Leakage detection and protection system and method for oil-containing refrigeration system

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of refrigeration, and discloses a leakage detection and protection system and method for an oil-containing refrigeration system, which integrates audio frequency acquisition, processing identification, analysis decision and signal output, and realizes real-time detection of leakage of a refrigerant in an air conditioner pipeline. Meanwhile, two pressure relief protection schemes of a negative pressure protection system and a capacity expansion protection system are combined, and the pipeline pressure can be rapidly reduced while the leakage area is blocked. Therefore, quick response can be ensured when leakage occurs, the system is effectively prevented from being damaged, leakage detection and protection are efficiently achieved, the whole process is automatically operated, manual intervention is not needed, and the safety and reliability of the system can be greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of refrigeration, and in particular relates to a system and method for detecting and protecting an oil-containing refrigeration system. Background Art

[0002] At present, users in the refrigeration market have increasingly higher requirements for the safety and reliability of refrigeration systems. The replacement of refrigerants in refrigeration systems is also at a critical stage of replacement. Traditional refrigerants such as R410A and R22 are gradually being phased out due to their high global warming potential (GWP) values that do not comply with current environmental protection policies. New refrigerants such as R32 and R290, although they have excellent cooling and heating performance and environmental performance, are flammable. Once a leak occurs during use, the refrigerant will carry the lubricant with it. Some types of lubricants affect the explosion characteristics of the refrigerant and increase the danger. Pipeline leakage not only affects the refrigeration effect of the system, but may also pose a serious threat to the environment and personnel safety.

[0003] Existing leak detection methods mostly rely on traditional pressure detection or gas concentration monitoring. However, these methods have certain limitations. For example, the response time of the detection methods is generally long, and they fail to effectively stop the leak or reduce the amount of leakage. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the related technical problems of leakage detection in existing refrigeration systems, and provides a leakage detection and protection system and method for an oil-containing refrigeration system. Through the combination of audio recognition technology and pressure relief protection mechanism, refrigerant leakage can be accurately detected, and pressure relief protection can be activated in time to ensure the safe operation of the refrigeration system.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention is implemented by the following technical solutions:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system is provided, comprising a leakage detection system and a pressure relief protection system:

[0007] The leakage detection system includes an audio signal acquisition module, a processing and identification module, an analysis and decision module and a signal output module; the audio signal acquisition module is used to collect the audio signal of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit; the processing and identification module is used to pre-process the audio signal and transmit it to the analysis and decision module; the analysis and decision module analyzes and judges the audio information, and transmits the leakage protection signal to the signal output module if it is judged that a leakage occurs; the signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system according to the leakage protection signal;

[0008] The pressure relief protection system is a negative pressure protection system or a volume expansion protection system; the negative pressure protection system is based on a negative pressure rigid container and relieves pressure inside the system pipeline based on the pressure gradient driving principle to achieve protection; the volume expansion protection system is based on a variable volume container and relieves pressure inside the system pipeline by increasing the internal volume of the system to achieve protection.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for leak detection and protection of an oil-containing refrigeration system, the method including a leak detection process and a pressure relief protection process;

[0010] The leak detection process includes steps S1 - S4:

[0011] S1. The audio signal acquisition module acquires the audio signal of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit.

[0012] S2. The processing and recognition module preprocesses the audio signal and transmits it to the analysis and decision-making module.

[0013] S3. The analysis and decision-making module analyzes and judges the audio information. If it is judged that a leak has occurred, a leak protection signal is transmitted to the signal output module.

[0014] S4. The signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system according to the leak protection signal.

[0015] The pressure relief protection process is negative pressure protection or volume expansion protection;

[0016] The negative pressure protection is based on a negative pressure rigid container and relieves pressure inside the system pipeline based on the pressure gradient driving principle to achieve protection;

[0017] The volume expansion protection is based on a variable volume container and relieves pressure inside the system pipeline by increasing the internal volume of the system to achieve protection.

[0018] For the above leak detection and protection system and method of the oil-containing refrigeration system:

[0019] Further, the audio signal acquisition module includes an audio receiving device, and the audio receiving device is used to acquire the audio signal during the operation of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit in real time and transmit it to the processing and recognition module in the form of an analog signal.

[0020] Further, the processing and recognition module is used to convert the received analog signal into a digital signal, perform preprocessing operations such as noise removal and filtering on the digital signal, and then transmit the preprocessed digital signal to the analysis and decision-making module.

[0021] Further, the analysis and decision-making module is used to compare the received digital signal with the voiceprint database to determine whether a leakage has occurred; if it is determined that a leakage has occurred, a leakage protection signal is transmitted to the signal output module.

[0022] Furthermore, the voiceprint database is established by an artificial intelligence algorithm based on the audio information under historical normal operating conditions and the audio information under historical abnormal operating conditions.

[0023] Further, the negative pressure protection system includes a negative pressure rigid container and a blocking device;

[0024] The negative pressure rigid container includes a negative pressure tank body and a solenoid valve. The negative pressure tank body is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit through the normally closed solenoid valve. After the solenoid valve receives the control instruction sent by the signal output module and opens, the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit enters the negative pressure tank body;

[0025] The blocking device is installed on the refrigerant pipeline. The normally open blocking device closes after receiving the control instruction sent by the signal output module to isolate the leaking area.

[0026] Further, the expansion protection system includes a signal receiver, a driving mechanism, a piston mechanism, and an expansion tank body; the signal expansion receiver is used to receive the control instruction sent by the signal output module, the driving mechanism is used to drive the piston mechanism to move according to the control instruction, the movement of the piston mechanism can adjust the volume change of the expansion tank body, the expansion tank body can provide a closed space with adjustable volume to accommodate and adjust the volume change of the refrigerant, and the expansion tank body is connected in series to the refrigerant pipeline.

[0027] In particular, for the expansion protection system of the present invention, a variable volume container with a special structure is invented, including an expansion tank body, a piston mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a signal receiver; the driving mechanism drives the piston mechanism to move according to the instruction received by the signal receiver to adjust the volume change of the expansion tank body, and the expansion tank body is connected in series to the refrigerant pipeline.

[0028] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0029] The present invention adopts audio recognition technology and can detect refrigerant leakage in the refrigeration system in real time and accurately, with higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with traditional methods.

[0030] The present invention proposes two pressure relief protection methods, namely a negative pressure protection system and an expansion protection system, to ensure that the system pressure can be adjusted in time when a leakage occurs and protect the safe and stable operation of the system.

[0031] The present invention can initiate protection measures in a timely manner according to the leakage signal, effectively prevent refrigerant loss and equipment damage, and improve the overall safety and reliability of the system.

[0032] In summary, through the combination of audio frequency recognition and pressure relief protection technologies, the present invention not only improves the leakage detection accuracy and response speed of the refrigeration system, but also effectively enhances the use safety, reliability and environmental friendliness of the system, with significant advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of the leakage detection and protection system and method for the oil-containing refrigeration system proposed by the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the negative pressure protection system proposed by the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the expansion protection system proposed by the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 and Figure 3 In FIGS. and : 1 - negative pressure tank body, 2 - solenoid valve, 3 - stop valve, 4 - blocking device, 5 - refrigerant pipeline, 6 - signal receiver, 7 - driving mechanism, 8 - piston mechanism, 9 - expansion tank body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments. The following embodiments can enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention more comprehensively, but do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0038] As Figure 1 shown, the present invention provides a leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system, mainly including a leakage detection system and a pressure relief protection system.

[0039] The leakage detection system includes an audio frequency signal acquisition module, a processing and recognition module, an analysis and decision-making module, and a signal output module.

[0040] The audio frequency signal acquisition module is used to acquire the audio frequency signal of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit. The audio frequency signal acquisition module includes an audio frequency receiving device, which is used to acquire the audio frequency signal during the operation of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit in real time and transmit it to the processing and recognition module in the form of an analog signal.

[0041] The processing and recognition module is used to preprocess the audio frequency signal and transmit it to the analysis and decision-making module. Specifically, the processing and recognition module converts the received analog signal into a digital signal, performs preprocessing operations such as noise removal and filtering on the digital signal, and then transmits the preprocessed digital signal to the analysis and decision-making module.

[0042] The analysis and decision-making module compares the received digital signal with a pre-established voiceprint database to determine whether refrigerant leakage has occurred. If it is determined that leakage has occurred, a leakage protection signal is transmitted to the signal output module.

[0043] Among them, the establishment of the voiceprint database is based on the historical audio data of the refrigeration system and combines artificial intelligence algorithms. The collected historical audio data covers audio information under normal and abnormal working conditions. The historical audio data is preprocessed, including operations such as noise reduction and segmentation, and is converted into a format suitable for input into the neural network. Based on the preprocessed air-conditioning audio data, the neural network analyzes the processed audio data to generate samples for training. The generated samples are used for training, and the parameters of the neural network are adjusted so that the model can achieve the function of discriminating whether the audio signal is in a normal operating or faulty state.

[0044] After receiving the leakage protection signal, the signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system to activate the pressure relief protection system in a timely response to the leakage problem.

[0045] The pressure relief protection system receives the leakage protection instruction sent by the leakage detection system and makes a corresponding leakage protection action. It includes two types of protection mechanisms. The first type is the negative pressure protection system. The negative pressure protection system is based on a negative pressure rigid container and uses the pressure gradient driving principle to relieve the pressure inside the system pipeline to achieve protection. The second type is the expansion protection system. The expansion protection system is based on a variable volume container and increases the internal volume of the system to relieve the pressure inside the system pipeline to achieve protection.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the negative pressure protection system includes a negative pressure rigid container and a blocking device 4.

[0047] The negative pressure rigid container includes a negative pressure tank body 1, a solenoid valve 2, and a stop valve 3. The negative pressure tank body 1 is connected to the refrigerant pipeline 5 of the indoor unit through a normally closed solenoid valve 2. The negative pressure tank body 1 can be evacuated through the stop valve 3 to reach a negative pressure state. The solenoid valve 2 connects the negative pressure tank body 1 and the refrigerant pipeline 5. After receiving the control instruction sent by the signal output module, the solenoid valve 2 opens, making the negative pressure space inside the negative pressure tank body 1 communicate with the refrigerant pipeline 5. Since the pressure inside the negative pressure tank body 1 is lower than the pressure of the refrigerant pipeline 5 of the indoor unit, using the pressure gradient driving principle, the negative pressure tank body 1 sucks the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline 5 of the indoor unit, achieving a leakage protection effect.

[0048] The blocking device 4 is installed on the refrigerant pipeline 5 and is in a normally open state to ensure the circulation of the refrigerant. When the blocking device 4 receives the control instruction sent by the signal output module, it closes, cutting off the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline 5 to isolate the leaking area.

[0049] As Figure 3 shown, the expansion protection system includes a signal receiver 6, a driving mechanism 7, a piston mechanism 8, and an expansion tank 9.

[0050] The signal receiver 6 is used to receive the control instructions sent by the signal output module. The driving mechanism 7 drives the piston mechanism 8 to move downward according to the control instructions. The movement of the piston mechanism 8 can increase the volume of the expansion tank 9, enabling the liquid storage tank 9 to inhale the refrigerant and achieving leakage protection.

[0051] As Figure 1 shown, the present invention also provides a method for leakage detection and protection of an oil-containing refrigeration system. The method includes a leakage detection process in the first step and a pressure relief protection process in the second step.

[0052] The first step, the leakage detection process includes:

[0053] S1. The audio signal acquisition module acquires the audio signal of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit.

[0054] The audio signal acquisition module uses an audio receiving device to acquire the audio signal during the operation of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit in real time and transmits it to the processing and recognition module in the form of an analog signal.

[0055] S2. The processing and recognition module preprocesses the audio signal and transmits it to the analysis and decision-making module.

[0056] The processing and recognition module converts the received analog signal into a digital signal, performs preprocessing operations such as noise removal and filtering on the digital signal, and then transmits the preprocessed digital signal to the analysis and decision-making module.

[0057] S3. The analysis and decision-making module analyzes and judges the audio information. If it judges that there is a leakage, it transmits a leakage protection signal to the signal output module.

[0058] The analysis and decision-making module compares the received digital signal with a pre-established voiceprint database to judge whether there is a leakage of the refrigerant. If it judges that there is a leakage, it transmits a leakage protection signal to the signal output module.

[0059] Among them, the establishment of the voiceprint database is based on the historical audio data of the refrigeration system and combines artificial intelligence algorithms. The collected historical audio data covers the audio information under normal and abnormal working conditions. The historical audio data is preprocessed, including operations such as noise reduction and segmentation, and is converted into a format suitable for input into a neural network. Based on the preprocessed air conditioner audio data, the neural network analyzes the processed audio data to generate samples for training. The generated samples are used for training, and the parameters of the neural network are adjusted so that the model can realize the function of discriminating whether the audio signal is in a normal operation or a fault state.

[0060] S4. The signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system according to the leakage protection signal.

[0061] After receiving the leakage protection signal, the signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system to start the pressure relief protection system, so as to respond to the leakage problem in a timely manner.

[0062] In the second step, the pressure relief protection process receives the leakage protection instruction sent by the leakage detection system and makes a corresponding leakage protection action, which includes two types of protection mechanisms.

[0063] The first type is negative pressure protection. The negative pressure protection is based on a negative pressure rigid container and relieves the pressure inside the system pipeline according to the pressure gradient driving principle.

[0064] As Figure 2 shown, the negative pressure protection uses a negative pressure rigid container and a blocking device 4 for pressure relief protection. The negative pressure rigid container includes a negative pressure tank body 1, a solenoid valve 2, and a stop valve 3. The negative pressure tank body 1 is connected to the refrigerant pipeline 5 of the indoor unit through the normally closed solenoid valve 2, and the negative pressure tank body 1 can be evacuated through the stop valve 3 to reach a negative pressure state. The solenoid valve 2 connects the negative pressure tank body 1 and the refrigerant pipeline 5. After receiving the control instruction sent by the signal output module, the solenoid valve 2 opens, so that the negative pressure space inside the negative pressure tank body 1 is communicated with the refrigerant pipeline 5. Since the pressure inside the negative pressure tank body 1 is lower than the pressure of the refrigerant pipeline 5 of the indoor unit, according to the pressure gradient driving principle, the negative pressure tank body 1 sucks the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline 5 of the indoor unit, achieving the leakage protection effect.

[0065] The second type is expansion protection. The expansion protection system is based on a variable volume container and relieves the pressure inside the system pipeline by increasing the internal volume of the system.

[0066] As Figure 3 shown, the expansion protection system includes a signal receiver 6, a driving mechanism 7, a piston mechanism 8, and an expansion tank body 9.

[0067] The signal receiver 6 receives the control instruction sent by the signal output module. The driving mechanism 7 drives the piston mechanism 8 to move downward according to the control instruction. The movement of the piston mechanism 8 can increase the volume of the expansion tank body 9, so that the liquid storage tank 9 sucks the refrigerant, realizing the leakage protection.

[0068] It can be seen that the present invention integrates audio acquisition, processing and recognition, analysis and decision-making, and signal output, realizing real-time detection of refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioning pipeline. At the same time, combining two pressure relief protection schemes, namely the negative pressure protection system and the expansion protection system, can quickly reduce the pipeline pressure while blocking the leakage area. Therefore, the present invention can ensure a quick response in case of leakage, effectively avoid system damage, efficiently realize leakage detection and protection, and operate automatically throughout the process without manual intervention, which can greatly improve the safety and reliability of the system.

[0069] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments. The above specific embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the inspiration of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art can also make many specific transformations in form without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope protected by the claims. All of these fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system, characterized in that, It includes a leakage detection system and a pressure relief protection system: The leakage detection system includes an audio signal acquisition module, a processing and recognition module, an analysis and decision-making module, and a signal output module; the audio signal acquisition module is used to acquire the audio signals of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit; the processing and recognition module is used to preprocess the audio signals and transmit them to the analysis and decision-making module; the analysis and decision-making module analyzes and judges the audio information. If it judges that there is a leakage, it will transmit a leakage protection signal to the signal output module; the signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system according to the leakage protection signal; The pressure relief protection system is a negative pressure protection system or an expansion protection system; the negative pressure protection system is based on a negative pressure rigid container and uses the pressure gradient driving principle to relieve the pressure inside the system pipeline to achieve protection; the expansion protection system is based on a variable volume container and increases the internal volume of the system to relieve the pressure inside the system pipeline to achieve protection.

2. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The audio signal acquisition module includes an audio receiving device, which is used to acquire the audio signals during the operation of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit in real time and transmit them to the processing and recognition module in the form of analog signals.

3. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing and recognition module is used to convert the received analog signal into a digital signal, perform preprocessing operations such as noise removal and filtering on the digital signal, and then transmit the preprocessed digital signal to the analysis and decision-making module.

4. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The analysis and decision-making module is used to compare the received digital signal with the voiceprint database to judge whether there is a leakage; if it judges that there is a leakage, it will transmit a leakage protection signal to the signal output module.

5. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The voiceprint database is established by an artificial intelligence algorithm based on the audio information under historical normal working conditions and the audio information under historical abnormal working conditions.

6. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The negative pressure protection system includes a negative pressure rigid container and a blocking device; The negative pressure rigid container includes a negative pressure tank body and an electromagnetic valve. The negative pressure tank body is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit through the normally closed electromagnetic valve. After the electromagnetic valve receives the control instruction sent by the signal output module and opens, the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit enters the negative pressure tank body; The blocking device is installed on the refrigerant pipeline. The normally open blocking device closes after receiving the control instruction sent by the signal output module to isolate the leaking area.

7. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion protection system includes a signal receiver, a driving mechanism, a piston mechanism, and an expansion tank body; the signal expansion receiver is used to receive the control instruction sent by the signal output module, the driving mechanism is used to drive the piston mechanism to move according to the control instruction, the movement of the piston mechanism can adjust the volume change of the expansion tank body, the expansion tank body can provide a closed space with adjustable volume to accommodate and adjust the volume change of the refrigerant, and the expansion tank body is connected in series to the refrigerant pipeline.

8. The leakage detection and protection system for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The variable-volume container includes an expandable tank body, a piston mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a signal receiver; the driving mechanism drives the piston mechanism to move according to an instruction received by the signal receiver to adjust the volume change of the expandable tank body, and the expandable tank body is connected in series to a refrigerant pipeline.

9. A method for leak detection and protection of an oil-containing refrigeration system, characterized in that, The method includes a leakage detection process and a pressure relief protection process; The leakage detection process includes steps S1 - S4: S1. The audio signal acquisition module acquires the audio signal of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit; S2. The processing and recognition module preprocesses the audio signal and transmits it to the analysis and decision-making module; S3. The analysis and decision-making module analyzes and judges the audio information. If it is judged that there is a leakage, a leakage protection signal is transmitted to the signal output module; S4. The signal output module sends a control instruction to the pressure relief protection system according to the leakage protection signal; The pressure relief protection process is negative pressure protection or expandable protection; The negative pressure protection is based on a negative pressure rigid container and uses the pressure gradient driving principle to relieve the pressure inside the system pipeline to achieve protection; The expandable protection is based on a variable-volume container and relieves the pressure inside the system pipeline by increasing the internal volume of the system to achieve protection.

10. A leakage detection and protection method for an oil-containing refrigeration system according to claim 9, characterized in that The audio signal acquisition module uses an audio receiving device, which real-time acquires the audio signal during the operation of the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit and transmits it to the processing and recognition module in the form of an analog signal; The processing and recognition module converts the received analog signal into a digital signal, performs preprocessing operations such as noise removal and filtering on the digital signal, and then transmits the preprocessed digital signal to the analysis and decision-making module; The analysis and decision-making module compares the received digital signal with the voiceprint database to judge whether there is a leakage; if it is judged that there is a leakage, a leakage protection signal is transmitted to the signal output module; The negative pressure protection uses a negative pressure rigid container and a blocking device for pressure relief protection; the negative pressure rigid container includes a negative pressure tank body and a solenoid valve. The negative pressure tank body is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit through the normally closed solenoid valve. After the solenoid valve receives the control instruction sent by the signal output module and opens, the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit enters the negative pressure tank body; the blocking device is installed on the refrigerant pipeline. The normally open blocking device closes after receiving the control instruction sent by the signal output module to isolate the leaking area; The expandable protection uses an expandable tank body, a piston mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a signal receiver for pressure relief protection; the signal receiver receives the control instruction sent by the signal output module, the driving mechanism drives the piston mechanism to move according to the control instruction, the movement of the piston mechanism can adjust the volume change of the expandable tank body, the expandable tank body can provide a closed space with adjustable volume to accommodate and adjust the volume change of the refrigerant, and the expandable tank body is connected in series to the refrigerant pipeline.

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