Icemaking system and a method of controlling evaporation temperature referred to by the icemaking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing icemaking systems face issues with ice lock and limited icemaking capacity due to constant refrigerant evaporation temperature settings, which do not account for solution concentration changes, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An icemaking system with a control unit that adjusts refrigerant evaporation temperature based on solute concentration, using correlations specific to the ice generator's inner surface roughness, and prioritizes either freezing prevention or icemaking capacity based on solute concentration levels, ensuring stable operation and desired capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If refrigerant evaporation temperature is lowered to increase icemaking capacity, then icemaking amount increases, but ice lock occurs and damages devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigerant evaporation temperature adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically changes the evaporation temperature based on real-time solution concentration measurements, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and prevent ice lock while maintaining high icemaking capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of evaporation temperature based on solution concentration. By measuring solution concentration and adjusting the evaporation temperature accordingly (maintaining a safe temperature difference), the system prevents ice lock while optimizing icemaking capacity for different solution conditions.
2Device complexity
If constant evaporation temperature is used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but icemaking operation becomes inefficient when solution concentration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring solution concentration with a sensor and using this information to adjust the refrigerant evaporation temperature. This closed-loop control ensures efficient icemaking operation across varying solution concentrations while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring its own operating conditions (solution concentration) and correcting the evaporation temperature accordingly, eliminating the need for complex external control systems or 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
The system effectively inhibits ice lock and secures desired icemaking capacity by dynamically adjusting evaporation temperature according to solute concentration, improving operational efficiency and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant circuit configured to execute a vapor compression refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant circuit configured to execute a vapor compression refrigeration cycle
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator of the ice generator... adjusts to lower the evaporation temperature at the evaporator
Implementation Method 4
adjust to lower evaporation temperature at the evaporator as the solution has higher solute concentration
Data Source
AI summary
An icemaking system includes: a refrigerant circuit that executes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle; a circulation circuit that circulates solution as a cooling target of the refrigerant circuit; and a control device that controls refrigerant evaporation temperature at the refrigerant circuit. The circulation circuit includes a solution flow path of: an ice generator; a solution tank that stores the solution; and a pump that pressure feeds the solution to the solution flow path. The refrigerant circuit includes: an evaporator of the ice generator; a compressor; a condenser; and an expansion valve. The control device includes a central processing unit (CPU) that adjusts to lower evaporation temperature at the evaporator as the solution has higher solute concentration.