Variable Compressor Refrigeration Control for Stable Mass Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current refrigeration systems lack the ability to dynamically adapt to varying compressor capacities, leading to inefficiencies in cooling performance and stability across different operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration apparatus with a variable capacity compressor and a configurable expansion device, controlled by a controller that adjusts resistance based on the compressor's working capacity to maintain stable refrigeration cycles and desired temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a variable capacity compressor is used to improve refrigeration adaptability, then the adaptability of the refrigeration system is improved, but the stability of the refrigeration cycle deteriorates due to mismatched expansion device resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration adaptabilityVSAvoidrefrigeration cycle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion device is designed with dynamically adjustable resistance through a controllable valve mechanism. The valve opening degree can be varied to match different compressor working capacities, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing operating conditions while maintaining cycle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resistance parameter of the expansion device is made variable through electronic control of the valve opening degree. By changing this parameter in response to compressor capacity variations, the system maintains optimal matching between compressor output and expansion device throughput across different operating points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the expansion device resistance is fixed to simplify the control system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling performance deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying compressor capacities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcooling performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives feedback signals about compressor working capacity and automatically adjusts the expansion device resistance accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or oversimplified fixed settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for finer control of the refrigeration cycle, ensuring stable refrigeration performance across different compressor capacities by dynamically adjusting the expansion device resistance, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency and maintaining consistent evaporating and condensing temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

the expansion device has a configurable resistance with respect to the refrigerant passing through the expansion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant that flows through the tube, can cool the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, fluidly connected to form a refrigeration cycle for a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 4

a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, fluidly connected to form a refrigeration cycle for a refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3411640A1Refrigerating apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 WSP INVESTMENT II BV

AI summary

Refrigeration apparatus comprising a compressor (301), a condenser (302), an expansion device (304), and an evaporator (305), fluidly connected to form a refrigeration cycle for a refrigerant, wherein the compressor (301) has a variable working capacity, and wherein the expansion device (304) has a configurable flow resistance with respect to the refrigerant passing through the expansion device. The apparatus further comprises a controller (300) which is configured to determine a current working capacity of the compressor (301) and to control the resistance of the expansion device (304) in dependence on the current working capacity of the compressor (301). The controller (300) is further configured to control the resistance of the expansion device (304) in order to achieve a mass flow of the refrigerant through the expansion device (304), which mass flow corresponds to a mass flow of the refrigerant through the compressor (301).