A switching device air conditioner and operation method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switch cabinet air-conditioning devices consume high electrical energy due to the energy-intensive compression process, especially when ambient temperatures are lower than control cabinet temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The device employs an alternative pump operation where the refrigerant is circulated without pressure change, utilizing a heat exchanger principle to transfer heat from the control cabinet to the external environment, reducing energy consumption by eliminating the need for compressor operation and minimizing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If compression operation is used to cool the control cabinet, then cooling effect is achieved, but electrical energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between compression operation and pump operation based on the temperature difference between ambient air and control cabinet air. When the temperature difference is small (ambient temperature close to or higher than cabinet temperature), pump operation is used for efficient heat exchange. When the temperature difference is large, compression operation takes over to provide sufficient cooling capacity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the most energy-efficient operation mode for each specific thermal condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the refrigerant circulation by switching between compression mode (high pressure, phase change) and pump mode (low pressure, no phase change). In pump operation, the refrigerant is circulated without pressure change and without evaporation/condensation, simply transporting heat from the cabinet to the ambient air. This parameter change allows the system to operate with very low energy consumption when thermal conditions permit, resolving the energy consumption contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If pump operation is used without pressure change, then electrical energy consumption decreases, but cooling capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on thermal conditions. Pump operation (low power, low cooling capability) is used when ambient temperature is close to or higher than cabinet temperature, where even small cooling capacity is sufficient. Compression operation (high power, high cooling capability) is activated when large temperature differences exist and high cooling capacity is needed. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power consumption and cooling capability by matching the operation mode to the actual thermal demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pump operation as a partial solution for mild cooling needs, accepting that it provides only limited cooling capability. For severe cooling requirements, the system transitions to compression operation which provides excessive cooling capability relative to pump mode. This partial/excessive action approach allows the system to consume minimal energy when possible, while ensuring sufficient cooling capacity is available when needed, thus resolving the power contradiction.
3Loss of energy
If compression operation is used, then high pressure is achieved for efficient heat transfer, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single refrigerant circulation system that serves dual functions: compression operation for high-pressure efficient heat transfer and pump operation for low-pressure heat exchange. The same refrigerant loop, heat exchangers, and control system handle both operation modes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining heat transfer efficiency through appropriate mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics by switching between compression and pump modes based on thermal conditions. Rather than maintaining a fixed complex high-pressure system, the system uses a dynamic control strategy that employs simple pump circulation when high pressure is not needed, and activates compression only when efficient heat transfer requires high pressure. This dynamic adaptation reduces average system complexity while preserving heat transfer efficiency when required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in a switch cabinet air-conditioning system with very low energy consumption and high IP protection class, as it allows for closed control cabinet systems without direct air inlet openings, using the same refrigerant for both compression and pump operations, and efficiently manages heat transfer with reduced energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
heat is exchanged by pumping the refrigerant. The heat output absorbed in the control cabinet is transferred to the fluid in the internal heat exchanger, heats the fluid and is conveyed to the external heat exchanger. This is where the absorbed thermal output is given off to the cooler ambient air.
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant evaporates while absorbing heat via the heat absorbing means
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant is compressed to a high-pressure level via a compressor and conducted into a condenser and cooled there, thermal energy being given off to an environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The system has a cooling circuit for executing a compression operation, in which a cooling medium is compressed to a high-pressure level over a compressor (11) and supplied to a condenser (12) and cooled. A pump (16) is connected parallely to an expansion valve (13) and provided for pumping the cooling medium without pressure change during an additional pump operation such that a heat transport takes place from a heat absorbing heat exchanger to a heat releasing heat exchanger according to a heat exchanger principle.