Refrigeration cycle system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The driving frequency of the pump in conventional refrigeration cycle systems cannot always vary quickly in response to fluctuations in the flow rate of the heat medium, leading to unstable temperatures and potential destabilization of the flow rate.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle system that includes a heat source apparatus with a refrigerant circuit, a heat medium heat exchanger, a flow rate acquisition device, and a controller. The controller adjusts the operating capacity of the compressor based on the flow rate information, allowing for more precise control of the refrigerant flow and stabilization of the heat medium temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pump driving frequency is varied in accordance with the flow rate of the heat medium, then the temperature stability of the heat medium is improved, but the pump cannot always vary quickly enough leading to temperature instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump frequency adjustment system with a compressor capacity control system. Instead of varying the pump driving frequency to match heat medium flow rate changes, the system varies the compressor operating capacity in response to flow rate variations detected by the flow rate acquisition device. This substitution allows for more precise and responsive control of refrigerant flow to match heat medium flow conditions, resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and response speed.
2Measurement precision
If the pump driving frequency is greatly changed to match flow rate variations, then the flow rate control precision is improved, but the flow rate becomes destabilized leading to temperature instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the flow rate acquisition device continuously monitors the heat medium flow rate, and the controller adjusts the compressor capacity based on this feedback. This closed-loop control allows for precise matching of refrigerant flow to heat medium flow without causing destabilization, as the adjustments are incremental and responsive rather than abrupt. The feedback system maintains both precision and stability by continuously adapting to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the compressor capacity that adapts to changing operating conditions. Instead of fixed pump frequency settings, the system dynamically adjusts compressor operating capacity in response to real-time flow rate measurements. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying load conditions while preserving flow rate stability through gradual, controlled adjustments.
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 improved stability of the heat medium temperature by dynamically adjusting the compressor's operating capacity in response to changes in the heat medium flow rate, thereby maintaining consistent temperature regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat medium heat exchanger configured to cause the heat medium and the refrigerant to exchange heat with each other
Implementation Method 2
the heat medium and the refrigerant to exchange heat with each other
Implementation Method 3
refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit
Implementation Method 4
a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle system includes a heat source apparatus and a controller. The heat source apparatus is configured to cool or heat a heat medium through refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant circuit and includes a heat medium heat exchanger, a flow rate acquisition device, and a compressor. The heat medium heat exchanger causes the heat medium and the refrigerant to exchange heat with each other. The flow rate acquisition device acquires flow rate information that is information regarding a flow rate of the heat medium that flows through the heat medium heat exchanger. The compressor compresses the refrigerant. The controller varies an operating capacity of the compressor and causes the compressor to operate at the operating capacity thus varied.