Temperature management system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat pump systems face issues with lubricant viscosity reduction due to working medium dissolution, leading to increased mechanical wear and reduced lubrication effectiveness, particularly in high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A temperature management system for lubricants in a compressor system of a heat pump, utilizing a temperature sensor, control unit, and temperature controller to dynamically adjust lubricant temperature within a target range, ensuring optimal viscosity and lubrication performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pump operates at high temperature, then the heating performance is improved, but the working medium dissolves into the lubricant reducing viscosity and lubrication effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the lubricant in the reservoir before the working medium can dissolve into it and reduce viscosity. The heating element actively maintains lubricant temperature above the working medium condensation temperature, preventing dissolution and viscosity reduction before they occur during high-temperature heat pump operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electric heating elements are used to maintain lubricant temperature, then viscosity is maintained, but energy consumption increases and there is a risk of overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a temperature sensor to continuously monitor lubricant temperature and a control unit to regulate the heating element accordingly. The system compares the actual temperature with the target temperature range and adjusts heating power to maintain viscosity while minimizing energy consumption and preventing overheating.
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 maintains lubricant viscosity within a desired range, minimizing mechanical wear and ensuring reliable operation of high-temperature heat pumps by expelling dissolved working medium and maintaining effective lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor or probe (4) which is configured to measure an actual lubricant temperature of the lubricant (3)
Implementation Method 2
a condensation unit (condenser) for condensing the gaseous working medium discharged from the compression unit into a liquid state
Implementation Method 3
a temperature controller (9) connected to the control unit on a signaling technological level, which is configured to heat or cool the lubricant (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature management system, such as for a lubricant (3) contained in a lubricant reservoir (1) of a compressor system (2) for a heat pump that pumps a working medium, method for controlling a lubricant temperature, and heat pumps having a temperature management system, where the temperature of the lubricant (3) can be set flexibly, dynamically and in line with requirements, increasing the service life of the lubricant and improving the operating performance of the heat pump.