Determining a setpoint for operation of a cooling system

The method of using a controllable inlet valve and temperature sensors to determine a control setpoint based on rapid temperature changes in cooling systems addresses the challenge of efficient operation in WDX mode, achieving efficient and reliable performance by optimizing refrigerant vapor quality.

WO2025002861A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-01-02DANFOSS AS
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/066677
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-06-27
Filing Date
2024-06-14
Publication Date
2025-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Cooling systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably operating across different modes, particularly in WDX (wet DX) mode, where refrigerant is partly evaporated, requiring a method to determine an optimal setpoint for efficient operation.

Method used

A method involving a controllable inlet valve with a variable opening degree, temperature sensors on evaporator outlet pipes, and a calibration phase to identify a rapid change in outlet pipe temperature, allowing for automatic determination of a control setpoint for efficient operation by regulating the refrigerant flow based on temperature readings.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient and controlled operation of cooling systems, particularly in WDX mode, by identifying a favorable operating point through rapid temperature changes, allowing for automated setpoint determination and optimized refrigerant vapor quality, enhancing system performance and reliability.

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Abstract

A cooling system (10) includes a compressor (12) arranged for feeding compressed refrigerant to a condenser (18) and at least one inlet valve (36) with variable opening degree (OD) for feeding at least partly condensed refrigerant to an evaporator (34). Th evaporator (34) comprises a plurality of evaporator outlet pipes (46) connected to a common return pipe (44) arranged for feeding refrigerant back to the compressor (12). At least one temperature sensor (S1) is arranged on one of the evaporator outlet pipes (46a) for sensing an outlet pipe temperature Tout. In a calibrating phase the cooling system (10) is operated with varying opening degree (OD) of the inlet valve (36). The outlet pipe temperature Tout is monitored. A rapid change of the outlet pipe temperature Tout in response to the varying opening degree (OD) is identified and a control set point value (OHset) is determined based on the outlet pipe temperature Tout. In an operating phase the cooling system (10) is operated by controlling, based on a reading of the temperature sensor (S1), the opening degree (OD) of the inlet valve (36) to achieve the control set point (OHset).
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    WO2020109213A1

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    US20180031288A1

  • Cooling system for efficient operation

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