Monitoring device, probe, corrosion rate monitoring method and air conditioner testing system

Abstract

The invention discloses a monitoring device, a probe, a corrosion rate monitoring method and an air conditioner testing system, and relates to the technical field of corrosion monitoring. The monitoring device comprises a data processor and at least one probe, the probe comprises an insulating substrate, a first comb tooth electrode and a second comb tooth electrode, the surfaces of the first comb tooth electrode and the second comb tooth electrode exposed to an environment to be detected serve as electrode working surfaces, and the area of the electrode working surfaces is 0.1 cm < 2 >-20 cm < 2 >. According to the invention, the comb tooth electrode structure is adopted and the tooth seam width of the comb tooth electrode is strictly limited, so that the measurement precision is obviously improved; according to the monitoring device, a multi-channel independent acquisition circuit is adopted, the data acquisition efficiency is improved, the multi-point monitoring requirement is met, and the dynamic real-time measurement precision is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of corrosion monitoring technology, and in particular to a monitoring device, probe, corrosion rate monitoring method, and air conditioner testing system. Background Technology

[0002] Corrosion monitoring technology primarily utilizes electrochemical sensors to monitor corrosion conditions in real time. Applying this technology to household air conditioner outdoor units facilitates intelligent monitoring of corrosion rates and conditions under varying weather and climate conditions, enabling targeted anti-corrosion designs for different climatic environments. In related corrosion monitoring systems, electrode structure design and signal acquisition and transmission systems are key factors affecting monitoring effectiveness. One related technology uses comb-tooth electrodes as the main electrode structure, but structural flaws in comb-tooth electrodes lead to low measurement accuracy. Another related technology commonly employs a single-channel acquisition mode, resulting in insufficient potential testing accuracy and low signal acquisition efficiency under dynamic interference environments, making it difficult to meet the needs of simultaneous monitoring at multiple points. Furthermore, some related corrosion monitoring systems lack effective remote monitoring capabilities, hindering real-time data transmission and analysis. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to develop a monitoring device with higher measurement accuracy that can simultaneously monitor multiple points, remotely monitor, and monitor corrosion in real time.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention designs a monitoring device, which includes a data processor and at least one probe. The probe includes: an insulating substrate; a first comb-tooth electrode disposed on one surface of the insulating substrate; and a second comb-tooth electrode disposed on the same surface of the insulating substrate where the first comb-tooth electrode is disposed. The surfaces of the first and second comb-tooth electrodes exposed to the test environment serve as electrode working surfaces, and the area of ​​the electrode working surfaces is 0.1 cm². 2 ~20cm 2 .

[0005] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the electrode working surface is 0.5 cm². 2 ~3cm 2 .

[0006] In one embodiment, the length of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode is greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the spacing between adjacent comb teeth of the first comb electrode is less than or equal to 0.1 mm and greater than 0 mm, and the first comb electrode includes at least two sets of comb teeth.

[0007] In one embodiment, the length of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, and the spacing between the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is less than or equal to 0.1 mm and greater than 0 mm; the second comb electrode includes at least two sets of comb teeth.

[0008] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first comb electrode is less than or equal to 20 mm; and / or, the thickness of the second comb electrode is less than or equal to 20 mm; and / or, the thickness of the insulating substrate is less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0009] In one embodiment, the shape of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode is selected from any one of square, trapezoidal, triangular, wavy, fan-shaped, and bow-shaped; the shape of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode meshes with the shape of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode, and the shape of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is selected from any one of square, trapezoidal, triangular, wavy, fan-shaped, and bow-shaped.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shape of the probe is consistent with the shape of the insulating substrate, the shape of which is selected from a cylindrical shape, including a cylinder or a prism.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first comb electrode and the second comb electrode are made of the same material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first comb electrode and the second comb electrode are made of any one of copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, or stainless steel; or, the surface of the first comb electrode is plated with any one of copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, or stainless steel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the monitoring device includes at least four probes.

[0014] This invention also proposes a probe comprising: an insulating substrate; a first comb-tooth electrode disposed on one surface of the insulating substrate; and a second comb-tooth electrode disposed on the same surface of the insulating substrate on which the first comb-tooth electrode is disposed; the surfaces of the first and second comb-tooth electrodes exposed to the test environment serve as electrode working surfaces, the area of ​​which is 0.1 cm². 2 ~20cm 2 The first comb electrode and the second comb electrode are electrically connected to the data processor via electrode leads.

[0015] The present invention also proposes a corrosion rate monitoring method using the aforementioned monitoring device, comprising the following steps: The data processor receives the electrochemical signal fed back by the probe and processes it to obtain electrochemical impedance data; based on the electrochemical impedance data, it forms corrosion status information of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0016] In one embodiment, the corrosion rate monitoring method of the monitoring device specifically includes the following steps: S1. The probe contacts the corrosion information of the air conditioner and feeds back an electrochemical signal; S2. The electrochemical signal is processed by a data processor to obtain electrochemical impedance data, which is then transmitted to a cloud server. S3. The cloud server generates corrosion status information of the air conditioner outdoor unit based on the electrochemical impedance data.

[0017] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner testing system, the air conditioner testing system comprising: An air conditioner; and the monitoring device, wherein the probe of the monitoring device is installed in the operating environment of the component under test of the air conditioner.

[0018] In one embodiment, the component to be tested includes the outdoor unit heat exchanger of the air conditioner.

[0019] In one embodiment, the electrode working surface of the probe is positioned facing the air inlet direction of the outdoor unit heat exchanger.

[0020] In one embodiment, the data processor is installed outside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the probe is installed inside the unit; the data processor and the probe are electrically connected via electrode leads.

[0021] The monitoring device and method designed in this invention significantly improve measurement accuracy by adopting a comb-tooth electrode structure and strictly limiting the area of ​​the working surface of the comb-tooth electrode. This invention employs a multi-channel independent acquisition circuit, increasing data acquisition efficiency by over 400%, which can meet the needs of multi-point monitoring. The monitoring device of this invention has high dynamic real-time measurement accuracy, with a measurement error of only 0.12%. Furthermore, the monitoring device of this invention integrates 4G / WiFi dual-mode communication and a data caching mechanism, realizing remote monitoring and data visualization, facilitating real-time monitoring of corrosion conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the probe of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the probe of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the probe of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the air conditioner testing system of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a comparison chart of impedance modulus-frequency curves measured by Example 1 and foreign instruments at the same time under the same humid environment for the same air conditioner outdoor unit; Figure 6 This is a comparison chart of the phase angle-frequency curves of Example 1 and those of a foreign instrument measured at the same time under the same humid environment for the same air conditioner outdoor unit; Figure 7 This is a comparison chart of the impedance modulus-frequency curves of Example 1 and those of a foreign instrument measured on the same outdoor unit of an air conditioner at the same time under the same dry environment. Figure 8 This is a comparison chart of the phase angle-frequency curves of Example 1 and those of a foreign instrument measured on the same outdoor unit of an air conditioner at the same time under the same dry environment; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Probe; 11. First comb electrode; 12. Second comb electrode; 13. Tooth gap; 14. Insulating substrate; 15. Electrode lead; 2. Data processor; 3. Air conditioner outdoor unit; 31. Air inlet of air conditioner outdoor unit; 4. Fixture; The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0026] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0027] The technical problem addressed in this application is that in corrosion monitoring systems of related technologies, electrode structure design and signal acquisition and transmission systems are key factors affecting monitoring effectiveness. Related technologies use comb-tooth electrodes as the main electrode structure, but structural flaws in comb-tooth electrodes lead to low measurement accuracy. In another related technology, corrosion monitoring systems generally adopt a single-channel acquisition mode, and under dynamic interference environments, potential testing accuracy is insufficient, signal acquisition efficiency is low, and it is difficult to meet the needs of simultaneous monitoring at multiple points. Furthermore, some corrosion monitoring systems in related technologies lack effective remote monitoring capabilities, making real-time data transmission and analysis impossible.

[0028] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes a monitoring device, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the monitoring device includes a data processor 2 and at least one probe 1. Figure 1 As shown, probe 1 includes an insulating substrate 14; and a first comb electrode 11 and a second comb electrode 12 distributed on the same surface of the insulating substrate 14. The surfaces of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 exposed to the test environment serve as electrode working surfaces, and the area of ​​the electrode working surfaces is 0.1 cm². 2 ~20cm 2 The first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are electrically connected to the data processor 2 via electrode leads 15, respectively.

[0029] It should be noted that the same side surface of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 in the probe 1 is embedded in the insulating substrate 14 to ensure that the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are insulated from each other. The other side of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12, which is not embedded in the insulating substrate 14, is directly exposed to the test environment and can directly contact water and oxygen in the air as the electrode working surface.

[0030] It should also be noted that, in the initial state, the teeth of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 in the probe 1 of the present invention are arranged alternately and do not directly contact each other. Furthermore, the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are separated by an insulating substrate 14, such as ceramic, glass, or organic polymer, thus forming a tooth gap 13. Therefore, in the initial state, the circuit inside the probe is not conductive, and the impedance between the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 is extremely high, approaching infinity. When the probe 1 is exposed to a corrosive environment such as humid air or an electrolyte solution, corrosion products will continuously form on the electrode working surfaces of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 of the probe 1. These corrosion products will gradually accumulate on the electrode working surfaces of the probe 1. When there are enough corrosion products, the impedance between the comb electrodes will significantly decrease. By analyzing the monitored impedance spectrum, i.e., the relationship between impedance value and frequency, the nature of the corrosion products, the formation rate, and the type of corrosion can be evaluated.

[0031] It should also be noted that the monitoring device in this invention is based on the principle of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) monitoring and is mainly used to monitor the corrosion status of the outdoor unit heat exchanger of the air conditioner. When in use, the area of ​​the electrode working surface of probe 1 has a significant impact on the monitored electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data.

[0032] Specifically, for electrodes with a larger working surface area, the absolute value of the entire impedance spectrum |Z| is smaller, requiring a larger excitation signal and resulting in lower sensitivity. However, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is typically higher, with stronger resistance to electromagnetic interference and more stable and reliable measurement results. Secondly, it is insensitive to localized corrosion, has a slow response speed, and low spatial resolution, only providing an overall corrosion profile of a large area, which can mask localized corrosion. For electrodes with a smaller working surface area, the absolute value of the entire impedance spectrum |Z| is larger, requiring a very small current for measurement. However, the signal is extremely weak and easily drowned out by the background noise of the measurement system, leading to a worse SNR, especially in the low-frequency region. Secondly, it is extremely sensitive to localized corrosion and early, minute changes, producing identifiable changes in the impedance spectrum more quickly, and also possesses higher spatial resolution.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring device includes four probes arranged at intervals along the same refrigerant pipe of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, to monitor the corrosion status information of different parts of the same refrigerant pipe.

[0034] Specifically, this invention combines the actual application of the probe on the outdoor unit of an air conditioner to simultaneously limit the number of probes, the size of the electrode working surface, and even the monitoring location, so that the signal strength fed back by the probe is higher and the monitoring results are more representative.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the area of ​​the electrode working surface of the monitoring probe is 0.5 cm².2 ~3cm 2 .

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the area of ​​the electrode working surface of the monitoring probe can be 0.5 cm². 2 0.6cm 2 1cm 2 2cm 2 3cm 2 Any one of the above categories is acceptable.

[0037] In one embodiment, the length of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 is greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the spacing between adjacent comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 is less than or equal to 0.1 mm and greater than 0 mm, and the first comb electrode 11 includes at least two sets of comb teeth.

[0038] It should be noted that the comb length of the comb electrode refers to the effective distance between the root of the comb electrode and its tip; the comb width of the comb electrode refers to the dimension of the comb tooth in the direction perpendicular to its length.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the first comb electrode 11 is a rectangular comb with a length of 8 mm, a width of 0.2 mm, and a spacing of 0.1 mm between adjacent comb teeth. The first comb electrode 11 includes 5 sets of comb teeth.

[0040] In another embodiment, the length of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 is greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the spacing between adjacent comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 is less than or equal to 0.1 mm and greater than 0 mm, and the second comb electrode 12 includes at least two sets of comb teeth.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the second comb electrode 12 is a rectangular comb with a comb length of 8 mm, a comb width of 0.2 mm, a spacing of 0.1 mm between adjacent comb teeth, and includes 5 sets of comb teeth.

[0042] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first comb electrode 11 is less than or equal to 20 mm; and / or, the thickness of the second comb electrode 12 is less than or equal to 20 mm; and / or, the thickness of the insulating substrate 14 is less than or equal to 50 mm.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the first comb electrode 11 is 10 mm; the thickness of the second comb electrode 12 is 10 mm; and the thickness of the insulating substrate 14 is 10 mm.

[0044] It should be noted that the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are two meshing electrodes, and their physical parameters should generally be kept consistent to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. Limiting the thickness of the insulating substrate helps to prevent the electric field environment of the air conditioner from interfering with or affecting the comb electrode, which helps to improve the spatial resolution and independence of the measurement, and allows for a more focused monitoring of the corrosion process occurring on the electrode surface without being affected by the environment behind it.

[0045] In one embodiment, the shape of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 is selected from any one of square, trapezoidal, triangular, wavy, fan-shaped, and bow-shaped; the shape of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 meshes with the shape of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11, and the shape of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 is selected from any one of square, trapezoidal, triangular, wavy, fan-shaped, and bow-shaped.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 are square, and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 mesh with the comb teeth of the first comb electrode, and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode are also square.

[0047] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 are triangular in shape, and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 mesh with the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11, and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 are also triangular in shape.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 are wavy, and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 are different from those of the first comb electrode 11 but are interlocked, and are wavy in another shape.

[0049] In one embodiment, the probe 1 has a shape consistent with that of the insulating substrate 14, which is selected from a cylindrical shape, including a cylinder or a prism. It is understood that the probe embeds the electrode connected to the electrode lead 15 into the insulating substrate 14 while keeping the electrode surface exposed to the outside environment.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are made of the same material; the material of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 is selected from any one of copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, and stainless steel, or the surfaces of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are plated with any one of copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, and stainless steel.

[0051] Understandably, the probe uses two comb electrodes made of the exact same material to ensure that their responses to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and stress are synchronous and consistent. The instrument can better eliminate common-mode interference and improve the signal-to-noise ratio through differential measurement or averaging.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, the monitoring device of the present invention specifically includes: At least one probe is used to receive an excitation signal and generate a corresponding electrochemical signal.

[0053] The data processor includes equipment for acquiring, temporarily storing, and transmitting probe electrochemical signals.

[0054] The probe electrochemical signal acquisition, storage, and transmission device integrates: a probe electrochemical signal acquisition module, used to apply excitation signals, receive and measure the electrochemical signals generated by the probe, and calculate and analyze electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data; a data storage module, used for storing and caching the raw electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data; and a data transmission module, used to send the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data to the cloud server and receive remote commands from the cloud server.

[0055] In one embodiment, the data processor can directly analyze the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data to obtain corrosion state information; in another embodiment, the data processor can also send the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data to a cloud server, where the cloud server analyzes the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data to obtain corrosion state information and issues remote commands to the data processor.

[0056] In one embodiment, the probe electrochemical signal acquisition module includes: a signal excitation unit for applying a sinusoidal AC excitation signal to the circuit of the first comb electrode and the second comb electrode; and a signal receiving unit for receiving the electrochemical response signal generated by the circuit of the first comb electrode and the second comb electrode based on the sinusoidal AC excitation signal.

[0057] In one embodiment, the probe electrochemical signal acquisition module also integrates a multi-channel independent acquisition circuit. The electrochemical response signal received by the signal receiving unit enters the multi-channel independent acquisition circuit. Each probe is provided with an independent signal conditioning circuit, including an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter.

[0058] In one specific embodiment, the operational amplifier includes: a preamplifier module for amplifying the electrochemical response signal received by the signal receiving unit, so that the useful signal is significantly higher than the system noise floor; a filter module for filtering out signals with a frequency range of 0.01Hz to 100kHz after passing through the preamplifier module as electrochemical signals; and a gain control module for dynamically adjusting the electrochemical signal after passing through the filter module to the optimal range of the analog-to-digital converter and obtaining more accurate digital results.

[0059] In one specific embodiment, an analog-to-digital converter is used to quantize an operationally amplifier-conditioned electrochemical signal into a digital signal.

[0060] In one embodiment, the probe electrochemical signal acquisition module also integrates a digital signal processor, which is used to calculate and analyze the digital signal obtained by the analog-to-digital converter through the Fourier transform algorithm to obtain the impedance data of the equivalent circuit between the first comb electrode and the second comb electrode in the probe, and analyze the impedance data at multiple frequency points to obtain electrochemical impedance spectrum data.

[0061] It should be noted that the digital signal data processor measures the impedance data of a single frequency point at the same monitoring point at the same time, covering the entire frequency range from 100kHz to 0.01Hz. It then obtains a complete set of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data by scanning the frequency. After that, by combining the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data of different monitoring points at the same time, the polarization resistance of different monitoring points is calculated, and the corrosion rate of different monitoring points is further calculated. This helps researchers to understand the overall corrosion status of the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0062] In one embodiment, the data transmission module integrates a dual-mode communication module consisting of a 4G communication module and a WiFi module; the 4G communication module supports multi-band networks to ensure stable data network connectivity and stable transmission of electrochemical spectrum data in various complex environments; the WiFi module supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-bands and is compatible with 802.11a / b / g / n / ac standards.

[0063] In one embodiment, the data buffer module has a built-in flash memory chip to provide data cache space, capable of storing 20,000 complete measurement records.

[0064] This invention also proposes a corrosion rate monitoring method, comprising the following steps: The data processor receives the electrochemical signal fed back by the probe and processes it to obtain electrochemical impedance data; based on the electrochemical impedance data, it forms corrosion status information of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0065] In one specific embodiment, the corrosion rate monitoring method includes the following steps: S1. The probe contacts the air conditioner to obtain corrosion information and feeds back an electrochemical signal; S2. The electrochemical signal is processed by the data processor to obtain electrochemical impedance data, which is then transmitted to the cloud server. S3. The cloud server generates corrosion status information for the outdoor unit of the air conditioner based on electrochemical impedance data.

[0066] Specifically, in step S1, the probe and data processor are installed at designated locations on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the electrode leads of the data processor and the probe are electrically connected. The power supply is then connected so that the monitoring device operates synchronously with the air conditioner.

[0067] In step S2, the probe electrochemical signal acquisition module of the probe electrochemical signal acquisition, temporary storage and transmission device applies an excitation signal to the probe and receives the electrochemical response signal generated by the probe; the electrochemical response signal is converted into a digital signal by the probe electrochemical signal acquisition module and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is obtained by calculation and analysis.

[0068] When the network is connected normally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is continuously transmitted to the cloud server via the data transmission module; when the network is interrupted, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is automatically saved in the data temporary storage module. After the network is restored, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is automatically transmitted to the data transmission module and then to the cloud server; the cloud server can calculate and analyze the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, continuously monitor the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data of the air conditioner outdoor unit probe, and deduce the corrosion status information of the material.

[0069] Corrosion status information includes information representing the real-time corrosion status of the component under test at one or more moments and / or information representing the corrosion status of the component under test over a period of time or during different air conditioning operating periods. Further, corrosion status information includes corrosion behavior information, which may include: whether corrosion has occurred, the time at which corrosion occurred, the time during which the corrosion rate exceeded a preset rate, etc.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the digital signal data processor can simultaneously perform calculations and analyses on multiple digital signals from different signal conditioning circuits and obtain electrochemical impedance spectral data of different monitoring points at the same time, so as to realize the synchronous monitoring of corrosion at multiple monitoring points of the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring device includes four probes. The probe's electrochemical signal acquisition, storage, and transmission equipment is equipped with four independent acquisition circuits. Each probe has an independent electrochemical signal transmission channel, and each channel is equipped with an independent signal conditioning circuit, including preamplifier, filter, and gain control modules, thereby ensuring the independence and accuracy of signal acquisition for each channel. Furthermore, the signal conditioning circuit employs low-noise components and anti-interference measures, enabling the system to maintain good signal quality across the low-frequency range of 0.01Hz to the high-frequency range of 100kHz, achieving simultaneous monitoring of corrosion at multiple monitoring points on the air conditioner's outdoor unit.

[0072] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner testing system, an air conditioner; and a monitoring device, wherein the probe in the monitoring device is installed in the operating environment of the component under test of the air conditioner.

[0073] In one embodiment, the component under test includes the outdoor unit heat exchanger of an air conditioner. In a specific embodiment, the electrode working surface of the probe is positioned close to the surface of the condenser tubes and / or fins of the heat exchanger. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the electrode working surface of the probe refers to the portion of the first comb electrode and the second comb electrode exposed to the test environment.

[0074] In one specific embodiment, the electrode working surface of the probe is positioned facing the air inlet direction of the outdoor unit's heat exchanger. When the airflow passes over the probe under the drive of the fan, it can blow away impurities such as condensate or corrosion products from the probe's electrode working surface, which helps to improve the probe's response sensitivity.

[0075] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the monitoring device of this embodiment, the clamp 4 is fixed to the side plate at the air inlet of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner, at least one probe 1 is installed and fixed inside the clamp 4, and the electrode working surface of the probe 1 is set facing the air inlet 31 of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner; the data processor is installed and fixed to the top cover of the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner, and the four probes 1 are electrically connected to the data processor 2 through electrode leads 15 respectively. The data processor 2 is electrically connected to the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioner. The monitoring device operates synchronously with the air conditioner, monitors data, and transmits it to the cloud server.

[0076] In one specific embodiment, the clamp 4 can also be fixed to the refrigerant pipe of the heat exchanger, and at least one probe 1 is installed and fixed inside the clamp 4, with the electrode working surface of the probe 1 facing the air inlet direction of the heat exchanger.

[0077] It should be noted that the working surface of the electrode of probe 1 is set facing the air inlet direction of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the working surface of the electrode of probe 1 is kept vertical, which can further prevent condensate, dust or corrosion products from accumulating on the working surface of the electrode and affecting the collection of corrosion information.

[0078] The present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments: Example 1 The monitoring device used in Example 1 employs probe 1 as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes an insulating substrate 14; and a first comb electrode 11 and a second comb electrode 12 distributed on the same surface of the insulating substrate 14. The comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 and the comb teeth of the second comb electrode 12 are arranged alternately to form a tooth gap 13, the width of the tooth gap 13 is about 0.06 mm; the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are respectively connected to electrode leads 15.

[0079] The insulating substrate is made of polyimide, and the comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are both square in shape and made of pure copper.

[0080] The comb teeth of the first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 are both 50 mm long, 0.54 mm wide, and 10 mm thick. The first comb electrode 11 and the second comb electrode 12 include 10 sets of comb teeth. The thickness of the insulating substrate is 20 mm.

[0081] The surface area of ​​the electrode working surface of probe 1 in Example 1 is approximately 12 cm². 2 .

[0082] The monitoring device in Example 1 includes: There are four probes and one data processor. The probes are connected to the data processor via four sets of electrode leads. The data processor includes a probe electrochemical signal acquisition, temporary storage, and transmission device, which integrates a probe electrochemical signal acquisition module, a data temporary storage module, and a data transmission module.

[0083] The probe's electrochemical signal acquisition module integrates a signal excitation unit, a signal receiving unit, a multi-channel independent acquisition circuit, and a digital signal data processor; the data storage module has a built-in flash memory chip; and the data transmission module integrates a dual-mode communication module that combines a 4G communication module and a WiFi module.

[0084] The multi-channel independent acquisition circuit includes multiple independent signal conditioning circuits. The signal conditioning circuits are equipped with operational amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters in sequence. The operational amplifiers are equipped with preamplifier modules, filter modules and gain control modules in sequence.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, in Example 1, the monitoring device has four probes 1 installed and fixed inside a clamp 4. The clamp 4 is fixed to the upper part of the side plate at the left air inlet of the outdoor unit 3 of the split-type air conditioner, ensuring that the bottom surface of the cylindrical probes is in contact with the inner wall of the outdoor unit 3. The probe electrochemical signal acquisition, storage, and transmission device is installed and fixed on the left side of the top cover of the outdoor unit 3. The four probes 1 are connected to the probe electrochemical signal acquisition, storage, and transmission device via electrode leads 15. The monitoring device operates synchronously with the air conditioner, monitoring data and transmitting it to a cloud server.

[0086] The method for monitoring the corrosion rate of an air conditioner outdoor unit in Example 1 includes the following steps: S1. Install the probe and the probe electrochemical signal acquisition, storage and transmission equipment at the designated positions on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and connect the probe electrochemical signal acquisition, storage and transmission equipment to the electrode leads of the probe, and connect the power supply so that the monitoring device runs synchronously with the air conditioner. S2, The probe electrochemical signal acquisition module applies an excitation signal to the probe and receives the electrochemical response signal generated by the probe; S3. The electrochemical response signal is converted into a digital signal by the probe electrochemical signal acquisition module and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is obtained by calculation and analysis. S4. When the network is connected normally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is continuously transmitted to the terminal via the data transmission module; when the network is interrupted, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is automatically saved in the data temporary storage module. After the network is restored, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data is automatically transmitted to the data transmission module and then to the terminal. S5. Use the terminal to measure and calculate the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, continuously monitor the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data of the air conditioner outdoor unit probe, and calculate the corrosion rate of the material by the high and low frequency impedance values ​​obtained from the monitoring, so as to understand the material corrosion of the air conditioner outdoor unit at different time periods.

[0087] Static resistance tests were conducted on the same outdoor unit of the air conditioner using both the monitoring device described in Example 1 and the foreign instrument GAMRY 600. The results are shown in Table 1. Dynamic corrosion tests were also conducted in humid (20% moisture content) and dry (0% moisture content) environments, and the results are shown in Table 1. Figure 5-8 .

[0088] Table 1

[0089] Analysis of Table 1 shows that the measurement error and average deviation of the monitoring device in Example 1 are very small compared with the commercially available monitoring device GAMRY 600, proving that its core measurement accuracy and stability have reached the same level as international standards, with negligible differences, demonstrating its ability to perform high-precision measurements.

[0090] Figures 5-8 In the diagram, the blue curve represents the curve measured by the monitoring device in Example 1, and the red curve represents the curve measured by the GAMRY 600 corrosion monitoring device. Through analysis of... Figure 5 and Figure 6 Analysis shows that the monitoring device in Example 1 has similar measurement stability and accuracy to the GAMRY 600 in a humid environment with a water content of 20%; through analysis of... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Analysis revealed that in a dry environment, GAMRY 600 frequently exhibited irregular spikes on the curve, while the monitoring device in Example 1 showed a normal curve. This demonstrates that the monitoring device in this application has higher stability in a dry environment.

[0091] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring device, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes a data processor and at least one probe; the probe includes: Insulating substrate; A first comb-tooth electrode is disposed on one surface of the insulating substrate; The second comb electrode is disposed on the same surface of the insulating substrate on which the first comb electrode is disposed; The surfaces of the first and second comb electrodes exposed to the test environment serve as the electrode working surfaces, and the area of ​​the electrode working surfaces is 0.1 cm². 2 ~20cm 2 .

2. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The working surface area of ​​the electrode is 0.5 cm². 2 ~3cm 2 .

3. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode is greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the spacing between adjacent comb teeth of the first comb electrode is less than or equal to 0.1 mm and greater than 0 mm, and the first comb electrode includes at least two sets. And / or, the length of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is greater than or equal to 2 mm, the width of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm, the spacing of the comb teeth of the second comb electrode is less than or equal to 0.1 mm and greater than 0 mm, and the second comb electrode includes at least two sets of comb teeth.

4. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first comb electrode is less than or equal to 20 mm; And / or, the thickness of the second comb electrode is less than or equal to 20 mm; And / or, the thickness of the insulating substrate is less than or equal to 50 mm.

5. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the comb teeth of the first comb electrode is selected from any one of square, trapezoidal, triangular, wavy, fan-shaped, or bow-shaped. The comb tooth shape of the second comb electrode meshes with the comb tooth shape of the first comb electrode, and the comb tooth shape of the second comb electrode is selected from any one of square, trapezoidal, triangular, wavy, fan-shaped, and bow-shaped.

6. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the insulating substrate is selected from that of a column, including a cylinder or a prism.

7. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first comb electrode and the second comb electrode are made of the same material.

8. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first comb electrode is selected from any one of copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, and stainless steel; or, the surface of the first comb electrode is plated with any one of copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, and stainless steel.

9. The monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring device includes at least four probes.

10. A probe, characterized in that, The probe includes: Insulating substrate; A first comb-tooth electrode is disposed on one surface of the insulating substrate; The second comb electrode is disposed on the same surface of the insulating substrate on which the first comb electrode is disposed; The surfaces of the first and second comb electrodes exposed to the test environment serve as the electrode working surfaces, and the area of ​​the electrode working surfaces is 0.1 cm². 2 ~20cm 2 .

11. A corrosion rate monitoring method using the monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The corrosion rate monitoring method includes the following steps: The data processor receives the electrochemical signal fed back by the probe and processes it to obtain electrochemical impedance data; based on the electrochemical impedance data, it forms corrosion status information of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

12. The corrosion rate monitoring method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The corrosion rate monitoring method includes the following steps: S1. The probe contacts the corrosion information of the air conditioner and feeds back an electrochemical signal; S2. The electrochemical signal is processed by a data processor to obtain electrochemical impedance data, which is then transmitted to a cloud server. S3. The cloud server generates corrosion status information of the air conditioner based on the electrochemical impedance data.

13. An air conditioner testing system, characterized in that, The air conditioner testing system includes: Air conditioner; and The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the probe in the monitoring device is installed in the operating environment of the component under test of the air conditioner.

14. The air conditioner testing system as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The component to be tested includes the outdoor unit heat exchanger of the air conditioner.

15. The air conditioner testing system as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The electrode working surface of the probe is positioned facing the air inlet direction of the outdoor unit heat exchanger.

16. The air conditioner testing system as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The data processor is installed on the outside of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the probe is installed inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The data processor and the probe are electrically connected via electrode leads.

Images