Ejector refrigeration circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ejector refrigeration circuits face inefficiencies across a wide range of operational conditions due to the fixed capacity of traditional ejectors, which limits their performance in varying ambient temperatures and refrigeration demands.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high-pressure circuit with at least two variable ejectors connected in parallel, each with controllable primary and secondary input ports, and a control unit that adjusts the mass flow of refrigerant based on ambient temperatures and refrigeration demands, allowing for optimized efficiency across different operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed capacity ejectors are used, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency deteriorates across a wide range of operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector system is segmented into multiple variable capacity ejectors with different capacities, allowing selective operation based on refrigeration demand. Each ejector can be independently controlled to match system requirements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejectors are designed with variable capacity capability, enabling dynamic adjustment of refrigerant mass flow according to ambient temperatures and refrigeration demands. This dynamic adaptability maintains high efficiency across varying operational conditions while preserving relative structural simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a single ejector operates at fixed capacity, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to varying operational conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple variable ejectors with different capacities instead of a single fixed ejector. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions by selecting appropriate ejectors, achieving high adaptability with minimal increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable ejectors are designed to perform multiple functions across different operating ranges. Each ejector can operate independently or in combination with others, providing universal adaptability to various refrigeration demands and ambient conditions without requiring entirely separate systems.
3Productivity
If variable ejectors with different capacities are used, then the refrigeration efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable ejector system is segmented into discrete units with different capacities that can be selectively activated. This modular approach improves refrigeration efficiency by matching ejector capacity to demand while keeping the increase in device complexity manageable through standardized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different ejector combinations based on refrigeration load and ambient conditions. This parameter-based control approach achieves high efficiency without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 enables the ejector refrigeration circuit to maintain high efficiency by selectively operating variable ejectors, adjusting mass flow, and optimizing the operation of the system to match varying refrigeration demands and ambient temperatures, thereby enhancing performance over a wide range of conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector may be used as an expansion device additionally providing a so called ejector pump for 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
a heat rejecting heat exchanger/gas cooler having an inlet side and an outlet side
Implementation Method 3
at least one refrigeration evaporator fluidly connected between the outlet side of the at least one refrigeration expansion device and the secondary low pressure input ports of the at least two variable ejectors
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector refrigeration circuit comprises a high pressure ejector circuit comprising in the direction of flow of a circulating refrigerant: a heat rejecting heat exchanger/gas cooler having an inlet side and an outlet side; at least two variable ejectors (6, 7) with different capacities connected in parallel, each of the variable ejectors comprising a primary high pressure input port, a secondary low pressure input port and an output port; wherein the primary high pressure input ports of the at least two variable ejectors are fluidly connected to the outlet side of the heat rejecting heat exchanger/gas cooler; a receiver, having an inlet, a liquid outlet, and a gas outlet, wherein the inlet is fluidly connected to the output ports of the at least two variable ejectors; at least one compressor having an inlet side and an outlet side.