Multi-Cycle Air Conditioning Layout for Dual-Temperature Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning apparatuses are excessively large and intricate due to the need for separate cycles for cooling and heating, and require complex configurations to manage different temperatures and loads, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for installation and operation.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning apparatus with a simple configuration that includes three cycles: a primary cycle, a secondary cycle, and a tertiary cycle, where the first medium (carbon dioxide) and second medium (water or brine) exchange heat through heat exchangers, and flow-path-switching valves allow for efficient switching between cycles based on load requirements, minimizing the complexity and size of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate cycles are used for cooling and heating, then different temperature requirements can be met, but the apparatus becomes excessively large and intricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling cycle and heating cycle into a single integrated system where a primary cycle generates both cooling energy and heating energy simultaneously. The cooling energy is supplied to a secondary cycle while heating energy is supplied to a tertiary cycle, eliminating the need for separate cooling and heating apparatuses and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary cycle serves multiple functions by simultaneously generating both cooling energy and heating energy. The heat exchanger in the primary cycle acts as both a cooling source for the secondary cycle and a heating source for the tertiary cycle, making the system universal in handling different temperature requirements without needing separate dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for different temperature loads, then specific temperature requirements can be met, but the apparatus becomes excessively large and intricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature distribution function into two independent cycles: the secondary cycle handles cooling loads and the tertiary cycle handles heating loads. Each cycle has its own pump and flow path, allowing independent control and optimization for specific temperature requirements while sharing the common primary cycle for energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system are assigned different functions based on local requirements: the secondary cycle is optimized for cooling applications while the tertiary cycle is optimized for heating applications. This allows each subsystem to be tailored to its specific temperature load requirements without compromising the overall system efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If adjusting valves are installed on both upstream and downstream sides of heat exchangers, then pressure and flow rate can be adjusted, but the primary cycle becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow rate adjustment function from the primary cycle by placing adjusting valves in the secondary and tertiary cycles instead. This allows pressure and flow rate control for each temperature load while keeping the primary cycle configuration simple and maintaining its efficiency as the common energy generation source.
4Use of energy by moving object
If minimum-resistance control operation is used, then pump energy consumption is minimized, but control complexity increases due to multiple indoor unit load calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual flow rate through the flow rate measuring means and using this information to adjust the pump operation. The control unit receives feedback from the flow rate measurement and the indoor unit load requirements to optimize pump speed and minimize energy consumption while meeting all temperature demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic pump speed control based on real-time flow rate measurements and changing load requirements. The pump operates at variable speeds rather than fixed speed, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and minimize energy consumption while meeting varying temperature demands from multiple indoor units.
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
The apparatus efficiently supplies heating and cooling energy at different temperatures, reducing the complexity and size of the system, minimizing the amount of refrigerant needed, and lowering environmental impact while allowing for easy control and adjustment without on-site personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a second heat exchanger in which the first medium circulating through the first cycle and the second medium circulating through the second cycle exchange heat therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a first cycle 5, a first heat exchanger 11, in which a first medium exchanges heat with the outside air, and a second heat exchanger 15 and a third heat exchanger 17, in which heat is exchanged between the first cycle 5 and a second cycle 6 and between the first cycle 5 and a third cycle 7, respectively, are connected in series with a first reducing valve 14 and a second reducing valve 16 interposed thereamong. Thus, a circuit capable of flexibly performing cooling, heating, simultaneous cooling and heating, cooling at two temperatures, and heating at two temperatures is realized. In the second cycle 6 and the third cycle 7 that convey cooling energy and heating energy, the flow rates of a second medium in respective branches are adjusted by flow-rate-adjusting valves 32 in accordance with the entrance and exit temperatures of indoor units, and the total flow rate is determined by controlling the rotation speed of a pump by a minimum resistance method. According to an advance responsiveness-checking evaluation, a quick response is obtained. Therefore, even if there are a plurality of loads and the loads change significantly, a stable controlling operation is realized, enabling a highly efficient operation.