Refrigeration system for cooling a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration systems for refrigerated containers lack the necessary variability in refrigeration capacity and evaporation temperature to efficiently cool or freeze goods under diverse climatic conditions, are not adaptable to different cargo requirements, and have limitations in space and mass efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with at least two speed-controlled compressors, controllable valve devices, and an internal heat exchanger or intermediate-pressure liquid separator, allowing for adjustable operation modes (NK and TK) to match refrigeration capacity and temperature requirements, using CO2 as a natural refrigerant for compactness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-stage or two-stage refrigeration system is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the refrigeration capacity and evaporation temperature cannot be varied to meet different cargo requirements and climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigeration system adjustable and adaptable through variable speed compressors and controllable valve devices that can change operating parameters in real-time. The system transitions from fixed configuration to dynamic adjustment, allowing compression ratio, refrigeration capacity, and evaporation temperature to be varied according to different cargo requirements and external climatic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling variation of key operating parameters including compression ratio, refrigeration capacity, and evaporation temperature. Through speed-controlled compressors and controllable valve devices, the system can adjust these parameters to match different cargo cooling requirements and adapt to changing external temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and operational versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the refrigeration system is designed for universal use, then adaptability to different cargo and climatic conditions is improved, but the space requirement and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a refrigeration system that can serve multiple functions and adapt to various cargo types and climatic conditions through a single integrated platform. The speed-controlled compressors and controllable valve devices enable the same system to handle different temperature requirements and capacity demands without requiring multiple specialized systems, achieving universal applicability while managing system mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capabilities allow a compact system design that achieves universal applicability through software-controlled parameter variation rather than hardware multiplication. The system can adapt its performance characteristics digitally through speed and valve control, avoiding the need for multiple physical system configurations that would increase mass and space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the refrigeration system operates at fixed compression ratio, then the system operation is simplified, but energy consumption increases under varying external temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor external temperature conditions and cargo temperature requirements, then automatically adjust compression ratio and refrigeration capacity through speed-controlled compressors and controllable valve devices. This closed-loop control maintains operational simplicity while optimizing energy consumption by adapting to varying external conditions rather than requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed compression ratio to dynamic adjustment, where the compression ratio varies automatically in response to external temperature conditions and cargo requirements. This dynamic operation maintains ease of use through automated control while significantly reducing energy consumption by matching system performance to actual operating conditions rather than maintaining fixed high-capacity settings.
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 flexible adaptation of refrigeration capacity and temperature to meet various cargo needs, operates efficiently under different climatic conditions, and reduces energy consumption, making it suitable for universal use in refrigerated containers.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant is compressed in one or more stages in one or more compressors to a higher pressure and thus to a condensation temperature above the heat sink (container environment) and then cooled by heat release to the environment in a gas cooler or in a condenser
Implementation Method 2
then cooled by heat release to the environment in a gas cooler or in a condenser and then returned to in one or more stages to the pressure in the evaporator, resulting in liquid refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a refrigeration system for cooling the interior of a mobile refrigerated space, for example a refrigerated container, comprising two speed-controlled compressors, which can be operated in parallel as a single stage or one after the other as two stages by means of one controllable bypass line per compressor and a controllable valve device between the pressure side and the suction side of each compressor. The valve devices receive signals from a controller having algorithms, into which the usage temperature and ambient temperature are fed as a target value or measured value. The most energy-efficient operating modes and the rotational speeds of the compressors result from the requirements profile of the container refrigeration.