Refrigeration system using emergency electric power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face issues during power outages, leading to refrigerant pressure increase and potential damage due to overheating, necessitating additional backup components that complicate the system and require routine maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system design that utilizes emergency electric power to operate during outages, using a controller to manage power distribution among existing compressors, preventing overpressurization and allowing continued operation with minimal additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional backup components are added to handle power outages, then system reliability during outages is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing compressors multi-functional by enabling them to operate in both normal cooling mode and emergency pressure control mode. The same compressors that cool the refrigerant during normal operation are used to control refrigerant pressure during power outages, eliminating the need for separate backup components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (compressors, control system, refrigerant) to handle power outage conditions without requiring external backup systems. The control system automatically detects power outages and redirects existing components to provide pressure control functionality.
2Reliability
If additional backup components are added to handle power outages, then system reliability during outages is improved, but routine maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By making existing compressors perform dual functions (cooling and pressure control), the patent eliminates separate backup components that would require additional maintenance. The same components already in the maintenance schedule are used for both normal and emergency operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If emergency power mode is implemented, then refrigerant overpressurization is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
During power outages, the system applies partial action by running compressors at reduced capacity or intermittently, just enough to control refrigerant pressure rather than providing full cooling. This excessive action relative to the minimum needed ensures pressure control while minimizing energy consumption during emergency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors refrigerant pressure and compressor operation, using feedback to adjust compressor runtime and capacity. When pressure reaches safe levels, compressors are cycled off or reduced, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining safe pressure control.
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
Prevents refrigerant overpressurization and maintains system functionality during power outages with reduced complexity and maintenance needs, utilizing existing components efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a first compressor to compress the refrigerant in the tank
Implementation Method 2
control the temperature and pressure of refrigerant as it moves through the refrigeration system
Data Source
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AI summary
In certain embodiments, a refrigeration system (100) comprises an emergency electric power supply (110) configured to supply power to at least one motor drive (140) of the system (100). The system (100) further comprises a power switch (130) coupled to the emergency electric power supply (110), a tank (150) configured to store a refrigerant, a first compressor (141) configured to compress the refrigerant of the tank (150), and a controller (120) coupled to the power switch (130) and the first compressor (141). The controller (120) may receive an indication from the power switch (130) that the system (100) is using the emergency electric power supply (110), and in response to receiving the indication from the power switch (130) that the system (100) is using the emergency electric power supply (110), operate the system (100) in a first power outage mode. The controller (120) may determine an amount of power to supply to the first compressor (141) based on the first power outage mode and transmit a signal to instruct the first compressor (141) to turn on.