Micro Booster Refrigeration Layout With Compressor Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supermarket refrigeration systems face complexity and inefficiency due to distinct low and medium temperature compressors, pumps, and extensive piping, making maintenance difficult and requiring refrigerants with high global warming potential.
Innovation Solution
A micro booster refrigeration system with dual temperature refrigeration cases, using a single refrigerant and low pressure compressors, which bypasses the first compressor to operate at medium temperatures, reducing equipment and energy costs, and employing a system controller for efficient operation and maintenance alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distinct low and medium temperature compressors are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single compressor that can operate in multiple modes: as a low temperature compressor for frozen food cases and as a medium temperature compressor for fresh food cases. This multi-functional compressor replaces what would traditionally require two separate compressors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to precisely control both low and medium temperatures through electronic expansion valves and controller management
2Temperature
If extensive piping is used to connect refrigeration cases and compressors, then temperature distribution is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into modular units where each refrigeration case (frozen food and fresh food) has its own electronic expansion valve and is independently controlled. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized and maintained separately, simplifying operation and maintenance despite the presence of piping connecting all components
3Productivity
If low temperature compressor operates with high compression ratio, then cooling efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronically controlled expansion valves that dynamically adjust refrigerant flow based on real-time temperature and pressure conditions. This dynamic control allows the single compressor to operate at optimal compression ratios for each temperature zone, preventing excessive compression ratios that would reduce reliability while maintaining cooling efficiency through active management of refrigerant distribution
4Power
If refrigerants with high GWP are used, then cooling performance is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the use of refrigerants with lower global warming potential by changing the system's operational parameters. The electronically controlled expansion valves and sophisticated control logic allow efficient refrigerant management that maintains adequate cooling performance with alternative refrigerants, thereby reducing harmful environmental factors while preserving cooling effectiveness
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
Simplifies maintenance and operation, reduces equipment and energy costs, and lowers direct emissions by using low pressure refrigerants with lower global warming potential, while maintaining efficient temperature control across both low and medium temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
the low temperature compressor operates with a relatively high compression ratio because it needs to bring the refrigerant to a condensing pressure
Implementation Method 2
Refrigeration cases are cooled by evaporators that discharge low pressure refrigerant vapor to respective compressors
Implementation Method 3
the condenser is operable to receive refrigerant from the at least one second compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second evaporators, and a valve. The first compressor is fluidly connected to first suction and discharge lines. The second compressor is fluidly connected to second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The valve is disposed between the first evaporator and the first suction line. The first suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a first position. The second suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a second position. The first compressor is bypassed when the valve is in the second position.