exchanger 361 may provide corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the first fluid output by the condenser 329 (e.g., upstream of the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310) to the flash gas output by the flash gas valve 320 (e.g., gas flowing from the flash tank 313 along the flash gas flow path). The heat energy exchange promoted by the flash gas heat exchanger 361 may cause the liquid flowing through the flash gas bypass flow path to evaporate. In addition, in some embodiments, the flash gas heat exchanger 361 further cools the first fluid exiting the condenser 329 upstream of the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. Further cooling the first fluid can increase the liquid content of the first fluid at the low-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310, reduce the total mass flow rate per unit heat absorbed by the system (e.g., the total mass flow rate per unit heat), and increase the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system (e.g., the ratio of useful heating or cooling provided to the work (energy) used). The COP of the system can be an indicator of the efficiency of the system (e.g., an increase in the COP of the system indicates an improvement in the efficiency of the system).

[0075] Figure 3F FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300F including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300F is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300F have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figures 3A to 3E The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures, and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300E.

[0076] The fluid handling system 300F may include a flash gas heat exchanger 361 similar to the fluid handling system 300E. However, in the fluid handling system 300F, the flash gas heat exchanger 361 can exchange corresponding heat energy between the gas flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path output by the flash gas valve 320 and the second fluid output from the low-pressure booster 314 (e.g., upstream of the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310). The heat energy exchange facilitated by the flash gas heat exchanger 361 can vaporize the liquid flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path. In addition, in some embodiments, the flash gas heat exchanger 361 can cool the second fluid output from the low-pressure booster 314, thereby increasing the density of the second fluid, so that the mass flow intake of the pressure exchanger 310 is higher and the corresponding mass flow of the main compressor 322 is reduced. This may result in a higher system COP.

[0077] Figure 3G FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300G including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300G is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300G have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. Figures 3A to 3F The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures, and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300F.

[0078] The evaporator 318 of the fluid handling system 300G can operate in an overflow state. In some examples, both the liquid and the gas in some embodiments can flow through the evaporator 318. Operating the evaporator 318 in an overflow state can allow the pressure on the suction side of the compressor 322 (e.g., the upstream side of the compressor 322) to increase, thereby reducing the pressure difference overcome by the compressor 322, thereby reducing the energy required by the compressor 322 and improving the efficiency of the system. In some embodiments, the fluid leaving the evaporator 318 (e.g., through the outlet of the evaporator 318) can be in a two-phase state (e.g., liquid and gas). The liquid can accumulate in the accumulator 338. In some embodiments, the accumulator 338 is a receiver that receives fluid from the evaporator 318 and the flash gas bypass. In some embodiments, the accumulator 338 forms a chamber similar to the flash tank 313. The chamber of the accumulator 338 can be maintained at a substantially constant (e.g., semi-constant) pressure. In some embodiments, the accumulator 338 includes one or more pressure sensors. Liquid collected in accumulator 338 may be pumped by low-pressure booster 314 (eg, a pump configured to pump liquid in some embodiments) to the low-pressure inlet of pressure exchanger 310. Gas from accumulator 338 may flow to compressor 322.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 by the low-pressure booster 314 is in a liquid state. The second fluid may also be in a liquid state at the high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the second fluid may be in a subcooled liquid state at the high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The high-pressure booster 324 can pump the second fluid from the high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The output of the condenser 329 can be combined with the fluid pumped by the high-pressure booster 324 (e.g., output by the high-pressure booster 324) to be received by the pressure exchanger 310 via the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310.

[0080] Figure 3H FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300H including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300H is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300H have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figures 3A to 3G The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures, and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300G.

[0081] The fluid handling system 300H may include a secondary evaporator 319 and a secondary expansion valve 358. In some embodiments, the secondary evaporator 319 receives a portion of the fluid flow from the flash tank 313 via the secondary expansion valve 358. The secondary expansion valve 358 can control the flow of fluid flowing to the secondary evaporator 319. In some embodiments, the controller 380 can control the secondary expansion valve 358. In some embodiments, the controller 380 actuates (e.g., opens and / or closes) the secondary expansion valve 358 based on sensor data received by the controller 380. The sensor data may include pressure sensor data, flow sensor data, and / or temperature sensor data, in particular, temperature data related to the secondary evaporator 319. In some embodiments, the secondary expansion valve 358 has characteristics and / or performance substantially similar to the expansion valve 316 described herein. In some embodiments, when the fluid flows through the secondary expansion valve 358, the fluid flowing through the secondary expansion valve 358 expands.

[0082] In some embodiments, the secondary evaporator 319 is a heat exchanger that provides corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the environment to the fluid flowing through the secondary evaporator 319. In some embodiments, the thermal energy provided by the secondary evaporator 319 comes from an environment different from the environment that provides thermal energy to the evaporator 318. In some embodiments, the temperature of the environment that provides thermal energy to the secondary evaporator 319 is different from the temperature of the environment that provides thermal energy to the evaporator 318. In some examples, the evaporator 318 can exchange thermal energy with the refrigerated section of a supermarket, while the secondary evaporator 319 can exchange thermal energy with the frozen section of the supermarket, which is cooler than the refrigerated section. In some embodiments, the secondary evaporator 319 is a low-temperature (LT) evaporator (e.g., a freezer) that operates at a lower temperature than the evaporator 318 (e.g., a medium-temperature evaporator, a refrigerator). In some embodiments, the fluid output from the secondary evaporator 319 is compressed by the secondary compressor 356 before being combined with the fluid output from the evaporator 318 and / or the fluid output from the flash gas valve 320. In some embodiments, any of the systems 300A-300M may include a secondary evaporator 319 and a secondary compressor 356 as described herein.

[0083] Figure 3I FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300I including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300I is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300I have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figures 3A to 3H Similar characteristics, structures and / or functions may be employed in one or more of the fluid handling systems 300A-300H.

[0084] The fluid handling system 300I can include a liquid pump 340. In some embodiments, the liquid pump 340 can pump liquid from the accumulator 338 to the inlet of the evaporator 318. The liquid pumped by the liquid pump 340 can be combined with the fluid output from the expansion valve 316 (e.g., upstream of the inlet of the evaporator 318). The liquid pump 340 can be controlled by a controller 380. In some embodiments, the fluid exiting the condenser 329 is in a liquid state. Therefore, in some embodiments, the high-pressure booster 324 pumps liquid from the outlet of the condenser 329 to the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The high-pressure booster 324 can increase the pressure of the liquid output from the condenser 329 to the high-pressure inlet of the PX 310.

[0085] Figure 3JFIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300J including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300J is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300J have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figures 3A to 3I The invention may also include one or more similar features, structures and / or functions of the fluid handling systems 300A-300I.

[0086] The fluid handling system 300J may include a parallel valve 348. The parallel valve 348 may be an expansion valve or a flow control valve. In some embodiments, the parallel valve 348 selectively regulates the flow of fluid from the outlet of the condenser 329 to the flash tank 313 in parallel with the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the parallel valve 348 controls the pressure of the condenser 329 (e.g., the gas cooler) by selectively opening or closing its orifice (e.g., of the parallel valve 348). In some embodiments, the parallel valve 348 can be actuated to selectively regulate the flow of fluid or selectively regulate the pressure of the fluid within the condenser 329. The parallel valve 348 can selectively provide a portion of the fluid output from the condenser 329 to the expansion tank 313. In some examples, the parallel valve 348 can be actuated to open further, thereby allowing more fluid to flow from the condenser 329 to the flash tank 313, or the parallel valve 348 can be actuated to close further, thereby allowing less fluid to flow from the condenser 329 to the flash tank 313. As the fluid flows through the parallel valve 348, the fluid may expand, causing the pressure and / or temperature of the fluid to decrease. In some embodiments, the controller 380 can actuate (e.g., open and / or close) the parallel valve 348 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors of the fluid handling system 300I.

[0087] Figure 3K FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300K including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300K is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300K have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. Figure 3A -J have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions to the fluid handling systems 300A-J.

[0088] The fluid handling system 300K may include a pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362 and a pressure exchanger on / off valve 364. The pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362 may control the flow of a second fluid output from the high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, when the second fluid flows through the pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362, the second fluid expands. The second fluid output from the pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362 may flow into the flash tank 313. As the second fluid flows through the pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362, the second fluid may expand to the pressure of the flash tank 313 (e.g., the pressure within the flash tank 313). Expansion of the second fluid by the pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362 may improve the quality of the fluid in the flash tank 313 (e.g., increase the gas-liquid ratio). The pressure exchanger on / off valve 364 may control the flow of the first fluid (e.g., the high-pressure fluid) to the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362 and / or the pressure exchanger on / off valve 364 are controlled by a controller 380. The controller 380 may actuate (eg, open and / or close) the pressure exchanger high pressure valve 362 and / or the pressure exchanger on / off valve 364 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors of the fluid handling system 300J.

[0089] Figure 3L FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300L including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300L is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300L have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in other figures. Figure 3A -K have similar features, structures and / or functions to the fluid handling systems 300A-K.

[0090] The fluid handling system 300L may include a flash gas heat exchanger 361. In some embodiments, a portion of the gas output from the flash gas valve 320 and flowing along the flash gas bypass flow path is directed to the flash gas heat exchanger 361. In addition, in some embodiments, the second fluid output from the high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 is directed to the flash gas heat exchanger 361. The flash gas heat exchanger 361 can provide corresponding thermal energy (e.g., heat) from the second fluid to the flash gas portion. Therefore, the temperature of the second fluid from the high-pressure outlet of the pressure exchanger 310 can be reduced. The second fluid can be output from the flash gas heat exchanger 361 (e.g., at a reduced temperature) and directed to the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, when the second fluid passes through the pressure exchanger high-pressure valve 362 toward the flash tank 313, the second fluid expands, similar to the reference Figure 3K The fluid handling system 300J is explained.

[0091] Figure 3M FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300M including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300M have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. Figure 3A -L have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions to the fluid handling systems 300A-L.

[0092] The fluid handling system 300M may include an auxiliary flash tank 352. The auxiliary flash tank 352 may be a receiver for receiving the second fluid output from the flash gas heat exchanger 361. In some embodiments, the auxiliary flash tank 352 is constructed of welded metal plates, similar to the construction of the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the auxiliary flash tank 352 is made of steel. The auxiliary flash tank 352 may form a chamber for receiving a fluid (e.g., the second fluid). The interior of the auxiliary flash tank 352 (e.g., the chamber of the auxiliary flash tank 354) may be maintained at a predetermined constant (e.g., substantially constant) pressure. The pressure in the auxiliary flash tank 352 may be higher than the pressure in the flash tank 313. In some examples, the pressure in the auxiliary flash tank 352 may be maintained at least about 30 psi higher than the pressure in the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the auxiliary flash tank 352 includes at least one pressure sensor. The fluid flowing from the auxiliary flash tank 352 to the manifold valve 355 may be expanded through the valve 353. In some embodiments, the valve 353 regulates the pressure in the auxiliary flash tank 352. Valve 353 may be controllable (eg, via controller 380 ).

[0093] In some embodiments, the auxiliary flash tank 352 can receive a second fluid output from the flash gas heat exchanger 361 (e.g., downstream of the pressure exchanger high pressure valve 362). The liquid and gas of the second fluid can be separated in the auxiliary flash tank 352. The liquid can be collected at the bottom of the auxiliary flash tank 352 and directed to the expansion valve 316 via the manifold valve 355. In the manifold valve 355, the liquid output from the auxiliary flash tank 352 can be combined with the liquid output from the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the manifold valve 355 combines the liquid streams from the auxiliary flash tank 352 and the flash tank 313 and directs the combined liquid stream to the expansion valve 316. In some embodiments, the manifold valve 355 is controlled (e.g., actuated) by the controller 380 (e.g., based on sensor data). The gas collected in the auxiliary flash tank 352 can be directed to the low pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. Because in some embodiments, the pressure maintained in the auxiliary flash tank 352 is higher than the pressure maintained in the flash tank 313, a low-pressure booster is not required to boost the pressure of the second fluid upstream of the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310, thereby reducing the energy consumption and hardware cost of the system.

[0094] Figures 3M.1 to 3M.6 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300M.1-300M.6 including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.1-300M.6 is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300M.1-300M.6 have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. Figure 3A -M fluid handling systems 300A-M have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0095] refer to Figure 3M.1 In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.1 is connected to Figure 3M Refrigeration system 300M is shown to be substantially similar (e.g., system 300M without auxiliary flash tank 352, valve 353, and / or manifold valve 355). In some embodiments, refrigeration system 300M.1 does not have one or more of auxiliary flash tank 352, valve 353, and / or manifold valve 355. In some embodiments, pressure exchanger 310 receives fluid flow from pressure exchanger high pressure valve 362 rather than from auxiliary flash tank 352.

[0096] In some embodiments, refrigeration system 300M.1 (e.g., a fluid handling system) includes a pressure exchanger 310 configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure (e.g., via a high-pressure input) and a second fluid at a second pressure (e.g., via a low-pressure input) and to exchange pressure between the first and second fluids. Refrigeration system 300M.1 also includes a condenser 329 (or gas cooler) configured to provide corresponding thermal energy of the first fluid to a corresponding environment (e.g., condenser 329 provides the first fluid to the high-pressure input). Refrigeration system 300M.1 also includes a receiver (e.g., a flash tank 313) for receiving the first fluid output (e.g., the low-pressure output) of pressure exchanger 310. The receiver (e.g., the flash tank 313) forms a chamber to separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid. Refrigeration system 300M1 also includes a heat exchanger 361 configured to receive the second fluid from a second outlet (e.g., the high-pressure output) of pressure exchanger 310 and provide the second fluid to a second inlet (e.g., the low-pressure input) of pressure exchanger 310.

[0097] refer to Figure 3M.2 In some embodiments, the cooling system 300M.2 is connected to Figure 3M.1 Refrigeration system 300M.1 is shown to be substantially similar (e.g., system 300M.1, but heat exchanger 361 rejects heat to the ambient air and is therefore referred to in this embodiment as a gas cooler (e.g., gas cooler 329B), with the addition of one or more of heat exchanger 361A, heat exchanger 361B, evaporator 318B, compressor 322B, valve 384, etc.). Refrigeration system 300M.2 may use heat exchangers 361A and 361B to further subcool the fluid flowing to the high-pressure input of pressure exchanger 310, and may use a three-way valve (e.g., valve 384) to control the flow of refrigerant vapor from the intermediate-temperature evaporator outlet to heat exchanger 361B, bypassing the remaining flow directly to the suction port of compressor 322A. This helps control superheat at the suction port of compressor 322A.

[0098] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.2 includes a pressure exchanger 310 that receives a fluid flow high pressure input and a fluid flow low pressure input and provides a fluid flow high pressure output and a fluid flow low pressure output.

[0099] The fluid flow high pressure output (e.g., high pressure output flow, flow 1) can be cooled by gas cooler 329B (e.g., gas cooler 2) and then reduced in pressure by valve 316 (e.g., high pressure valve 2). The medium pressure liquid-gas mixture then absorbs heat in heat exchanger 361 (e.g., heat exchanger 1) and continues to flow to the low pressure input port of pressure exchanger 310 (e.g., becoming fluid flow low pressure input).

[0100] The fluid flowing out of gas cooler 329A (e.g., gas cooler outlet flow, Stream 2) passes through heat exchanger 361 (e.g., heat exchanger 1) and is cooled due to the heat absorbed by the fluid flow from gas cooler 329B (e.g., Stream 2). This cooled fluid flow (e.g., cooled Stream 2) then passes through heat exchanger 361B (e.g., heat exchanger 2) and can be further cooled using the fluid flow from evaporator 318 (e.g., medium-temperature evaporator) and flash gas valve 320 (e.g., FGBP valve) (e.g., the combined flow of medium-temperature evaporator outlet and FGBP valve outlet, Stream 3) depending on the valve 384 (e.g., three-way valve, bypass valve opening). This also provides a method for superheating the fluid flow from evaporator 318 and flash gas valve 320 (e.g., Stream 3) before entering compressor 322 (e.g., MT compressor).

[0101] Valve 382 (eg, high pressure valve 1) may operate in parallel with pressure exchanger 310 and may take some, all, or none of the fluid flow from gas cooler 329A according to controller 380 (eg, a control algorithm).

[0102] The low pressure output fluid stream with a higher liquid content then enters the flash tank 313 (e.g., receiver) and is separated into liquid and gas. The remaining operations can be similar to Figure 3M The operations described in .

[0103] Valve 386 may be a three-way valve that may control flow from heat exchanger 361B and compressor 322B to compressor 322A.

[0104] The evaporator 318A may be a medium temperature (MT) evaporator (eg, a refrigerator), and the evaporator 318B may be a low temperature (LT) evaporator (eg, a freezer).

[0105] refer to Figure 3M.3 In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.3 is connected to Figure 3M.2 Refrigeration system 300M2 is shown to be substantially similar (e.g., system 300M.2, which regulates fluid flow in certain portions of the system), but heat exchanger 361B (heat exchanger 2) is used to cool the fluid stream (e.g., stream 1) from gas cooler 329A before the fluid stream enters pressure exchanger 310 via the low-pressure input. This can increase the density of the low-pressure input fluid stream, which in turn can increase the mass pressure ratio of pressure exchanger 310. Refrigeration system 300M.3 can use heat exchanger 361B to cool the fluid stream flowing to the low-pressure input of pressure exchanger 310.

[0106] refer to Figure 3M.4 In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.4 is connected to Figure 3M.3Refrigeration system 300M.4 is substantially similar to refrigeration system 300M.3 shown in FIG (e.g., system 300M.3 that regulates fluid flow in certain portions of the system). Refrigeration system 300M.4 may include valve 388 (e.g., a low pressure valve (LPV)) that increases the pressure of the low pressure input fluid stream to pressure exchanger 310 and may increase the density of the low pressure input to pressure exchanger 310. This increases the mass pressure increase ratio of the pressure exchanger and may increase the amount of subcooling achieved in heat exchanger 361A (e.g., heat exchanger 1). Refrigeration system 300M.4 may use valve 388 to increase the pressure of the low pressure input fluid stream to pressure exchanger 310 and may use heat exchanger 361B (e.g., heat exchanger 2) to cool the fluid stream at the low pressure output of pressure exchanger 310.

[0107] Heat exchanger 361B (eg, heat exchanger 2) may be used to reduce the mass of the low pressure output fluid stream from pressure exchanger 310 to increase the liquid content of the fluid stream before it enters flash tank 313 (eg, receiver).

[0108] refer to Figure 3M.5 In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.5 is connected to Figure 3M.2 Refrigeration system 300M.2 is shown to be substantially similar (e.g., system 300M.2 that regulates fluid flow in certain portions of the system), but stream 3 exits evaporator 318B (e.g., the low-temperature evaporator) and is used in heat exchanger 361B (e.g., heat exchanger 2) to further subcool stream 1. In some embodiments, refrigeration system 300M.5 has heat exchanger 361B that uses the outlet of evaporator 318B (e.g., the low-temperature evaporator outlet) rather than the outlet of evaporator 318A (e.g., the medium-temperature evaporator outlet).

[0109] The fluid flow at the outlet of evaporator 318B (e.g., the low-temperature evaporator outlet) may be cooler (e.g., much cooler) than the fluid flow at the outlet of evaporator 318A (e.g., the medium-temperature evaporator outlet), and more efficient cooling may be achieved in heat exchanger 361B (e.g., heat exchanger 2), which may reduce the size of heat exchanger 361 A. This may be beneficial in situations where the load of evaporator 318B is a threshold portion of the total system load.

[0110] A three-way valve can be used to control the fraction of the flow of stream 1 that is subcooled in heat exchanger 361B. The remaining portion can bypass heat exchanger 361B. This allows for control of medium-temperature suction superheat while still providing additional subcooling to stream 1 before it enters the high-pressure input of pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, this additional subcooling increases the liquid content after expansion through pressure exchanger 310.

[0111] refer to Figure 3M.6 In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300M.6 is connected to Figure 3M.5 Refrigeration system 300M.5 is substantially similar to refrigeration system 300M.5 shown in FIG (e.g., system 300M.5 that regulates fluid flow in certain portions of the system). Refrigeration system 300M.6 can have heat exchangers 361A-361C to help increase the liquid mass fraction in flash tank 313 (e.g., a receiver) and can have valve 392 (e.g., a low-pressure valve that reduces the pressure of the low-pressure output from pressure exchanger 310 to the medium-temperature suction section (e.g., compressor 322A, a medium-temperature compressor).

[0112] Three-way valve 399 can divert flow between the pressure exchanger high pressure input (stream 1) and valve 396 (eg, high pressure valve (HPV) 1 (stream 2).

[0113] The fluid flow via the low pressure output can cool stream 2 (e.g., heat exchanger 1) in heat exchanger 361A, and the outlet of evaporator 318A (e.g., medium temperature evaporator outlet) (stream 3) increases the liquid content of stream 2 passing through heat exchanger 361B (e.g., heat exchanger 2) before stream 2 enters the flash tank 313 (e.g., receiver).

[0114] The fluid flow through the low-pressure output can increase its gas content in the heat exchanger 361A (e.g., heat exchanger 1) and can be discharged as superheated steam. The fluid flow can then be reduced in pressure through valve 392 (e.g., a low-pressure valve) and can be combined with the suction flow of the compressor 322A (e.g., the medium-temperature compressor suction flow).

[0115] The outlet stream of gas cooler 329B (e.g., gas cooler #2 outlet stream) can be reduced in pressure (stream 4) through expansion valve 316 (e.g., high pressure valve 2) and can exchange heat with the fluid stream exiting evaporator 318B (e.g., low temperature evaporator outlet, stream 5), which can increase the liquid content of stream 4 before it enters the flash tank 313 (e.g., receiver).

[0116] Three-way valves (e.g., bypass valves) on streams 3 and 5 can help bypass some of the flow through heat exchanger 361B (e.g., heat exchanger 2) and heat exchanger 361C (e.g., heat exchanger 3), respectively. This can help control superheat of the medium-temperature suction (e.g., compressor 322A, the medium-temperature compressor) and the low-temperature suction (e.g., compressor 322B, the low-temperature compressor), respectively.

[0117] Figure 3NFIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300N including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300N is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300N have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. Figure 3A -M fluid handling systems 300A-M have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0118] The fluid handling system 300N may include a secondary compressor 356, an auxiliary condenser 365, an auxiliary parallel valve 368 and / or a low-pressure selector valve 366. In some embodiments, the secondary compressor 356 receives a portion of the fluid output from the secondary evaporator 319 (e.g., a portion of the fluid flowing from the flash tank 313 through the secondary evaporator 319). The secondary evaporator 319 may be a low-temperature (LT) evaporator, and the evaporator 318 may be a medium-temperature (MT) evaporator. In some embodiments, the secondary compressor 356 is a low-temperature compressor, and the compressor 322 is a medium-temperature compressor. The secondary compressor 356 may increase the pressure of the fluid output from the secondary evaporator 319 to the pressure of the fluid output from the evaporator 318. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any one of the systems 300A to 300M may be modified to include a secondary evaporator 319 and a secondary compressor 356. The secondary evaporator 319 can be maintained at a lower pressure than the evaporator 318, and the secondary compressor 356 can increase the output pressure of the secondary evaporator 319 to a pressure substantially the same as the fluid output by the evaporator 318. The fluid output by the evaporator 318 can be combined with the output of the secondary compressor 356. In some embodiments, the secondary compressor 356 is controlled by a controller 380. In some examples, the controller 380 can cause the secondary compressor 356 to increase the pressure of the fluid based on received sensor data (e.g., pressure sensor data, etc.). In some embodiments, the secondary compressor 356 is driven by a motor. The motor can be controlled by the controller 380.

[0119] In some embodiments, auxiliary condenser 365 receives the second fluid from the high-pressure outlet of pressure exchanger 310. Auxiliary condenser 365 can be a condenser and / or gas cooler as described herein. In some embodiments, auxiliary condenser 365 is a heat exchanger that exchanges thermal energy (e.g., heat) between the second fluid and an ambient medium. In some embodiments, auxiliary condenser 365 exchanges thermal energy between the second fluid and the same environment as that with which condenser 329 exchanges thermal energy. In other embodiments, auxiliary condenser 365 exchanges thermal energy between the second fluid and an environment different from that with which condenser 329 exchanges thermal energy. In some embodiments, auxiliary condenser 365 operates at a different temperature than (e.g., lower than) that of condenser 329. Operating auxiliary condenser 365 at a lower pressure than condenser 329 can eliminate the need for a booster (e.g., high-pressure booster 324) to compensate for the pressure difference, as the second fluid (e.g., at high pressure) output from pressure exchanger 310 can be at a lower pressure than that of condenser 329.

[0120] In some embodiments, the second fluid flows from the auxiliary condenser 365 to the auxiliary parallel valve 368. In some embodiments, the auxiliary parallel valve 368 is substantially similar to the parallel valve 348. In some examples, the auxiliary parallel valve 368 can be a flow control valve to control the flow of the second fluid from the auxiliary condenser 365 toward the flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the auxiliary parallel valve 368 is an expansion valve. When the second fluid flows through the auxiliary parallel valve 368, the second fluid can expand. In some embodiments, the auxiliary parallel valve 368 can be controlled (e.g., by the controller 380). In some examples, the controller 380 can actuate (e.g., open and / or close) the auxiliary parallel valve 368 based on sensor data received from one or more sensors of the fluid handling system 300M. In some embodiments, the second fluid output of the auxiliary parallel valve 368 can be combined with the fluid output of the parallel valve 348.

[0121] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 300N may include a low-pressure selector valve 366. The low-pressure selector valve 366 may receive gas output from the flash tank 313 via a first port, and / or receive fluid output from the flash gas valve 320, the evaporator 318, and / or the secondary compressor 356 (e.g., upstream of the compressor 322) via a second port. The low-pressure selector valve 366 may direct airflow and / or fluid flow to the low-pressure supercharger 314 via a third port. In some embodiments, the low-pressure selector valve 366 is controllable. In some examples, a user (e.g., an engineer, an operator, a technician, etc.) may actuate the low-pressure selector valve 366 (e.g., the first port, the second port, and / or the third port may be opened or closed), and / or the controller 380 may actuate the low-pressure selector valve 366. In some embodiments, the controller 380 actuates the low-pressure selector valve 366 based on received sensor data. In some embodiments, the low-pressure selector valve 366 receives airflow from the flash tank 313 via the first port and directs the airflow to the low-pressure booster 314 via the third port when the second port is closed. In some embodiments, the low-pressure selector valve 366 receives airflow from the flash tank 322 via the second port and directs the airflow to the low-pressure booster 314 via the third port when the first port is closed.

[0122] Figure 3O FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300O including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300O is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300O have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. Figure 3A -N fluid handling systems 300A-N have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0123] Fluid handling system 300O may include multiple heat exchangers to provide corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid (e.g., upstream of the high-pressure inlet of pressure exchanger 310) and the fluid output from flash tank 313. In some embodiments, the first fluid flows from condenser 329 to one of heat exchanger 370, heat exchanger 372, or heat exchanger 374, and then to the high-pressure inlet of pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, heat exchanger (HX) 370 provides corresponding thermal energy from the fluid output from condenser 329 to the fluid output from evaporator 318. The fluid may flow from the outlet of evaporator 318 to heat exchanger 370 and then to compressor 322. In some embodiments, heat exchanger 372 provides corresponding thermal energy from the fluid output from condenser 329 to the fluid output from flash gas valve 320. In some embodiments, heat exchanger 372 forms a portion of the flash gas flow path between flash tank 313 and compressor 322. The fluid can flow from the flash gas valve 320 to the heat exchanger 372 and then to the compressor 322. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger 374 provides corresponding thermal energy from the fluid output from the condenser 329 to the fluid output from the secondary evaporator 319. The fluid can flow from the secondary evaporator 319 to the heat exchanger 374 and then to the secondary compressor 356. The fluid can then flow from the secondary compressor 356 to the compressor 322. Multiple heat exchangers can cool the first fluid flow flowing into the high-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310 while also heating the fluid output from the evaporator 318, the secondary evaporator 319 and / or the flash gas valve 320. Multiple heat exchangers can superheat the fluid output. This heating of the fluid can increase the fluid pressure while providing sufficient superheat for stable and reliable operation of the compressor 322 and the secondary compressor 356. The increase in pressure (eg, of the fluid output from the evaporator 318 and the fluid output from the auxiliary evaporator 319) can reduce the work of the compressor 322 and the auxiliary compressor 356, thereby reducing the energy consumed by the compressor 322 and the auxiliary compressor 356 to improve system efficiency.

[0124] Figure 3P FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 300P including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 300P is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in the other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 300P have similar Figure 3A -O fluid handling systems 300A-O having similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0125] Fluid handling system 300P can include heat exchanger 370 and / or heat exchanger 374. In some embodiments, fluid handling system 300P is substantially similar to fluid handling system 300O, but does not include heat exchanger 372. In some embodiments, the fluid output from flash gas valve 320 is combined with the fluid output from evaporator 318 before providing it to heat exchanger 370 as a combined fluid.

[0126] Figure 4A FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 400A including a pressure exchanger (PX) and one or more ejectors according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400A is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 400A have similar properties to those described in the other figures. Figure 3A -P fluid handling systems 300A-P have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0127] Fluid treatment system 400A may include one or more ejectors. An ejector is a device configured to increase the pressure of a low-pressure flow by using a high-pressure flow. An ejector may use a converging nozzle to increase fluid velocity, converting high static pressure into velocity pressure. Including an ejector in fluid treatment system 400A allows the use of a high-pressure fluid to increase the pressure of a low-pressure fluid without a pump or compressor, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving system efficiency.

[0128] In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 400A includes a low-pressure ejector 476 and / or a high-pressure ejector 478. The low-pressure ejector 476 can increase the pressure of the second fluid provided to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the low-pressure ejector 476 receives a gas flow output from the flash tank 313 via the gas outlet of the flash tank. The gas flow received by the low-pressure ejector 476 can be diverted from the flash gas bypass flow path. The low-pressure ejector 476 can receive a portion of the fluid output from the compressor 322 via a low-pressure ejector flow valve 480 to increase (e.g., supercharge) the pressure of the second fluid. In some examples, the low-pressure ejector 476 can increase the pressure of the second fluid by approximately 30 to 50 psi. In some embodiments, the low-pressure ejector flow valve 480 controls the flow of the high-pressure fluid to the low-pressure ejector 476. The high-pressure fluid can merge with the low-pressure fluid (e.g., the low-pressure second fluid) in the low-pressure ejector 476 to increase the pressure of the low-pressure fluid. The low-pressure ejector flow valve 480 can be controlled by the controller 380. In some embodiments, the controller 380 actuates the low pressure injector flow valve 480 based on sensor data received by the controller 380. In some embodiments, the low pressure injector 476 performs substantially similar functions as the low pressure booster 314.

[0129] High-pressure ejector 478 can increase the pressure of the second fluid output from the high-pressure outlet of pressure exchanger 310. High-pressure ejector 478 can receive a portion of the fluid output from compressor 322 via high-pressure ejector flow valve 482 to increase (e.g., boost) the pressure of the second fluid. In some examples, high-pressure ejector 478 can increase the pressure of the second fluid by approximately 30 to 50 psi. High-pressure ejector 478 can increase the pressure of the second fluid to the pressure of condenser 329 (e.g., the internal pressure of condenser 329 or the pressure at the inlet of condenser 329). In some embodiments, high-pressure ejector flow valve 482 controls the flow of high-pressure fluid to high-pressure ejector 478. The high-pressure fluid output from high-pressure ejector flow valve 482 can be combined with the second fluid in high-pressure ejector 478 to increase the pressure of the second fluid. High-pressure ejector flow valve 482 can be controlled by controller 380. In some embodiments, controller 380 actuates high-pressure ejector flow valve 482 based on sensor data received by controller 380. In some embodiments, high-pressure ejector 478 performs functions substantially similar to high-pressure booster 324.

[0130] Figure 4BFIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 400B including a pressure exchanger (PX) and one or more ejectors according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 400B is a thermal energy delivery system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 400B have similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to those described in other figures. Figure 3A -P fluid handling systems 300A-P have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0131] The fluid handling system 400B may include a parallel compressor 350 and / or a parallel ejector 477. In some embodiments, the parallel ejector 477 increases the pressure of a portion of the fluid output from the evaporator 318 (e.g., upstream of the inlet of the compressor 322). The parallel ejector 477 may increase the pressure of the portion of the fluid output from the condenser 329 to the pressure of the flash tank 313. The parallel compressor 350 may receive the fluid output from the parallel ejector 477. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the parallel compressor 350 may receive gas output from the flash tank 313, as described herein. In some embodiments, the gas output from the flash tank 313 is combined with the fluid output from the parallel ejector 477. After the fluid passes through the low-pressure booster 314, the pressure exchanger 310 increases the pressure of the combined portion from the pressure of the flash tank 313 (e.g., the flash tank pressure) to the pressure of the condenser 329 (e.g., the condenser pressure, the gas cooler pressure). Fluid flow from the flash tank 313 that exceeds the capacity of the pressure exchanger 310 may be received by the parallel compressor 350. The parallel compressor 350 may increase the pressure of the flow to the pressure of the condenser 329. The combination of the parallel ejector 477, the pressure exchanger 310, and the parallel compressor 350 in increasing the fluid pressure may reduce the amount of work performed by the compressor 322, thereby reducing the energy consumed by the compressor 322 and increasing the efficiency of the system.

[0132] In some embodiments, the parallel ejector receives high-pressure fluid output from the condenser 329 via the parallel ejector flow valve 484. The high-pressure fluid can be combined with the fluid portion output from the evaporator 318 (e.g., at a relatively low pressure) in the parallel ejector 477 to increase the pressure of the fluid portion output from the evaporator 318. In some embodiments, the parallel ejector 477 increases the pressure of the fluid portion from the evaporator 318 by approximately 200 psi. In some embodiments, the parallel ejector flow valve 484 is a valve that controls the flow of high-pressure fluid to the parallel ejector 477. In some embodiments, the parallel ejector flow valve 484 is controlled by the controller 380. In some examples, the controller 380 can actuate the parallel ejector flow valve 484 based on sensor data received by the controller 380.

[0133] Figure 5A FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 500A including a pressure exchanger (PX) and a secondary evaporator according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 500A is a heat transfer system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 500A have similar properties to those described in the other figures. Figure 3A -P fluid handling systems 300A-P have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0134] The fluid handling system 500A may include a secondary evaporator 319, a secondary expansion valve 358, and / or a secondary compressor 356. Figure 3M The secondary evaporator 319, the secondary expansion valve 358, and / or the secondary compressor 356 are explained. In some embodiments, the fluid output from the secondary compressor 356 is provided to the low-pressure inlet of the pressure exchanger 310. The secondary compressor 356 can reduce the work performed by the compressor 322, reduce the energy consumed by the compressor 322, and thus improve the efficiency of the system.

[0135] Figure 5B FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration system 500B including a pressure exchanger (PX) and a secondary evaporator according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system 500B is a heat transfer system and / or a fluid handling system. In some embodiments, features with similar reference numerals to those in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the fluid handling system 500B have similar characteristics to those described in the other figures. Figure 3A -P fluid handling systems 300A-P have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0136] The fluid handling system 500B may include a medium temperature to low temperature valve 558 (e.g., MT to LT valve 558). The medium temperature to low temperature valve 558 may control the flow of the fluid output from the evaporator 318 and / or output from the flash gas valve 320. The output of the medium temperature to low temperature valve 558 may be provided to the secondary compressor 356. In some embodiments, the output of the medium temperature to low temperature valve 558 may be merged with the output of the secondary evaporator 319. In some examples, the medium temperature to low temperature valve 558 may adjust the flow of a sub-portion of the partial output (e.g., fluid output) from the evaporator 318 to merge with the output from the secondary evaporator 319. The fluid from the medium temperature to low temperature valve 558 may be merged with the fluid from the secondary evaporator 319 upstream of the secondary compressor 356. When the fluid flows through the medium temperature to low temperature valve 558, the pressure of the fluid may drop as the fluid expands. In some embodiments, flow through the intermediate-to-low temperature valve 558 provides fluid flow to the secondary compressor 356 in addition to the fluid flow from the secondary evaporator 319, thereby unrestricting flow through the pressure exchanger 310 and utilizing the full flow capacity and pressurization capacity of the pressure exchanger 310. In some embodiments, the intermediate-to-low temperature valve 558 can be controlled (e.g., actuated) by the controller 380 based on sensor data.

[0137] Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a fluid handling system (e.g., Figure 3A Flowchart of method 600A for one or more fluid handling systems 300A-P of FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, method 600A is performed by processing logic comprising hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, a processing device, 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, method 600A is performed at least in part by a controller (e.g., Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figures 3A to 3P In some embodiments, the non-transitory storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processing device (e.g., Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figures 3A to 3P When executed by the controller 380 of the processing device, these instructions cause the processing device to perform method 600A.

[0138] For simplicity of description, method 600A is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or concurrently with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement method 600A according to the disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that method 600A may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0139] At box 602, processing logic may cause corresponding thermal energy to be provided from the first fluid to the corresponding environment via the condenser. In some examples, processing logic (e.g., processing logic of controller 380) may cause one of systems 300A-300P to operate to discharge the heat of the fluid via condenser 329 and / or via auxiliary condenser 365. Processing logic may actuate one or more valves, operate one or more pumps or compressors, and / or operate a pressure exchanger. Specifically, the first fluid may be caused to flow through the condenser. Processing logic may cause a compressor (e.g., compressor 322) to cause the fluid to flow to the condenser (e.g., condenser 329) based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.). The first fluid may be at a first temperature when entering the condenser and at a second (e.g., lower) temperature when leaving the condenser. The condenser may promote heat transfer from the first fluid to the corresponding environment (e.g., the environment to which the outside of the condenser is exposed) to reduce the temperature of the first fluid.

[0140] At block 604, processing logic may cause a pressure exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid to occur via a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX 310). In some examples, processing logic (e.g., of controller 380) may cause the pressure exchanger to operate to exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. Specifically, processing logic may cause one or more valves to open, and one or more pumps and / or compressors to provide the first and second fluids to the inlets of the pressure exchanger. Processing logic may cause a compressor and / or a supercharger (e.g., low-pressure supercharger 314) to flow the first and second fluids (respectively) to the pressure exchanger based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow sensor data, etc.). The first fluid may be provided to the first inlet of the pressure exchanger at a first pressure, and the second fluid may be provided to the second inlet of the pressure exchanger at a second pressure. The first pressure may be higher than the second pressure. In some embodiments (e.g., where the pressure exchanger is a rotary pressure exchanger), processing logic may cause a motor to rotate the rotor of the pressure exchanger. The pressure of the first and second fluids can be exchanged by supplying the first and second fluids to the inlet of the pressure exchanger via a compressor and / or a supercharger, and / or rotating the rotor of the pressure exchanger via a motor. The first fluid can exit the pressure exchanger via a first outlet at a third pressure, while the second fluid can exit the pressure exchanger via a second outlet at a fourth pressure. The third pressure can be lower than the fourth pressure.

[0141] At block 606, processing logic may separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid. The separation of the first fluid into its liquid and gas components may be performed in a receiver (e.g., flash tank 313) configured to receive the first fluid output from the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, processing logic (e.g., of controller 380) may adjust the inflow, outflow, and / or internal pressure of the receiver based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.) to facilitate separation of the first fluid into the first gas and the first liquid. Processing logic may cause the first fluid to flow from the pressure exchanger to the receiver. In some embodiments, the first fluid exits the pressure exchanger via the first outlet of the pressure exchanger and flows into a chamber formed by the receiver. In the chamber, the liquid (e.g., the first liquid) collects at the bottom of the chamber, and the gas (e.g., the first gas) collects toward the top of the chamber. The liquid may flow out of the chamber (e.g., toward the expansion valve and / or evaporator). The gas may flow out of the chamber (e.g., via the gas outlet of the receiver) and may flow toward and / or along a flash gas bypass flow path (e.g., to bypass the evaporator).

[0142] In box 608, processing logic can increase the pressure of a portion of the first gas via a supercharger (e.g., low-pressure supercharger 314) to form a second fluid and provide the second fluid to a pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, processing logic (e.g., controller 380) can cause a supercharger (e.g., a pump or compressor) to increase the pressure of a gas (e.g., a portion of the first gas). Gas can be diverted from the flash gas bypass flow path. In some embodiments, processing logic causes the supercharger to be driven by a motor (e.g., processing logic turns the motor on) based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.). The supercharger can increase the fluid pressure slightly (e.g., "boost" pressure). The supercharger can increase the pressure of the fluid to a second pressure. The supercharger can be a positive displacement supercharger or a centrifugal supercharger (e.g., a positive displacement pump or compressor, or a centrifugal pump or compressor). In some embodiments, the supercharger provides the second fluid to the second inlet of the pressure exchanger at a second pressure.

[0143] Figure 6B is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a fluid handling system (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4BFlowchart of method 600B for one or more fluid handling systems 400A, 400B). In some embodiments, method 600B is performed by processing logic comprising hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, a processing device, 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, method 600B is performed at least in part by a controller (e.g., Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figure 4A and Figure 4B In some embodiments, the non-transitory storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processing device (e.g., Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figure 4A and Figure 4B When executed by the controller 380 of the processing device, these instructions cause the processing device to perform method 600B. In some examples, method 600B has the following features: Figure 6A Similar operations to method 600A and the like.

[0144] For simplicity of description, method 600B is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or concurrently with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement method 600B according to the disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that method 600B may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0145] At block 612, processing logic may cause corresponding thermal energy to be provided from the first fluid to the corresponding environment via the condenser. Block 612 may be similar to Figure 6A 602 of the box.

[0146] At block 614, processing logic may cause pressure to be exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid via a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX 310). Block 614 may be similar to Figure 6A 604 of the box.

[0147] In some embodiments, at block 616, processing logic may separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid. Block 616 may be similar to Figure 6A 606 of the box.

[0148] At block 618, processing logic may increase the pressure of a portion of the first gas via an ejector (e.g., low-pressure ejector 476) to form a second fluid and provide the second fluid to a pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, processing logic (e.g., of controller 380) may cause the ejector to increase the pressure of the gas (e.g., a portion of the first gas) based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.). The gas (e.g., a portion of the first gas) may be diverted from the flash gas bypass flow path. In some embodiments, processing logic actuates an ejector flow valve (e.g., low-pressure ejector flow valve 480) to an open position to provide a high-pressure fluid supply to the ejector, thereby increasing the gas pressure to a second pressure. The high-pressure fluid may merge with the gas to form a second fluid at a second pressure. In some embodiments, the ejector provides the second fluid to a second inlet of the pressure exchanger at the second pressure.

[0149] Figure 6C is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a fluid handling system (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B Flowchart of method 600C for one or more fluid handling systems 500A, 500B). In some embodiments, method 600C is performed by processing logic comprising hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, a processing device, 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, method 600C is performed at least in part by a controller (e.g., Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figure 5A and Figure 5B In some embodiments, the non-transitory storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processing device (e.g., Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figure 5A and Figure 5B When executed by the controller 380 of the processing device, these instructions cause the processing device to perform method 600C. In some examples, method 600C has the following features: Figure 6A Similar operations to method 600A and the like.

[0150] For simplicity of description, method 600C is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or concurrently with other operations not presented and described herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement method 600C according to the disclosed subject matter. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that method 600C may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0151] At block 622, processing logic may cause corresponding thermal energy to be provided from the first fluid to the corresponding environment via the condenser. Block 622 may be similar to Figure 6A 602 of the box.

[0152] At block 604, processing logic may cause pressure to be exchanged between the first fluid and the second fluid via a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX 310). Block 624 may be similar to Figure 6A 604 of the box.

[0153] At block 626, processing logic may cause corresponding heat energy to be provided from the second corresponding environment to the first portion of the first fluid output from the pressure exchanger via the first evaporator. In some examples, processing logic (e.g., of controller 380) may cause one of systems 500A-500B to operate to absorb heat from the second environment via evaporator 318. The processing logic may actuate one or more valves, operate one or more pumps or compressors, and / or operate the pressure exchanger. Specifically, the first portion of the first fluid may be caused to flow through the first evaporator. Based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.), the processing logic may cause one or more compressors (e.g., compressor 322, secondary compressor 356) and / or one or more boosters (e.g., high-pressure booster 324) to flow the refrigerant through the pressure exchanger so that the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator (e.g., via an expansion valve, such as expansion valve 316). The first portion of the first fluid may be at a third temperature upon entering the first evaporator and at a fourth (e.g., higher) temperature upon exiting the first evaporator. The first evaporator may facilitate heat transfer from the second corresponding environment to the first portion of the first fluid.

[0154] At block 628, processing logic may cause corresponding heat energy to be provided from the third corresponding environment to the second portion of the first fluid output from the pressure exchanger via the second evaporator. In some examples, processing logic (e.g., of controller 380) may cause one of systems 500A-500B to operate to absorb heat from the third environment via secondary evaporator 319. The processing logic may actuate one or more valves, operate one or more pumps or compressors, and / or operate the pressure exchanger. Specifically, the second portion of the first fluid may be caused to flow through a second evaporator (e.g., a secondary evaporator, an evaporator connected in parallel with the first evaporator). The processing logic may cause one or more compressors (e.g., compressor 322, secondary compressor 356) and / or one or more boosters (e.g., high-pressure booster 324) to flow the refrigerant through the pressure exchanger based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.) to cause the refrigerant to flow through the second evaporator (e.g., via an expansion valve, such as secondary expansion valve 358). The second portion of the first fluid may be at a fifth temperature upon entering the second evaporator and at a sixth (e.g., higher) temperature upon exiting the second evaporator. The second evaporator may facilitate a third heat transfer corresponding to the second portion of the first fluid. In some embodiments, the temperature of the third environment is lower than the temperature of the second environment. In some embodiments, the second environment and the third environment have the same (e.g., substantially the same) temperature. In some embodiments, the second environment and the third environment are the same environment.

[0155] In box 630, the processing logic can increase the pressure of the first portion output from the first evaporator through the first compressor. The processing logic can cause the first portion to be provided to the condenser. In some examples, the processing logic (e.g., of the controller 380) can cause the first compressor (e.g., compressor 322) to operate to increase the pressure of the fluid output from the evaporator (e.g., evaporator 318). The processing logic can cause the motor to drive the first compressor based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.) (e.g., the processing logic can cause the motor connected to the first compressor to turn on). The compressor can be one of a positive displacement compressor or a centrifugal compressor. The processing logic can cause the motor to drive the compressor. In some embodiments, the compressor provides the first portion (of the first fluid) to the condenser (e.g., condenser 329) at an increased pressure.

[0156] At block 632, processing logic may increase the pressure of the second portion output from the second evaporator via a second compressor to form a second fluid and provide the second fluid to the pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, processing logic (e.g., of the controller 380) may cause a second compressor (e.g., the secondary compressor 356) to increase the pressure of the fluid output by the second evaporator (e.g., the auxiliary evaporator 319). Processing logic may cause a motor to drive the second compressor (e.g., the processing logic may cause a motor coupled to the second compressor to turn on). In some embodiments, processing logic causes the second compressor to increase the pressure of the second portion of the first fluid (e.g., output by the second evaporator) to a second pressure based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.) to form the second fluid (e.g., to be provided to the pressure exchanger). In some embodiments, the compressor provides the second fluid at the second pressure to a second inlet of the pressure exchanger.

[0157] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 700 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 is a client device. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 is a controller device (e.g., a server, Figure 1A To the controller 180 of FIG. 1D , Figures 3A-3P 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B controller 380, etc.).

[0158] In some embodiments, the computer system 700 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 700 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 700 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 set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying an action to be taken by the device. Furthermore, the term "computer" shall include any collection of computers that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0159] In some embodiments, the computer system 700 includes a processing device 702, a volatile memory 704 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 706 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or a data storage device 716, which communicate with each other via a bus 708.

[0160] In some embodiments, the processing device 702 is provided by one or more processors, such as a general-purpose processor (such as, in some examples, 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 (such as, in some examples, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor). In some embodiments, the processing device 702 is provided by one or more of a single processor, multiple processors, a single processor with multiple processing cores, and / or the like.

[0161] In some embodiments, the computer system 700 further includes a network interface device 722 (e.g., coupled to the network 774). In some embodiments, the computer system 700 includes one or more input / output (I / O) devices. In some embodiments, the computer system 700 further includes a video display unit 710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an alphanumeric input device 712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 714 (e.g., a mouse), and / or a signal generating device 720.

[0162] In some embodiments, the data storage device 718 (e.g., disk drive memory, fixed and / or removable storage, fixed disk drives, removable memory cards, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), and / or storage area network (SAN)) includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 724 on which are stored instructions 726 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, as well as instructions 526 for implementing the methods described herein.

[0163] In some embodiments, the instructions 526 also reside, completely or partially, within the volatile memory 702 and / or within the processing device 700 during execution of the instructions 526 by the computer system 704, and thus, in some embodiments, the volatile memory 704 and the processing device 702 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[0164] Although the computer-readable storage medium 724 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.

[0165] The methods, components, and features described herein may be implemented by discrete hardware components or may be integrated into the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICs, FPGAs, DSPs, or similar devices. Furthermore, the methods, components, and features may be implemented by firmware modules or functional circuits within a hardware device. Furthermore, the methods, components, and features may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components or in a computer program.

[0166] Unless otherwise specifically stated, terms such as "actuate," "regulate," "cause," "control," "determine," "identify," "provide," "receive," "adjust," and the like 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," and the like used herein are intended to be labels for distinguishing between different elements and may not have an ordinal meaning according to their numerical names.

[0167] The examples described herein also relate to apparatus for performing the methods described herein. The apparatus may be specially configured to perform the methods described herein, or it may comprise 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.

[0168] The methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus 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.

[0169] The foregoing description sets forth many specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, etc., 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 implemented 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 to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Specific embodiments may differ from these exemplary details and may still be expected to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0170] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the description of that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases appearing in various places throughout this specification as "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive or "or," not 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%. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., as used herein, are intended to be labels that distinguish between different elements and do not necessarily have the ordinal meaning given their numerical designations.

[0171] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," "disposed on," and "on" refer to the relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. In some examples, a layer disposed on, above, or below another layer can be in direct contact with the other layer or can have one or more intervening layers. Additionally, a layer disposed between two layers can be in direct contact with the two layers or can have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless expressly stated otherwise, a feature disposed between two features can be in direct contact with the adjacent feature or can have one or more intervening layers.

[0172] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be changed so that certain operations can be performed in reverse order, or so that certain operations can be performed at least partially simultaneously with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of different operations can be performed in an intermittent and / or alternating manner. In one embodiment, multiple metal bonding operations are performed as a single step.

[0173] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, and the full scope of equivalents encompassed by each claim.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A pressure exchanger, the pressure exchanger being configured to: receiving a first fluid and a second fluid; exchanging pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as outputting the first fluid and the second fluid; A first heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving the first fluid from a first gas cooler and receiving the second fluid from a second gas cooler; exchanging first heat between the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as outputting the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as A second heat exchanger, wherein the second heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving a heat exchanger output from the first heat exchanger and an evaporator output from an evaporator; exchanging a second amount of heat between the heat exchanger output and the evaporator output; and The heat exchanger output is provided to the pressure exchanger and the evaporator output is provided to a compressor.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first fluid is output from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger; The second fluid is output from the first heat exchanger to the pressure exchanger; and The heat exchanger output is a first fluid received by the second heat exchanger from the first heat exchanger and provided from the second heat exchanger to the pressure exchanger.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The system further comprises: A first three-way valve, wherein the first three-way valve is configured as follows: receiving the first fluid from the first heat exchanger; and selectively providing one or more of the following: providing at least a first portion of the first fluid to a second three-way valve; or providing at least a second portion of the first fluid to the second heat exchanger; and The second three-way valve is configured as follows: selectively receiving one or more of: at least a first portion of the first fluid from the second three-way valve; or at least a second portion of the first fluid from the second heat exchanger; and The first fluid is provided to the pressure exchanger.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first fluid is output from the first heat exchanger to the pressure exchanger; The second fluid is output from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger; and The heat exchanger output is a second fluid received by the second heat exchanger from the first heat exchanger and provided from the second heat exchanger to the pressure exchanger.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first gas cooler is configured to receive the first fluid from the compressor, wherein the second gas cooler is configured to receive the second fluid from the pressure exchanger.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A three-way valve is configured to receive the evaporator output from the evaporator and provide one or more of: providing at least a first portion of the evaporator output to the second heat exchanger; or providing at least a second portion of the evaporator output to the compressor.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first gas cooler is configured to transfer first thermal energy between the first fluid and a first corresponding environment, wherein the second gas cooler is configured to transfer second thermal energy between the second fluid and a second corresponding environment.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The pressure exchanger receives the first fluid via a high-pressure input port and receives the second fluid via a low-pressure input port, wherein the pressure exchanger outputs the first fluid via a low-pressure output port and outputs the second fluid via a high-pressure output port.

9. A system comprising: A pressure exchanger, the pressure exchanger being configured to: receiving a first fluid and a second fluid; exchanging pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as outputting the first fluid and the second fluid; A first heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving the first fluid from a first gas cooler and receiving the second fluid from a second gas cooler; exchanging first heat between the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as outputting the first fluid to the pressure exchanger, and outputting the second fluid to the pressure exchanger; as well as A second heat exchanger, wherein the second heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving the first fluid from the pressure exchanger and an evaporator output from an evaporator; exchanging a second heat between the first fluid and the evaporator output; as well as The first fluid is provided to a receiver and the evaporator output is provided to a compressor.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The receiver forms a chamber configured to separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The first gas cooler is configured to receive the first fluid from the compressor, wherein the second gas cooler is configured to receive the second fluid from the pressure exchanger.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein: A three-way valve is configured to receive the evaporator output from the evaporator and provide one or more of: providing at least a first portion of the evaporator output to the second heat exchanger; or providing at least a second portion of the evaporator output to the compressor.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The first gas cooler is configured to transfer first thermal energy between the first fluid and a first corresponding environment, wherein the second gas cooler is configured to transfer second thermal energy between the second fluid and a second corresponding environment.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The pressure exchanger receives the first fluid via a high-pressure input port and receives the second fluid via a low-pressure input port, wherein the pressure exchanger outputs the first fluid via a low-pressure output port and outputs the second fluid via a high-pressure output port.

15. A system comprising: A pressure exchanger, the pressure exchanger being configured to: receiving a first fluid and a second fluid; exchanging pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as outputting the first fluid and the second fluid; A first heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving the first fluid from the pressure exchanger and the second fluid from a first gas cooler; exchanging first heat between the first fluid and the second fluid; as well as outputting the first fluid to a compressor and outputting the second fluid to a second heat exchanger; as well as The second heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving a first evaporator output from a first evaporator and the second fluid from the first heat exchanger; exchanging a second heat between the first evaporator output and the second fluid; and The first evaporator output is provided to the compressor and the second fluid is provided to a receiver.

16. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that The system further includes a third heat exchanger configured to: receiving a second evaporator output from the second evaporator and a gas cooler output from the second gas cooler; exchanging a third amount of heat between the second evaporator output and the gas cooler output; and The second evaporator output is provided to a second compressor and the gas cooler output is provided to the receiver.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The receiver forms a chamber configured to separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid.

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein: the first gas cooler being configured to receive the first fluid from the compressor; the second gas cooler being configured to receive the second fluid from the pressure exchanger; the first gas cooler being configured to transfer first thermal energy between the first fluid and a first corresponding environment; as well as The second gas cooler is configured to transfer second thermal energy between the second fluid and a second corresponding environment.

19. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The three-way valve is configured to receive the first evaporator output from the first evaporator and provide one or more of: providing at least a first portion of the first evaporator output to the second heat exchanger; or providing at least a second portion of the first evaporator output to the compressor.

20. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The pressure exchanger receives the first fluid via a high-pressure input port and receives the second fluid via a low-pressure input port, wherein the pressure exchanger outputs the first fluid via a low-pressure output port and outputs the second fluid via a high-pressure output port.

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