Ejector-Based Heat Pump Valve Control for Heating and Cooling Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning heat pump systems using ejectors typically only operate in a cooling mode, lacking a heating mode, which limits their operational efficiency and energy utilization.

Innovation Solution

The air conditioning heat pump system incorporates a compression assembly, outdoor and indoor heat exchangers, an ejector, controllable valves, electromagnetic valves, check valves, and a controller to manage refrigerant flow direction and valve openings, enabling both cooling and heating modes by controlling the operation of the ejector and heat exchangers based on the current mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an ejector is added to recover expansion work and enable heating mode, then energy efficiency and operational versatility improve, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables heating mode by injecting refrigerant into the compressor suction port, recovers expansion work by utilizing pressure differential, and can operate in cooling mode when bypassed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing one component to serve multiple purposes rather than requiring separate systems for heating and cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamically controllable electromagnetic valves (first, second, and third electromagnetic valves) that can open or close based on operational mode requirements. The controller dynamically switches valve states to redirect refrigerant flow, enabling the ejector to be integrated into or bypassed from the refrigerant circuit as needed, thus adapting system complexity to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple electromagnetic valves and check valves are installed to control refrigerant flow direction, then heating and cooling mode control improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerant flow control is segmented into multiple independent valve sections: a first electromagnetic valve controls flow to the ejector inlet, a second electromagnetic valve controls flow from the ejector outlet, and a third electromagnetic valve controls bypass flow. Check valves are placed at specific locations to prevent reverse flow. This segmentation allows precise control of refrigerant direction while isolating valve functions for easier maintenance and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple electromagnetic valves and check valves based on the desired operational mode. By centralizing control logic, the system manages the complexity of multiple valves through a single control unit that sequences valve operations to achieve heating or cooling modes without requiring complex mechanical linkages between valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the ejector is used to increase refrigerant flow through the evaporator and condenser, then heating capacity increases, but the system requires additional valves not present in conventional systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first electromagnetic valve is positioned to open the path for refrigerant to enter the ejector inlet before the ejector injection process begins. The third electromagnetic valve is pre-configured to control bypass flow. This preliminary positioning of valves ensures that refrigerant flow is properly directed into the ejector before high-pressure refrigerant injection starts, enabling the ejector to effectively increase refrigerant flow through the evaporator and condenser for enhanced heating capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for efficient operation in both cooling and heating modes, reducing compressor power consumption and enhancing energy efficiency by utilizing the ejector to recover expansion work and optimize refrigerant flow.

Implementation Method 1

an ejector spraying a refrigerant passing through or bypassing a condenser and the refrigerant coming out of an evaporator to the compressor side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant is condensed and cooled by an outdoor heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant is condensed and cooled by an outdoor heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

the compressor consumes electric energy to compress a low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 5

the high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant is condensed and cooled by an outdoor heat exchanger, and is then input to an indoor heat exchanger for evaporation and heat exchange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 6

the high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant is condensed and cooled by an outdoor heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3553398B1Air conditioning heat pump system which uses injector, air conditioner, and air conditioner control method
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 QINGDAO HISENSE HITACHI AIR CONDITIONING SYST
  • EP3553398B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3553398B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3553398B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An air conditioning heat pump system which uses an ejector, said system comprising: a controllable valve (06) arranged on a pipe between a first end of a compression assembly (01) and one end of an outdoor heat exchanger (02), a first electromagnetic valve (07) arranged on a pipe between a jet inlet (05b) of the ejector (05) and the one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (02), a second electromagnetic valve (08) arranged on a pipe between one end of a first throttle device (03) and one end of an indoor heat exchanger (04), a third electromagnetic valve (09) arranged on a pipe between an injection inlet (05a) of the ejector (05) and the one end of the indoor heat exchanger (04), a first check valve (10) arranged on a pipe between a third end of the compression assembly (01) and an outlet end (05c) of the ejector (05), a second check valve (11) arranged on a pipe between a fourth end of the compression assembly (01) and the one end of the first throttle device (03), and a controller (12).