Refrigeration Heat Recovery Control for Variable Condensing Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor compression refrigeration systems for bulk milk coolers face high electricity consumption and low cooling performance due to constant high condensing temperatures, leading to inefficient heat recovery and excess heated water production.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that dynamically adjust the condensing temperature based on physical units such as water or refrigerant fluid temperature and pressure, increasing temperature when below a threshold and decreasing it when above, to optimize heat transfer and reduce energy consumption, using thermostats and pressure switches to regulate the condenser's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the condensing temperature is constantly maintained at a high level to enable heat recovery, then hot water production is improved, but electricity consumption increases and cooling performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the condensing temperature adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the condensing temperature based on real-time detection of water tank temperature and refrigerant conditions, allowing the system to optimize between heat recovery and energy efficiency depending on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of condensing temperature from a constant high value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted within a specific range. By modifying this parameter based on detected conditions, the system achieves both heat recovery and reduced electricity consumption without sacrificing cooling performance.
2Quantity of substance
If the condensing temperature is constantly maintained below an upper limit to enable heat recovery, then hot water production is improved, but cooling performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the condensing temperature within a controlled range rather than maintaining a fixed limit. This allows the system to adaptively balance heat recovery requirements with cooling performance needs based on real-time operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using detectors to monitor water tank temperature and refrigerant conditions, then using this information to adjust the condensing temperature. This closed-loop control ensures that cooling performance is maintained while achieving heat recovery.
3Quantity of substance
If the condenser fan is working continuously to maintain heat recovery, then hot water production is improved, but useless electricity consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the condenser fan to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The fan is activated only when heat recovery is needed and deactivated when the water tank reaches the desired temperature or when cooling performance takes priority, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automatic control based on detected conditions to manage fan operation, allowing the system to self-regulate energy usage based on actual operational needs rather than continuous operation.
4Quantity of substance
If complex regulation means and piping installation are used to enable heat recovery, then hot water production is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the condenser serve multiple functions: it acts as both a heat recovery device and a cooling device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex piping systems and regulation means, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving heat recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heat recovery function and cooling function into a single integrated system using the same condenser and control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity and simplifying piping installation compared to separate systems.
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 enhances heat recovery efficiency, reduces electricity consumption, and maintains optimal cooling performance by adjusting condensing temperatures according to demand, thereby producing hot water more effectively and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
passing the saturated liquid through the expansion valve to reduce abruptly the pressure providing a flash evaporation that lowers the liquid and vapour refrigerant's temperature
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant fluid is cooled and condensed in superheated vapour state into a saturated liquid by passing it through the condenser
Implementation Method 3
compressing the refrigerant fluid to a higher pressure resulting in a higher temperature
Implementation Method 4
passing the saturated liquid through the expansion valve to reduce abruptly the pressure providing a flash evaporation that lowers the liquid and vapour refrigerant's temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for heat recovery on a vapour compression refrigeration system (100) allowing to produce hot water, said refrigeration unit including at least a first piping closed refrigerating circuit (101 ) in which a refrigerant fluid circulates, a compressor (102), an evaporator (103), an expansion valve (104), a condenser (105,200) and/or a heat recovery unit (106) including a water inlet (107) and a water outlet (108) respectively connected to a second piping circuit (109) comprising a circulating pump (110), said device is remarkable in that it comprises at least means (113) for determining at least one physical unit of the refrigerant fluid and/or water of the second piping circuit (109), means for increasing condensing temperature when said physical unit is lower than a predetermined threshold, and means for decreasing the condensing temperature to a minimum value when said physical unit is greater than said predetermined threshold.