Ejector refrigeration circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ejector refrigeration circuits face inefficiencies in controlling high pressure mass flow and meeting varying refrigeration demands, particularly during part-load operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two controllable ejectors connected in parallel, with a control unit that adjusts the opening degree of the primary high pressure input port of each ejector to maximize efficiency and increase refrigeration capacity as needed, ensuring stable and efficient operation across a wide range of conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ejector is used to control high pressure mass flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the efficiency deteriorates during part-load operations
Solution Approach 1:
The single ejector is segmented into multiple parallel ejectors (first ejector, second ejector, etc.), each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to select or combine ejectors based on load requirements, maintaining high efficiency across different operating conditions by avoiding part-load inefficiencies of a single large ejector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the opening degree of the primary high pressure input port is adjusted to meet refrigeration demands, then the adaptability is improved, but the efficiency deteriorates when operating in less efficient ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different ejector configurations (single ejector operation, multiple ejectors in parallel) based on refrigeration demands. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal operating ranges for each ejector while meeting varying refrigeration loads, avoiding the inefficiency of forcing a single ejector to operate outside its optimal range.
3Productivity
If at least two controllable ejectors are operated in parallel, then the refrigeration capacity is increased and efficiency is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ejectors are designed with identical or similar structures and control mechanisms, allowing them to perform the same function independently. This universality means that while the number of ejectors increases, each unit remains a standardized component, and the control system uses similar logic for each, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while gaining enhanced refrigeration capacity and efficiency.
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 optimizes the efficiency of the ejector refrigeration circuit by avoiding less efficient operating ranges and allowing for precise adjustment of refrigeration capacity, enhancing stability and performance under varying demands.
Implementation Method 1
compressing refrigerant from a low pressure level to a medium pressure level using energy that becomes available when expanding the refrigerant from a high pressure level to the medium pressure level
Implementation Method 2
expanding the refrigerant from a high pressure level to the medium pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector refrigeration circuit, which is configured for circulating a refrigerant, includes at least two controllable ejectors, which are connected in parallel and respectively comprise a primary high pressure input port, a secondary low pressure input port and an output port; and a control unit, which is configured for operating the ejector refrigeration circuit employing a method which includes a) operating a first ejector by controlling the opening of its high pressure port until the maximum efficiency of said first ejector has been reached or the actual refrigeration demands are met; b) operating at least one additional ejector by opening its primary high pressure input port for increasing the refrigeration capacity of the ejector refrigeration circuit in case the actual refrigeration demands are not met by operating the first ejector alone.