Thermodynamic system, machine comprising the thermodynamic system and thermal treatment method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermodynamic systems for treating liquid or semi-liquid food products, such as ice creams and pastry fillings, face issues with compressor wear and reduced working life due to exposure to high temperatures during thermal treatment, especially when operating in hot gas cycles.
Innovation Solution
A thermodynamic system that includes a compressor with a temperature-reducing device and a bypass duct to regulate the heat exchanger fluid flow, allowing for efficient cooling of the compressor components, thereby maintaining optimal operating conditions and extending the compressor's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor is exposed to hot heat exchanger fluid during hot gas cycle operation, then the thermal treatment function is improved, but the compressor working life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into two separate cavities: an intake cavity that is sealed off from the discharge cavity. The motor is housed in the intake cavity and is not exposed to hot heat exchanger fluid, while the discharge cavity handles the hot gas cycle operation. This segmentation allows the compressor to perform thermal treatment functions while protecting the motor from thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is extracted from the discharge cavity and placed in the sealed intake cavity. This extraction removes the motor from the harmful hot environment, allowing the compressor to operate in hot gas cycles without compromising motor life. The motor can be serviced independently by accessing the intake cavity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the motor is exposed to high temperature and pressure conditions, then the hot gas cycle operation is enabled, but the motor wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into two separate cavities: an intake cavity that is sealed off from the discharge cavity. The motor is housed in the intake cavity and is not exposed to hot heat exchanger fluid, while the discharge cavity handles the hot gas cycle operation. This segmentation allows the compressor to perform thermal treatment functions while protecting the motor from thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed intake cavity acts as an intermediary barrier between the motor and the hot heat exchanger fluid. This intermediate structure allows the motor to operate in controlled conditions while the discharge cavity handles the extreme thermal conditions, enabling hot gas cycle operation without compromising motor reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor acts as a heating element in hot gas cycle, then the thermal treatment capability is enhanced, but the operating temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into two separate cavities: an intake cavity that is sealed off from the discharge cavity. The motor is housed in the intake cavity and is not exposed to hot heat exchanger fluid, while the discharge cavity handles the hot gas cycle operation. This segmentation allows the compressor to perform thermal treatment functions while protecting the motor from thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the compressor have different thermal characteristics. The discharge cavity is designed to handle high temperatures for thermal treatment, while the intake cavity maintains lower temperatures to protect the motor. This local differentiation of thermal properties allows the compressor to provide enhanced thermal treatment capability while controlling overall operating temperature.
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 effectively reduces compressor temperature, minimizing wear and increasing its working life, while enabling efficient thermal treatment of food products by switching between hot gas and vapor compression cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass duct (7) configured to release at least a portion of the heat exchanger fluid from the first heat exchanger (3) to an inlet (I) of the compressor (2) or directly inside the compressor (2) so as to cool the compressor (2)
Implementation Method 2
Most thermodynamic systems for cooling are based on the inverse Carnot cycle (also known as saturated vapor compression cycle)
Data Source
AI summary
A thermodynamic system for cooling or heating at least a first container containing food products of the liquid or semi-liquid type, including a circuit employing a heat exchanger fluid, having at least:a compressor having at least one inlet for the heat exchanger fluid and one outlet for the heat exchanger fluid;a first heat exchanger connected to the outlet of the compressor;at least one first expansion element connected to an outlet of the first heat exchanger;a second heat exchanger which can be associated with the first container and which has an inlet connected to an outlet of the at least one first expansion element;a return duct having an inlet portion connected to an outlet of the second heat exchanger and an outlet portion connected to the inlet of the compressor.