Refrigeration system and throttle control method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration systems using throttle orifice plates have a non-adjustable throttle effect, making it difficult to meet demands for low pressure height and high flow rate conditions, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a non-adjustable main throttle element and an auxiliary bypass path equipped with an adjustable electronic expansion valve, controlled by a liquid level sensor and controller to dynamically adjust the throttle area based on refrigerant levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a throttle orifice plate is used in the refrigeration system, then the processing is convenient and cost is moderate, but the throttle effect is non-adjustable and cannot meet low pressure height and high flow rate conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigeration system is divided into two separate flow paths: a main throttle flow path with a non-adjustable orifice plate and a bypass flow path with an adjustable electronic expansion valve. This segmentation allows each path to have specialized throttle characteristics, with the bypass path providing adjustable capacity to meet varying operational demands while the main path provides stable baseline throttling.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass flow path acts as an intermediary mechanism that supplements the main throttle flow path. The electronic expansion valve in the bypass path provides the necessary adjustability and additional capacity when low pressure height and high flow rate conditions occur, working in conjunction with the fixed orifice plate to achieve overall system adaptability.
2Reliability
If a throttle orifice plate is used in the refrigeration system, then the cost is moderate and performance is stable, but the throttle area is difficult to meet demand under low pressure height and high flow rate conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the refrigerant flow into two paths with different throttle characteristics. The main throttle flow path with the orifice plate provides stable and reliable baseline performance, while the bypass flow path with the electronic expansion valve provides additional capacity and flexibility to meet high flow rate demands during low pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass flow path introduces dynamic adjustability through the electronic expansion valve, which can modulate its opening to provide variable capacity. This dynamic element complements the static orifice plate, allowing the system to adapt its total throttle capacity based on real-time operational conditions while maintaining the stability of the main path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable auxiliary throttle element is added to the bypass flow path, then the system adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent flow paths, each with its own throttle mechanism. This segmentation allows the auxiliary bypass path with the electronic expansion valve to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire system architecture. The modular nature of the segmentation minimizes the increase in overall system complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass flow path with the electronic expansion valve serves multiple functions: it provides adjustable capacity supplementation, enables adaptation to varying operational conditions, and can operate independently or in conjunction with the main throttle path. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive adaptability benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration system, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a throttle flow path, and an evaporator connected in sequence, wherein a non-adjustable main throttle element is disposed in the throttle flow path; and further comprising a bypass flow path, wherein the bypass flow path is connected to the throttle flow path respectively at the upstream and downstream of the main throttle element, and provided with an adjustable auxiliary throttle element thereon; a liquid level sensor, disposed upstream and/or downstream of the throttle flow path, and configured to detect the liquid level; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the opening of the auxiliary throttle element according to a liquid level signal from the liquid level sensor.