Container Refrigeration Startup Using Residual Refrigerant Refill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment installations with refrigeration systems require on-site refilling by manufacturers, involving costly and time-consuming processes due to the need for specific equipment and technician travel, especially when exporting and recommissioning refrigeration installations with large refrigerant quantities.
Innovation Solution
A container treatment installation with a refrigeration system that includes a refrigerant container and a control device to manage refrigerant levels, allowing a predetermined residual amount to remain during transport and be replenished with a predetermined amount upon arrival, eliminating the need for on-site evacuation and equipment, ensuring faster, more secure, and cheaper startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the refrigeration installation is filled with a large refrigerant quantity for operation, then the refrigeration performance is improved, but the complexity of export and recommissioning increases due to mandatory evacuation and on-site refilling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant quantity is segmented into two parts: a small residual amount (less than 12 kg) that remains in the installation during transport and complies with regulations, and a larger replenishment amount that is added on-site using a portable refilling device. This segmentation allows the installation to maintain optimal refrigeration performance while simplifying export procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable refilling device is prepared in advance with the required replenishment amount of refrigerant before arrival at the installation site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site evacuation and refilling procedures, as the device can directly refill the installation with the pre-measured refrigerant amount.
2Reliability
If the refrigeration installation is emptied and evacuated for export, then the refrigerant transport regulations are satisfied, but the time and cost for recommissioning increases due to required on-site refilling by manufacturer technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service refilling by equipping the portable refilling device with automated control capabilities. The device can independently measure the current refrigerant amount in the installation, calculate the required replenishment amount, and automatically refill the installation without requiring manufacturer technicians or specialized equipment, significantly reducing recommissioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable refilling device acts as an intermediary between the refrigerant supply and the refrigeration installation. It contains the replenishment amount of refrigerant and provides the necessary refilling function at the installation site, eliminating the need for manufacturer technicians to travel and perform manual refilling operations.
3Ease of operation
If the refrigeration installation is refilled on-site with nitrogen or refrigerant, then the installation is ready for operation, but the cost and complexity increase due to requirement of specific equipment and technician travel
Solution Approach 1:
The portable refilling device is designed as a universal, self-contained unit that integrates refrigerant storage, measurement, and refilling functions. It can be transported to any installation site and immediately perform refilling operations without requiring additional specialized equipment or trained technician intervention, making the startup process simple and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable refilling device autonomously performs the refilling operation by measuring the current refrigerant amount in the installation, calculating the required replenishment amount, and automatically transferring the precise amount of refrigerant. This self-service capability eliminates the need for technician travel and specialized equipment, reducing both cost and complexity.
4Loss of substance
If the refrigeration installation is completely emptied for export, then the refrigerant can be recovered, but the installation requires time-consuming evacuation and refilling procedures upon arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The portable refilling device is prepared in advance with the required replenishment amount of refrigerant before arrival at the installation site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site evacuation and refilling procedures, as the device can directly refill the installation with the pre-measured refrigerant amount upon arrival.
Data Source
AI summary
A container treatment installation having a refrigeration installation, and a method for starting the operation of a refrigeration installation of a container treatment installation, are provided. The refrigeration installation comprises a refrigerant vessel for receiving a refrigerant which can be used for cooling a component of the container treatment installation, and a control device for controlling an amount of the refrigerant in the refrigerant vessel such that, after operation of the refrigeration installation, only a predetermined residual amount of refrigerant remains in the refrigerant vessel for the transport of the refrigerant installation, and after the transport of the refrigeration installation, the predetermined residual amount is filled up with a predetermined replenishment amount of refrigerant.