REGULATION METHOD AND REGULATION APPARATUS OF A REFRIGERATION PLANT AND RESPECTIVE REFRIGERATION PLANT INCLUDING SUCH APPARATUS

Abstract

Described is a regulation apparatus for a refrigeration plant having defined therein a refrigerant fluid path and a plurality of devices arranged along the refrigerant fluid path. The regulation apparatus includes a first sensor arranged in a first point (P1), and preferably a second sensor arranged in a second point (P3), both along the refrigerant fluid path. The control unit controls a first value measured by the first sensor and obtains a first regulation request of a device deriving from the first measured value as well as a second value measured by the second sensor, or calculated for the second point, and derives a second regulation request of the device deriving from the second measured value, compares the first and second regulation requests and establishes which regulation request is greater. A control unit commands an actuation device to actuate the most effective regulation request of the refrigeration plant devices.

Claims

1. A regulation apparatus for a refrigeration plant, wherein a refrigerating fluid path is defined in the refrigeration plant and one or more devices are arranged along said refrigerating fluid path, wherein said regulation apparatus includes a first sensor arranged in a first point (P1) along the refrigerating fluid path of the refrigeration plant to detect a first value of a quantity in said first point (P1), a second sensor arranged in a second point (P3) along the fluid path of the refrigeration plant to detect a second value of said quantity in said second point (P3), or a calculation unit to calculate and derive the second value, of said quantity in said second point (P3), a control unit and an actuation device to actuate at least one or more devices of the refrigeration plant, wherein in said control unit a reference value or set point is stored for the quantity measured by the first sensor, and a reference value or set point is stored for the quantity measured by the second sensor or calculated by said calculation unit for said second point (P3), and a first neutral zone around the first reference value and a second neutral zone around the second reference value are stored, wherein a constant regulation is provided in said first neutral zone and second neutral zone and a regulation request is stopped or is blocked at a value such as to satisfy specific operating conditions in the refrigeration plant, and wherein in said control unit a zone of reduction or decrease of the regulation and a zone of growth or increase of the regulation is set, said control unit controlling a first real value measured by said first sensor and check if said first measured value is inside the first neutral zone, of a growth zone or in a zone of reduction or decrease for said first sensor, and calculate a first regulation request (Req_p1) of operating parameters of said one or more devices of the refrigeration plant, said contra unit controlling a value measured by said second sensor, or a value calculated by said calculation unit for said second point (P3), and check whether said value measured by the second sensor, or calculated for said second point (P3) is located within the respective neutral zone, growth zone or zone of reduction or decrease for said second sensor or for said second point (P3), and derive a second regulation request (Req_p3) of operating parameters of said one or more devices of the refrigeration plant, and wherein said control unit compares the first regulation request (Req_p1) on said first sensor with the second regulation request (Req_p3) on said second sensor or for said second point, establish which regulation request is more effective and/or more suitable for said refrigeration plant between the first regulation request and the second regulation, and wherein said control unit controls the actuation device to actuate said more effective and/or more suitable regulation request for said refrigeration plant.

2. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the most effective and/or most suitable regulation request is the greater regulation request.

3. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one or more devices of the refrigeration plant to be controlled is a compressor or a plurality of compressors and the more effective and/or more suitable regulation request is the greater regulation request corresponding to the total capacity of said one compressor or a plurality of compressors in the refrigeration plant.

4. The regulation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the first regulation request (Req_p1) and the second regulation request (Req_p3) is a percentage linked to the maximum total capacity of said compressor or plurality of compressors.

5. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit compares in a cyclical manner at predetermined times t.sub.i, which can correspond to control program cycles, at least two regulation requests (Req_p1, Req_p3) for the two points (P1, P3) of the fluid path.

6. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if for one between said first point (P1) and second point (P3) said quantity is outgoing from the neutral zone, and the other between said first point (P1) and second point (P3) is in a reduction zone or in a request growth zone, the regulation request which is in a reduction or growth zone is realigned to the value of a total regulation request calculated in a previous calculation instant.

7. The regulation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in the request reduction zone, for each of the two points the regulation request is decreased by a % value corresponding to that of the neutral zone up to 0% and/or wherein in the request growth zone, for each of the two points the regulation request is increased from a % value corresponding to that of the neutral zone up to 100%, and/or if for both the points (P1, P3) it is in the neutral zone, the regulation request values are compared in any case, and the greater one is chosen to actuate the compressor(s).

8. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit calculates both in the reduction or decrease area (Req_decrease) and in the increase or growth area (Req_increase) the request with the following formula: ${\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}={\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}-\frac{100}{{\mathrm{Time}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}}*t_i$ ${\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{increase}}={\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}-\frac{100}{\mathrm{Time\_increase}}*t_i$ where: Req.sub.decrease⊚Req.sub.increase [%]: is the % of request at the moment t.sub.i in which it is calculated (every second). Req.sub.outNZ [%]: is the % of request, which occurred when, leaving the neutral zone Time_decrease⊚Time_increase[sec]: is the time calculated according to previously set parameters; t.sub.i [sec]: time elapsed since exiting the neutral zone.

9. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first regulation request (Req_p1) for the first point (P1) is independent of a deviation of the first value measured by the first sensor with respect to the respective first reference value, and said second regulation request (Req_p3) for the second point (P3) is independent of a deviation of the value measured by the second sensor or calculated for the second point with respect to the respective second reference value, and consequently a comparison between the first regulation request (Req_p1) and second regulation request (Req_p3) is independent; even indirectly, from a comparison between said deviations.

10. The regulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said regulation request is a calculation having as output a relative percentage (%), and wherein said comparing the first regulation request with the second regulation request is a step of comparing relative percentages (%), a most suitable and/or most effective percentage (%) being then chosen and translated into a regulation command suitable for said actuation device.

11. A refrigeration plant including, or in combination with, the regulation apparatus according to claim 1.

12. A refrigeration plant according to claim 11, including a compression device, a heat exchanger, an ejector, a receiver, an expander and an evaporator, wherein said refrigeration plant is configured so that a fluid leaving the compression device enters the heat exchanger and, leaving the heat exchanger, is introduced into a first inlet in the ejector, and wherein an outlet of the ejector is connected to the receiver, and wherein said receiver is connected to the evaporator to supply a liquid part of the fluid and is connected to the compression device to supply a gaseous part of the fluid, and wherein a further connection is provided between the evaporator and a second inlet of the ejector, and wherein a check valve is provided on a connecting section between the evaporator and the compression device, and wherein said first sensor is placed at the exit of the evaporator and positioned upstream of the check valve and said second point (P3) is upstream of the compression device, downstream of said check valve, and wherein said first sensor identifies a pressure at the exit of the evaporator, before the check valve and wherein said regulation apparatus identifies in said second point (P3) a pressure entering the compression device, and wherein the first regulation request is a regulation request calculated downstream of the evaporator while the second regulation request is a regulation request calculated upstream of the compression device, and wherein the control unit checks which request is greater and consequently act on the capacity of the compression device.

13. A refrigeration plant according to claim 12, wherein a second sensor is arranged in said second point (P3).

14. A regulation method for the regulation of a refrigeration plant, wherein at least one path of refrigerant fluid is defined in the refrigeration plant and a plurality of devices arranged along said path of refrigerant fluid, wherein the method provides for detecting a quantity by means of a first sensor arranged at a first point (P1) along the refrigerant fluid path of the refrigeration plant, detecting a quantity at a second point (P3) along the fluid path of the refrigeration plant; memorizing a first reference value or set point for the quantity measured by the first sensor, a second reference value or set point for the quantity measured by the second sensor or for the quantity in said second point (P3), a first neutral zone around the first reference value and a second neutral zone around the second reference value, wherein a constant regulation is provided in said first neutral zone and in the second neutral zone and a regulation request is stopped or blocked at a value such as to satisfy specific operating conditions in the refrigeration plant, setting a regulation reduction or decrease zone and a regulation growth or increase zone for each first point (P1) and second point (P3), controlling a first real value measured by said first sensor and checking if said first measured value is inside the first neutral zone, of a growth zone or in a zone of reduction or decrease for said first point (P1), and deriving a first regulation request (Req_p1) of operating parameters of said one or more devices of the refrigeration plant, determining a second value in said second point (P3) and checking if said second value is within the respective neutral zone, growth zone or zone of reduction or decrease for said second point (P3), and deriving a second regulation request (Req_p3) of operating parameters of said one or more devices of the refrigeration plant, comparing the first regulation request (Req_p1) with the second regulation request (Req_p3), establishing which regulation request (Req_p1, Req_p3) is more effective and/or more suitable between the first regulation request (Req_p1) and the second regulation (Req_p3), and wherein said control unit actuates the most effective and/or most suitable regulation request for the refrigeration plant on said one or more devices of the refrigeration plant.

15. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein said at least one or more devices of the refrigeration plant to be controlled is a compressor or a plurality of compressors, and the more effective and/or more suitable regulation request (Req_p1, Req_p3) is the greater regulation request corresponding to the total capacity of said one compressor or a plurality of compressors in the refrigeration plant.

16. The regulation method according to claim 15, wherein if for one between said first point (P1) and second point (P3), the quantity measured is exiting the neutral zone, and the other in a zone of reduction or decrease of the request or in a request growth zone, the regulation request (Req_p1 , Req_p3) which is in the reduction or decrease zone or in the growth zone is realigned to the value of a total regulation request (Req_p1, Req_p3) calculated in a previous calculation instant.

17. The regulation method according to claim 15, wherein in the zone of reduction or decrease of the request, for each of the two points (P1, P3) the regulation request (Req_p1, Req_p3) is decreased with a trend ranging from a % value corresponding to that of the neutral zone up to 0% and/or wherein in the request growth zone, for each of the two points the regulation request is increased by a % value corresponding to that of the neutral zone up to 100%, and/or if both points (P1, P3) are in the neutral zone, the request values are compared and the most effective and or most suitable one is selected.

18. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein the regulation request is calculated either in the reduction or decrease zone (Req_decrease) or in the increase or growth zone (Req_increase) with the following formula: ${\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}={\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}-\frac{100}{{\mathrm{Time}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}}*t_i$ ${\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{increase}}={\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}-\frac{100}{\mathrm{Time\_increase}}*t_i$ where: Req.sub.decrease⊚Req.sub.increase [%]: is the % of request at the moment t.sub.i in which it is calculated (every second). Req.sub.outNZ [%]. is the % of request, which occurred when, leaving the neutral zone Time_decrease⊚Time_increase[sec]: is the time calculated according to previously set parameters; t.sub.i [sec]: time elapsed since exiting the neutral zone.

19. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein the plant includes a compression device, a heat exchanger, an ejector a receiver, an expander and an evaporator, wherein said plant is configured so that a fluid leaving the compression device enters the heat exchanger and, leaving the heat exchanger, is fed into a first input in the ejector and in which an output of the ejector is connected to the receiver and wherein said receiver is connected to the evaporator to supply a liquid part of the fluid and is connected to the compression device to supply a gaseous part of the fluid, and wherein a further connection is provided between the evaporator and a second inlet of the ejector and wherein a check valve is provided on a connecting section between the evaporator and the compression device and wherein said first sensor is pieced at the exit of the evaporator positioned upstream of the check valve and said second point (P3) is upstream of the compression device, downstream of said check valve, and wherein said first sensor is suitable to identify a pressure at the exit of the evaporator, before the check valve and wherein a pressure entering the compression device is identified, and wherein the first regulation request is a regulation request calculated downstream of the evaporator while the second regulation request is a regulation request calculated upstream of the compressor, and wherein it is verified which request is greater and consequently the capacity of the compression device is acted upon.

20. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein each first regulation request (Req_p1) and second regulation request (Req_p3) are derived and compared continuously over time, so as to regulate the operation of said one or more devices based on the value of the greater request.

21. The regulation method according to claim 19, wherein the refrigeration plant includes a flash gas valve for the interception of gas coming from the receiver towards the compression device and wherein a third probe or third sensor is provided, capable measuring a pressure (P2) at the receiver, and wherein a pressure difference is measured between the pressure at the third probe with respect to the first probe or with respect to a reference pressure value at the first probe, and the method provides for calculating a regulation request on the flash gas valve and acting on the flash valve gas to maintain said pressure difference within a predefined range and wherein in said second point (P3) a second probe or second sensor is provided for measuring the quantity in said second point (P3).

22. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein the first regulation request (Req_p1) for the first point (P1) is independent of a deviation of the first real value (P1) with respect to the respective first reference value, and said second regulation request (Req_p3) for the second point (P3) is independent of a deviation of the second value measured by the second sensor or calculated for the second point (P3) with respect to a respective second reference value, and consequently a comparison between the first regulation request (Req_p1) and second regulation request (Req_p3) is independent of a comparison between said deviations.

23. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein said first regulation request (Req_p1) does not vary proportionally on the basis of a deviation of the first real value with respect to the first reference value and said second regulation request (Req_p3) does not vary proportionally on the basis of a deviation of the second value with respect to the second reference value.

24. The regulation method according to claim 14, wherein said regulation request is a calculation having as output a relative percentage (%), and wherein comparing the first regulation request with the second regulation request is a step of comparing relative percentages (%), the most suitable and/or most effective percentage (%) being then chosen and translated into a regulation command.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a view of a diagram representing a refrigeration plant with regulation apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0068] FIG. 2 shows a view of a block diagram representing a method for regulation of a refrigeration plant according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0069] FIGS. 3 and 4 show views of graphs relative to the regulation requests according to respective modes of the neutral zone;

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a view of a diagram representing a refrigeration plant according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0071] FIG. 6 shows a view of a graph relative to a regulation request according to another mode of the neutral zone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 10 denotes a refrigeration plant. The refrigeration plant 10 comprises, connected in fluid communication in a circuit, a compression device 12 or compressor, a heat exchanger 15, an ejector 16, a receiver 17, an expansion valve 18 and an evaporator 19. The compression plant 10 preferably includes in the embodiment shown at least a second expander 20 and a second evaporator 21 and a further compression device 22 to serve users at a low temperature with respect to the first above-mentioned components. Further expanders, evaporators and compression devices may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] In such a refrigeration plant 10, a fluid leaving the compression device 12 enters the heat exchanger 15 where it is cooled. The fluid leaving the heat exchanger 15 is introduced into a first inlet 16a in the ejector 16. An output of the ejector is normally connected to the receiver 17, where a liquid part of the fluid is separated from the gaseous part. The liquid part of the fluid is supplied to the evaporator 19, passing through the expander 18. The gaseous part of the refrigerant can be supplied to the compression device 12, as will described in more below. A further connection is provided between the evaporator 19 and a second inlet 16b of the ejector 16.

[0074] A first check valve 24 is preferably provided interposed between the evaporator 19 and the compression device 12, and a second check valve 25 is interposed between the evaporator 19 and the second inlet 16b of the ejector 16.

[0075] It will be noted that a fluid path is identified in the above-mentioned circuit which runs from the compression device 12 towards the receiver 17 passing through the heat exchanger 15 and the ejector 16, and which continues from the receiver 17 towards the compression device 12 passing through the expander 18 and the evaporator 19. A further fluid path is provided between the evaporator 19 and the ejector 16 passing through a respective check valve 25. With respect to said fluid paths, a downstream position and an upstream position for each component of the plant are identified in the circuit and in the plant. In other words, for each device of the refrigeration plant, a position upstream and downstream with respect to the path of the fluid in the region of the device is identified (and must be understood).

[0076] Therefore, for example, the ejector 16 is in a downstream position with respect to the heat exchanger 15 and the ejector 16 can be considered in a position upstream of the evaporator for the liquid part of the fluid, but downstream of the evaporator for a gaseous part that arrives from the evaporator passing through the check valve.

[0077] As is known, an ejector uses the Venturi effect to increase the pressure of the gaseous part at the second inlet by means of the fluid arriving at the first inlet.

[0078] Furthermore, the plant 10 includes a first probe 31 at the outlet from the evaporator 19, for example positioned upstream of the first check valve 24, and a second probe 33 positioned upstream of the compression device 12. In practice, the check valve 24 separates the outset from the evaporator 19, for example a so-called medium temperature evaporator, from the inlet of the compression device 12. It will be noted that the first probe 31 is able to identify a pressure p1, which is the pressure at the outlet of the medium temperature evaporators, upstream of the first check valve 24. The second probe 33 is able to identify a pressure p3, that is to say the suction pressure at the compression device 12.

[0079] The first probe 31 and the second probe 33 are also part of a regulation apparatus 50, including a control unit 51 (or regulation unit) operatively connected to the first probe 31 and to the second probe 33. The regulation apparatus 50 further includes an actuation device 52 operatively connected to the processing unit 51 and to the compression device 12 or compressor 12 to actuate the compressor on the basis of inputs received from the control unit 51. It should be noted that the second probe 33 may be absent or not used to measure the pressure. In this case, a pressure can be derived in the area of the second probe 33 (corresponding to a so-called second point) by deriving a calculated value, for example but not exclusively from the value of the pressure measured by the first probe 31, or from other characteristics of the plant, such as plant actuators. Where the second probe 33 is described, it must be understood implicitly that this probe could be absent and the relative pressure value is derived or calculated without direct measurement.

[0080] According to an aspect of the invention, in order to optimize an operation of the plant 10, a calculation is made of a request for regulation of the compression device 12 both on the basis of a pressure value measured by the first probe 31 and on the basis of a pressure value measured by the second probe 33, or derivative.

[0081] A system is therefore provided for calculating a first regulation request based on the pressure value measured at the point of the first probe 31, and for calculating a second regulation request on the basis of the measured pressure value or, as mentioned, derived in the point of the second probe 33. The two regulation requests are compared and the greater regulation request is chosen as the total regulation request of the compression device 12.

[0082] In other words, a so-called comparison of regulation requests is performed on the basis of the pressure value measured upstream of the first check valve 24 and of the pressure value measured downstream of the first check valve 24 and therefore upstream of the compression device 12. In other words, a pressure reading p1, p3 is taken and, for each respective position in the circuit, a regulation request value is calculated, that is, a calculation of a regulation request to operate the system in conditions of optimization for the position of the first probe 31 and of the second probe 33.

[0083] It follows that for each sensor or probe 31, 33, a regulation request occurs, that is, how much, for example., in percentage terms, a plant heeds to be regulated to reach a reference value,, in the area of the first probe, and in the area of the second probe respectively. The greater request is chosen as the total request with which to actuate the compression device.

[0084] Even more precisely, a better regulation of a refrigeration plant 10 can be better obtained by making: a comparison between the values of regulation requests in the two points of the fluid path of the refrigeration plant 10, corresponding to the sensors 31 and 33 starting from a verification of whether the measured pressure quantity value lies in a so-called neutral zone range.

[0085] The above-mentioned regulation apparatus 50 is therefore provided including the control unit 51 where a reference value or set point is stored for the quantity measured by the first sensor 31, and a reference value or set point for the quantity measured by the second sensor 33, or derived. A first neutral zone around the first reference value and a second neutral zone around the second reference value are also stored. In the first neutral zone and in the second neutral zone, a regulation request is stopped or blocked at a value such as to satisfy specific operating conditions in the refrigeration plant 10.

[0086] In the control unit 51, a regulation reduction or decrease zone is set, within which a regulation request decreases from an output value from the neutral zone, preferably to zero, and a regulation growth or increase zone is set, within which a regulation request increases from the neutral zone output value, preferably to 100%. The control unit is also configured to check a first real value measured by said first sensor 31 and check if said first measured value is inside the first neutral zone, of a growth zone or in a zone of reduction for said first sensor, and derive a first regulation request of operating parameters of said one or more devices of the refrigeration plant.

[0087] The control unit 51 is also configured to check a value measured by said second sensor 33 (or derived for said second point) and check whether said value measured by second sensor 33, or calculated for said second point P3, is located within the respective neutral zone, growth zone or decrease zone for said second sensor/point, and derive a second regulation request of operating parameters of the compressor 12 of the refrigeration plant 10.

[0088] More specifically, the control unit 51 is configured to compare the first regulation request on the first sensor with the regulation request on said second sensor 33 or on said second point P3, establishing which regulation request is greater between the first regulation request and the second regulation request. The control unit is configured to command the actuation device 52 to actuate the greater regulation request on the compressor 12.

[0089] More particularly with reference to FIG. 3, the regulation can be carried out based on a so-called neutral zone technique with fixed times. For this reason, for each sensor 31, 33, in addition to neutral zone intervals, growth times and decrease times are established:

Max time decrease [sec]=Min time decrease [sec]=Time_decrease

Max Time increase [sec]=Min Time increase [sec]=Time_increase

[0090] The times between decrease and increase do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0091] In this way, a fixed time is in fact obtained, equal to the one set in seconds.

[0092] Therefore, outside the neutral band, the request varies constantly over time by a % every second with the following formula.

[00002]${\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}={\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}-\frac{100}{{\mathrm{Time}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}}*t_i$${\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{increase}}={\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}-\frac{100}{\mathrm{Time}\mathrm{increase}}*t_i$

Example:

Time_decrease=180 sec

Req.SUB.outNZ.=40%

[0093] t.sub.1 (1 second after exiting the neutral zone)

Req.sub.decrease=40− 100/180*1=39.45

t.sub.2 (2 seconds after exiting the neutral zone)

Req.sub.decrease=40− 100/180*2=38.9

[0094] And so, on ultimately the request decreases by 100/180=0.55% every second.

[0095] The effect of the decrease of the request will be a deceleration of the compressors 12 which will therefore tend to increase the working pressure and then return within the neutral zone (not necessarily at the same percentage at which it was exited),

[0096] Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 4, the regulation can be carded out based on a so-called neutral zone technique with variable times.

[0097] In this case, by setting all the time parameters and pressure differentials previously described, the two times Time_decrease and Time_increase are no longer constant but are recalculated at each time t.sub.i (every second). They are therefore a function of the pressure read at the same instant t.sub.i with a trend such as to obtain straight lines according to the following formulas.

Time_decrease.sub.i=p.sub.i*m_decrease.sub.i+q_decrease.sub.i

Time_increase.sub.i=p.sub.i*m_increase.sub.i+q_increase.sub.i

With:

[0098] [00003]${\mathrm{m\_decrease}}_i=\frac{\left({\mathrm{Max\_time}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}-{\mathrm{Min\_time}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}\right)}{{\mathrm{Diff}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}}$${\mathrm{q\_decrease}}_i=\frac{\left(\text{?}\right)}{{\mathrm{Diff}}_{\mathrm{decrease}}}$${\mathrm{m\_decrease}}_i=\frac{\left({\mathrm{Min\_time}}_{\mathrm{increase}}-{\mathrm{Max\_time}}_{\mathrm{increase}}\right)}{{\mathrm{diff}}_{\mathrm{increase}}}$$\text{?}\text{indicates text missing or illegible when filed}$

[0099] In this way the request decreases (or increases) slowly as soon as you leave the neutral zone, for pressure values close to the neutral zone itself, whilst it decreases (or increases) quickly away from the neutral zone.

[0100] Time_increase.sub.i and Time_decrease.sub.i calculated can be limited to the maximum and minimum values set in the control and used for the calculation itself (that is, limited respectively to Max_time.sub.increase Min_time.sub.increase Max_time.sub.decrease Min_time.sub.decrease)

Example:

Max_time.SUB.decrease.=120 sec

Min_time.SUB.decrease.=60 sec

[0101] Diff=2 barg
Diff.sub.decrease=2 barg

Req.SUB.outNZ.=40%

[0102] Setpoint=26 barg
p.sub.1=23.9 barg (just out of the neutral zone below)
p.sub.2=23.5 barg
p.sub.3=23 barg

[00004]${\mathrm{m\_decrease}}_1=\frac{\left(120-60\right)}{2}=30$$\text{?}=\frac{\left(\left(26-2\right)*60-\left(26-2-2\right)*120\right)}{2}=-500$$\text{?}\text{indicates text missing or illegible when filed}$

t.sub.1 (1 second after exiting the neutral zone)

Timedecrease.sub.1=23.9*30−600=117 sec

Req.sub.decrease1=40− 100/117*1=39.15

t.sub.2 (2 seconds after exiting the neutral zone)

Time_decrease.sub.2=23.5*30−600=105 sec

Req.sub.decrease2=40− 100/105*2=38.00

t.sub.3 (3 seconds after exiting the neutral zone)

Time_decrease.sub.3=23*30−600=190 sec

Req.SUB.decrease3.=40− 100/90*3=36.66

[0103] As shown in the diagram in FIG. 2, the two requests Req_p1 and Req_p3 are compared and the greater of the two is chosen as the total request with which to actuate the compression device 12.

[0104] It should also be noted that request calculation techniques according to the neutral zone mode described here can also be applied to a single sensor. For example, the calculation techniques can be applied in more standard refrigeration cycles, for example without an ejector, where it is necessary to calculate the feedback request on a quantity to be controlled, such as, for example, but not exclusively, the pressure control for the management of compressors in a simple refrigeration cycle.

[0105] For example, another calculation method is as follows with reference to FIG. 6.

[0106] Three zones are defined: [0107] Decrease zone: wherein the total request Req decreases from the output value from the neutral zone to zero [0108] Increase zone: wherein the request is increased by the output value from the neutral zone up to 100%. [0109] Neutral zone: an intermediate neutral zone in which the request is blocked. The request is blocked at the value it is at when it enters the zone, so it is not a fixed value, but the % of request in the neutral zone can vary from time to time. [0110] The neutral zone is defined by the “Diff” parameter, which can be set in barg, and is the zone between “Setpoint+Diff” and “Setpoint−Diff”.

[0111] At each run of the program, the pressure is checked p.sub.i to determine which of the three zones are involved and the request is then calculated as described below according to the involved zone.

[0112] The following parameters are defined: [0113] Setpoint [barg] [0114] Diff: differential [barg] [0115] DZ: decrease zone differential [barg] [0116] IZ: increase zone differential [barg]

[0117] 3 bands are therefore created where at the pressure (set−diff+IZ) the request always corresponds to 100% whilst at the pressure (set+diff−IZ) the request always corresponds to 0%.

[0118] The request in each of those DZ or IZ zones can be calculated with the formulas:

Req.sub.DZ.sub.i=p.sub.i*m_DZ+q_DZ

Req.sub.IZ.sub.i=p.sub.i*m_IZ+q_IZ

Where:

[0119] Req.sub.DZ⊚Req.sub.IZ[*]: is the % of request at the moment t.sub.i in which it is calculated (every second),
Req.sub.outNZ[%]: is the % of request, which occurred when, leaving the neutral zone
p.sub.i [barg]: is the pressure read at instant i of the calculation

With:

[0120] [00005]$\mathrm{m\_DZ}=\frac{{\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}}{\mathrm{DZ}}$$\mathrm{q\_DZ}=\frac{-{\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}*\left(p_{\mathrm{set}}-\mathrm{Diff}-\mathrm{DZ}\right)}{\mathrm{DZ}}$$\mathrm{m\_IZ}-\frac{100-{\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}}{\mathrm{IZ}}$$\mathrm{q\_IZ}=\frac{{\mathrm{Req}}_{\mathrm{outNZ}}*\left(p_{\mathrm{set}}+\mathrm{Diff}+\mathrm{IZ}\right)-100*\left(p_{\mathrm{set}}+\mathrm{Diff}\right)}{\mathrm{IZ}}$

[0121] Similarly, to the other calculation techniques, the two curves in the decrease and increase zones are described here as straight lines but they could similarly (with different equations) be hyperbolas or exponentials.

[0122] Conceptually, differentials are defined to select a fixed point in bard at which the request reaches 100% or 0%. The elope: of the straight lines depends on the value Req.sub.outNZ, which is not fixed but is the last value that the request had in the neutral zone before exiting (whether in the increase or decrease zone). Then, when you return to the neutral zone, the request value that remains fixed could be different from the previous one and will be the new value assumed in the calculation when you exit dynamically; even though the values remain fixed at 100% and 0%.

[0123] It is to be understood that other calculation techniques can be envisaged starting from the concepts-principles described here.

[0124] In any case, what is relevant for the invention concerns a comparison between requests, that is to say, a comparison between the regulation requests and the selection of a maximum regulation request or a most suitable regulation request for said refrigeration plant. In other words, the invention does relate specifically to a calculation algorithm per se of the neutral zone or of another algorithm, that calculates the two requests, but the comparison between requests calculated based on said calculation algorithm.

[0125] FIG. 5 illustrates a further refrigeration plant 10 with regulation apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. For this alternative embodiment, components having an identical function retain the same reference numerals.

[0126] In particular, with reference to FIG. 5, a refrigeration plant 10 includes a flash gas valve 40 for the interception of gas coming from the receiver 17. At the flash gas valve 40, which is also called a modulating valve, a third probe or third sensor is provided, denoted with reference numeral 42, which is capable of measuring a pressure P2 at the receiver 17.

[0127] In particular, when the ejector 16 is able to suck gas from the evaporator and therefore the first check valve 24 between the second sensor 33 and the first sensor 31 is closed (it does not allow the flow from the point of the second sensor 33 towards the point of the first sensor 31), in this case, except for the pressure drops, the pressure at the third probe 42 can be approximately equal to the pressure of the second sensor 33, that is to say, P2 is approximately equal to P3. Preferably, there is additionally an on-off (open/closed) type flash gas solenoid valve 45 installed in parallel with the flash gas valve 40 and with the same function, but to increase the passage area and reduce head losses due to the flash gas valve 40.

[0128] The flash gas valve 40 is managed with a conventional regulation called PID (Proportional+Integral+Derivative), calculated on a reference Delta called Delta_set, which can be set, compared with the Delta difference evaluated at each program run,

[0129] The Delta can be defined (as a user choice setting) as:

Delta=p2−p1 (with p1 value evaluated/measured at each program run)

[0130] Or

Delta=p2−p1_set (that is, comparing p2 not with the actual value of p1 but with the setpoint set for p1).

[0131] The aim is to keep Delta preferably within values that balance the optimal operation of the ejector 16 between its capacity to create a pressure increase (lift defined as p2−p1) and the flow rate drawn by the evaporator 19.

[0132] Example Delta_set=3 bar (value that can be set by a user), at each program run the Delta difference is evaluated and consequently the PID regulation request of the flash gas valve 40 is calculated to reach the set Delta_set if Delta>delta_set the valve opens, if Delta<Delta_set the valve closes.

[0133] The pressure p1 is typically measured by a transducer. The pressure p2 of the receiver can be measured by means of a transducer or derived from other known quantities as mentioned above in general for a measurement of pressure in the refrigeration plant; for example if in the summer operation the ejector 16 is able to suck the flow rate from the evaporator (from p1) generating an increase in pressure between p1 and p2 such as to close the check valve 24 which separates p1 from p3, in this case p2 is approximately equal to p3 less the pressure drops, so in this operation it is possible to deduce p2 from p3 with any offset.

[0134] In another sense, one of the characteristics of the ejector is the lift defined as the pressure difference p2−p1 that it is able to generate. Knowing the performance characteristic curve of the ejector 16, p2 could be obtained by adding to p1 the lift generated by the ejector itself, knowing its operating conditions at the instant evaluated, for example.

[0135] In practice, in addition to a comparison between the regulation requests for the first sensor and for the second sensor, there is also a specific management of the flash gas valve 40, which connects the receiver 17 with the suction of the compression device 12. This management is based on the pressures p1 and p2, where p2 is the pressure of the receiver 17.

[0136] In use, the gas which is discharged from the receiver 17 towards the suction of the compression device 12 through this flash gas valve 40, can itself influence the trend of the pressure p3. Furthermore, this adjustment of the flash gas valve 42 has the aim of optimizing the delta pressure between p2 and p1 to make the ejector 16 work at its best, and therefore influencing the ejector will also indirectly influence p1 and p3 as trends in the machine.

[0137] As mentioned above, a flash gas solenoid valve 45 (FGSL) can be installed in parallel to the flash gas valve 42, therefore with non-modulating operation but completely open or closed.

[0138] In this case, a logic such as the following can be actuated:

[0139] If the opening of FGV >x% (where x% is a parameter which can be set, for example 90%) then after a certain delay time t in which FGV opening remains >x%, the opening of the FGSL valve is commanded. This valve can manage more flow with less pressure drops thus ensuring a rapid decrease of the Delta p2−p1 and at the same time leaving the FGV valve in parallel to regulate more finely.

[0140] If, on the other hand, the opening of the FGV valve falls below a threshold y% (where y% can be set and y% <x%, for example 70%) then, after a certain settable delay time t2, the FGSL valve is closed and only the FGV valve is regulated.

[0141] The invention, described according to preferred embodiments, allows the set aims and objectives to be achieved for overcoming the limits of the prior art.

[0142] The invention has thus far been described with reference to its embodiments. It is to be understood that there may be other embodiments pertaining to the same inventive core, all falling within the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.