A method and system for automatically adjusting the refrigerant amount of a dehumidifier

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic refrigerant quantity adjustment method and system for dehumidifiers, solving the problem that existing dehumidifiers cannot adapt their refrigerant quantity to actual operating conditions, thus preventing refrigerant quantity adjustment. The system includes a liquid storage tank and a microprocessor unit. The method includes testing a sample unit and establishing a mapping database; collecting current operating condition data and obtaining the optimal refrigerant quantity matching the current operating conditions based on the mapping database; calculating the difference between the optimal refrigerant quantity and the current refrigerant quantity, and adjusting the refrigerant quantity accordingly. This invention enables the refrigerant quantity to be adjusted according to different operating conditions, allowing the dehumidifier to achieve optimal energy efficiency operation under various conditions. In terms of control, it achieves intelligent adjustment, using data iteration and flexible adjustment strategies based on past data. This makes the calculation of the optimal energy-efficient refrigerant quantity for any given operating condition more closely aligned with the actual situation, more accurate, and avoids inefficient adjustment actions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dehumidification technology, and in particular to a method and system for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity in a dehumidifier. Background Technology

[0002] In a dehumidifier system, refrigerant is the main medium for energy transfer. The amount of refrigerant affects the performance of the dehumidifier. Too much or too little refrigerant will affect the dehumidification capacity and energy consumption of the dehumidifier. This is because the cooling load and cooling temperature change during the operation of the refrigeration system, and the cooling load and cooling temperature under different operating conditions will also affect the cooling capacity required by the refrigeration system.

[0003] Therefore, the cooling capacity and refrigerant quantity required by a dehumidifier will change under different humidity and temperature conditions. In other words, the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier needs to be calculated and adjusted according to the actual situation.

[0004] However, when designing the refrigerant charge for a dehumidifier, the optimal charge amount is usually determined based on a specific operating condition. This specific operating condition is typically a standard dehumidification capacity test condition, such as a "30 / 80" or "20 / 70" condition. The optimal refrigerant charge for dehumidification efficiency is calculated and tested under this condition. This often results in a mismatch between the refrigerant charge used in the dehumidifier's operation and the actual operating environment, causing the dehumidifier to achieve its optimal energy efficiency under various conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention mainly solves the problem that the refrigerant quantity of existing dehumidifiers cannot be adapted to the actual working environment and the refrigerant quantity cannot be adjusted, and provides a method and system for automatic adjustment of the refrigerant quantity of dehumidifiers.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical problem of the present invention is mainly solved by the following technical solution: an automatic adjustment method for refrigerant quantity in a dehumidifier, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Step 1: Test the prototype machine to obtain data on the relationship between optimal energy efficiency and refrigerant quantity under multiple operating conditions, and establish a mapping database;

[0008] Step 2: Collect current operating condition data and obtain the optimal refrigerant quantity matching the current operating condition based on the mapping database;

[0009] Step 3: Calculate the difference between the optimal refrigerant quantity and the current refrigerant quantity, and adjust the refrigerant quantity accordingly.

[0010] This invention enables the refrigerant volume to be adjusted according to different operating conditions, solving the problem that traditional dehumidifiers cannot achieve optimal energy efficiency under different operating conditions.

[0011] As a preferred option, step one specifically includes:

[0012] One or more prototype machines are used to test the energy efficiency of multiple groups of refrigerant with different amounts under multiple operating conditions. The best energy efficiency is selected to obtain the corresponding operating conditions, forming mapping data of the best energy efficiency refrigerant amount for each operating condition. Multiple mapping data are then used to construct a mapping database.

[0013] This test scheme divides the refrigerant volume into multiple groups based on differences, and pre-defines various operating conditions. Each operating condition corresponds to the dehumidifier's ambient temperature and humidity, with a set range for temperature and humidity for each condition. Energy efficiency refers to the ratio of dehumidification capacity to power. Generally, the dehumidifier's power consumption doesn't vary significantly, so energy efficiency is equivalent to dehumidification capacity. Each refrigerant volume group achieves optimal energy efficiency under a specific operating condition, and the optimal energy efficiency operating conditions do not overlap between different refrigerant volume groups. This can be achieved by adjusting the range of the set operating conditions.

[0014] As a preferred option, it also includes:

[0015] Step 4: Record the current operating conditions and energy efficiency, feed them back to the mapping database, and update the mapping data.

[0016] Considering the inherent variations in mass-produced dehumidifiers and environmental conditions, the default mapping database cannot perfectly match all devices and environments. Therefore, a strategy for intelligent adjustment based on historical data is required. This solution employs an iterative data update strategy to ensure more accurate refrigerant volume mapping and to tailor adjustments to specific on-site conditions. This step records all operating conditions, dehumidification capacity, and other data, updating the mapping database. By establishing more data points and regenerating the mapping data, the calculation of the optimal refrigerant volume for any given operating condition becomes more accurate and relevant to the actual situation.

[0017] As a preferred option, step four specifically involves:

[0018] Record current operating conditions and energy efficiency, and feed them back to the mapping database;

[0019] The current energy efficiency is compared with the energy efficiency of each operating condition under the current refrigerant quantity. If the current energy efficiency is the best energy efficiency, the mapping data is not updated. If the current energy efficiency is not the best energy efficiency, the operating condition corresponding to the best energy efficiency is re-acquired, the operating condition is mapped with the current refrigerant quantity, and the mapping data is updated.

[0020] After a period of use, the dehumidification capacity of a dehumidifier will decrease compared to its original dehumidification capacity due to various factors. In order to make the calculation of the optimal energy-efficient refrigerant quantity for any operating condition more consistent with the actual situation and more accurate, it is necessary to update the mapping database data according to the current actual situation.

[0021] As a preferred option, a flexible adjustment strategy is also included. In step three, the flexible adjustment strategy is prioritized before adjusting the refrigerant quantity.

[0022] The purpose of the flexible adjustment strategy is to avoid inefficient execution. That is, the dehumidifier will flexibly determine whether to adjust the refrigerant quantity under a certain operating condition based on the operating conditions in the mapping database and the dehumidification quantity data. Because within a certain operating condition range, changes in the refrigerant quantity will not have a significant impact on the dehumidification quantity, which is an inefficient or ineffective action, this action should be avoided. The flexible adjustment strategy is a strategy method for determining whether to perform an action.

[0023] As a preferred option, flexible adjustment strategies include:

[0024] Obtain dehumidification and refrigerant volume data before and after adjustment, and calculate refrigerant volume flexibility:

[0025] Er=(ΔQ / (Q1+Q2) / 2) / ( ΔR / (R1+R2) / 2)

[0026] Where ∆Q is the difference in dehumidification capacity before and after adjustment, Q1 is the dehumidification capacity before adjustment, Q2 is the dehumidification capacity after adjustment, ∆R is the difference in refrigerant capacity before and after adjustment, R1 is the refrigerant capacity before adjustment, and R2 is the refrigerant capacity after adjustment.

[0027] When Er≥1, the refrigerant quantity can be adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range;

[0028] When Er < 1, the refrigerant quantity is not adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range.

[0029] Er≥1 indicates that the dehumidification capacity responds strongly and is highly flexible to changes in refrigerant quantity; Er<1 indicates that the dehumidification capacity responds weakly and is inflexible to changes in refrigerant quantity. High flexibility means that changes in refrigerant quantity will significantly increase or decrease the dehumidification efficiency, while low flexibility means that changes in refrigerant quantity will decrease the dehumidification efficiency or keep it unchanged.

[0030] The mapping database records all operational data. When new data is added to the mapping database, the system calculates in the background the difference between the refrigerant quantity and dehumidification quantity before and after the change, as well as the flexibility. If a certain data segment is detected as having high flexibility and is a positive value, the system will automatically adjust the refrigerant quantity under the change of that operating condition range. However, if a certain data segment is detected as lacking flexibility, the system will automatically set the system not to adjust the refrigerant quantity under the change of that operating condition range.

[0031] An automatic refrigerant quantity adjustment system for a dehumidifier includes at least one liquid storage tank and at least one microprocessor unit.

[0032] The liquid storage tank is equipped with an air bladder to control its volume, and the liquid storage pipe is connected to the refrigerant circulation path.

[0033] The microprocessor unit acquires current operating condition data, matches and calculates the optimal refrigerant quantity under the current operating condition, calculates the difference between the optimal refrigerant quantity and the current refrigerant quantity, and controls the size of the airbag to release or absorb the extra refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circulation path.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid receiver is connected to the refrigerant circulation path via an electric valve, and the liquid receiver is connected to the refrigerant circulation path located between the evaporator and the compressor. The electric valve is connected to a microcontroller unit. In this embodiment, the electric valve is controlled by the microcontroller unit and functions to open and close the connection between the liquid receiver and the refrigerant circulation path. The liquid receiver is connected to the flow path between the evaporator and the compressor, and this end of the flow path is the low-pressure side of the refrigerant.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment, the liquid storage tank is equipped with a partition to divide it into a liquid storage area and an equipment area. The airbag is installed on the side of the partition located in the liquid storage area, and an air pump is installed in the equipment area. The air pump is connected to the airbag through a three-way valve.

[0036] This design uses a partition to divide the liquid storage tank into a storage area and an equipment area. The storage area is a sealed space, while the equipment area is a non-sealed space. The air pump is located in the equipment area and is connected to and controlled by the microcontroller unit. The three-way valve is a two-position three-way valve, controlling the air intake and exhaust of the airbag. The partition can be made of the same material as the liquid storage tank shell. The airbag is fixed to the partition on the side of the storage area. The material and thickness of the airbag are determined according to actual requirements; typically, NBR nitrile rubber is used, and the airbag thickness is between 0.5mm and 2mm. The maximum expansion volume of the airbag is equal to the adjustable refrigerant volume range. The expansion volume of the airbag is directly proportional to the air pump injection time, calculated using the formula: v1 = t1*k1 + t2*k2, T = t1 + t2, where v1 is the airbag expansion volume, T is the total air pump injection time, t1 is the airbag dehumidification expansion phase time, k1 is the slope of the airbag volume relative to the air injection time during this period, t2 is the airbag expansion period after t1, and k2 is the slope of the airbag volume relative to the air injection time during this period. The adjustable refrigerant volume R = v1*p(t), where p(t) is the refrigerant density function. The adjustable refrigerant volume range must include the refrigerant volume required for the system to achieve optimal energy efficiency under common dehumidifier dehumidification conditions.

[0037] Therefore, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0038] 1. It enables the refrigerant quantity to be adjusted according to different operating conditions, so that the dehumidifier can achieve the best energy efficiency under different operating conditions.

[0039] 2. Intelligent adjustment is achieved in control, and data updates and flexible adjustment strategies are implemented based on past data, so that the calculation of the optimal refrigerant quantity for any operating condition is more in line with the site and more accurate, while avoiding inefficient adjustment actions.

[0040] 3. This makes the dehumidifier more energy-efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly compared to traditional dehumidifiers. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a process of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the present invention.

[0043] 1-Compressor 2-Condenser 3-Throttling device 4-Evaporator 5-Electric valve 6-Liquid receiver 7-Baffle 8-Airbag 9-Three-way valve 10-Air pump. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Example:

[0046] This embodiment describes an automatic refrigerant quantity adjustment system for a dehumidifier, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the system includes a liquid receiver 6 and a microprocessor unit. The liquid receiver is connected to the refrigerant circulation path of the dehumidifier via an electric valve 5. The refrigerant circulation path connects to the compressor 1, condenser 2, throttling device 3, and evaporator 4, which constitute the refrigeration system. The liquid receiver is connected to the refrigerant circulation path located between the evaporator and the compressor; this end of the path is the low-pressure side of the refrigerant. The material of the liquid receiver, the electric valve, and the piping downstream of the electric valve is consistent with that of the refrigerant circulation path, typically using copper tubing (TP2M).

[0047] The liquid storage tank 6 is equipped with a partition 7 to divide it into a liquid storage area and an equipment area. The liquid storage area is a closed space, while the equipment area is a non-closed space. An airbag 8 is installed on the side of the partition located in the liquid storage area. An air pump 10 is installed in the equipment area. The air pump is connected to the airbag through a three-way valve 9.

[0048] The material and thickness of the airbag are determined according to actual needs. Typically, NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) is used, with a thickness between 0.5mm and 2mm. The maximum expansion volume of the airbag is equal to the adjustable refrigerant volume range. The expansion volume of the airbag is directly proportional to the air pump's air injection time, calculated using the formula: v1 = t1*k1 + t2*k2, T = t1 + t2, where v1 is the airbag expansion volume, T is the total air pump injection time, t1 is the airbag dehumidification expansion phase time, k1 is the slope of the airbag volume relative to the air injection time during this period, t2 is the airbag expansion period after t1, and k2 is the slope of the airbag volume relative to the air injection time during this period. The adjustable refrigerant volume R = v1*p(t), where p(t) is the refrigerant density function. The adjustable refrigerant volume range must include the refrigerant volume required for optimal energy efficiency under common dehumidifier dehumidification conditions. The three-way valve is a two-position three-way valve, controlling the airbag's intake and exhaust separately.

[0049] The microprocessor unit is a miniature computer composed of an integrated circuit control board. It has one or more cores, which read corresponding programs from memory and execute them for control. This control involves manipulating electrical components such as the air pump, electric valves, compressor, and fan according to the program logic. The microprocessor unit is connected to the air pump and electric valves. It acquires current operating condition data, calculates the optimal refrigerant quantity for the current conditions, calculates the difference between the optimal and current refrigerant quantities, and controls the size of the air bladder to release or absorb excess refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path.

[0050] The system operates as follows: When the dehumidifier is connected to power and the power button is pressed, the fan starts running. The temperature and humidity sensor in front of the condenser detects the current operating conditions and transmits the data to the microprocessor unit. The microprocessor unit calculates the optimal refrigerant quantity under the current conditions and the difference between the current refrigerant quantity and the optimal quantity. Based on the current operating conditions and the refrigerant quantity in the system, the dehumidifier controls the electric valve and the start / stop of the air pump, controlling the size of the air bladder in the liquid receiver tank and whether to absorb any extra refrigerant from the refrigeration system to ensure the dehumidifier operates at its optimal energy efficiency. Then, the dehumidifier starts the compressor and enters normal operating mode. When the power button is pressed, the system has a delayed shutdown mechanism, during which the liquid receiver tank automatically resets.

[0051] This embodiment also provides a method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier using the above system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: Test the prototype unit to obtain data on the optimal energy efficiency and refrigerant quantity under multiple operating conditions, and establish a mapping database; specifically including:

[0053] The energy efficiency of multiple groups of refrigerant quantities under various operating conditions was tested using one or more sample units. The optimal energy efficiency was selected to obtain the corresponding operating condition, forming mapping data of the optimal energy-efficient refrigerant quantity for each operating condition. Multiple mapping data were then used to construct a mapping database. During testing, the refrigerant quantity was evenly divided into multiple groups based on differences, and various operating conditions were pre-defined. Each operating condition refers to the ambient temperature and humidity of the dehumidifier's working environment, with a set range for temperature and humidity for each condition. Energy efficiency refers to the ratio of dehumidification capacity to power. Generally, the power of the dehumidifier does not vary significantly, so energy efficiency is equivalent to dehumidification capacity. Each group of refrigerant quantities achieves optimal energy efficiency under a specific operating condition, and the optimal energy-efficient operating conditions do not overlap between different groups of refrigerant quantities. This can be achieved by adjusting the range of the set operating conditions.

[0054] Step 2: Collect current operating condition data and obtain the optimal refrigerant quantity matching the current operating condition based on the mapping database;

[0055] Step 3: Prioritize the flexible adjustment strategy. If refrigerant quantity adjustment is allowed, calculate the difference between the optimal refrigerant quantity and the current refrigerant quantity, and adjust the refrigerant quantity accordingly.

[0056] Flexible adjustment strategies include:

[0057] Obtain dehumidification and refrigerant volume data before and after adjustment, and calculate refrigerant volume flexibility:

[0058] Er=(ΔQ / (Q1+Q2) / 2) / ( ΔR / (R1+R2) / 2)

[0059] Where ∆Q is the difference in dehumidification capacity before and after adjustment, Q1 is the dehumidification capacity before adjustment, Q2 is the dehumidification capacity after adjustment, ∆R is the difference in refrigerant capacity before and after adjustment, R1 is the refrigerant capacity before adjustment, and R2 is the refrigerant capacity after adjustment.

[0060] When Er≥1, the refrigerant quantity can be adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range;

[0061] When Er < 1, the refrigerant quantity is not adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range.

[0062] Er≥1 indicates that the dehumidification capacity responds strongly and is highly flexible to changes in refrigerant quantity; Er<1 indicates that the dehumidification capacity responds weakly and is inflexible to changes in refrigerant quantity. High flexibility means that changes in refrigerant quantity will significantly increase or decrease the dehumidification efficiency, while low flexibility means that changes in refrigerant quantity will decrease the dehumidification efficiency or keep it unchanged.

[0063] The mapping database records all operational data. When new data is added to the mapping database, the system calculates in the background the difference in refrigerant and dehumidification amounts before and after the change, as well as the flexibility. If a data segment is detected as having high flexibility and is positive, the system automatically adjusts the refrigerant amount under changes within that operating range. Conversely, if a data segment is detected as lacking flexibility, the system automatically sets the refrigerant amount to remain unchanged under changes within that operating range and returns the collected operating data. This flexible adjustment strategy avoids inefficient or ineffective execution.

[0064] Step 4: Record the current operating conditions and energy efficiency, feed them back to the mapping database, and update the mapping data. Specifically:

[0065] Record current operating conditions and energy efficiency, and feed them back to the mapping database;

[0066] The system compares the current energy efficiency with the energy efficiency under various operating conditions at the current refrigerant quantity. If the current energy efficiency is the optimal one, the mapping data is not updated. If the current energy efficiency is not the optimal one, the operating condition corresponding to the optimal energy efficiency is re-acquired, and a mapping data is formed between this operating condition and the current refrigerant quantity. This mapping data is then updated. By implementing an iterative data update strategy for the mapping data, the refrigerant quantity mapping data becomes more accurate and better suited to the on-site operating conditions for developing adjustment schemes. This makes the calculation of the optimal energy efficiency refrigerant quantity for any given operating condition more closely aligned with the on-site situation and more accurate.

[0067] The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make various modifications or additions to the described specific embodiments or use similar methods to substitute them, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0068] Although this document uses terms such as compressor, condenser, throttling device, evaporator, and electric valve frequently, the possibility of using other terms is not excluded. These terms are used merely for the convenience of describing and explaining the essence of the invention; interpreting them as any additional limitation would contradict the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity in a dehumidifier, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Test the prototype machine to obtain data on the relationship between optimal energy efficiency and refrigerant quantity under multiple operating conditions, and establish a mapping database; Step 2: Collect current operating condition data and obtain the optimal refrigerant quantity matching the current operating condition based on the mapping database; Step 3: Calculate the difference between the optimal refrigerant quantity and the current refrigerant quantity, and adjust the refrigerant quantity accordingly. Before adjusting the refrigerant quantity, prioritize the flexible adjustment strategy: obtain the dehumidification and refrigerant quantity data before and after adjustment, and calculate the refrigerant quantity flexibility Er. When Er ≥ 1, set the refrigerant quantity to be adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range. When Er < 1, set the refrigerant quantity not to be adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range.

2. The method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step one specifically includes: One or more prototype machines are used to test the energy efficiency of multiple groups of refrigerant with different amounts under multiple operating conditions. The best energy efficiency is selected to obtain the corresponding operating conditions, forming mapping data of the best energy efficiency refrigerant amount for each operating condition. Multiple mapping data are then used to construct a mapping database.

3. The method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that it also... include: Step 4: Record the current operating conditions and energy efficiency, feed them back to the mapping database, and update the mapping data.

4. The method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that: Step four is as follows: Record current operating conditions and energy efficiency, and feed them back to the mapping database; The current energy efficiency is compared with the energy efficiency of each operating condition under the current refrigerant quantity. If the current energy efficiency is the best energy efficiency, the mapping data is not updated. If the current energy efficiency is not the best energy efficiency, the operating condition corresponding to the best energy efficiency is re-acquired, the operating condition is mapped with the current refrigerant quantity, and the mapping data is updated.

5. A method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The process also includes a flexible adjustment strategy. In step three, the flexible adjustment strategy is implemented first before adjusting the refrigerant quantity.

6. The method for automatically adjusting the refrigerant quantity of a dehumidifier according to claim 5, characterized in that: Flexible adjustment strategies include: Obtain dehumidification and refrigerant volume data before and after adjustment, and calculate refrigerant volume flexibility: Er=(ΔQ / (Q1+Q2) / 2) / ( ΔR / (R1+R2) / 2) Where ∆Q is the difference in dehumidification capacity before and after adjustment, Q1 is the dehumidification capacity before adjustment, Q2 is the dehumidification capacity after adjustment, ∆R is the difference in refrigerant capacity before and after adjustment, R1 is the refrigerant capacity before adjustment, and R2 is the refrigerant capacity after adjustment. When Er≥1, the refrigerant quantity can be adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range; When Er < 1, the refrigerant quantity is not adjusted under changes in the current operating condition range.

7. An automatic refrigerant quantity adjustment system for a dehumidifier, used to implement the method of any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Includes at least one liquid storage tank and at least one microprocessor unit. The liquid storage tank is equipped with an air bladder to control its volume, and the liquid storage pipe is connected to the refrigerant circulation path. The microprocessor unit acquires current operating condition data, matches and calculates the optimal refrigerant quantity under the current operating condition, calculates the difference between the optimal refrigerant quantity and the current refrigerant quantity, and controls the size of the airbag to release or absorb the extra refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circulation path.

8. The automatic refrigerant quantity adjustment system for a dehumidifier according to claim 7, characterized in that: The liquid storage tank is connected to the refrigerant circulation path via an electric valve, and the liquid storage tank is connected to the refrigerant circulation path located between the evaporator and the compressor. The electric valve is connected to the microcontroller unit.

9. An automatic refrigerant quantity adjustment system for a dehumidifier according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The liquid storage tank is equipped with a partition that divides it into a liquid storage area and an equipment area. The airbag is installed on the side of the partition located in the liquid storage area. An air pump is installed in the equipment area and is connected to the airbag through a three-way valve.

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