Refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems face inefficiencies when dealing with multiple utilization units at different heights or capacities, leading to unnecessary increases in refrigerant pressure and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system equipped with a heat source unit, utilization units, a height-associated value detection unit, and a pressure control unit that determines the operational status of each utilization unit and adjusts refrigerant pressure based on the height-associated values of operational units, avoiding pressure control based on stopped units, and utilizing adjustable expansion valves to optimize pressure control without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If refrigerant pressure control is performed based on the average height or the height of the utilization unit with the largest refrigerant flow rate, then the system can operate efficiently, but in cases where multiple utilization units are at different heights or have different capacities, the refrigerant pressure may be increased more than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the utilization units into different groups based on their height-associated values. Instead of treating all units uniformly, the control unit divides them into segments (groups with similar height characteristics) and performs pressure control for each segment separately, allowing optimized pressure settings for each group rather than using a single average value for all units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant pressure control based on the operational status of utilization units. The control unit determines which units are currently operating and adjusts the pressure control strategy accordingly, switching between different height-associated values based on real-time operational conditions rather than using a fixed average value.
2Ease of operation
If the height of the utilization unit with the largest refrigerant flow rate is used for pressure control, then pressure control can be simplified, but inefficient operations occur when this unit is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the operational status of utilization units and adjusting the pressure control strategy accordingly. The control unit receives feedback about which units are operating and uses this information to select appropriate height-associated values for pressure control, ensuring the system responds to actual operational conditions rather than relying on predetermined static values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters (height-associated values) based on operational conditions. When utilization units are stopped or started, the control unit changes which height-associated value is used for pressure control, selecting from multiple predefined values corresponding to different unit configurations, thereby adapting the control parameter to current system state.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed to detect height-associated values of each utilization unit, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by utilizing existing operational data and control parameters to determine height-associated values without requiring additional external sensors. The control unit derives the necessary height information from the operational status and control settings of the utilization units themselves, allowing the system to measure what it needs using its own existing components and data.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that translates existing operational parameters into effective height-associated values for pressure control. Rather than directly measuring height with physical sensors, the control unit mediates between the operational status of units and the pressure control requirements, computing appropriate control values from available operational data.
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 eliminates inefficient operations by ensuring refrigerant pressure is optimized, saving energy and avoiding the need for special sensors, while maintaining high precision in detecting height-associated values, thus enhancing the system's overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The heat source unit has a compressor
Implementation Method 2
a heat source-side heat exchanger that functions as a radiator
Implementation Method 3
The utilization units each have a pressure reducer
Implementation Method 4
the refrigerant evaporates in the utilization-side heat exchangers
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system includes a heat source unit, a plurality of utilization units, a height-associated value detection unit and a pressure control unit. The heat source unit has a compressor and a heat source-side heat exchanger that functions as a radiator. Each utilization unit has a pressure reducer and a utilization-side heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator. The height-associated value detection unit detects a height-associated value of each utilization unit. The height associated value of each utilization unit corresponds to a height of the utilization unit. The height of each utilization unit is a vertical distance between the utilization unit and the heat source unit. The pressure control unit determines whether each of the utilization units is in operation or stopped and performs refrigerant pressure control based on the height-associated values of the utilization units that have been determined to be in operation.