Refrigeration apparatus and operating method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration apparatuses using carbon dioxide as a coolant have low energy efficiency, even with the implementation of secondary economizer branches, due to structural complexity and inefficiencies in the thermodynamic process.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with a closed circuit incorporating a reciprocating compressor and a secondary economizer branch, where the inlet section of the secondary economizer branch is between the cooling device and expansion means, and the outlet section is near the main compressor's suction, utilizing a control device to divert coolant from the secondary economizer branch to drive the reciprocating compressor's piston and reintroduce it, thereby enhancing coolant flow and efficiency without mixing with compressed coolant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a secondary economizer branch is added to improve energy efficiency, then energy efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the economizer function with the compressor drive function by using the secondary economizer branch to simultaneously precool the coolant and drive the reciprocating compressor. The coolant flowing through the economizer heat exchanger provides both cooling and mechanical work to drive the compressor, eliminating the need for separate drive mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary economizer branch serves multiple functions: it precools the coolant before it enters the evaporator, and simultaneously generates mechanical work to drive the reciprocating compressor. This multi-functionality improves energy efficiency while avoiding the need for additional separate components, thereby not increasing device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If coolant flow rate is increased to improve efficiency, then energy efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by utilizing the pressure differential of the coolant flowing through the secondary economizer branch to drive the reciprocating compressor. The high-pressure coolant from the economizer directly actuates the compressor piston, converting fluid pressure into mechanical work without requiring additional pumps or motors, thus increasing efficiency without adding complexity.
3Power
If a reciprocating compressor is added to improve coolant compression, then compression efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating compressor is driven by the coolant itself from the secondary economizer branch, making the system self-service. The coolant's own pressure energy is used to drive the compressor that compresses it further, eliminating the need for external drive mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high compression efficiency.
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 configuration increases the flow rate of coolant within the circuit, enhancing the refrigeration apparatus's energy efficiency by utilizing the higher pressure coolant from the secondary economizer branch to drive the reciprocating compressor, thereby improving overall system performance without adding structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the higher pressure coolant from the secondary economizer branch to drive the reciprocating compressor
Implementation Method 2
at least one cooling device to cool said coolant
Implementation Method 3
at least one evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
Refrigeration apparatus (1) having a closed circuit (C) in which a flow rate (P) of coolant circulates, said closed circuit comprising at least one main branch (M) provided with at least one main compressor (2), at least one cooling device (3) to cool said coolant, expansion means (4) to expand the coolant and at least one evaporator (5), said closed circuit further comprising at least one secondary economizer branch (100) for at least one fraction of flow rate (X1) of said coolant, wherein the inlet section (100a) of said at least one first secondary economizer branch (100) is arranged in a length (101) of said closed circuit (C) comprised between said cooling device (3) and said expansion means (4) and the outlet section (100b) of said at least one secondary economizer branch (100) is arranged in proximity of the suction of said main compressor (2), said main branch (M) further comprises at least one reciprocating compressor (6) arranged between said evaporator and said main compressor. Said at least one secondary economizer branch comprises at least one control device for diverting at least one portion (X2) of said fraction (X1) of coolant coming from said secondary economizer branch (100) to drive the reciprocating compressor.