Refrigeration Circuit Flow Regulation for Precise Gas Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas drying systems face inefficiencies due to excessive heat exchange and energy waste when operating under reduced load, as they are typically designed for maximum load conditions, leading to complex and costly systems with imprecise cooling capacity control.
Innovation Solution
A cooling circuit with a regulating device featuring an electromagnetically controlled valve that selectively adjusts the process fluid flow, allowing precise modulation of cooling capacity and reducing energy consumption by controlling the temperature of the gas being treated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cooling circuit is dimensioned on the basis of maximum required load, then the system can meet peak cooling demands, but the system exchanges excessive heat when operating under reduced load, leading to energy waste and excessive temperature reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cooling circuit adjustable through a regulating device with variable aperture area. The aperture can be dynamically modified based on cooling load requirements, allowing the system to adapt from maximum to reduced load conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the cooling circuit to match its heat exchange capacity to actual demand, preventing excessive heat exchange and energy waste during reduced load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the regulating device aperture to control cooling capacity. By varying the aperture area, the system adjusts the flow characteristics and heat exchange rate. This parameter change allows the cooling circuit to operate efficiently across different load conditions, avoiding the energy waste associated with fixed-dimensioned systems operating below capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a by-pass branch with throttle device is added to control cooling capacity, then the system can operate under reduced cooling conditions, but the circuit complexity and overall dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the regulating function directly into the existing cooling circuit aperture rather than adding a separate by-pass branch. The movable shutter or flexible element is integrated within the aperture structure itself, combining the flow control function with the existing heat exchange pathway. This eliminates the need for additional by-pass components, maintaining adaptability while reducing circuit complexity and overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating device serves multiple functions: it controls cooling capacity, adjusts flow rate, and modulates heat exchange area all through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate by-pass branches and throttle devices, achieving adaptability without increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If valves with integrated by-pass branch are used, then cooling capacity can be controlled, but manufacturing precision and control accuracy are compromised due to intrinsic manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture control function into distinct components: a movable shutter or flexible element that can be precisely actuated, and a stationary housing with standardized features. This segmentation allows the critical control function to be achieved through simple, precise movements rather than complex integrated valve manufacturing, improving manufacturing precision while maintaining cooling capacity modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical valve systems with simpler actuation mechanisms such as electric motors, pneumatic actuators, or flexible membrane deformation. This substitution achieves precise aperture control through controlled displacement or area change rather than traditional valve machining, overcoming intrinsic manufacturing difficulties and improving control accuracy.
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 enables efficient control of gas temperature and energy savings without adding complexity or cost, allowing for precise modulation of cooling capacity based on demand, reducing energy consumption and preventing excessive temperature drops.
Implementation Method 1
a movable shutter (55) arranged to be movable between an open position, in which the main process fluid passage is open, and a closed position, in which the main process fluid passage is closed; a calibrated passage hole (51) which provides additional communication between the inlet chamber (52) and the outlet chamber (53)
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator (4) which forms a heat exchanger for performing a heat exchange with the gas to be treated, so as to dehumidify the latter
Implementation Method 3
a condenser (2); a first throttling member (3) and the evaporator (4) which forms a heat exchanger for performing a heat exchange with the gas to be treated, so as to dehumidify the latter
Implementation Method 4
a compressor (1)
Implementation Method 5
a first throttling member (3)
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the cooling of a process fluid. The apparatus comprises a process fluid circuit along which there are provided in succession a compressor, a condenser, a first throttling member and an evaporator which can effect heat exchange with a fluid requiring treatment, and a regulating device. The regulating device includes an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, and a calibrated passage hole which provides further communication between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber in addition to a main passage.