Variable-Frequency Compressor with Solar Thermal Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning systems lack efficiency in temperature control and energy utilization, particularly in varying cooling demands and solar radiation integration, leading to suboptimal performance and energy waste.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system incorporating a variable-frequency drive compressor, solar-sensitive modules, and a solar collector with a heat-sink to harness solar energy and adjust compressor speed based on temperature and radiation measurements, combined with a reversing valve for flexible operation modes, enabling efficient vapor-configuration refrigeration cycles and split-system air conditioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional fixed-speed compressor is used, then the system structure is simple, but the energy efficiency is poor and cannot adapt to varying cooling demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable-frequency drive to the compressor motor, enabling the compressor speed to be dynamically adjusted according to the actual cooling load and solar radiation conditions. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy efficiency by matching compressor output to demand, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates solar-sensitive modules that detect solar radiation levels and feed this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the compressor speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to proactively optimize energy usage based on external conditions, improving energy efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
2Loss of energy
If solar energy is integrated into the system, then energy efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar collector with the existing air-conditioning system architecture, integrating solar energy capture into the refrigerant cycle. The solar collector heats the refrigerant directly, reducing the energy burden on the compressor and thereby reducing overall energy waste. This merging approach minimizes the increase in system complexity by incorporating solar functionality into the existing system framework rather than adding completely separate subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collector serves multiple functions: it pre-heats the refrigerant entering the compressor, provides solar energy utilization for cooling, and integrates with the existing thermal management system. This multi-functionality reduces energy waste while keeping the added complexity manageable by maximizing the utility of each added component.
3Productivity
If the compressor speed is varied to optimize performance, then energy efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from solar-sensitive modules about solar radiation levels and automatically adjusts the compressor speed via the variable-frequency drive. This feedback-based automatic control improves cooling efficiency by optimizing compressor operation according to actual conditions while managing control system complexity through automated decision-making algorithms rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the solar radiation information to self-regulate compressor speed without requiring external control input. The controller autonomously determines the optimal compressor speed based on solar conditions, improving cooling efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple through self-service operation rather than complex external control mechanisms.
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 system optimizes energy usage by varying compressor speed and integrating solar energy, enhancing cooling efficiency and reducing energy consumption, while allowing for both cooling and heating modes with improved performance and reduced energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a solar collector (32) arranged so as to receive compressed refrigerant from the mechanical compressor and heat the compressed refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
The solar collector may further comprise a heat-sink associated with the refrigerant-carrying conduit, the heat-sink being configured to absorb solar energy and transfer it to the refrigerant-carrying conduit
Implementation Method 3
A compressor unit is provided to compress and thereby heat refrigerant which is provided thereto in a gaseous state
Implementation Method 4
The compressed a heated refrigerant is passed through condenser coils, where air is forced over them to release heat into the atmosphere, thereby condensing the refrigerant to liquid form
Implementation Method 5
thereby condensing the refrigerant to liquid form
Implementation Method 6
Air from the space is forced over evaporator coils, which causes heat from the space to be absorbed by the refrigerant, which becomes a gas
Implementation Method 7
The compressor unit may comprise a variable-frequency drive to vary the speed of the mechanical compressor
Implementation Method 8
The temperature control system may further comprise one or more solar-sensitive modules configured to measure the degree of solar radiation available to the solar collector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A temperature control system is provided, comprising a closed refrigerant circuit having an evaporator unit (12) configured for absorbing heat via the refrigerant, thereby evaporating it, a compressor unit (30) configured for increasing the pressure and temperature of refrigerant within the circuit, and a condenser unit (16) configured for rejecting heat from the refrigerant, thereby liquefying it. The compressor unit comprises a mechanical compressor configured for increasing the pressure of the refrigerant, a first thermal collector (32a) arranged upstream of the mechanical compressor, and a second thermal collector (32b) arranged downstream of the mechanical compressor, each of the thermal collectors being configured for utilizing an external heat source to increase the temperature of the refrigerant.