Refrigerator having a refrigeration system with first and second conduit paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for increased efficiency in single compressor refrigerators, as existing systems face challenges in minimizing expansion losses and optimizing cooling capacity.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a single compressor, featuring parallel conduit paths and a sub-cooler with alternating refrigerant flow, where the flow control device directs refrigerant through either a low-pressure or high-pressure path to reduce expansion losses and enhance sub-cooling, thereby increasing the available cooling capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If refrigerant flows continuously through a single conduit path, then the system structure is simple, but expansion losses increase and cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single conduit path is segmented into two separate conduit paths (first and second conduit paths) that operate alternately. This segmentation allows the system to reduce expansion losses by directing refrigerant through different paths with different expansion arrangements, while the flow control device manages the alternation between paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by alternately directing refrigerant flow through the first conduit path and second conduit path using the flow control device. This periodic switching enables the system to capture sub-cooling effects during one path operation and utilize them during the other path operation, thereby reducing overall expansion losses.
2Productivity
If a single compressor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling capacity and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented into two separate conduit paths, each with its own expansion arrangement and evaporator configuration. This allows a single compressor to effectively perform the work of two compressors by alternating refrigerant flow between the two paths, thereby increasing overall cooling capacity without adding a second compressor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic flow control by using a flow control device to alternately direct refrigerant through different conduit paths based on system conditions. This dynamic switching optimizes the operating conditions of the single compressor and expansion arrangements, enhancing overall system efficiency and cooling capacity.
3Temperature
If expansion arrangements are used to reduce refrigerant pressure, then refrigerant can evaporate effectively, but expansion losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by alternately operating two expansion arrangements in different conduit paths. During one cycle, the first expansion arrangement operates while the second is recovering sub-cooling effects, and vice versa. This periodic operation allows the system to mitigate expansion losses while maintaining effective refrigerant evaporation temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful expansion losses into a beneficial effect by capturing sub-cooling during one path operation and utilizing it during the other path operation. The flow control device manages this conversion by switching between paths, thereby transforming energy loss into useful cooling capacity.
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 configuration reduces expansion losses and increases the cooling capacity of the refrigeration system, achieving higher efficiency with the same compressor work, allowing for effective temperature control in compartments above or below 0 degrees Celsius.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-cooler comprising a first refrigerant channel and a second refrigerant channel... as refrigerant flows through the second conduit path and the second channel of the sub-cooler, the sub-cooler is cooled, and when refrigerant flows through the first conduit path and the first channel of the sub-cooler, the sub-cooler is utilized for sub-cooling refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
Passing through the expansion arrangement, the pressure of the liquid refrigerant is reduced... a first expansion arrangement, a second expansion arrangement
Implementation Method 3
The liquid refrigerant at low pressure evaporates in the evaporator... the evaporator is arranged in thermal communication with the compartment of the refrigerator. Thus, the evaporator cools the compartment
Implementation Method 4
Gaseous refrigerant is compressed in the compressor... Gaseous refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and condenses to liquid phase in the condenser
Implementation Method 5
condenses to liquid phase in the condenser... Gaseous refrigerant is compressed in the compressor and condenses to liquid phase in the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerator (2) comprising a refrigeration system (4) being at least intermittently flowed through by a refrigerant and a first compartment (6) cooled by the refrigeration system (4) is provided. System components comprise a single compressor (10), a condenser (12), a first expansion arrangement (14), a second expansion arrangement (16), a first evaporator (18), and a sub-cooler (20) comprising a first refrigerant channel (22) and a second refrigerant channel (24). The refrigeration system (4) comprises a first conduit path (26) and a second conduit path (28), the first conduit path (26) comprising the first refrigerant channel (22), the first expansion arrangement (14), and the first evaporator (18), and the second conduit path (28) comprising the second expansion arrangement (16) and the second refrigerant channel (24). A flow control device (30) for alternately directing refrigerant through the first conduit path (26) and the second conduit path (28) is arranged in the refrigeration system (4). Further a method of controlling a refrigerator is provided.