A system comprising an absorption machine and a control circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Absorption machines lack effective control mechanisms to regulate their useful power delivery efficiently, leading to high energy consumption and poor energy performance, as existing controls either fail to manage thermal performance or degrade energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system for absorption machines that jointly controls the speed of a rotary solution pump and the temperature of the generator, using sensors, a calculation unit, and a control circuit to setpoints, optimizing energy performance and matching delivered power to user demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If absorption machines use traditional control methods (all or nothing technique), then the machine can operate, but energy consumption increases and energy performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the generator temperature adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the generator temperature based on operating conditions to optimize performance. This is achieved through a controllable heat exchange device that can modify the thermal characteristics of the generator, allowing the machine to adapt its operation continuously rather than using discrete on/off control states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the generator by introducing a controllable heat exchange device that can modify the generator temperature. This parameter change enables continuous adjustment of the absorption machine's useful power output, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and operational flexibility. The control system varies the generator temperature parameter to match demand while maintaining optimal energy performance.
2Ease of operation
If absorption machines adjust generator temperature to control useful power, then power regulation is achieved, but energy performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect actual operating parameters (temperatures, pressures) and using this information to adjust the generator temperature through the controllable heat exchange device. The control system continuously monitors the system state and modifies the generator thermal characteristics to maintain optimal energy performance while achieving the desired useful power output, preventing energy performance degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the generator temperature dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed, allowing real-time optimization of energy performance. The controllable heat exchange device enables the generator thermal characteristics to adapt continuously to changing operating conditions, ensuring optimal energy efficiency is maintained while achieving precise power regulation through coordinated control of multiple system parameters.
3Ease of operation
If absorption machines use all or nothing control technique, then control simplicity is maintained, but useful power cannot be correctly adjusted to user demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the generator serve multiple functions by introducing a controllable heat exchange device that can modify the generator temperature. This allows the generator to both produce the necessary thermal energy for the absorption cycle and simultaneously act as a controlled element for power regulation. The multi-functionality enables precise power adjustment without requiring a separate control mechanism, managing complexity while achieving accurate power matching to user demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the generator temperature parameter to enable continuous power adjustment. By making the generator thermal characteristics variable through the controllable heat exchange device, the system achieves precise matching of useful power to user demand. This parameter change transforms the generator from a fixed-component element into an active control element, enabling fine power regulation without excessive system complexity.
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 allows precise control of the absorption machine's useful power and thermal performance, optimizing energy efficiency by adjusting the pump speed and generator temperature, thereby rejecting environmental temperature variations and improving energy performance.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator, of temperature Te and capable of exchanging thermal power Qe with its environment
Implementation Method 2
an absorber/condenser assembly formed of an absorber and of a condenser, of temperature Tac and capable of exchanging thermal power Qac with its environment
Implementation Method 3
generator, of temperature Tg and capable of exchanging a thermal power Qg, the thermal power Qg being controllable by the temperature Tg
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a system which comprises an absorption machine (10) and a control circuit (40) coupled with the absorption machine (10) in order to adjust the power output Qu thereof according to a predetermined required power output (AA). The control circuit (40) includes: a sensor (28) producing a measurement (BB) of the temperature of the evaporator (12) and a sensor (30) producing a measurement (CC) of the temperature of the absorber/condenser assembly (14, 22); a unit (46) calculating a set value (DD) for the temperature of the generator (18) and a set value (EE) for the speed of the solution pump (16) as a function of the power (AA), and measurements (FF) and (CC) in order to satisfy: (GG) wherein (HH) is a sought value of a performance coefficient COPth of the machine, and (II) is a predetermined model of the machine; and a control circuit (48) applying the set value (EE) to the pump (16) and the set value (DD) to the generator (18).