Refrigerant Pressure Control for Low-Noise Gas Cooler Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigeration apparatuses face inefficiencies due to the inability to appropriately regulate fan rotation speed, leading to increased noise and reduced performance, especially when outside air temperatures are high, as the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compression section does not adequately decrease despite increased fan speed.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration apparatus with a pressure-regulation throttle section, a tank, and a split heat exchanger, along with auxiliary throttle sections, allows for precise control of refrigerant pressure and temperature, enabling efficient operation by regulating the fan speed and reducing noise through a control section that adjusts the gas cooler outlet temperature based on outside air temperature and refrigerant saturation temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If the rotation speed of the fan is increased to decrease refrigerant pressure, then the refrigerant pressure can be reduced, but the noise caused by fan rotation increases and the rotation speed cannot be appropriately regulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant pressureVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pressure regulation throttle section as an intermediary device between the gas cooler and the evaporator. This throttle section regulates refrigerant pressure independently of fan rotation speed, allowing the fan to operate at optimal speeds without directly controlling pressure. The throttle acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between fan speed and refrigerant pressure, solving the contradiction by enabling pressure control without the harmful noise of high-speed fan operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the rotation speed of the fan is increased to improve heat exchange efficiency, then the refrigeration performance can be enhanced, but the noise caused by fan rotation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration performanceVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control section that monitors refrigerant pressure and temperature, and adjusts the pressure regulation throttle section accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal refrigeration performance by dynamically regulating pressure based on actual conditions, rather than relying on high fan speeds. The feedback control enables the fan to operate at lower, quieter speeds while still achieving efficient heat exchange through precise pressure management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the discharge pressure of the compression section is increased to improve refrigeration performance, then the refrigeration effect can be enhanced, but the coefficients of performance decrease due to increased compression power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration performanceVSAvoidcompression power
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pressure parameter distribution in the refrigeration cycle by introducing the pressure regulation throttle section. Instead of relying on high discharge pressure from the compressor to achieve desired refrigeration effects, the system uses the throttle section to create controlled pressure drops at specific points in the cycle. This parameter change allows the compressor to operate at lower, more efficient pressures while still achieving effective refrigeration through the throttling process and associated heat exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient operation of the refrigeration apparatus by appropriately regulating fan rotation speed, reducing noise, and enhancing refrigeration performance by maintaining optimal refrigerant pressure and temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Refrigerant compressed in the compression section radiates heat in the gas cooler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator. As the refrigerant evaporates, surrounding air is cooled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The other refrigerant flow is then guided into an evaporator through a main throttle section. According to such an refrigeration apparatus, one refrigerant flow that is decompressed and expanded by the auxiliary throttle section can cool the other refrigerant flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10156392B2Refrigeration apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.12.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US10156392B2 patent drawing
  • US10156392B2 patent drawing
  • US10156392B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Refrigeration apparatus R that includes a refrigerant circuit composed of compression section 11, gas cooler 28, electric expansion valve 39, and evaporator 41 includes: electric expansion valve 33; tank 36; split heat exchanger 29; electric expansion valve 43; electric expansion valves 47 and 71; auxiliary circuit 48, main circuit 38, and control apparatus 57, in which control apparatus 57 regulates the gas cooler outlet temperature based on outside air temperature when the outside air temperature is higher than a specified temperature, and regulates the gas cooler outlet temperature based on saturation temperature ST of saturated liquid of the refrigerant after the refrigerant flows out of compressor 11 but before flows into electric expansion valve 33, when the outside air temperature is lower than the specified temperature.