Cooling system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice storage systems face inefficiencies in cooling due to suboptimal coolant temperature regulation, particularly in vertical line arrays where the coolant passes through multiple temperature layers, leading to ineffective cooling and regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system design featuring a housing with vertically arranged first conduit means for coolant flow and horizontally arranged second conduit means within the cold storage, allowing the coolant to flow through a specific temperature range, with optional third conduit means for enhanced cooling and defrosting, utilizing speed-controlled pumps and heat exchangers for efficient heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If vertical line arrays are used for coolant flow through ice storage, then regeneration of the cold storage can be carried out, but optimal cooling of the coolant cannot be achieved as the coolant passes through multiple temperature layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coolant flow path into two distinct arrangements: vertical conduit means for regeneration mode and horizontal conduit means for cooling mode. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for either regeneration or cooling efficiency depending on the operational requirement, resolving the contradiction between achieving regeneration and achieving optimal cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between vertical and horizontal conduit configurations based on operational mode. The vertical arrangement is activated during regeneration operations, while the horizontal arrangement is activated during cooling operations. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to achieve both regeneration capability and optimal cooling efficiency at different times.
2Productivity
If coolant flows through multiple temperature layers in vertical arrangement, then cold storage regeneration occurs, but cooling efficiency is reduced due to passage through varying temperature zones
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal conduit means is positioned within a specific temperature layer (approximately 0°C) of the cold storage, creating a localized cooling path that avoids exposure to warmer temperature zones. This local quality approach ensures that coolant flows only through the coldest region, maximizing cooling efficiency while minimizing energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical flow (one-dimensional through multiple temperature layers) to horizontal flow (within a single temperature layer). This dimensional change allows the coolant to bypass temperature gradients and maintain consistent thermal exchange conditions, improving cooling efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If only vertical conduit arrangement is used, then ice storage can be loaded and regenerated, but consistent temperature maintenance cannot be achieved under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal functionality by incorporating both vertical and horizontal conduit means, allowing it to perform multiple functions: regeneration through vertical flow and temperature maintenance through horizontal flow. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to varying load conditions while maintaining stable temperature composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal conduit means acts as an intermediary cooling path that maintains temperature stability under varying load conditions. When the cold storage temperature fluctuates, the horizontal arrangement provides a stable reference temperature path (at approximately 0°C) that helps restore and maintain consistent temperature composition throughout the system.
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 enables improved coolant cooling and regeneration, maintaining a consistent temperature across varying load conditions, reducing energy consumption by allowing cooling without the refrigeration machine's operation, and optimizing the ice storage's efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cold accumulating flows vertically through the first conduit means run coolant... the cold accumulator flows through horizontally through the second conduit means run coolant
Implementation Method 2
at least one refrigerating machine which is designed for cooling the coolant
Implementation Method 3
The ice contained in the ice bank absorbs the heat contained in the coolant so that the coolant is cooled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A cold accumulator and a cooling system are described. A fluid (16) is accommodated in the cold accumulator and a first line arrangement (18) and a second line arrangement (20) are arranged. The first line arrangement (18) is arranged in such a way that the coolant routed via the first line arrangement (18) flows vertically through the cold accumulator, with the second line arrangement (20) being arranged in such a way that the coolant routed via the second line arrangement (20) flows horizontally through the cold accumulator . In a cooling system with a cold accumulator, a cooling device (38) and a refrigeration machine, the first line arrangement (18) is coupled to the flow (54) of the cooling system and the second line arrangement (20) is coupled to the return (56) of the cooling system. To charge the cold accumulator, the coolant is routed via the first line arrangement (18), the coolant being routed via the second line arrangement (20) to cool the cooling device (38) when the refrigeration machine is not cooling the coolant.