Refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for drying moist compressed air using cooling circuits face inefficiencies due to excessive heat exchange under reduced loads, leading to energy waste and inability to precisely manage cooling capacity, with complex and costly solutions.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically controlled valve with a calibrated passage hole allows for precise modulation of cooling capacity by controlling the flow of process fluid, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for additional components, enabling flexible operation and efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling circuit is dimensioned on the basis of maximum required load, then the system can handle peak demand, but excessive heat exchange occurs under reduced load leading to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling circuit adjustable through a modulating valve that can vary the degree of opening based on actual cooling demand. This allows the system to transition from a static, fixed-capacity design to a dynamic, variable-capacity system that adapts to changing load conditions, preventing excessive heat exchange and energy waste during reduced load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the valve opening degree as a variable parameter that directly affects the mass flow rate of cooling fluid through the evaporator. By adjusting this parameter according to actual cooling demand, the system optimizes heat exchange capacity and eliminates energy waste that occurs when the system operates at fixed maximum capacity under reduced load conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a by-pass branch with throttle device is added to control cooling capacity, then cooling demand can be adjusted, but device complexity and overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the flow control function directly into the existing refrigerant circuit through a modulating valve installed in the evaporator inlet line. This eliminates the need for separate by-pass branches and throttle devices, achieving cooling capacity adjustment while maintaining circuit simplicity and avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulating valve serves multiple functions: it controls the mass flow rate of refrigerant, adjusts cooling capacity, and enables precise temperature control of the treated gas. This multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components (by-pass branch, throttle device, control valves), thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a by-pass branch is used to control heat load, then cooling capacity can be modulated, but manufacturing precision is compromised due to intrinsic manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical head loss control (which relies on fixed geometric restrictions and is subject to manufacturing tolerances) with an actively controlled modulating valve that uses electrical signals to precisely adjust the opening degree. This substitution of mechanical passive control with electro-mechanical active control enables precise modulation of cooling capacity independent of manufacturing difficulties associated with fixed orifice or capillary tube head loss control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the actual cooling demand (based on temperature and flow measurements of incoming air) is used to modulate the valve opening degree. This closed-loop control approach compensates for any variations and achieves precise cooling capacity control that is not dependent on intrinsic manufacturing precision of fixed restriction elements.
4Loss of energy
If the compressor is switched off and on at short intervals to reduce cooling capacity, then energy consumption can be reduced, but a non-negligible time period is required between stopping and re-starting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by continuously running the compressor at full capacity while using a modulating valve to dynamically adjust the refrigerant mass flow rate to match actual cooling demand. This eliminates the need for compressor cycling and associated restart time losses, as the system achieves part-load operation through continuous variable flow control rather than intermittent on/off operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulating valve acts as an intermediary between the continuously operating compressor and the cooling load. It mediates the mismatch between constant compressor output and variable cooling demand by controlling refrigerant flow, thereby eliminating the need to cycle the compressor and avoiding the time losses associated with restart periods.
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 allows for precise control of gas temperature and energy savings by adjusting the cooling capacity according to demand, reducing energy consumption and system complexity while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetically controlled valve with a calibrated passage hole allows for precise modulation of cooling capacity by controlling the flow of process fluid
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator which exchanges heat with the fluid being treated in order to reduce its temperature
Implementation Method 3
a compressor, a condenser, a throttling member and an evaporator
Implementation Method 4
a compressor, a condenser, a throttling member and an evaporator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4B
AI summary
Apparatus (100) for the cooling of a process fluid comprising a process fluid circuit along which there are provided in succession a compressor (1), a condenser (2), a first throttling member (3) and an evaporator (4) which can effect heat exchange with a fluid requiring treatment, and a regulating device (5). The regulating device (5) comprising an inlet chamber (52) and an outlet chamber (53), and a calibrated passage hole (51) which provides further communication between the inlet chamber (52) and the outlet chamber (53) in addition to a main passage.