Refrigeration Control System for Ice Rink Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems for units, such as ice rinks, lack energy-efficient and resource-saving control methods, leading to high energy consumption and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration control system and method that includes a refrigeration machine connected to a unit via fluid lines, a tank, and a pump, with a control box equipped with sensors and electronics to monitor and adjust parameters like temperature, humidity, and energy consumption, allowing for time-dependent setpoints and automatic regulation to reduce energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous refrigeration is provided to maintain optimal ice quality, then ice quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic temperature measurements at predetermined intervals to determine when refrigeration is needed, rather than continuous operation. The control method activates the refrigeration machine only when the temperature exceeds the optimal range, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining ice quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automatic self-regulation through temperature sensors and control algorithms that monitor ice temperature and autonomously activate or deactivate the refrigeration machine. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual monitoring and operation, optimizing energy use based on actual ice conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If refrigeration is activated frequently to maintain ice temperature, then ice temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method implements periodic temperature monitoring at predetermined intervals rather than continuous activation. The refrigeration machine is activated only when temperature measurements indicate it is necessary, creating an on-demand periodic operation pattern that maintains temperature stability while minimizing energy consumption from frequent activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the refrigeration activation threshold based on ambient temperature conditions. When ambient temperature is low, the activation threshold is raised to prevent unnecessary operation; when ambient temperature is high, the threshold is lowered to ensure adequate cooling. This parameter adaptation optimizes the balance between temperature stability and energy consumption.
3Temperature
If the refrigeration machine operates at full capacity, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method applies partial action by activating the refrigeration machine only when and to the extent actually needed based on temperature measurements. Rather than continuous full-capacity operation, the system uses minimal necessary cooling intervals, applying just enough refrigeration to maintain optimal ice temperature, thereby significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including activation thresholds and cooling duration based on ambient temperature conditions. This adaptive parameter change allows the refrigeration machine to operate at full capacity only when necessary for high ambient temperatures, while reducing or eliminating operation during low ambient temperature periods, optimizing the balance between cooling effectiveness and energy consumption.
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 energy savings of 20-30% by optimizing refrigerant flow and consumption based on real-time parameters, reducing CO2 pollution and enabling remote monitoring and control.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigeration machine with an outlet which is fluidly connected to the unit via a first line in order to supply a refrigerant to the unit
Implementation Method 2
A pump is connected downstream of the tank, which pumps the refrigerant to an inlet of the refrigerating machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A system (1) and a method for controlling the refrigeration output of at least one unit (2) are disclosed. The refrigeration is generated by a refrigeration machine (4). A refrigerant (7) is conveyed from the refrigeration machine (4) to a unit (2) to deliver the refrigeration to the unit (2). A control box (10) is associated with the refrigeration machine (4). The electronics in the control box (10) are communicatively connected to several sensors (201, 202,...,20N) for determining various parameters of the system (1). Based on the measured parameters, the control box (10) can be used to control the system (1).