Sorption Refrigeration Control Using Outlet Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sorption refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to a fixed time cycle for adsorption and desorption phases, which cannot adapt to changing operating conditions, leading to suboptimal cooling capacity and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures the refrigerant's outlet temperature in the return line, calculates an averaged temperature, and compares it with the current temperature to adjust the duration of the adsorption process, using this difference to control the sorption phase and optimize cooling capacity and system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the phase duration is extended to improve adsorption completeness, then system efficiency increases, but cooling capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of phase durations based on real-time temperature monitoring. The control unit continuously measures refrigerant temperature and adapts the adsorption/desorption phase lengths to match actual system conditions, replacing fixed time constants with flexible, condition-based timing that optimizes both efficiency and capacity
2Ease of operation
If fixed time constants are used for adsorption phases, then system operation is simplified, but adaptability to changing operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor refrigerant conditions and feed this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts phase durations and valve operations based on this feedback, enabling the system to automatically adapt to changing loads and environmental conditions while maintaining simple operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed time constants to dynamic, real-time adjustment of operational parameters. The control unit modifies phase durations and valve timing based on current temperature measurements, allowing the system to adapt its behavior to match actual operating conditions
3Productivity
If short phase durations are used, then cooling capacity increases, but adsorption completeness decreases requiring higher system power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic temperature-based control to optimize phase durations, allowing the system to achieve adequate adsorption completeness without unnecessarily long phases. The control unit adjusts timing based on real-time temperature feedback, enabling efficient operation that balances cooling capacity delivery with energy consumption
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 the sorption refrigeration system to automatically adjust its operating point to changing conditions, maximizing cooling capacity and maintaining optimal efficiency by dynamically adjusting the adsorption process based on current refrigerant outlet temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator with a cold transfer fluid... flow essentially continuously through a condenser
Implementation Method 2
In the first phase, an adsorbate is adsorbed in the adsorber unit, with heat being released
Implementation Method 3
In a second phase, the adsorbate is desorbed and expelled, with heat being absorbed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
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.