Variable Capacity Compressor With Leak-Free Expansion Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems face inefficiencies due to frequent compressor start-stop cycles at part load, leading to reduced refrigeration efficiency and energy consumption, and the inability to effectively utilize residual cold or heat due to incomplete shut-off of throttling components.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system incorporating a leak-free thermal expansion valve and a variable capacity compressor with a first and second cylinder, allowing for on-off connections between high and low-pressure pipes to isolate refrigerant temperatures and adjust operating capacity, ensuring efficient use of residual heat and balanced pressure for smooth compressor startup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-speed compressor is used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the compressor must frequently start and stop at part load, reducing refrigeration efficiency and annual energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into multiple independent compression chambers (first compression chamber and second compression chamber) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the compressor to adjust its effective capacity by controlling which chambers are active, thereby maintaining high refrigeration efficiency at part load without frequent start-stop cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor transitions from a fixed-speed design to a variable capacity design where the compression capacity can be dynamically adjusted. By controlling the suction and exhaust holes of individual compression chambers, the system can adapt its refrigeration output to match the actual load requirements, improving annual energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If a variable capacity compressor is used, then annual energy efficiency is improved and frequent start-stop is avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compression chambers are merged into a single integrated compressor body sharing common components such as the crankcase, suction port, and exhaust port. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate compressors, while still achieving variable capacity operation through selective chamber activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The common suction and exhaust ports serve multiple compression chambers simultaneously, creating a multi-functional structure. The same port infrastructure is used regardless of which chambers are active, reducing the need for separate piping and control systems for each chamber.
3Device complexity
If conventional throttling parts (capillary tubes, electronic expansion valves) are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot completely shut off when the compressor is stopped, causing high-pressure refrigerant to quickly flow to low-pressure side, reducing residual cold/heat utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The throttling device is controlled to shut off in advance before the compressor stops completely. This preliminary action prevents high-pressure refrigerant from flowing to the low-pressure side when the compressor stops, preserving the temperature difference and maximizing residual cold/heat utilization when the compressor restarts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors compressor operation status and provides feedback control to the throttling device. When the compressor stops, the control system signals the throttling device to close, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes residual cold/heat preservation based on real-time operational conditions.
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
This configuration enhances annual energy efficiency by utilizing residual heat, reduces compressor start-up shocks, and maintains high efficiency while minimizing costs by avoiding the need for complex structures.
Implementation Method 1
the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger is still at a low temperature (in cooling mode) or high temperature (in heating mode)... the high-pressure refrigerant on the high-pressure side and the low-temperature refrigerant on the low-pressure side are quickly mixed
Implementation Method 2
the variable capacity compressor comprises a shell, a first cylinder and a second cylinder... the first cylinder is provided with a first suction hole connected with the suction port, a first exhaust hole connected with the exhaust port
Implementation Method 3
the indoor heat exchanger is connected with one of the high-pressure pipe and the low-pressure pipe; the outdoor heat exchanger is connected with another one of the high-pressure pipe and the low-pressure pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system is provided. The system has a high-pressure pipe, a low-pressure pipe, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a leak-free thermal expansion valve and a variable capacity compressor. The variable capacity compressor has a shell, a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The shell has a suction port and an exhaust port. The first cylinder has a first suction hole connected to the suction port and a first exhaust hole connected to the exhaust port. The second cylinder has a second suction hole connected to the suction port, a second exhaust hole connected to the exhaust port, and a pressure relief hole connected to the high-pressure pipe and the low-pressure pipe in an on-off manner. Before the variable capacity compressor is started, the high-pressure pipe and the low-pressure pipe are connected and also disconnected after the first preset duration.