Discussion on increasing system pressure to change the condensation temperature and save cooling capacity
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I would like everyone to discuss ways of increasing the system pressure in order to change the condensation temperature and thus save cooling capacity. For example, in my existing system, the pressure is 1.0 MPa, with 95% being inert gases and 5% being gases that are prone to condensation. By raising the compressor pressure to 1.2 MPa, the system pressure increases to 1.2 MPa, which lowers the condensation temperature of the gases and consequently saves cooling capacity. At the same time, this increases the load on the compressor. Without considering the effects of an increase in the operating pressure of the equipment, what are the implications of this increased compressor load and the resulting reduction in the cooling load?
Increasing the pressure should raise the condensation temperature. Cooling capacity is not conserved; it remains the same as before. However, an increase in the condensation temperature indirectly raises the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the compressor cycle, resulting in an improved C.O.P. of the compressor and a reduction in energy consumption for cooling. The increase in compressor load is primarily determined by changes in the compression ratio
If the gas pressure is increased to raise the freezing point temperature (by at least 40 degrees), it will then be possible to use conventional circulating water instead of the original chillers, making this solution feasible. Otherwise, simply raising the freezing point temperature will not result in enough water savings in chiller systems to offset the energy costs associated with increasing pressure. Furthermore, in the condensation and recovery of such mixed gases, as the partial pressure of the condensable components decreases, the freezing point drops further; therefore, a secondary low-temperature water condenser is essential, and pressurization schemes are generally not used. However, the original poster might want to consider the issue of recovery rate; by using some heat transfer enhancement elements, more condensable gases can be recovered. I have developed similar solutions for the recovery of many pharmaceutical solvents – those interested can get in touch through the platform.
It’s not just the reduction in the cooling water volume used by the chiller units; the cooling load itself is reduced, as well as the load on the compressors built into those chiller units. Specific comparative data is needed.