Climate control unit for controlling air temperature and humidity and system comprising the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control units are prone to mechanical defects and refrigerant leakage due to the use of three-way valves and check valves, leading to loss of refrigerant and pressure imbalances in the refrigerant circuit.
Innovation Solution
The climate control unit employs two electronic expansion valves, one in each refrigerant path, to independently control the flow of refrigerant, eliminating the need for three-way valves and check valves, thereby preventing pressure imbalances and refrigerant loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If three-way valves or two one-way valves are used to control refrigerant flow division, then the refrigerant flow can be directed to different paths, but the system becomes vulnerable to mechanical defects and leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the three-way valve or two one-way valves from the system entirely. Instead of using these mechanical valves to control refrigerant flow division, the invention uses expansion devices (electronic expansion valves or thermal expansion devices) to independently control refrigerant flow in each path, thereby eliminating the source of mechanical defects and leaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve system (three-way valve or two one-way valves) with an electronic control system using expansion devices. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are prone to defects and leaking, replacing them with electronically controlled flow regulation mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If check valves are installed at the far end of blocked-off paths to prevent refrigerant backflow, then refrigerant flow direction can be controlled, but the system becomes more complex and still vulnerable to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes check valves from the system. Instead of using check valves to prevent refrigerant backflow in blocked-off paths, the invention uses expansion devices with electronic control to manage refrigerant flow direction and prevent backflow through electronic closure, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical check valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical check valve system with an electronic control mechanism. The expansion devices, controlled electronically, can close off paths to prevent refrigerant backflow without requiring mechanical check valves, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating mechanical failure points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three-way valves or one-way valves are used to block off refrigerant paths, then path selection is possible, but the blocked paths eventually fill with refrigerant causing pressure loss in the active path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the three-way valve or two one-way valves that cause refrigerant to accumulate in blocked paths. By using expansion devices to independently control each path, the system can completely close off unused paths without allowing refrigerant migration, thereby maintaining pressure in the active path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electronic control of expansion devices that can respond to system conditions and completely close off refrigerant paths when not in use. This electronic feedback control prevents refrigerant from migrating into blocked paths, maintaining proper pressure levels in the active refrigerant circuit.
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 allows for precise control of refrigerant flow and pressure management, reducing the risk of refrigerant loss and mechanical failures, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
two expansion devices, more in particular two electronic expansion valves (EEV), arranged in the individual parts of the first and second refrigerant paths, respectively... control the flow rate of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator... configured to cool air and/or to dehumidify the air... absorbs thermal energy from the air
Implementation Method 3
a reheat coil... configured to heat the air that has been cooled by the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a compressor... configured to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
configured to be coupled to an external condenser, for outputting thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present application concerns a climate control unit for controlling air temperature and/or humidity. Moreover, the present application concerns a system comprising such a climate control unit. The climate control unit according to the invention makes use of two refrigerant paths that share a common part in which a compressor and evaporator are arranged, and that each have a non-shared part. A reheat coil is provided in one of the non-shared parts. According to the invention, a respective expansion device is provided in both non-shared parts.