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:
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 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 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.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for evaluating a non-measured operating variable in a refrigeration plant, which can be derived from at least one signal which is scanned at specific points in time, enabling early recognition of errors. An error indicator is formed by means of the following steps:a) the error indicator is set to a specified value at a first moment in time; b) a sum is formed from the error indicator of a predetermined earlier moment in time and a first variable derived from an estimated value for the operating variable taking into account at least one signal-dependent variable; c) the error indicator is set to the value of the sum if the sum is greater than the specified value, and set to the specified value if the sum is less than or the same as the specified value.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a method for detecting changes in a first flux of a heat or cold transport medium in a refrigeration system whereby the first flux is conveyed through a heat exchanger wherein occurs heat transfer form the first flux to a second flux of a coolant medium transporting heat or cold. The inventive method aims at enabling the fastest possible detection of said changes. Therefor, it consists in monitoring the first flux flowing through the heat exchanger by detecting the change in heat content of the second flux of the medium or a value derived therefrom.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method and a system to reduce losses of energy due to ripples, especially at the power grid, the ripples being short term power shortages or excess power. The method is based on the idea of shutting off energy consuming devices during a period of power shortage, if their operation is not necessary, and optionally to turn on such energy consuming devices during periods of excess power, if energy may be stored in them, especially when energy may be stored as some physical parameter or variable, being a part of the operation of the energy consuming devices, such as the temperature of a freezer.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a supply of refrigerant to an evaporator (5) of a vapor compression system (1), such as a refrigeration system, an air condition system or a heat pump, is disclosed. The vapor 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 vapor 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); analyzing 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.