Variable Refrigerant Charge Control With Receiver Branch Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior vapor compression air conditioning and refrigeration systems have a fixed refrigerant charge, which is suboptimal for varying operating modes and ambient conditions, leading to inefficiencies and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A variable refrigerant charge system with a main refrigerant loop, a branch loop, a control valve, and a receiver, allowing the refrigerant charge to be adjusted based on operating and environmental conditions through a capillary tube return path, and optionally using a level sensor and controller for precise modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed refrigerant charge is used in the system, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system performance and efficiency cannot be optimized under different operating modes and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant loop is segmented into a main loop and a branch loop with a receiver. The branch loop containing the receiver is connected to the main loop through a control valve, allowing the refrigerant charge to be divided into two controllable portions: one in the main loop and one in the receiver. This segmentation enables independent control of refrigerant distribution without fundamentally altering the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a fixed refrigerant charge to a dynamic, variable refrigerant charge system. The control valve dynamically adjusts the amount of refrigerant stored in the receiver based on operating conditions, allowing the main loop to have its refrigerant charge dynamically modified. This enables the system to adapt refrigerant charge levels to different operating modes and environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If the refrigerant charge is increased to improve cooling capacity, then the cooling performance improves, but the system energy efficiency decreases due to excessive refrigerant
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of refrigerant charge level dynamically. By adjusting the amount of refrigerant in the main loop through the control valve and receiver configuration, the system can optimize the refrigerant charge parameter to match specific operating conditions, thereby achieving both adequate cooling capacity and energy efficiency without the compromise of a fixed charge level.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the refrigerant charge is decreased to improve energy efficiency, then the energy consumption reduces, but the cooling capacity and performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic control to adjust refrigerant charge levels. The control valve can open or close to allow refrigerant to move between the main loop and the receiver, enabling the system to have high refrigerant charge when maximum cooling capacity is needed and low refrigerant charge when energy efficiency is the priority, thus dynamically balancing both requirements.
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 improved performance and efficiency by dynamically adjusting the refrigerant charge between maximum and minimum levels, optimizing system operation under different conditions and reducing energy costs.
Implementation Method 1
refrigerant in the receiver is allowed to flow back into the main loop when the valve is closed through a return path, such as a capillary tube, from the receiver back to the main loop
Data Source
AI summary
A variable refrigerant charge refrigeration/air conditioner system is described that allows the refrigerant charge for the system to be altered based on operating or environmental factors. The system includes a main refrigerant loop holding a volume of refrigerant corresponding to a first level of refrigerant charge, a compressor in the main refrigerant loop, a condenser in the main refrigerant loop, and an evaporator in the main refrigerant loop. A branch refrigerant loop allows the alteration of the refrigerant charge using a control valve in the branch refrigerant loop and a receiver in the branch refrigerant loop. The receiver acts to hold a volume of refrigerant when the control valve is open, thereby removing the volume of refrigerant from the main refrigerant loop. A return path from the receiver to the main refrigerant loop allows refrigerant to flow back into the main loop from the receiver.