A refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully-enclosed air conditioning system of an electric vehicle

Abstract

The application is suitable for the electric vehicle thermal management technical field, and provides a refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully-closed air conditioning system of an electric vehicle, which comprises an electric compressor, a first plate heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, a second plate heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, a temperature and pressure sensor, an R290 anti-explosion concentration sensor, a processor, a controller, a first air inlet pipe, a first valve, a second air inlet pipe, a fan, a first air outlet pipe, a second valve, a burner, a combustion reaction zone and an ignition device. The system can realize the technical synergy of R290 ultra-low concentration collection-treatment-control during use. When the R290 leakage concentration or the R290 leakage instantaneous concentration gradient exceeds the pre-warning setting value, the controller controls the opening of the valve, the fan and the high-voltage spark device, so that the leaked R290 gas in the air conditioning closed system is combusted with air in the combustion reaction zone, and the active elimination technology is realized, thereby effectively ensuring the safety of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electric vehicle thermal management technology, and in particular relates to a refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system of an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles, due to their energy-saving and emission-reduction capabilities, are receiving increasing attention from the international automotive industry's strategic development, and the global automotive market is accelerating its electrification trend. The green and efficient development of heat pumps for new energy vehicles is imperative. Therefore, developing environmentally friendly and high-performance electric vehicle heat pump air conditioning systems is an important research direction for the automotive air conditioning industry.

[0003] Currently, natural refrigerants, such as R290, have become an important direction for the replacement of refrigerants in electric vehicle air conditioning systems due to their excellent environmental performance and physical properties. However, the biggest challenge facing the application of R290 is its flammability and explosiveness. Therefore, how to detect leaks at the seals of automotive air conditioning system pipes and how to handle leaked R290 refrigerant have become important issues that need to be addressed in future development. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle, aiming to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: a refrigerant leak detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle. The fully enclosed air conditioning system includes an electric compressor, a first plate heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, a second plate heat exchanger, and a gas-liquid separator, which are connected in sequence to form a closed loop. It also includes:

[0006] Temperature and pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in a fully enclosed air conditioning system.

[0007] The R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor is installed inside a fully enclosed air conditioning system to detect the concentration of leaked R290 refrigerant at pipe connections.

[0008] The burner has an internal combustion reaction zone, which is equipped with an ignition device. A first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet are located on both sides of the combustion reaction zone. The first inlet is connected to the interior of a fully enclosed air conditioning system via a first intake pipe, allowing leaked R290 gas from the air conditioning system to enter the combustion reaction zone. A first valve controlling the pipeline status is also installed on the first intake pipe. The second inlet is connected to the external environment via a second intake pipe, allowing air from the external environment to enter the combustion reaction zone. A fan controlling the pipeline status is also installed on the second intake pipe. The first outlet is connected to the external environment via a first exhaust pipe, discharging the gas generated in the combustion reaction zone to the outside. A second valve controlling the pipeline status is also installed on the first exhaust pipe.

[0009] The processor is used to receive data detected by the R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor, perform preprocessing, and determine the instantaneous concentration gradient of the leak and whether the instantaneous concentration of the leak exceeds the set warning value.

[0010] The controller is used to receive leakage instructions sent by the processor via communication signals and to control the opening and closing states of the first valve, the fan, the high-voltage electric spark ignition device, and the second valve.

[0011] In a further technical solution, both the controller and the processor are installed inside a fully enclosed air conditioning system.

[0012] In a further technical solution, the burner is located inside a fully enclosed air conditioning system.

[0013] In a further technical solution, temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the pipeline between the exhaust port of the electric compressor and the first plate heat exchanger, the pipeline between the first plate heat exchanger and the electronic expansion valve, the pipeline between the electronic expansion valve and the second plate heat exchanger, the pipeline between the second plate heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator, and the pipeline between the air inlet of the electric compressor and the gas-liquid separator.

[0014] A further technical solution also includes a wiring harness box, which is located outside the fully enclosed air conditioning system and is used to protect the wiring harness inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system.

[0015] A further technical solution is that the inlet end of the combustion reaction zone is provided with a backfire prevention area, which is a conical structure, and the diameter of the end near the combustion reaction zone is larger than the diameter of the end near the inlet.

[0016] A further technical solution is that the anti-backfire zone is filled with a high-temperature resistant fiber material.

[0017] This invention provides a refrigerant leak detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle. During use, this system enables coordinated collection, processing, and control of ultra-low R290 concentrations. When the R290 leak concentration or instantaneous R290 leak concentration gradient exceeds a warning set value, the controller activates valves, a fan, and a high-voltage spark device. This allows the leaked R290 gas within the enclosed air conditioning system to burn with air in the combustion reaction zone, achieving active elimination technology and effectively ensuring user safety. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle, provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In the attached diagram: electric compressor 10; temperature and pressure sensor 11; first plate heat exchanger 12; electronic expansion valve 13; second plate heat exchanger 14; gas-liquid separator 15; wiring harness box 20; controller 30; processor 40; first air inlet pipe 50; first valve 51; fan 52; second air inlet pipe 53; burner 54; ignition device 55; combustion reaction zone 56; burner furnace 57; second valve 58; first exhaust pipe 59; first inlet 60; second inlet 61; first outlet 62; R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor 70. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0022] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this invention provides a refrigerant leak detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle. The fully enclosed air conditioning system includes an electric compressor 10, a first plate heat exchanger 12, an electronic expansion valve 13, a second plate heat exchanger 14, and a gas-liquid separator 15, which are connected in sequence to form a closed loop. It also includes:

[0024] Temperature and pressure sensors 11 are used to detect the pressure and temperature status of the refrigerant in the fully enclosed air conditioning system. Temperature and pressure sensors 11 are installed on the pipeline between the exhaust port of the electric compressor 10 and the first plate heat exchanger 12, the pipeline between the first plate heat exchanger 12 and the electronic expansion valve 13, the pipeline between the electronic expansion valve 13 and the second plate heat exchanger 14, the pipeline between the second plate heat exchanger 14 and the gas-liquid separator 15, and the pipeline between the air inlet of the electric compressor 10 and the gas-liquid separator 15.

[0025] R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor 70, which is installed inside a fully enclosed air conditioning system, is used to detect the concentration of R290 refrigerant leaking at pipe connections;

[0026] The burner 54 is located inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system. The burner 54 has a combustion reaction zone 56 inside, and an ignition device 55 is installed in the combustion reaction zone 56. A first inlet 60, a second inlet 61, and a first outlet 62 are also provided on both sides of the combustion reaction zone 56. The first inlet 60 is connected to the interior of the fully enclosed air conditioning system via a first intake pipe 50, allowing leaked R290 gas from the air conditioning system to enter the combustion reaction zone 56. A first valve 51 for controlling the pipeline status is also installed on the first intake pipe 50. The second inlet 61 is connected to the external environment via a second intake pipe 53, allowing air from the external environment to enter the combustion reaction zone 56. A fan 52 for controlling the pipeline status is also installed on the second intake pipe 53. The first outlet 62 is connected to the external environment via a first exhaust pipe 59, discharging the gas generated in the combustion reaction zone 18 to the outside. A second valve 58 for controlling the pipeline status is also installed on the first exhaust pipe 59.

[0027] The processor 40 is installed inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system. The processor 40 is used to receive the data detected by the R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor 70, perform preprocessing, and determine the instantaneous concentration gradient of the leak and whether the instantaneous concentration of the leak is greater than the set warning value.

[0028] The controller 30 is installed inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system and is used to receive leakage instructions sent by the processor 40 through communication signals, and to control the opening and closing states of the first valve 51, the fan 52, the high-voltage electric spark ignition device 55 and the second valve 58.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the temperature and pressure sensor on the pipeline between the exhaust port of the electric compressor 10 and the first plate heat exchanger 12 is designated as P / T1, the temperature and pressure sensor on the pipeline between the first plate heat exchanger 12 and the electronic expansion valve 13 is designated as P / T2, the temperature and pressure sensor on the pipeline between the electronic expansion valve 13 and the second plate heat exchanger 14 is designated as P / T3, the temperature and pressure sensor on the pipeline between the second plate heat exchanger 14 and the gas-liquid separator 15 is designated as P / T4, and the temperature and pressure sensor on the pipeline between the air inlet of the electric compressor 10 and the gas-liquid separator 15 is designated as P / T5.

[0030] The ignition device 55 controls the high-voltage electric spark ignition through the controller 30. At the same time, the ignition energy required for the gas entering through the first inlet 60 and the second inlet 61 does not exceed the energy released by the spark itself, which is more conducive to the complete combustion of R290 and air in the combustion reaction zone 56.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a wire harness box 20 is also included. The wire harness box 20 is located outside the fully enclosed air conditioning system and is mainly used to protect the wire harness inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet end of the combustion reaction zone 56 is provided with a backfire prevention area. The backfire prevention area has a conical structure, and the diameter of the end near the combustion reaction zone 56 is larger than the diameter of the end near the inlet.

[0033] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-backfire zone is filled with a fiber material with high-temperature resistant properties.

[0034] Working principle: When the leakage concentration α detected by the R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor 70 is compared with the set warning concentration β, if the concentration exceeds the set threshold, the processor 40 generates a leakage signal and transmits it to the controller 30. The controller 30 controls the first valve 51 to open, allowing the leaked gas to enter the combustion reaction zone 56 through the first intake pipe 50. The fan 52 is turned on, allowing air to enter the combustion reaction zone 56 through the second intake pipe 53. Simultaneously, the controller 30 controls the ignition device 55 to turn on, thereby igniting the mixture of leaked gas and air in the combustion reaction zone 56 and causing the mixture to burn. The second valve 58 is then opened, and the combustion gases are discharged through the first exhaust pipe 50.

[0035] When the R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor 70 detects the leakage concentration ε within different time t, it performs concentration gradient processing, satisfying the expression: The instantaneous concentration gradient is compared with the set warning concentration gradient c. If the gradient exceeds the set threshold, the processor 40 generates a leakage signal and transmits it to the controller 30. The controller 30 controls the first valve 51 to open, allowing the leaked gas to enter the combustion reaction zone 56 through the first intake pipe 50. The fan 52 is turned on, allowing air to enter the combustion reaction zone 56 through the second intake pipe 53. Simultaneously, the controller 30 controls the high-voltage electric spark ignition device 55 to open, and the second valve 58 is opened, allowing the combustion gases to be discharged through the first exhaust pipe 50.

[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerant leak detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system of an electric vehicle, the fully enclosed air conditioning system comprising an electric compressor, a first plate heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, a second plate heat exchanger, and a gas-liquid separator connected in sequence to form a closed loop, characterized in that, Also includes: Temperature and pressure sensors are used to detect the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in a fully enclosed air conditioning system. The R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor is installed inside a fully enclosed air conditioning system to detect the concentration of leaked R290 refrigerant at pipe connections. The burner has a combustion reaction zone inside, in which a high-voltage electric spark ignition device is installed. A first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet are also provided on both sides of the combustion reaction zone. The first inlet is connected to the interior of a fully enclosed air conditioning system through a first air intake pipe, and a first valve for controlling the status of the pipeline is also provided on the first air intake pipe. The second inlet is connected to the external environment through a second air intake pipe, and a fan for controlling the status of the pipeline is installed on the second air intake pipe. The first outlet is connected to the external environment through a first exhaust pipe, and a second valve for controlling the status of the pipeline is also provided on the first exhaust pipe. The processor is used to receive data detected by the R290 explosion-proof concentration sensor, perform preprocessing, and determine the instantaneous concentration gradient of the leak and whether the instantaneous concentration of the leak exceeds the set warning value. The controller is used to receive leakage instructions sent by the processor through communication signals and to control the opening and closing status of the first valve, the fan, the high-voltage electric spark ignition device, and the second valve. Temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the following pipelines: the pipeline between the exhaust port of the electric compressor and the first plate heat exchanger, the pipeline between the first plate heat exchanger and the electronic expansion valve, the pipeline between the electronic expansion valve and the second plate heat exchanger, the pipeline between the second plate heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator, and the pipeline between the inlet of the electric compressor and the gas-liquid separator. The inlet end of the combustion reaction zone is provided with a backfire prevention area. The backfire prevention area has a conical structure, and the diameter of the end near the combustion reaction zone is larger than the diameter of the end near the inlet.

2. The refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the controller and processor are installed inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system.

3. The refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The burner is located inside a fully enclosed air conditioning system.

4. The refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a wiring harness box, which is located outside the fully enclosed air conditioning system and is used to protect the wiring harnesses inside the fully enclosed air conditioning system.

5. The refrigerant leakage detection and elimination system for a fully enclosed air conditioning system in an electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-backfire zone is filled with high-temperature resistant fiber material.

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