Multi-Evaporator Refrigeration for Independent Compartment Temperatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration devices lack efficient control over individual temperatures in multiple compartments, relying on electrical heaters for temperatures above ambient and limited temperature regulation without heaters.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with multiple evaporators, each equipped with a controllable expansion valve, connected in series to allow independent temperature control of compartments through a central control unit, maintaining constant refrigerant flow and adjusting compressor speed for precise temperature management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single evaporator with fixed evaporation temperature is used, then device complexity is reduced, but individual temperature control in multiple compartments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single evaporator is segmented into multiple independent evaporator sections (first evaporator, second evaporator, etc.), each with its own controllable expansion valve. This allows each compartment to be independently controlled while maintaining a relatively simple overall evaporator structure, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and individual temperature control capability.
2Temperature
If electrical heaters are used to achieve temperatures above ambient, then temperature ranges are expanded, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operating parameters of the evaporators by adjusting expansion valve positions and compressor runtime to achieve different temperature ranges. By optimizing evaporator operating parameters rather than adding heaters, the system can achieve temperatures above ambient with reduced energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between temperature range and energy use.
3Device complexity
If compressor runtime is adjusted for temperature control, then simple regulation is achieved, but temperature precision is limited to +1-3K
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors in each compartment that provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit continuously monitors temperatures and adjusts expansion valve positions and compressor runtime accordingly, achieving precise temperature control (better than ±1-3K) while maintaining relatively simple control mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and temperature precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple evaporators with independent control are implemented, then individual temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple evaporator sections are merged into a single integrated evaporator assembly with a common refrigerant circuit. The control unit centrally manages all expansion valves and coordinates their operation, achieving independent temperature control for each compartment while avoiding the complexity of completely separate evaporator systems, thus resolving the contradiction between individual control capability and device 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
Enables efficient, precise, and independent temperature regulation across compartments without electrical heaters, maintaining stability and reducing temperature fluctuations, enhancing food safety and quality by minimizing transpiration and condensation.
Implementation Method 1
a first evaporator with a first controllable expansion valve at a refrigerant inlet of the first evaporator and a second refrigeration compartment for storing refrigerated goods at a second temperature, said second refrigeration compartment comprising a second evaporator
Implementation Method 2
evaporator with a controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator, wherein a refrigerant outlet of the first evaporator is connected to the second controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the second evaporator
Implementation Method 3
a first controllable expansion valve at a refrigerant inlet of the first evaporator and a second controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the second evaporator
Implementation Method 4
controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the evaporator
Implementation Method 5
refrigeration device having a first refrigeration compartment for storing refrigerated goods at a first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device includes a first refrigeration compartment for storing refrigerated goods at a first temperature, the first refrigeration compartment including a 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, the second refrigeration compartment including a second evaporator with a second controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the second evaporator. A refrigerant outlet of the first evaporator is connected to the second controllable expansion valve at the refrigerant inlet of the second evaporator.