Ice making system and control method of evaporation temperature used therein
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing evaporation pressure control device for icemaking systems fails to adjust refrigerant evaporation temperature effectively with changing solution concentration, leading to ice lock and inadequate icemaking capacity.
Innovation Solution
An icemaking system with a control unit that adjusts refrigerant evaporation temperature based on solute concentration, using correlations specific to the type of ice generator and inner pipe surface roughness, and prioritizes either freezing prevention or icemaking capacity based on solute concentration levels, with adjustable compressor frequency, expansion valve opening, fan speed, and solution flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant evaporation temperature is lowered immoderately during icemaking operation, then icemaking capacity is improved, but ice lock occurs and damages devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the refrigerant evaporation temperature based on the solution concentration. As the solution concentration increases during icemaking operation, the control unit automatically lowers the evaporation temperature in a controlled manner. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve high icemaking capacity when needed (high concentration) while preventing ice lock and device damage when concentration is low, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a constant temperature difference ΔT is used regardless of solution concentration, then control simplicity is maintained, but ice lock occurs at low concentration and icemaking capacity is not improved at high concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, constant temperature difference control to a dynamic control system that adapts the temperature difference based on solution concentration. The control unit continuously monitors solution concentration and adjusts the evaporation temperature accordingly, making the control parameter variable rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining control simplicity through automated feedback while achieving variable icemaking capacity that responds to changing solution conditions.
3Device complexity
If evaporation temperature is not adjusted according to solution concentration, then system complexity is reduced, but ice lock occurs and icemaking operation becomes inappropriate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by implementing a closed-loop system where the control unit continuously monitors solution concentration and adjusts the refrigerant evaporation temperature in response. This feedback mechanism ensures that the evaporation temperature is always appropriate for the current solution concentration, preventing ice lock and ensuring stable icemaking operation. The feedback approach resolves the contradiction by automating the adjustment process, which maintains reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
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
Inhibits ice lock and secures desired icemaking capacity by accurately adjusting evaporation temperature according to solute concentration changes, improving icemaking performance and notifying users of low solute levels to prevent capacity deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant circuit configured to execute a vapor compression refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator of the ice generator... adjusts to lower evaporation temperature at the evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a compressor...
Implementation Method 4
a condenser...
Implementation Method 5
an expansion valve...
Implementation Method 6
a pump configured to pressure feed the solution to the solution flow path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an icemaking system (50) including a refrigerant circuit (60) configured to execute a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, a circulation circuit (70) for solution as a cooling target of the refrigerant circuit (60), and a control device (80) configured to control refrigerant evaporation temperature at the refrigerant circuit (60). The circulation circuit (70) includes a solution flow path (12A) of an ice generator (1), a solution tank (8) used to store the solution, and a pump (9) configured to pressure feed the solution to the solution flow path (12A). The refrigerant circuit (60) includes an evaporator (20) of the ice generator (1), a compressor (2), a condenser (3), and an expansion valve (5). The control device (80) includes a control unit (81) configured to adjust to lower evaporation temperature at the evaporator (20) as the solution has higher solute concentration.