Continuously variable chiller and control systems, methods, and apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chiller systems face inefficiencies due to single-speed compressors and pumps, leading to energy wastage and reduced system response times, as they struggle to adapt to changing load conditions and maintain optimal temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
A continuously variable chiller and heat pump system with a thermostatic climate controller that adjusts the speed of compressors, pumps, and fans based on real-time psychrometric data, allowing for dynamic control of temperature and flow rate to match changing load conditions, using variable speed components and a psychrometric climate controller to manage indoor and outdoor heat exchangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If single-speed compressors and pumps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to changing load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies variable speed control to compressors, pumps, and fans, transforming them from fixed-speed to dynamically adjustable components. This allows the system to continuously adapt operating speeds to match changing load conditions, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity by implementing intelligent control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (speed, flow rate, temperature settings) dynamically based on real-time psychrometric data and load conditions. By continuously adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed values, the system achieves superior energy efficiency while managing complexity through structured control algorithms.
2Loss of time
If single-speed compressors and pumps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but system response time deteriorates due to inability to quickly adapt to changing load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Variable speed components enable dynamic response to changing load conditions. When demand changes, the system can quickly adjust compressor, pump, and fan speeds rather than operating at fixed speeds, significantly improving response time while managing complexity through electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates psychrometric sensors and control algorithms that continuously monitor environmental conditions and adjust component speeds in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables rapid adaptation to changing loads, improving system response time while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If fixed speed fluid pumps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates as pumps operate at full speed even when load reduction would create major energy savings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed control for fluid pumps, allowing them to operate at optimal speeds matching actual load requirements rather than running at full speed continuously. This dynamic adjustment dramatically reduces pump energy consumption while the control system manages the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes pump operating parameters (speed, flow rate) based on real-time psychrometric data and load conditions. By adjusting these parameters to match actual demand rather than maintaining fixed high-speed operation, the system achieves major energy savings while managing complexity through structured control algorithms.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting to load conditions, reducing energy wastage, and improving system response times, while maintaining optimal temperature settings, thereby improving overall performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator section is a refrigerant-to-fluid heat exchanger connected to an aqueous fluid circuit... The fluid is chilled or heated as it is pumped through the refrigerant-to-fluid heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration unit with a compressor... outdoor equipment (compressor etc.)
Implementation Method 3
a refrigeration unit with a compressor, evaporator, condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A variable capacity chiller or hydronic heat pump with a compressor, a pump, and a condenser fan where system capacity is controlled by the speed of the compressor, pump, and/or condenser fan based on the flow rate and ΔT between the returning water temperature and leaving water temperature, where the compressor, pump, and fan adjust automatically to match the changing load conditions to match the capacity to the load, and which includes a psychrometric climate controller that manages a chiller or chiller heat pump to heat or cool a heat transfer fluid in communication with indoor heat exchanger(s) and where the setting for the entering or leaving heat transfer fluid temperature can be automatically varied based on psychrometric data or on information derived from such sensors, and when in heating mode, to dynamically manage an external backup resistance heat source to accurately match any shortfall of heating capacity.