Micro Booster Refrigeration Architecture for Dual-Temperature 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, featuring a first and second compressor, condenser, evaporators, and a valve configuration that allows for bypassing the first compressor to operate at different temperature ranges, using low pressure refrigerants with low global warming potential and eliminating the need for pumps and secondary refrigerants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If distinct low and medium temperature compressors are used, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor is designed to operate in multiple modes: as a low temperature compressor for frozen food cases and as a medium temperature compressor for fresh food cases. The compressor can be bypassed or have its discharge redirected depending on operational requirements, allowing one component to fulfill multiple temperature control functions that traditionally required separate compressors.
2Temperature
If extensive piping is used to connect refrigeration cases and compressors, then temperature distribution capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into modular zones with individual temperature control. Each refrigeration case (frozen food and fresh food) can be independently controlled through separate evaporators and valve arrangements, allowing localized temperature management without requiring complex centralized piping systems to distribute refrigerant to all areas.
3Power
If low temperature compressor operates with high compression ratio, then refrigerant compression capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor's operating mode based on temperature requirements. When medium temperature operation is needed, the compressor can be bypassed or have its discharge redirected to the medium temperature evaporator, allowing it to operate at lower compression ratios rather than continuously maintaining high compression ratios, thereby improving reliability and reducing wear.
4Productivity
If refrigerants with high global warming potential are used, then refrigeration effectiveness is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be compatible with low GWP refrigerants by optimizing the thermodynamic parameters and heat transfer characteristics of the refrigeration cycle. The compressor design, evaporator configurations, and valve arrangements are optimized to maintain effective refrigeration performance with alternative refrigerants that have lower environmental impact, eliminating the need to use high GWP refrigerants.
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, 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
the condenser is operable to receive refrigerant from the at least one second compressor
Implementation Method 3
The first evaporator is operable to receive refrigerant from the condenser and discharge refrigerant to the first suction line
Data Source
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.