Thermal Storage Refrigerant Routing for Defrostable Air Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regenerative air-conditioning apparatuses face complexities in control methods and high power consumption, particularly struggling with defrosting operations during heating modes.
Innovation Solution
A regenerative air-conditioning apparatus utilizing dual heat sources and dual loads through a thermal energy storage unit, incorporating first and second valve devices, expansion devices, and a heat storage bath with a solid-liquid slurry of tetra n-butyl ammonium bromide, allowing for flexible operation modes and efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a regenerative air-conditioning apparatus uses a heat accumulation bath to store cold energy or heat, then energy efficiency is improved and power consumption is reduced, but the control method becomes complicated and defrosting operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the refrigerant flow path into multiple segments using first and second branch parts, allowing independent control of refrigerant flow to different heat exchangers. This segmentation enables simplified control logic by managing each path separately rather than dealing with a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple valve devices (first and second valve devices) in different positions within the system. These valves are positioned in advance to enable straightforward switching between cooling, heating, and defrosting modes without requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
2Device complexity
If the refrigerant flow path is simplified for easier control, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform dual heat source and dual load operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by configuring the refrigerant cycle system with multiple heat exchangers (indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger) that can serve dual purposes. Each heat exchanger can function as either a condenser or evaporator depending on the operating mode, enabling the system to perform cooling, heating, and defrosting operations with a unified simple control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through valve devices that can switch refrigerant flow paths in real-time. The first and second valve devices dynamically redirect refrigerant flow to different heat exchangers based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between different heat source and load configurations without increasing control complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve devices and expansion devices are added to enable flexible operation modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and positions valve devices at critical junction points in the refrigerant cycle - specifically at the first branch part and second branch part. By placing valves at these strategic locations, the system achieves maximum operational flexibility with minimum valve quantity, as each valve controls a specific flow path segment independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses expansion devices as intermediary components between the refrigerant flow paths and heat exchangers. The first expansion device is positioned in the first storage bath connection tube and the second expansion device in the second storage bath connection tube, acting as mediators that regulate refrigerant flow to different thermal storage paths without requiring complex control mechanisms.
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 apparatus achieves improved operational efficiency, reduced power consumption, and effective defrosting capabilities by utilizing dual heat sources and loads, enhancing its ability to perform various operation modes, including heating and cooling with stored energy.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal energy storage medium may include a solid-liquid slurry obtained by cooling a tetra n-butyl ammonium bromide [(CH3(CH2)3]4NBr (TBAB) solution that is a mixture of water and TBAB
Implementation Method 2
The refrigerant may exchange heat with the heat storage medium while passing through the heat accumulation bath
Implementation Method 3
heat may be accumulated into the heat storage medium or be radiated from the heat storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
A regenerative air-conditioning apparatus includes a thermal energy storage unit, first and second valve devices for switching a flow direction of a refrigerant compressed in a compressor, a first branch part disposed on an outlet-side of the compressor, the first branch dividing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor to flow into first and second valve devices or the thermal energy storage unit, a first storage unit connection tube extending from the first branch part to the thermal energy storage unit, a condensed refrigerant tube extending from an outdoor heat exchanger to an indoor heat exchanger, a second storage unit connection tube extending from the thermal energy storage unit to the condensed refrigerant tube, and a first expansion device disposed in the first storage unit connection tube to selectively restrict a flow of the refrigerant from the first branch part to the thermal energy storage unit.