Flooded Evaporator Refrigerant Distribution With Level-Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vapor compression systems in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems face inefficiencies in thermal energy transfer and refrigerant management, particularly in evaporators where the distribution and regulation of refrigerant can lead to suboptimal heat transfer and refrigerant level control.
Innovation Solution
The vapor compression system incorporates a shell with a first tube bundle, a hood, a distributor, a supply line with a valve, and a level sensor to regulate refrigerant flow, ensuring efficient thermal energy transfer and refrigerant distribution, with the distributor positioned above the tube bundle and the valve controlling the flow based on sensed refrigerant levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant distribution is improved by adding control mechanisms, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a level sensor to detect refrigerant levels in the evaporator and automatically adjusting the refrigerant supply valve accordingly. This closed-loop system maintains optimal refrigerant distribution without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated control mechanisms, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency while keeping device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration system performs self-regulation of refrigerant distribution through the automatic control mechanism. The level sensor continuously monitors refrigerant levels and the control valve automatically adjusts supply without external intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize its performance and maintain efficient heat transfer while avoiding the need for additional complex external control systems.
2Use of energy by moving object
If refrigerant level control is enhanced with sensing and regulation, then thermal energy transfer is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control where the level sensor continuously monitors refrigerant levels and provides real-time data to the control valve, which automatically adjusts refrigerant supply to maintain optimal levels. This ensures efficient thermal energy transfer in the evaporator while using a relatively simple and elegant control architecture rather than complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refrigerant level control mechanisms with a sensing and automatic valuation system. Instead of using elaborate mechanical float valves or complex linkage systems, the invention uses electronic or electromagnetic sensors and control valves that respond automatically to level changes, simplifying the overall device while improving thermal energy transfer efficiency.
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 enhances heat transfer efficiency by optimizing refrigerant distribution and level management, improving the overall performance and efficiency of the vapor compression system in HVAC applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured and positioned to sense a level of liquid refrigerant in the shell
Implementation Method 2
The valve is configured and positioned to regulate flow in the second supply line in response to a sensed level of liquid refrigerant from the level sensor
Implementation Method 3
The distributor is positioned above the first tube bundle
Implementation Method 4
the refrigerant is brought into contact with the outer or exterior surfaces of the tube bundle inside the shell, resulting in a transfer of thermal energy between the liquid to be cooled and the refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
As a result of the thermal energy transfer with the liquid, the refrigerant is heated and converted to a vapor state
Data Source
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AI summary
An evaporator (168) in a vapor compression system (14) (168) includes a shell (76), a first tube bundle (78); a hood (86); a distributor (80); a first supply line (142); a second supply line (144); a valve (122) positioned in the second supply line (144); and a sensor (150). The distributor (80) is positioned above the first tube bundle (78). The hood (88) covers the first tube bundle (78). The first supply line (142) is connected to the distributor (80) and an end of the second supply line (144) is positioned near the hood (88). The sensor (150) is configured and positioned to sense a level of liquid refrigerant (82) in the shell. The valve (122) regulates flow in the second supply line in response to the level of liquid refrigerant (82) from the sensor (150).