Refrigerant Bypass Cooling for Multi-Controller Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration cycle devices face challenges in simultaneously cooling multiple heat generators with different heat generation rates, leading to temperature control issues and increased costs due to the need for multiple expansion devices and pipes, which can result in condensation and potential failure of controllers.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle device with a compressor, heat-source-side heat exchanger, first expansion device, load-side heat exchanger, and a bypass pipe with a second expansion device to adjust refrigerant flow rate, utilizing multiple refrigerant coolers connected in series to safely cool controllers by adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant through the bypass pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple heat generators are cooled in series with one flow passage and one expansion device, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but temperature control precision deteriorates as multiple heat generators cannot be simultaneously controlled to temperature values within the dew point temperature or above and equal to or below the overtemperature limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into multiple parallel flow passages, each equipped with its own expansion device. This segmentation allows independent temperature control for each heat generator (controller), ensuring that each can be precisely controlled within the required temperature range (above dew point and below overtemperature limit) while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple heat generators are cooled in parallel with a plurality of expansion devices, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost is increased due to the need to provide multiple expansion devices and pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing separate flow passages and expansion devices for each heat generator, enabling precise independent temperature control while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple and clear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using identical expansion devices and flow passage structures for each heat generator. This standardized design allows the system to achieve precise temperature control for multiple controllers without significantly increasing device complexity, as each component serves the same function in a parallel configuration.
3Temperature
If refrigerant flows through the pipes of the refrigerant cooler to cool the controllers, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but condensation forms on the plates when the temperature of even one plate is equal to or below the dew point temperature of air, leading to potential controller failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigerant flow into separate parallel passages, each dedicated to cooling a specific controller. This allows precise control of refrigerant flow rate to each controller, ensuring that the plates are cooled effectively but not to temperatures below the dew point, thereby preventing condensation formation while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
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 allows for safe and cost-effective cooling of multiple controllers by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate, preventing condensation and ensuring proper temperature control, thereby extending the lifespan of the controllers.
Implementation Method 1
a second expansion device provided to the bypass pipe, and configured to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe
Implementation Method 2
heat is exchanged between the controller and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant cooler to cool the controller
Implementation Method 3
When the temperature of even one plate in the vicinity of the controller is equal to or below the dew point temperature of air, condensation forms
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes: a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, a first expansion device, and a load-side heat exchanger, refrigerant cycling through the compressor, the heat-source-side heat exchanger, the first expansion device, and the load-side heat exchanger; a plurality of controllers configured to control the refrigerant circuit; a bypass pipe branching from a high pressure pipe on a discharge side of the compressor and connected to a low pressure pipe on a suction side of the compressor; a second expansion device provided to the bypass pipe, and configured to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe; and a plurality of refrigerant coolers provided to the bypass pipe, and configured to cool the plurality of controllers by using the refrigerant the flow rate of which is adjusted by the second expansion device, each of the plurality of refrigerant coolers including a refrigerant cooling pipe and a plate, the refrigerant cooling pipe forming the bypass pipe, the plate being joined between the refrigerant cooling pipe and a controller of the plurality of controllers.