Solar-Augmented Refrigeration Cycle for Compressor Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration cycles, such as heat pumps and air conditioners, suffer from low total system energy efficiency ratio (EER), necessitating improvements to enhance energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a solar heat exchanger assembly between the compressor and condenser or condenser and expansion valve in the refrigeration cycle to harness solar energy, optimizing refrigerant state and pressure control for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional refrigeration cycle is used, then the system can transfer heat between areas, but the total system energy efficiency ratio (EER) is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a solar thermal subsystem with the conventional vapor-compression refrigeration cycle by integrating a solar collector and heat exchanger that pre-heat the refrigerant before it enters the compressor. This merging of solar energy capture with the existing refrigeration components creates a hybrid system that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameters of the refrigerant by pre-heating it using solar energy before compression. This parameter change (increasing refrigerant temperature prior to compression) reduces the work required by the compressor and improves the coefficient of performance (COP) and energy efficiency ratio (EER) of the system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar energy is integrated into the refrigeration cycle, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector assembly serves multiple functions: it captures solar energy, heats the refrigerant, and can operate in conjunction with the existing refrigeration cycle components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate systems and manages complexity by making the added components versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat exchanger acts as an intermediary component that facilitates heat transfer from the solar collector to the refrigerant without requiring direct contact or complex integration. This intermediary simplifies the coupling between the solar thermal subsystem and the vapor-compression cycle, reducing overall system 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
The integration of a solar heat exchanger improves refrigeration cycle efficiency by reducing the energy required to compress refrigerant to desired pressures, resulting in increased EER during both heating and cooling modes.
Implementation Method 1
Integration of a solar heat exchanger assembly between the compressor and condenser or condenser and expansion valve in the refrigeration cycle to harness solar energy
Implementation Method 2
Heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigeration/freezer systems can utilize a circulating refrigerant that transitions between a saturated liquid state and a saturated vapor state
Implementation Method 3
Condenser 60 is a heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant by heating the environment around condenser 60
Implementation Method 4
Evaporator 80 is a heat exchanger that heats the refrigerant by cooling the environment around evaporator 80
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a refrigeration cycle device that includes refrigerant, a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a solar heater, a sensor, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a controller, the method including compressing the refrigerant using the compressor, in the condenser, cooling the refrigerant and condensing the refrigerant into a liquid state, in the solar heater, heating the refrigerant using solar energy, using the sensor, determining a pressure or a temperature of the refrigerant after it has been heated in the solar heater, and controlling the speed of the variable speed compressor using a closed-loop control scheme based at least in part on the determined pressure or temperature of the refrigerant.