Integral service refrigerant pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerant handling systems in chillers require external pumping systems for transferring refrigerant during servicing, which are complex and prone to contamination due to multiple hoses and 'push/pull' operations.
Innovation Solution
An integral lubrication pump within the chiller is repurposed as a refrigerant transfer pump, utilizing existing chiller valves and controls to facilitate direct refrigerant transfer between the chiller and storage vessels, eliminating the need for external systems and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external refrigerant pumping system is used, then refrigerant transfer can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and contamination risk increases due to multiple hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the refrigerant transfer function with the existing integral service pump already present in the chiller, eliminating the need for a separate external pumping system. The pump that originally served lubrication or auxiliary functions is now integrated to handle refrigerant transfer directly, reducing both system complexity and contamination risk by removing multiple hose connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral service pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both the chiller's internal lubrication needs and the refrigerant transfer operation. This multi-functionality allows a single pump to replace what would traditionally require an external dedicated refrigerant pump, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable refrigerant handling.
2Productivity
If an external refrigerant pumping system with multiple hoses is used, then refrigerant transfer is possible, but the time required for servicing operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the refrigerant transfer capability into the chiller's own integral service pump, the system eliminates the setup and teardown time associated with connecting and disconnecting external pumping equipment and multiple hoses. The pump is already in place and ready to operate, significantly reducing total servicing time.
3Ease of operation
If a push/pull refrigerant handling system is used, then refrigerant can be transferred, but the system requires multiple hoses and complex connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refrigerant transfer function from the complex external push/pull system and implements it directly within the chiller using the integral service pump. This eliminates the need for multiple hoses and complex external connections, leaving only the essential single hose connection for refrigerant transfer.
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 enables efficient and contamination-free refrigerant transfer, reducing the complexity and time required for servicing operations by using a single hose for direct pumping of liquid refrigerant.
Implementation Method 1
a pump is disposed along the third line to drive refrigerant movement along the first-third pathways
Data Source
AI summary
A chiller system is provided and includes a chiller, a lubrication assembly and a controller. The chiller includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion assembly and an evaporator in fluid communication with one another. The lubrication assembly is operably coupled to the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator and is formed to define first-third pathways via a three-way valve and a fourth pathway. The first pathway is configured for pumping refrigerant through the chiller, the second pathway is configured for pre-storing refrigerant in the chiller, the third pathway is configured for removing refrigerant from the chiller and the fourth pathway is configured for charging refrigerant into the chiller. The controller is configured to control the lubrication assembly to selectively engage one of the first-fourth pathways.