Method and sorption refrigeration system with a gas trap for removing foreign gases

Abstract

A first aspect of the invention relates to a sorption refrigeration system, comprising at least one evaporator, a condenser, a sorption unit comprising a sorbent and a gas trap comprising a collecting container. The invention is characterized in that the gas trap is positioned fluidically between a first container and a second container, wherein a liquid of the sorption refrigeration process can flow between the first container and the gas trap and between the gas trap and the second container. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for removing a foreign gas from a refrigeration circuit using the sorption refrigeration system according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Process and sorption refrigeration system with a gas trap for the removal of foreign gases

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a sorption refrigeration system comprising at least one evaporator, one condenser, one sorption unit comprising a sorbent, and one gas trap comprising a collecting container. The invention is characterized in that the gas trap is fluidically positioned between a first container and a second container, wherein a liquid of the sorption refrigeration process can flow between the first container and the gas trap, and between the gas trap and the second container.

[0004] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing a foreign gas from a refrigeration circuit using the gas trap according to the invention.

[0005] Background and state of the art

[0006] Refrigeration systems (also known as chillers) are well-known in the state of the art and have become indispensable in everyday life, as well as in important industries. In particular, there are a variety of designs and operating modes of chillers that meet individual requirements and are used for different cooling purposes.

[0007] One specific type of refrigeration machine is the so-called sorption refrigeration machine (also known as a sorption refrigeration system). The latter type of refrigeration machine can be further divided into absorption and adsorption refrigeration systems. Furthermore, thermally driven absorption and adsorption refrigeration systems are known in the prior art, which operate in a vacuum, as they use, for example, water or alcohols as refrigerants. To obtain, and in particular to maintain, this vacuum, so-called gas traps are known in the prior art. Gas traps serve to maintain the vacuum by keeping intruding gases, so-called inert or foreign gases or non-condensable gases (synonymous terms), away from the internal processes and / or enclosing them in a separate volume.

[0008] The known gas traps for absorption refrigeration systems and adsorption refrigeration systems differ considerably in their mode of operation. The average person skilled in the art knows that an absorption refrigeration system is a refrigeration system that typically operates with liquids and their vapors, i.e., with a normally liquid absorbent that absorbs the vaporous refrigerant within its volume. Absorption refrigeration systems that operate with solid salt crystals are also known. An adsorption refrigeration system is understood by those skilled in the art to be a refrigeration system that operates with a solid working medium (also known as an adsorbent) that deposits the refrigerant vapor on its surface, i.e., a solid adsorbent.

[0009] Absorption chillers typically consist of two vessels operating at different pressures: the high-pressure vessel, which houses the desorber and condenser, and the low-pressure vessel, which houses the absorber and evaporator. During cooling, the refrigerant evaporates in a vacuum on the surface of the evaporator, and the vapor flows to the absorber, where it is absorbed. If non-condensable gases are present in the system, they are entrained by the flow to the absorber and deposit on the liquid surface, disrupting mass transfer. This can adversely affect the performance of the refrigeration system. The same can happen in the high-pressure vessel. If non-condensable gases are present, they flow with the desorbed refrigerant vapor from the desorber to the condenser. Since these gases do not condense, they remain on the condenser surface and disrupt the condensation process.

[0010] Since even small amounts of non-condensable gases severely disrupt the process, they must be kept out of the system or removed. Therefore, the proportion of gases in the vapor space is usually very small, making removal difficult. Continuously extracting vapor and gases from the system and discharging them to the atmosphere would result in significant refrigerant loss and high costs due to the operation of a vacuum pump.

[0011] One way to remove non-condensable gases from the absorption refrigeration process of an absorption refrigeration system without directly discharging them into the environment is known in the prior art from US 2009 / 0217680 A1. The absorbent-refrigerant solution is pumped from the absorber to the desorber. The liquid mixture flows into a T-piece and is diverted there. This diversion creates a vacuum at the second inlet of the T-piece, through which the non-condensable gas is drawn from the vessel. The liquid and gas flow into a separator, where the gas is separated from the liquid and collected in a tank. The liquid is returned to the refrigeration process.

[0012] In an adsorption refrigeration system, there is no liquid sorbent-refrigerant solution, which is why non-condensable gases must be removed by other means. Documents EP 2357433 A1 and WO 2014 / 041083 A1 also use collection vessels separate from the refrigeration process. In both inventions, the gas trap is located above or at the same level as the condenser sump, and the gas flows through a valve into the collection vessel, along with the refrigerant vapor, while the liquid remains separate in the condenser. The vapor condenses in the collection vessel, while the gas remains gaseous. In both inventions, the condensate is returned to the condenser sump either via the same line (EP 2357433 A1) or a separate line (WO 2014 / 041083A1). Float valves (EP 2357433 A1) or controllable valves (WO 2014 / 041083 A1) are proposed to shut off the inlet.

[0013] US 2013 / 0239595 A1 discloses an adsorption chiller comprising at least one adsorber / desorber unit, an evaporator / condenser unit, and a vacuum vessel. The vacuum vessel is connected to a condenser unit of the adsorption chiller via vapor-permeable connecting means. The vacuum vessel has a drain device and at least one cooling element, wherein the connecting means contains at least one component for shutting off or regulating the flow. In particular, a connecting means is mounted between the evaporator unit and the vacuum vessel. The illustrations in US 2013 / 0239595 A1 state that the connecting means penetrates into a liquid sump of the vacuum vessel (inert gas trap).

[0014] DE 102008002319 A1 describes an absorption air conditioning liquid tank for storing refrigerant or absorbent, having an inlet for supplying refrigerant or absorbent that has a higher temperature than a refrigerant or absorbent stored in the liquid tank. The inlet has a liquid guide path along which the supplied refrigerant or absorbent is guided, spatially separated from the tank contents and thermally coupled to them, before reaching the tank contents. The described tank operates with throttle valves.

[0015] DE 102014205086 B3 relates to a passive two-phase cooling circuit with an evaporator and a condenser for a coolant conveyed within the cooling circuit. An evaporator supply line and an evaporator discharge line are connected to the evaporator, and a condenser supply line and a condenser discharge line are connected to the condenser. The evaporator supply line, the evaporator discharge line, the condenser supply line, and the condenser discharge line are connected to a common damping tank. During operation of the cooling circuit, the condenser discharge line forms a liquid column of liquid coolant, which performs the function of a liquid seal and a fluid-dynamic vibration damper. In the described cooling circuit, a siphon is used as a gas seal to prevent the passage of gas.

[0016] With the known prior art solutions, only very small amounts of non-condensable gases are removed from the refrigeration circuit due to the very small gas content in the steam and the fact that the gases are removed exclusively along with the steam flow, whose specific volume is also very large. Since large quantities of non-condensable gases are present when a refrigeration system is commissioned, removing these gases with the gas traps disclosed therein would take a very long time. Therefore, direct extraction with a vacuum pump, with the corresponding loss of refrigerant, is often resorted to.

[0017] During plant operation, gas pockets often form. These occur when the vapor flow pushes non-condensable gases onto solid or liquid surfaces, such as in the condenser sump of an adsorption chiller. These gas pockets cannot be removed by conventional gas traps. The plant must, for example, be shut down so that the gases that have accumulated in the gas pocket can be evenly distributed throughout the vessels and then removed again using the devices and processes described above.

[0018] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that in adsorption chillers, the gas trap must always be located at least partially above the liquid level of the condenser. However, this disadvantageously results in inflexible positioning of the gas trap within the system. Therefore, there is a need in the prior art to provide gas traps for sorption chillers that enable more efficient removal of foreign gases and increase the flexibility of use, particularly in adsorption chillers.

[0019] Object of the invention

[0020] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, one object of the invention is to provide and integrate gas traps for sorption refrigeration systems that enable particularly efficient removal of foreign gases and allow more flexible positioning of the gas trap in the sorption refrigeration system. Furthermore, a more optimal method should be provided for removing foreign gases from the refrigeration circuit in the context of sorption refrigeration systems.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022] The object is achieved by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0023] In a first aspect, the invention preferably relates to a sorption refrigeration system comprising at least one evaporator, a condenser, a sorption unit comprising a sorbent and a gas trap comprising a collecting container, wherein a refrigerant is flowable within a refrigeration circuit between the condenser and the evaporator and can be used in the evaporator to extract heat from an environment and the gas trap is present to remove at least one foreign gas, characterized in that the gas trap is fluidically positioned between a first container and a second container, wherein a liquid working medium is flowable between the first container and the second container and a connecting means between the first container and the gas trap opens into a liquid sump.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention preferably relates to a sorption refrigeration system comprising at least one evaporator, a condenser, a sorption unit comprising a sorption agent and a gas trap comprising a collecting container, a liquid sump which is present in the gas trap (7) and an inlet and an outlet on the gas trap, wherein the gas trap is present for removing at least one foreign gas, characterized in that the gas trap is fluidically positioned between a first container and a second container, wherein a liquid can flow from the first container into the second container, wherein the sorption refrigeration system is designed such that the liquid flows from the first container via a connecting means and the inlet into the gas trap and then the liquid flows from the gas trap via the outlet and a further connecting means to the second container and the outlet originates from the liquid sump of the gas trap.

[0025] The terms “first container” and “first receptacle” as well as “second container” and “second receptacle” can be used synonymously in the context of the invention.

[0026] The liquid preferably refers to a liquid working medium in the sorption refrigeration system. The liquid or liquid working medium can preferably be the refrigerant and / or a solvent. The liquid is particularly a solvent or sorbent when the gas trap is fluidically installed between an absorber and desorber of a sorption refrigeration system.

[0027] The fact that the outlet originates from the liquid sump of the gas trap preferably means that the outlet of the gas trap is arranged in such a way that it is present up to a height level of the liquid sump within the gas trap.

[0028] The preferred gas trap and sorption refrigeration system have proven particularly advantageous in many aspects, which are explained in more detail below.

[0029] A particularly significant advantage here is that it enables surprisingly efficient removal of foreign gases, which is due in particular to the positioning of the gas trap between the first and second containers. The preferred components of the sorption refrigeration system, which can form the first and second containers, will be discussed in more detail later.

[0030] The non-condensable gases, which are located in the first container or as a gas cushion on or in a liquid sump of the first container, are flushed into the gas trap together with the liquid (the liquid refrigerant or, if applicable, liquid sorbent). Surprisingly, this has proven particularly effective, even though the specific volume of the liquid is very small compared to the very large specific volume of the foreign gases and vapors. This advantageously allows even the non-condensable gases, which are difficult to remove as a gas cushion, to be transferred into the gas trap. Since the inlet to the gas trap is preferably at the point where the non-condensable gases are pushed by the vapor flow, there is both a slightly increased pressure and a higher proportion of non-condensable gases at this point, allowing the non-condensable gases to be removed from the refrigeration circuit much more quickly.Surprisingly, it was found that with the gas trap according to the invention and in particular with the method according to the invention for removing foreign gases from the sorption refrigeration process, gas cushions can also be removed, which typically accumulate on the solid surfaces within the sorption refrigeration system and are particularly difficult to remove.

[0031] Another significant advantage is that the hydrostatic pressure built up in the collection vessel allows a larger amount of non-condensable gas to be stored than is possible in state-of-the-art gas traps, as the increased pressure increases the density of the gases and vapors and reduces their specific volume. This positive effect is further enhanced the more non-condensable gases are present in the first vessel. As the amount of non-condensable gases increases, so does the pressure in the first vessel, as the condensation or sorption of the vapor (vaporous refrigerant) is inhibited, and the additional partial pressure of the non-condensable gases reinforces this pressure increase.

[0032] Therefore, the effectiveness of gas removal is significantly increased by the preferential placement of the gas trap between the container located first in terms of flow and the second container. The more non-condensable gases penetrate or are present in the sorption refrigeration system, the more pronounced this effect is in adsorption refrigeration systems, where the non-condensable gases ultimately always collect in the condenser, which in the invention then represents the first container. In addition, adsorption refrigeration systems preferably operate cyclically, with the condenser pressure becoming very high particularly preferably at the beginning of a cycle, thus particularly effectively transporting foreign gases into the gas trap, which can no longer disrupt the process as the cycle progresses. In an absorption refrigeration system, the gases also collect in the absorber oron the contained liquid absorbent-refrigerant solution, whereby this can also form the first container within the meaning of the invention. The pressure in the absorber is typically lower than in the condenser, which is why the particularly effective separation of the non-condensable gases of the preferred gas trap in the absorber is particularly advantageous compared to the prior art.

[0033] Furthermore, it is also a great advantage that the sorption refrigeration system is not limited to a specific type and / or mode of operation. Instead, the sorption refrigeration system can advantageously be an absorption refrigeration system or an adsorption refrigeration system. Accordingly, it has been recognized that efficient removal of non-condensable gases from the refrigeration cycle can be achieved if the gas trap is installed between the first container in terms of flow and the second container, regardless of whether the liquid is a refrigerant or a solvent.

[0034] The preferred sorption chiller advantageously enables reliable and rapid removal of non-condensable gases from the sorption chiller, which is also suitable for plant operation. The preferred sorption chiller can be deployed with minimal effort and operated cost-effectively, thus achieving process efficiency with regard to cooling the environment itself. In particular, the performance decline that would be caused over time by foreign gases without a gas trap is advantageously prevented.

[0035] As mentioned at the beginning, in the context of the invention, a sorption refrigeration system preferably refers to a specific design variant of a refrigeration machine or refrigeration system. Depending on the phase of the sorbent or how the refrigerant vapor is bound in the sorbent, the sorption refrigeration system is divided into absorption and adsorption refrigeration systems. In the absorption refrigeration machine, a liquid sorbent is typically used, in whose volume the refrigerant dissolves. The absorbent can also be in solid form, for example if it is a crystalline salt, in whose structure or volume the refrigerant is absorbed. In the adsorption refrigeration machine, a solid sorbent is used, on whose surface the refrigerant accumulates.

[0036] Therefore, the sorbent preferably represents a substance in a substantially solid or liquid phase that is enriched by the refrigerant flowing in the refrigeration circuit. The sorption unit preferably refers to the component containing the sorbent.

[0037] Terms such as substantially, approximately, about, approximately, etc., preferably describe a tolerance range of less than ± 40%, preferably less than ± 20%, particularly preferably less than ± 10%, even more preferably less than ± 5%, and especially less than ± 1%, and always include the exact value. Partially preferably describes a tolerance range of up to at least ± 5%, particularly preferably at least ± 10%, and especially at least ± 20%, in some cases at least ± 40%.

[0038] In the context of the invention, the refrigeration cycle preferably refers to the recurring transport of the refrigerant between preferred components of the sorption refrigeration system. Preferred components through which the refrigerant flows within the refrigeration cycle include, for example, the condenser and evaporator for the essentially liquid refrigerant and the sorption unit or units for the essentially vaporous or sorbed refrigerant.

[0039] Preferably, coolant, which is preferably compressed, enters the condenser, where it is preferably cooled essentially under constant pressure. Due to the heat extraction, the coolant liquefies. The coolant then reaches the evaporator in the refrigeration circuit. Preferably, before the coolant is transferred to the evaporator, the coolant is expanded to a lower pressure. As a result, the coolant begins to boil, i.e. to evaporate, which preferably takes place within the evaporator. The coolant extracts the heat required for this from the environment, so that the environment cools down. Thus, the environment in the sense of the invention means in particular an area that is to be cooled by the preferred sorption refrigeration system. The environment can, for example, represent a spatial section and / or another device, such as, for example,a refrigerator interior in which the cooling is to take place or a cold water circuit whose liquid is cooled by the evaporator.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that, to remove the foreign gas from the refrigeration circuit, refrigerant in the liquid phase can flow into the gas trap together with the foreign gas, whereby the foreign gas can preferably be introduced into the collection tank. Alternatively, the foreign gases can also be transported into the collection tank by a liquid sorbent.

[0041] The gas trap preferably refers to the component of the sorption refrigeration system dedicated to the removal of non-condensable gases. The gas trap itself preferably comprises a structure that essentially corresponds to a container. The gas trap preferably comprises a collecting container. The foreign gas can preferably be introduced into the collecting container. Advantageously, the foreign gas can remain within the collecting container for a long period of time, thus promoting the reliability of the preferred sorption refrigeration system. In addition to the collecting container, the gas trap can comprise other components.

[0042] Preferably, a connecting means is provided between the first container and the gas trap, wherein the connecting means preferably opens into a liquid sump of the gas trap. The term "liquid sump" refers in particular to the proportion of liquid present in a component of the sorption refrigeration system. In the case of the liquid present in the gas trap, the term "gas trap liquid sump" can also be used synonymously. The term can be applied analogously to other components of the sorption refrigeration system in which a liquid can be present at least temporarily. For example, the term "condenser liquid sump" can also be used for the liquid in the condenser, without restricting the choice of terminology to the condenser to describe the situation.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means between the first container and the gas trap opens into a liquid sump of the gas trap. If the connecting means between the first container and the gas trap opens into a liquid sump of the gas trap, this is also associated with further advantages. This advantageously achieves the effect that the connecting means itself achieves greater stability, since the opening of the connecting means is essentially surrounded by the liquid within the gas trap. Furthermore, a better transfer of foreign gas into the gas trap is advantageously enabled, in particular to the extent that reliable introduction into the collection container is enabled. Furthermore, a recirculation of foreign gases back into the first container is prevented, as they cannot flow directly through the liquid sump back into the connecting means and thus the first container.A further advantage arises from the fact that the connecting means always remains at least partially filled with liquid due to its introduction into the sump, thus ensuring pressure separation between the first vessel and the gas trap. Depending on the hydrostatic pressure, the first vessel can have a lower pressure than the gas trap itself, which advantageously enables constant system performance even when large quantities of foreign gases have already accumulated in the gas trap. Due to the hydrostatic pressure separation, the gas trap can be arranged significantly below the liquid sump of the first vessel, in a complete departure from the state of the art. This significantly increases the flexibility of the arrangement of the components in the sorption circuit. Especially in adsorption refrigeration systems, where the condenser typically forms the first vessel, this flexibility offers completely new arrangement possibilities.

[0044] The term "fluidic" in the context of the invention refers to the flow direction of the liquid or vapor, e.g., the refrigerant or the solution. The average person skilled in the art knows that in refrigeration systems in general, especially in sorption refrigeration systems, the phrase "the refrigerant flows from the condenser to the evaporator" is common. Accordingly, the condenser is located upstream of the evaporator in terms of flow.

[0045] In particular, it is preferred that the first container be located fluidically upstream of the second container. The first container and the second container represent formulations that can be provided by preferred components of the sorption refrigeration system.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the first container is a condenser and the second container is an evaporator, or the first container is an evaporator and the second container is a condenser, or the first container is an absorber and the second container is a desorber, or the first container is a desorber and the second container is an absorber, or the first container is an evaporator-condenser unit and the second container is also an evaporator-condenser unit. It has been recognized that several options exist for the first container and the second container, between which the gas trap can be fluidically positioned to enable reliable and efficient removal of non-condensable gases from the refrigeration circuit, which represents a complete departure from the prior art.

[0047] Accordingly, there are at least five variants for implementing the gas trap in the preferred sorption refrigeration system, thus allowing further degrees of freedom in positioning and process control compared to the state of the art.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the gas trap is positioned between the condenser and the evaporator. Accordingly, the refrigerant flows from the condenser to the gas trap, with the non-condensable gases remaining within the gas trap, particularly the collection vessel, and the refrigerant flowing on to the evaporator.

[0049] If evaporator-condenser units are preferably used, the gas trap can be arranged between two of these units, so that the liquid refrigerant can always flow from the evaporator-condenser unit currently operating as a condenser (or at that moment or at that operating point) via the gas trap, releasing and storing the foreign gases in the gas trap, to the evaporator-condenser unit currently operating as an evaporator.

[0050] If the gas trap is fluidically located between an evaporator and a condenser, the liquid is preferably a refrigerant. Particularly in adsorption refrigeration systems, components for multiple purposes are preferably used, so that the condenser and evaporator can be designed as a common evaporator-condenser unit, which functions either as a condenser or evaporator depending on the process step. The gas trap according to the invention can particularly preferably be fluidically arranged between two evaporator-condenser units. The gas trap can preferably also be arranged so that an evaporator-condenser unit functions simultaneously as both the first container and the second container.

[0051] In another preferred embodiment, the gas trap is fluidically positioned between the absorber and the desorber. This embodiment is particularly preferred for absorption refrigeration systems.

[0052] The absorber refers to the section of the sorption refrigeration system where gaseous refrigerant, which is produced in the evaporator, is absorbed by the sorbent and thus enriched. The enriched sorbent is then pumped into the desorber. The desorber performs the opposite function of the absorber. By applying heat, the refrigerant is "boiled out" of the sorbent. The heat is supplied, for example—but not limited to—through media such as hot water or steam.

[0053] Furthermore, it may be preferred that the gas trap is fluidically located between the desorber and absorber and through which the solvent flows, or that it is located between the condenser and the absorber and through which the refrigerant flows. In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the gas trap has an inlet, wherein an inlet shutoff is preferably provided at the inlet or at a connecting means between the first container and the inlet to control the introduction of the foreign gas. The inlet shutoff is preferably a pressure-operated valve, particularly preferably a check valve.

[0054] The inlet preferably designates the area of ​​the gas trap through which the non-condensable gases can flow into the gas trap. The inlet is preferably provided as an opening, with the gas trap being fluidly connected to the first container via a connecting means at its inlet. A fluid connection preferably refers to a connection allowing a fluid, in this case the refrigerant or a liquid solution, to flow between the first container and the gas trap. The fluid connection is provided in particular by the connecting means. The connecting means can preferably be designed as a pipe and / or hose.

[0055] The inlet shutoff valve refers to a component of the preferred sorption refrigeration system that enables a regulated introduction of the foreign gas into the gas trap. This advantageously improves the overall control of the cooling process, which the preferred sorption refrigeration system strives for. Furthermore, it also prevents the foreign gas introduced into the gas trap from flowing back into the first container, thus also increasing the reliability of the preferred sorption refrigeration system. By using the pressure-operated check valve according to the invention, liquid can advantageously always flow into the gas trap together with the foreign gases as soon as the hydrostatic pressure, together with the pressure in the first container, exceeds the pressure within the gas trap, but the foreign gases and the liquid can no longer flow back into the first container.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet shut-off is in the form of a pressure-operated valve. A pressure-operated valve, within the meaning of the invention, refers to a valve that is essentially operable by hydrostatic and / or hydrodynamic pressure. A pressure-operated valve is preferably designed to open automatically when a specific pressure difference exists between the two sides of the valve. The pressure difference should preferably be as small as possible so that, in particular, no active pressure reduction is brought about. A pressure-operated check valve should preferably only open when the pressure drop is in the intended flow direction of the fluid, but not when the pressure drop is opposite to the intended flow direction.Advantageously, no additional energy supply is required to control the inflow into the gas trap, since the fluids, in particular the refrigerant and foreign gas, are automatically allowed to pass through the inlet shut-off via the pressure conditions in the preferred sorption refrigeration system, but cannot flow back.

[0057] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure-operated valve is a check valve. A check valve has proven particularly advantageous for providing the inlet shutoff. In addition to its advantageously simple installation, a check valve also contributes to the compact design of the preferred sorption refrigeration system, since no external parts are required for the check valve's operation.

[0058] This is particularly advantageous if the gas trap is arranged fluidically between the first and second containers in such a way that the liquid from the first container can only reach the second container when it flows through the gas trap, releasing all foreign gases there before flowing on into the second container. Due to the increased flow velocity of this preferred arrangement, non-condensable gases can be removed from the first container particularly effectively, especially those present as gas cushions on the liquid sump or on solid surfaces.

[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that a connecting means between the first container and an inlet of the gas trap and / or a connecting means between an outlet of the gas trap and the second container is at least partially designed as a siphon.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting means between the outlet of the gas trap and the second container can be designed entirely as a siphon.

[0061] In the context of the invention, a siphon preferably refers to a connecting means, a component of the connecting means, and / or a section of the connecting means, which preferably has a bend, preferably a U-shaped or horizontal S-shaped bend. The bend of the siphon is preferably filled with a liquid, which can be the refrigerant, and is continuously refilled with liquid during operation due to the flow direction of the process fluids. This always provides reliable resistance to foreign gases against the flow direction, thus preventing backflow of the foreign gases.

[0062] Particularly preferably, the siphon is located within the gas trap. This advantageously saves space, simplifies installation, and increases reliability in terms of durability. This latter advantage is due, among other things, to the fact that the gas trap provides a shield for the siphon, thus preventing damage to the siphon from the outside. If the siphon terminates in the sump within the gas trap, the liquid can advantageously be supplied to the siphon from both flow directions.

[0063] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inlet shutoff is a check valve, and at least a portion of the connecting means between the first container and the gas trap is a siphon. Furthermore, it is preferred that the check valve is arranged fluidically first, and the connecting means is located in a liquid sump, which, in a preferred embodiment, is maintained at a constant fill level by a float valve.

[0064] The float valve preferably forms an outlet shutoff, which advantageously ensures that liquid remains to form the liquid sump. In this case, the gas trap's collecting tank can be arranged even more flexibly within the sorption refrigeration system. Furthermore, the preferred siphon of the connecting device is particularly robust, as it can then no longer be emptied, as sufficient liquid always remains in the sump to refill the siphon if the siphon is emptied by large quantities of foreign gases in the direction of flow.

[0065] Surprisingly, by means of this preferred arrangement, the gas trap with the float valve can additionally serve as a throttling device and pressure separation between the first and second containers, which is particularly advantageous when the first container is a condenser and the second container is a condenser.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the inlet into the connecting means for the inlet of the gas trap is located below a liquid level of the first container.

[0067] Advantageously, the inlet shut-off valve can be flowed through or actuated due to the hydrostatic forces of the liquid refrigerant column above the inlet shut-off valve when liquid refrigerant accumulates in the liquid sump of the first container, for example the condenser. This advantageously facilitates the removal of foreign gases located in the first container or present as gas cushions, which are flushed into the gas trap by the flow of the liquid. In particular, high proportions of foreign gases, especially gas cushions, can be reliably introduced from the first container into the gas trap, which significantly improves the efficiency of the sorption refrigeration system with regard to the removal of foreign gases. The effective removal of foreign gases is further enhanced when the inlet to the gas trap is located below the liquid sump of the first container.

[0068] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the gas trap has an outlet, wherein an outlet shut-off is provided at the outlet or at a connecting means between the outlet and the second container to prevent the introduction of the foreign gas into the second container, wherein the outlet shut-off is preferably designed as a float valve.

[0069] The outlet preferably designates the area of ​​the gas trap through which a flow connection exists between the gas trap and the second container. The outlet is preferably in the form of an opening, with the gas trap being in flow connection with the second container via a connecting means, enabling the flow of the refrigerant or solution from the first container into the gas trap and then into the second container. The gas trap can be used particularly effectively if liquid can be transported from the first to the second container exclusively via the connection to the gas trap, so that foreign gases always enter the gas trap but not the second container.

[0070] The outlet shutoff is a component of the preferred sorption refrigeration system. The outlet shutoff serves, in particular, to prevent the recirculation of foreign gas from the gas trap via the outlet into the refrigeration circuit. Furthermore, the amount of liquid remaining in the gas trap can be advantageously regulated by the positioning, type, and / or geometry of the outlet shutoff. For example, the outlet shutoff can be installed below or in the lower area of ​​the collection tank and / or be in the form of a float valve. The amount of liquid refrigerant that always remains in the gas trap can be specified by the positioning of the outlet or the type and geometry of the valve.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet shutoff is a float valve. A float valve refers to a valve controlled by a float, which, within the meaning of the invention, is particularly operable in such a way that the valve opens when a certain level is exceeded, but closes again when the (target) level is undershot. Configuring the outlet shutoff as a float valve has proven particularly advantageous in the context of the invention, since it particularly reliably prevents the foreign gas from being recirculated into the refrigeration circuit via the second container, while simultaneously ensuring the flow of refrigerant within the refrigeration circuit.Furthermore, the mechanical operating principle of the float valve is extremely useful for the preferred sorption chiller system, as no external energy supply, such as a power supply, is required to enable the outlet shutoff. This significantly improves any maintenance required for the preferred sorption chiller system.

[0072] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the gas trap has an outlet shut-off container, wherein an outlet shut-off is preferably present in the outlet shut-off container.

[0073] The preferred outlet shutoff container refers to a component in which the outlet shutoff is incorporated or integrated. This advantageously provides more optimal storage space for the installation of the outlet shutoff, so that the dimensions and / or effect of the outlet shutoff can be advantageously adapted depending on the size of the gas trap. Particularly advantageously, the collection container and outlet shutoff can be spatially separated from one another if they are connected via a connecting means. In particular, it may be preferred for the float valve to be located in an outlet shutoff container.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid sump of the second container is higher than the liquid sump present in the gas trap.

[0075] This represents a significant advantage over the prior art, as the preferred gas trap allows for completely free arrangement of the first container and the second container relative to one another. While in the prior art, the second container, which is located downstream of the first container in terms of flow, and / or its liquid sump could only be located higher than the liquid sump in the first container if the pressure in the first container was permanently significantly higher than in the second container, in order to prevent the liquid from flowing back into the first container, the position of the two containers of the sorption refrigeration circuit can be chosen much more freely, and in particular the liquid sump of the first container can be located significantly below the liquid sump of the second container, even if the pressure in the first container is only temporarily higher than in the second container.Thanks to the preferred embodiment of the gas trap, in particular with the inlet shutoff, which is particularly preferably designed as a check valve, the liquid remains completely in the sump of the second container even if the sump of the second container is located higher than the sump of the first container, even if additional pressure fluctuations occur in the first or second container. The fill levels of the two containers are thus advantageously decoupled from possible pressure fluctuations in the sorption refrigeration system; the "principle of communicating tubes" is eliminated. The fill levels only change due to the desired evaporation, condensation, or sorption of the refrigerant, or the liquid can only flow from the first container to the second container, but no longer the undesirable reverse.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the gas trap has an inlet shut-off and an outlet shut-off, wherein preferably the inlet shut-off and / or the outlet shut-off are present in the gas trap.

[0077] The integration of the inlet and outlet shutoffs into the gas trap has proven particularly advantageous. This gives the gas trap a very compact design. This advantageously simplifies installation into the sorption refrigeration system and improves implementation in sorption systems with smaller dimensions.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the gas trap has an inlet shut-off and / or an outlet shut-off, wherein the inlet shut-off and / or the outlet shut-off is located outside the gas trap.

[0079] The placement of the inlet and outlet shutoffs outside the gas trap is also advantageous in the context of the invention. This provides greater flexibility regarding the positioning of the inlet and outlet shutoffs, allowing the regulation of the refrigerant supply into and out of the gas trap to be optimally adjusted depending on the size and application of the sorption refrigeration system. In addition to controlling the external gas, the inlet and outlet shutoffs also advantageously enable control of the refrigerant that may be present in the gas trap.

[0080] Furthermore, it may be preferable for only one of the shut-off components to be located inside the gas trap, while the other shut-off component is mounted outside the gas trap. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet shut-off is located inside the gas trap and the outlet shut-off is located outside the gas trap. In a further preferred embodiment, the inlet shut-off is located outside the gas trap and the outlet shut-off is located inside the gas trap. Thus, a technical compromise between flexibility regarding the positioning of the shut-off component (inlet shut-off or outlet shut-off) and the compactness of the gas trap can also be advantageously achieved if one of the shut-off components is located inside the gas trap and the other shut-off component is mounted outside the gas trap.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the sorption unit can be heated via an external heat circuit, so that the refrigerant can be desorbed from the sorption agent in a sorption unit.

[0082] The sorbent is preferably present in the sorption unit, which is also an important component of the sorption refrigeration system. The refrigerant is preferably sorbed in a suitable sorption medium. The average person skilled in the art is able to implement the refrigerant, along with any suitable sorption medium, into the preferred sorption refrigeration system.

[0083] In an absorption chiller, the sorbent essentially absorbs the vaporous refrigerant, which evaporates in the evaporator and thereby extracts heat from the environment. The absorbent binds the refrigerant vapor. The mixture then flows preferentially through a heat exchanger, which is also flowed through by the hot absorbent. The latter transfers thermal energy to the mixture to preheat it in an energy-saving manner. This leads to an increase in pressure and temperature. Since the solvent becomes saturated after a time, it can no longer absorb any refrigerant vapor, so preferred components, such as solvent pumps, convey the mixture in the next step to the so-called desorber (also known as expeller). Here it is preferentially heated further, causing the refrigerant vapor to separate from the solvent.The regenerated hot absorbent then transfers the remaining energy via a heat exchanger to the cold mixture of refrigerant and solvent from the absorber.

[0084] In contrast to an absorption chiller, which typically operates with a liquid sorbent, an adsorption chiller uses a solid sorbent, the adsorbent, onto which the refrigerant is adsorbed or desorbed. Heat is added to the process during desorption and removed during adsorption. Cooling is essentially the same, but discontinuous, since the adsorbent cannot be circulated in a circuit in its solid state.

[0085] The present invention offers additional advantages, particularly for adsorption refrigeration systems. Since the adsorbent is non-flowable, removing foreign gases that accumulate on the adsorbent is particularly difficult. In this case, the adsorption refrigeration system can be designed as a circuit, in which the vapor flows from the evaporator into an adsorber during adsorption and then flows from the adsorber into a condenser during desorption. The condenser and evaporator do not necessarily have to be the same component, although in many common adsorption refrigeration systems from the prior art, the evaporator is typically used alternately as a condenser. The condenser is preferably connected to the evaporator via a liquid line, within which the preferred gas trap is arranged, whereby the condenser then forms the first container and the evaporator the second container.Through this circuit, foreign gas cushions are automatically transported from the adsorbent to the condenser and from there to the gas trap. The gas trap according to the invention can also be effectively used in an adsorption refrigeration system in which the evaporator is also used as a condenser, if a two-chamber system is used, in which one container is always in condensation mode while the other is in evaporation mode; in this case, the gas trap can again be effectively placed between these two containers. The average person skilled in the art knows that an adsorption refrigeration system comprising an evaporator / condenser-sorber unit is typically used in such a two-chamber operation. Although foreign gases are more difficult to remove due to the discontinuous operation of adsorption refrigeration systems, this discontinuous operation provides further advantages for the gas trap according to the invention.Due to discontinuous operation, the temperatures and pressures in all components change significantly within a cooling cycle. On the one hand, this can lead to significant fluctuations in the fill levels in the condenser and evaporator, which, as described above, are counteracted by the pressure decoupling resulting from the interposition of the preferred gas trap, if the fluidic connection from the first to the second vessel is established exclusively via the gas trap according to the invention. Particularly at the beginning of the desorption cycle, particularly high pressures occur in the desorber and condenser, compressing the vapor and, in particular, the foreign gas. As a result, the preferred gas trap removes the foreign gas particularly effectively from the sorber and condenser, particularly at the beginning of the desorption cycle, and thus can no longer disrupt the further regeneration process.A further advantage arises from the pressure increase at the beginning of desorption in that at the higher pressure, not only the vapor and the foreign gas are compressed in the sorber and condenser, but also in the gas trap according to the invention, which is why the capacity for foreign gas in the gas collection container of the gas trap is increased. Those skilled in the art know that the greater the proportion of foreign gases in the system, the higher the condensation pressure. And the higher the condensation pressure, the higher the absorption capacity for foreign gases by the preferred gas trap. The preferred gas trap therefore automatically increases its effectiveness due to physical processes and the circuitry according to the invention when a particularly large amount of foreign gases needs to be removed. The effect of the installed preferred gas trap is therefore synergistic.

[0086] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that a pressure relief valve, a heating element and / or a vacuum pump are operatively connected to the gas trap for removing the foreign gas from the sorption refrigeration system.

[0087] The above-mentioned options for removing foreign gas have proven advantageous in that they can easily, quickly, and reliably remove at least a portion of the foreign gas from the gas trap and thus permanently from the preferred sorption refrigeration system. This can advantageously remove a portion of the foreign gas from the gas trap, for example, if the gas trap or collection vessel is already sufficiently filled with non-condensable gases, or completely remove the foreign gas from the gas trap.

[0088] This advantageously prevents the gas trap from becoming completely filled with non-condensable gases, thereby reducing the risk that its function could no longer be guaranteed. For this purpose, it may be preferable to have an exhaust line at the top of the gas trap, through which the non-condensable gases can be extracted, for example, with a vacuum pump, or discharged via an overpressure valve and / or with the aid of a heating element. In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that the sorption refrigeration system is an adsorption refrigeration system or an absorption refrigeration system.

[0089] This advantageously means that the sorption refrigeration system is not limited to a specific mode of operation. Instead, it was advantageously recognized that, in particular, the positioning of the gas trap between the first container and the second container enables the reliable removal of foreign gases from the refrigeration circuit. The functional principles on which absorption and adsorption refrigeration systems are based were outlined above and are essentially known to the average person skilled in the art, so they will not be discussed further. However, the fact that the preferred positioning of the gas trap between the first container and the second container removes foreign gases from the refrigeration circuit in the advantageous manner described was not obvious to the person skilled in the art.In particular, gas traps in the prior art were often applied to a specific class of sorption chillers, so it was unlikely that the positioning of the gas trap between the first vessel and the second vessel could be applied to both absorption chillers and adsorption chillers. Furthermore, the positioning of the gas trap for absorption and adsorption chillers was limited to specific vessels and / or positions within the chiller.

[0090] In a further preferred embodiment, the sorption refrigeration system is characterized in that a connecting means between the condenser and the evaporator is designed as a throttle device.

[0091] In the context of the invention, this preferably means that in the sorption refrigeration system, there is preferably no separate component for the purpose of throttling in the connecting means, in particular arranged in the connecting means between the condenser and evaporator, but rather the connecting means itself primarily performs the throttling function. This advantageously enables the connecting means to represent a primary throttling device, with which the pressure in, upstream of, and downstream of the connecting means can preferably be regulated.

[0092] In a further preferred aspect, the invention relates to a method for removing a foreign gas from a refrigeration circuit comprising the following steps: a) providing a sorption refrigeration system according to the above-described, b) positioning a gas trap comprising an inlet and an outlet fluidically between a first container and a second container, so that the foreign gas from a refrigeration circuit flows through a liquid working medium together with the foreign gas into the gas trap and entry or backflow of the foreign gas into the refrigeration circuit is prevented by an inlet shut-off and an outlet shut-off.

[0093] Furthermore, the invention preferably relates to methods for removing a foreign gas from a refrigeration circuit comprising the following steps: a) providing a sorption refrigeration system according to the above-described, b) positioning a gas trap comprising an inlet and an outlet fluidically between a first container and a second container, so that the foreign gas from the refrigeration circuit flows through a liquid together with the foreign gas into the gas trap and entry of the foreign gas into the refrigeration circuit is prevented by an inlet shut-off and an outlet shut-off.

[0094] The preferred method has proven extremely advantageous for removing foreign gas from the refrigeration circuit of a sorption refrigeration system. In particular, the efficient and reliable removal of foreign gas results from the positioning of the gas trap between the first and second containers, where the foreign gas is flushed into the gas trap along with the liquid and remains there.

[0095] The inlet shutoff advantageously prevents the foreign gas from re-entering the first container. Similarly, the outlet shutoff advantageously prevents foreign gas from entering the second container. This enables safe storage of the foreign gas within the gas trap, ensuring that the refrigeration circuit of the sorption refrigeration system is not disrupted in any way by foreign gas.

[0096] The average person skilled in the art will recognize that technical features, definitions and advantages of preferred embodiments that apply to the preferred sorption refrigeration system also apply to the preferred method for removing a foreign gas from a refrigeration cycle, and vice versa.

[0097] The aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail below using examples, without being limited to these examples.

[0098] FIGURES

[0099] Short description of the characters

[0100] Fig. 1 Illustration of a preferred positioning of the gas trap between two containers

[0101] Fig. 2 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the gas trap according to the invention in a sorption refrigeration system

[0102] Fig. 3 Preferred embodiment of the gas trap comprising a siphon as well as a check valve and a float valve and a suction valve

[0103] Fig. 4 Preferred embodiment of the sorption refrigeration system in which the inlet shut-off and outlet shut-off are integrated within the gas trap

[0104] Fig. 5 Preferred embodiment of the sorption refrigeration system comprising a gas trap with hydrostatic throttle

[0105] Detailed description of the characters

[0106] Fig. 1 shows the gas trap 7 in the flow arrangement between two containers 5 and 3, which has proven particularly advantageous for removing non-condensable gases from the refrigeration circuit of sorption refrigeration systems. In particular, the only direct connection between the two containers 5 and 3 runs exclusively through the gas trap 7. For example, the first container is the condenser 5 and the second container is the evaporator 3. The non-condensable gas is flushed from the condenser 5, along with the refrigerant, into the gas trap 7, where it remains and can no longer penetrate into the remaining refrigeration circuit of the sorption refrigeration system 1.

[0107] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates part of a preferred embodiment of a sorption refrigeration system 1 with an embodiment of the gas trap 7. The part of the sorption refrigeration system shown comprises an evaporator s and a condenser s. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the condenser s serves as the first container, while the evaporator 3 functions as the second container. Furthermore, there is a gas trap 7, which serves to remove a foreign gas from the refrigeration circuit. The gas trap 7 is fluidically positioned in the sorption refrigeration system 1 between the first container and the second container, with the refrigerant continuing to flow within the refrigeration circuit between the first container and the second container. Accordingly, in fluidic terms, the gas trap 7 is located between the condenser s and the evaporator 3.

[0108] Advantageously, a surprisingly efficient removal of foreign gases (synonym for non-condensable gases) is made possible, which is based in particular on the positioning of the gas trap between the condenser 5 (as the first container) and the evaporator 3 (as the second container).

[0109] The gas trap 7 has an inlet 13 and an outlet 21. The gas trap 7 is connected to the condenser 5 at the inlet 13 via a connecting means. The connecting means 12 between the condenser 5 and the gas trap 7 opens into the liquid sump 11 of the gas trap 7. This advantageously creates a greater stability of the connection between the condenser 5 and the gas trap 7, since the opening of the connecting means 12 is essentially surrounded by the liquid sump 11. Furthermore, the opening of the connecting means into the liquid sump 11 is advantageous in that the introduction of the non-condensable gas is improved. In particular, a more effective introduction of the non-condensable gas into the gas trap 7 is possible, since the connecting means 12 always remains partially filled with liquid refrigerant through the opening into the liquid sump 11, thus preventing foreign gases from flowing back into the condenser 5.Instead, the foreign gases collect in the collection container s.

[0110] The non-condensable gases located in the condenser 5 or as a gas cushion on or in a liquid sump 19 of the condenser 7 are flushed into the gas trap 7 together with the refrigerant. This advantageously allows even the non-condensable gases that are difficult to remove as a gas cushion to be transferred into the gas trap 7. The outlet from the condenser s occurs in the area where the non-condensable gases are pushed by the vapor flow, resulting in a slightly increased pressure and an increased proportion of non-condensable gases, so that the non-condensable gases can be removed from the refrigeration circuit particularly quickly. If the condenser s regularly empties completely or almost completely into the evaporator 3 or the gas trap 7, the outlet from the condenser s can be arranged at the bottom of the liquid sump 19 in order to transfer as many of the foreign gases as possible into the gas trap 7.Another advantage is that the hydrostatic pressure built up in the connecting means 12 to the gas trap 7 in the collecting tank 9 allows a particularly high quantity of non-condensable gases to be stored, since the increased pressure increases the density of the gases and vapors. This positive effect is further enhanced the more non-condensable gas is present in the condenser s. As the quantity of non-condensable gases increases, so does the pressure in the condenser ?, since the condensation of the vapor (refrigerant) is inhibited, while the additional partial pressure of the non-condensable gas reinforces this pressure increase.

[0111] The inventors recognized that by installing the gas trap 7 between the first container in terms of flow and the second container (here the condenser 5 and the evaporator 3), the effectiveness of gas removal is significantly increased, the more non-condensable gases penetrate or are present in the sorption refrigeration system 1. This effect is particularly pronounced in adsorption refrigeration systems, in which the non-condensable gases ultimately always accumulate in the condenser s as the first container, and where, due to the discontinuous operation of the absorption refrigeration systems, significantly increased pressures occur, particularly at the beginning of regeneration, which further increases the amount of foreign gases flushed into the gas traps 7.

[0112] Another major advantage of the gas trap 7 is that it is not limited to a specific mode of operation of the sorption refrigeration system 1. Instead, the sorption refrigeration system 1 can advantageously be an absorption refrigeration system or an adsorption refrigeration system.

[0113] Overall, gas trap 7 in sorption chiller 1 enables reliable and rapid removal of non-condensable gases, which is also suitable for plant operation. The sorption chiller 1 and gas trap 7 can be set up with minimal effort and are cost-effective to operate, thus also achieving efficiency in cooling the environment itself.

[0114] The connecting means at the outlet 21 of the gas trap 7 provides a connection between the gas trap 7 and the evaporator 3. In addition to the collecting tank 9, the gas trap 7 comprises an outlet shut-off container 25 in which a float valve 23 is located. The outlet shut-off container 25 provides optimal storage space for the attachment of the outlet shut-off, wherein the outlet shut-off is in the form of a float valve 23. The design of the outlet shut-off as a float valve 23 has proven particularly advantageous for the sorption refrigeration system 1, since it particularly reliably prevents the foreign gas from being recirculated into the refrigeration circuit via the second container (here, evaporator 3), while at the same time still ensuring the flow of the refrigerant within the refrigeration circuit.In addition, the mechanical operating principle of the float valve 23 on which it is based is useful for the sorption refrigeration system 1, since no external energy supply is required for the outlet shut-off.

[0115] Fig. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the gas trap 7, in which the connecting means is designed as a siphon 17. In particular, both the connecting means between the gas trap 7 and condenser s and the connecting means between the gas trap 7 and evaporator 3 are in the form of a siphon. The inlet shut-off is a check valve 15 and is mounted in the connecting means which is connected to the condenser s, while the outlet shut-off is a float valve 23 and is mounted in the connecting means between the gas trap 7 and evaporator 3. The check valve 15 is therefore in the form of an inlet shut-off and the float valve 23 is in the form of an outlet shut-off, separate from the collecting container s of the gas trap 7. This advantageously provides greater flexibility with regard to the positioning of the inlet shut-off and outlet shut-off, so that the regulation of the supply of refrigerant to and from the gas trap 7, for example with regard toThe dimensions and application of the sorption refrigeration system can be optimally adapted. Foreign gases can be removed from the gas trap 7 via the additional outlet valve 30 at the upper end of the collecting tank 9 in order to increase its foreign gas capacity.

[0116] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the sorption refrigeration system, in particular the gas trap 7. Here, the check valve 15 as the inlet shutoff and the float valve 23 as the outlet shutoff are integrated within the gas trap 7. Advantageously, the gas trap 7 achieves a very compact design by integrating the inlet and outlet shutoffs within the gas trap 7. This simplifies, for example, installation in the sorption refrigeration system and further improves cooling in environments with smaller dimensions.

[0117] Fig. 5 shows an arrangement of the first container 5, the second container 3, and the gas trap 7 of (a part of) a sorption refrigeration system 1 with an arrangement that deviates from the prior art. Due to the gas trap 7 with the inlet shutoff 15 and the outlet shutoff in the form of a float valve 23, the first container 5 can be located below the second container 3, and in particular the sump of the first container 19 can be located below the sump of the second container 27, without the sump of 27 being able to empty into the gas trap 7 or the first container 5. The gas trap 7 can be arranged freely above or below the respective liquid sumps 19 and 27, respectively. The collecting tank 9 can also be arranged completely decoupled from the two tanks, but should always be located above the connecting line between the float valve tank 13 and the collecting tank 9 and above the liquid sump 11 of the float valve tank 13.The inlet to the second tank s opens into the liquid sump 27, but can also be located above the liquid sump. This arrangement demonstrates the flexibility of the design of a sorption refrigeration system using the gas trap 7.

[0118] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0119] 1 (part of a) sorption refrigeration system

[0120] 3 evaporators

[0121] 5 Capacitor

[0122] 7 Gas trap

[0123] 9 collection containers

[0124] 11 Liquid sump of the gas trap

[0125] 12 connecting devices for the gas trap

[0126] 13 Entrance

[0127] 15 Check valve

[0128] 17 Siphon

[0129] 19 Liquid sump of the first container, in particular the condenser

[0130] 21 Outlet

[0131] 23 Float valve

[0132] 25 Outlet shut-off container

[0133] 26 connecting means at the outlet of the gas trap designed as a hydrostatic throttle

[0134] 27 Liquid sump of the second container, in particular the evaporator

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1 . Sorption refrigeration system (1) comprising at least one evaporator (3), one condenser (5), one sorption unit comprising a sorbent, and one gas trap (7) comprising a collecting container (9), a liquid sump (11) present in the gas trap (7), and an inlet (13) and an outlet (21) on the gas trap (7), wherein the gas trap (7) is provided for removing at least one foreign gas, characterized in that the gas trap (7) is fluidically positioned between a first container (3, 5) and a second container (5, 3), wherein a liquid can flow from the first container (3, 5) into the second container (5, 3), wherein the sorption refrigeration system (1) is designed such that the liquid flows from the first container (3, 5) via a connecting means and the inlet (13) into the gas trap (7), and then the liquid flows from the gas trap (7). via the outlet (21) and a further connecting means to the second container (5,3) flows and the outlet (21) originates from the liquid sump (7) of the gas trap (7).

2. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first container is a condenser (5) and the second container is an evaporator (3) or the first container is an evaporator (3) and the second container is a condenser (5) or the first container is an absorber and the second container is a desorber or the first container is a desorber and the second container is an absorber or the first container is an evaporator-condenser unit and the second container is also an evaporator-condenser unit.

3. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inlet shut-off device for controlling the introduction of the foreign gas is present at the inlet or at the connecting means between the first container and the inlet (13), wherein the inlet shut-off device is preferably a pressure-operated valve, particularly preferably a check valve (15).

4. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means between the first container and an inlet of the gas trap and / or the connecting means between an outlet of the gas trap and the second container is at least partially designed as a siphon (17).

5. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet (13) of the gas trap (7) is below a liquid level (19) of the first container.

6. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outlet shut-off is provided at the outlet (21) or at a connecting means between the outlet (21) and the second container to prevent the introduction of the foreign gas into the second container, wherein the outlet shut-off is preferably designed as a float valve (23).

7. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas trap (7) has an outlet shut-off container (25), wherein an outlet shut-off is preferably present in the outlet shut-off container (25).

8. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas trap (7) has an inlet shut-off and an outlet shut-off, wherein preferably the inlet shut-off and / or the outlet shut-off is present in the gas trap.

9. Sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sorption refrigeration system (1) has an inlet shut-off and / or an outlet shut-off, wherein the inlet shut-off and / or the outlet shut-off is located outside the gas trap.

10. A method for removing a foreign gas from a refrigeration circuit comprising the following steps: a) providing a sorption refrigeration system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, b) positioning a gas trap (7) comprising an inlet (13) and an outlet (21) fluidically between a first container and a second container, so that the foreign gas from the refrigeration circuit flows through the refrigerant in the liquid phase together with the foreign gas into the gas trap (7) and entry of the foreign gas into the refrigeration circuit is prevented by an inlet shut-off and an outlet shut-off.

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