Re-cooling device for a refrigeration system, a refrigeration system equipped therewith, and a method for controlling a re-cooling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial plants face inefficiencies due to the need for external heating in areas with no process heat generation, reducing overall efficiency, and waste heat from refrigeration systems is not utilized for building heating during winter or transitional periods.
Innovation Solution
A re-cooling device with two modules, one outside and one inside the building envelope, selectively controls heat dissipation to the environment or interior, using a changeover valve and control system to recover waste heat for building heating, optimizing energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If waste heat from refrigeration systems is dissipated to the environment via external re-cooling, then refrigeration system functionality is maintained, but building heating needs during winter are not met requiring external heating energy
Solution Approach 1:
The re-cooling device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can dissipate heat to the environment when needed for refrigeration, and it can also transfer heat to the building interior to provide heating during winter periods. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve both cooling and heating purposes, eliminating the need for separate external heating systems during certain periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a changeover valve that dynamically switches the heat dissipation path between two modes: external environment and building interior. The control system adjusts the valve position based on ambient temperature and heating requirements, enabling the system to adapt its behavior to different operational conditions and seasonal variations.
2Loss of energy
If a changeover valve and control system are added to enable selective heat dissipation, then waste heat can be utilized for building heating, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The changeover valve acts as an intermediary component that directs the flow of cooling medium between two heat dissipation paths. By using this simple valving mechanism rather than complex heat transfer equipment, the system achieves waste heat recovery functionality with minimal added complexity. The control system provides intelligent management but the physical intervention remains straightforward.
3Reliability
If heat is dissipated to the environment during winter, then refrigeration cooling is effective, but external heating energy is consumed in areas with no process heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is segmented into two separate pathways: one leading to the external environment and another leading to the building interior. The changeover valve allows selective activation of either pathway or both simultaneously, enabling the system to segment the heat flow according to specific operational requirements and environmental conditions.
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
Enhances overall efficiency by utilizing waste heat for building heating, reducing external heating needs and energy consumption, while maintaining refrigeration system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger thermally connects the cold water circuit directly to the re-cooling device
Implementation Method 2
a first re-cooling module, which is connected to the cooling water circuit and is preferably arranged or to be arranged outside a building envelope in order to be able to dissipate heat to the environment
Implementation Method 3
a first re-cooling module, which is connected to the cooling water circuit and is preferably arranged or to be arranged outside a building envelope in order to be able to dissipate heat to the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A re-cooling device for a refrigeration system, preferably for an industrial process or an industrial machine, comprising a cooling water circuit (12) connected or to be connected to a heat exchanger (3) of a compression refrigeration machine (chiller) (1) and/or a free-cooling heat exchanger (5a), a first re-cooling module (4a), which is connected to the cooling water circuit (12) and is preferably arranged or to be arranged outside a building envelope in order to be able to dissipate heat to the environment, a second re-cooling module (6), which is preferably arranged or to be arranged inside a building envelope in order to be able to dissipate heat to the interior of the building, the second re-cooling module (6) being connected to the cooling water circuit (12) via a changeover valve (7) in such a way that a cooling medium can flow through it selectively, and a control system which is designed to open and close the changeover valve (7) of the second re-cooling module (6) as a function of a predetermined outside temperature and/or a predetermined time of year to provide heating support for the interior of the building and raise an efficiency ratio.