Method for controlling suction pressure based on a most loaded cooling entity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor compression systems face a challenge in balancing sufficient heat transfer in evaporators with minimal energy consumption, as low suction pressure enhances heat transfer but increases compressor work, while high suction pressure reduces energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method to control suction pressure by identifying the most loaded cooling entity and adjusting the suction pressure to its maximum required level, ensuring sufficient heat transfer without excessive energy consumption, by determining the maximum required suction pressure or change for each cooling entity and controlling the system accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If low suction pressure is selected to ensure good heat transfer in evaporators, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but energy consumption of the compressor unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pressure is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of cooling entity loads. The system transitions from a static pressure setting to a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, optimizing the balance between heat transfer efficiency and compressor energy consumption by continuously adjusting pressure according to actual cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the suction pressure parameter from a fixed value to a variable that is optimized for each operating condition. By calculating and adjusting the suction pressure based on the most loaded cooling entity's requirements, the system achieves optimal heat transfer efficiency while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption that would occur with consistently low pressure settings.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high suction pressure is selected to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but heat transfer in evaporators becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pressure is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring of cooling entity loads. The system transitions from a static pressure setting to a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, optimizing the balance between heat transfer efficiency and compressor energy consumption by continuously adjusting pressure according to actual cooling demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the suction pressure parameter from a fixed value to a variable that is optimized for each operating condition. By calculating and adjusting the suction pressure based on the most loaded cooling entity's requirements, the system achieves optimal heat transfer efficiency while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption that would occur with consistently low pressure settings.
3Reliability
If suction pressure is optimized for one cooling entity, then that entity's cooling need is met, but other cooling entities may experience insufficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by identifying the most loaded cooling entity and optimizing the suction pressure specifically for that entity's requirements. Each cooling entity's load is assessed individually, and the pressure optimization is tailored to the most demanding local condition, ensuring that entity receives adequate cooling while the system operates efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by using a single suction pressure control mechanism that serves all cooling entities simultaneously. By optimizing for the most loaded entity, the control strategy universally benefits all entities in the system, as the pressure level is set to satisfy the most demanding condition while remaining adequate for less demanding ones.
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 approach ensures efficient heat transfer in evaporators while maintaining acceptable energy consumption by optimizing suction pressure based on the load of each cooling entity, minimizing energy expenditure while meeting cooling needs.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer taking place in an evaporator is dependent on the temperature difference between the evaporating temperature of the refrigerant passing through the evaporator and a target temperature of a refrigerated volume being cooled by means of the evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a fluid medium, such as a refrigerant, is alternatingly compressed and expanded, while heat exchange takes place in a heat rejecting heat exchanger and one or more evaporators, respectively
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange takes place in a heat rejecting heat exchanger and one or more evaporators, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling suction pressure in a vapour compression system including one or more cooling entities is disclosed. For each cooling entity, a maximum required suction pressure and/or a required change in suction pressure for maintaining a target temperature in the refrigerated volume is obtained. A most loaded cooling entity among the one or more cooling entities is identified, based on the maximum required suction pressures and/or the required changes in suction pressure. The suction pressure of the vapour compression system is controlled in accordance with the maximum required suction pressure and/or required change in suction pressure for the identified most loaded cooling entity.