Sorption System and Method for Operating Same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a sorption refrigeration system and a method for operating it, which includes a cooling fluid circuit, a process circuit containing refrigerant and solvent, an absorber, a condenser, and a control device. The novel aspect lies in the ability to independently control the flow of cooling fluid to the absorber and condenser, rather than uniformly controlling both. This setup enables more efficient and flexible operation for both cooling generation and thermal (cold) storage, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for separate thermal storage units.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Commercial or residential building climate control systems for cooling and temperature regulation
• Industrial processes requiring precise or energy-efficient thermal management
• Refrigerated storage facilities for food, pharmaceuticals or other temperature-sensitive products
• Integration with district cooling networks to improve efficiency and load balancing
• Retrofitting existing absorption chillers to boost performance and storage capability

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Increases efficiency of sorption-based cooling systems by enabling tailored control of cooling fluid flow to critical compartments
• Enables compact and potentially cost-effective thermal storage integrated into the cooling plant, saving space and installation costs
• Reduces the need for separate dedicated cold or hot water storage tanks, leading to space and material savings
• Improves system adaptability to variable loads and energy supplies, supporting better demand-response and integration with renewable energy sources
• Can be retrofitted to existing systems with relatively low effort, expanding its applicability
• Allows faster response times and improved control, which helps maintain stable temperatures and prevents operational issues like crystallization or freezing

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a sorption system (1), the sorption system comprising the following: a cooling fluid circuit (8), which has a cooling fluid; a process medium circuit (6), which has a refrigerant and a solvent; an absorber (3), which is connected to the cooling fluid circuit (8) and to the process medium circuit (6); a condenser (5), which is connected to the cooling fluid circuit (8) and to the process medium circuit (6); and a control device. During operation of the sorption system (1), the cooling fluid is fed to the absorber (3) and to the condenser (5), and a feed of the cooling fluid to the absorber (3) and a feed of the cooling fluid to the condenser (5) are controlled differently from each other by means of the control device. The invention further relates to an arrangement for a sorption system (1) and to a sorpotion system (1).