Refrigeration apparatus and temperature control apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cooling multiple objects or spaces with varying temperature control requirements, leading to increased unit size and energy consumption due to the need for multiple refrigeration and liquid circulation systems, and complexity in assembly and operation.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration apparatus with a first and second refrigeration circuit, including a supercooling bypass and branch flow paths, supercooling and expansion valves, and evaporators, which allows for efficient cooling of multiple objects or spaces with different temperature control needs, while reducing unit size and energy consumption through the use of a common compressor and condenser, and adjustable injection and return circuits for stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple refrigeration apparatuses and liquid circulation apparatuses are provided for multiple temperature control objects, then each object can be cooled according to its specific temperature control range, but the unit size and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple refrigeration functions into a single integrated refrigeration apparatus by providing a common compressor and condenser that serve multiple evaporators through different refrigeration circuits. This allows multiple temperature control objects to be cooled by one shared system rather than requiring separate refrigeration apparatuses for each object, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability to different temperature control ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into multiple independent refrigeration circuits (first refrigeration circuit, second refrigeration circuit, etc.), each with its own expansion valve and evaporator that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for specific temperature control requirements while sharing common components, achieving both adaptability and energy efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple refrigeration apparatuses and liquid circulation apparatuses are provided for multiple temperature control objects, then each object can be cooled according to its specific temperature control range, but the unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple refrigeration functions into a single integrated apparatus by sharing common components (compressor, condenser) across multiple refrigeration circuits. This merging approach allows the system to serve multiple temperature control objects with different temperature requirements while occupying less space than would be required for separate refrigeration apparatuses for each object
Solution Approach 2:
The common compressor and condenser are designed to serve multiple evaporators through different refrigeration circuits, making these components universal and multi-functional. This multi-functionality allows a single refrigeration apparatus to handle multiple temperature control objects with varying temperature control ranges, reducing the overall unit size while maintaining versatility
3Area of stationary object
If the same refrigeration apparatus and liquid circulation apparatus are combined for all temperature control objects, then the unit size is reduced, but energy consumption increases due to excessively high performance specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigeration system into multiple segmented circuits, each with its own expansion valve and evaporator that can be independently controlled and optimized for specific temperature control ranges. This segmentation prevents the need to use a single high-performance system for all applications, allowing each circuit to operate at optimal efficiency for its specific requirements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining a compact unit size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through multiple expansion valves and independent refrigeration circuits that can be activated or deactivated based on the specific temperature control requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its performance level to match the actual cooling needs, avoiding the energy waste associated with using a consistently high-performance system for all temperature control objects
4Use of energy by stationary object
If different combinations of refrigeration apparatus and liquid circulation apparatus are used for different temperature control ranges, then energy consumption is reduced, but the number of components increases and assembly burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple refrigeration apparatuses into a single integrated system by providing a common compressor and condenser that serve multiple evaporators through different refrigeration circuits. This merging approach reduces the total number of components compared to using separate refrigeration apparatuses for each temperature control range, while still allowing energy-efficient operation through independent circuit control
Solution Approach 2:
The common compressor and condenser are designed as universal components that can serve multiple evaporators with different temperature control requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the ability to operate efficiently across different temperature ranges through selective circuit activation
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
The solution enables efficient cooling of multiple objects or spaces with varying temperature requirements while minimizing unit size and energy consumption, improving temperature control stability and reducing assembly complexity by using a single compressor and condenser with multiple evaporators and adjustable circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a supercooling heat exchanger disposed on the downstream side of the supercooling control valve in the supercooling bypass flow path, the supercooling heat exchanger being configured to heat-exchange the refrigerant which has flown to the downstream side of the supercooling control valve, with the refrigerant which flows through a part of the first refrigeration circuit
Implementation Method 2
a first evaporator disposed on the downstream side of the first expansion valve in the first refrigeration circuit, the first evaporator being configured to evaporate the refrigerant which has been expanded by the first expansion valve
Implementation Method 3
a second evaporator disposed on the downstream side of the second expansion valve in the branch flow path, the second evaporator being configured to evaporate the refrigerant having flown out from the second expansion valve
Implementation Method 4
a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion valve and a first evaporator are connected such that a refrigerant is circulated in this order
Implementation Method 5
a compressor, a condenser, a first expansion valve and a first evaporator are connected such that a refrigerant is circulated in this order
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration apparatus includes first and second refrigeration circuits, and a supercooling circuit. The supercooling circuit includes a supercooling bypass flow path which communicates a part of the first refrigeration circuit positioned on the downstream side of the condenser and on the upstream side of the first expansion valve, to a compressor on the first refrigeration circuit; a supercooling control valve; and a supercooling heat exchanger disposed on the downstream side of the supercooling control valve in the supercooling bypass flow path. The supercooling heat exchanger is configured to cool the refrigerant flowing through a part of the first refrigeration circuit, on the downstream side of a connection position to the supercooling bypass flow path. The second refrigeration circuit includes: a branch flow path which branches from a part of the first refrigeration circuit, on the upstream side of the connection position to the supercooling bypass flow path.