Refrigeration apparatus-use unit, heat source unit, and refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems using pilot four-way switching valves experience excessive level differential pressure, leading to potential damage, noise, and increased power consumption when switching states in supercritical cycles.
Innovation Solution
Employing electrically driven three-way valves with a flow path switching mechanism driven by an electric motor to switch refrigerant paths, reducing the impact of level differential pressure and minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pilot four-way switching valve is used to switch refrigerant flow paths in a supercritical refrigeration cycle, then the refrigeration cycle can be switched between cooling and heating modes, but excessive level differential pressure causes damage to valves and pipes, noise, and increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single four-way valve switching function into multiple three-way valves (first three-way valve and second three-way valve). Each three-way valve handles a portion of the flow path switching independently, reducing the pressure differential burden on each valve and eliminating the damage caused by excessive level differential pressure in supercritical cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate flow paths and intermediate ports (P3, P4) that act as mediators between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides. The refrigerant flows through these intermediate ports rather than directly switching between high and low pressure sides, reducing the level differential pressure impact on the valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pilot four-way switching valve is used to switch refrigerant flow paths, then refrigeration mode switching is achieved, but excessive level differential pressure generates noise during switching
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the switching function into multiple three-way valves, each valve experiences reduced pressure differential during switching operations. This segmentation eliminates the sudden large pressure changes that cause noise, resulting in quieter operation during refrigeration mode transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pilot four-way switching valve is used to switch refrigerant flow paths, then refrigeration mode switching is enabled, but power consumption increases due to excessive level differential pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching operation across multiple three-way valves, reducing the work required for each individual valve actuation. Since each three-way valve handles a smaller pressure differential compared to a single four-way valve, the total power consumption during switching is reduced while maintaining full refrigeration mode switching capability.
4Reliability
If a three-way valve with electric motor drive is used instead of a pilot four-way valve, then level differential pressure impact is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the patent does increase the number of valves from one four-way valve to two three-way valves, this segmentation provides several benefits: each valve is simpler in design (three ports vs. four ports), the pressure differential on each valve is reduced, and the system gains improved reliability. The increased component count is offset by the reduced complexity of each individual valve and the improved overall system 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
Prevents damage to valves and pipes while reducing noise and power consumption during state switching in supercritical refrigeration cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path switching portion (71) to be driven by an electric motor (74)
Data Source
AI summary
A switching mechanism (TV1, TV2, TV3, TV4, FV) includes an electric motor (74), a flow path switching portion (71) to be driven by the electric motor (74), a first port (P1) connected to a high-pressure flow path (7, 24, 28b, 31, 32) of a refrigerant circuit (6), a second port (P2) connected to a low-pressure flow path (8, 25, 28a, 33, 34) of the refrigerant circuit (6), and a third port (P3) connected to a predetermined flow path of the refrigerant circuit (6). The switching mechanism (TV1, TV2, TV3, TV4, FV) is switched between a first state in which the first port (P1) communicates with the third port (P3) and a second state in which the second port (P2) communicates with the third port (P3) in such a manner that the electric motor (74) drives the flow path switching portion (71).