Refrigeration device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigeration devices face challenges in energy efficiency and heating capacity, particularly at ultralow temperatures, due to limitations in compressor displacement ratios and design incompatibility with energy efficiency, which restrict their performance in cold regions.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a refrigeration device with a main compressor unit and an auxiliary compressor unit connected in parallel, along with an air-liquid separator and electromagnetic valve, allows for variable capacity modes and improved displacement ratios, enhancing heating capacity and energy efficiency through selective switching and parallel connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If double-stage or quasi-double-stage compression intermediate air-supplying and enthalpy-enhancing technology is adopted, then low-temperature heating capacity and COP are improved, but the improvement amplitude is limited and compressor exhaust temperature reduction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capacityVSAvoidimprovement amplitude
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression system is segmented into a first compression mechanism and a second compression mechanism that operate independently or in combination. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where the first mechanism handles primary compression while the second mechanism provides supplementary compression or intermediate cooling, enabling greater optimization of heating capacity and COP compared to fixed double-stage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs variable capacity control where the second compression mechanism can be dynamically adjusted or bypassed based on operating conditions. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different temperature and load conditions, maximizing heating capacity and energy efficiency across a wider range of operating conditions rather than being limited to fixed displacement ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If displacement ratio of high pressure stage to low pressure stage is restricted, then two-stage throttling incomplete inter-cooling is achieved, but air-supplying and enthalpy-enhancing proportion is limited and design incompatibility with heat pump application occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign compatibilityVSAvoidcompression system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression system is designed with universal applicability for both air conditioner and heat pump applications. The first and second compression mechanisms can be configured in multiple ways - the second mechanism can supplement the first, bypass it, or operate independently - allowing the same basic system architecture to serve different climate control needs without requiring application-specific redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate cooling mechanism between the first and second compression stages. This intermediary cooling system allows flexible adjustment of the intermediate temperature and pressure conditions, enabling optimal performance for different applications by mediating the transition between compression stages rather than being constrained by fixed displacement ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If conventional compressor configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but ultralow temperature heating capacity and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveultralow temperature heating capacityVSAvoidcompressor unit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor system is divided into a first compression mechanism and a second compression mechanism that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the system to provide supplementary compression at ultralow temperatures, significantly enhancing heating capacity while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs that can be manufactured and serviced separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes in compression ratio and intermediate cooling conditions by activating or deactivating the second compression mechanism based on temperature conditions. This allows optimal compression parameters to be achieved for ultralow temperature operation without requiring completely different hardware, thereby improving heating capacity and energy efficiency with moderate system complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter 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 configuration significantly improves ultralow temperature heating capacity and energy efficiency, surpassing double-stage compression devices by achieving high energy efficiency and capability across a wider operating range, while eliminating the need for auxiliary electric heaters and enhancing safety.

Implementation Method 1

double-stage or quasi-double-stage compression intermediate air-supplying and enthalpy-enhancing technology, including two-stage throttling incomplete inter-cooling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInter-cooling: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

two-stage throttling incomplete inter-cooling and one-stage throttling incomplete inter-cooling circulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrottling: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP3133356B1Refrigeration device
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3133356B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3133356B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3133356B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention discloses a refrigeration device, including: a first compressor unit (101), an indoor heat exchanger (3) and an outdoor heat exchanger (2), sequentially communicated, the first compressor unit (101) including two compression chambers connected in series; a first throttle device (401) and a second throttle device (402), sequentially connected in series and provided between an outlet of the indoor heat exchanger (3) and an inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger (2); and an air supply device (5), provided between the first throttle device (401) and the second throttle device (402), an inlet of the air supply device (5) is communicated with the first throttle device (401), a first outlet of the air supply device (5) is communicated with an air supply port of the first compressor unit (101), and a second outlet of the air supply device (5) is communicated with the second throttle device (402). The refrigeration device further includes a second compressor unit (102). An air intake port (B) of the second compressor unit (102) is communicated with an outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger (2). An outlet (E) of the second compressor unit (102) is communicated with the air supply port (C) of the first compressor unit (101) and an air exhaust port (D) of the first compressor unit (101) by means of a three-way valve (10), respectively.