Climate control system having fluid injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems face inefficiencies in refrigerant compression and discharge temperature management, particularly in heating and cooling modes, where the fluid-injection system's performance is limited by the intermediate pressure injection method.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system incorporating a fluid-injection system with a controller and electronic expansion valve (EXV) that dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow into the compressor, using a control algorithm to optimize refrigerant injection based on discharge temperature and superheat, allowing for variable opening of the EXV to enhance system capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intermediate-pressure refrigerant is injected into the compressor, then system capacity is enhanced, but discharge temperature reduction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the injected refrigerant from intermediate pressure to low pressure, matching the suction pressure. This parameter change allows the refrigerant to be injected at multiple stages (suction and intermediate inlets), thereby enhancing both system capacity and discharge temperature reduction simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a receiver as an intermediary component that stores low-pressure refrigerant and supplies it to the injection system. This intermediary enables controlled refrigerant injection at the correct pressure and timing, resolving the contradiction between capacity enhancement and discharge temperature management
2Productivity
If fixed refrigerant injection is used, then system performance is improved, but adaptability to varying operating conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the refrigerant injection system dynamic by using an electronic expansion valve controlled by a controller that responds to varying operating conditions (cooling/heating modes, temperature, pressure). This allows the system to adapt refrigerant injection rates in real-time, maintaining optimal performance across different conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where sensors monitor system parameters (temperature, pressure) and the controller adjusts the electronic expansion valve accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the system adapts to changing conditions while maintaining improved performance
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 improved performance and efficiency by dynamically controlling refrigerant injection, reducing discharge temperature and optimizing compressor operation across various operating conditions, thereby enhancing both cooling and heating capacities.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid valve may be selectively opened and closed based on a difference between a measured discharge temperature and a predetermined discharge temperature
Implementation Method 2
The fluid-injection system may inject refrigerant at a pressure between suction pressure and discharge pressure (i.e., at an intermediate pressure) into an inlet of the compressor
Implementation Method 3
fluid-injection systems may also be employed to reduce a temperature of discharge gas exiting a compressor
Implementation Method 4
The solenoid valve may be selectively opened and closed based on a difference between a measured discharge temperature and a predetermined discharge temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A climate control system is provided and may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor, a second heat exchanger in fluid communication with the compressor and the first heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A conduit may be fluidly coupled to the third heat exchanger and the compressor and may selectively supply fluid to the compressor. A valve may control a volume of fluid supplied to the compressor via the conduit and a controller may control the valve based on a discharge temperature of the compressor and a super heat temperature of the third heat exchanger.