Split level sorption refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration systems, particularly vapor compression systems, rely on synthetic refrigerants that contribute to environmental issues such as ozone layer depletion, global warming, and high carbon footprints. Additionally, unitary adsorption systems face inefficiencies due to the need for a chilled water circuit and orientation-dependent configurations.
Innovation Solution
A split level sorption refrigeration system is introduced, where the evaporator is decoupled from the sorption beds and condenser, allowing for an orientation-free configuration. This system utilizes thermal compression and eliminates the chilled water circuit, optimizing refrigerant flow and enabling more efficient cooling power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unitary adsorption system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system requires a chilled water circuit and has orientation-dependent configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption system is divided into separate modules: sorption beds, condenser, and evaporator can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the system to be installed in different orientations and locations without requiring a complete redesign of the chilled water circuit, thereby improving configuration flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
2Productivity
If vapor compression systems use synthetic refrigerants, then the system achieves efficient cooling, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the refrigerant parameter from synthetic refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs) to natural refrigerants such as water, ammonia, or hydrocarbons. This parameter change eliminates the environmental harm associated with synthetic refrigerants while maintaining cooling efficiency through the adsorption-desorption cycle that leverages the unique thermodynamic properties of natural refrigerants
3Volume of stationary object
If the evaporator is integrated with sorption beds and condenser, then the system is compact, but cooling power delivery to various locations is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The evaporator is separated from the sorption beds and condenser into independent units that can be distributed to different cooling load locations. This segmentation enables efficient cooling power delivery to multiple zones while the modular design allows each component to be optimized independently, balancing system compactness with distributed cooling efficiency
4Device complexity
If traditional sorption systems are used, then the system eliminates mechanical compressors, but refrigerant flow optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediate components such as expansion devices, heat exchangers, and control valves that optimize refrigerant flow between the sorption beds, condenser, and evaporator. These intermediary elements enhance refrigerant flow efficiency without requiring mechanical compressors, maintaining the simplicity of the sorption system while improving productivity through optimized thermodynamic cycles
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 split level sorption refrigeration system achieves efficient cooling power delivery while reducing capital costs and environmental impact. It eliminates the need for synthetic refrigerants, decreases energy consumption, and provides flexibility in cooling load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator section, also referred to as the indoor unit/section, that is decoupled from the remaining components of the adsorption unit... with refrigerant passing through and evaporating in the tubes
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the compression means is a thermal compression means... an adsorption unit... wherein the evaporated working fluid, also referred to as the refrigerant, is returned back to the condenser unit through an electric compressor unit
Implementation Method 3
a condensation means... where the evaporated working fluid, also referred to as the refrigerant, is returned back to the condenser unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel split level sorption refrigeration system. In particular, the present invention provides a split level sorption based unit as a novel method of using the traditional sorption based refrigeration unit. The present invention offers orientation free configuration with efficient cooling power delivery to the various cooling load locations which is achieved by splitting the evaporator of the sorption chiller from the sorption beds and the condenser.