Sorption system and method for operating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current refrigeration systems face inefficiencies in cold storage due to the limited thermal storage capacity of sensible water storage tanks and the high costs and lower energy densities of ice storage tanks, particularly at higher useful temperature levels, necessitating a more effective and cost-efficient cold storage technology.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a sorption system that independently controls the supply of cooling fluid to the absorber and condenser, allowing for the decoupling of cold generator and storage functions, thereby eliminating the need for separate cold storage tanks and enabling the use of absorption refrigeration systems as power-dense storage units, using a control device to regulate the flow and temperature of the cooling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sensible water storage tanks are used for cold storage, then the system is cost-effective and simple, but the thermal storage capacity is limited and energy storage density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions (solid-liquid or liquid-gaseous) to store energy. This allows the system to achieve high energy storage density comparable to ice storage tanks while avoiding the need for separate cold storage tanks and complex brine systems, thus maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the absorption refrigeration system and cold storage tank into a single integrated system. The absorption system itself serves as the storage medium, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks. This combination achieves high volumetric power density (factor of 100) and gravimetric power density (factor of 200) compared to traditional storage tanks.
2Quantity of substance
If ice storage tanks are used to increase energy storage density, then the storage capacity improves, but the system complexity increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorption refrigeration system and cold storage functionality into one integrated system. The absorption system's absorber, condenser, evaporator, and generator work together to provide both cooling and storage functions, eliminating the need for separate ice storage tanks and complex brine circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption refrigeration system is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a cooling system and a cold storage system. By controlling the flow of cooling fluid to different components independently, the system can operate in cooling mode, storage mode, or a combination of both, providing universal functionality without increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If absorption refrigeration systems are used with decoupled cooling fluid supply, then the energy storage density and flexibility improve, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the cooling fluid supply to the absorber and condenser through independent flow-regulating components. This allows the system to adapt its operation in real-time, optimizing performance for different operating conditions such as cooling mode, storage mode, or partial loading, thereby achieving high operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from temperature and flow sensors to automatically adjust the cooling fluid supply to the absorber and condenser. This closed-loop control maintains optimal operating conditions while simplifying user operation, as the system self-regulates based on actual system state rather than requiring complex manual control.
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 storage density, reduces installation space requirements, and allows for retrofitting existing buildings with minimal effort, achieving a volumetric power density factor of about 100 and gravimetric power density factor of 200 compared to traditional storage tanks, while maintaining flexibility across various capacity ranges and temperature levels.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber which is connected to the cooling fluid circuit and the process medium circuit
Implementation Method 2
a condenser which is connected to the cooling fluid circuit and the process medium circuit
Implementation Method 3
During operation of the sorption system, cooling fluid is supplied to the absorber and the condenser
Implementation Method 4
by means of the control device, a supply of the cooling fluid to the absorber and a supply of the cooling fluid to the condenser are controlled differently from each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a sorption system (1), the sorption system comprising the following: a cooling fluid circuit (8), which has a cooling fluid; a process medium circuit (6), which has a refrigerant and a solvent; an absorber (3), which is connected to the cooling fluid circuit (8) and to the process medium circuit (6); a condenser (5), which is connected to the cooling fluid circuit (8) and to the process medium circuit (6); and a control device. During operation of the sorption system (1), the cooling fluid is fed to the absorber (3) and to the condenser (5), and a feed of the cooling fluid to the absorber (3) and a feed of the cooling fluid to the condenser (5) are controlled differently from each other by means of the control device. The invention further relates to an arrangement for a sorption system (1) and to a sorpotion system (1).