Refrigeration system with condenser temperature differential setpoint control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems for temperature-controlled display devices are inefficient as they fail to account for the characteristics of liquid coolants, often operating at maximum capacity to achieve unattainable temperature setpoints due to coolant temperatures being higher than the refrigerant condensing setpoint temperature.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a controller that modulates the flow of coolant through the condenser by monitoring coolant temperature differentials, adjusting the control valve to maintain a setpoint temperature differential between the coolant and refrigerant condensing temperature, and operating within constraints to optimize energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the controller operates the liquid cooling system at maximum capacity to achieve a refrigerant condensing setpoint temperature, then the temperature control accuracy is improved, but the energy consumption increases and the system components experience excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed refrigerant temperature setpoint to a variable setpoint that is dynamically adjusted based on the coolant temperature. The controller calculates the setpoint as coolant temperature plus a predetermined differential value, allowing the system to adapt to varying coolant conditions and avoid unnecessary energy expenditure while maintaining adequate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously monitoring the coolant temperature and adjusting the refrigerant condensing setpoint accordingly. Instead of operating at maximum capacity with a fixed setpoint, the system dynamically modulates the cooling output to match actual thermal conditions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control accuracy when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the controller operates the liquid cooling system at maximum capacity to achieve a refrigerant condensing setpoint temperature, then the temperature control accuracy is improved, but the reliability of system components deteriorates due to excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed refrigerant temperature setpoint to a variable setpoint that is dynamically adjusted based on the coolant temperature. The controller calculates the setpoint as coolant temperature plus a predetermined differential value, allowing the system to adapt to varying coolant conditions and avoid unnecessary energy expenditure while maintaining adequate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by continuously monitoring the coolant temperature and adjusting the refrigerant condensing setpoint accordingly. Instead of operating at maximum capacity with a fixed setpoint, the system dynamically modulates the cooling output to match actual thermal conditions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control accuracy when needed.
3Device complexity
If the controller uses a fixed refrigerant temperature setpoint independent of coolant temperature, then the control system simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to coolant temperature variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the coolant temperature and using this information to dynamically adjust the refrigerant condensing setpoint. The controller calculates the appropriate setpoint based on the measured coolant temperature plus a predetermined differential, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to varying coolant conditions while maintaining straightforward control 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
This approach ensures efficient operation by preventing unnecessary energy expenditure and stress on system components, maintaining optimal temperature control while accounting for coolant characteristics, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the refrigeration system.
Implementation Method 1
a heat removing device in fluid communication with the condenser via the coolant
Implementation Method 2
evaporated to provide cooling by absorbing heat into the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a refrigeration circuit that circulates a refrigerant, a separate cooling circuit that circulates a coolant, and a controller. The refrigeration circuit includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The cooling circuit includes a pump, a control valve, and a heat removing device in fluid communication with the condenser via the coolant. The controller is operatively coupled to the control valve and configured to identify a coolant temperature differential setpoint, monitor a temperature of the coolant provided to the condenser by the cooling circuit, calculate a coolant temperature differential based on the temperature of the coolant provided to the condenser, and operate the control valve to modulate a flow of the coolant through the condenser to drive the coolant temperature differential to the coolant temperature differential setpoint.