System and method for detection and correction of reverse flow in an ejector refrigeration circui
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ejector refrigeration systems face efficiency losses due to reverse flow, where high pressure fluid and outlet fluid flow back to the secondary low pressure inlet, leading to significant compressor efficiency losses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple ejectors, sensors, and a controller that detects reverse flow by measuring superheat differences and adjusts the opening percentages of the ejectors to enhance refrigerant flow rates and prevent reverse flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ejectors are operated to improve refrigeration efficiency, then compressor load is reduced and energy consumption decreases, but reverse flow of refrigerant occurs causing loss of compressor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor refrigerant flow conditions at the secondary low pressure inlet of ejectors and feeds this information back to a controller. When reverse flow is detected through analysis of suction superheat parameters, the controller adjusts ejector operation to eliminate the reverse flow condition, thereby maintaining compressor efficiency while preserving energy savings during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse flow detection system monitors refrigerant flow parameters in advance to identify conditions that may lead to reverse flow before it occurs. By detecting changes in suction superheat and flow conditions proactively, the system can take corrective action to prevent reverse flow from developing, thus protecting compressor efficiency before damage occurs.
2Reliability
If reverse flow detection system is implemented, then compressor efficiency is maintained, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing refrigerant flow parameters (suction superheat measurements) that are already part of normal refrigeration system operation. By analyzing these existing parameters for reverse flow detection, the system avoids the need for completely new sensing mechanisms, thereby reducing the added complexity while still achieving reliable reverse flow detection and prevention.
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
The system effectively identifies and corrects reverse flow in ejector refrigeration circuits, maintaining compressor efficiency and optimizing refrigerant flow, thereby minimizing energy consumption and performance losses.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of first sensors is adapted to measure an ejector suction superheat of a refrigerant at the secondary low pressure input port of a corresponding ejector
Implementation Method 2
The ejectors improve efficiency in the refrigeration system by utilizing a high pressure to help compress a low pressure gas
Implementation Method 3
The cooled refrigerant from the heat exchanger enters each of the ejectors at the high pressure inlet and is expanded to a lower pressure at the outlet of each of the ejectors
Implementation Method 4
The cooled refrigerant from the heat exchanger enters each of the ejectors at the high pressure inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detection and correction of reverse flow in an ejector refrigeration circuit, includes ejectors, first sensors for measuring an ejector suction superheat of a refrigerant at a secondary low pressure input port of each of the ejectors, and a second sensor for measuring a superheat of the refrigerant upstream relative to the secondary low pressure input port. A controller receives the ejector suction superheats and the refrigerant superheat and determines whether a superheat difference between each of the ejector suction superheats and the refrigerant superheat falls below a threshold superheat difference. The controller identifies a first ejector as a reverse flow affected ejector based on the determined superheat difference. The controller compares opening percentages of the ejectors to determine a second ejector having the largest opening percentage and controls the first ejector and the second ejector to increase a refrigerant flow rate of the first ejector.