Refrigerant system and control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration systems lack efficient modes of operation that optimize compressor efficiency, condenser efficiency, evaporator efficiency, and hardware power efficiency, leading to suboptimal performance and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant system that alternates between economized, standard, and bypass modes based on determined efficiencies, including compressor isentropic efficiency, condenser efficiency, evaporator efficiency, and hardware power efficiency, with a control system shifting between these modes to maximize overall efficiency by adjusting refrigerant flow and valve positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system operates in a single fixed mode (standard or economized), then the valve structure remains at a fixed position, but the system cannot optimize for varying efficiency conditions across different operating parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between economized and standard modes based on real-time efficiency calculations. The control system continuously monitors compressor isentropic efficiency, condenser efficiency, evaporator efficiency, and hardware power efficiency, then adjusts valve positions and refrigerant flow accordingly to optimize performance across varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different modes (economized with intermediate port connection vs. standard with intermediate port closed). The control system adjusts the state of the intermediate port connection based on calculated efficiency metrics, allowing the system to adapt to different operating regimes without requiring complex continuous modulation
2Use of energy by moving object
If the system uses economized mode with intermediate port connection, then compressor isentropic efficiency improves, but the control complexity and decision-making requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements feedback by continuously calculating overall efficiency based on compressor isentropic efficiency, condenser efficiency, evaporator efficiency, and hardware power efficiency. This feedback loop allows the system to determine when to switch between economized and standard modes, optimizing energy use while maintaining manageable control complexity through algorithmic decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically calculating efficiency metrics and making mode transitions without external intervention. The control system monitors system performance and autonomously adjusts the intermediate port connection state to maintain optimal compressor isentropic efficiency across varying operating conditions
3Loss of energy
If the system operates without mode switching, then the device complexity is lower, but the overall efficiency and energy optimization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operation by switching between economized and standard modes based on real-time efficiency calculations. This dynamic control allows the system to minimize energy losses across varying operating conditions, with the control system managing the complexity of mode transitions through automated efficiency-based decision-making
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 higher compressor isentropic efficiency and ideal cycle efficiency by optimizing refrigerant flow and heat exchanger performance, reducing energy consumption and enhancing cooling and heating capacity.
Implementation Method 1
an economizer heat exchanger having a first heat exchange portion and a second heat exchange portion
Implementation Method 2
subcooling the liquid refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a compressor having suction and discharge ports and an intermediate port at an intermediate location along a compression path
Implementation Method 4
enhancing cooling and heating capacity
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigerant system is configured to alternatingly run in an economized mode and a standard mode. A control system shifts the refrigerant system between the economized mode and standard mode responsive to a determined efficiency reflecting a combination of at least two of: compressor isentropic efficiency; condenser efficiency; evaporator efficiency; efficiency of hardware mechanically powering the compressor; and a mode-associated cycling efficiency. In a bypass mode, a bypass refrigerant flow from an intermediate port may return to the suction port. Shifting into the bypass mode may be similarly controlled based upon the determined efficiency.