Adjustable cooling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems lack the ability to efficiently adjust cooling rates and energy usage due to binary operation of capillary tubes, which restricts their adaptability to varying cooling demands and temperature preferences in refrigeration and freezer compartments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cooling system incorporating a variable speed compressor, electronic expansion valve, and pressure regulator, with a controller to manage the flow of thermal exchange media between evaporators, allowing for partial adjustments in pressure drops and flow rates to optimize cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If capillary tubes are used for pressure regulation, then the system structure is simple, but the cooling rate adjustment capability is limited due to binary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static capillary tube with a dynamic electronic expansion valve that can continuously adjust its opening degree to regulate pressure drops and cooling rates according to varying cooling demands, transforming the binary operation into continuous adjustable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic expansion valve enables continuous change of pressure drop parameters and flow rates, allowing precise control over cooling rates by adjusting valve opening degree, thereby resolving the limitation of fixed binary operation of capillary tubes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single evaporator is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different temperature preferences in refrigeration and freezer compartments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single evaporator into two separate evaporators (first evaporator for refrigeration compartment, second evaporator for freezer compartment), allowing independent temperature control and cooling rate regulation for each compartment according to different temperature preferences
Solution Approach 2:
Each evaporator is equipped with its own electronic expansion valve (first electronic expansion valve for first evaporator, second electronic expansion valve for second evaporator), enabling localized and independent control of pressure drops and cooling rates to meet different thermal requirements of refrigeration and freezer compartments
3Measurement precision
If electronic expansion valve and pressure regulator are added, then the control precision over thermal exchange media flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of electronic expansion valves and pressure regulators, enabling precise control of thermal exchange media flow by integrating signals from temperature sensors and actuators to optimize cooling performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that provide feedback to the controller, which then adjusts the electronic expansion valves and pressure regulators to maintain desired temperature and pressure levels, achieving precise control through closed-loop feedback mechanisms
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 configuration enhances energy efficiency by allowing precise control over cooling rates and temperature management, reducing energy waste and improving adaptability to different cooling requirements in refrigeration and freezer compartments.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic expansion valve is in fluid communication to the second evaporator and is configured to regulate a flow of thermal exchange media from the first evaporator to the second evaporator
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable cooling system for an appliance... a variable speed compressor
Implementation Method 3
A first evaporator is operably coupled to the variable speed compressor. A second evaporator is operably coupled in series to the first evaporator
Implementation Method 4
regulate a flow of thermal exchange media from the first evaporator to the second evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system comprises a variable speed compressor and a first evaporator. A second evaporator is operably coupled in series with the first evaporator. A first valve is coupled to the variable speed compressor and the first evaporator. A second valve is fluidly coupled to the second evaporator, and a pressure regulator is coupled to the second valve.