Hybrid Absorption-Compression Chiller for Sub-Zero Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid absorption-compression chillers are complex and not operable at sub-zero evaporation temperatures, lacking simplicity and adaptability over a wide range of operating conditions while offering limited energy savings and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid absorption-compression chiller design incorporating a vapor-compression system with a primary evaporator and compressor, coupled with a vapor-absorption system featuring a secondary evaporator and absorber, utilizing lithium-bromide (Li—Br) solution for efficient heat exchange and refrigerant vaporization, allowing for sub-zero evaporation temperatures and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a compression chiller apparatus is used to provide sub-zero evaporation temperatures, then the refrigeration effect is achieved, but the power consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into two separate loops: a vapor-compression loop for sub-zero temperatures and a vapor-absorption loop for ambient temperatures. Each loop operates independently with its own evaporator, allowing the system to provide sub-zero evaporation temperatures through the compression loop without the high power consumption penalty, as the absorption loop handles the ambient cooling portion
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between and combines two different refrigeration mechanisms (compression and absorption) based on temperature requirements. The compression loop is activated specifically for sub-zero conditions while the absorption loop handles ambient conditions, optimizing energy consumption across varying operational demands
2Use of energy by moving object
If an absorption chiller apparatus is used to conserve electricity and use waste heat, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot provide sub-zero evaporation temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the temperature range into two zones: sub-zero temperatures handled by the vapor-compression loop and ambient temperatures handled by the vapor-absorption loop. This allows the absorption chiller to operate in its efficient ambient temperature range while the compression loop provides the necessary sub-zero cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system combines two different refrigeration technologies into a single multi-functional apparatus that can provide both sub-zero and ambient temperature cooling. The absorption loop maintains energy efficiency for ambient conditions while the compression loop adds the capability for sub-zero temperatures, creating a universal system that overcomes the limitations of either standalone technology
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid absorption-compression chiller is designed to provide sub-zero temperatures with energy savings, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmentation to divide the complex hybrid functionality into two independent but integrated loops. Each loop is a complete, standalone refrigeration system with its own evaporator, allowing the complex hybrid functionality to be achieved through modular integration rather than a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two complete refrigeration loops (vapor-compression and vapor-absorption) into a single hybrid system. The loops are combined through shared components and coordinated operation, achieving broad adaptability across different temperature ranges while managing complexity through systematic integration of proven technologies
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 hybrid chiller achieves a higher coefficient of performance (COP) with up to 60% energy savings and adaptability across a broad range of refrigeration temperatures, including sub-zero conditions, reducing dependency on grid power.
Implementation Method 1
a primary evaporator adapted to provide refrigeration by extracting heat from a medium to be cooled for vaporizing a cold condensed primary refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a compressor in communication with said primary evaporator to receive primary refrigerant vapors, said compressor being adapted to generate high pressure primary refrigerant vapors
Implementation Method 3
a secondary evaporator for receiving the high pressure primary refrigerant vapors through the evaporator tubes, said secondary evaporator having a first sprayer (S1) for spraying a condensed secondary refrigerant under low pressure conditions in said secondary evaporator, wherein said secondary evaporator is adapted to extract heat from the high pressure primary refrigerant vapors to vaporize the condensed secondary refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
extract heat from the high pressure primary refrigerant vapors to vaporize the condensed secondary refrigerant, thereby generating a cold condensed primary refrigerant and secondary refrigerant vapors
Implementation Method 5
an absorber in operative communication with said secondary evaporator for receiving the secondary refrigerant vapors, said absorber having a second sprayer (S2) for spraying a concentrated Li—Br solution in said absorber, wherein said absorber is adapted to absorb the secondary refrigerant vapors in the concentrated Li—Br solution to generate a dilute Li—Br solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention envisages a hybrid absorption-compression chiller comprising: a vapor-compression system providing refrigeration effect in a primary evaporator (102a) by extracting heat from a medium to be cooled in a condensed primary refrigerant, and a vapor-absorption system in operative communication with the vapor-compression system for receiving primary refrigerant vapors via a compressor (104a), these vapors are cooled by a condensed secondary refrigerant in a secondary evaporator (106a) to provide cold condensed primary refrigerant which is recycled to the vapor-compression system. The hybrid absorption-compression chiller of the present invention is energy-efficient and provides a higher COP in comparison with the conventional chillers.