A vapour compression apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor compression systems suffer from inefficient temperature control, complex designs, and reliability issues, particularly in domestic and industrial air conditioning and transportation applications, leading to heavy and difficult-to-install systems.
Innovation Solution
A vapor compression apparatus with an intermediary heat battery using phase change material (PCM) and temperature/pressure sensors to monitor and control the heat battery's state, allowing for real-time indication of refrigerant flow switching and efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex temperature control systems are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A heat battery serving as an intermediary thermal storage device is introduced between the refrigerant system and the controlled space. This heat battery absorbs and releases thermal energy, mediating the temperature control process and enabling precise temperature maintenance without requiring complex continuous control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat battery is pre-charged with thermal energy during off-peak periods or when cooling demand is low. This preliminary storage of thermal energy allows the system to provide precise temperature control during peak demand periods without requiring complex real-time control adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional temperature control systems are used, then heating and cooling functions are provided, but system weight increases and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat battery is designed to serve multiple functions: it stores thermal energy, provides heating when needed, provides cooling when needed, and buffers thermal fluctuations. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require separate heavy-duty heating and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between charging and discharging modes of the heat battery. By adjusting the thermal state of the heat battery rather than continuously adjusting high-power heating/cooling equipment, the system achieves versatility with reduced weight and simplified installation.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring of heat battery state is implemented, then energy management efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are placed within the heat battery to provide real-time feedback on its thermal state. This feedback enables the control system to automatically adjust refrigerant flow and heat exchange operations, optimizing energy management without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated monitoring infrastructure.
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
The solution provides a highly efficient and reliable temperature control system that is lightweight, adaptable, and easy to install, capable of both heating and cooling with reversible cycles, reducing system costs and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a heat battery comprising a phase change material (PCM); wherein the heat battery is capable of being connected to the condenser and/or evaporator to release charge (i.e. discharging) energy and/or be charged
Implementation Method 2
the heat battery is capable of controlling the temperature of a heat source and/or heat sink temperature in a vapour compression cycle
Implementation Method 3
at least one or a series of temperature and/or pressure sensors capable of monitoring the temperature and/or pressure of the phase change material (PCM) in the heat battery
Implementation Method 4
at least one or a series of temperature and/or pressure sensors capable of monitoring the temperature and/or pressure of the phase change material (PCM) in the heat battery
Implementation Method 5
a condenser which is capable of condensing the refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
an evaporator which is capable of evaporating the refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention describes a vapour compression apparatus wherein an intermediary located heat battery is capable of releasing charge (i.e. discharging) and/or charging and thereby controlling the temperature of a heat source or heat sink temperature in a vapour compression cycle. More particularly, the present invention describes vapour compression apparatus wherein an intermediary located heat battery comprising Phase change material (PCM) is capable of releasing charge (i.e. discharging) energy and/or charging and thereby controlling the temperature of a heat source and/or heat sink temperature in a vapour compression cycle in a range of refrigeration and/or heating systems including: air conditioning in both domestic and industrial uses; transportation of food/materials in vehicles, trains, air, etc. The present invention also relates to a methodology for selecting phase change materials (PCMs) and/or refrigerants for a vapour compression apparatus.