Apparatus and method for a multi-phase vacuum-assisted recovery of refrigerant
Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigerant recovery systems face inefficiencies in the multi-phase process due to fixed durations for each phase, which can be influenced by various factors, necessitating a variable approach based on pressure thresholds to optimize refrigerant removal.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing pressure-sensitive devices to measure and adjust the engagement and disengagement of a vacuum pump in series with a compressor, allowing for dynamic phase transitions based on pressure thresholds to enhance refrigerant recovery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed durations are used for each phase of the recovery process, then the recovery process is simple to control, but the refrigerant removal efficiency is suboptimal due to inability to adapt to varying pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors pressure conditions in the vehicle's refrigerant system and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the duration and transition between phases. Pressure sensors provide real-time data to the controller, which then modulates compressor and vacuum pump operation to optimize refrigerant removal based on actual system conditions rather than following a fixed timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The recovery process transitions from static fixed-duration phases to dynamic adaptive phases where the timing and characteristics of each phase are continuously adjusted based on real-time pressure measurements. The system can extend or shorten phase durations, and even transition between phases, based on the actual refrigerant removal rate and pressure differential, making the process responsive to changing conditions.
2Reliability
If the vacuum pump is engaged for extended periods to ensure complete refrigerant removal, then recovery completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses pressure sensor feedback to determine when the refrigerant removal is complete or near-complete. When the pressure differential between the vehicle system and the recovery apparatus becomes sufficiently small, indicating that most refrigerant has been removed, the system automatically reduces or terminates vacuum pump operation, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring adequate recovery completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including vacuum pump engagement duration, compressor speed, and phase transition timing based on real-time pressure conditions. By adjusting these parameters adaptively rather than maintaining constant high-energy operation, the system achieves reliable refrigerant recovery while minimizing energy waste from prolonged or excessive pump operation.
3Loss of time
If the vacuum pump is activated at higher pressure thresholds, then the transition to phase two occurs earlier improving overall recovery time, but the effectiveness of the vacuum pump is reduced as it operates in a less optimal pressure range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the optimal pressure threshold for phase transition based on multiple factors including the initial pressure, refrigerant type, and real-time removal rate. Rather than using a fixed high threshold that would prematurely activate the vacuum pump in suboptimal conditions, the control system adapts the threshold to ensure the vacuum pump engages at the most effective moment, balancing recovery time with pump effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary assessment of pressure conditions and system characteristics before determining when to activate the vacuum pump. By evaluating the initial state and predicting the optimal transition point, the system prepares for phase transition at the most advantageous moment, ensuring the vacuum pump operates in its optimal pressure range while still achieving efficient overall recovery time.
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 enables a more efficient refrigerant recovery process by optimizing the compressor and vacuum pump collaboration, adjusting their operation based on real-time pressure measurements to ensure maximum refrigerant extraction while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
one or more pressure sensitive devices configured to measure a first pressure and/or a second pressure in the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum pump configured to assist the compressor in the removal of refrigerant from the vehicle during the second phase of the recovery process
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for multi-phase vacuum-assisted recovery of refrigerant from a vehicle. One apparatus for multi-phase vacuum-assisted recovery of refrigerant from a vehicle includes a compressor that removes refrigerant from the vehicle during a first phase and a second phase of a recovery process. The apparatus also includes one or more pressure sensitive devices that are each configured to measure a first pressure and/or a second pressure in the apparatus. Upon the first pressure being less than a first threshold pressure, a vacuum pump that is fluidly connected in series with the compressor assists the compressor in the removal of refrigerant from the vehicle during a second stage of the recovery process. Also, upon the second pressure being less than a second threshold pressure, the vacuum pump ceases assisting the compressor.