Cooling system with parallel compression using medium temperature compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems with parallel compressors are costly, large in size, and waste energy when ambient temperatures are low, as the parallel compressor is not utilized due to refrigerant not transitioning to a gaseous state.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system designed to operate in two modes, where valves control the refrigerant flow to either direct gaseous refrigerant to a compressor or return to normal operation, eliminating the need for a separate parallel compressor, thereby reducing system size and cost, and preventing idle waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If parallel compressors are used in conventional cooling systems, then the system can handle high ambient temperatures effectively, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing compressors perform multiple functions: they operate as standard compressors during normal conditions and as parallel compressors when high ambient temperature handling is needed. This is achieved through a valve system that redirects flash gas to any available compressor, eliminating the need for dedicated parallel compressors and reducing system cost while maintaining temperature handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of parallel compression with the existing compressor system by using a common valve control mechanism. Instead of having separate parallel compressors, the system combines the compression function across all available compressors through intelligent valve routing, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to handle high ambient temperatures
2Temperature
If parallel compressors are used in conventional cooling systems, then the system can handle high ambient temperatures effectively, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing compressors perform multiple functions: they operate as standard compressors during normal conditions and as parallel compressors when high ambient temperature handling is needed. This is achieved through a valve system that redirects flash gas to any available compressor, eliminating the need for dedicated parallel compressors and reducing system footprint while maintaining temperature handling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of parallel compression with the existing compressor system by using a common valve control mechanism. Instead of having separate parallel compressors, the system combines the compression function across all available compressors through intelligent valve routing, reducing component count and footprint while maintaining the ability to handle high ambient temperatures
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel compressors are used in conventional cooling systems, then the system is ready for parallel compression operations, but energy waste occurs when ambient temperature is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the compressor configuration changes based on operating conditions. A controller continuously monitors ambient temperature and system state, dynamically routing flash gas to available compressors only when needed. This eliminates idle compression operations during low ambient temperatures while maintaining parallel compression readiness when conditions require it
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and system state monitoring to control valve operations. The controller receives information about ambient temperature and refrigerant state, then adjusts valve positions to route flash gas appropriately - enabling parallel compression when needed and preventing energy waste when conditions don't require it
4Adaptability or versatility
If valves are added to enable dynamic refrigerant routing, then the system can operate in two modes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is designed to be universal, using the same valves and control logic for both normal operation and parallel compression modes. The controller manages multiple functions (normal compression, parallel compression, valve routing) through a single integrated control system, adding minimal complexity while maximizing operational flexibility
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 provides parallel compression when needed, reducing the overall cost and size of the cooling system while avoiding energy waste by dynamically adjusting valve operations based on ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
If the refrigerant in the tank absorbs heat, it may transition from a liquid to a gas
Implementation Method 2
The first compressor compresses refrigerant from the first low side heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The first low side heat exchanger uses refrigerant from the flash tank to cool a space proximate the first low side heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system is designed to operate in two different modes. Generally, in the first mode, when parallel compression is needed, certain valves are controlled to direct gaseous refrigerant from a tank to a compressor in the system and to direct refrigerant from low side heat exchangers towards other compressors. In this manner, a compressor in the system is transitioned to be generally a parallel compressor. In the second mode, when parallel compression is not needed, the valves are controlled to return the refrigerant flow back to normal.