Economizer Refrigeration Control for High Condensing Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional refrigerating machines with economizer apparatuses face reduced power output and compressor efficiency due to intermittent operation and deactivation at condensing temperatures near the safety threshold, leading to component fatigue and reduced lifetime.
Innovation Solution
An actuation method for refrigerating machines with an economizer apparatus that modulates the opening of the auxiliary laminating member based on two threshold temperatures, allowing the economizer to remain operative beyond the traditional safety temperature, by injecting the tapped refrigerant fluid into an intermediate section of the compressor and using a bypass branch to manage overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the economizer apparatus is deactivated when condensing temperature reaches the safety temperature, then compressor functionality is guaranteed, but the economizer apparatus experiences intermittent operation causing component fatigue and reduced lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the economizer apparatus operational status flexible and adaptive rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the operation of the economizer based on real-time monitoring of condensing temperature, allowing it to remain operational beyond the traditional safety temperature threshold when conditions permit, thereby reducing intermittent cycling and extending component lifetime while maintaining compressor reliability through controlled deactivation only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter threshold for the economizer apparatus. Instead of using a fixed safety temperature threshold that causes intermittent operation, the system modifies the threshold behavior by allowing operation above the traditional safety temperature under certain conditions, and only deactivating when a higher second threshold is reached. This parameter change reduces unnecessary cycling and extends economizer apparatus lifetime.
2Reliability
If the economizer apparatus is deactivated at condensing temperature near safety threshold, then compressor safety is maintained, but energy efficiency and COP are reduced due to intermittent operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically manages the economizer apparatus operation by continuously monitoring condensing temperature and adjusting the economizer status accordingly. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain energy efficiency by keeping the economizer operational longer than traditional fixed-threshold systems, reducing unnecessary deactivations and reactivations, thereby minimizing energy loss while still ensuring compressor safety through controlled deactivation at appropriate thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by extending the operational range of the economizer apparatus beyond the traditional safety temperature threshold. The economizer remains active continuously rather than cycling on and off, maintaining its beneficial effects on energy efficiency and COP. The system ensures compressor safety while maximizing the continuous operation of the economizer through intelligent threshold-based control.
3Loss of energy
If the economizer apparatus operates beyond traditional safety temperature, then energy yield is enhanced, but compressor power supply capability may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the condensing temperature and using this information to control the economizer apparatus operation. The control device receives feedback about the thermal state of the system and adjusts the economizer status accordingly, allowing operation beyond traditional safety thresholds when conditions permit while preventing compressor overload by deactivating the economizer when the second higher threshold is reached, thus balancing energy yield enhancement with compressor power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the economizer apparatus by introducing a second higher temperature threshold that allows operation beyond the traditional safety temperature. This parameter change enables the system to capture additional energy efficiency benefits while maintaining compressor safety through the higher threshold limit, effectively expanding the operational range where the economizer can enhance energy yield without exceeding compressor power supply capabilities.
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 method extends the operational range of the economizer, increases compressor and economizer efficiency, and reduces maintenance needs by maintaining the economizer's activity beyond traditional limits, enhancing energy yield and extending the lifespan of the refrigerating machine components.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger placed along the duct downstream of the auxiliary laminating member and coupleable to the circuit of the refrigerating machine for exchanging heat with the refrigerating fluid of such circuit
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary laminating member placed along the duct adapted to laminate the tapping flow rate and to modulate it
Implementation Method 3
a screw compressor or the like which provides the introduction, at an intermediate compression stage, of the fraction of refrigerant fluid employed in the economizer
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation method of a refrigerating machine (10) provided with an economizer apparatus (16) and including an auxiliary laminating member (18) having the opening adjustable for modulating a tapping flow rate of refrigerating fluid flowing through the economizer apparatus (16) includinga checking phase of the value of the condensing temperature (Tc) compared to a first threshold value (Tc-max);a first adjustment phase of the opening of the auxiliary laminating member (18) in order to keep the temperature of said tapping flow rate at the entrance of the compressor (15) of the refrigerating machine (10) substantially equal to a predetermined overheating value, if the condensing temperature (Tc) is lower than the first threshold value (Tc-max);a second adjustment phase of the opening of the auxiliary laminating member (18) depending on the value of the condensing temperature (Tc).