Chiller system with multiple compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC&R systems with multiple vapor compression systems in series flow arrangements face limitations in efficiency and effectiveness due to mixing of working fluid vapor and liquid, which reduces the cooling capacity of the system.
Innovation Solution
The HVAC&R system incorporates multiple vapor compression circuits with independent operation and a shared vapor compression circuit to separate and combine working fluids, allowing for efficient heat exchange and increased cooling capacity by minimizing vapor presence in evaporators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple vapor compression systems are arranged in series flow to increase cooling capacity, then the cooling capacity increases, but the efficiency decreases due to mixing of working fluid vapor and liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the working fluid flow into separate vapor and liquid pathways. The first vapor compression system handles vapor flow through its condenser, while the second vapor compression system handles liquid flow through its evaporator. This segmentation prevents mixing of vapor and liquid, maintaining efficiency while achieving increased cooling capacity through parallel operation of both systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two vapor compression systems into a unified configuration where they share common components (condenser, evaporator, compressors) but operate with separate working fluid pathways. The first system processes vapor through the shared condenser, while the second system processes liquid through the shared evaporator, merging the systems structurally while keeping their thermal processes separate to avoid efficiency loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vapor compression systems operate independently in series, then system flexibility increases, but effectiveness decreases due to vapor presence in evaporators
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the working fluid into distinct vapor and liquid streams that follow separate pathways through the shared components. The first vapor compression system exclusively handles vapor through the condenser, while the second system exclusively handles liquid through the evaporator. This segmentation ensures that evaporators receive only liquid working fluid, maintaining effectiveness while allowing independent operation of both systems for flexibility.
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 the cooling capacity and efficiency of the HVAC&R system by optimizing the thermal energy absorption in evaporators, reducing vaporization losses, and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first condenser configured to place a working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator configured to place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid
Implementation Method 3
a first compressor configured to direct the working fluid from the evaporator to the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system includes a first vapor compression flow path having a first condenser configured to place a working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid, a second vapor compression flow path having a first evaporator configured to place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with a conditioning fluid, and a shared vapor compression flow path having a second condenser configured to place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling fluid and a second evaporator configured to place the working fluid in a heat exchange relationship with the conditioning fluid. The first vapor compression flow path is configured to direct working fluid vapor from the second evaporator to the first condenser and the second vapor compression flow path is configured to direct working fluid liquid from the second evaporator to the first evaporator.