Cryogenic Refrigerator Buffer Tank for Compressor Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic refrigerators face operational inefficiencies due to significant pressure differences between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the compressor, leading to increased operational load and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a buffer tank system with strategically placed valves to manage the flow of refrigerant gas, allowing high-pressure gas to be stored in the buffer tank during non-compression periods and fed back to the compressor during low-pressure collection, thereby reducing pressure differences and stabilizing gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressor is used to compress and re-feed refrigerant gas in a cryogenic refrigerator, then the refrigeration cycle can be maintained, but significant pressure differences between high-pressure and low-pressure sides increase operational load and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank stores high-pressure refrigerant gas in advance during compression phases. This preliminary storage allows the compressor to feed gas directly from the buffer tank during expansion phases without needing to compress again, reducing the operational load and power consumption while maintaining reliable refrigeration cycle operation
2Power
If a buffer tank is introduced to reduce compressor size and output, then compressor capacity can be reduced, but the system requires additional valves and piping complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tank serves multiple functions: storing high-pressure refrigerant gas, regulating pressure differences, and enabling the compressor to operate at reduced capacity. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements by providing comprehensive system benefits beyond a single purpose
3Temperature
If high-pressure refrigerant gas is continuously fed to the refrigerator body, then cooling performance is maintained, but pressure buildup occurs on the high-pressure side of the compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure feedback control where the compressor monitors pressure differences between high-pressure and low-pressure sides. When pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the compressor adjusts or stops compression, preventing excessive pressure buildup while maintaining adequate cooling performance through the buffer tank's gas storage capability
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 reduces the operational load on the compressor, decreases power consumption, and enhances refrigeration efficiency by stabilizing the refrigerant gas flow and pressure differences within the compressor.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerator body configured to produce cold temperatures by expanding a refrigerant gas
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to compress and increase the pressure of a low-pressure refrigerant gas
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic refrigerator includes a refrigerator body configured to produce cold temperatures by expanding a refrigerant gas; a compressor connected to a first pipe for feeding the refrigerant gas of a first pressure to the refrigerator body, and connected to a second pipe for collecting the refrigerant gas of a second pressure lower than the first pressure from the refrigerator body; a buffer tank configured to store the refrigerant gas; a first valve provided in a first connecting pipe connecting the buffer tank and the refrigerator body; a second valve provided in a second connecting pipe connecting the buffer tank and the first pipe; and a third valve provided in a third connecting pipe connecting the buffer tank and the second pipe.