Selectively controllable condenser and evaporator system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to the lack of precise control over refrigerant flow and pressure in decentralized condenser and evaporator systems, leading to imbalanced liquid refrigerant levels and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized refrigeration system with a centralized compressor, multiple decentralized condenser and evaporator systems, and a controller that modulates the condenser and evaporator stages to maintain desired liquid refrigerant levels and system condensing pressure, optimizing refrigerant flow and reducing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized condenser and evaporator systems are used without precise control, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but liquid refrigerant level balance and energy efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors liquid refrigerant levels in the receiver and condensing pressure in the system, using this feedback information to dynamically modulate the condenser and evaporator stages. This closed-loop control ensures that the decentralized system maintains optimal operation and energy efficiency while preserving its inherent flexibility and adaptability across multiple operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic stage modulation of both condenser and evaporator units, allowing them to operate at variable capacities rather than fixed stages. This dynamic operation enables the decentralized system to adapt to changing load conditions while maintaining proper refrigerant levels and pressure, thereby improving energy efficiency without sacrificing system flexibility.
2Device complexity
If decentralized condenser and evaporator systems are used without precise control, then system complexity is reduced, but liquid refrigerant level balance and condensing pressure control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from level sensors and pressure sensors to continuously monitor and adjust system operation. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable liquid refrigerant level balance and condensing pressure control in the decentralized system without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The decentralized condenser and evaporator systems are equipped with integrated control capabilities that allow them to self-regulate their operation. Each module can independently modulate its stages based on local conditions and controller commands, maintaining system reliability without requiring centralized management of every detail, thus balancing simplicity with control precision.
3Productivity
If condenser and evaporator stages are modulated to maintain desired liquid refrigerant levels, then refrigeration system efficiency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by monitoring liquid refrigerant levels and condensing pressure, then automatically adjusting condenser and evaporator stages to maintain optimal operation. This feedback mechanism improves refrigeration system efficiency through precise control while keeping the control architecture relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic stage modulation of condenser and evaporator units, allowing them to operate at variable capacities rather than fixed stages. This dynamic operation improves refrigeration efficiency by matching capacity to load conditions while the modular design keeps control complexity manageable through standardized control elements.
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 ensures stable and efficient refrigerant management, reducing energy consumption and maintaining balanced liquid levels across the system, enhancing overall refrigeration system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
passing the gaseous refrigerant through a second heat exchanger (i.e., condenser) where heat is removed from the gaseous refrigerant by a cooling medium, resulting in condensing the gaseous refrigerant back to a liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
When a refrigerant is evaporated in a heat exchanger (i.e., an evaporator), a heating medium that is in contact with the heat exchanger (e.g., air, water, glycol) transfers heat from itself through the heat exchanger and is absorbed by the refrigerant, resulting in the refrigerant changing from a liquid state to a gaseous state
Data Source
AI summary
A condenser and evaporator system includes (i) a condenser system positioned to receive a gaseous refrigerant from a compressor system and configured to condense the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant, (ii) a controlled pressure receiver (CPR) positioned to receive and store the liquid refrigerant, (iii) an evaporator system including a conduit, an expansion valve, and a fan, and (iv) a controller. The conduit is positioned to receive the liquid refrigerant from the CPR. The expansion valve is positioned between the CPR and the conduit, and configured to facilitate modulating an amount of the liquid refrigerant that flows into the conduit from the CPR. The fan is positioned to facilitate providing a cooling operation to an arca associated with the evaporator system through evaporation of the liquid refrigerant flowing through the conduit. The controller is configured to control a stage of the condenser system and/or the evaporator system a condenser system, a reservoir, a compressor return conduit, an evaporator system, and a return line. The condenser system is configured to receive a compressed gaseous refrigerant from a compressor system and condense the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant. The reservoir is configured to receive the liquid refrigerant. The compressor return conduit is configured to couple the reservoir to the compressor system to direct gaseous refrigerant within the reservoir to the compressor system. The evaporator system is configured to receive the liquid refrigerant from the reservoir and perform a cooling operation where the liquid refrigerant is converted into an evaporated gaseous refrigerant to facilitate thermally regulating a cooling zone associated with the evaporator system. The return line is configured to couple the evaporator system to the reservoir and direct defrost condensate refrigerant to the reservoir from the evaporator system.