Multi-stage oil batch boiling system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration systems face inefficiencies in separating refrigerant from lubricant (oil) mixtures in vaporizers, particularly in effectively recycling and reusing the lubricant for compressor lubrication, as existing vaporizer configurations do not adequately manage the heat exchange and separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A vapor compression system with a dual vaporizer configuration, including two separate or partitioned vessels with heat exchangers and electric heaters, where lubricant is alternately drained and reused, utilizing a controller to manage the flow and heating processes to optimize refrigerant and lubricant separation and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single vaporizer is used to separate refrigerant from lubricant, then the separation process is simplified, but the efficiency of lubricant recycling and system performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides a single vaporizer into two separate vaporizers (first vaporizer and second vaporizer), each handling different batches of lubricant. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of multiple vaporization cycles, improving overall separation efficiency and lubricant recycling capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous operation is maintained in a single vaporizer, then system uptime is maximized, but the lubricant separation effectiveness decreases due to thermal cycling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic batch operation where the first vaporizer operates while the second vaporizer undergoes thermal cycling for batch processing, and vice versa. This periodic alternation ensures that at least one vaporizer is always in continuous operation mode, maintaining system uptime while the other completes full separation cycles for optimal lubricant purification
Solution Approach 2:
By operating two vaporizers in alternating batches, the system ensures continuous useful action - while one vaporizer is undergoing thermal cycling for complete separation, the other maintains continuous lubricant processing. This eliminates downtime and ensures uninterrupted refrigeration system operation
3Loss of energy
If hot gas bypass flow is used for heat exchange in the vaporizer, then energy efficiency is improved, but the temperature control and separation precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different heating approaches to different vaporizers based on their operational stage. The first vaporizer uses hot gas bypass flow for energy-efficient continuous operation, while the second vaporizer implements controlled thermal cycling with electric heaters for precise temperature control during batch processing. This localized quality approach optimizes both energy efficiency and separation precision in different parts of the system
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 configuration enhances the efficiency of refrigerant and lubricant separation, allowing for effective recycling of lubricant back to the compressor, improving the overall performance and longevity of the refrigeration system by ensuring proper lubrication and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a gas bypass flowpath in heat transfer relation with an interior of the vessel
Implementation Method 2
the first vaporizer, the second vaporizer, and the sump each have an electric heater
Implementation Method 3
Vaporized refrigerant is passed to compressor suction and oil is drained to an oil sump
Implementation Method 4
a vaporizer to separate refrigerant from a refrigerant/lubricant (oil) mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor compression system (20) comprises: a compressor (24) having a suction port (26) and a discharge port (28); a refrigerant flowpath (33) from the discharge port and returning to the suction port; a first heat exchanger (30) along the refrigerant flowpath; a second heat exchanger (50) along the refrigerant flowpath; and a vaporizer system (22; 300). The vaporizer system comprises: a first vaporizer (68A; 368A) and a second vaporizer (68B: 368B) each comprising: a vessel (86; 386) having an inlet (84), a vapor outlet (124), and a liquid outlet (130); and a gas bypass flowpath (160) in heat transfer relation with an interior of the vessel.