High Glide Refrigerant System with Liquid-to-Suction Heat Exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate control systems face challenges in using refrigerants with high glide and low global warming potential, which can lead to increased flammability and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system that utilizes a refrigerant blend with a difference in boiling points greater than or equal to 25°R, incorporating a liquid-to-suction heat exchanger, accumulator, and receiver to control refrigerant concentrations and manage high glide properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If refrigerant blends with high glide are used, then cooling capacity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigerant blend into distinct functional components, each serving specific purposes. The high glide characteristics are achieved through deliberate segmentation of refrigerant components with different boiling points, allowing the system to exploit the temperature glide for enhanced cooling capacity while managing complexity through structured composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the refrigerant blend to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the high glide provides enhanced cooling capacity, while the specific component ratios also control flammability and maintain compatibility with existing system components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If refrigerant concentration is not controlled, then system operation is simplified, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an accumulator that automatically separates and manages refrigerant phases, and a receiver that self-regulates refrigerant storage. These components perform concentration control functions autonomously based on thermodynamic principles, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the natural thermodynamic feedback inherent in phase separation processes within the accumulator and receiver. The system automatically adjusts refrigerant distribution based on temperature and pressure conditions, with no additional control instrumentation required, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring optimal 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
The system effectively modulates cooling capacity and reduces environmental impact by using environmentally friendly refrigerants, while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-to-suction heat exchanger disposed downstream of the condenser and upstream of the accumulator
Implementation Method 2
a condenser that facilitates a phase change of refrigerant from gas/vapor phase to a liquid
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator that facilitates a phase change of refrigerant from liquid to gas/vapor phase
Data Source
AI summary
Climate control systems that circulates a refrigerant blend having high glide (difference in boiling points of refrigerants ≥25°R (about 14K) at atmospheric pressure) include an accumulator, a compressor, a first heat exchanger for at least partially condensing the refrigerant blend, a liquid-to-suction heat exchanger disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the accumulator, a first expansion device, a receiver, a second expansion device, and a second heat exchanger that at least partially vaporizes the refrigerant blend, and a fluid conduit. A concentration of the refrigerant blend can be controlled by adjusting stored liquid levels in the accumulator and receiver. Methods for operating a climate control system that circulates a working fluid comprising a refrigerant blend having high glide are also provided.