Air conditioning system with multi-temperature zone, control method therefor and transport refrigeration vehicle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport refrigeration systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and heating performance due to the need for simultaneous operation of refrigeration and electric heating systems, and limited heating capabilities from compressor motor heat.
Innovation Solution
A multi-temperature air conditioning system with an outdoor unit and two indoor units, connected through four-way valves and section flow paths, allowing for independent temperature control of different zones through a control method that adjusts valve connections and flow directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration system and electric heating operate simultaneously for different cargo zones, then heating and cooling functions are achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigeration system and heating system into a single integrated air conditioning system. The compressor serves dual purposes: it provides cooling through the refrigeration cycle and provides heating through hot gas bypass. The four-way valves enable the system to switch between cooling and heating modes, eliminating the need for separate heating equipment and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single system architecture. The compressor can operate in both cooling mode (refrigeration cycle) and heating mode (hot gas bypass). The four-way valves allow the system to adapt its function based on demand, providing either cooling or heating or both simultaneously in different zones, thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Temperature
If hot gas bypass and electric heating operate simultaneously for whole region heating, then heating effect is improved, but system operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control through four-way valves that can be switched based on heating demands. When whole region heating is required, the valves are positioned to direct hot gas from the compressor to both indoor heat exchangers simultaneously, maximizing heating effect. The system dynamically adjusts its configuration to match the heating load, improving operational efficiency by avoiding unnecessary electric heating operation.
3Device complexity
If only compressor motor heat is used for whole region heating, then system complexity is reduced, but heating effect is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the waste heat from the compressor motor through the hot gas bypass mechanism. Instead of letting the compressor heat dissipate unused, the system channels this heat through the four-way valves to the indoor heat exchangers, converting a waste product into a useful heating resource. This approach enhances heating effect while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 system achieves efficient and independent temperature regulation in different zones, reducing power consumption and improving heating performance by optimizing refrigerant flow paths and control modes.
Implementation Method 1
a first four-way valve, a second four-way valve... capable of being connected to or disconnected from a gas outlet of the compressor
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger connected through pipelines are arranged; a first indoor heat exchanger... a second indoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a first throttling element... a second throttling element... connected to the outdoor heat exchanger through the first throttling element
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-temperature air conditioning system, a control method thereof and a transport refrigeration vehicle. The multi-temperature air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit; a first indoor unit; and a second indoor unit; a number of a first four-way valves corresponds to the number of the first indoor units, and a number of a second four-way valves corresponds to the number of the second indoor units; and a section flow path which could be connected or disconnected is further included, which connects the first indoor unit between the first throttling element and the first on-off valve, and connects the second indoor unit between the second throttling element and the second on-off valve.