Refrigeration system with emergency cooling using dedicated compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face challenges during power outages, as refrigerants can overheat and over-pressurize, requiring venting and leading to system damage and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a refrigeration system with an auxiliary compressor connected to a backup power supply, which operates to move refrigerant from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side during a power outage, preventing overheating and over-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigeration system operates during a power outage without additional components, then the system structure remains simple, but the refrigerant temperature and pressure rise and exceed the design pressure, causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an auxiliary compressor as an intermediary component that activates during power outages to maintain refrigerant circulation. This mediator prevents the harmful effects of stagnant refrigerant (overheating and over-pressurization) while keeping the main system structure intact. The auxiliary compressor serves as a bridge between the power failure condition and system protection, resolving the contradiction by adding a targeted component rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary compressor is pre-installed in the system but remains inactive during normal operation. Before the power outage occurs, the system is configured with this standby component ready to activate. When power failure is detected, the auxiliary compressor immediately begins operation to prevent refrigerant temperature and pressure from rising to dangerous levels, thus performing the protective action in advance before damage can occur.
2Reliability
If the refrigeration system vents refrigerant during a power outage to prevent over-pressurization, then the system pressure is reduced, but refrigerant is lost and requires recharging, increasing maintenance costs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary compressor acts as an intermediary that maintains the pressure balance within the system during power outages by continuing to circulate refrigerant. Instead of venting refrigerant to the atmosphere, the auxiliary compressor keeps the refrigerant contained and moving, preventing pressure buildup while avoiding refrigerant loss. This resolves the contradiction by providing an alternative mechanism to pressure control that doesn't involve substance loss.
3Reliability
If the refrigeration system uses a dedicated auxiliary compressor powered by backup power supply, then refrigerant circulation is maintained during power outages, but additional components and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compressor function by introducing a separate auxiliary compressor that operates independently from the main compressor. This segmentation allows the auxiliary unit to be specifically optimized for power outage conditions and controlled separately by the backup power supply and controller. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the emergency function into a dedicated component that can be activated only when needed, rather than requiring the entire system to be redesigned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the auxiliary compressor can be selectively activated based on power availability. The controller monitors the power supply status and dynamically switches between the main compressor (normal operation) and the auxiliary compressor (power outage). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction by adding complexity only when necessary while maintaining simplicity during normal operation.
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 solution reduces the need for refrigerant venting, decreases maintenance costs, and minimizes system downtime by maintaining refrigerant temperatures at safe levels during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
causes the auxiliary compressor to turn on to move refrigerant from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side
Implementation Method 2
a gas cooler configured, while the refrigeration system is powered by a main power supply and is operating to provide refrigeration, to cool refrigerant on the high-pressure side
Implementation Method 3
one or more evaporators. Each of the one or more evaporators is configured, while the refrigeration system is powered by the main power supply and is operating to provide refrigeration, to cool a corresponding space
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system includes a high-pressure side with a gas cooler configured, while the refrigeration system is powered by a main power supply and is operating to provide refrigeration, to cool refrigerant on the high-pressure side. The refrigeration system includes a low-pressure side with one or more evaporators. The refrigeration system includes an auxiliary compressor coupled to a backup power supply. An input of the auxiliary compressor is coupled to fluid conduit of the low-pressure side, and an output of the auxiliary compressor is coupled to fluid conduit of the high-pressure side. A controller is communicatively coupled to the auxiliary compressor. After determining that the main power supply is unavailable, the controller causes the auxiliary compressor to turn on to move refrigerant from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side.