Method and device for controlling a refrigeration system with a plurality of chillers in an arrangement or network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling refrigeration systems with multiple chillers of varying performance characteristics are inefficient and lead to increased power consumption, CO2 emissions, and premature wear due to non-optimal operation and frequent start-ups.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling a refrigeration system that selects the most efficient combination of chillers based on their performance characteristics, adjusting hot water mass flow, and central monitoring to optimize power consumption and extend chiller lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chillers with different performance characteristics are operated without optimization, then the refrigeration system can meet varying cooling demands, but power consumption increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device changes operational parameters by selecting different chiller combinations based on target cooling capacity and current cooling water temperature. The system determines available cooling capacity from performance characteristics and selects the combination that maximizes efficiency, thereby adapting to varying cooling demands while minimizing power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chillers are frequently started and stopped to match cooling demand, then the system responds flexibly to changing conditions, but chiller lifespan decreases due to increased wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary selection of the optimal chiller combination based on predicted target cooling capacity and current conditions. By pre-determining the best configuration before operation changes, the system avoids frequent start-stop cycles and reduces mechanical wear on chillers while maintaining the ability to respond to cooling demands.
3Device complexity
If a single chiller is used to provide all cooling capacity, then the system structure is simple, but operational efficiency decreases and the chiller experiences excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into multiple chillers with different performance characteristics. The control device segments the total cooling demand and distributes it among appropriate chiller combinations, allowing each chiller to operate within its efficient range. This segmentation improves operational efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
4Device complexity
If chillers are operated without considering their specific performance characteristics, then the control system is simple, but overall system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements feedback by continuously monitoring current cooling water temperature and comparing it with performance characteristics of available chillers. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically selects the optimal chiller combination that maximizes efficiency for the current operating conditions, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining manageable control complexity.
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
Reduces overall power consumption, optimizes CO2 emissions, and extends chiller lifespan by ensuring optimal operation and uniform wear distribution among chillers, facilitating efficient and flexible response to changing demands.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporator and condenser are typically designed as heat exchangers in the chiller and have the task of absorbing heat from the refrigerant or cooling circuit
Implementation Method 2
The evaporator and condenser are typically designed as heat exchangers in the chiller and have the task of absorbing heat from the refrigerant or cooling circuit and later transferring it to another system via pipes/conduits
Implementation Method 3
a self contained mechanical refrigeration generator or compressor refrigeration generator whose refrigerant-carrying components such as evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion device are pre-assembled at the factory
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a refrigeration system comprising a plurality of chillers in an arrangement or network, at least some of which differ from each other in performance characteristics with respect to cooling capacity or power to be provided, electrical power consumed and cooling water temperature, comprising the steps of a) detecting a requested target cooling capacity and a current cooling water temperature; b) determining the available cooling capacity of the chillers in the network on the basis of the respective capacity characteristics and the detected current cooling water temperature; c) determining the possible combinations of chillers that can provide the required target cooling capacity; d) selecting, from the possible combinations of chillers and based on their respective performance characteristics, the combination that provides the highest overall efficiency; and e) operating the chillers of the selected combination.