Three-Zone Cooling Circuit Layout for Independent Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices with three storage zones connected in series face challenges in independently regulating cooling capacity, leading to overcooling issues due to the need for precise matching of refrigerant flow and evaporator cooling capacities, while parallel circuits increase costs with directional control valves.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration device with two separate refrigerant circuits, where the first storage zone is upstream in both circuits, allowing flexible distribution of cooling capacity through varying refrigerant ratios and pressures, and using a solenoid valve to control refrigerant flow between the circuits, ensuring efficient cooling capacity allocation across zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If evaporators are connected in series in a refrigerant circuit, then the device structure is simple, but the cooling capacity cannot be regulated independently in different storage zones
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circuit is segmented into two separate circuits (first refrigerant circuit and second refrigerant circuit), each capable of independently controlling cooling capacity to different storage zones. The first circuit connects to the first and second storage zones, while the second circuit connects to the first and third storage zones, enabling independent regulation without requiring a complex multi-circuit system
Solution Approach 2:
The first storage zone evaporator serves dual functionality by being connected to both refrigerant circuits simultaneously. This single evaporator can receive refrigerant from either circuit or both circuits together, allowing flexible distribution of cooling capacity to different storage zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a refrigerant collector stores liquid refrigerant to control cooling capacity, then the refrigerant circuit operates in undercharged condition, but this results in overcooling in upstream storage zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different refrigerant circuit configurations using solenoid valves. Depending on the cooling requirements of different storage zones, the system can operate with the first circuit active, the second circuit active, or both circuits active simultaneously, allowing real-time adjustment of refrigerant distribution to prevent overcooling while maintaining control flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by varying which refrigerant circuits are active and adjusting refrigerant flow distribution through solenoid valves. This allows precise control of refrigerant quantity reaching each evaporator, preventing the undercharged condition that leads to overcooling while maintaining adequate cooling capacity control
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel refrigerant circuits are used with directional control valves, then arbitrary distribution of cooling capacity is possible, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple directional control valves into a simplified valve arrangement. Instead of requiring separate control valves at each circuit branch point, the system uses solenoid valves positioned at strategic locations to control refrigerant flow distribution, reducing the total number of valves and control components while maintaining the ability to arbitrarily distribute cooling capacity to different storage zones
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
Enables flexible and independent temperature control across three storage zones without undercharging the refrigerant circuit, preventing excessive cooling and reducing operational costs by redistributing cooling capacity effectively between zones.
Implementation Method 1
cooled by evaporators through which refrigerant flows
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve to control refrigerant flow between the circuits
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a cooling device having three storage zones (1, 2, 3) that are insulated from each other, and are cooled by means of evaporators through which a coolant flows, wherein a first coolant circuit (9, 7) extends through a first (1) and a second (2) of the three storage zones, and a second coolant circuit (10, 8) positioned parallel to the first coolant circuit (9, 7) extends through the first and the third of the storage zones (1, 3).