Heat source unit for refrigeration device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration apparatuses face limitations in operating within a narrow temperature range of heat source water, particularly when using heat source water cooled or heated through underground heat exchangers, which affects their ability to perform cooling and heating operations at various load factors.
Innovation Solution
A heat source unit with a controller that adjusts the size of the heat exchange region in the heat-source-side heat exchanger based on a differential pressure index value, ensuring the difference between high and low pressures in the refrigerant circuit remains within a certain level, thereby optimizing the heat exchange process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat-source-side heat exchanger operates with a fixed heat exchange region, then the structure is simple, but the operating temperature range of heat source water is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the heat exchange region of the heat-source-side heat exchanger variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the heat exchange region based on the differential pressure index value, which reflects the operating conditions and heat source water temperature. This allows the system to adapt to a broader temperature range while maintaining optimal performance, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure simplicity and temperature range flexibility.
2Productivity
If the heat exchange region is increased to handle higher load factors, then the cooling/heating capacity is improved, but the pressure difference in the refrigerant circuit becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the differential pressure index value and using it to adjust the heat exchange region. When the pressure difference becomes excessive, the controller reduces the heat exchange region to bring the pressure back within acceptable ranges. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains optimal capacity while preventing harmful pressure extremes, resolving the contradiction between productivity and pressure stability.
3Stress or pressure
If the heat exchange region is decreased to reduce pressure difference, then the pressure stability is improved, but the cooling/heating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle is applied by dynamically adjusting the heat exchange region based on real-time operating conditions. Rather than using a fixed small region that limits capacity, the system expands or contracts the heat exchange area as needed to match the load requirements while maintaining pressure stability. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve both pressure stability and adequate capacity when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the heat-source-side heat exchanger operates at full capacity, then the load factor is improved, but the system cannot adapt to varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the differential pressure index value as a control parameter to adjust the heat exchange region. This single parameter effectively captures the system's operating state and enables the controller to adapt the heat exchanger configuration to varying temperature conditions. The approach provides high adaptability through a relatively simple control mechanism, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
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 solution allows the refrigeration apparatus to operate effectively across a broader temperature range of heat source water, ensuring continuous performance regardless of load factors and reducing power consumption by adjusting the heat exchange region dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-source-side heat exchanger (40) connected to a heat source water circuit (100) in which heat source water circulates, so that a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (15) exchanges heat with the heat source water
Data Source
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AI summary
In an air conditioner (10) which is a refrigeration apparatus, a heat source unit (11) has a heat-source-side heat exchanger (40) in which a refrigerant exchanges heat with heat source water. The heat-source-side heat exchanger (40) includes a plurality of heat exchange sections (41a, 41b), and has a heat exchange region whose size can be adjusted through changing the number of heat exchange sections (41a, 41b) into which the refrigerant flows. The heat source unit (11) has a controller (70) which can adjust the size of the heat exchange region of the heat-source-side heat exchanger (40) based on a differential pressure index value. This can broaden the temperature range of the heat source water within which the heat source unit of the refrigeration apparatus is operable.