Refrigerant Header Control Using Shared Sensors for Multi-Evaporator Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration devices with multiple cooling elements are typically controlled individually based on separate temperature and pressure measurements for each element, which can be complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a single pressure sensor and single temperature sensor to provide output signals for controlling multiple cooling elements, with a signal splitting device to distribute the signals to each superheat valve, allowing for unified control and potential signal boosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual temperature and pressure measurements are used for each cooling element, then control precision for each element is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors and pressure sensors into a single shared sensor that measures both temperature and pressure simultaneously. This single sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to control multiple cooling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a universal sensor that performs multiple functions - measuring both temperature and pressure parameters that would traditionally require separate measurement devices. This multi-functional approach simplifies the control system architecture while preserving measurement precision for controlling multiple cooling elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control systems are used for each cooling element, then control adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed as a universal controller that manages multiple cooling elements through a single interface. This unified control approach maintains adaptability to different cooling element requirements while significantly improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to interact with multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions for different cooling elements are merged into a single control system that receives input from a single temperature and pressure sensor. This consolidation maintains the ability to adaptively control each element while presenting a simplified operational interface.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for each cooling element, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple temperature sensors and pressure sensors into a single integrated sensor unit. This reduces the total number of sensors required, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the measurement precision needed for controlling multiple cooling elements.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal sensor design measures both temperature and pressure simultaneously, replacing what would traditionally require two separate sensors per cooling element. This multi-functional sensor reduces component count and manufacturing complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration device includes a control device and a multiple cooling elements. A supply header delivers refrigerant to the cooling elements and a return header returns refrigerant from the cooling elements. A single pressure sensor provides a signal representative of a pressure of the refrigerant in the return header to the control device, and a single temperature sensor provides a signal representative of a temperature of the refrigerant in the return header to the control device. The control device provides an output signal to control each of the cooling elements, in response to the signals from the single temperature sensor and the single pressure sensor.