Method of operating a refrigeration cycle apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating refrigeration cycle apparatuses face challenges in easily controlling the supply of vaporous coolant to the compressor.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an additional expansion device arranged parallel to the internal heat exchanger and between the condenser and evaporator to control the amount of heat transfer, allowing for precise control of suction gas temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an additional expansion device is arranged parallel to the internal heat exchanger and between the condenser and evaporator to control suction gas temperature, then the control of coolant supply to the compressor is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented by adding a separate additional expansion device (6) that operates in parallel to the existing expansion device (4). This allows independent control of coolant flow to the evaporator, enabling precise suction gas temperature control without interfering with the main refrigeration cycle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The additional expansion device (6) acts as an intermediary component between the condenser (2) and evaporator (5), specifically positioned in the liquid line to regulate coolant flow. This intermediary device provides fine-tuned control over the amount of coolant reaching the evaporator, thereby controlling the suction gas temperature supplied to the compressor (1).
2Measurement precision
If heat transfer from the primary side to the secondary side of the internal heat exchanger is controlled with an additional expansion device, then the suction gas temperature control is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional expansion device (6) enables precise control of the refrigerant flow parameters (mass flow rate, pressure drop) to the evaporator. By adjusting these parameters, the heat transfer characteristics between the primary and secondary sides of the internal heat exchanger (3) are controlled, achieving precise suction gas temperature control while using standard expansion device technology.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the additional expansion device is arranged in a bypass around the internal heat exchanger and expansion device, then the flexibility of operation is improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional expansion device (6) is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating conditions. The device can be controlled to open or close based on the required suction gas temperature, enabling flexible operation across different load conditions while minimizing energy loss by only activating when necessary for optimal temperature control.
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 enables efficient and flexible control of coolant supply to the compressor, enhancing the operating efficiency and flexibility of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant is compressed by a compressor (1)
Implementation Method 2
the compressed coolant is fed to a condenser (2) for release of heat, wherein coolant condensed in the condenser (2)
Implementation Method 3
coolant condensed in the condenser (2) is later fed to a primary side (3.1) of an internal heat exchanger (3) for release of heat
Implementation Method 4
the coolant cooled down on the primary side (3.1) of the internal heat exchanger (3) is guided through an expansion device (4), wherein the coolant expanded in the expansion device (4)
Implementation Method 5
the coolant expanded in the expansion device (4) is fed to an evaporator (5) for absorption of heat, wherein the coolant evaporated in the evaporator (5)
Implementation Method 6
the coolant evaporated in the evaporator (5) is later fed to a secondary side (3.2) of the internal heat exchanger (3) for absorption of heat
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a refrigeration cycle apparatus uses a compressor to compress a coolant. The compressed coolant is fed to a condenser for release of heat, the condensed coolant is later fed to a primary side of an internal heat exchanger for release of heat, and the cooled coolant is guided through an expansion device. The coolant expanded in the expansion device is fed to an evaporator for absorption of heat, the evaporated coolant is later fed to a secondary side of the internal heat exchanger for absorption of heat, and the heated coolant is fed to the compressor. For suction gas temperature control, an amount of heat transferred from the primary side to the secondary side of the internal heat exchanger is controlled with the aid of an additional expansion device arranged parallel to the heat exchanger and between the condenser and the evaporator.