Distributed microsystems-based control method and apparatus for commercial refrigeration

摘要

An arrangement for use in a refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, at least one evaporator unit, and at least one expansion valve. The arrangement includes first and second microsystems and first and second controllers. The first microsystem includes a first MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a first operational parameter of a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The first controller is operable to generate a first actuator control signal based on a first control signal, and is configured to generate the first control signal based directly or indirectly on the first operational parameter measurement. The second microsystem includes a second MEMs sensor configured to measure at least a second operational parameter of a second of the plurality of refrigeration devices. The second controller is operable to generate a second actuator control signal based on a second control signal, and is configured to generate the second control signal based directly or indirectly on the second operational parameter measurement.

主权项

1. An arrangement for use in a refrigeration system, the refrigeration system comprising a plurality of refrigeration devices including a compressor, a condenser, at least one evaporator unit, and at least one expansion valve, the arrangement comprising:
a first microsystem including a first MEMs sensor configured to measure a first air temperature associated with a first of the plurality of refrigeration devices; a first controller configured to generate a first actuator control signal based at least in part directly or indirectly on the first air temperature measurement; a second microsystem including a second MEMs sensor configured to measure a second air temperature associated with a second of the plurality of refrigeration devices; a second controller configured to generate a second actuator control signal based at least in part directly or indirectly on the second temperature measurement; and a pressure regulation device having a device input coupled to refrigerant outputs of both the first and second refrigeration devices and a device output coupled to the compressor; a third controller configures to generate a third actuator control signal based at least in part on the first air temperature measurement and the second air temperature measurement, wherein the pressure regulation device is configured to regulate the pressure in the first and second refrigeration devices based on the third actuator control signal; wherein the first refrigeration device comprises a first evaporator and a first expansion valve that provides refrigerant to the first evaporator and wherein the arrangement further includes a first liquid line solenoid valve operably connected to provide refrigerant to the first expansion valve, the first liquid line solenoid valve including a first actuator configured to alter an operation of the first liquid line solenoid valve based on the first actuator control signal; and wherein the second refrigeration device comprises a second evaporator and a second expansion valve that provides refrigerant to the second evaporator wherein the arrangement further includes a second liquid line solenoid valve operably connected to provide refrigerant to the second expansion valve, the second liquid line solenoid valve including a second actuator configured to alter an operation of the second liquid line solenoid valve based on the second actuator control signal.