Dual-Suction Compressor Switching for Compartment Load Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerator systems face inefficiencies in matching thermal loads between compartments, leading to suboptimal cooling capacity utilization and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A coolant system with a switching mechanism that rapidly switches between high and low pressure fluid conduits to match thermal loads of compartments, utilizing a single compressor and dual evaporators to regulate temperatures in separate compartments, allowing for efficient operation by adjusting refrigerant flow based on sensed thermal loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single compressor is used to serve multiple compartments, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to match cooling capacity with varying thermal loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system dynamically switches between high-pressure and low-pressure suction ports based on real-time thermal load conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows a single compressor to adjust its operating characteristics to match varying cooling demands across different compartments, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different suction pressure levels (high-pressure and low-pressure ports) to match thermal loads. This parameter variation enables the single compressor to deliver appropriate cooling capacity for different compartment requirements without increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If rapid suction port switching is implemented, then cooling capacity matching improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is integrated into the compressor housing, allowing the compressor to perform multiple functions: compression, high-pressure suction, low-pressure suction, and rapid port switching. This multi-functionality achieves rapid cooling capacity matching without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A solenoid valve acts as an intermediary component that enables rapid switching between suction ports. This intermediary element handles the complexity of rapid switching, allowing the main compressor body to remain relatively simple while achieving fast adaptability to thermal load changes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal load shifting is used, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling actions by directing refrigerant flow to specific compartments based on predicted or sensed thermal loads. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary compressor operation and reduces energy consumption, achieving energy efficiency without excessive system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal sensors provide feedback on compartment temperature conditions, enabling the control system to adjust refrigerant distribution and compressor operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy efficiency by matching cooling supply with actual thermal demands while maintaining manageable system complexity through sensor-based control.
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 achieves a 28% increase in overall coefficient of performance by optimizing cooling capacity distribution between compartments, enhancing energy efficiency and maintaining desired temperatures in both refrigeration and freezer compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor having a housing, a cooling capacity, and operably connected to a plurality of evaporators
Implementation Method 2
a first compartment evaporator associated with and capable of providing cooling to the first compartment and a second compartment evaporator associated with and capable of providing cooling to the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance employing a coolant system that includes a compressor having a housing, a cooling capacity, and operably connected to typically two evaporators for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment; a shared coolant fluid connection system; a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system; and a switching mechanism operably connected to a first fluid conduit that provides shared coolant fluid to the compressor at a first pressure level and a second fluid conduit that provides shared coolant fluid to the compressor at a second pressure level where the second pressure level is less than the first pressure level wherein the switching mechanism is capable of regulating and switching shared coolant flow to the compressor from the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.