Refrigeration system with a plurality of steam ejectors connected to a plurality of flow traps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial refrigeration systems with multiple steam ejectors face instability and reverse flow issues due to differing operating characteristics and output capacities, which can lead to inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system design incorporating a plurality of steam ejectors connected to passive flow traps with U-shaped configurations, including an inlet-side drop and an outlet-side rise, and a separator to store liquid refrigerant, which acts as a pressure buffer to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple steam ejectors operate simultaneously to satisfy different load conditions, then the refrigeration system can handle varying loads, but reverse flow and unstable operations occur due to different operating characteristics and output capacities among the ejectors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multi-ejector configuration into independent operational units, each with its own flow trap and control valve. This segmentation allows individual ejectors to be controlled separately, preventing reverse flow between them while maintaining the ability to handle different load conditions by activating only the necessary number of ejectors.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive flow traps are introduced as intermediary devices between the ejectors and the separator. These flow traps act as mediators that prevent direct interaction and reverse flow between ejectors, allowing each ejector to operate independently without being affected by the operating characteristics of other ejectors.
2Reliability
If passive flow traps with U-shaped configurations are installed to prevent reverse flow, then operational stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive flow traps are designed to function automatically based on pressure differences and gravity, without requiring external control systems or active components. The U-shaped configuration with liquid seals self-regulates the flow between ejectors and the separator, preventing reverse flow through passive mechanical means rather than active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex active control systems (such as sensors, valves, and control algorithms) with simple passive mechanical structures (U-shaped flow traps with liquid seals). This substitution achieves reverse flow prevention through fundamental physical principles like gravity and pressure balance, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 system effectively minimizes the risk of reverse flow and enhances operating efficiency by utilizing passive flow traps to maintain pressure and prevent backflow from the separator to the steam ejectors, thereby stabilizing multi-ejector configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The passive flow trap includes an inlet-side drop, a center bend, and an outlet-side rise, thereby defining a U shape... acts as a pressure buffer to prevent backflow
Implementation Method 2
The inlet-side drop is larger than the outlet-side rise... preventing backflow from the separator to the steam ejectors
Implementation Method 3
a separator connected to an outlet-side of the passive flow trap... connected to a lower portion of the separator that is configured to store liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
Steam ejectors are convergent-divergent devices that provide a pressure lift without requiring power... used to increase CRS efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a refrigeration system having: a steam ejector with an ejector outlet; and a passive flow trap connected to the ejector outlet.