Refrigeration device with two temperature zones and method of operation for same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-circuit refrigeration devices with multiple storage zones at different temperatures face challenges in efficiently distributing cooling capacity, particularly in varying ambient temperatures, leading to inadequate cooling of colder zones during cold environments, which is not energy-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration system with a compressor, multiple evaporators, and temperature sensors that control the refrigerant flow and fan power to dynamically allocate cooling capacity between zones, allowing for adjustable compressor speeds and fan operation to optimize cooling distribution based on temperature readings from both storage zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-circuit refrigeration device is used with evaporators connected in series, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the cooling capacity distribution between storage zones becomes fixed and cannot be adjusted for varying ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigerant flow distribution adjustable rather than fixed. A control unit dynamically regulates the refrigerant flow to each evaporator based on ambient temperature conditions and cooling demands, allowing the system to adapt its cooling capacity distribution in real-time while maintaining the simple single-circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of refrigerant flow rate to each evaporator based on operating conditions. By varying the refrigerant flow parameters to the first and second evaporators independently, the system can optimize cooling capacity distribution for different ambient temperatures while keeping the overall device structure simple.
2Device complexity
If the refrigerant circuit is controlled based on a single measured temperature from the warmer storage zone, then the control system complexity is reduced, but the cooling demand of the colder storage zone cannot be adequately met in cold environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using temperature sensors in both the warmer and colder storage zones. The control unit receives temperature feedback from both zones and uses this information to independently regulate refrigerant flow to each evaporator, ensuring that the cooling performance of the colder zone is adequately met while maintaining efficient control.
3Reliability
If a heater is installed in the warmer storage zone to provide sufficient cooling capacity for the colder storage zone in cold environments, then the cooling reliability is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal mechanism (heater) with a mechanical/refrigerant-based solution. Instead of using a heater to provide cooling capacity indirectly, the system uses a control unit to directly regulate refrigerant flow to evaporators, providing efficient cooling without the energy waste associated with heating methods.
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 approach enhances energy efficiency by allowing flexible allocation of cooling capacity, maintaining desired temperatures across both zones over a wider range of ambient conditions without increasing manufacturing costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first evaporator, which acts as a heat exchanger between the refrigerant acting as a first heat transfer medium and air as a second heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 2
a fan arranged to circulate air between the first evaporator and at least the first storage zone
Implementation Method 3
a compressor for circulating a refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A refrigeration appliance has a first and a second storage zone (1, 2), a refrigerant circuit for cooling the two storage zones (1, 2) to different temperatures, which includes a compressor (10) for circulating a refrigerant and at least one first evaporator (6; 16) which acts as a heat exchanger between the refrigerant as a first heat transfer medium and air as a second heat transfer medium, a fan (9) which is arranged to circulate the air between the first evaporator (6; 16) and at least the first storage zone (1), and a [missing information] attached to the first evaporator (6;16) arranged first temperature sensor (14), a second temperature sensor (13) arranged on the second bearing zone (2) and a control unit (12) for controlling the power of the compressor (10) on the basis of the temperature (T2) measured by the second temperature sensor (13) and the flow rate of at least one of the heat transfer media through the heat exchanger on the basis of the temperature (T1) measured by the first temperature sensor (14).;