Refrigeration cycle apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses using non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures face challenges in efficiently changing the refrigerant composition ratio to optimize performance for both cooling and heating operations, leading to reduced efficiency and capacity issues.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus with a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture comprising CO2 and HFO, utilizing an adsorption section with a specific adsorbent that preferentially adsorbs CO2, and a bypass flow path to control the refrigerant composition ratio dynamically, allowing for efficient switching between cooling and heating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigerant composition ratio is changed by adsorbing/desorbing refrigerant onto/from an adsorbent, then the refrigeration performance can be optimized for different operations, but the response speed and efficiency of composition change is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition of refrigerant between liquid and gas states, combined with selective adsorption/desorption on the adsorbent material. When the refrigerant composition needs to be changed, the system switches between adsorption mode (where the adsorbent captures specific refrigerant components) and desorption mode (where stored refrigerant is released), enabling rapid composition adjustment without manual intervention or complex separation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the composition ratio of the refrigerant mixture by controlling the adsorption and desorption processes. The adsorbent selectively adsorbs certain refrigerant components based on temperature and pressure conditions, thereby dynamically adjusting the refrigerant composition to optimize performance for different operational requirements (cooling vs. heating modes).
2Manufacturing precision
If additional storage or liquefaction equipment is added to control refrigerant composition, then the refrigerant composition ratio can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs an adsorbent material with porous structure that selectively adsorbs specific refrigerant components. This porous adsorbent acts as a passive separation medium, allowing precise control of refrigerant composition without requiring complex storage tanks, liquefaction units, or separation equipment. The adsorbent's selective absorption properties enable composition control through simple adsorption/desorption cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and utilizes only the essential function needed for composition control - the selective adsorption capability of the adsorbent material. By removing unnecessary storage and liquefaction equipment and retaining only the adsorption-based composition adjustment mechanism, the system achieves precise refrigerant composition control with minimal device complexity.
3Productivity
If the refrigeration cycle uses a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the heating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention dynamically adjusts the refrigerant composition ratio between cooling and heating operations using the adsorbent-based composition control system. During cooling operations, the refrigerant mixture is optimized for high cooling efficiency. When heating is required, the system activates the desorption process to adjust the composition ratio, ensuring adequate heating capacity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal performance for both cooling and heating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration cycle system is designed to perform both cooling and heating functions using the same non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture, with the adsorbent-based composition control enabling the system to adapt its refrigerant composition to suit different operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single system to efficiently provide both cooling and heating capabilities.
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 apparatus achieves high efficiency in cooling operations while ensuring heating capacity, with the ability to adjust refrigerant composition quickly and accurately, eliminating the need for additional storage or liquefaction equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The adsorption section includes an adsorbent. The adsorbent adsorbs the first refrigerant (CO2). The adsorbent does not adsorb the second refrigerant (HFO), or the adsorption performance of the adsorbent for the second refrigerant is lower than the adsorption performance thereof for the first refrigerant.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle, an adsorption section, and a first bypass flow path. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor, a radiator, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator, and uses a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture including a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant. The adsorption section includes an adsorbent and stores the first refrigerant adsorbed by the adsorbent. The adsorbent adsorbs the first refrigerant, and does not adsorb the second refrigerant or the adsorption performance thereof for the second refrigerant is lower than the adsorption performance thereof for the first refrigerant. The first bypass flow path connects a first end which is a high-pressure part of the refrigeration cycle and a second end which is a low-pressure part of the refrigeration cycle. The adsorption section and a valve are disposed in the first bypass flow path.