Refrigeration circuit device, and method for operating a refrigeration circuit device of this type

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigeration circuit devices struggle to effectively control the suction gas temperature of the compressor, leading to potential dew point drops and excessive temperatures on the electronic device being cooled, which can result in condensation and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an internal heat exchanger that transfers heat between the refrigerant and the compressor suction gas, with controllable expansion devices to manage the suction gas temperature, ensuring it remains above the dew point and below the maximum electronic device temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heat exchanger is used only for cooling the electronic device, then the electronic device temperature is controlled, but the suction gas temperature cannot be influenced leading to dew point drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction gas temperatureVSAvoiddew point control

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the electronic device (frequency converter) and simultaneously influencing the suction gas temperature. By connecting the heat exchanger to both the electronic device and the refrigerant circuit, it serves dual purposes, preventing dew point drops while maintaining electronic device temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary between the refrigerant circuit and the suction gas. It transfers heat from the refrigerant to the suction gas, thereby influencing the suction gas temperature without directly interfering with the electronic device cooling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the heat exchanger cools the electronic device excessively, then the electronic device temperature is reduced, but the temperature may drop below the dew point causing condensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic device temperatureVSAvoidcondensation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates temperature monitoring and control mechanisms that provide feedback to adjust the heat exchanger operation. By monitoring the electronic device temperature and suction gas temperature, the system can adjust the expansion devices to maintain temperatures above the dew point, preventing condensation while still providing effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If fixed throttle and variable throttle are used without additional heat transfer, then the system is simpler, but the suction gas temperature remains uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsuction gas temperature control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchanger is designed to perform multiple functions: cooling the electronic device (frequency converter) and simultaneously influencing the suction gas temperature. By connecting the heat exchanger to both the electronic device and the refrigerant circuit, it serves dual purposes, preventing dew point drops while maintaining electronic device temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat exchanger acts as an intermediary between the refrigerant circuit and the suction gas. It transfers heat from the refrigerant to the suction gas, thereby influencing the suction gas temperature without directly interfering with the electronic device cooling function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively stabilizes the suction gas temperature, preventing dew point drops and excessive temperatures, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reliability of the refrigeration circuit.

Implementation Method 1

the heat exchanger is configured as an internal heat exchanger for the additional transfer of heat to the refrigerant... energy from the condensed refrigerant (refrigerant condensate) is transferred to the refrigerant suctioned by the compressor (suction gas) for controlling the suction gas temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a first expansion device is configured downstream of the condenser, a heat exchanger is configured downstream of the first expansion device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrottling: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS12439560B2Refrigeration circuit device, and method for operating a refrigeration circuit device of this type

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 VIESSMANN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS SE

AI summary

A refrigeration circuit device includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, As viewed in the refrigerant flow direction, a condenser is connected downstream of the compressor, a first expansion device is connected downstream of the condenser, a heat exchanger is connected downstream of the first expansion device, a second expansion device is connected downstream of the heat exchanger, an evaporator is connected downstream of the second expansion device, and the compressor is connected downstream of the evaporator. The heat exchanger is configured for connection to an electronic device that is to be cooled, is configured as an internal heat exchanger for additional transfer of heat to the refrigerant, and includes a primary side, connected on one side to the first and on the other side to the second expansion device, and a secondary side, connected on one side to the evaporator and on the other side to the compressor.