Abstract:
A valve assembly (1) comprising an inlet opening, a distributor and an outlet part comprising at least two outlet openings. The distributor comprises an inlet part (5) fluidly connected to the inlet opening, and is arranged to distribute fluid medium received from the inlet opening to at least two parallel flow paths, preferably of a heat exchanger (3). The valve assembly (1) further comprises a first valve part and a second valve part arranged movable relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the valve parts determines the fluid flow from the inlet opening to each of the outlet openings of the outlet part. Finally, the valve assembly (1) comprises a header (2) forming an integral part of the valve assembly (1). The header (2) is arranged to form an interface towards a heat exchanger (3) comprising at least two flow paths, and it provides fluid connections in such a manner that each of the outlet openings (7, 9) is fluidly connected to a flow path of a heat exchanger (3) connected to the header (2).
Abstract:
A method for controlling a vapour compression system, such as a refrigeration system, preferably an air condition system, comprising at least two evaporators. While monitoring a superheat (SH) at a common outlet for the evaporators, the amount of available refrigerant is controlled in response to the SH and in order to obtain an optimum SH value. The available refrigerant is distributed among the evaporators in accordance with a distribution key. The distribution key is preferably obtained while taking individual consideration to operating conditions for each of the evaporators into account. Thereby the vapour compression system can be operated in such a way that each of the evaporators is operated in an optimal manner, and in such a way that the system in general is operated in an optimal manner.
Abstract:
A method and a device for detecting flash gas in a vapour-compression refrigeration or heat pump system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator interconnected by conduits providing a flow path for a refrigerant, by determining a first rate of heat flow of a heat exchange fluid flow across a heat exchanger of the system and a second rate of heat flow of the refrigerant across the heat exchanger, and using the rates of heat flow for establishing an energy balance from which a parameter for monitoring the refrigerant flow is derived, to thereby provide early detection of flash gas with a minimum number of false alarms.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a supply of refrigerant to an evaporator (5) of a vapour compression system (1), such as a refrigeration system, an air condition system or a heat pump, is disclosed. The vapour compression system (1) comprises an evaporator (5), a compressor (2), a condenser (3) and an expansion device (4) arranged in a refrigerant circuit. The method comprises the steps of: Actuating a component, such as an expansion valve (4), a fan or a compressor (2), of the vapour compression system (1) in such a manner that a dry zone in the evaporator (5) is changed; measuring a temperature signal representing a temperature of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (5); analysing the measured temperature signal, e.g. including deriving a rate of change signal; determining a temperature value where a gain of a transfer function between the actuated component and the measured temperature drops from a maximum value to a minimum value, in a decreasing temperature direction; defining the determined temperature value as corresponding to a zero superheat (SH=0) value of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (5), and controlling a supply of refrigerant to the evaporator (5) in accordance with the defined SH=0 temperature value, and on the basis of the measured temperature signal. The method steps may be repeated at certain time intervals in order to provide updated determinations of the SH=0 temperature value. The method allows the SH=0 point to be determined purely on the basis of the measured temperature signal. Subsequently, the supply of refrigerant to the evaporator (5) can be controlled purely on the basis of the measured temperature signal.
Abstract:
A valve comprising an inlet opening adapted to receive fluid medium and at least two outlet openings, each being fluidly connected to a flow path being arranged fluidly in parallel, is disclosed. The valve comprises a first valve part (1) and a second valve part (3). The first valve part (1) has at least two flow passages (2) formed therein, each flow passage (2) being fluidly connected to one of the outlet openings. The second valve part (3) has at least one primary flow passage (4) and at least one secondary flow passage (5, 6, 7) formed therein, the primary flow passage(s) (4) and the secondary flow passage(s) (5, 6, 7) being fluidly connected to the inlet opening. The first valve part (1) and the second valve part (3) are movable relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the first valve part (1) and the second valve part (3) determines a fluid flow between the inlet opening and each of the outlet openings, via the flow passages (2, 4, 5, 6, 7) of the first valve part (1) and the second valve part (3).
Abstract:
A method for controlling a flow of refrigerant to an evaporator (1) arranged in a refrigeration system is disclosed. The refrigeration system further comprises an expansion valve (12) and a compressor, the expansion valve (12), the evaporator (1) and the compressor being arranged in a refrigerant flow path having refrigerant flowing therein. The method comprises the steps of increasing an opening degree of the expansion valve (12), thereby increasing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator (1) sufficiently to substantially eliminate a dry zone (3) of the evaporator (1), decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve (12) after a period of time has lapsed, and repeating the steps of increasing and decreasing the opening degree of the expansion valve (12). Thus, the opening degree of the expansion valve (12) is 'pulsated'. This causes the superheat value of refrigerant leaving the evaporator (1) to 'toggle' between a zero level and a low, but positive, level. Thereby the average superheat value of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator (1) is decreased, and the refrigeration capacity of the evaporator (1) is utilised more efficiently. Simultaneously, it is ensured that the amount of liquid refrigerant being allowed to pass through the evaporator (1) is kept sufficiently low to prevent damage to the compressor.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of controlling a release of thermal energy in a building. The method comprises steps of defining a control criterion for the building, defining a set of climate variables which influence the release of thermal energy in the building, and defining for each climate variable, a climate signification index which defines the importance of that climate variable for the release of thermal energy in the building. Furthermore, the method comprises a step of receiving a set of predicted future climate variables, and subsequently a step of combining the climate signification indices and the predicted future climate variables to provide control instructions for release of an amount of thermal energy in the building to satisfy the control criterion. The invention further provides a comfort control system.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for controlling the climate of an environment, e.g. a house, which exchanges thermal energy with an ambient space. Energy is supplied to the environment e.g. by radiators, floor heating, electrical heating fans etc. According to the method, a numerically expressed comfort criteria, and a numerically expressed weight of importance of compliance with the comfort criterion are defined. Subsequently, a supply of a specific amount of energy is considered, and with respect to that amount, a numerical expression of a degree of compliance with the comfort criterion, and a numerical expression of costs related to the supply of that amount of energy are provided.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a refrigeration system comprising a variable compressor capacity, and at least two refrigeration entities 4, e.g. display cases. Suction pressure is controlled by means of permitting/preventing a flow of refrigerant into evaporator of one or more refrigeration entities 4. Compressor capacity is controlled to match a desired capacity level and based on a signal derived from one or more properties of the one or more refrigeration entities 4, said signal reflecting a possible difference between the current compressor capacity and a current refrigeration demand of the refrigeration system. Reduces wear on compressors because switching them ON/OFF is avoided to the largest extent possible. Prevents problems relating to conflicting control strategies due to control parameters, e.g. suction pressure, being controlled by means of two or more controllable parts, e.g. compressors and flow of refrigerant into refrigeration entities.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a temperature in a refrigeration system using a quality decay value expressing an expected decay rate in quality of the products being refrigerated, and which depends on the temperature of air present in the refrigeration system. The quality decay value is obtained using a mathematical model reflecting one or more physical and/or biological processes in the products. Prevents or reduces the quality degradation of the products in terms of shelf life, appearance or tastiness. Furthermore, a method for controlling the temperature in such a way that effects of scheduled events, such as temperature increase during defrosts, can be compensated prior to the event.