Multi-Compartment Refrigeration with Series Evaporator Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration devices have limited control over individual temperatures in multiple compartments, relying on compressor runtime and electric heating for temperature regulation, which is inefficient and restrictive for specialized temperature ranges.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with controllable expansion valves at the inlet of each evaporator, connected in series, allowing for independent temperature control of multiple compartments using a control unit that manages refrigerant flow and compressor speed, enabling precise temperature regulation across a wide range without electric heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single evaporator with fixed evaporation temperature is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision in multiple compartments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single evaporator is segmented into multiple independent evaporator sections (first evaporator, second evaporator, third evaporator) each with its own controllable expansion valve. This allows each compartment to be independently temperature-controlled while maintaining a unified evaporator structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion valves are made dynamically controllable with adjustable opening degrees rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the opening degree of each expansion valve based on temperature sensor feedback, enabling dynamic temperature regulation in each compartment. This transforms the static evaporator system into a dynamic one that can precisely control temperatures across multiple zones.
2Device complexity
If compressor runtime is adjusted for temperature regulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision and range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are installed in each refrigeration compartment to detect actual temperatures. The control unit receives this feedback and adjusts the opening degrees of expansion valves accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise temperature control in each compartment, overcoming the limitations of simple compressor runtime adjustment.
3Temperature
If electric heaters are used for temperature regulation above ambient temperature, then the temperature range is extended, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the expansion valves to control refrigerant flow rates. By adjusting the opening degrees of expansion valves, the system can regulate temperatures above ambient temperature without requiring electric heaters, thus extending the temperature range while avoiding the high energy consumption associated with heating elements.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple evaporators with independent valves are provided, then the temperature control precision in each compartment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls all expansion valves, receives temperature feedback from all compartments, and coordinates their operation. This universal control component manages the complexity of multiple evaporators and valves, allowing each compartment to have independent temperature control while avoiding proportional increases in overall system 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
This solution allows for efficient, precise, and independent temperature control in multiple compartments, reducing temperature fluctuations and energy consumption, enhancing food preservation by minimizing transpiration and condensation, and enabling storage options like targeted ripening and freezing without affecting other compartments.
Implementation Method 1
a first evaporator with a first controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the first evaporator
Implementation Method 2
first evaporator with a first controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the first evaporator, and a second refrigeration compartment for storing refrigerated goods at a second temperature comprising a second evaporator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a refrigeration device (100) having a first refrigeration compartment (101-1) for storing refrigerated goods at a first temperature, said first refrigeration compartment comprising a first evaporator (103-1) with a first controllable expansion valve (105-1) at the refrigerant inlet (107-1) of the first evaporator (103-1), and having a second refrigeration compartment (101-2) for storing refrigerated goods at a second temperature, said second refrigeration compartment comprising a second evaporator (103-2) with a second controllable expansion valve (105-2) at the refrigerant inlet (107-2) of the second evaporator (103-2), in which refrigeration device a refrigerant outlet (109-1) of the first evaporator (103-1) is connected to the second controllable expansion valve (105-2) at the refrigerant inlet (107-2) of the second evaporator (103-2).