Refrigeration Case Control for Automatic Cooling Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems require separate control modules for low and medium temperature modes, necessitating user intervention and increased costs for mode conversions.
Innovation Solution
A control module that determines the operating mode by comparing actual refrigerant temperature to predetermined setpoints, allowing automatic switching between low and medium temperature modes without user manipulation, using a superheat valve to modulate refrigerant flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional control module with a single predetermined reference value is used, then the refrigeration device can operate in one cooling mode, but a separate control module is required for each cooling mode conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed to perform multiple functions by storing and switching between multiple predetermined reference values corresponding to different cooling modes. The module can determine the actual cooling mode by comparing actual temperature readings with multiple stored reference values and automatically switch between low temperature and medium temperature cooling modes, eliminating the need for separate control modules for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module changes its operational parameters by selecting different predetermined reference values based on the desired cooling mode. The module stores multiple reference values with different tags indicating different cooling modes, and switches between these parameter sets to adapt to different operational requirements without hardware changes.
2Ease of operation
If the refrigeration device is equipped with a conventional control module, then the control structure is simple, but the user must manually add and/or replace a control module to complete the conversion process between cooling modes
Solution Approach 1:
The control module automatically determines the actual cooling mode by comparing actual temperature readings with multiple stored reference values and performs mode conversion without requiring user intervention. The module self-adjusts by selecting the appropriate predetermined reference value based on the desired cooling mode, eliminating the need for users to manually add or replace control modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module预先 stores multiple predetermined reference values corresponding to different cooling modes in its memory. This preliminary preparation allows the module to quickly switch between modes by simply selecting the appropriate stored reference value, rather than requiring users to install different hardware components for each mode.
3Reliability
If separate control modules are used for different cooling modes, then each control module can be optimized for its specific mode, but the expense and time required to convert the refrigeration device between cooling modes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module maintains high reliability for both cooling modes by storing multiple predetermined reference values that are each optimized for their specific cooling mode. The module can determine the actual mode and select the appropriate reference value, achieving control precision comparable to dedicated single-mode modules while eliminating the need for multiple separate hardware components.
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
Enables seamless conversion between cooling modes without additional hardware changes, reducing operational expenses and time, while maintaining desired temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The control module is configured to obtain a saturation temperature of the refrigerant and compare the saturation temperature to a predetermined setpoint temperature to determine which one of the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode the refrigeration system is to operate within
Implementation Method 2
a superheat valve to modulate a flow of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlled case is provided that includes an enclosure defining an airspace for receiving products therein, a refrigeration system configured to circulate a refrigerant through an expansion device and at least one cooling element to cool the airspace and a control module having a first predetermined setpoint corresponding to a first cooling mode and a second predetermined setpoint corresponding to a second cooling mode. The control module is configured to determine which one of the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode the refrigeration system is to operate within and to apply the corresponding predetermined setpoint for reference in modulating a position of the expansion device.