Cooling systems with passive sub-coolers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems have limited subcooling capacity and efficiency, with mechanical compression systems increasing power consumption without significantly enhancing system capacity.
Innovation Solution
A passive subcooling system using a secondary refrigerant circuit with carbon dioxide (CO2) to cool the primary refrigerant, eliminating mechanical compression components and increasing subcooling capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical compression components are used in subcooling systems, then subcooling capacity is increased, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression components with a passive thermosyphon-based subcooling system. The secondary CO2 refrigerant circuit uses natural convection and thermosyphon effects to transfer heat from the primary refrigerant, eliminating the need for mechanical compressors in the subcooling process while maintaining enhanced subcooling capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary refrigerant circuit using CO2 as an intermediary substance. This secondary circuit acts as a heat transfer mediator between the primary refrigerant and the environment, enabling passive subcooling through thermal exchange without direct mechanical compression of the primary refrigerant
2Loss of energy
If subcooling capacity is increased in conventional systems, then system efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into two separate circuits: a primary refrigerant circuit and a secondary CO2 refrigerant circuit. This segmentation allows the subcooling function to be performed independently by the secondary circuit using passive thermosyphon mechanisms, improving efficiency without significantly complicating the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The passive subcooling system uses self-service mechanisms including natural convection, thermosyphon effects, and phase change of CO2 to achieve subcooling without external mechanical assistance. The system automatically regulates heat transfer based on temperature differentials, eliminating the need for complex control systems
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
The passive subcooling system enhances refrigeration capacity and efficiency by reducing energy consumption and improving refrigerant quality, allowing for free-cooling modes without mechanical compression.
Implementation Method 1
The passive sub-cooler includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the liquid refrigerant of the primary refrigeration system and a CO2 refrigerant in the passive sub-cooler
Implementation Method 2
a pipes configuration that allows the evaporated CO2 refrigerant to be directed from the heat exchanger to a refrigerant cooler
Implementation Method 3
a pipes configuration that allows the evaporated CO2 refrigerant to be directed from the heat exchanger to a refrigerant cooler by thermosyphon and vice versa to the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a superheated refrigerant enters a condenser in gaseous state, where it is de-superheated and condensed by releasing heat to the outside air or other coolant fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a cooling system comprising a primary refrigerant circuit wherein a primary refrigerant fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger and one or more of: an evaporator, a compressor, a metering device and a condenser; and a secondary refrigerant circuit wherein a secondary refrigerant fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger and a fluid cooler, wherein the secondary refrigerant circuit uses carbon dioxide as the secondary refrigerant fluid and does not include any compression components in order to provide passive subcooling to the primary refrigerant fluid.