Vapor compression and absorption refrigeration cycle (VCARC)
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal systems face inefficiencies in cold and hot climates due to reduced evaporator/condenser capacity and increased electrical power demand, particularly in heat pumps and refrigeration systems, where compressor power consumption is high and COP degrades.
Innovation Solution
A thermal system integrating a vapor compression refrigeration circuit with a compressor and expansion valve, and an absorption refrigeration circuit including a generator, absorber, and throttling valve, where waste heat from the vapor compression circuit is utilized to power the absorption refrigeration circuit, reducing compressor power consumption through integrated heat exchanger units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the evaporating temperature is reduced to achieve lower temperature cooling, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the compressor suction pressure reduces and compressor power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vapor compression and absorption refrigeration circuits into a hybrid system. The absorption circuit uses waste heat from the vapor compression circuit to drive refrigerant generation, reducing the burden on the compressor and lowering power consumption while maintaining low evaporating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption refrigeration circuit acts as an intermediary system that uses thermal energy (waste heat) instead of mechanical compression to achieve refrigeration. This mediates the contradiction by providing an alternative pathway for cooling that doesn't rely solely on compressor work.
2Temperature
If the condensing temperature is increased to achieve higher temperature heating, then the heating capacity is improved, but the compressor discharge pressure increases and compressor power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat from the vapor compression circuit into useful thermal energy for the absorption circuit. The heat rejection from the compressor becomes the driving force for the absorption refrigeration, turning a harmful waste product into a beneficial resource that reduces overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers waste heat from the vapor compression circuit that would otherwise be discarded. This recovered thermal energy is utilized to drive the absorption refrigeration circuit, reducing the need for additional compressor work and lowering overall energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a larger and more robust compressor is used to handle low suction pressure or high discharge pressure, then the system can operate in extreme climates, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system provides multi-functionality by combining vapor compression and absorption refrigeration circuits. This allows the system to adapt to various climate conditions and operational requirements using two different refrigeration mechanisms, enhancing versatility without requiring an oversized single compressor.
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 achieves significant reduction in compressor power consumption by operating at higher saturated suction temperatures, maintaining efficient performance across varying climates and temperatures, thereby enhancing the coefficient of performance (COP) and reducing energy input.
Implementation Method 1
heat emitted by the first heat rejection heat exchanger is transferred to the generator
Implementation Method 2
an absorber, a pump disposed between and connected to the absorber and the generator
Implementation Method 3
a pump disposed between and connected to the absorber and the generator
Implementation Method 4
a throttling valve disposed between and connected to the generator and the absorber
Implementation Method 5
a second heat absorption heat exchanger connected to the absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal system may include a vapor compression refrigeration circuit conducting a first refrigerant, an absorption refrigeration circuit conducting a second refrigerant and an absorbent, and a heat exchanger unit. The vapor compression refrigeration circuit may include a first heat rejection heat exchanger, a first heat absorption heat exchanger, a compressor disposed between the first heat absorption heat exchanger and the first heat rejection heat exchanger, and an expansion valve disposed between and connected to the first heat rejection heat exchanger and the first heat absorption heat exchanger. The absorption refrigeration circuit may include a generator, an absorber, a pump disposed between and connected to the absorber and the generator, a throttling valve disposed between and connected to the generator and the absorber, a second heat rejection heat exchanger connected to the generator, and a second heat absorption heat exchanger connected to the absorber. The generator and the first heat rejection heat exchanger may be integrated with one another within the heat exchanger unit such that heat emitted by the first heat rejection heat exchanger is transferred to the generator.