Refrigerator Cooling Branch Pressure Control for Icing and Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face issues with the cooling of heat sinks in motor control systems, leading to overheating, icing, or condensation, which can cause malfunctions and damage.
Innovation Solution
Setting the minimum evaporation temperature of the heat sink above the freezing point of water and using an evaporation pressure regulator to ensure the temperature remains above the dew point, with a minimal refrigerant flow during startup to prevent overheating and ensure quick temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat sink is cooled strongly in the control cooling branch, then the electronic power components are cooled effectively, but icing or condensation occurs on the heat sink causing malfunctions in motor control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting a minimum evaporation temperature for the refrigerant in the heat sink that is above the freezing point of water. This parameter adjustment prevents the heat sink temperature from dropping below freezing, thereby avoiding icing and condensation while still providing effective cooling for the electronic power components.
2Productivity
If the evaporation pressure is reduced to increase cooling capacity, then the heat sink cooling efficiency improves, but the temperature falls below freezing point causing icing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the evaporation temperature parameter to a minimum value that is above the freezing point of water. This ensures that even when cooling capacity is increased, the temperature remains in a safe range that prevents icing, while still allowing effective heat dissipation from the electronic components.
3Device complexity
If refrigerant flow is restricted during start-up phase, then temperature control is simplified, but the heat sink overheats before cooling begins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring that the minimum evaporation temperature is set above freezing point before the start-up phase begins. This pre-established parameter setting prevents icing and condensation from occurring during the critical start-up period, even before the cooling system fully activates, thereby simplifying control while protecting the electronics.
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
Prevents icing and condensation on the heat sink, ensuring reliable operation and extending the lifespan of electronic components by maintaining a stable temperature above freezing and dew points.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling element (40) in which a minimum evaporation temperature of the heat sink is above a freezing point temperature of water
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink is arranged that is thermally connected to electronic power components of the motor control
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve a refrigeration system, comprising a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant compressor, a condenser following the refrigerant compressor, an expansion device following the condenser and an evaporator following the expansion device are arranged, said evaporator being connected in return with the refrigerant compressor, wherein the refrigerant compressor has a variable speed drive motor controlled by an electronic motor control unit and a control cooling branch through which refrigerant flows and which branches off from the refrigerant cycle between the condenser and the expansion device and which is guided to a connection of the refrigerant compressor and in which a heat sink that is thermally conductively connected to electronic power components of the motor control unit is arranged, in such a manner that malfunctions in the motor control unit are avoided to the greatest possible extent, a regulating system for the control cooling branch is provided which, during operation of the refrigerant compressor, regulates a temperature of the heat sink such that a minimum evaporation temperature of the heat sink lies above a freezing point temperature and below a condensation temperature of the refrigerant in the condenser.