Active management of refrigerant charge between condenser loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems face challenges in managing refrigerant charge efficiently, leading to suboptimal performance and efficiency, particularly in varying operating conditions, as they rely on accumulators or charge compensators that can only optimize capacity for specific modes.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with multiple condenser loops and a network of refrigerant control valves and sensors dynamically manages refrigerant charge based on operating mode, using sensors to monitor superheat and subcooling, and adjusting valve operations to maintain optimal refrigerant levels, eliminating the need for accumulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If accumulators or charge compensators are used to store extra refrigerant charge, then refrigerant charge management is possible, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the refrigerant charge management function into multiple condenser loops (first and second condenser loops) that can independently store and release refrigerant. Each condenser loop acts as a separate segment for charge management, eliminating the need for a centralized accumulator while distributing the storage function across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensers serve dual functions: they condense refrigerant during normal operation and simultaneously act as storage vessels for excess refrigerant charge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated storage components like accumulators, reducing overall system size while maintaining charge management capability.
2Quantity of substance
If accumulators or charge compensators are used to store extra refrigerant charge, then refrigerant charge management is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the refrigerant storage function with the existing condenser components. By integrating charge management into the condenser loops that already exist in the system, additional dedicated storage devices and their associated controls are eliminated, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensers perform multiple functions including refrigerant condensation, heat rejection, and charge storage. This consolidation of functions into existing components reduces the number of separate devices needed, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If refrigerant charge is optimized for specific modes using accumulators, then capacity is improved for those modes, but performance in varying operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts refrigerant charge distribution between the first and second condenser loops based on real-time operating conditions. The control system monitors system state and actively redistributes refrigerant charge to optimize performance for the current operating mode, enabling adaptation across varying conditions rather than being fixed for a single mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the distribution parameters of refrigerant charge between different condenser loops based on operating mode. By adjusting which condenser loop holds excess charge and how much charge each loop contains, the system optimizes capacity for current operating conditions while maintaining adaptability to future mode changes.
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 approach allows for a more compact system design with improved capacity and efficiency across various operating conditions, optimizing refrigerant charge distribution for enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor having (i) a compressor outlet, and (ii) a compressor inlet coupled to the evaporator outlet
Implementation Method 2
a first condenser loop coupled between the compressor outlet and the evaporator inlet, the first condenser loop comprising: a first inlet valve, a first condenser
Implementation Method 3
an evaporator having an evaporator inlet and an evaporator outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system comprises: an evaporator having an evaporator inlet and an evaporator outlet; a compressor having (i) a compressor outlet, and (ii) a compressor inlet coupled to the evaporator outlet; a first condenser loop coupled between the compressor outlet and the evaporator inlet, the first condenser loop comprising: a first inlet valve, a first condenser, and a first redistribution valve coupling the first condenser loop to the compressor inlet; and a second condenser loop coupled between the compressor outlet and the evaporator inlet, the second condenser loop comprising: a second inlet valve, a second condenser, and a second redistribution valve coupling the second condenser loop to the compressor inlet.