Distributed Refrigeration Control for Independent Compartment Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems are limited in their ability to maintain optimal temperature and moisture levels in specific compartments or spaces within refrigeration systems, leading to higher operating costs and inefficiencies, as they often require a single temperature setting for all compartments, which can result in unnecessary cooling and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A distributed control system using wireless microsystem sensors and controllers to manage the pressure of evaporators independently in each compartment, allowing for precise temperature control and reducing energy consumption by adjusting refrigerant flow based on real-time temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature setting is used for all compartments in a refrigeration system, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but the energy consumption increases and optimal temperature cannot be maintained in each compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into multiple independent compartments, each with its own temperature control capabilities. The system includes separate evaporators, expansion devices, and control mechanisms for each compartment, allowing independent temperature regulation without requiring a complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment is equipped with local temperature sensing and control elements that operate autonomously. The temperature control is localized to each compartment's specific requirements, enabling optimal temperature maintenance in each zone while avoiding the energy waste of uniform cooling across all compartments.
2Device complexity
If a single temperature setting is used for all compartments, then the control system is simple, but the temperature control precision is insufficient for compartments with different optimal temperature requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into multiple independently controllable compartments, each with its own temperature measurement and control system. This segmentation allows each compartment to achieve precise temperature control according to its specific requirements without being constrained by a single centralized temperature setting.
Solution Approach 2:
Each compartment is designed with local temperature control capabilities, including dedicated temperature sensors and control mechanisms. This local quality approach ensures that each compartment can maintain its optimal temperature independently, achieving high temperature control precision for different food storage requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical feedback control valves are used to regulate refrigerant flow, then wiring costs are reduced, but the system responsiveness and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical feedback control valves with electronically controlled expansion devices. Each compartment is equipped with electronic sensors and control mechanisms that can rapidly respond to temperature changes, improving system responsiveness and reliability while maintaining ease of installation through integrated control circuits.
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 enables efficient and independent temperature control within each compartment, reducing energy consumption and operational costs by ensuring that each space is maintained at its optimal temperature, rather than a uniform setting, thereby improving the overall efficiency of refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first MEMs sensor is configured to measure at least a first operational parameter of a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices
Implementation Method 2
the temperature measurement used for evaporator pressure regulation may be taken from the air exiting the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
the ambient air of the space to be cooled warms the refrigerant causing more of the liquid portion to evaporate thus absorbing the heat from the ambient space
Implementation Method 4
causing more of the liquid portion to evaporate thus absorbing the heat from the ambient space
Implementation Method 5
The condenser acts as a heat exchanger by rejecting the heat of the system to an external medium
Implementation Method 6
allows the vapor to dissipate heat and thus change to a liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for use in a refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one evaporator unit, and at least one expansion valve. The arrangement includes first and second microsystems and first and second controllers. The first microsystem includes a first MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a first operational parameter of a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The first controller is operable to generate a first actuator control signal based on a first control signal, and is configured to generate the first control signal based directly or indirectly on the first operational parameter measurement. The second microsystem includes a second MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a second operational parameter of a second of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The second controller is operable to generate a second actuator control signal based on a second control signal, and is configured to generate the second control signal based directly or indirectly on the second operational parameter measurement.