Refrigeration cycle device and three-way flow rate control valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration cycle devices with multiple cooling compartments, energy efficiency is compromised when one compartment's cooling is suppressed due to uneven refrigerant distribution, and temperature changes alter the flow rate ratio between compartments, leading to reduced mixer effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle device with a compressor, mixers, and switchers that control refrigerant flow rates to ensure continuous circulation to both compartments, adjusting flow rates based on temperature differences and elapsed time to maintain optimal refrigerant distribution and prevent excessive refrigerant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If refrigerant flow is stopped to one evaporator to suppress cooling of one storage compartment, then energy consumption is reduced, but the mixer effect cannot be maintained and refrigerant distribution becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigerant flow path configurable and adaptable. The system dynamically switches between different flow path configurations (first flow path for single compartment cooling, second flow path for dual compartment cooling with mixer effect) based on operational requirements, allowing the mixer effect to be maintained when needed while enabling energy-saving modes when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refrigerant flow path into distinct configurable paths with separate control mechanisms. By dividing the flow path into segmentable sections that can be independently controlled, the system can selectively route refrigerant through different evaporators and maintain the mixer effect in specific configurations while suppressing cooling in others, resolving the contradiction between energy saving and mixer effect maintenance.
2Temperature
If all refrigerant is circulated to one cooler to cool one storage compartment, then cooling performance is improved, but refrigerant amount becomes excessive and energy efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling selective refrigerant distribution to different evaporators based on specific cooling requirements. The configurable flow path allows refrigerant to be directed locally to the evaporator serving the storage compartment that requires cooling, preventing excessive refrigerant flow to evaporators that don't need cooling, thus improving energy efficiency while maintaining adequate cooling performance where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant flow distribution based on real-time cooling demands of different storage compartments. By making the flow path configurable and adaptable, the system can shift refrigerant flow from one evaporator to another as cooling requirements change, ensuring optimal cooling performance without excessive refrigerant consumption and maintaining energy efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If refrigerant flow rate ratio between coolers is changed according to temperature change during cooling, then cooling adaptability is improved, but mixer effect is reduced and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigerant flow path configurable based on operational mode rather than continuously adjusting flow rates according to temperature changes. The system switches between discrete flow path configurations (first flow path for single compartment mode, second flow path for dual compartment mode) which maintains the mixer effect in dual compartment operation while providing adaptability for different cooling scenarios, avoiding the energy efficiency loss associated with continuous flow rate modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refrigerant flow control into distinct operational modes with dedicated flow paths. By dividing the control strategy into segmented modes (single compartment cooling mode with suppressed mixer effect, dual compartment cooling mode with active mixer effect), the system achieves cooling adaptability for different scenarios while maintaining energy efficiency through the mixer effect when both compartments are actively cooled.
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 solution maintains energy efficiency by preventing refrigerant imbalance and optimizing refrigerant distribution, ensuring effective cooling and reducing energy consumption across multiple compartments.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector having an inlet connected to the first evaporator, a suction hole connected to the second evaporator, and an outlet connected to the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a refrigeration cycle device and three-way flow rate control valve. In a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, first and second coolers configured to cool first and second storage compartments at least, respectively, and a mixer configured to mix refrigerants that have passed through the first and second coolers, a refrigerant flow path is switched so that refrigerants of first and second flow rates are circulated to the first and second coolers, respectively, while the first and second storage compartments are being cooled, and a refrigerant flow path is switched so that a refrigerant of a specific flow rate, which is smaller than a first flow rate but is not zero, is circulated to the first cooler after cooling of the first storage compartment is completed.