External Fluid Temperature Control With Compressor Bypass Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices for controlling the temperature of external fluids face challenges in achieving accurate control due to compressor start and stop operations, leading to delays and increased wear, which can result in unreliable temperature regulation and reduced maintenance intervals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second heat exchanger in a bypass circuit and a controller to manage valve positions, allowing for continuous compressor operation without thermal energy transfer when needed, enabling instantaneous temperature adjustments and minimizing compressor risk of overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the compressor operates in start and stop mode to control thermal energy transfer, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to delay time
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operates continuously without starting and stopping, maintaining continuous refrigerant circulation. The bypass circuit allows the compressor to run at full capacity while controlling thermal energy transfer through valve positions, eliminating the delay time associated with start-stop operation and improving temperature control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass circuit with a second heat exchanger is introduced as an intermediary pathway. This bypass circuit, controlled by a second valve, allows refrigerant to circumvent the first heat exchanger when needed, enabling continuous compressor operation while precisely controlling the thermal energy transfer to the external fluid.
2Device complexity
If the compressor operates in start and stop mode, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor operates continuously without interruptions, eliminating the mechanical stress and wear associated with repeated starting and stopping cycles. This continuous operation mode, enabled by the bypass circuit, significantly improves compressor reliability and extends maintenance intervals.
3Reliability
If the compressor operates continuously without thermal energy transfer, then the reliability improves, but the temperature control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant flow path is segmented into two separate circuits: a main circuit through the first heat exchanger for thermal energy transfer, and a bypass circuit through the second heat exchanger for continuous compression without heat transfer. The controller selectively opens or closes valves to direct refrigerant flow, enabling independent control of compression continuity and heat transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes by controlling valve positions. The controller can adjust the bypass valve to regulate the amount of refrigerant flowing through versus bypassing the first heat exchanger, enabling flexible and precise temperature control while maintaining continuous compressor operation.
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 precise temperature control of external fluids with minimal delay and reduced compressor wear, ensuring reliable operation and extended maintenance intervals, with temperature accuracy within 0.1°C or smaller.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger in a temperature control circuit for transferring thermal energy between the internal fluid and the external fluid
Implementation Method 2
by using the second heat exchanger the temperature of the internal fluid can be lowered between the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the temperature of an external fluid. The device including a compressor for compressing an internal fluid, a first heat exchanger in a temperature control circuit for transferring thermal energy between the internal fluid and the external fluid. The device is further configured for use within a system for controlling the temperature of blood.