Abstract:
An expansion valve (1) comprising an inlet opening (2) and a distributor (4) being arranged to distribute fluid medium received from the inlet opening to at least two parallel flow paths (3). At least two outlet openings (3) are adapted to deliver fluid in an at least partially gaseous state, and each outlet opening is fluidly connected to one of the parallel flow paths. A first valve part (7) and a second valve part (5) are arranged movably relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the first valve part and the second valve part determines the opening degree of the expansion valve. Since the distributor (4) forms part of the expansion valve, it distributes the fluid medium to the parallel flow paths prior to or during expansion of the fluid medium, i.e. while the fluid medium is in a substantially liquid state. This makes it easier to control the distribution of fluid medium to the parallel flow paths in a uniform manner.
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 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:
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 (16) for a vapour compression system (1) and a vapour compression system (1) are disclosed. The expansion valve (16) comprises a first valve member (17), a second valve member (20) and a third valve member (21), said valve members (17, 20, 21) being arranged in such a manner that relative movements at least between the first valve member (17) and the second valve member (20), and between the first valve member (17) and the third valve member (21) are possible. The expansion valve (16) is switchable between a first state in which an opening degree of the expansion valve (16) is determined by the relative position of the first valve member (17) and the second valve member (20), and a second state in which an opening degree of the expansion valve (16) is determined by the relative position of the first valve member (17) and the third valve member (21). The expansion valve (16) is automatically moved between the first state and the second state in response to a change in direction of fluid flow through the expansion valve (16). The expansion valve (16) is suitable for use in a vapour compression system (1) being capable of selectively operating in air condition mode or heat pump mode, and where reversal of refrigerant flow is therefore necessary. The expansion valve (16) automatically ensures that expanded refrigerant is supplied to a relevant heat exchanger (3, 4), thereby ensuring proper operation of the vapour compression system in air condition mode as well as in heat pump mode.
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.