System and method for improving efficiency of a refrigerant based system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigerant-based air-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems are inefficient, accounting for up to 60% of energy demand in office and residential installations, with limited reduction in running costs despite recent advancements, leading to higher energy consumption compared to other sectors.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant-based system incorporating a heat exchanger, temperature sensors, a microprocessor, and a computer-readable storage medium that executes steps to determine if the medium temperature has reached a predetermined value, the compressor has operated for a set period, and the heat exchanger temperature has reached a minimum, allowing the compressor to be turned off to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain temperature, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of heat exchanger temperature and minimum temperature assessment before deciding to turn off the compressor. By checking whether the heat exchanger temperature has reached the minimum temperature in advance, the system ensures that turning off the compressor will not compromise temperature control reliability, thus enabling energy savings without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors heat exchanger temperature, medium temperature, and compressor operation time, using this feedback information to dynamically control compressor operation. The microprocessor adjusts compressor on/off decisions based on real-time temperature data and operational conditions, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor is turned off early to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the temperature control reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by determining the minimum heat exchanger temperature before turning off the compressor. This preliminary action ensures that the heat exchanger has reached sufficient cooling capacity, guaranteeing that temperature control reliability is maintained even when the compressor is turned off early to save energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor control strategy based on real-time conditions. Instead of using a fixed on/off schedule, the microprocessor continuously evaluates heat exchanger temperature, medium temperature, and operation time to make adaptive decisions about when to turn off the compressor, optimizing energy savings while maintaining reliability under varying conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple temperature parameters are monitored to optimize compressor control, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor performs multiple functions using the same hardware components. It monitors heat exchanger temperature, medium temperature, and compressor operation time, while also determining minimum temperatures and making control decisions. This multi-functionality approach improves energy efficiency through comprehensive monitoring without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one microprocessor handles all control tasks.
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 solution reduces running costs, enhances efficiency in temperature control, and decreases greenhouse gas production by using less energy, while also reducing heat emission from air-conditioners, particularly in urban areas.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor and an associated condenser (or heat exchanger), which are used to convert low-pressure refrigerant vapor into high-pressure liquid refrigerant for cooling purposes. In this compression of vapor, a very large amount of heat is generated
Implementation Method 2
this heat can be either dissipated externally to the space that will be cooled or used for heating in a reverse cycle system
Implementation Method 3
The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is then transported to an evaporator (or heat exchanger) and is allowed to decompress there back to a vapor. In this decompression phase change process, the evaporator/second heat exchanger temperature reduces significantly
Implementation Method 4
the reduction in temperature is limited by a significant amount of heat which is absorbed from the air passing through the evaporator/second heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
A blower fan is used to drive air though the evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is designed to reduce running costs in refrigerant based air-conditioning, refrigeration and heating systems by using a combination of thermodynamic and hydraulic control to manage the on and off states of the compressor, which is the main energy consuming component. Thermodynamic or temperature control is used to manage comfort levels within the room or space being cooled. Hydraulic control is used to determine when the compressor has completed its useful work in delivering a supply of high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Once temperature and hydraulic conditions are satisfied the compressor can be turned off; thereby delivering a significant reduction in running costs.