Refrigeration system having a heat pump function for a motor vehicle, having a single sensor device on the low-pressure side
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems for motor vehicles require multiple pressure and temperature sensors on the low-pressure side, leading to a complex structure that can be simplified while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a single sensor device configured to detect both pressure and temperature, positioned either downstream or upstream of the refrigerant collector, simplifying the system design and enabling efficient monitoring and regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor devices are arranged on the low-pressure side to monitor refrigerant conditions at various points, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single sensor device located at the compressor outlet. This single device monitors pressure and temperature conditions that reflect the state of refrigerant throughout the low-pressure side, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor device at the compressor outlet serves multiple monitoring purposes: it detects refrigerant charge status, identifies overheating conditions, monitors pressure variations, and provides data for control decisions. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors positioned at different locations
2Reliability
If multiple sensor devices are installed to provide comprehensive monitoring data, then reliability of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function into a single sensor location at the compressor outlet, where the sensor captures critical refrigerant state information that reflects system-wide conditions, maintaining reliability while reducing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor device provides continuous feedback to the control unit about refrigerant charge status and system conditions. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust expansion valve positioning and compressor operation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable operation through active regulation rather than passive multiple-sensor monitoring
3Device complexity
If a single sensor device is used to simplify the system structure, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single sensor device is positioned at the compressor outlet where it can detect pressure and temperature that serve as indicators for multiple refrigerant conditions including charge status, overheating, and flow issues. This strategic location allows one sensor to perform what would traditionally require multiple sensors at different positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in pressure and temperature parameters at the compressor outlet to infer refrigerant conditions throughout the system. By detecting parameter variations and using control algorithms to interpret these changes, the system achieves accurate condition assessment with a single sensor location
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 single sensor arrangement allows for precise and rapid detection of refrigerant conditions, reducing system complexity, cost, and weight, while maintaining efficient operation across various load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant compressor (12) which is connectable or connected to a primary line (14)
Implementation Method 2
a directly or indirectly acting external heat exchanger (18), which is arranged in the primary line (14)
Implementation Method 3
a first evaporator (22), which is arranged in the primary line (14)
Implementation Method 4
a first directly or indirectly acting heat exchanger, in particular a chiller (28), which is arranged fluidically in parallel to the evaporator (22)
Implementation Method 5
a single sensor device is arranged downstream of the evaporator (22) and the further heat exchanger, in particular the chiller (28), which is configured to detect the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant on the low-pressure side
Implementation Method 6
a single sensor device is arranged downstream of the evaporator (22) and the further heat exchanger, in particular the chiller (28), which is configured to detect the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system having a heat pump function for a motor vehicle. The refrigeration system includes: a refrigerant compressor which is connectable or connected to a primary line; a directly or indirectly acting external heat exchanger, which is arranged in the primary line; a first evaporator, which is arranged in the primary line; a first directly or indirectly acting heat exchanger, in particular a chiller, which is arranged fluidically in parallel to the evaporator; and a refrigerant collector arranged on the low-pressure side. A single sensor device is arranged downstream of the evaporator and the further heat exchanger, in particular the chiller, which is configured to detect the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant on the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system.