Cooler and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a chiller including a heat transfer tube and a control method of the chiller for judging a degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube. According to the present invention, the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube can be judged and a notification about whether or not to wash the heat transfer tube is notified, so that the chiller can be effectively managed and good operating performance of the chiller can be maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooler including heat transfer tubes and a control method for determining the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a cooler is characterized by supplying chilled water to the point of chilled water demand, and by exchanging heat between the refrigerant in the circulating refrigeration system and the chilled water circulating between the chilled water demand point and the refrigeration system, thereby cooling the chilled water. As a large-capacity device, the cooler can be placed in large buildings, etc.

[0003] Coolers may include cooling towers for cooling cooling water. The cooling towers are provided as open-type cooling towers exposed to the external environment, and the cooling water stored in the cooling towers can be cooled by heat exchange with the outside air.

[0004] During the cooling process of cooling water, external foreign objects may flow into the cooling tower and then into the heat exchanger of the cooler, thus adhering to the heat transfer tubes inside the heat exchanger.

[0005] On the other hand, cooling water is the fluid circulating in cooling towers and condensers, requiring a large capacity of tens of tons, and a continuous supply is needed to compensate for any shortfall in cooling water during the evaporation process. Therefore, the initial investment in cooling water is a significant burden for manufacturers. To address this issue, relatively inexpensive industrial water will be used for cooling water.

[0006] Therefore, depending on the degree of pollution of the industrial water itself, the likelihood of foreign matter adhering to the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger will increase.

[0007] As mentioned above, the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger may be reduced due to foreign matter adhering to the heat transfer tube, and the reliability of the product may also be reduced.

[0008] To solve this problem, the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger must be cleaned. However, it is not easy to determine whether the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger are contaminated to the point that they need to be cleaned.

[0009] The most reliable method is to use an endoscope or similar device to check the contamination status inside the heat transfer tubes, but this requires discarding a large volume of cooling water from the circulating cooling tower and heat exchanger to the outside.

[0010] Therefore, a judgment method is needed that can accurately determine the degree of contamination of the heat exchanger even without discarding cooling water, and provide a cleaning notice to the user if it is determined that the heat transfer tubes need to be cleaned. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] The present invention was proposed to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide a cooler that determines the degree of contamination of heat transfer tubes and provides notification related to whether or not the heat transfer tubes have been cleaned.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooler that does not have additional components for determining the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes, and the degree of contamination can be determined by analyzing the operating data of the cooler.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooler equipped with operating logic that recognizes the sensing values ​​of existing sensors configured for the cyclic operation of the cooler, and can process the recognized data to calculate the heat exchanger performance factor.

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooler equipped with operating logic that selectively extracts specific data that can be used to determine the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube from a plurality of operating data identified during the operation of the cooler.

[0016] To filter the specific data, the operating data can be extracted after waiting for the cooler's cycle to stabilize.

[0017] To filter the specific data, operational data can be extracted when the value of the condenser liquid level sensor installed on the condenser falls within a specific range.

[0018] To filter the specific data, operational data identified when the difference between the condenser refrigerant temperature and the cooling water outlet temperature is within a set range can be extracted.

[0019] To filter the specific data, operational data identified when the hot gas valve located on the cooler is in the closed state can be extracted.

[0020] To filter the specific data, operational data can be extracted when the difference between the cooling water outlet temperature and the cooling water inlet temperature is within a set range.

[0021] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooler that takes into account foreign matter that has accumulated slowly over a long period of time in the heat transfer tubes. The cooler accumulates and stores operating data according to the cooler's operating cycle, and the trend of increasing contamination can be determined by processing the stored operating data.

[0022] Regarding the aforementioned operating cycle, a new operating cycle can begin when the cooler is turned on after being turned off. Additionally, if the cooler is operated continuously for more than one day, a new operating cycle can begin at a specific point in time during the day.

[0023] Technical solutions to the problem

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention may include a condenser having heat transfer tubes for cooling water flow, and in order to identify the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes, sensors for sensing the refrigerant temperature of the condenser and the temperature of the cooling water may be included.

[0025] The sensor may include a condenser pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through the condenser. The saturation temperature can be calculated from the pressure sensed by the condenser pressure sensor, and the calculated saturation temperature can be identified as the refrigerant temperature of the condenser.

[0026] The sensor may include a cooling water outlet temperature sensor for sensing the outlet temperature of the cooling water discharged from the condenser.

[0027] The controller may include a feature that identifies the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes based on the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature and the cooling water temperature of the condenser. This temperature difference may constitute a factor representing the heat exchange performance of the condenser.

[0028] The controller can selectively collect operating data based on the operating status of the cooler during operation.

[0029] After the cooler is turned on and after a stable cycle period, the controller can collect the data sensed by the sensor and use the collected data to determine the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube.

[0030] For example, the duration of the stable cycle can be a time value determined within the range of 5 to 10 minutes.

[0031] The controller can identify the value of the condenser liquid level sensor installed on the condenser, and can selectively collect operating data based on the identified refrigerant liquid level of the condenser.

[0032] For example, when the refrigerant level in the condenser is below a set level, operating data can be collected, and when the refrigerant level is above the set level, the collection of operating data can be stopped.

[0033] The controller can identify the difference between the condenser refrigerant temperature and the cooling water outlet temperature, and selectively collect operating data based on the difference.

[0034] For example, when the difference is above a set value, operation data can be collected, and when it is below the set value, the collection of operation data can be stopped.

[0035] The controller can identify whether the hot gas valve set on the cooler is open or closed, and can selectively collect operating data based on the identification results.

[0036] For example, operational data can be collected when the hot gas valve is closed, and the collection of operational data can be stopped when the hot gas valve is turned on.

[0037] The controller can identify the difference between the cooling water outlet temperature and the cooling water inlet temperature, and can selectively collect operating data based on the difference.

[0038] For example, when the difference is within a set value, operation data can be collected, and when it is above the set value, the collection of operation data can be stopped.

[0039] The controller can collect and update operating data according to the cooler's operating cycle, and can process the collected operating data to determine the trend of increasing pollution levels. The operating data can be data related to the difference between the refrigerant temperature of the condenser and the outlet temperature of the cooling water.

[0040] For example, the operating cycle can be differentiated based on the start-up time after the cooler is turned off, while when the operation lasts for more than a day, it can be differentiated based on a specific time of day.

[0041] The controller can calculate the average value of operating data collected over a plurality of operating cycles. For example, the average value can be the average value for each operating cycle, or it can be the average value for combining two or more operating cycles.

[0042] To implement simple control logic, for example, the controller can calculate the average value corresponding to multiple operating cycles over a month.

[0043] The controller can calculate the change in the calculated average value. For example, the controller can calculate the change based on a first average value corresponding to the operating data of the first month, a second average value corresponding to the operating data of the second month, and a third average value corresponding to the operating data of the following month.

[0044] For example, the calculation of the change in these averages can be performed over a period of six to twelve months.

[0045] The controller can identify the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes of the condenser based on the average value or the change in the average value.

[0046] For example, when the average value is identified as exceeding a preset value more than a set number of times, or when the change in the average value is identified as exceeding a preset value, the controller can identify that the contamination level of the heat transfer tube of the condenser has become severe.

[0047] In this case, the controller can output notifications related to the washing of the heat transfer tubes via the display unit.

[0048] From one perspective, a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a cooling tower, storing cooling water for heat exchange with outside air; a condenser, including heat transfer tubes for the cooling water supplied from the cooling tower to flow through, and refrigerant for heat exchange with the cooling water in the heat transfer tubes to flow into; a cooling water outlet temperature sensor, disposed in a cooling water outlet pipe from the condenser to sense the temperature of the discharged cooling water; and a condenser pressure sensor, disposed inside the condenser to sense the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser.

[0049] The cooler may also include a controller that collects operating data by calculating the difference between the value sensed in the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted in the condenser pressure sensor, in order to identify the degree of contamination deposited in the heat transfer tubes of the condenser.

[0050] The cooler may also include a display unit that outputs information related to the degree of contamination if it is detected that information related to the difference deviates from a set value.

[0051] It may also include a storage unit that updates and stores information related to the difference on an operating cycle, and the controller can calculate the average of a plurality of differences stored in the storage unit on an operating cycle basis.

[0052] If the controller identifies that the average value has been identified as exceeding a preset first set value more than a set number of times, the controller can output information related to the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube to the display unit.

[0053] If the change in the average value of the plurality of operating cycles is identified as exceeding a second set value, the controller may output information related to the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube to the display unit.

[0054] During the process of identifying the degree of pollution, if a preset event occurs, the controller calculates the difference and may stop the process of collecting operational data.

[0055] It may also include a condenser liquid level sensor that senses the water level of the refrigerant stored in the condenser. If the value sensed by the condenser liquid level sensor is identified as above a set value, the controller may stop the collection of the operating data.

[0056] If the difference between the value sensed by the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted by the condenser pressure sensor is identified as being below a set value, the controller may stop the collection of the operating data.

[0057] It may also include: an expansion device for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; an evaporator for evaporating the depressurized refrigerant in the expansion device; and a hot gas valve disposed on a connecting pipe connecting the condenser and the evaporator, and open to divert the refrigerant inside the condenser to the evaporator.

[0058] If the hot gas valve is detected to be open, the controller can stop the collection of the operating data.

[0059] It may also include a cooling water inlet temperature sensor, which is installed in the cooling water inlet piping into the condenser and senses the temperature of the incoming cooling water. If the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures of the condenser is identified as exceeding a set value, the controller can stop the collection of the operating data.

[0060] It may also include a water tank, which is disposed on both sides of the heat transfer tubes of the condenser and provides space for the flow of cooling water. The cooling water outlet piping may be connected to the water tank.

[0061] The heat transfer tubes of the condenser include a first heat transfer tube and a second heat transfer tube separated by a partition plate. Between the partition plate and both ends of the condenser, a flow hole can be formed to guide the refrigerant that exchanges heat in the first heat transfer tube to the second heat transfer tube side.

[0062] From another perspective, the control method for a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for controlling such a cooler, the cooler comprising: a cooling tower for storing cooling water for heat exchange with the outside air; a condenser including heat transfer tubes for the flow of cooling water supplied from the cooling tower, and for the inflow of refrigerant for heat exchange with the cooling water in the heat transfer tubes; a cooling water outlet temperature sensor disposed in a cooling water outlet pipe from the condenser for sensing the temperature of the discharged cooling water; and a condenser pressure sensor disposed inside the condenser for sensing the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser.

[0063] The control method may include the step of collecting operating data by the controller calculating the difference between the value sensed in the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted in the condenser pressure sensor.

[0064] The control method may further include the step of the controller outputting information related to the degree of pollution to a display unit if the information related to the difference is identified as deviating from a set value.

[0065] The cooler may also include a storage unit that updates or stores information related to the difference on an operating cycle basis, and the controller may calculate the average of a plurality of differences stored in the storage unit on an operating cycle basis.

[0066] If the number of times the average value is identified as exceeding a first set value is exceeded, or if the change in the average value over the plurality of operating cycles is identified as exceeding a second set value, information related to the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube can be output to the display unit.

[0067] During the process of identifying the degree of pollution, if a preset event occurs, the controller can stop the process of calculating the difference to collect operational data.

[0068] The preset events may include at least one of the following events: a first event, where the value sensed by the condenser liquid level sensor is identified as being above a set value; a second event, where the difference between the value sensed by the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted by the condenser pressure sensor is identified as being below a set value; a third event, where an open hot gas valve is identified, the hot gas valve being open to divert refrigerant from inside the condenser to the evaporator; and a fourth event, where the difference between the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature of the condenser is identified as being above a set value.

[0069] Invention Effects

[0070] According to the present invention, the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube can be determined and notifications related to whether or not the heat transfer tube needs to be cleaned can be provided, thus enabling effective management of the cooler and maintaining its operational performance.

[0071] According to the present invention, it is not necessary to install additional components for determining the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes, and the degree of contamination can be determined by analyzing the operating data of the cooler, thereby improving economic efficiency.

[0072] According to the present invention, an operating logic is provided that identifies the sensing values ​​of existing sensors configured for the cyclic operation of the cooler, and can process the identified data to calculate the heat exchanger performance factor, thus enabling a simple operating logic.

[0073] According to the present invention, an operation logic is provided that selectively extracts specific data that can be used to determine the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube from a plurality of operation data identified during the operation of the cooler, thereby improving the accuracy related to the determination of the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube.

[0074] That is, after the cooler is running, the operating data used to determine the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes is not always collected. Depending on the cyclic operation, if the operating data fails to reflect the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes, the operating data is not collected, thus preventing errors in the collected operating data.

[0075] According to the present invention, considering the foreign matter that accumulates slowly over a long period of time in the heat transfer tube, the operating data can be accumulated and stored according to the operating cycle of the cooler, and the trend of increasing contamination can be judged by processing the stored operating data, thus enabling continuous and effective management of the cooler. Attached Figure Description

[0076] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 2 This is a circulation diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a portion of the configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the condenser of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A 5-5' cut sectional view.

[0081] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0083] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the constituent elements of the various drawings, it should be noted that the same constituent elements should be represented by the same numerals as much as possible, even if shown in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] Furthermore, when describing the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent elements, and the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding constituent elements are not limited by these terms. It should be understood that when a constituent element is described as being "connected," "combined," or "linked" to another constituent element, the constituent element may be directly connected or linked to the other constituent element, but other constituent elements may also be "connected," "combined," or "linked" to each other.

[0085] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a circulation diagram illustrating the configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooler 10 may include: a cooling module 100 forming a refrigeration cycle; and a cooling tower 20 supplying cooling water to the cooling module 100.

[0087] The cooling tower 20 is exposed to the outside air, and the cooling water stored in the cooling tower 20 can be cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air. The cooling water can be evaporated by exchanging heat with the outside air, and can be cooled during the evaporation process.

[0088] A flow switch can be installed to detect the water level of the cooling water stored in the cooling tower 20. If the water level of the cooling water decreases due to evaporation, the pump can be operated to replenish the cooling tower 20 with cooling water.

[0089] Cold water that exchanges heat with the cooling module 100 can be supplied to the demand area 30. The demand area 30 can be understood as a device or space that uses cold water to perform air conditioning.

[0090] A cooling water circulation path 40 is provided between the cooling module 100 and the cooling tower 20. The cooling water circulation path 40 is a piping that guides cooling water to circulate between the cooling tower 20 and the condenser 120 of the cooling module 100.

[0091] The cooling water circulation path 40 includes: a cooling water inlet path 42, which guides cooling water to flow into the condenser 120; and a cooling water outlet path 44, which guides the cooling water heated in the condenser 120 to flow into the cooling tower 20.

[0092] A cooling water pump 46 for driving the flow of cooling water is provided in at least one of the cooling water inlet flow path 42 and the cooling water outlet flow path 44. For example, in Figure 1The image shows the cooling water pump 46 provided in the cooling water inlet flow path 42.

[0093] In the cooling water outlet flow path 44, an outlet water temperature sensor 47 is provided to detect the temperature of the cooling water flowing into the cooling tower 20. Furthermore, in the cooling water inlet flow path 42, an inlet water temperature sensor 48 is provided to detect the temperature of the cooling water discharged from the cooling tower 20.

[0094] A cold water circulation path 50 is provided between the cooling module 100 and the demand point 30. The cold water circulation path 50 can be understood as the piping that guides cold water circulation between the demand point 30 and the evaporator 140 of the cooling module 100.

[0095] The cold water circulation path 50 includes: a cold water inlet path 52, which guides cold water to flow into the evaporator 120; and a cold water outlet path 54, which guides the cold water cooled in the evaporator 140 to flow to the demand location 30.

[0096] A cold water pump 56 for driving the flow of cold water is provided in at least one of the cold water inlet flow path 52 and the cold water outlet flow path 54. For example, in Figure 1 The image shows the cold water pump 56 provided in the cold water inlet flow path 52.

[0097] The required unit 30 can be a water-cooled air conditioner that exchanges heat between air and cold water.

[0098] For example, the demand unit 30 may include at least one of the following units: an air handling unit (AHU) that mixes indoor and outdoor air, exchanges heat between the mixed air and chilled water, and discharges the mixed air into the room; a fan coil unit (FCU) that is installed indoors and discharges indoor air into the room after exchanging heat between the indoor air and chilled water; and a floor piping unit that is embedded in the floor of the room.

[0099] For example, in Figure 1 In the diagram, the required unit 30 is shown to be composed of an air handling unit.

[0100] Specifically, the air handling unit includes: a housing 61; a chilled water coil 62 disposed inside the housing 61 for chilled water to pass through; and blowers 63 and 64 provided on both sides of the chilled water coil 62 to draw in indoor air and outdoor air to supply air to the room.

[0101] The blowers 63 and 64 include: a first blower 63, which draws indoor and outdoor air into the interior of the housing 61; and a second blower 64, which discharges air-conditioned air to the exterior of the housing 61.

[0102] The housing 61 includes an indoor air intake 65, an indoor air exhaust 66, an outside air intake 67, and an air conditioning air exhaust 68.

[0103] If the blowers 63 and 64 are driven, a portion of the air drawn in from the room to the indoor air intake 65 is discharged to the indoor air exhaust 66, and the remaining air not discharged to the indoor air exhaust 66 is mixed with the outdoor air drawn in to the outside air intake 67 to exchange heat with the chilled water coil 62.

[0104] Furthermore, the (cooled) mixed air that has exchanged heat with the chilled water coil 62 can be discharged into the room through the air conditioning air exhaust section 68.

[0105] The cooling module 100 includes: a compressor 110 for compressing refrigerant; a condenser 120 for receiving the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed in the compressor 110; an expansion device 130 for depressurizing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120; and an evaporator 140 for evaporating the depressurized refrigerant in the expansion device 130.

[0106] The expansion device 130 may include, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EEV) with an adjustable opening.

[0107] The cooling module 100 includes: a suction pipe 101, provided on the inlet side of the compressor 110, guiding refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 140 to the compressor 110; and a discharge pipe 102, provided on the outlet side of the compressor 110, guiding refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 to the condenser 120.

[0108] Furthermore, an oil recovery pipe 108 is provided between the evaporator 140 and the compressor 110, which guides the oil present inside the evaporator 140 to the suction side of the compressor 110.

[0109] The condenser 120 and evaporator 140 are configured as shell and tube heat exchange devices to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant and water.

[0110] Specifically, the condenser 120 includes: a shell 121 forming the exterior; a refrigerant inlet 122 formed on one side of the shell 121 for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 110 to flow into; and a refrigerant outlet 123 formed on the other side of the shell 121 for the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 120 to flow out. The shell 121 is generally cylindrical.

[0111] The condenser 120 includes: an internal piping 125 provided inside the housing 121 to guide the flow of cooling water; a cooling water inflow piping 151 formed at the end of the housing 121 for cooling water to flow into the internal piping 125; and a cooling water outflow piping 152 formed at the end of the housing 121 for cooling water to discharge from the cooling water piping 125.

[0112] Cooling water flows through the internal piping 125 to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing into the shell 121 through the refrigerant inlet 122. The internal piping 125 may be referred to as a "cooling water heat transfer pipe".

[0113] The cooling water inflow pipe 151 is connected to the cooling water inlet flow path 42, and the cooling water outflow pipe 152 is connected to the cooling water outlet flow path 44.

[0114] The evaporator 140 includes: a shell 141 forming the exterior; a refrigerant inlet 142 formed on one side of the shell 141 for the refrigerant expanding in the expansion device 130 to flow into; and a refrigerant outlet 143 formed on the other side of the shell 141 for the refrigerant evaporating in the evaporator 140 to flow out. The refrigerant outlet 143 can be connected to the suction pipe 101.

[0115] The evaporator 140 includes: an internal piping 145 provided inside the shell 141 to guide the flow of cold water; a cold water inflow piping 161 formed at the end of the shell 141 to allow cold water to flow into the internal piping 145; and a cold water outflow piping 162 formed at the end of the shell 141 to allow cold water to flow out from the internal piping 145.

[0116] Cold water flows inside the internal piping 145 to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing into the shell 141 through the refrigerant inlet 142. The internal piping 145 may be referred to as a "cold water heat transfer pipe".

[0117] The cold water inflow pipe 161 is connected to the cold water inlet flow path 52, and the cold water outflow pipe 162 is connected to the cold water outlet flow path 54.

[0118] The internal piping 125 of the condenser 120 and the internal piping 145 of the evaporator 140 can be referred to together as "piping".

[0119] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating a portion of the configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the condenser of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A 5-5' cut sectional view.

[0120] Reference Figures 3 to 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling module 100 may include a compressor 110, a condenser 120, and an evaporator 140.

[0121] For example, the condenser 120 and the evaporator 140 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and the compressor 110 can be arranged on the upper side of the evaporator 140.

[0122] The cooling module 100 may include: a discharge pipe 102 extending downward from the compressor 110 and connected to the condenser 120; and a suction pipe 101 extending upward from the evaporator 140 and connected to the evaporator 140.

[0123] The cooling module 100 may also include an inverter 175 for power control of the compressor 110. The inverter 175 may, for example, be configured on the upper side of the condenser 120.

[0124] The cooling module 100 may further include a hot gas valve 171, which is disposed on a hot gas piping connecting the condenser 120 and the evaporator 140. The hot gas piping can be understood as the piping connecting the upper end of the condenser 120 and the upper end of the evaporator 140.

[0125] The cooling module 100 may further include a capacity control valve 180 for capacity control of the compressor 110. The capacity control valve 180 may be disposed on the suction pipe 101 of the compressor 110.

[0126] The condenser 120 may be equipped with a sensor for detecting the state of the refrigerant. The sensor may include a condenser liquid level sensor 220, which is used to detect the water level of the refrigerant present inside the condenser 120.

[0127] The condenser liquid level sensor 220 can be positioned at a height above the lower end of the housing 121 of the condenser 120. For example, the condenser liquid level sensor 220 can be positioned to be ON when the refrigerant fills 70% of the internal capacity of the housing 121.

[0128] The sensor may further include a condenser pressure sensor 210 capable of detecting the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser 120. The pressure value detected by the condenser pressure sensor 210 can be converted into a saturation temperature to identify the refrigerant temperature of the condenser. For example, the condenser pressure sensor 210 may be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shell 121 of the condenser 120.

[0129] The cooling module 100 may also include a controller 200 for controlling the operation of the cooler 10. For example, the controller 200 may be configured to be adjacent to one side of the compressor 110.

[0130] The cooling module 100 may further include a hot gas valve 171, which can be opened to supply refrigerant from the condenser 120 to the evaporator 140. The hot gas valve 171 may be located on a connecting pipe 170 connecting the upper end of the condenser 120 and the upper end of the evaporator 140.

[0131] When the cooling load required by the cooler 10 is not large, the hot gas valve 171 is open, allowing the refrigerant in the high-pressure condenser 120 to flow through the open hot gas valve 171 to the low-pressure evaporator 140. Therefore, the condensing capacity of the condenser 120 is reduced, and the refrigerant temperature or the outlet temperature of the cooling water in the condenser 120 can be maintained at a relatively low temperature.

[0132] A cooling water inlet temperature sensor 231 for detecting the temperature of the incoming cooling water can be installed in the cooling water inlet pipe 151 that guides the cooling water into the condenser 120. A cooling water outlet temperature sensor 235 for detecting the temperature of the outgoing cooling water can be installed in the cooling water outlet pipe 152 that guides the cooling water out of the condenser 120.

[0133] The cooling water inlet temperature sensor 231 and the cooling water outlet temperature sensor 235 are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of each pipe 151, 152, and can be configured to protrude into the interior of each pipe 151, 152 to detect the temperature of the cooling water.

[0134] A cold water inlet temperature sensor 241 for detecting the temperature of the incoming cold water can be installed in the cold water inlet pipe 161 that guides cold water into the evaporator 140. A cold water outlet temperature sensor 245 for detecting the temperature of the outgoing cold water can be installed in the cold water outlet pipe 162 that guides cold water out of the evaporator 140.

[0135] The cold water inlet temperature sensor 241 and the cold water outlet temperature sensor 245 can be disposed on the outer peripheral surface of each pipe 161, 162, and can be configured to protrude into the interior of each pipe 161, 162 to detect the temperature of the cold water.

[0136] The cooling module 100 may include water tanks 150 and 160 disposed on both sides of the condenser 120 and the evaporator 140, respectively. The water tanks 150 and 160 provide space for the flow of cooling water or cold water.

[0137] The water tanks 150 and 160 may include a condenser water tank 150 disposed on both sides of the condenser 120 and providing a flow space for cooling water. The water tanks 150 and 160 may include an evaporator water tank 160 disposed on both sides of the evaporator 140 and providing a flow space for cold water.

[0138] The condenser water tank 150 can be installed between the condenser 120 and the cooling water inlet and outlet pipes 151 and 152 of the condenser 120. Cooling water flowing through the cooling water inlet pipe 151 can flow into the interior of the condenser 120 via the condenser water tank 150.

[0139] The cooling water that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 120 can be discharged into the condenser water tank 150 and can also be discharged to the outside through the cooling water outlet pipe 152.

[0140] The evaporator water tank 160 can be installed between the evaporator 140 and the cold water inlet / outlet pipes 161 and 162 of the evaporator 140. Cold water flowing in through the cold water inlet pipe 161 can flow into the interior of the evaporator 140 via the evaporator water tank 160.

[0141] The cold water that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 140 can be discharged into the evaporator water tank 160 and can also be discharged to the outside through the cold water outlet pipe 162.

[0142] Reference Figure 4 The internal and peripheral structures of the condenser 120 will be described in more detail.

[0143] The condenser 120 may include: a cylindrical shell 121 defining an internal space and placed generally laterally; a plurality of internal pipes 125 disposed inside the shell 121 to guide the flow of cooling water; and a condenser water tank 150 disposed on both sides of the shell 121 to form a flow space for cooling water.

[0144] The plurality of internal pipes 125 extend laterally from one side of the shell 121 to the other side and are engaged with the shell connecting plate 129. The shell connecting plate 129 may be disposed on both sides of the shell 121.

[0145] A refrigerant inlet 122 may be provided at the upper end of the shell 121 to guide the inflow of refrigerant, and a refrigerant outlet 123 may be provided at the lower end of the shell 121 to guide the discharge of refrigerant.

[0146] The plurality of internal pipes 125 can be configured to form a plurality of columns along the top and bottom. The refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet 122 can exchange heat with the upper pipes of the plurality of internal pipes 125, condense and flow downward, and continue to exchange heat with the lower pipes.

[0147] The refrigerant that condenses due to heat exchange with the lower piping can be discharged to the outside of the shell 121 through the refrigerant outlet 123.

[0148] The plurality of internal pipes 125 may include a first heat transfer pipe 125a forming the upper pipe and a second heat transfer pipe 125b forming the lower pipe.

[0149] The first heat transfer tube 125a can be understood as a condensing heat transfer tube for condensing the gaseous refrigerant flowing into the condenser 120, and the second heat transfer tube 125b can be understood as a subcondensing heat transfer tube for further cooling the refrigerant condensed in the first heat transfer tube 125a.

[0150] A partition plate 127 may be provided between the first heat transfer tube 125a and the second heat transfer tube 125b. The partition plate 127 can be understood as a collection plate for collecting the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the first heat transfer tube 125a.

[0151] A flow hole 127a may be formed between the partition plate 127 and the shell bonding plate 129 to guide the refrigerant to flow toward the second heat transfer tube 125b. The flow hole 127a may be formed on both sides of the partition plate 127.

[0152] The refrigerant flowing downward through the flow hole 127a can flow towards the central side of the second heat transfer tube 125b and be discharged to the outside of the shell 121 through the refrigerant outlet 123. The refrigerant outlet 123 can be located approximately in the center with respect to the lateral direction of the shell 121. With this configuration, the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the first heat transfer tube 125a, and between the refrigerant and the second heat transfer tube 125b, can be increased, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0153] Inside the housing 121, a guide plate 126 may be provided, which guides the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet 122 to both sides of the first heat transfer tube 125a. The guide plate 126 may be configured to be adjacent to the refrigerant inlet 122.

[0154] According to the guide plate 126, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet 122 can be prevented from directly impacting the first heat transfer tube 125a, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant and facilitating heat exchange with the first heat transfer tube 125a.

[0155] A condenser water tank 150 may be attached to the outside of the shell connecting plate 129. The condenser water tank 150 may include a first water tank 150a connected to a cooling water inflow pipe 151 and a cooling water outflow pipe 152.

[0156] Inside the first water tank 150a, a partition plate 155 can be provided to divide the internal space of the first water tank 150a. The first space divided by the partition plate 155 can form an inflow space for cooling water to flow through the cooling water inflow pipe 151, and the second space divided can form an outflow space for cooling water to flow through the cooling water outflow pipe 152.

[0157] The first space can be connected to a portion of the piping of the first heat transfer pipe 125a and the second heat transfer pipe 125b. Cooling water in the first space can flow into a portion of the piping of the first heat transfer pipe 125a and the second heat transfer pipe 125b for heat exchange.

[0158] The first space defined above, together with a portion of the piping of the first heat transfer pipe 125a and the second heat transfer pipe 125b, can form a cooling water inflow area (Z1, reference). Figure 5 ).

[0159] The divided second space and the remaining piping of the first heat transfer pipe 125a can form a cooling water outflow area (Z2, reference). Figure 5 ).

[0160] The condenser tank 150 may include a second tank 150b located on the opposite side of the first tank 150a. Cooling water flowing into the interior of the condenser 120 through the cooling water inflow area (Z1) may flow into the second tank 150b.

[0161] Cooling water from the second water tank 150b can flow through the remaining piping of the first heat transfer tube 125a for heat exchange. The cooling water undergoing heat exchange flows into the divided second space, passes through the cooling water outlet piping 152, and is discharged to the outside of the condenser 120.

[0162] Using the cooling water flow in this condenser 120, foreign matter (F) contained in the cooling water can be deposited in the internal piping 125. During prolonged use of the cooling module 100, as the amount of deposited foreign matter increases, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the internal piping 125 decreases, and the heat exchange performance between the refrigerant and the cooling water may decrease due to the foreign matter.

[0163] To solve this problem, it is necessary not to directly check the inside of the internal piping 125, but to determine the degree of contamination of the internal piping 125 by analyzing the operating data of the cooling module 100.

[0164] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] First refer to Figure 6 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooler 10 may include a plurality of sensors capable of confirming information related to the operation of the cooler.

[0166] The plurality of sensors may include: a cooling water inlet temperature sensor 231 for detecting the temperature of cooling water flowing into the condenser 120; and a cooling water outlet temperature sensor 235 for detecting the temperature of cooling water discharged from the condenser 120.

[0167] The plurality of sensors may further include a condenser pressure sensor 210, which is used to detect the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser 120.

[0168] The plurality of sensors may include a condenser liquid level sensor 220, which is used to detect the water level of the refrigerant stored in the condenser 120.

[0169] The cooler 10 may also include a timer 260 for detecting the operating time of the cooler 10. The timer 260 may accumulate the time elapsed since the cooler 10 was driven, or the time elapsed since a specific value was detected in the plurality of sensors, or the time elapsed since the compressor 110, the expander 130, and the pumps 46 and 56 were driven.

[0170] The cooler 10 may also include a storage unit 270, which stores information related to the operation of the cooler 10. For example, the cooler 10 may operate according to a preset cycle, and the operating data detected in each cycle may be updated in the storage unit 270.

[0171] The cooler 10 may also include a controller 200, which controls the drive of the compressor 110, the expander 130 and the pumps 46 and 56 based on information detected in the plurality of sensors 231, 235, 210, 220, or time information accumulated in the timer 260 or information stored in the storage unit 270.

[0172] The cooler 10 may also include a display unit 250. When it is determined that the degree of contamination caused by foreign objects or the like in the internal piping 125 of the condenser 120 is above a set level of contamination, the display unit 250 displays information related to the degree of contamination to the user or notifies the user that the internal piping 125 needs to be cleaned.

[0173] The following is for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 This describes a control method for the cooler 10 used to determine the degree of contamination in the internal piping 125 of the condenser 120.

[0174] If the power supply to the cooler 10 is turned on and it starts operating (S11), the controller 200 can load the information from the operation in the previous cycle (S12).

[0175] For example, the operating cycle of the cooler 10 can be reset based on a specific time of day (12:00 AM). Furthermore, it can be reset when the cooler 10 is restarted after being powered off.

[0176] The operational information may include information related to indicators for judging the heat exchange capacity of heat exchangers 120 and 140 (hereinafter referred to as heat exchange indicator information).

[0177] The heat exchange index information is a benchmark for judging the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and water, and can be determined based on the temperature difference between the water and the refrigerant.

[0178] The heat exchange parameters of the evaporator 140 in the heat exchangers 120 and 140 can be determined based on the difference between the chilled water outlet temperature and the refrigerant temperature of the evaporator. Since the evaporator 140 has the characteristic of chilled water circulating in a closed loop, the possibility of contamination caused by foreign matter in the internal piping of the evaporator 140 is low.

[0179] In the heat exchangers 120 and 140, the heat exchange index information of the condenser 120 can be determined based on the difference between the refrigerant temperature of the condenser and the cooling water outlet temperature. For example, the heat exchange index information of the condenser 120 can be determined as the value of (condenser refrigerant temperature - cooling water outlet temperature).

[0180] In the condenser 120, due to the characteristics of the cooling tower 20 where the cooling water is circulated and exposed to the outside air, there is a high possibility of contamination caused by foreign objects in the internal piping of the condenser 120.

[0181] The refrigerant temperature of the condenser can be calculated by converting the pressure value detected in the condenser pressure sensor 210 into a saturation temperature. The cooling water outlet temperature can be understood as the temperature value detected by the cooling water outlet temperature sensor 235.

[0182] The refrigerant temperature of the condenser varies depending on the operating cycle and therefore may not be manually adjustable. Therefore, the heat exchange parameters of the condenser 120 can be determined based on changes in the cooling water outlet temperature.

[0183] This can be understood as follows: the larger the heat exchange index value of the condenser 120, the smaller the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and the cooling water; conversely, the smaller the heat exchange index value, the larger the heat exchange capacity between the refrigerant and the cooling water. Based on the phenomenon of cooling water cooling the refrigerant, it can be understood that the smaller the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the cooling water, the greater the heat exchange capacity.

[0184] After the cooler 10 is started, a standby time for the cycle to stabilize can be allowed. After the cooler 10 is turned on and starts operating, a standby time setting is necessary to establish the required pressure / temperature distribution for the cycle. For example, the setting time can be determined within the range of 5 to 10 minutes after the cooler 10 is started.

[0185] Because the heat exchange index values ​​of the condenser detected before the set time have elapsed are difficult to reflect the accurate state of the operating cycle.

[0186] Of course, if the cooler 10 is continuously driven from the previous cycle to the current cycle (constant drive), then it may not be necessary to standby until the process of such a stable time has passed (S13).

[0187] After the cycle has stabilized, operational data can be collected to determine the contamination levels of the internal piping of the condenser 120, namely the first heat transfer tube 125a and the second heat transfer tube 125b. However, the operational data may display abnormal values ​​for various reasons, such as the cycle status or operating mode. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate such abnormal values ​​by issuing error messages.

[0188] Therefore, it is possible to identify whether an event restricting the collection of operational data has occurred (S15). An example of an event that stops the collection of operational data is as follows.

[0189] The first event is whether the value detected by the condenser liquid level sensor 220 is above a set value. For example, the set value can be understood as the value detected by the sensor 220 when the refrigerant fills 70% of the internal capacity of the housing 121.

[0190] When the value detected by the condenser liquid level sensor 220 is above the set value, the collection of operating data is stopped. If the value detected by the condenser liquid level sensor 220 is above the set value, it is equivalent to the refrigerant water level stored in the condenser 120 being too high. In this case, the condensation of the refrigerant in the condenser 120 may not proceed smoothly.

[0191] In this state, the heat exchange index value of condenser 120 is too high. If this value is used to determine the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes of condenser 120, the judgment on the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes of condenser 120 may be inaccurate. That is, even if the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes is not high, it may be mistakenly judged as a high degree of contamination.

[0192] The second event is whether the heat exchange index value of the condenser is below a set value. For example, the set value can be determined to be a value in the range of 0.5 to 0.6.

[0193] While a lower heat exchange index value for the condenser generally indicates higher heat exchange performance, an excessively low value can be interpreted as indicating an abnormality outside the normal operating range. For example, this could be due to sensor or pump malfunction or abnormal operation.

[0194] When the heat exchange index of the condenser is below the set value, the collection of operating data is stopped.

[0195] The third event is when the hot gas valve 171 is turned on and open. When the hot gas valve 171 is turned on and open, the collection of operating data can be stopped.

[0196] When the cooling load required by the cooler 10 is not large, the hot gas valve 171 is open, allowing the refrigerant in the high-pressure condenser 120 to flow through the open hot gas valve 171 to the low-pressure evaporator 140. Therefore, the condensing capacity of the condenser 120 is reduced, and the refrigerant temperature in the condenser, or the outlet temperature of the cooling water passing through the condenser 120, can be maintained at a relatively low temperature.

[0197] As mentioned above, in the operating mode with the hot gas valve 171 open, the temperature and pressure range may deviate from the normal cycle range, which may limit the accuracy of determining the degree of contamination of the condenser heat transfer tubes.

[0198] The fourth event is when the difference between the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature of the condenser 120 exceeds a set value. When the difference between the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature of the condenser 120 exceeds the set value, the collection of operation data can be stopped.

[0199] If the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures of the condenser 120 exceeds a set value, it can be understood as an deviation from the normal operating range of the circulation. For example, the cause could be a sensor or pump malfunction or abnormal operation.

[0200] If any of the first to fourth events occurs, the collection of operational data can be stopped during the period corresponding to the event (S16).

[0201] Conversely, if such an event does not occur, information about the heat exchange capacity index used to determine the degree of contamination of the condenser heat transfer tubes is obtained and can be stored in the storage unit 270. That is, the heat exchange capacity index value of the condenser can be identified using the difference between the refrigerant temperature of the condenser and the outlet temperature of the cooling water (S17).

[0202] The heat exchange capacity index of this condenser can be calculated in real time during the current cycle or at a specific point in time (e.g., every hour) and stored in the storage unit 270. According to the process described above, the operating data of the previous cycle is accumulated in the storage unit 270, so that the operating data of the current cycle can be updated (S18).

[0203] By accumulating the data in the manner described above, the average value or the change in the heat exchange capacity index of the condenser 120 can be calculated (S19).

[0204] Specifically, the controller 200 can calculate the average value of operating data collected over a plurality of operating cycles. For example, the average value can be the average value of each operating cycle, or it can be the average value of two or more operating cycles combined.

[0205] To implement simple control logic, for example, the controller can calculate the average value corresponding to multiple operating cycles over a month.

[0206] The controller 200 can calculate the change in the calculated average value. For example, the controller can calculate the change based on a first average value corresponding to the operating data of the first month, a second average value corresponding to the operating data of the second month, and a third average value corresponding to the operating data of the following month.

[0207] For example, this average value and the amount of change in the average value can be calculated over 6 months and 12 months.

[0208] The controller 200 can identify the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tubes of the condenser based on the average value or the change in the average value. That is, it can compare the average value or the change in the average value with a set value (S20).

[0209] For example, if the number of times the average value is identified as exceeding a first set value is exceeded by a set number, it can be identified that the heat transfer tube of the condenser contains excessive foreign matter. For example, the first set value can be 3 degrees, and the set number of times can be 3.

[0210] For example, if the periodic variation of the average value is identified as exceeding a second set value, the controller 200 may identify that the heat transfer tube of the condenser contains excessive foreign matter. For example, the second set value may be 2 degrees (S21, S22).

[0211] If the controller 200 detects that the heat transfer tube of the condenser contains too much foreign matter, the display unit 250 can display information related to the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube, or output a reminder that the heat transfer tube needs to be cleaned (S23).

[0212] According to this control method, operational data indicating contamination of the heat transfer tubes in the condenser during the operation of the cooler 10 can be accurately analyzed, and the user can be provided with information on the degree of contamination or notification that the heat transfer tubes need to be cleaned based on the analysis results. Therefore, user convenience and system management efficiency can be increased.

Claims

1. A cooler, in, include: Cooling towers store cooling water that exchanges heat with the outside air; The condenser includes heat transfer tubes through which cooling water supplied from the cooling tower flows, and refrigerant that flows into the heat transfer tubes and exchanges heat with the cooling water. A cooling water outlet temperature sensor is installed in the cooling water outlet pipe from the condenser to sense the temperature of the discharged cooling water. A condenser pressure sensor is installed inside the condenser and senses the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser. A condenser liquid level sensor senses the water level of the refrigerant stored in the condenser; The controller collects operating data by calculating the difference between the value sensed by the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted from the value sensed by the condenser pressure sensor, thereby identifying the degree of contamination of foreign matter deposited in the condenser's heat transfer tubes in the cooling water; and If the display unit detects that information related to the difference deviates from a set value, it outputs information related to the degree of pollution. If the value sensed by the condenser liquid level sensor is found to be above a set value, the controller stops collecting the operating data.

2. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: The storage unit updates and stores information related to the difference according to the operating cycle. The controller calculates the average of the differences corresponding to a plurality of operating cycles stored in the storage unit.

3. The cooler according to claim 2, wherein, If the controller identifies that the average value is greater than or equal to a preset first set value more than or equal to a set number of times, or if the controller identifies that the change in the average value corresponding to a plurality of the operating cycles is greater than or equal to a second set value, then the controller will output information related to the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube to the display unit.

4. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein, If the difference between the value sensed by the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted by the condenser pressure sensor is identified as being below a set value, the controller stops collecting the operating data.

5. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: An expansion device is used to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; Evaporator, which evaporates the refrigerant that has been depressurized in the expansion device; as well as A hot gas valve is provided on the connecting pipe between the condenser and the evaporator, and is opened in such a way that the refrigerant inside the condenser bypasses to the evaporator.

6. The cooler according to claim 5, wherein, If the hot gas valve is detected to be open, the controller stops collecting the operating data.

7. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A cooling water inlet temperature sensor is installed in the cooling water inlet piping that supplies cooling water to the condenser, and senses the temperature of the incoming cooling water. If the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperatures of the condenser is detected to be above a set value, the controller stops collecting the operating data.

8. A control method for a cooler, wherein, The cooler includes: A cooling tower stores cooling water for heat exchange with the outside air; a condenser includes heat transfer tubes through which cooling water supplied from the cooling tower flows, and refrigerant flows into the heat transfer tubes for heat exchange with the cooling water; a cooling water outlet temperature sensor is installed in the cooling water outlet piping from the condenser to sense the temperature of the discharged cooling water; and a condenser pressure sensor is installed inside the condenser to sense the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser. The control method for the cooler includes: The controller collects operating data by calculating the difference between the value sensed by the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted from the condenser pressure sensor; and If the information related to the difference is detected to deviate from the set value, the controller outputs information related to the degree of contamination of foreign matter deposited in the heat transfer tubes of the condenser to the display unit. During the process of identifying the degree of contamination, if a preset event occurs, the controller will suspend the process of collecting operational data by calculating the difference. The preset event includes at least one of the following events: The first event is identified as a value sensed by the condenser liquid level sensor that is above the set value; The second event is identified as the difference between the value sensed in the cooling water outlet temperature sensor and the refrigerant temperature value converted in the condenser pressure sensor being below a set value; The third event is the detection that a hot gas valve is open, allowing refrigerant inside the condenser to bypass the evaporator; and The fourth event is identified as the difference between the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature of the condenser being above a set value.

9. The control method for the cooler according to claim 8, wherein, The cooler also includes a storage unit that updates and stores information related to the difference according to the operating cycle. The controller calculates the average of the differences corresponding to a plurality of operating cycles stored in the storage unit. If the controller identifies that the average value is greater than or equal to a first set value more than or equal to a set number of times, or if the controller identifies that the change in the average value corresponding to a plurality of the operating cycles is greater than or equal to a second set value, then the controller will output information related to the degree of contamination of the heat transfer tube to the display unit.

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