Multi-Capillary Refrigerator Flow Control for Dual-Evaporator Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerators with one compressor and two evaporators face limitations in freezing cycle efficiency due to the sequential connection of capillaries, which restricts the implementation of various operational modes such as power consumption reduction, fast load response, passage blockage prevention, and dew condensation prevention.
Innovation Solution
A 4-way valve is introduced to selectively distribute refrigerant to multiple capillaries, allowing for dualization of capillaries connected to the freezing chamber evaporator, enabling differential flow rates and operational modes by adjusting the inner diameters of capillaries and controlling the valve's outlets based on temperature and humidity measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single capillary is used to connect to the freezing chamber evaporator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and operational versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single capillary connection is segmented into multiple capillaries (first capillary, second capillary, third capillary) with different inner diameters. Each capillary can be independently controlled through the 4-way valve, allowing the system to select different capillaries based on operational requirements such as power consumption reduction, fast load response, or passage blockage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single capillary configuration to a dynamic multi-capillary configuration where the 4-way valve can selectively open or close different outlets based on real-time operational conditions. This dynamic switching capability enables the system to adapt to different operational modes by adjusting which capillary is active.
2Productivity
If capillaries are sequentially connected, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity and cooling efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The 4-way valve serves multiple functions: it can selectively distribute refrigerant to different capillaries based on operational modes, control the flow rate through each capillary, and enable the system to achieve various operational objectives including power consumption reduction, fast load response, and passage blockage prevention. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced cooling efficiency without excessive complexity.
3Speed
If the capillary inner diameter is increased, then the refrigerant flow rate increases improving response time, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes by providing capillaries with different inner diameters (first capillary with larger diameter for fast response, second capillary with smaller diameter for energy efficiency). The 4-way valve selectively switches between these capillaries based on whether fast load response or power consumption reduction is the priority, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant flow characteristics by switching between capillaries of different inner diameters. When fast load response is needed, the system opens the outlet connected to the larger diameter capillary; when power consumption reduction is needed, it switches to the smaller diameter capillary. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction.
4Reliability
If refrigerant flow is increased to prevent passage blockage, then the reliability is improved, but the dew condensation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the refrigerant flow parameters by selecting different capillaries with different inner diameters. By adjusting which capillary is active, the system can control the refrigerant flow rate to prevent passage blockage while managing the risk of dew condensation on the refrigerator body surface, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful effects.
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 configuration enhances the refrigerator's ability to reduce power consumption, quickly respond to cooling demands, prevent passage blockage, and prevent dew condensation, thereby improving overall operational efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first capillary configured to reduce refrigerant pressure and define a first refrigerant passage by connecting to the refrigerating chamber evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerating chamber evaporator configured to exchange heat with air in a refrigerating chamber by evaporating refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerating chamber evaporator configured to exchange heat with air in a refrigerating chamber by evaporating refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a 4-way valve that includes an inlet connected to the condenser, a first outlet connected to the first capillary, a second outlet connected to the second capillary, and a third outlet connected to the third capillary, and that is configured to selectively distribute refrigerant to at least one of the first capillary, the second capillary, or the third capillary based on opening and closing of the first outlet, the second outlet, or the third outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator includes a compressor. The refrigerator further includes a condenser. The refrigerator further includes a refrigerating chamber evaporator. The refrigerator further includes a freezing chamber evaporator. The refrigerator further includes a first capillary that is configured to reduce refrigerant pressure. The refrigerator further includes a second capillary that is configured to reduce refrigerant pressure. The refrigerator further includes a third capillary that is configured to reduce refrigerant pressure. The refrigerator further includes a 4-way valve that includes an inlet that is connected to the condenser, a first outlet that is connected to the first capillary, a second outlet that is connected to the second capillary, and a third outlet that is connected to the third capillary, and that is configured to selectively distribute refrigerant to at least one of the first capillary, the second capillary, or the third capillary.