Refrigeration system with leak detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems in transportation refrigeration systems often require multiple refrigeration circuits to maintain distinct temperatures in different compartments, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased complexity, and there is a need to manage refrigerant leaks effectively to prevent temperature fluctuations and damage to goods.
Innovation Solution
A single-temperature transportation refrigeration system with a refrigeration circuit that includes two evaporators in parallel, each with its own enclosure and detection sensors, and shut-off valves controlled by a controller to isolate the evaporators in case of a refrigerant leak, allowing for continued operation with reduced capacity to maintain compartment temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple refrigeration circuits are used to maintain distinct temperatures in different compartments, then temperature control capability is improved, but system complexity and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration circuits into a single integrated system with a common condenser and compressor. The single refrigeration circuit uses multiple evaporators (first evaporator and second evaporator) that can operate independently or together, allowing the system to maintain different temperatures in different compartments while reducing overall system complexity and improving efficiency.
2Reliability
If refrigerant leaks are not detected and isolated quickly, then temperature stability is maintained, but goods are damaged and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements refrigerant detection sensors and automatic shut-off valves that are pre-positioned and configured to detect refrigerant leaks and isolate affected evaporators before significant temperature fluctuations occur. The controller continuously monitors refrigerant levels and automatically closes the appropriate shut-off valve when a leak is detected, preventing further refrigerant loss and maintaining temperature stability in unaffected compartments.
3Reliability
If evaporators are isolated upon leak detection, then temperature control reliability is improved, but system productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into independent evaporator units (first evaporator and second evaporator), each with its own shut-off valve and refrigerant detection sensor. This segmentation allows the system to isolate only the affected evaporator when a refrigerant leak occurs, while the other evaporator continues to operate and maintain temperature control in its designated compartment, thereby preserving overall system productivity.
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 and controlled temperature maintenance in a single compartment by isolating leaks and reducing the risk of temperature fluctuations, thereby protecting goods and extending the time before undesirable temperature conditions are reached, even if a refrigerant leak occurs.
Implementation Method 1
A first refrigerant detection sensor in communication with a controller... configured to identify the presence of refrigerant in an atmosphere of the first enclosure
Implementation Method 2
a compressor compresses a refrigerant and delivers it into a condenser
Implementation Method 3
The refrigerant is cooled and passes through an expansion valve
Implementation Method 4
The refrigerant is cooled and passes through an expansion valve. The refrigerant is expanded
Implementation Method 5
The evaporator cools air to be delivered into an environment to be conditioned
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation refrigeration system includes a compartment to be conditioned. A refrigeration circuit is associated with an enclosure including a compressor. A condenser and an expansion valve are upstream of a first evaporator and a second evaporator. The first evaporator is in parallel with the second evaporator. A first enclosure surrounds the first evaporator. The first enclosure includes a first refrigerant detection sensor in communication with a controller. A second enclosure surrounds the second evaporator. The second enclosure includes a second refrigeration detection sensor in communication with the controller.