U.S. patent application number 14/426396 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for method for the controlled removal of foreign gases from a sorption device with an inert gas trap.
The applicant listed for this patent is INVENSOR GMBH. Invention is credited to Niels Braunschweig, Eythymios Kontogeorgopoulos, Soeren Paulussen.
Application Number | 20150247659 14/426396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49170693 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150247659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Braunschweig; Niels ; et
al. |
September 3, 2015 |
METHOD FOR THE CONTROLLED REMOVAL OF FOREIGN GASES FROM A SORPTION
DEVICE WITH AN INERT GAS TRAP
Abstract
The invention concerns a method which enables an inert gas to be
removed from an inert gas trap during operation of a sorption
machine, in particular an absorption machine, thus ensuring
improved control of the removal.
Inventors: |
Braunschweig; Niels;
(Berlin, DE) ; Paulussen; Soeren; (Berlin, DE)
; Kontogeorgopoulos; Eythymios; (Berlin, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INVENSOR GMBH |
Berlin |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
49170693 |
Appl. No.: |
14/426396 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
September 12, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/068929 |
371 Date: |
March 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02A 30/276 20180101;
F25B 17/083 20130101; Y02A 30/277 20180101; Y02B 30/64 20130101;
Y02A 30/27 20180101; Y02A 30/278 20180101; F25B 43/046 20130101;
Y02B 30/00 20130101; Y02B 30/62 20130101; F25B 2700/21161 20130101;
F25B 17/02 20130101; F25B 2700/195 20130101; F25B 2700/2116
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25B 43/04 20060101
F25B043/04; F25B 17/02 20060101 F25B017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 12, 2012 |
DE |
10 2012 108 504.8 |
Claims
1. A method for removing a foreign gas from a sorption machine,
wherein the sorption machine comprises at least one adsorber and
one desorber, or one adsorber-desorber unit, one vaporizer and one
condenser, or one vaporizer-condenser unit, one working medium, one
restrictor element, and one inert gas trap, wherein the inert gas
trap comprises at least one cooling element and one discharge
element, the method comprising: a) cooling of the inert gas trap
with the at least one cooling element to a temperature that is
lower, equal to or approximately equal to a temperature of the
condenser; b) introducing the working medium, which is vaporous,
from the desorber or the adsorber-desorber unit into the condenser,
the working medium condensing at least partially in the condenser
and the foreign gas collecting in the condenser; c) opening a
restrictor element arranged between the condenser and the inert gas
trap, the foreign gas and the working medium flowing out of the
condenser into the inert gas trap; d) heating the inert gas trap;
e) opening a discharge device through which the foreign gas can
flow out of the inert gas trap; wherein one of a) to e) is
initiated by a control signal selected from the group consisting of
quantity of inert gas, drop in performance, number of cycles, time
of operation and a combination thereof.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein step d) is initiated by the
control signal and the method begins sequentially at d).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the control signal activates the
inert gas trap as soon as predefined parameter values are
reached.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a quantity of the inert gas is
determined via a temperature and/or pressure measurement.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is arranged
on the condenser and/or a pressure sensor is arranged on the
condenser and/or on the desorber or on the adsorber-desorber unit,
the control signal depending on a quantity of the inert gas from
measured values of the pressure and/or temperature sensor.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a) to e) are repeated in sequence
several times.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein a the quantity of inert gas is
determined at the end or in the middle of a cycle.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a quantity of the inert gas is
determined upon conclusion of the condensation process.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the quantity of inert gas is
determined over several seconds at the end of a cycle or the
average quantity of inert gas is determined over the entire
cycle.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the sorption method is an
adsorption method.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the working medium is a
refrigerant.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the refrigerant is water.
Description
Prior Art
[0001] Sorption devices, particularly sorption refrigerating
machines, are known in the prior art.
[0002] Materials and substances located in a sorption system may
outgas or, for example, release gases due to chemical conversion.
These disruptive gases or vapors prevent a quick sorption process,
since they render access of the vaporous working medium to the
sorption agent difficult during adsorption or absorption and
prevent or render difficult access of the vaporous working medium
to the condensation surfaces, both of which lead to an extreme
retardation of the generation of cold and heat. This results in a
substantial decrease in the performance of these sorption systems.
The term "disruptive gas" refers here very generally to substances
that influence the access of the working medium vapor to the
sorption agent, thus preventing the sorption process (for example,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.). The gases are also referred to as
inert gases or foreign gases. These substances can be presorbed in
the sorption agent, released through chemical reactions, outgas
from the existing housing materials or occur through leaks in the
system. In summary, in such low-pressure sorption devices, the
problem therefore always exists that either outgassing or leaks
might lead to a rise in pressure and thereby to a functional
impairment of the device.
[0003] Processes and methods for removing an inert gas from a
sorption machine, particularly an adsorption machine, are described
in the prior art. For example, DE 103 10 748 B3 explains that
foreign gases are removed upon detection of the gases in the system
of an adsorption refrigeration machine.
[0004] DE 44 44 252 B4 describes a method in which a binding agent
is introduced into the sorption machine. In order to maintain the
system free of disruptive inert gas or vapor for the sorption
process so that only working medium vapor is present in the vapor
phase, a binding agent is added to the sorption system. The task of
the binding agent is to bind the inert gases or vapors present or
released in the sorption system, thereby removing them from the
working medium vapor space. It must be capable of binding as much
inert gas or vapor as is released in the sorption system through
outgas sing or chemical reaction of the substances and materials
contained therein. As a result, only a limited quantity of inert
gas or vapor can occur in a hermetically sealed sorption system,
and usually at the beginning of the sorption cycles at that. The
binding agent need only bind this specific quantity of inert gas
within this time period. As a matter of principle, all substances
that are capable of binding inert gases or vapors occurring in a
sorption system are suitable as binding agents. However, the
binding agent should be capable of not re-releasing the bound inert
gas even in the event of system-related fluctuations in
temperature. Since most binding agents tend to do so at high
temperatures, the binding agent should be applied in a place where
the temperatures are as low as possible and that are subject to
only small temperature fluctuations. In a sorption system, the
highest temperatures occur in the sorption agent container during
sorption and desorption. According to DE 44 44 252 B4, the binding
agent is applied in an area in which there are relatively lower
system temperatures, such as in the condenser, vaporizer or
collecting receiver.
[0005] However, in the prior art, there is no coordination of the
removal of the foreign gases with the mode of operation of the
sorption machine.
[0006] It was therefore the object of the invention to provide a
method which ensures removal of an inert gas from an inert gas trap
during continuous operation of a sorption machine, particularly an
adsorption machine, while ensuring improve control of the
removal.
DESCRIPTION
[0007] The object is achieved by the main claim. Advantageous
embodiments follow from the subclaims.
[0008] In a first preferred embodiment, the invention concerns a
method for removing a foreign gas from a sorption machine, wherein
the sorption machine comprises at least [0009] one adsorber and one
desorber, or one adsorber-desorber unit, or one adsorber and one
desorber, [0010] one vaporizer and one condenser, or one
vaporizer-condenser unit, [0011] one working medium, [0012] one
restrictor element and [0013] one inert gas trap, wherein the inert
gas trap comprises at least one cooling element and one discharge
element, the method comprising the following steps: [0014] a.
Cooling of the inert gas trap by the cooling element to a
temperature that is lower, equal to or nearly equal to the
temperature of the condenser; [0015] b. Introduction of a vaporous
working medium from the desorber or the adsorber-desorber unit into
the condenser, the working medium condensing at least partially in
the condenser and foreign gas collecting in the condenser; [0016]
c. Opening of a restrictor element arranged between the condenser
and the inert gas trap, the foreign gas and vaporous working medium
flowing out of the condenser into the inert gas trap; [0017] d.
Heating of the inert gas trap; [0018] e. Opening of a discharge
device through which the foreign gas can flow out of the inert gas
trap; [0019] characterized in that [0020] one of the steps is
initiated by a control signal selected from the group comprising
quantity of inert gas, drop in performance, number of cycles and/or
time of operation.
[0021] Through the invention, the inert gas trap is thus activated
by one of the abovementioned control signals and thereby put into
operation. The removal of inert gas therefore does not occur at any
point in time, but rather it is coordinated with the sorption
process. This leads to an increase in performance, since the inert
gas can thus be removed at an ideal point in time. In this way, a
drop in performance as a result of the inert gas is prevented. By
virtue of the invention, the performance of the sorption machine
can therefore be increased, which ultimately leads to
cost-savings.
[0022] It is especially preferred that the control signal activate
the inert gas trap as soon as predefined parameter values are
reached. These parameter values relate either to the quantity of
inert gas, performance, number of cycles or hours of operation. The
quantity of inert gas is preferably reflected by the inert gas
partial pressure.
[0023] In particular, in terms of the invention, the condenser can
be present as a separate condenser or in a combined
vaporizer/condenser unit.
[0024] A desorber in terms of the invention is particularly present
either as a separate desorber or in an adsorber-desorber unit.
[0025] In terms of the invention, an "inert gas trap" preferably
refers to a device for removing inert gas from a sorption machine,
particularly an adsorption machine, and especially preferably an
adsorption refrigerating machine.
[0026] Inert gas can also be referred to as foreign gas. A sorption
machine can also be referred to as a sorption device.
[0027] The restrictor element is preferably selected from the group
comprising valves, through valves, angle valves, inclined seat
valves, solenoid valves, check valves and/or floats. The restrictor
element is preferably integrated into a connector and brings about
a localized narrowing of the cross section of flow. Advantageously,
different valves, which can be subdivided according to their
geometric shape, can be integrated into a restrictor element.
Through the use of the valves, the flow volume in the connectors
can be metered exactly and precisely by changing the interior
diameter and a reliable seal against the environment can be formed.
The restrictor elements can advantageously be actuated by hand, by
medium, mechanically or electromagnetically.
[0028] It is especially preferred that the restrictor element that
is arranged between the inert gas trap and the condenser be a
valve, solenoid valve, slider, check valves, capillary pipe and/or
a membrane. These preferred restrictor elements have proven
especially suitable, because opening and closing is easy even in
the presence of different pressure and temperature conditions.
[0029] It is preferred that the restrictor element be provided
between the condenser and the inert gas trap with a control that
opens the restrictor element as soon as greater pressure occurs in
the condenser than in the inert gas trap. If the restrictor element
is embodied as a float, the weight of the float must be sufficient
to reliably seal an opening on which or against it is resting.
During the desorption phase, the float is lifted by the working
medium vapor flowing into the collecting receiver. The float can be
made, for example, of a plastic such as polypropylene.
[0030] Moreover, it is preferred that a temperature sensor be
arranged on the condenser and/or a pressure sensor on the condenser
and/or desorber or the adsorber-desorber unit, the control signal
depending on the measured values of the pressure and/or temperature
sensor.
[0031] It is especially preferred that the quantity of inert gas be
determined via the inert gas partial pressure. The detection of
inert gas is preferably done in the condenser and/or in the
desorber. An advantageous determination of the quantity of inert
gas is performed via a temperature sensor that is arranged in the
condenser. Moreover, a pressure sensor is preferably used that is
arranged either in the condenser and/or in the desorber. Since both
containers have the same pressure at the time of measurement, it is
unimportant where the pressure sensor is arranged.
[0032] That is, the temperature sensor preferably records
temperature values, whereas the pressure sensor records pressure
values. It is therefore especially preferred that the determination
of inert gas be performed by means of a temperature and/or pressure
measurement. In doing so, the measurements are performed with the
abovementioned sensors. It has been shown that this is an
especially precise and yet favorable method for determine the
quantity of inert gas.
[0033] It is especially preferred that the temperature sensor not
be arranged in the vacuum area of the condenser, but rather in such
a way that the return temperature of the condenser is measured. It
is therefore the outlet temperature of the working medium that is
determined. The condenser is particularly a heat exchanger that is
supplied externally, i.e., not on the vacuum side, with recooled
medium (preferably water). Internally, i.e., on the vacuum side,
the working medium (preferably water) condenses on its surface.
Three temperatures are of importance here: the flow and return
temperature of the recooled medium (external) and the temperature
of the condensed working medium (condensate, vacuum side). For the
determination of the inert gas, it is preferred that the
temperature of the condensate be determined in a vacuum. However,
since it is complicated to measure that temperature, it is
preferably determined indirectly through the return temperature of
the condenser.
[0034] Thus, the temperature in the vacuum area can be determined
indirectly by measuring the outlet temperature. Especially
preferably, the temperature measurement is taken when the condenser
is not providing its full output. This can preferably be in the
second half of a cycle, for example. This embodiment is especially
advantageous because especially accurate measured values van be
generated in this way, thus enabling a very precise determination
of the quantity of inert gas.
[0035] The vapor pressure of the working medium is preferably
determined for the temperature of the condenser. This value is
subtracted from that measured in the desorber and/or condenser. If
no inert gas were present, the difference would be equal to zero.
The pressure difference therefore corresponds to the inert gas
partial pressure.
[0036] This determination of the quantity of inert gas via the
pressure and temperature measurement has proven especially
advantageous, since it enables very precise values to be obtained.
What is more, it is a simple measurement for which no expensive
devices are required.
[0037] It is therefore preferred that the activation of the inert
gas trap be done by means of a control signal, with the control
signal depending on the inert gas partial pressure. Parameter
values for the inert gas partial pressure are preferably determined
which act as thresholds, the exceeding of which leads to the
activation of the inert gas trap via the control signal. The values
for these thresholds depend above all on the size of the sorption
machine as well as on the particulars of the device. Thus, the type
of adsorption or absorption agent also determines the level of the
threshold.
[0038] It is advantageous if the determination and removal of inert
gas is done while the sorption device is running, especially
preferably of an adsorption refrigerating machine. Especially
preferably, the inert gas trap is activated or switched on when a
certain quantity of inert gas, that is, a certain inert gas partial
pressure is reached. The coordination of the removal of the foreign
gases with the mode of operation of the sorption device offers an
advantage compared to the inert gas trap without this control
element, since better sorption performance can now be achieved.
Preferably, the inert gas trap is already activated at an inert gas
partial pressure that has not yet led to a drop in performance, or
only to a small drop in performance. The performance, preferably
the cooling performance is thus always maintained in an effective
range. In the prior art, this was not possible in such a simple and
precise manner.
[0039] Another preferred method for activating the inert gas trap
is a performance-dependent control signal. This signal is
influenced by the drop in performance. The drop in performance is
preferably determined through a measurement at the vaporizer. This
measurement is preferably performed using a temperature sensor.
This temperature sensor measures the temperature of the incoming
and outgoing working medium. If the temperature difference drops,
this is an indication of a drop in performance.
[0040] A threshold is now established for a preferred embodiment of
the invention after which the inert gas trap is activated. In this
way, the performance, preferably the cooling performance, can be
prevented from being low over an extended period of time.
Especially preferably, the threshold is selected such that the
inert gas trap is activated as soon as a measurable drop in
performance occurs.
[0041] The use of the number of cycles as the activation signal is
also preferred. The number of cycles of the sorption device is
meant. This embodiment can also be advantageous. It is a
statistical activation signal. Therefore, no measurement is taken
of certain parameters using sensors, but rather a number of cycles
is established as the threshold. When this number of cycles is
reached, the inert gas trap is activated by means of the
abovementioned steps. The advantage of this method is, above all,
the simplicity of implementation. For instance, no special sensors
need be installed. This method is particularly well suited to
sorption machines that are already in operation and for which
empirical data are available. However, it can also be preferably
for the optimum number of cycles to be determined by means of
pressure and temperature measurements. In that case, it is checked
on the basis of the previously described inert gas determination at
what number of cycles the inert gas thresholds were reached. The
control signal is then based only on the number of cycles. It is no
longer necessary to measure temperature and pressure.
[0042] The situation is similar with the use of time of operation
as the activation signal. This, too, is an embodiment that can be
implemented with particular ease in existing processes. As with the
use of the number of cycles, a measurement of pressure and
temperature can be taken before using the time of operation. It is
thus possible to determine the most suitable time of operation on
the basis of the inert gas determination. However, this is only a
preferred variant. It is also possible to determine the most
suitable time of operation by other means, thus eliminating the
need for additional sensors.
[0043] The determination of the threshold according to number of
cycles or time of operation depends on many factors. Among other
things, the type of the adsorption or absorption agent is
important. The size of the sorption device also plays an import
role. A person skilled in the art knows how to establish the
optimum number of cycles or hours of operation without inventive
step.
[0044] It is especially preferred that step d., i.e., the heating
of the inert gas trap, be initiated by the control signal and the
sequence of the steps begin at step d. The preferred sequence is
therefore step d, step e, step a, step b, step c, step d, step
e.
[0045] Even though no inert gas has yet been fed from the condenser
into the inert gas trap at the time of step d, this starting point
is preferred. Starting at step d offers the advantage that inert
gas that might have gotten into the inert gas trap from the
environment is first evacuated. Inert gas may have gotten into the
inert gas trap especially if the inert gas trap has not been
operated for an extended period. As a result, ambient air may have
happened to penetrate into the inert gas trap. By starting at step
d, additional inert gas is thus prevented from getting into the
system. The inert gas trap is therefore first evacuated as a
precaution before step a begins. This embodiment has proven to be
especially preferred, since this prevents additional inert gas from
getting into the device that would then have to be removed.
[0046] The method preferably always ends with step e.
[0047] The present application includes the disclosed content of
W02012069048. That application concerns a "Vacuum container for
removing foreign gases from adsorption refrigerating machine." The
vacuum container described therein is a preferred embodiment of the
inert gas trap in terms of the invention. However, the novel method
according to the invention is not limited to adsorption devices.
After all, the problem of the removal of foreign gases is just as
relevant to absorption, for example. The method according to the
invention can therefore be implemented in all sorption machines
with an inert gas trap.
[0048] It is especially preferred for the working medium to be a
refrigerant, preferably water.
[0049] The inert gas trap can also preferably run a certain number
of cycles/procedures. The sequence of steps a to e is preferably
repeated multiple times.
[0050] The number of repetitions depends on the size of the inert
gas trap. 10 to 150 repetitions are preferred, for example, and 50
to 100 repetitions are especially preferred. 75 repetitions are
very especially preferred. If the inert gas trap is large enough,
however, one pass through the steps is also sufficient in order to
completely remove the inert gas. A person skilled in the art knows
what number of repetitions is especially preferred for the
respective configuration of the inert gas trap and sorption
device.
[0051] It is both preferred that any small quantity of inert gas be
removed immediately or to postpone removal until a higher threshold
is reached, and the inert gas trap is activated only then. This
applies to all of the abovementioned parameters. Where the
appropriate threshold lies depends, in turn, on many individual
factors and cannot be generalized.
[0052] It has been shown that it is especially advantageous to make
the control of the inert gas trap independent of the quantity of
inert gas in the sorption device. To determine the inert gas in the
case of a cycling sorption device, especially an adsorption
refrigerating machine, the point in time at which the determination
is made is important, and the determination is based on at least
one of the following criteria: [0053] Inert gas determination at
the end of the cycle and/or [0054] Inert gas determination in the
middle of the cycle and/or [0055] Inert gas determination upon
conclusion of the condensation process and/or [0056] Determination
of the average quantity of inert gas over several seconds at the
end of the cycle and/or [0057] Determination of the average
quantity of inert gas over the entire cycle.
[0058] Determination of the quantity of inert gas in the middle or
toward the end of the cycle is especially preferred. When the
optimum point in time for determining the quantity of inert gas is
also depends on the sorption device being used. A person skilled in
the art is capable of executing the invention such that they are
able to determine the appropriate point in time for determining the
quantity of inert gas depending on the sorption device. For
example, there are sorption devices in which a portion of the inert
gas has already flowed to the vaporizer toward the end of the
cycle. In such devices, the end of a sorption cycle is therefore
not the optimum point in time for determining the inert gas, since
not all of the inert gas is in the condenser by then.
[0059] At the beginning of the cycle, strong condensation is still
occurring, so the condenser works and a larger quantity of vapor is
produced. At such a time, the inert gas cannot be determined
particularly well in some devices, so the middle to the end of a
cycle tends to be suitable for determining the inert gas in such
sorption devices.
[0060] It is especially preferred that the quantity of inert gas,
that is, the inert gas partial pressure, be determined over a
certain time period by means of several successive measurements.
The determination of 5 to 100 values in a period of 5 to 150
seconds is preferred above all. The measurement of 30 to 75 values
in 10 to 25 seconds is very especially preferred. An average is
preferably formed from these values which then determine the
quantity of inert gas. By forming the average from several
successive measurements, small fluctuations are equaled out, and
the quantity of inert gas can be determined especially
accurately.
[0061] The method of the invention therefore includes a control
concept in which the inert gas trap is activated by a control
signal, thus establishing when the inert gas flows out. As a
result, the entire sorption process can be improved, and increased
performance is achieved.
[0062] It is especially preferred that the novel control concept be
used together with the inert gas trap according to W02012069048.
Such an inert gas trap can also be described as a vacuum container
for a sorption device, characterized in that the vacuum container
is connected via vapor-open connection means to a condenser unit of
a sorption refrigerating machine and the container has a discharge
device and at least one component for locking or regulating the
flow of fluids.
[0063] Especially preferred is the method for removing a foreign
gas from an adsorption refrigerating machine, comprising at least
one adsorber/desorber unit, one vaporizer/condenser unit and one
vacuum container (preferably inert gas trap) having at least one
cooling element, the method comprising the following steps: [0064]
a. Cooling of the vacuum container by the cooling element to a
temperature that is lower, equal to or similar to the temperature
of the condenser unit; [0065] b. Introduction of a vaporous working
medium from the desorber unit into the condenser unit, the
refrigerant condensing at least partially in the condenser unit and
inert gas collecting in the condenser; [0066] c. Opening of a
component for blocking or regulating the flow of fluid arranged
between the condenser unit and the vacuum container, the inert gas
and vaporous refrigerant flowing out of the condenser unit into the
vacuum container; [0067] d. Heating of the vacuum container; [0068]
e. Opening of a discharge device through which the inert gas can
flow out of the vacuum container; the activation of the vacuum
container occurring by means of a control signal selected from the
group comprising quantity of inert gas, drop in performance, number
of cycles and/or time of operation.
[0069] In W02012069048, the inert gas trap is referred to as a
vacuum container. This vacuum container is preferably an inert gas
in terms of the invention.
[0070] By virtue of the invention, this method is now being
supplemented with a control concept that establishes certain
activation signals on the one hand and controls the activation of
the inert gas trap on the other hand.
EXAMPLE
[0071] The invention will be explained below with reference to
figures without being limited thereto.
[0072] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the inert gas trap 1,
which is connected a condenser unit 8. The condenser unit 8 and the
inert gas trap 1 are under vacuum. In addition to the vaporous
working medium, inert gas is also located in the condenser unit 8.
In one embodiment, the inert gas trap 1 contains only liquid
working medium 7 and water vapor (minimum quantity or no inert gas
at all). The connection means with a valve 2 opens, and the inert
gas with vaporous working medium flows into the inert gas trap 1.
For this purpose, a pressure difference between inert gas trap 1
and condenser unit 8 is advantageous. The pressure difference is
preferably achieved by cooling the inert gas trap 1 with a cooling
element 4.
[0073] When the foreign gas is to be removed from the inert gas
trap 1, the connection means preferably closes with a valve 2, and
the inert gas trap 1 is particularly heated with a heating element.
When the pressure in the inert gas trap 1 lies above the ambient
pressure, the discharge device 3 opens, and water vapor and inert
gas flow into the surroundings. Another possibility for cooling the
inert gas trap 1 consists in opening the connection means with a
valve 2 and 6. Liquid working medium flows via the connection means
with a valve 6 into the inert gas trap 1, vaporizes and flows via
the connection means with a valve 2 back to the condenser unit 8.
As a result, the inert gas trap 1 is cooled. It is also preferred
that additional cooling of the inert gas trap 1 be achieved through
the introduction of cold refrigerant from the condenser unit 8. For
this purpose, a connection can exist between condenser unit 8 and
inert gas trap 1.
[0074] FIG. 2 shows a preferred adsorption refrigerating machine 12
with inert gas trap 1. The adsorption refrigerating machine 12
preferably has a condenser unit 8, an adsorber unit 9, a desorber
unit 10 and a vaporizer unit 11. The inert gas trap 1 removes
foreign gas from the condenser unit 8 of the adsorption
refrigerating machine 12. The foreign gas can be removed through a
heating element from the inert gas trap 1 by means of overpressure
in the inert gas trap 1, whereby the inert gas is released through
a discharge device 3. The inert gas trap 1 is preferably connected
by connection means 2 with controlled valve or non-return valve to
the condenser unit 8. During the operation of the adsorption
refrigerating machine 12, the inert gas collects primarily in the
condenser unit 8.
[0075] It is preferred here that the inert gas trap 1 be heated
when a certain threshold for the inert gas partial pressure has
been reached. An example of control based on the determination of
inert gas is shown below:
[0076] Typical temperature in the condenser 30.degree. C. Vapor
pressure of the working medium (preferably water) at 30.degree.
C..fwdarw.42.4 mbar Measured pressure via the pressure sensor in
the desorber/condenser is at 55 mbar
[0077] Inert gas partial pressure: "measured pressure" minus "vapor
pressure working medium".fwdarw.55 mbar-42.4 mbar=12.6 mbar
[0078] Without inert gas, the measured pressure would be equal to
the vapor pressure calculated from the temperature. The difference
corresponds to the inert gas partial pressure.
[0079] The value of 12.6 mbar therefore indicates that inert gas is
present in the sorption device. If the threshold is 12.6 mbar or
less, the inert gas trap is now activated.
[0080] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0081] 1 inert gas trap
[0082] 2 connection means to the condenser unit
[0083] 3 discharge device
[0084] 4 cooling element
[0085] 6 additional connection means to the condenser unit
[0086] 7 liquid working medium
[0087] 8 condenser unit
[0088] 9 adsorber unit
[0089] 10 desorber unit
[0090] 11 vaporizer unit
[0091] 12 adsorption refrigerating machine
[0092] 13 connection means to the vaporizer unit
* * * * *