Adsorption Refrigeration Pressure Equalization Without Vibration Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adsorption refrigeration systems have a limited operational period, causing them to be 'single-shot' and prone to mechanical vibrations, especially when stable conditions are required, and they are costly and complex to manufacture and operate.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a primary and secondary adsorption pump in conjunction with a high fluid impedance conduit to equalize coolant pressure, eliminating the need for a valve and allowing for extended operation by carefully managing temperatures and pressures, and optionally using an auxiliary reservoir for enhanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a valve is used to control coolant flow in the expansion process, then the cooling performance is improved, but mechanical vibrations are generated which are harmful in stable condition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the valve component from the system entirely, extracting the source of mechanical vibrations. Instead of using a valve to control coolant flow, the system relies on the inherent fluid dynamics and pressure equalization through the high fluid impedance conduit to achieve the desired cooling without mechanical moving parts that generate vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve control system with a passive fluid dynamic system. The high fluid impedance conduit and pressure equalization mechanism substitute for the active mechanical valve, using fluid pressure and impedance characteristics to control coolant flow without mechanical movement, thereby eliminating vibration generation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the system is designed for extended operational period, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple adsorption pumps and conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adsorption system into multiple independent adsorption pumps (primary and secondary) that can operate in sequence or parallel. This segmentation allows the system to extend its operational period by cycling through multiple adsorption-desorption cycles, with each pump contributing to the overall cooling duration without requiring a single complex oversized pump.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic operation cycles where the primary and secondary adsorption pumps alternate between adsorption and desorption phases. This periodic action extends the total operational period by ensuring that while one pump is adsorbing coolant, another can be desorbing or preparing, creating a continuous extended cooling cycle without requiring constant system redesign.
3Device complexity
If conventional expansion process is used to obtain liquid coolant, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the operational time is limited to a predetermined period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cooling of the coolant through the high fluid impedance conduit before the main adsorption process. This preliminary action pre-cools the incoming coolant, allowing the adsorption pumps to operate more efficiently and extend the overall operational time without requiring a complete redesign of the expansion process, maintaining relative system simplicity while achieving extended duration.
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 enables prolonged 'single-shot' operation without mechanical vibrations, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies operation by achieving stable low temperatures for hours or days, with the capability to reach temperatures as low as 300 milliKelvin.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the secondary adsorption pump to its operational temperature at which coolant gas is adsorbed by the secondary adsorption pump, thereby causing a reduction in temperature and pressure of the coolant in the primary chamber
Implementation Method 2
heating each of the primary and secondary adsorption pumps above their operational temperatures to desorb the coolant such that the coolant pressure in the primary chamber and the secondary adsorption pump substantially equalizes through the conduit
Implementation Method 3
cooling the desorbed coolant in the primary chamber
Implementation Method 4
the coolant is decompressed from a high pressure under adiabatic conditions. This decompression causes liquefaction of the gas thereby generating the liquid coolant. The latent heat of evaporation causes a reduction in the temperature of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of operating an adsorption refrigeration system. The system includes a primary adsorption pump which is arranged in communication with a primary chamber containing coolant, a secondary adsorption pump and a high fluid impedance conduit which places the secondary adsorption pump and primary chamber into communication. The method includes saturating the primary and secondary adsorption pumps with coolant while each pump is at its respective operational temperature. The pumps are then heated above their operational temperatures to desorb the coolant such that the coolant pressure in the primary chamber and the secondary adsorption pump substantially equalizes through the conduit while the primary chamber is cooled. The secondary adsorption pump is then cooled causing coolant gas to be adsorbed and, therefore, a reduction in temperature and pressure of the coolant in the primary chamber is effected. The primary adsorption pump is then cooled to an operational temperature causing adsorption of the coolant and, therefore, a reduction in temperature and pressure of the coolant in the primary chamber.