Self-regulating valve for a vapour compression system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapour compression systems with ejectors face inefficiencies due to varying ambient temperatures, requiring manual switching between 'summer' and 'winter' modes, which complicates efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained valve system with a non-return valve arrangement and control mechanism that automatically adjusts refrigerant flow based on pressure differences between the receiver and evaporator, ensuring efficient operation regardless of ambient temperature without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the ejector is used to supply refrigerant from the evaporator to the compressor, then power consumption is reduced, but the system requires manual switching between summer and winter modes which complicates operation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve automatically detects ambient temperature conditions and self-adjusts the refrigerant flow path without requiring manual intervention. The control mechanism monitors temperature and autonomously switches between summer mode (ejector operation) and winter mode (direct compressor supply), making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual mode switching while maintaining energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism incorporates temperature sensing feedback to automatically adjust valve position and refrigerant flow distribution. Based on ambient temperature feedback, the system determines whether to route refrigerant through the ejector (summer) or directly to the compressor (winter), enabling automatic adaptation to changing environmental conditions and optimizing power consumption across different operating scenarios
2Ease of operation
If the valve controls refrigerant flow automatically, then operation is simplified, but the device complexity increases due to additional control components
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is integrated within the existing valve structure, merging the temperature sensing, control logic, and flow regulation functions into a single unified component. This consolidation achieves automatic control capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by eliminating separate control units and reducing the number of discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a flow control valve for refrigerant distribution, a temperature sensor, and a control actuator all in one device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving automatic operation without proportionally increasing device complexity
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
Automatically switches the vapour compression system between 'summer' and 'winter' modes, optimizing refrigerant flow and reducing power consumption by adjusting refrigerant supply from the receiver and evaporator to the compressor unit based on ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return valve arrangement arranged to allow a fluid flow from the second inlet towards the first outlet, but to prevent a fluid flow from the first outlet towards the second inlet
Implementation Method 2
a control valve mechanism arranged to control a fluid flow from the first inlet towards the first outlet
Implementation Method 3
An ejector is a type of pump which uses the Venturi effect to increase the pressure energy of fluid at a suction inlet (or secondary inlet) of the ejector by means of a motive fluid supplied to a motive inlet (or primary inlet) of the ejector
Data Source
AI summary
A valve (9) for use in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. The valve (9) comprises a first inlet (13) arranged to be connected to a gaseous outlet (11) of a receiver (6), a second inlet (14) arranged to be connected to an outlet of an evaporator (8), a first outlet (15) arranged to be connected to an inlet of a compressor unit (2), a non-return valve arrangement (19) arranged to allow a fluid flow from the second inlet (14) towards the first outlet (15), but to prevent a fluid flow from the first outlet (15) towards the second inlet (14), and a control valve mechanism (20) arranged to control a fluid flow from the first inlet (13) towards the first outlet (15).