Abstract:
The invention provides a refrigeration system with a compressing unit, and a method of controlling a refrigeration system. To facilitate a better control, the capacity of the compressing unit is controlled based on a predicted future cooling demand rather than an actually determined cooling demand. The invention further provides a system wherein a cost value for changing the cooling capacity of the system is taken into consideration.
Abstract:
An expansion valve (4) for a vapour compression system (1), and a vapour compression system comprising such an expansion valve (4) are disclosed. The expansion valve (4) comprises a first valve member (7) and a second valve member (8). The first valve member (7) and the second valve member (8) are arranged movably relative to each other, and the relative position of the first valve member (7) and the second valve member (8) determines an opening degree of the expansion valve (4). The first valve member (7) and/or the second valve member (8) is/are automatically movable in response to changes in a differential pressure across the expansion valve (4), the opening degree of the expansion valve (4) thereby being automatically altered in response to changes in the differential pressure across the expansion valve (4). It is ensured that the opening degree of the expansion valve (4) is automatically adjusted to the actual operating conditions, thereby optimising the efficiency of the vapour compression system (1). Furthermore, this is obtained in a simple manner, without requiring complicated control of the valve (4).
Abstract:
An expansion device unit (4) for a vapour compression system (1), and a vapour compression system (1) are disclosed. The expansion device unit (4) comprises an inlet opening (17) arranged to receive fluid medium, at least two outlet openings (18) arranged to deliver fluid medium, a main expanding section (6) adapted to expand fluid medium received via the inlet opening (17) before delivering the fluid medium to the outlet openings (18), and a distribution section (7) arranged to split the fluid flow received via the inlet opening (17) into at least two fluid flows to be delivered via the outlet openings (18). The main expanding section (6) and/or the distribution section (7) is/are arranged to cause pressures in fluid delivered via at least two of the outlet openings (18) to be distinct. The main expanding section (6) is operated on the basis of one or more parameters measured in the fluid flow delivered by one of the outlet openings (18). The distinct pressure levels allow distinct evaporating temperature in evaporator paths (5a, 5b, 5c) connected to the outlet openings (18). Thereby a large temperature difference between inlet temperature and outlet temperature of a secondary fluid flow across the evaporator (5) can be obtained, without requiring that the entire mass flow must be compressed from a low pressure level by the compressor (2). Thereby energy is conserved.
Abstract:
A heat exchanger, such as an evaporator (1) or a condenser (17), for a vapour compression system (15) and a vapour compression system (15) with such a heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises at least two flow tubes arranged fluidly in parallel, an inlet manifold (3) and an outlet manifold (7). Each flow tube fluidly connects the inlet manifold (3) and the outlet manifold (7), and fluid medium is distributed among the flow tubes by the inlet manifold (3). The outlet manifold (7) is provided with a suction line heat exchanger, preferably being fluidly connected in a refrigerant path of the vapour compression system (15) between a condenser (17) and an expansion device (18), in the case that the heat exchanger is an evaporator (1). The suction line heat exchanger is arranged in the outlet manifold (7) in such a manner that direct thermal contact is provided between the refrigerant delivered from the flow tubes and the suction line heat exchanger, the refrigerant, e.g., being sprayed directly onto the suction line heat exchanger. Refrigerant leaving the evaporator (1) is heated, thereby causing evaporation of possible liquid refrigerant. Thereby liquid refrigerant can be allowed to pass through some of the evaporator tubes (2) without risking damage to the compressor (16). Utilisation of the potential refrigeration capacity of the evaporator (1) is improved. Arranging the suction line heat exchanger in the outlet manifold (7) provides a compact design and eliminates the requirement for additional components.
Abstract:
A method for determining wire connections in a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. The vapour compression system comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device (2) and an evaporator (3) being fluidly interconnected in a refrigerant path, and two or more sensor devices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) arranged for measuring variables which are relevant for the operation of the vapour compression system (1). The method comprises the steps of changing an operational setting, e.g. an opening degree of the expansion device (2) for the vapour compression system (1), monitoring variable values, such as temperatures, being measured by at least two sensor devices (7, 8, 9, 10, 11), e.g. arranged at various positions of the vapour compression system (1), in response to said changed operational setting, comparing the measured variable values to expected behaviour of at least one variable measured by a sensor device (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) in response to said changed operational setting, and based on the comparing step, determining at least one wire connection of the vapour compression system (1). The method allows correct wire connections to be established without any special effort from the installing personnel, and without requiring rewiring of the system.
Abstract:
A method for controlling operation of a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. The vapour compression system (1) comprises a compressor (2), a condenser (3), an expansion device (4) and an evaporator (5) arranged in a refrigerant path. The method comprises the steps of obtaining values of an entity being indicative of a current distribution of liquid refrigerant of the vapour compression system (1) and comparing the obtained values to a predefined threshold value. In the case that the obtained values are below said threshold value, control parameter values being indicative of the amount of liquid refrigerant present in the condenser (3) are obtained, and operation of the vapour compression system (1) is controlled in accordance with the obtained control parameter values and in such a manner that the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser (3) is maintained at a substantially constant level. This prevents flash gas at the inlet of the expansion device of the vapour compression system (1).
Abstract:
An expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state and at least two outlet openings (8), each being adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state, is disclosed, e.g. for use in a refrigeration system. The expansion valve (1) further comprises a first valve part (2) having at least two valve seats (3) formed therein, each of the valve seats (3) being fluidly connected to one of the outlet openings (8), a second valve part (4), the first valve part (2) and the second valve part (4) being arranged movably relative to each other, and at least two valve elements (5), each valve element (5) being arranged in such a manner that the valve seats (3) and the valve elements (5) pair-wise form at least two valves. Biasing means, e.g. in the form of springs (6), are arranged to bias the valve elements (5) and the valve seats (3) towards a position defining a minimum opening degree of the valves, or towards a position defining a maximum opening degree of the valves.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a refrigerant distribution in a vapour compression system, such as a refrigeration system, e.g. an air condition system, comprising at least two evaporators. The refrigerant distribution determines the distribution of the available amount of refrigerant among the evaporators. While monitoring a superheat, SH, at a common outlet for the evaporators, the distribution of refrigerant is modified in such a manner that a mass flow of refrigerant to a first evaporator is altered in a controlled manner. The impact on the monitored SH is then observed, and this is used for deriving information relating to the behaviour of the first evaporator, in the form of a control parameter. This is repeated for each evaporator, and the refrigerant distribution is adjusted on the basis of the control parameters. The impact may be in the form of a significant change in SH. Alternatively, the control parameter may reflect a change in SH occurring as a result of the modification of the distribution of refrigerant.
Abstract:
A method and a device for detecting an abnormality of a heat exchanger exchanging heat between a first fluid flow flowing in a conduit and a second fluid flow flowing along a flow path, said conduit and said flow path each having an inlet and an outlet, whereby the method comprises the steps of: establishing at least one parameter representative of the temperature conditions of the heat exchanger, establishing a second fluid inlet temperature, establishing a parameter indicative of expected heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the second fluid, processing the heat exchanger temperature, the second fluid temperature and the parameter indicative of expected heat exchange for establishing an estimated second fluid outlet temperature, employing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature for evaluating the heat exchange between the first and second fluids by comparing the estimated second fluid outlet temperature, or a parameter derived therefrom, with a reference value.
Abstract:
Es wird ein Verfahren zum Auswerten einer nicht gemessenen Betriebsgrösse in einer Kälteanlage angegeben, die aus mindestens einem Signal, das zu vorbestimmten Zeitpunkten abgetastet wird, ableitbar ist. Man möchte Fehler frühzeitig erkennen können. Hierzu ist vorgesehen, dass man einen Fehilerindikator durch folgende Schritte bildet: a) der Fehlerindikator wird in einem ersten Zeitpunkt auf einen Vorgabewert gesetzt, b) es wird eine Summe aus dem Fehlerindikator eines vorbestimmten früheren Zeitpunkts und einer von einem Schätzwert für die Betriebsgrösse unter Berücksichtigung von mindestens einer signalabhängigen Größe ersten abgeleiteten Größe gebildet und c) der Fehlerindikator wird auf den Wert der Summe gesetzt, wenn die Summe größer als der Vorgabewert ist, und auf den Vorgabewert, wenn die Summe kleiner oder gleich dem Vorgabewert ist.