Frame Pipe Cooling Control for Dew Condensation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cooling apparatuses with small storage chambers, high-performance compressors lead to inefficient dew condensation prevention and increased energy consumption due to repeated start-stop operations, as they cannot supply high-temperature refrigerant during compressor downtime, causing dew condensation and high energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus with a compressor, condenser, and frame pipe, where the blowing device's airflow is adjusted based on in-container temperature, increasing airflow when the temperature exceeds a predetermined upper limit and reducing it when below a lower limit, to maintain a stable temperature and prevent dew condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the compressor is operated at minimum output to maintain cooling performance, then the in-container temperature drops below the lower threshold, causing repeated start-stop operations, but this increases energy consumption and prevents dew condensation prevention during stop periods
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing device is operated in advance to blow air over the frame pipe before the compressor stops, pre-heating the frame pipe to prevent dew condensation during the stop period. This preliminary action ensures dew condensation prevention continues even when the compressor is not running.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing device acts as an intermediary between the compressor and the frame pipe, transferring heat to the frame pipe through air circulation. This allows the frame pipe to be heated indirectly by the compressor's thermal output even when the compressor is stopped, maintaining dew condensation prevention.
2Reliability
If the blowing amount is increased continuously to prevent dew condensation, then dew condensation is prevented, but energy consumption increases due to the blowing device operating at high capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing device operates dynamically with variable blowing amounts based on real-time temperature conditions. The control device adjusts the blowing amount to match the actual heating need of the frame pipe, avoiding continuous high-capacity operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable dew condensation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses temperature sensor feedback to continuously monitor the frame pipe temperature and in-container temperature, adjusting the blowing device operation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the blowing amount is optimized to maintain dew condensation prevention at minimum necessary energy consumption.
3Productivity
If a high-performance compressor is used for small storage chambers, then cooling performance is sufficient, but the compressor stops frequently causing gaps in refrigerant supply to the frame pipe, but this creates dew condensation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing device is activated in advance before the compressor stops to pre-heat the frame pipe. This ensures that even when the compressor stops and refrigerant supply ceases, the frame pipe remains warm enough to prevent dew condensation during the gap period.
Solution Approach 2:
The blowing device continues to operate during compressor stop periods to maintain continuous heating of the frame pipe. This ensures uninterrupted dew condensation prevention despite discontinuous refrigerant supply from the compressor, maintaining reliable protection throughout the cooling cycle.
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 approach effectively prevents dew condensation and reduces energy consumption by optimizing airflow and compressor operation, extending the period between start-ups and maintaining a stable in-container temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a blowing device that sends air to the condenser and the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a frame pipe disposed in the vicinity of the opening, and a refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the frame pipe before reaching the condenser
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows through the frame pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cooling device comprises a storehouse having an opening, a door to open and close the opening, and a cooling unit to cool the interior of the storehouse. The cooling unit has a compressor, a condenser, a blower device to blow air to the condenser and the compressor, and a frame pipe. The frame pipe is disposed near the opening and refrigerant, that has been discharged from the compressor but has not reached the condenser, flows therein. The amount of air flow from the blower device is reduced as the interior temperature, which is the temperature inside the storehouse, gets lower or as the elapsed time, which is the time from when the compressor starts operation, becomes longer. The reduction of air flow from the blower device includes stopping the air flow from the blower device.