Climate control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional climate control systems with multiple zones can leave one or more zones without working fluid flow for extended periods, leading to undesirable temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system using electronic expansion valves to control mass flow rates and pressure in separate zones, with a controller managing aperture sizes based on temperature data to ensure consistent temperature control across zones, eliminating the need for solenoid valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solenoid valves are used to control working fluid flow to different zones, then zone prioritization and separate control is achieved, but zones may be left without working fluid flow for extended periods causing undesirable temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the electronic expansion valves adjustable and responsive to real-time temperature feedback. The valves dynamically modulate their aperture sizes based on sensed temperature conditions, allowing continuous adaptation of working fluid flow rates to maintain temperature stability in all zones simultaneously, rather than using fixed solenoid valve positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using temperature sensors in each zone to continuously monitor conditions and feed this information back to the controller. The controller then adjusts the electronic expansion valves accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents temperature deviations before they become problematic, ensuring reliable temperature maintenance.
2Productivity
If electronic expansion valves control mass flow rates to evaporators, then cooling capacity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the electronic expansion valves perform multiple functions: they control mass flow rates to optimize cooling capacity, maintain pressure differentials across evaporators, and respond to temperature feedback for stability control. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of flow rate control and pressure regulation into the electronic expansion valves. By combining these functions and controlling them through a single controller that receives temperature feedback, the system reduces overall complexity compared to using separate solenoid valves for flow control and additional pressure regulation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the second electronic expansion valve aperture size is reduced to increase mass flow rate to the first evaporator, then the first zone cooling is improved, but the pressure in the second evaporator decreases affecting its heat transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time, coordinated adjustment of both electronic expansion valves based on temperature feedback from both zones. When the first zone requires increased cooling, the system dynamically adjusts the first valve to increase flow while simultaneously adjusting the second valve to maintain appropriate pressure in the second evaporator, balancing competing demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operating parameters by allowing the electronic expansion valves to modulate their aperture sizes continuously rather than using fixed positions. This enables fine-tuned adjustment of mass flow rates and pressure differentials, allowing the system to optimize cooling performance in one zone while maintaining operational efficiency in other zones through parameter coordination.
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
Improves cooling capacity and temperature control by optimizing mass flow rates and pressures in each zone, ensuring rapid restoration of prioritized zones to desired temperatures without affecting others, and extending system longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The aperture size may be a space through which fluid may flow. It will be understood that a smaller aperture size may restrict fluid flow and may cause a pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve.
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator arranged to cool a first zone, a second evaporator arranged to cool a second zone
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Method of controlling a climate control system (14) comprising a first evaporator (28a) arranged to cool a first zone (20a), a first electronic expansion valve (30a) arranged to control a flow of a working fluid to the first evaporator (28a), a first temperature sensor (22a) arranged to sense a temperature of the first zone (20a), a second evaporator (28b) arranged to cool a second zone (20b), a second electronic expansion valve (30b) arranged to control a flow of the working fluid to the second evaporator (28b), and a second temperature sensor (22b) arranged to sense a temperature of the second zone (20b), the method comprising: receiving first temperature data from the first temperature sensor (22a), the first temperature data including information indicative of a first temperature at the first zone (20a), comparing the first temperature to a first temperature threshold, and outputting a second electronic expansion valve control signal to cause the second electronic expansion valve (30b) to attain a required aperture size based on the comparing.