Multi-Condenser Air Temperature Control via Discharge Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration-based heat pump systems face challenges in maintaining desired supply air temperatures due to varying compressor discharge pressures and temperatures, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption, especially when heating demands require higher air temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize programmable control logic to sequentially control refrigerant flow and compressor discharge pressure based on temperature sensors' readings, adjusting the flow through a refrigerant condenser in the airstream to optimize heat exchange and maintain efficient operation during heating and cooling demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the discharge pressure is increased to meet heating demand requirements, then the supply air temperature can be increased, but the power consumption of the compressor motor increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply air temperatureVSAvoidcompressor motor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the discharge pressure based on actual heating demand rather than maintaining a fixed high pressure. The controller monitors the supply air temperature and only increases discharge pressure when heating demand requires higher air temperatures, otherwise maintaining lower discharge pressure to reduce compressor power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters (discharge pressure and temperature) of the refrigerant based on varying heating demands. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining fixed high values, the system achieves required supply air temperatures while minimizing compressor energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If multiple refrigerant condensers are used to reject thermal energy, then the heat rejection capability is improved, but the system becomes subject to varying compressor discharge pressures and temperatures that create control difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy rejectionVSAvoidsupply air temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the supply air temperature and adjusts the refrigerant flow through the condensers accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate supply air temperature control despite the complex thermal dynamics introduced by multiple condensers and varying heat rejection conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Temperature

If auxiliary heating is added to satisfy air conditioning demand, then the heating capability is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply air temperatureVSAvoidtotal energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the normally wasted thermal energy in the compressor discharge gas and refrigerant flow into useful heating. By directing this hot refrigerant through the supply air condenser, the system provides heating capability while simultaneously rejecting thermal energy, thereby eliminating the need for separate auxiliary heating equipment and reducing total energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

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

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 approach allows for precise control of supply air temperature, reducing energy consumption and improving overall system efficiency by dynamically adjusting refrigerant flow and pressure to meet specific heating and cooling demands, thereby enhancing the system's capability to handle both heating and cooling requirements effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first condenser located in a supply airstream... a second condenser... The ratio of refrigerant vapor diverted through each conduit is related to the position of respective valves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a vapor compression system having a refrigerant compressor... compression of refrigerant gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10184688B2Air conditioning apparatus for efficient supply air temperature control

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 DCI INVESTMENTS LLC

AI summary

A system and method of controlling a multiple condenser air conditioning system that provides for efficient regulation of air temperature. The refrigeration system includes one or more valves whose operation is preferably controlled by programmable control logic to regulate flow through the refrigerant condenser(s) and sequentially control compressor discharge pressure and temperature in response to demands for heating or reheating of a supply air flow.