Dual-Compressor Refrigerator Cycle for Separate Chamber Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with multiple compressors and evaporators face challenges in reducing power consumption and efficiently driving both freezing and refrigerating chambers, leading to increased energy usage and complex cycle construction.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerator configuration with a primary and secondary compressor, a condenser, and two evaporators connected in series, along with a refrigerant switching valve, allows for multi-stage compression and independent control of refrigerant flow between evaporators to optimize energy use and simplify cycle construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single compressor and single evaporator are used, then the structure is simple, but the refrigerating chamber is overcooled and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor and evaporator system is segmented into multiple compressors (first and second compressors) and multiple evaporators (first and second evaporators) with independent control. This allows separate operation of freezing and refrigerating chambers, preventing overcooling and reducing power consumption while maintaining structural manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (single compressor mode, dual compressor mode, series connection, parallel connection) based on actual cooling requirements. This dynamic adaptability optimizes energy consumption by activating only the necessary components for each operating condition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators are connected to one compressor in parallel or series, then separate driving of chambers is possible, but power consumption is still increased and two-stage compressor construction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex two-stage compressor, the invention segments the compression function into two independent single-stage compressors. Each compressor can be independently controlled and optimized, achieving separate chamber driving capability while reducing power consumption and simplifying construction compared to two-stage compressors.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second compressors can operate independently or in combination, and the evaporators can be connected in series or parallel configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and achieve separate chamber driving without the complexity and high power consumption of traditional two-stage compressors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple compressors are used with series evaporator connection, then power consumption is reduced, but the refrigeration cycle construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series and parallel evaporator connections based on operational requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to achieve low power consumption through series connection when needed, while simplifying the refrigeration cycle construction by using parallel connection in other scenarios, thus balancing both objectives.
4Reliability
If oil is allowed to circulate freely in the refrigeration cycle, then compressor lubrication is maintained, but oil aggregation in condenser and evaporator lowers refrigeration performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts oil from the refrigeration cycle at specific points using oil separators installed in the refrigerant lines. Oil is separated from the refrigerant and returned to the compressors through dedicated oil return lines, preventing oil aggregation in the condenser and evaporator while maintaining compressor lubrication, thus preserving refrigeration performance.
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 simultaneous or separate driving of chambers, reducing unnecessary power consumption and improving overall efficiency by optimizing refrigerant flow and compressor operation.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor of the refrigerator is lubricated using oil for protection from a mechanical friction, and the oil within the compressor is allowed to circulate a refrigeration cycle forming a closed loop together with high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas discharged out of the compressor.
Implementation Method 2
the oil within the compressor is allowed to circulate a refrigeration cycle forming a closed loop together with high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas discharged out of the compressor
Implementation Method 3
If such oil is aggregated (accumulated) in the condenser, the evaporator and pipes of the refrigeration cycle, the performance of the refrigeration cycle may be lowered.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator and a driving method thereof are disclosed. A primary compressor and a secondary compressor can form independent cycles together with corresponding evaporators so as to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Also, a backflow prevention valve is installed between the primary and secondary compressors to prevent an increase in pressure of the secondary compressor, or an auxiliary heat exchanger is installed at the outlet side of a second evaporator with high temperature to allow heat exchange of an outlet side pipe of a first evaporator with low temperature so as to shift a load of a freezing chamber into a relatively large refrigerating chamber, thereby improving efficiency of the refrigerator. In addition, an oil separator or an oil collection pipe is installed at the outlet sides of the compressors or an oil balancing pipe and an oil balancing valve are installed between the compressors, so as to uniformly maintain an oil amount between the compressors.