Refrigerant Storage Subsystem for Vapour-Compression Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration and air conditioning systems driven by compressors face challenges in reducing overall energy consumption, as fixed speed compressors waste energy when shut down and restarting, while variable speed compressors are inefficient when not in use, leading to high energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A subsystem for a vapour-compression system that includes a flow-directing assembly and a storage assembly with a vacuum-insulated container, allowing for the storage and release of refrigerant to optimize compressor operation, reducing energy consumption by managing refrigerant flow and pressure during operation and shutdown phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a storage assembly is introduced to manage refrigerant flow and pressure, then energy consumption is reduced by optimizing compressor operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly serves as a simple intermediary component that manages refrigerant flow and pressure without requiring complex control systems. By using a straightforward storage tank with basic flow control, the system reduces overall energy consumption while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 subsystem reduces energy usage by allowing the compressor to run at optimal states, efficiently storing and releasing refrigerant to minimize mechanical load and energy consumption, while enabling efficient startup and shutdown processes.
Implementation Method 1
a storage assembly (46) for storing and releasing refrigerant
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed herein a subsystem for a vapour-compression system (10) having a compressor (14) and a condenser (22). The subsystem includes a storage assembly (46) fluidly communicable with a compressor inlet (14a) of the compressor (14) for flow of refrigerant. The storage assembly (46) is configured to receive and store refrigerant in a storing configuration, and release refrigerant stored therein to the compressor inlet (14a) of the compressor (14) in a releasing configuration. The subsystem further includes a flow-directing assembly (38) in fluid communication with the storage assembly (46) for flow of refrigerant, and fluidly communicable with a condenser inlet (22a) of the condenser (22) and a compressor outlet (14b) of the compressor (14) for flow of refrigerant. The flow-directing assembly (38) is configured to direct refrigerant from the compressor outlet (14b) to the storage assembly (46) in a first flow configuration, and direct refrigerant from the compressor outlet (14b) to the condenser inlet (22a) in a second flow configuration.