Zoned Refrigerant Flow Control for Multi-Temperature Transport Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold chain transport systems require simultaneous operation of refrigeration and electric heating for different cargo zones, leading to inefficient power consumption and high energy usage, necessitating a more efficient and energy-saving multi-temperature air conditioning system.
Innovation Solution
A multi-temperature air conditioning system with an outdoor unit and two types of indoor units, connected through various stop valves and throttling elements, allowing for independent refrigerant flow control between zones, enabling zoned cooling and heating modes through a controller-driven method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration system and electric heating operate simultaneously for different cargo zones, then heating and cooling functions are provided for different zones, but power consumption increases and system operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigeration system and heat pump system into a single integrated system that shares the compressor, condenser, and evaporator components. By using a four-way valve to redirect refrigerant flow, the system can provide both heating and cooling functions simultaneously to different cargo zones without requiring separate systems, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the same refrigeration unit can serve both cooling and heating purposes for different zones. The four-way valve enables the system to switch between cooling mode (refrigeration) and heating mode (heat pump), allowing a single system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration system and electric heating operate simultaneously for different cargo zones, then heating and cooling functions are provided for different zones, but system operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigeration system and heat pump system into a single integrated system that shares the compressor, condenser, and evaporator components. By using a four-way valve to redirect refrigerant flow, the system can provide both heating and cooling functions simultaneously to different cargo zones without requiring separate systems, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stop valves and throttling elements are added for zoned control, then independent temperature regulation in different zones is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigeration system into distinct controllable zones by introducing a four-way valve, first stop valve, second stop valve, and throttling element. Each zone (cargo compartment and cabin) can be independently controlled by opening or closing specific valves, allowing separate temperature regulation while maintaining a relatively compact overall system structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If four-way valve and multiple stop valves are used for refrigerant flow control, then zoned cooling and heating modes are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the same refrigeration unit can serve both cooling and heating purposes for different zones. The four-way valve enables the system to switch between cooling mode (refrigeration) and heating mode (heat pump), allowing a single system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate equipment.
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 system achieves efficient temperature regulation in different compartment zones, reducing energy consumption by allowing independent control of refrigerant flow and heating/cooling in specific zones, thereby enhancing the adaptability and application range of cold storage.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor, a first stop valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a second stop valve connected through pipelines are arranged
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger, and a second stop valve connected through pipelines are arranged
Implementation Method 3
a first indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling element, a third stop valve, and a fourth stop valve are respectively arranged
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a multi-temperature air conditioning system, a control method thereof and a transport refrigeration vehicle. The multi-temperature air conditioning system comprises: an outdoor unit, in which a compressor, a first stop valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a second stop valve connected through pipelines are arranged, wherein, the first stop valve is arranged between a first end of the outdoor heat exchanger and an exhaust port of the compressor, and the second stop valve is arranged between a second end of the outdoor heat exchanger and a suction port of the compressor; a first type indoor unit, in which a first indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling element, a third stop valve, and a fourth stop valve are arranged; and a second type indoor unit, in which a second indoor heat exchanger, a second throttling element, a fifth stop valve, and a sixth stop valve are arranged.