Refrigeration system and the lubrication method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration systems, existing lubrication methods either use lubricating oil that affects heat exchange performance or require complex management of refrigerant extraction for oil-free systems, necessitating a more efficient and effective lubrication method using refrigerant.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with pre- and post-lubrication flow paths that allow selective extraction of refrigerant from the condenser or evaporator to lubricate the compressor, using valves and flow channels to manage refrigerant flow based on real-time conditions, ensuring adequate lubrication and minimizing disruption to the system's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricating oil is filled into the system to lubricate the compressor, then the service life of the device is improved, but the heat exchange performance of the refrigerant is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful lubricating oil from the refrigeration system and replaces it with refrigerant for lubrication. The system uses the refrigerant itself, which is already present in the system, to lubricate the compressor bearings through specially designed flow paths, thereby eliminating the contamination of refrigerant with oil and maintaining heat exchange performance while still providing adequate lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism - a dedicated lubrication flow path with control valves - that enables the refrigerant to serve dual purposes: both refrigeration and lubrication. This intermediary structure allows selective delivery of refrigerant to the compressor for lubrication without allowing it to mix with the main refrigerant circuit in a harmful manner.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If refrigerant is extracted to lubricate the compressor in an oil-free system, then the heat exchange performance is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to additional flow path management
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the refrigeration system into distinct functional flow paths: a main refrigeration cycle and a separate lubrication flow path. This segmentation allows independent control of refrigerant flow for different purposes. The lubrication flow path includes specific valves (such as a three-way valve and a two-way valve) that can independently regulate refrigerant delivery to the compressor without interfering with the main refrigeration cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic control through valves that can adjust refrigerant flow based on real-time operating conditions. The three-way valve and two-way valve work together to dynamically regulate the amount of refrigerant extracted for lubrication, ensuring adequate lubrication while minimizing disruption to the refrigeration cycle. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain optimal performance.
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 system achieves effective lubrication of compressor bearings in various conditions, enhancing the service life and reliability of the refrigeration system while maintaining smooth operation and optimal heat exchange performance.
Implementation Method 1
part of the liquid refrigerant is extracted at a certain position of the refrigeration system and delivered to a compressor
Implementation Method 2
a condenser, an evaporator, and a lubrication circuit
Implementation Method 3
part of the liquid refrigerant is extracted at a certain position of the refrigeration system and delivered to a compressor, so as to lubricate a bearing in the compressor
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigeration system and a lubricating method thereof. The refrigeration system (100) includes: a compressor (110), a condenser (120), an evaporator (130), and a lubrication circuit (200), the lubrication circuit including a post-lubrication flow path (230,240,260) connected from the compressor into the condenser and the evaporator respectively; and a pre-lubrication flow path (210,220,250) connected from the condenser and the evaporator into the compressor respectively; wherein after flowing from the condenser via the pre-lubrication flow path to the compressor for lubrication, a part of refrigerant for lubrication can flow back to the evaporator via the post-lubrication flow path; or after flowing from the evaporator via the pre-lubrication flow path to the compressor for lubrication, the part of refrigerant for lubrication can flow back to the condenser via the post-lubrication flow path.