Refrigeration cycle device

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multi-connected air conditioner systems with multiple compressors and evaporators, the repeated starting and stopping of compressors due to load variations leads to fluctuations in oil levels, causing refrigerant condensation and reduced refrigeration cycle efficiency, with excessive oil discharge when compressors restart.

Innovation Solution

The refrigeration cycle device connects the gas discharge path of one compressor to the sealed casing of another, allowing the stopped compressor to act as an oil separator for the operating compressor, maintaining a stable oil level and preventing refrigerant condensation, while a collective type accumulator ensures balanced refrigerant distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the compressor starts and stops repeatedly due to load variation, then the air conditioner adapts to different cooling demands, but the oil level in the compressor fluctuates and refrigerant condenses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to load variationVSAvoidoil level stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gas discharge path that connects the compressor to the condenser as an intermediary channel. This allows excess refrigerant and oil to be discharged during compressor operation and prevents refrigerant condensation in the compressor during idle periods, thereby maintaining stable oil levels while adapting to load variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-discharging refrigerant through the gas discharge path before the compressor stops completely. This prevents refrigerant condensation from occurring in the first place, maintaining stable oil levels without requiring corrective actions after the problem arises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the compressor stops at low temperature, then energy is saved during low load periods, but a large amount of refrigerant condenses and oil is discharged when restarting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy saving during low loadVSAvoidrefrigerant condensation and oil discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful combination of condensed refrigerant and oil from the compressor by providing a dedicated gas discharge path connected to the condenser. This separation allows the compressor to stop without accumulating harmful substances, enabling energy saving during low load while preventing the harmful effects of refrigerant condensation and oil discharge upon restart.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of refrigerant condensation into a benefit by using the gas discharge path to actively manage refrigerant discharge. The condenser, which normally cools refrigerant, also serves to receive and manage the discharged refrigerant and oil mixture, turning a potential problem into a controlled process that protects the compressor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Loss of substance

If oil is recycled through an oil separator, then oil is returned to the compressor, but the refrigeration cycle control becomes complicated and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil loss preventionVSAvoidrefrigeration cycle control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of refrigerant discharge and oil separation into a single gas discharge path that connects the compressor to the condenser. This integration eliminates the need for separate oil separators and complex control systems, simplifying the refrigeration cycle while still achieving oil loss prevention through the natural condensation and separation processes in the condenser.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces oil discharge, maintains stable refrigerant levels, and allows for quick compressor startups, enhancing refrigeration cycle efficiency and reliability by ensuring the right amount of oil and refrigerant are retained.

Implementation Method 1

the gas discharge path of one compressor is connected with the sealed casing of another compressor... the stopped compressor acts as an oil separator of the operating compressor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

as the operating compressor outputs the refrigerant, the stopped compressor is heated, and the refrigerant in the stopped compressor does not condense

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10605492B2Refrigeration cycle device

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 GUANGDONG MEIZHI COMPRESSOR

AI summary

A refrigeration cycle device includes at least a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a plurality of compressors, a sealed casing of each of the compressors is disposed with a rotary compression mechanism part in communication with a low-pressure path and a motor part configured to drive the compression mechanism part, the low-pressure path is in communication with the evaporator, each of the compressors is further provided with an oil storage cavity, and a gas discharge path of at least one compressor is connected with the sealed casing of another compressor.