Refrigeration and heat pump systems with pressure exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems are inefficient in energy usage due to the need for large amounts of energy to increase and decrease fluid pressure, leading to wasteful energy expenditure and increased wear on components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pressure exchanger that exchanges pressure between high and low pressure portions of refrigeration fluid, allowing for energy recovery and reduced energy consumption, along with the use of boosters like ejectors to minimize the pressure differential, thereby enhancing system efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If pumps or compressors are used to increase fluid pressure in conventional refrigeration systems, then the required pressure increase is achieved, but large amounts of energy are consumed and component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-pressure fluid stream and low-pressure fluid stream in a single heat exchanger device, allowing simultaneous heat transfer between the two streams. This merging enables the high-pressure stream to transfer energy to the low-pressure stream directly, eliminating the need for separate compressors to pressurize the low-pressure stream, thereby reducing energy consumption while achieving the required pressure increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the waste heat from the high-pressure fluid stream into a useful resource by using it to pre-heat and pressurize the low-pressure fluid stream. What would traditionally be discarded heat energy is now utilized to reduce the energy input required by compressors, transforming a harmful waste product into a beneficial energy source.
2Stress or pressure
If pumps or compressors are used to increase fluid pressure, then pressure requirements are met, but component wear increases and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the high-pressure and low-pressure streams in a single heat exchanger, the patent eliminates the need for additional compressors and intermediate pressure regulation equipment. Fewer moving parts and mechanical components mean reduced wear and tear, increased system reliability, and lower maintenance requirements while still achieving the necessary pressure levels.
3Productivity
If large pressure differentials are used in conventional systems, then fluid transport is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the energy that would be lost in the high-pressure fluid stream by using it to pressurize and heat the low-pressure stream. This energy recovery mechanism converts what would be waste energy into a useful contribution toward achieving fluid transport, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the thermal energy from the high-pressure stream, the patent recovers and utilizes it to pre-heat and assist in pressurizing the low-pressure stream. This recovery process reduces the total energy input required for fluid transport, improving energy efficiency without compromising productivity.
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 reduces energy usage, prolongs component life, decreases maintenance, and increases system reliability and efficiency by allowing for the recovery of energy that would otherwise be lost, while also reducing the load on pumps and compressors.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure exchanger that exchanges pressure between high and low pressure portions of refrigeration fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second pressure and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system further includes a condenser configured to provide corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid to a corresponding environment. The system further includes a first ejector to receive a first gas and increase pressure of the first gas to form the second fluid at the second pressure. The first ejector is further to provide the second fluid at the second pressure to the PX.