Refrigeration system

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration system 100, in particular for a track-guided vehicle 1, with a refrigeration circuit 10 comprising a cooling circuit line 12, which is designed for transporting a refrigerant K, a compressor 14, a condenser 16 and an evaporator 18, wherein the compressor 14, the condenser 16 and the evaporator 18 are connected via the cooling circuit line 12, wherein the refrigeration system 100 has a first air space 20 in which the compressor 14 and the condenser 16 are arranged, wherein the refrigeration system 100 has a second air space 30, which is separated from the first air space 20, and wherein the evaporator 18 is arranged in the second air space 30.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigeration system, in particular for a track-guided vehicle. The refrigeration system comprises a refrigeration circuit, including a cooling circuit line designed for transporting a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, wherein the compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected via the cooling circuit line. The refrigeration system has a first air space in which the compressor and the condenser are arranged.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a track-guided vehicle, comprising at least such a refrigeration system or a refrigeration system further developed as described below.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a digital twin of such a refrigeration system or of such a track-guided vehicle or of such a track-guided vehicle or of such a track-guided vehicle or of such a track-guided vehicle.

[0004] The EU F-Gas Regulation prohibits the use of F-gases as refrigerants for commercial refrigeration. Natural refrigerants must be used. Certain refrigerants are flammable and subject to further restrictions.

[0005] Previously, rail vehicles, such as trams, used central refrigeration systems that operated either with an fluorinated gas (F-gas) or with CO2. In these systems, the individual components of the refrigeration circuits are interconnected within the vehicle. Particularly with CO2 refrigeration systems, the connecting lines must be soldered in the removed vehicle. The high system pressures preclude any other connection methods. Subsequently, the system must be pressure-tested and undergo a complex evacuation process before the refrigerant can be added.

[0006] The EU's F-Gas Regulation has prohibited the use and placing on the market of F-gases in commercial refrigeration systems since January 1, 2022. This eliminates the possibility of installing such systems in European train projects.

[0007] For CO2 refrigeration systems, the availability of compressors in the low capacity ranges we need for our galleys is very limited. This makes such systems very expensive compared to conventional refrigeration technology. Individual cooling units cannot currently be implemented with this technology.

[0008] The natural refrigerants propane and butane are flammable and can form explosive mixtures.

[0009] Based on this, the invention aims to provide a high-performance and simply constructed refrigeration system that overcomes, in particular, the aforementioned problems.

[0010] This problem is solved by the refrigeration system of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by the track-guided vehicle of claim 15. Finally, the problem is solved by the digital twin of claim 17.

[0011] Advantageous designs and further developments are the subject of the respective sub-claims.

[0012] According to the invention, a refrigeration system, particularly for a track-guided vehicle, is provided. The refrigeration system comprises a refrigeration circuit including a cooling circuit line designed for transporting a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, wherein the compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected via the cooling circuit line. The refrigeration system has a first air space in which the compressor and the condenser are arranged. The refrigeration system has a second air space, which is separated from the first air space, wherein the evaporator is arranged in the second air space.

[0013] The first airspace and the second airspace are designed in such a way that no air exchange can take place between the first airspace and the second airspace.

[0014] Separated therefore means that air cannot be exchanged between the first airspace and the second airspace.

[0015] According to the invention, a track-guided vehicle is further provided, comprising at least such a refrigeration system or a refrigeration system further developed as described below.

[0016] The track-guided vehicle is, for example, a rail vehicle or a magnetic levitation train, preferably for passenger transport.

[0017] According to the invention, a digital twin of such a refrigeration system or of such a track-guided vehicle or of such a track-guided vehicle or of such a track-guided vehicle is provided, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of the refrigeration system or the track-guided vehicle.

[0018] The refrigeration system according to the invention comprises the entire refrigeration cycle. A cooled airflow is generated, which leaves the refrigeration system from the second air space (e.g., into a cold storage room) and is fed back into the second air space at another location as air to be cooled.

[0019] The refrigeration system according to the invention provides a refrigeration system with two separate air spaces. Air cannot flow from the first air space into the second air space. The air is circulated within the respective air spaces.

[0020] A particular advantage of this separation is that operating fluids, such as the refrigerant, are confined to a specific area of ​​the refrigeration system, thus preventing unwanted ingress, for example, into the interior of the rail-guided vehicle. This allows for a broader range of applications with regard to the refrigerants that can be used and, consequently, the applicable equipment technology.

[0021] In the design of the refrigeration system, it may be provided that the refrigeration system is combined as a structural unit, which is formed within a common housing in which the first air space and the second air space, separate from the first air space, are formed.

[0022] Preferably, the compressor, condenser, condenser first fan (condenser fan), collector, evaporator, evaporator fan, solenoid valve, expansion valve and control unit are arranged in a common housing.

[0023] This ensures that the refrigeration system has a compact design and can be provided as a modular, decentralized structural unit in a track-guided vehicle.

[0024] The additional effort required to install a refrigeration system in a track-guided vehicle is therefore limited and is not subject to any major restrictions regarding positioning.

[0025] Furthermore, the refrigeration unit can be easily removed, making cleaning easy when removed.

[0026] The design of the refrigeration system may include an air supply device for supplying air into the first air space, in particular air from an area of ​​the interior of the track-guided vehicle that is not accessible to passengers.

[0027] This makes it possible to easily supply pre-conditioned air to the refrigeration system.

[0028] Alternatively, the air can also be supplied from outside the vehicle.

[0029] The design of the refrigeration system may include an exhaust air device for venting the exhaust air from the first air space, particularly to the outside of the track-guided vehicle.

[0030] The exhaust air F is thus fed directly from the refrigeration system into the surrounding environment. This can be done with the interposition of an air duct.

[0031] In the design of the refrigeration system, it may be provided that the refrigeration circuit uses a flammable refrigerant with a GWP of less than 3, in particular exactly 3, and / or that the amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit is less than 150g.

[0032] Preferably, the natural refrigerants propane and / or butane are used. These are flammable and can form explosive mixtures; therefore, central refrigeration systems with a refrigerant charge of more than 150g cannot be used inside the vehicle.

[0033] In this case, the refrigeration system is a decentralized system, and a refrigerant charge of less than 150g can be maintained. The resulting hazard is low, and the use of such a flammable quantity of refrigerant, particularly within a vehicle, is permissible.

[0034] In the design of the refrigeration system, it can be provided that the supply air device is arranged higher in the first air space than the exhaust air device, with the supply air device and the exhaust air device preferably being arranged on opposite sides of the first air space.

[0035] This ensures that, in the event of a leak, the air intake is positioned above the exhaust air outlet, meaning the air intake is located above the air outlet from the first air space. This prevents the refrigerant from escaping the first air space through the air intake, instead allowing it to escape through the exhaust air outlet. This is particularly important when using propane or butane as refrigerants, which are heavier than air.

[0036] The design of the refrigeration system may include the provision that the first air space has a sloping floor.

[0037] This ensures that any refrigerant that may escape in the first air space is directed downwards.

[0038] In the design of the refrigeration system, it can be provided that the slope falls from the side of the supply air device to the side of the exhaust air device.

[0039] This ensures that any refrigerant escaping from the first air space is directed downwards directly to the exhaust air device.

[0040] In the design of the refrigeration system, it can be provided that the cooling circuit line is arranged in the first air space and does not run through the second air space, and that the evaporator is arranged in the second air space in such a way that it borders the first air space, so that the cooling circuit line connects the evaporator to the refrigeration circuit.

[0041] This ensures that 95% of any potentially defective refrigerant-containing components are located in the first air space, which is vented by the exhaust air system. Only a small portion of the refrigerant, which is located in the evaporator, is within the second air space.

[0042] In the design of the refrigeration system, it can be provided that the second air space adjoins a cold room and that cooled air can be supplied to the cold room from the second air space and that air to be cooled can be supplied to the second air space from the cold room.

[0043] Preferably, the cold storage room can be a refrigerated cabinet into which cooled air can be blown and which can then be returned to the refrigeration unit in a closed loop as air to be cooled.

[0044] This ensures that air exchange with the main cooling compartment only occurs from the second air space. In the event of a malfunction and a resulting refrigerant leak, no refrigerant from the second air space will enter the cooling compartment, as the refrigerant is located in the first air space.

[0045] The design of the refrigeration system may include a cooling circuit comprising one or more elements from the group of the following elements: collector, solenoid valve, expansion valve, first fan.

[0046] The first fan (condenser fan) is preferably located at the condenser. The condensing capacity can be regulated by controlling the condenser fan.

[0047] In the design of the refrigeration system, it can be provided that the cooling room and the second air space are connected via a second fan and a third fan, each of which is equipped with a sliding seal for optionally sealing the second air space from the cooling room.

[0048] This ensures that the second air space and the evaporator located within it are supplied with a defined airflow from or into the cooling space.

[0049] In the design of the refrigeration system, it may be provided that the refrigeration system includes a control unit, which is preferably located in the second air space.

[0050] This ensures that the control unit is easily accessible in the second airspace. The control unit is preferably accessible from the front and can be easily serviced when necessary.

[0051] The control unit is integrated into the refrigeration unit as a self-contained system. It is primarily used for exchanging parameters and diagnostic data, such as temperature and pressure, with a central control unit of the track-guided vehicle.

[0052] The refrigeration system is designed with an electrical interface for connecting the control system to the vehicle's electrical system and / or the central control system of the track-guided vehicle.

[0053] The design of the refrigeration system may include a second air space with a condensate drain, which serves as a drain for the condensate from the evaporator. This provides a targeted outlet for the condensate that accumulates at the evaporator.

[0054] Furthermore, a fourth fan (evaporator fan) may be assigned to the evaporator. The evaporator's performance can be regulated by controlling this fourth fan (evaporator fan).

[0055] In the design of the track-guided vehicle, it may be provided that the refrigeration system is arranged in an interior space of the track-guided vehicle, preferably in an area inaccessible to passengers.

[0056] This allows for the use of existing installation space. Furthermore, it means that the track-guided vehicle is not subject to any further restrictions regarding its design in the underfloor area, thus enabling a low floor height.

[0057] It is possible that a refrigeration unit is arranged in the interior of the track-guided vehicle for each cooling point. A cooling point could be, for example, a refrigerator or other elements requiring cooling. In this case, at least one refrigeration unit may preferably use a natural refrigerant (propane R290a or butane R600a) with a maximum charge of 150 g.

[0058] All configurations of the refrigeration system apply equally to the track-guided vehicle and vice versa.

[0059] The invention will now be explained using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0060] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a refrigeration system according to the invention in a first embodiment; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a refrigeration system 100 according to the invention in the first embodiment; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of two variants of a refrigeration system according to the invention in a second embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a track-guided vehicle according to the invention.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the refrigeration system 100 according to a first embodiment according to the invention.

[0062] The refrigeration system 100 is specifically designed for a track-guided vehicle.

[0063] The refrigeration system 100 has a refrigeration circuit 10 comprising a cooling circuit line 12, which is designed to transport a refrigerant K.

[0064] The refrigeration circuit 10 comprises a compressor 14, a condenser 16 and an evaporator 18.

[0065] The compressor 14, the condenser 16 and the evaporator 18 are connected via the cooling circuit line 12.

[0066] The refrigeration system 100 has a first air space 20 in which the compressor 14 and the condenser 16 are arranged. The refrigeration system 100 has a second air space 30, which is separated from the first air space 20.

[0067] The evaporator 18 is located in the second air space 30.

[0068] The first airspace 20 and the second airspace 30 are designed in such a way that no air exchange can take place between the first airspace 20 and the second airspace 30.

[0069] The refrigeration system 100 is combined as a structural unit, which is formed within a common housing 60, in which the first air space 20 and the second air space 30, separated from the first air space 20, are formed.

[0070] The refrigeration system 100 has an air supply device 40 for supplying air into the first air space 20, in particular air from an area 4 of an interior 2 of the track-guided vehicle 1 that is not accessible to passengers.

[0071] Alternatively, the air can also be supplied from outside the vehicle.

[0072] The refrigeration system 100 has an exhaust air device 50 for venting the exhaust air F of the first air space 20, in particular to the outside of the track-guided vehicle 1.

[0073] The exhaust air F is thus supplied directly from the refrigeration system 100 to the surrounding area.

[0074] Refrigeration circuit 100 uses a flammable refrigerant K with a GWP of less than 3, preferably exactly 3, and / or the amount of refrigerant K in refrigeration circuit 10 is less than 150g.

[0075] The supply air device 40 is arranged higher in the first air space 20 than the exhaust air device 50, wherein the supply air device 40 and the exhaust air device 50 are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the first air space 20.

[0076] The first airspace 20 has a floor 21 with a slope 22.

[0077] The slope 22 drops from the side of the supply air device 40 to the side of the exhaust air device 50.

[0078] The cooling circuit line 12 is located in the first air space 20 and does not run through the second air space 30.

[0079] The evaporator 18 is arranged in the second air space 30 such that it borders the first air space 20, so that the cooling circuit line 12 connects the evaporator 18 to the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0080] The second air space 30 borders a cold storage room 70 and cooled air LG can be supplied to the cold storage room 70 from the second air space 30.

[0081] Air to be cooled (LK) can be supplied to the second air space 30 from the cold storage room 70.

[0082] The cooling circuit 10 has one or more elements from the group of the following elements: collector 12, solenoid valve 17, pressure relief valve 15, first fan 13.

[0083] The first fan, number 13, is assigned to the condenser.

[0084] The cooling chamber 70 and the second air chamber 30 are connected via a second fan 37 and a third fan 38, each of which is equipped with a sliding seal 36 for optional sealing of the second air chamber 30 from the cooling chamber 70.

[0085] The third fan is designed to supply cooled air (LG) from the second air chamber (30) to the cooling chamber (70).

[0086] The second fan is intended to supply cooling air LK from the cooling chamber 70 to the second air space 30.

[0087] The refrigeration system 100 includes a control unit 50, which is located in the second air space 30.

[0088] The second air space 30 has a condensate drain 32, which forms a drain for the condensate of the evaporator 18.

[0089] Fig. 2a shows a schematic representation of the refrigeration system 100 according to the invention in the first embodiment.

[0090] According to the first embodiment, the first airspace 20 is arranged above the second airspace 30.

[0091] Fig. 2b Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of two variants of a refrigeration system 100 according to the invention in a second embodiment, wherein the second embodiment is based on the first embodiment and only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment are described below.

[0092] According to the first embodiment, the first airspace 20 is arranged next to the second airspace 30. According to a first variant, the first airspace 20 can be located on the left side of the second airspace 30 (see figure). Fig. 2b above) and according to a second variant on the right side of the second airspace 30 (see above). Fig. 2b be arranged below).

[0093] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a track-guided vehicle according to the invention 1.

[0094] According to the exemplary embodiment, the track-guided vehicle 1 is preferably a passenger transport vehicle, i.e., a number of people can be in the interior 2 of the track-guided vehicle 1, and this is specially adapted to the requirements of passenger transport.

[0095] The track-guided vehicle 1 includes at least one refrigeration unit 100.

[0096] The refrigeration unit 100 is located in an interior space 2 of the track-guided vehicle 1. According to Fig. 3 The refrigeration unit 100 is located in an area 4 that is inaccessible to passengers.

[0097] Finally, a digital twin of the refrigeration system 100 or the track-guided vehicle 1 is provided, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of the refrigeration system 100 or a digitized image of the track-guided vehicle 1.

[0098] The foregoing disclosure applies equally to a refrigeration system 100 and to a track-guided vehicle 1 comprising at least one refrigeration system 100 designed as described above. Likewise, the foregoing disclosure may also refer to a single car of a track-guided vehicle 1.

[0099] All configurations of the refrigeration system 100 and / or the track-guided vehicle 1 apply equally to the digital twin.

[0100] Finally, it should be mentioned that the features of all the embodiments described above can be combined with one another in any way to form further embodiments of the invention. Likewise, all features of dependent claims can be combined individually with any feature of any other claim, either individually or in any combination, to obtain further embodiments. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of an embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0101] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

Claims

1. Refrigeration system (100), in particular for a track-guided vehicle (1), comprising a refrigeration circuit (10) comprising a cooling circuit line (12) designed for transporting a refrigerant (K), a compressor (14), a condenser (16) and an evaporator (18), wherein the compressor (14), the condenser (16) and the evaporator (18) are connected via the cooling circuit line (12), wherein the refrigeration system (100) has a first air space (20) in which the compressor (14) and the condenser (16) are arranged characterized by the fact that the refrigeration system (100) has a second air space (30) which is separated from the first air space (20), wherein the evaporator (18) is arranged in the second air space (30).

2. Refrigeration system (100) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe refrigeration system (100) is combined as a structural unit, which is formed within a common housing (60) in which the first air space (20) and the second air space (30) separated from the first air space (20) are formed.

3. Refrigeration system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the refrigeration system (100) has an air supply device (40) for supplying air into the first air space (20), in particular air from an area (4) of an interior space (2) of the track-guided vehicle (1) that is not accessible to passengers.

4. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the refrigeration system (100) has an exhaust air device (50) for venting the exhaust air (F) of the first air space (20), in particular to the outside of the track-guided vehicle (1).

5. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatThe refrigeration circuit (100) has a flammable refrigerant (K) with a GWP of less than 3, preferably exactly 3, and / or the amount of refrigerant (K) in the refrigeration circuit (10) is less than 150g.

6. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the supply air device (40) is arranged higher in the first air space (20) than the exhaust air device (50), wherein the supply air device (40) and the exhaust air device (50) are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the first air space (20).

7. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first airspace (20) has a floor (21) with a slope (22).

8. Refrigeration system (100) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the slope (22) descends from the side of the supply air device (40) to the side of the exhaust air device (50).

9. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe cooling circuit line (12) is arranged in the first air space (20) and does not run through the second air space (30) and the evaporator (18) is arranged in the second air space (30) such that it borders the first air space (20) so that the cooling circuit line (12) connects the evaporator (18) to the refrigeration circuit (10).

10. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second air space (30) adjoins a cold storage room (70) and cooled air (L) from the second air space (30) is supplied to the cold storage room (70). G ) can be supplied and the air to be cooled (L) from the cooling room (70) is supplied to the second air space (30). c ) can be supplied.

11. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the cooling circuit (10) comprises one or more elements from the group of the following elements: collector (12), solenoid valve (17), pressure relief valve (15), first fan (13).

12. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the cooling chamber (70) and the second air chamber (30) are connected via a second fan (37) and a third fan (38), each of which is equipped with a sliding seal (36) for optional sealing of the second air chamber (30) from the cooling chamber (70).

13. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the refrigeration system (100) includes a control system (50) which is preferably arranged in the second air space (30).

14. Refrigeration system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second air space (30) has a condensate drain (32) which forms a drain for the condensate of the evaporator (18).

15. Track-guided vehicle (1) comprising at least one refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Track-guided vehicle (1), according to claim 15, characterized by the fact thatthe refrigeration system (100) is arranged in an interior space (2) of the track-guided vehicle (1), preferably in an area (4) inaccessible to passengers.

17. Digital twin of a refrigeration system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, of a track-guided vehicle (1) according to one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the digital twin comprises a digitized image of the refrigeration system (100) or of the track-guided vehicle (1).

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