Test chamber and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test chambers face high energy consumption due to frequent compressor operation and inefficient cooling capacity management, especially when small temperature differences need to be maintained, leading to prolonged compressor runtime and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an internal storage device in the cooling circuit that allows thermal energy storage and recycling, enabling the compressor to be switched off during low cooling demand, and using additional bypasses and expansion elements to control refrigerant flow and temperature, thereby reducing energy usage and extending compressor lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain small temperature differences at the heat exchanger, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases and compressor service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal storage device stores thermal energy in advance during periods of high cooling demand, so that this stored energy can be released later when only small temperature differences need to be maintained, allowing the compressor to be switched off and avoiding continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the compressor by using the internal storage device to buffer temperature variations, enabling the compressor to operate in discrete cycles rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining temperature control precision
2Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain small temperature differences, then temperature stability is improved, but compressor service life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The internal storage device accumulates thermal energy in advance, enabling the system to maintain temperature stability during periods when the compressor is switched off, thereby reducing the frequency of compressor cycles and extending its service life
Solution Approach 2:
The internal storage device ensures continuous temperature stability by releasing stored thermal energy when needed, allowing the compressor to operate intermittently rather than continuously, thus maintaining temperature stability while preserving compressor reliability
3Measurement precision
If a bypass with controllable expansion element is used to recycle cooling capacity, then small temperature differences can be equalized without unfavorable compressor loads, but the compressor must always operate even when temperature difference is large
Solution Approach 1:
The internal storage device stores thermal energy in advance during periods when the bypass is used for small temperature differences, so that this stored energy can be utilized later when large temperature differences exist, allowing the compressor to be switched off and improving operational 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 solution enables energy-saving operation by allowing the compressor to be switched off during periods of low cooling demand, maintaining temperature stability with reduced energy consumption and prolonging compressor runtime, thus enhancing thermal efficiency and operational longevity.
Implementation Method 1
thermal energy can be stored and exchanged with the refrigerant by means of the internal storage device
Implementation Method 2
heat exchangers for heating or cooling the air flowing through the circulating air duct and through the test space
Implementation Method 3
a condenser, and an expansion element
Data Source
AI summary
A test chamber and a method for conditioning air includes a temperature-insulated test space which can be closed off from the surroundings, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the test space. The temperature control device allows a temperature in a temperature range of −20° C. to +180° C. to be established within the test space, and includes a cooling circuit with a refrigerant, a heat exchanger, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion element. The cooling circuit has an internal storage device connected to a high-pressure side of the cooling circuit upstream of the expansion element and downstream of the condenser and to a low-pressure side of the cooling circuit upstream of the compressor and downstream of the heat exchanger via a bypass of the cooling circuit. Thermal energy is stored and exchanged with the refrigerant through the internal storage device.