Chiller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chillers are large in size and costly due to multiple coolant circuits with dedicated tanks and pumps, and are incompatible with loads having different temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A chiller design with a single tank and pump, utilizing multiple coolant circuits connected via heat exchangers that individually control temperature, allowing for separate temperature settings for each load, and incorporating pressure control valves and DI filters for coolant purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant circuits with dedicated tanks and pumps are used for each load, then temperature control for multiple loads with different temperatures is achieved, but device complexity, size, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple coolant circuits into a shared system with a common tank and pump. The refrigeration circuit serves multiple heat exchangers that are connected to different coolant circuits, allowing one refrigeration system to cool multiple loads simultaneously with different temperature requirements, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining temperature control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature control function by introducing individual heat exchangers for each coolant circuit. Each heat exchanger can be independently controlled to provide different temperature levels to different loads, while sharing the common refrigeration circuit, tank, and pump infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant circuits with dedicated tanks and pumps are used for each load, then temperature control for multiple loads with different temperatures is achieved, but chiller size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coolant circuits into a compact configuration with a shared tank and pump housing. The refrigeration circuit components are arranged to serve multiple heat exchangers in a space-efficient manner, reducing the overall chiller volume while maintaining the capability to control temperatures for multiple loads independently
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coolant circuits with dedicated tanks and pumps are used for each load, then temperature control for multiple loads with different temperatures is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the infrastructure components (tank, pump, refrigeration circuit) into a shared system that serves multiple loads, significantly reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing cost compared to having dedicated components for each load, while still achieving independent temperature control through individually controlled heat exchangers
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 chiller achieves reduced size, cost, and energy use while maintaining precise temperature control for multiple loads with different temperature requirements.
Implementation Method 1
respective heat exchangers capable of individually controlling heat exchange performance
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration circuit configured to control a temperature of the coolant such that the coolant is subjected to heat exchange with a refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide a chiller reduced in size, cost, and energy use.[Solution] A chiller C1 includes a tank 1, a pump 2, a plurality of coolant circuits 3 and 4 configured to cool a plurality of respective loads, and a refrigeration circuit 5. The plurality of coolant circuits 3 and 4 and the refrigeration circuit 5 are connected to each other via respective heat exchangers 6 and 7 capable of individually controlling cooling performance. The first heat exchanger 6 connecting the first coolant circuit 3 and the refrigeration circuit 5 is configured to control a temperature of a coolant that returns from a first load W1 and a second load W2 to the tank 1. The second heat exchanger 7 connecting the second coolant circuit 4 and the refrigeration circuit 5 is configured to control a temperature of the coolant that is supplied from the tank 1 to the second load W2.