Compressor Refrigerant Injection for Lower Discharge Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to high discharge temperatures of refrigerant, which reduce cooling capacity and system performance, as heat generated during compression is not effectively managed.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a liquid-refrigerant injection system, vapor-refrigerant injection, and a single-phase cooling-liquid injection system into intermediate-pressure locations within the compressor, which absorb heat and reduce discharge temperatures, combined with a flash tank for separating vapor and liquid refrigerant, to enhance cooling capacity and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If refrigerant is compressed in the compressor, then the refrigerant pressure increases, but the discharge temperature becomes too high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant pressureVSAvoiddischarge temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Liquid refrigerant is injected into the compression chamber before compression occurs, allowing it to absorb heat during the compression process and prevent excessive temperature rise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A liquid refrigerant injection system serves as an intermediary mechanism, introducing liquid refrigerant that evaporates during compression to absorb heat and control discharge temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If discharge temperature of refrigerant is high, then compression is effective, but cooling capacity of the refrigeration system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression effectivenessVSAvoidcooling capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Liquid refrigerant is introduced into the compression chamber where it evaporates during compression, absorbing heat and reducing discharge temperature to maintain high cooling capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the discharged refrigerant by injecting liquid refrigerant that absorbs compression heat, thereby maintaining optimal cooling capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If liquid refrigerant is injected into the compression chamber, then discharge temperature decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge temperatureVSAvoidinjection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid refrigerant injection system serves multiple functions: it cools the compression process, controls discharge temperature, and can be integrated with existing refrigeration system components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The injected liquid refrigerant serves itself by evaporating during compression to absorb heat, automatically regulating temperature without requiring external cooling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

These injection systems significantly reduce discharge temperatures, increase cooling capacity, and improve compressor efficiency by managing heat absorption during compression, potentially eliminating the need for additional cooling components like discharge gas coolers.

Implementation Method 1

The injected liquid refrigerant may decrease the temperature of the compression process and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

vapor refrigerant injection into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor and may reduce the operational temperature of refrigerant prior to flowing through an evaporator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a single-phase cooling-liquid injection system that provides a single-phase cooling liquid to an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor and absorbs heat during the compression of the refrigerant flowing therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

The refrigeration systems according to the present teachings can include a flash tank that separates the vapor refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase separation: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8769982B2Injection system and method for refrigeration system compressor

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 COPELAND LP

AI summary

A refrigeration system can use a flash tank to separate vapor refrigerant from liquid refrigerant. The refrigeration system can include a liquid-refrigerant injection system that can inject liquid refrigerant into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor. The injected liquid refrigerant can absorb the heat of compression during the compression process. The refrigeration system can include an economizer system that injects a refrigerant vapor into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor in conjunction with the injection of the cooling liquid. The refrigeration system can incorporate a cooling-liquid injection system that can inject a cooling liquid into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor.