Refrigeration apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration apparatuses face inefficiencies in power consumption due to the need for continuous compressor operation during dehumidification, which compromises their power-saving modes and overall energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with a controller that switches between normal, dehumidification, and power-saving operation modes, utilizing an economizer heat exchanger and adjustable intake proportional valve to optimize refrigerant circulation and compressor operation, allowing for intermittent compressor use while maintaining temperature and humidity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous compressor operation is performed during dehumidification, then dehumidification performance is ensured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compressor operation mode adjustable between continuous and intermittent operation. The control unit dynamically switches between normal operation mode (continuous compression) and power-saving operation mode (intermittent compression with storage tank discharge), allowing the system to adapt between ensuring dehumidification performance and reducing power consumption based on actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the compressor by introducing a power-saving operation mode where the compressor operates intermittently rather than continuously. Additionally, the system changes parameters by adjusting refrigerant circulation amount through the intake proportional valve and utilizing stored refrigerant from the storage tank to maintain dehumidification effectiveness while reducing energy input.
2Use of energy by moving object
If intermittent compressor operation is implemented for power saving, then power consumption decreases, but dehumidification performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing refrigerant in the storage tank during periods when dehumidification is not the primary need. The accumulated refrigerant is then discharged during power-saving operation mode to maintain sufficient refrigerant circulation for effective dehumidification, ensuring that intermittent compressor operation does not compromise dehumidification performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank acts as an intermediary between the compressor and the refrigeration system. It buffers refrigerant supply, allowing the compressor to operate intermittently while still providing sufficient refrigerant to the evaporator for effective dehumidification during power-saving operation mode.
3Measurement precision
If compressor always operates to ensure temperature control precision, then temperature control precision is maintained, but power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts compressor operation based on actual temperature control needs. During power-saving operation mode, the compressor runs intermittently, relying on thermal inertia and stored refrigerant to maintain temperature precision. The control unit monitors temperature and switches between operation modes to balance precision requirements with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor operates periodically rather than continuously in power-saving mode, cycling between on and off states. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption while the system uses thermal mass and refrigerant storage to maintain temperature control precision between cycles.
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 greater power efficiency while ensuring effective dehumidification and cooling performance, reducing energy consumption by allowing the compressor to operate intermittently during power-saving modes.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant flowing in the cooling heat exchanger absorbs heat from interior air and evaporates to cool the interior air
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an economizer heat exchanger and adjustable intake proportional valve to optimize refrigerant circulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a refrigeration apparatus that cools interior air by a cooling heat exchanger, operation is made possible with greater power efficiency than conventionally achieved while fulfilling the operating condition for both dehumidification and cooling of interior air. The refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a controller 50. The controller 50 performs normal operation control for controlling drive of the exterior fan 15 and the compressor 11 in order to bring the interior temperature to a target temperature, dehumidification control in which the interior humidity is adjusted to a predetermined target range of the high-humidity region, and power-saving control which is implemented by the control of drive of the exterior fan 15 and the compressor 11 such that a change in the interior temperature is kept within a temperature range based on the target temperature. The controller 50 switches from the dehumidification control to the power-saving control in the case where the interior humidity has become a lower limit value of the target range of the high-humidity region or less.