Method for minimising the energy consumption of a heat circulating machine, and heat circulating machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat circulating machines, particularly in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to the high power consumption of condenser fans, especially during partial load states and varying ambient temperatures, leading to increased condensing temperatures and overall energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a novel control strategy that adjusts the speed of condenser fans based on outside temperature-dependent setpoint shifts, reducing fan speed during partial loads while maintaining system performance, and optimizing compressor and fan power consumption through a mathematical model that considers the energy efficiency class of the condenser and refrigerant properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the speed of condenser fans is increased to reduce condensing temperature, then the condensing temperature decreases and system efficiency improves, but the power consumption of the condenser fan increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the condenser fan speed adjustable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adapts the fan rotational speed to part-load operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize the balance between condensing temperature and fan power consumption based on real-time operating parameters such as ambient temperature and cooling load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the condenser fan by adjusting its rotational speed as a variable parameter rather than maintaining it at a constant high value. This parameter change enables the system to reduce fan power consumption during part-load operation while maintaining adequate heat rejection, thereby reducing total system power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the condenser fan speed is reduced to decrease power consumption, then the power consumption of the condenser fan decreases, but the condensing temperature increases and overall system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts fan speed based on real-time monitoring of operating conditions, enabling the system to find the optimal balance point where fan power consumption is minimized without causing excessive increases in condensing temperature that would significantly reduce system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by reducing fan speed only to the extent necessary to achieve energy savings during part-load operation, rather than reducing it to the minimum possible speed. This partial reduction maintains sufficient heat rejection capability while avoiding the excessive power consumption of full-speed operation.
3Temperature
If standard control strategies are used to maintain condensing temperature, then the condensing temperature is maintained at setpoint, but the total power consumption of the system is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a control device that monitors operating conditions and adjusts fan speed accordingly. The system incorporates temperature sensors and control algorithms that provide continuous feedback, allowing dynamic optimization of fan speed to minimize total power consumption while maintaining condensing temperature within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting fan speed based on monitored operating parameters without requiring external intervention. The control device independently determines the optimal fan speed setting that minimizes total system power consumption based on real-time conditions.
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 results in significant energy savings by minimizing the total power consumption of refrigeration systems, reducing noise, and optimizing operating conditions, with the potential for up to 12% energy savings in partial load scenarios compared to standard controls.
Implementation Method 1
a second heat exchanger (3) designed as a condenser, through which a heat medium (4) can be condensed
Implementation Method 2
heat from the heat medium (4) to the cooling fluid (9), which in the example shown Ambient air is, is transferrable
Implementation Method 3
a compressor (5), through which the heat medium (4) can be compressed by the compressor (5) to a condensation pressure
Implementation Method 4
a second heat exchanger (3) designed as a condenser, through which a heat medium (4) can be condensed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for minimising the energy consumption of a heat circulating machine (1), wherein the heat circulating machine (1) comprises a first heat exchanger designed as an evaporator (2) and a second heat exchanger designed as a liquefier (3, 30). In the operating state, a heating medium (4) is delivered from the evaporator (2) to a compressor (5), compressed by the compressor (5) to a condensing pressure, delivered to the liquefier (3, 30) and liquefied. The heating medium is then returned to the evaporator (2) via a depressurisation means (6) and is vaporised again, absorbing heat from a process fluid (7) to be cooled, wherein a turbomachine (8, 18) is provided in order to transfer heat from the heating medium (4) to the cooling fluid (9). According to the invention, the turbomachine (8, 18) and the compressor (5) are controlled in such a way that, depending upon a predetermined thermal effective output of the heat circulating machine (1), a sum of the power consumption by the turbomachine (8, 18) and the compressor (5) is minimised. Furthermore the invention relates to a heat circulating machine (1) for carrying out the method according to the present invention.