Refrigeration Circuit Switching for Variable Condensing Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration circuits coupled with heat pump systems face inefficiencies when the heat dissipated by the condenser differs from the heat needed to operate the refrigeration circuit and achieve desired cooling at the evaporator.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration circuit with a compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator, incorporating a gas-liquid-separator and multiple condensers with varying condensing power, connected via valves to dynamically adjust refrigerant flow based on cooling demand, ensuring efficient heat exchange and phase separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the heat rejecting heat exchanger is used as the evaporator of the heat pump system, then heat efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when heat demand does not match cooling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow paths using switching means to connect or disconnect the heat rejecting heat exchanger to the compressor output based on real-time cooling capacity availability. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt between heat pump mode and direct condensation mode, maintaining reliability under varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat rejecting heat exchanger serves multiple functions: it acts as the evaporator of the heat pump system when cooling capacity is available, and as a standalone condenser when cooling capacity is insufficient or unavailable. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the same component to fulfill different roles based on system needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple condensers with different condensing powers are used, then adaptability to varying heat demand is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condensation function is segmented into multiple independent condensers with different condensing capacities. Each condenser can be independently activated or deactivated based on the heat demand, allowing the system to match cooling capacity to actual requirements without requiring a single complex variable-capacity condenser.
Solution Approach 2:
Switching means dynamically select which condenser(s) to activate based on real-time heat demand assessment. This dynamic selection process enables the system to adapt to varying thermal loads by engaging only the necessary condensing capacity, avoiding the need for oversized or complex adjustable-capacity equipment.
3Productivity
If refrigerant flow is dynamically adjusted based on cooling demand, then system efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses switching means that automatically direct refrigerant flow based on the availability of cooling capacity at the heat rejecting heat exchanger. This self-service control mechanism reduces the need for complex external control systems, as the refrigerant routing is autonomously adjusted according to real-time thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the cooling capacity availability at the heat rejecting heat exchanger and uses this feedback information to determine whether to connect or disconnect the heat exchanger to the compressor output. This feedback-based control enables efficient refrigerant flow adjustment while maintaining manageable control complexity through clear decision logic.
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
Ensures efficient operation and desired cooling by matching condensing power to demand, utilizing heat from the heat pump system effectively and optimizing refrigerant flow, enhancing system efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the velocity of flow of the refrigerant is reduced in the broadened line portion, such that the liquid phase refrigerant flows at the bottom and the gaseous phase refrigerant flows above the liquid phase refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
at least one condenser for rejecting heat to ambient air
Implementation Method 3
a heat rejecting heat exchanger for heat exchange of the refrigerant to a heat pump system
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration circuit is disclosed circulating a refrigerant and comprising in the direction of flow of the refrigerant a compressor (2); at least one condenser (14, 16) for rejecting heat to ambient air; an expansion device (8); and an evaporator (10). The refrigeration circuit further comprises a collecting container (12), the output of which being connected to the expansion device (8); a heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) for heat exchange of the refrigerant to a heat pump system, the output of the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) being connected to the collecting container (12); and means (V1, V2) for connecting the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4) or at least one of the condenser(s) (14, 16) to the output of the compressor (2) depending on the availability of cooling power at the heat rejecting heat exchanger (4).