Sorption Refrigeration Control Using Evaporator Outlet Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sorption refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to fixed operating points, which are not adaptable to varying operating conditions, leading to suboptimal refrigerating capacity and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the duration of adsorption phases based on the temperature of the refrigerant outlet, using an averaged refrigerant outlet temperature as a reference to optimize refrigerating capacity and system efficiency by automatically terminating the sorption phase when the current outlet temperature matches the averaged temperature, thereby maximizing capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed time constants are predetermined for sorption phases, then the system operates at a defined operating point, but the system cannot adapt to varying operating conditions such as fluctuating cooling load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the refrigerant outlet temperature from the evaporator and comparing it with a reference temperature. Based on this temperature difference feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the duration of adsorption and desorption phases, enabling the system to adapt to varying cooling loads and operating conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple sensors throughout the system.
2Loss of energy
If sorption phase durations are prolonged, then adsorption and desorption are more complete and system efficiency increases, but refrigerating capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sorption phase durations variable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically adjusts the length of adsorption and desorption phases based on real-time refrigerant outlet temperature measurements. This allows the system to optimize the balance between completeness of sorption processes (affecting efficiency) and speed of operation (affecting capacity), adapting to different operating conditions to maximize overall performance.
3Productivity
If sorption phase durations are shortened, then refrigerating capacity increases, but adsorption and desorption become incomplete and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses refrigerant outlet temperature as a feedback parameter to determine when to terminate sorption phases. By monitoring the temperature difference between current and reference values, the system can automatically adjust phase durations to achieve optimal completion of adsorption and desorption processes, preventing both premature termination (which would reduce capacity) and excessive duration (which would reduce efficiency).
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 allows for flexible adjustment of the operating point, ensuring optimal refrigerating capacity and system efficiency according to changing conditions, maximizing refrigerating capacity while improving system efficiency by terminating the adsorption process at the point of reduced effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorbate is adsorbed in the adsorber unit, and heat is dissipated
Implementation Method 2
a desorption takes place and the adsorbate is expelled, and heat is absorbed
Implementation Method 3
a cooling agent, e.g. cooling water, flows substantially continuously through a condenser
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerating fluid flows substantially continuously through an evaporator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the power of a sorption refrigeration system, comprising an adsorber unit, a condenser (C), and an evaporator (E) through which a cooling carrier fluid (KT) flows, with alternating application of the adsorber unit by a valve unit (HV_IN, HV_OUT) operated via a controller, having a circuit process of at least one sorption phase and at least one heat recovery phase, wherein a measurement of a current cooling carrier outlet temperature (Takt) is carried out in the return of the evaporator, a calculation of an averaged cooling carrier outlet temperature (Tgem) is carried out during the first and second sorption phases with a comparison to the current cooling carrier outlet temperature (Takt), and a control signal is trigger upon completion of the sorption phase as a function of the difference between the averaged cooling carrier outlet temperature (Tgem) and the current cooling carrier outlet temperature (Tgem). The invention provides a corresponding device.