Refrigerant control system and cooling system

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing refrigerant control systems face challenges in compactly increasing refrigerant storage capacity while maintaining efficient refrigerant circulation and heat exchange, leading to excessive installation costs and potential pressure issues.

Innovation Solution

A refrigerant control system with a storage section, connected by pipes and valves that allow controlled flow and heat transfer between the compression section and the storage section, utilizing pipes with different heat levels to manage refrigerant density and pressure, and an opening and closing control system based on set temperatures to optimize refrigerant flow and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the expansion tank size is increased to store more refrigerant, then the refrigerant storage amount increases, but the installation cost becomes excessive and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant storage amountVSAvoidexpansion tank size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the expansion tank with the refrigerant circulation system by integrating it into the flow path between the compressor and evaporator. The expansion tank is connected via a solenoid valve and serves dual purposes: storing excess refrigerant and regulating system pressure, thereby increasing storage capacity without requiring a separate large-volume component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion tank is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a refrigerant storage reservoir, a pressure regulation device, and a flood prevention mechanism for the evaporator. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high refrigerant storage capacity while maintaining compact dimensions through the single integrated component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If the expansion tank size is increased to store more refrigerant, then the refrigerant storage amount increases, but the installation cost becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant storage amountVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion tank is integrated into the existing refrigeration circuit rather than being installed as a separate large-capacity vessel. By combining it with the suction line and connecting it through a solenoid valve, the system achieves high refrigerant storage capacity using standard-sized components, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion tank automatically regulates refrigerant flow and system pressure through its integration with the suction line and solenoid valve control system. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex pressure control devices and manual intervention, reducing system complexity and installation cost while maintaining high refrigerant storage capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stress or pressure

If the solenoid valve is opened to allow refrigerant to flow into the expansion tank, then the pressure in the low source refrigeration cycle is adjusted, but refrigerant flow control precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure adjustmentVSAvoidrefrigerant flow control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid valve controlling refrigerant flow to the expansion tank is equipped with pressure sensors and temperature sensors that provide feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the valve opening based on real-time pressure and temperature data, enabling precise pressure regulation and refrigerant flow control while maintaining system stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamically adjustable solenoid valves that can modulate their opening degree rather than simply being on or off. This dynamic control allows precise adjustment of refrigerant flow to the expansion tank, enabling fine-tuned pressure regulation and preventing both over-pressurization and insufficient pressure correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables high-density refrigerant storage in a compact format, effectively managing refrigerant flow and pressure, enhancing the system's usability and efficiency while preventing excessive pressure and condensation-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

a third pipe which is connected to the inlet side pipe and is formed so that heat of the third pipe lower than heat of the outlet side pipe is able to be transferred to the refrigerant in the storage section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11268741B2Refrigerant control system and cooling system
Publication Date: 2022.03.08 ATS JAPAN
  • US11268741B2 patent drawing
  • US11268741B2 patent drawing
  • US11268741B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A refrigerant control system includes: a storage part which stores a first refrigerant; a first sub-pipe which is connected to an outlet side pipe of a first circulation flow path; a second sub-pipe which is connected to an inlet side pipe of the first circulation flow path; a third sub-pipe which is connected to the inlet side pipe and is formed so that heat of the third sub-pipe lower than heat of the outlet side pipe is able to be transferred to the first refrigerant in the storage part a first opening and closing valve which is provided in the first sub-pipe; a second opening and closing valve which is provided in the second sub-pipe; a third opening and closing valve which is provided in the third pipe; and an opening and closing control unit which performs opening and closing control of the first opening and closing valve, the second opening and closing valve, and the third opening and closing valve on the basis of a set temperature of a second refrigerant.