Cooling system with parallel compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems experience reduced efficiency and increased energy costs when additional low temperature loads are added, as the medium temperature compressor becomes strained, leading to decreased overall system performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a parallel compression configuration where the discharge of low temperature compressors is fed into a parallel compressor instead of the medium temperature compressor, reducing the workload on the medium temperature compressor and enhancing system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If additional low temperature loads are added to the refrigeration system, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the medium temperature compressor becomes strained and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is segmented into multiple independent compression circuits: a medium temperature compression circuit and a low temperature compression circuit. Each circuit has its own compressor(s), allowing them to operate independently and handle different temperature requirements without interfering with each other's efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel compressor serves multiple functions by compressing refrigerant from both the low temperature evaporator and the medium temperature evaporator simultaneously, or from multiple low temperature evaporators. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle varying load conditions efficiently without requiring separate dedicated compressors for each evaporator.
2Quantity of substance
If additional low temperature loads are added to the refrigeration system, then the cooling capacity is improved, but energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the compression function into separate medium temperature and low temperature compression circuits. This allows each compressor to operate within its optimal efficiency range regardless of the number of evaporators connected, preventing the energy inefficiency that occurs when a single compressor is overloaded.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by introducing a parallel compressor that operates at different pressure ratios and temperature levels compared to the medium temperature compressor. This allows the low temperature circuit to be optimized independently, reducing the energy cost of cooling additional low temperature loads.
3Device complexity
If the medium temperature compressor handles refrigerant from multiple low temperature evaporators, then the system complexity is reduced, but the compressor strain increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is segmented into separate medium temperature and low temperature circuits with dedicated compressors for each. This segmentation prevents the medium temperature compressor from being strained by low temperature refrigerant compression, maintaining its reliability and performance while adding only one additional compressor rather than multiple dedicated compressors for each evaporator.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel compressor acts as an intermediary that handles the low temperature refrigerant compression, allowing the medium temperature compressor to focus solely on its designated function. This intermediary role protects the medium temperature compressor from strain while maintaining system 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
This configuration improves cooling efficiency by 5 to 10% or more, reducing energy costs and maintaining system performance even with increased low temperature loads.
Implementation Method 1
A high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
The first load uses the refrigerant to remove heat from a first space proximate the first load
Implementation Method 3
The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a high side heat exchanger, a first load, a second load, a third load, a first compressor, a second compressor, a third compressor, and a fourth compressor. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The first load uses the refrigerant to remove heat from a first space proximate the first load. The second load uses the refrigerant to remove heat from a second space proximate the second load. The third load uses the refrigerant to remove heat from a third space proximate the third load. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first load. The second compressor compresses the refrigerant from the second load. The third compressor compresses the refrigerant from the third load and the refrigerant from the second compressor. The fourth compressor compresses the refrigerant from the first compressor.