Method for matching refrigeration load to compressor capacity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigeration systems face wear issues due to frequent compressor switching on and off, and existing methods require central control systems to minimize this wear.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows each refrigeration entity to adjust its refrigeration load based on a compressor control parameter's error value, measured locally, to match the cooling capacity of the compressors, thereby reducing compressor switching and wear without needing a central control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If compressors are switched on and off to match cooling capacity to refrigeration load, then cooling capacity matching is improved, but compressor wear increases due to frequent switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacity matchingVSAvoidcompressor wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of controlling compressor capacity to match refrigeration load (conventional approach), the invention inverts the control logic by adjusting refrigeration load to match compressor capacity. Each refrigeration entity monitors compressor control parameters and adjusts its operating status accordingly, thereby minimizing compressor switching while maintaining cooling capacity匹配.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a central control system is used to control refrigeration entities, then cooling capacity matching is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling capacity matchingVSAvoidcentral control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the control function into independent segments at each refrigeration entity rather than using a centralized control system. Each entity controller independently monitors compressor control parameters and adjusts its own refrigeration load, eliminating the need for complex central control infrastructure while achieving coordinated system-wide capacity matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each refrigeration entity performs self-control by monitoring compressor control parameters locally and autonomously adjusting its refrigeration load. This decentralized self-service approach eliminates dependency on central control systems while maintaining optimal cooling capacity matching across the entire refrigeration system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9719700B2Method for matching refrigeration load to compressor capacity

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 DANFOSS AS

AI summary

A method for controlling operation of a refrigeration system (1), including one or more refrigeration entities (4), is disclosed. Each entity controller (7) obtains a measure for an error value between the measured value of a compressor control parameter and a setpoint value (8) for the compressor control parameter, and each entity controller (7) adjusts a refrigeration load of the corresponding refrigeration entity (4) to correspond to a cooling capacity of the compressor(s) (2), and in accordance with the obtained measure for an error value.