Air conditioning system and detection method thereof

Abstract

To provide a detection method for an air-conditioning system including a process of detecting whether electric power consumption of a compressor of the air-conditioning system is higher than a predetermined threshold value.SOLUTION: When electric power consumption is lower than a predetermined threshold value, an evaporation saturation temperature of an evaporator of an air-conditioning system is obtained and a condensation saturation temperature of a condenser of the air-conditioning system is obtained. A detection method for the air-conditioning system includes a process of determining that an abnormal phase change is occurring when the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature and operating so that the compressor starts a full-speed operation. The method includes a process of detecting whether or not the compressor maintains the full-speed operation until a first predetermined time is reached when the compressor starts the full-speed operation. The method further includes a process of determining that leak of a refrigerant of the air-conditioning system is occurring when the compressor maintains the full-speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and a detection method thereof, and more particularly to an air conditioning system and a detection method thereof that detects an evaporation saturation temperature and a condensation saturation temperature to determine a refrigerant leak. [Background technology]

[0002] As global warming progresses and outdoor temperatures rise, the use of air conditioning systems has become increasingly widespread and has become an indispensable part of everyday life. Outdoor power equipment, especially telecommunications power systems, must rely on air conditioning systems to maintain the temperature of the equipment during operation to prevent damage. These air conditioning systems rely on a phase change of the refrigerant to maintain the temperature of the equipment within an appropriate temperature range. Therefore, if the refrigerant leaks, the air conditioning system will not be able to maintain its intended performance.

[0003] Conventional air conditioning systems require the installation of a pressure sensor to detect leaks of the gas refrigerant within the system. However, as outdoor power equipment designs become more modularized and the volume of air conditioning systems shrinks accordingly, installing a pressure sensor becomes difficult. Furthermore, installing a pressure sensor significantly increases the production cost of the air conditioning system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, many air conditioning systems used in outdoor power facilities are unable to actively detect refrigerant leaks, and in many cases, there is no space for installing other pressure detection means for detection. As a result, users are often unable to know the status of refrigerant leaks in real time, which affects the quality of use of the air conditioning system. Therefore, with regard to air conditioning systems, how to effectively detect refrigerant leaks in real time and how to reduce detection costs are urgent issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a detection method for an air conditioning system, the method including detecting whether power consumption of a compressor of the air conditioning system is lower than a predetermined threshold. The method includes, when the power consumption is lower than the predetermined threshold, acquiring an evaporation saturation temperature of an evaporator of the air conditioning system and acquiring a condensation saturation temperature of a condenser of the air conditioning system. The method includes, when it is detected that the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature, determining that a phase change anomaly has occurred and operating the compressor to enter full speed operation. The method also includes, when the compressor enters full speed operation, detecting whether the compressor maintains full speed operation until a first predetermined time is reached. The method also includes, when the compressor maintains full speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached, determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air conditioning system, including a compressor, a detector, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a controller. The compressor receives a refrigerant and applies pressure to the received refrigerant. The detector is configured to detect the power of the compressor when it is operating. The condenser is connected to an output end of the compressor and includes a condensing temperature sensor for detecting a condensing saturation temperature. The evaporator is connected to an input end of the compressor and includes an evaporating temperature sensor for detecting an evaporating saturation temperature. The expansion valve is connected to the condenser and the evaporator. The controller is electrically connected to the detector, the condensing temperature sensor, and the evaporating temperature sensor. When the detector detects that the power of the compressor when it is operating is lower than a predetermined value and simultaneously that the evaporating temperature is higher than the condensing temperature, the controller operates the compressor at full speed for a predetermined time, and if all of the detected compressors continue to operate at full speed during this time, the controller issues a refrigerant leak alarm.

[0007] The concepts of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard industry practice, the features in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. In fact, the size of the features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of illustration. Like reference numerals refer to like features throughout the specification and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows an illustration of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a pressure-specific enthalpy diagram for a refrigerant used in an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for detecting an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for detecting an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes an air conditioning system and a detection method thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. However, it will be readily understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure provide many suitable creative concepts and can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of how the present disclosure can be used in a particular manner and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Additionally, in the embodiments, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top," may be used to describe the relative relationship of one component to another component in the figures. If the device in the figures were rotated upside down, it would be understood that the components described as being on the "lower" side would become the components on the "upper" side.

[0011] Although terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various components, materials, and / or portions, it should be understood that these components, materials, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms and are used only to distinguish between different components, materials, and / or portions. Thus, a first component, material, and / or portion referred to below may be referred to as a second component, material, and / or portion without departing from the disclosure of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and unless otherwise defined, a first or second component, material, and / or portion described in a claim is understood to be any optional component, material, and / or portion in the specification if it is consistent with the description of the claim.

[0012] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. These terms, for example, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be understood to have a meaning consistent with the relevant technology and the background or context of this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly strict manner, unless otherwise defined herein. In addition, terms such as "roughly," "approximately," or "about" are used herein, but these terms include cases or ranges of near agreement and exact agreement. It should be noted that unless otherwise defined, even if the above-mentioned terms are not written in the text, they should be understood to have the same meaning as if the above-mentioned approximate numerical terms were written.

[0013] Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates an illustration of an air conditioning system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 100 includes a compressor 110, an evaporator 120, an expansion valve 130, and a condenser 140. In some embodiments, the condenser 140 is connected to the output end 110B of the compressor 110, and the evaporator 120 is connected to the input end 110A of the compressor 110. This allows the compressor 110 to receive a refrigerant (not shown) from the evaporator 120 and apply pressure to the received refrigerant to send it to the condenser 140 in a hot gaseous form. In this embodiment, a detector 115 is connected to the compressor 110 and configured to detect the power when the compressor 110 is operating. Additionally, the expansion valve 130 is connected to the condenser 140 and the evaporator 120, allowing the refrigerant to circulate among the compressor 110, the evaporator 120, the expansion valve 130, and the condenser 140.

[0014] In some embodiments, the refrigerant may absorb heat and evaporate when in the evaporator 120, and release heat and condense when in the condenser 140. In some embodiments, the evaporator 120 includes an evaporation temperature sensor 125 to detect the evaporation saturation temperature of the refrigerant, and the condenser 140 includes a condensation temperature sensor 145 to detect the condensation saturation temperature of the refrigerant. In addition, the expansion valve 130 controls the amount of refrigerant flowing into the evaporator 120 to allow a small amount of refrigerant to pass through, thereby expanding and lowering the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, thereby effectively controlling the performance of the air conditioning system 100.

[0015] For example, if it is desired to lower the temperature of a certain space (i.e., a room), the evaporator 120 and expansion valve 130 can be installed inside the space (i.e., installed in the indoor unit), and the compressor 110 and condenser 140 can be installed outside the space (i.e., installed in the outdoor unit). In this way, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the indoor air in the evaporator 120, evaporating into a gas and lowering the temperature of the indoor air. The evaporated gaseous refrigerant is sent to the compressor 110 and condenser 140 located outside the room. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the outdoor air in the condenser 140, condensing into a liquid and discharging the thermal energy to the outside. The condensed liquid refrigerant returns to the evaporator 120 located inside the room via the expansion valve 130, thereby achieving the refrigerant circulation and temperature lowering effect of the air conditioning system 100.

[0016] The air conditioning system 100 also includes a controller 150 electrically connected to the detector 115 and configured to detect the operating power of the compressor 110 via the detector 115. In some embodiments, the controller 150 is electrically connected to the evaporating temperature sensor 125 and the condensing temperature sensor 145 to detect the evaporating saturation temperature and condensing saturation temperature of the refrigerant. If the controller 150 detects that the operating power of the compressor 110 is lower than a predetermined threshold and the evaporating saturation temperature is higher than the condensing saturation temperature, the controller 150 operates the compressor 110 at full speed to detect a refrigerant leak. A method for detecting whether the air conditioning system 100 has a refrigerant leak will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0017] 1 is shown for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that the present disclosure is intended to encompass a variety of possible actual configurations of the components of the air conditioning system 100. Any configuration that allows refrigerant to circulate through the compressor 110, evaporator 120, expansion valve 130, and condenser 140 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a pressure-specific enthalpy diagram for a refrigerant used in an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 100 is 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (also known as R134a refrigerant). However, this embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Other refrigerants applicable to the air conditioning system 100 may be used, and all possible refrigerant configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2 , the refrigerant has a saturated liquid line L1 and a saturated vapor line L2, which intersect at a critical point K. Specifically, the left side of the saturated liquid line L1 represents the refrigerant in a liquid state, and the right side of the saturated vapor line L2 represents the refrigerant in a gas state. The area between the saturated liquid line L1 and the saturated vapor line L2 represents the refrigerant undergoing a phase change, resulting in a state in which both liquid and gas coexist. In an ideal situation, the volume ratio of gaseous refrigerant to liquid refrigerant in the condenser 140 and the evaporator 120 is 1:1.

[0019] In some embodiments, the refrigerant in the air conditioning system 100 circulates between points A, B, C, and D. Specifically, when the refrigerant leaves the evaporator 120 and enters the compressor 110, the refrigerant reaches a state indicated by point A. When the refrigerant leaves the compressor 110 and enters the condenser 140, the refrigerant's pressure increases, indicating a state indicated by point B. When the refrigerant leaves the condenser 140 and enters the expansion valve 130, the refrigerant reaches a state indicated by point C. Between points B and C, the refrigerant changes from a gas to a liquid, maintaining a constant temperature, i.e., the condensation saturation temperature Tc detected by the condensing temperature sensor 145 (see FIG. 1). When the refrigerant leaves the expansion valve 130 and enters the evaporator 120, the refrigerant's temperature and pressure decrease, indicating a state indicated by point D. At this time, some of the refrigerant evaporates and enters a bi-phase state where both gas and liquid coexist. The remaining refrigerant between points D and A changes from a liquid to a gas. At this time, the temperature is kept constant, i.e., at the evaporation saturation temperature Te detected by the evaporation temperature sensor 125 (see FIG. 1). As can be seen from the above, in normal circulation, the condensation saturation temperature Tc is higher than the evaporation saturation temperature Te. Therefore, if the detected evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, it can be determined that there is a very high possibility that an abnormality in the phase change of the refrigerant, i.e., a refrigerant leak, has occurred.

[0020] FIG. 3A shows a flowchart of a detection method 200 for the air conditioning system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, in step 202, the controller 150, for example, instructs the detector 115 to detect whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold is the power consumption of the compressor 110 in a no-load state when there is almost no refrigerant. As an example, the predetermined threshold may be approximately 100 W to approximately 400 W, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any suitable predetermined threshold is within the scope of the present disclosure. Specifically, a current sensor (not shown) may be provided in the controller 150 of the air conditioning system 100. In this way, the current sensor can detect the input current of the compressor 110, and the controller 150 can calculate the power consumption based on the input current detected by the current sensor. That is, the controller 150 can detect whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than the predetermined threshold. By detecting whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than a predetermined threshold, it is possible to initially determine whether there is a refrigerant leak.

[0021] When the detected power consumption of the compressor 110 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the controller 150 acquires the evaporation saturation temperature Te of the evaporator 120 of the air conditioning system 100 and the condensation saturation temperature Tc of the condenser 140 of the air conditioning system 100. In step 204, if the controller 150 detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, it determines that a phase change abnormality has occurred in the air conditioning system 100. On the other hand, if the controller 150 detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is not higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, the controller 150 instructs the detector 115 to detect whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than a predetermined threshold. When a phase change abnormality occurs in the air conditioning system 100, the volume ratio of gas refrigerant to liquid refrigerant in the condenser 140 and the evaporator 120 is no longer maintained at 1:1.

[0022] In step 206, after it is determined that a phase change abnormality has occurred in the air conditioning system 100 (i.e., the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc), it is determined whether the compressor 110 has entered full-speed operation within a second predetermined time. Specifically, full-speed operation refers to the maximum rotational speed of the compressor 110 when the compressor 110 is in an unloaded state. In some embodiments, the second predetermined time is, for example, 3 to 5 minutes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, if the compressor 110 has entered full-speed operation within the second predetermined time, the process proceeds to step 208, where it is determined whether the compressor 110 maintains full-speed operation until a first predetermined time is reached. For example, the first predetermined time is, for example, 10 to 30 minutes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. By having the compressor 110 maintain full-speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached, the risk of misjudging a refrigerant leak can be reduced, and it can be further determined whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc while the compressor 110 maintains full-speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached.

[0023] The following point is particularly important here: The internal air pressure of a normal air conditioning system 100 is usually higher than the atmospheric pressure of the external environment (e.g., 1 atmosphere). If a pipe rupture occurs in the air conditioning system 100, most of the gaseous refrigerant in the air conditioning system 100 will leak to the external environment within a short period of time. Therefore, whether or not refrigerant is leaking can be determined by detecting whether or not the compressor is maintaining its maximum no-load rotation speed. However, to avoid erroneous determination due to the compressor reaching its maximum no-load rotation speed for other reasons, it is necessary to further detect whether or not the compressor is maintaining its maximum no-load rotation speed until a first predetermined time has elapsed.

[0024] In some embodiments, after the compressor 110 enters full speed operation within the second predetermined time, the controller 150 may continuously detect (e.g., real-time detection) whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc until the compressor 110 maintains full speed operation and reaches the first predetermined time. In other embodiments, the controller 150 detects whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc at regular time intervals, such as 3 to 5 minutes.

[0025] On the other hand, if the compressor 110 does not enter full speed operation within the second predetermined time, the process returns to step 204, where it is determined whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc. If it is determined that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, the phase change anomaly is determined to be in a transient state. After it is determined that the phase change anomaly is in a transient state, the process returns to step 202, where it is determined whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is higher than a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is higher than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that there is no refrigerant leak in the air conditioning system 100, as shown in step 212. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can cancel full speed operation of the compressor 110 when it detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc.

[0026] In step 208, the controller 150 detects that the compressor 110 is operating at full speed until the first predetermined time is reached. If the compressor 110 is operating at full speed until the first predetermined time is reached, the possibility that the phase change abnormality is a transient state is ruled out, and the process proceeds to step 210, where it may be determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, after it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system 100, the controller may issue a refrigerant leak alarm to notify the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system 100. In this way, the user may be informed of the refrigerant leak and may be able to perform maintenance on the air conditioning system 100 in a timely manner. On the other hand, if the compressor 110 is not operating at full speed until the first predetermined time is reached, the process returns to step 204, where it is determined whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc.

[0027] FIG. 3B shows a flowchart of a detection method 300 for an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3B, in step 302, for example, the controller 150 instructs the detector 115 to detect whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than a predetermined threshold. This predetermined threshold is the no-load power of the compressor 110 when there is almost no refrigerant. For example, the predetermined threshold may be approximately 100 W to approximately 400 W, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any suitable predetermined threshold is within the scope of the present disclosure. Specifically, a current sensor (not shown) may be provided in the controller 150 of the air conditioning system 100. In this way, the current sensor can detect the input current of the compressor 110, and the controller 150 can calculate the power consumption based on the input current detected by the current sensor. That is, the controller 150 can detect whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than the predetermined threshold. By detecting whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than a predetermined threshold, it is possible to initially determine whether there is a refrigerant leak.

[0028] When the detected power consumption of the compressor 110 is lower than a predetermined threshold, the controller 150 acquires the evaporation saturation temperature Te of the evaporator 120 of the air conditioning system 100 and the condensation saturation temperature Tc of the condenser 140 of the air conditioning system 100. In step 304, if the controller 150 detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, it determines that a phase change abnormality has occurred in the air conditioning system 100. On the other hand, if the controller 150 detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is not higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, the controller 150 instructs the detector 115 to detect whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is lower than a predetermined threshold. When a phase change abnormality occurs in the air conditioning system 100, the volume ratio of gas refrigerant to liquid refrigerant in the condenser 140 and the evaporator 120 is no longer maintained at 1:1.

[0029] In step 306, for example, when the compressor 110 enters full-speed operation, it may detect at second predetermined intervals whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc. If the controller 150 detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, it determines that the phase change anomaly is a transient state (e.g., step 314), and returns to step 302 to continue the above-described detection steps. On the other hand, if the controller 150 detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, it causes the compressor 110 to maintain full-speed operation and proceeds to step 308 to detect whether the compressor 110 maintains full-speed operation until a first predetermined time period is reached. For example, the first predetermined time period may be, for example, 10 to 30 minutes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. By maintaining full speed operation of the compressor 110 until the first predetermined time is reached, the risk of misjudging a refrigerant leak is reduced, and it is possible to further confirm whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is higher than the condensation saturation temperature Tc by the time the compressor 110 maintains full speed operation and reaches the first predetermined time.

[0030] In step 308, the controller 150 detects whether the compressor 110 maintains full speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached. If the compressor 110 does not maintain full speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached, the controller 150 returns to step 304 and detects whether the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc. If it is detected that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc, the phase change anomaly is determined to be in a transient state. After it is determined that the phase change anomaly is in a transient state, the controller 150 returns to step 302 and detects whether the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is higher than a predetermined threshold. If it is detected that the power consumption of the compressor 110 of the air conditioning system 100 is higher than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that no refrigerant leak exists in the air conditioning system 100, as shown in step 312. In some embodiments, the controller 150 can cancel full speed operation of the compressor 110 when it detects that the evaporation saturation temperature Te is lower than the condensation saturation temperature Tc.

[0031] If the compressor 110 maintains full speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached, the possibility that the phase change abnormality is a transient state is ruled out, and the process proceeds to step 310, where it may be determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system 100. In some embodiments, after it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system 100, the controller may issue a refrigerant leak alarm to notify the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system 100. In this way, the user may be informed of the refrigerant leak and may be able to perform maintenance on the air conditioning system 100 in a timely manner.

[0032] In summary, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system and a detection method for detecting a refrigerant leak by detecting the evaporation saturation temperature and the condensation saturation temperature. Specifically, the air conditioning system controller can detect whether the power consumption of the air conditioning system's compressor is lower than a predetermined threshold, and whether the evaporation saturation temperature of the air conditioning system is higher than the condensation saturation temperature. If these conditions are detected simultaneously, the compressor is operated at full speed for a predetermined period of time, thereby determining the occurrence of a refrigerant leak and reducing the risk of misdiagnosing a refrigerant leak. This configuration, using existing temperature and current sensors in combination with a temperature determination program, enables users to detect a refrigerant leak in real time without incurring additional hardware costs. It also saves space within the air conditioning system for other components required for refrigerant leak detection.

[0033] Although the embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure have been disclosed above, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can naturally make changes, substitutions, and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to the processes, devices, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps in the specific embodiments described herein. From the disclosure of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can understand existing or future processes, devices, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps, and as long as they can perform approximately the same function or achieve approximately the same results as in the embodiments described herein, they can all be used based on the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned processes, devices, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, and steps, and can be used in any combination in each embodiment as long as the features are not contrary to or inconsistent with the creative concept. Furthermore, each claim constitutes a separate embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure also includes combinations of each claim and embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100:Air conditioning system 110: Compressor 110A: Input terminal 110B: Output end 115: Detector 120: Evaporator 125: Evaporation temperature sensor 130: Expansion valve 140: Condenser 145: Condensation temperature sensor 150: Controller 200: Method 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212: Step 300: Method 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314: Step A, B, C, D: points K: critical point L1: Saturated liquid line L2: Saturated vapor line Tc: Condensation saturation temperature Te: evaporation saturation temperature

Claims

1. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioning system, comprising: detecting whether the power consumption of a compressor of the air conditioning system is lower than a predetermined threshold; When the power consumption is lower than the predetermined threshold, acquiring an evaporation saturation temperature of an evaporator of the air conditioning system and acquiring a condensation saturation temperature of a condenser of the air conditioning system; determining that an abnormality in the phase change of the refrigerant has occurred when the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature, and operating the compressor to enter full speed operation; when the compressor enters full speed operation, detecting whether the compressor maintains full speed operation until a first predetermined time has elapsed; determining that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioning system if the compressor maintains the full speed operation until the first predetermined time is reached; Including, A refrigerant leak detection method for an air conditioning system, characterized in that, in order to eliminate the possibility that the phase change abnormality is in a transient period, it is detected that the phase change abnormality continues for the first predetermined time by repeatedly checking whether the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature while the compressor maintains full speed operation and until the first predetermined time is reached.

2. When the compressor enters the full speed operation, detecting whether the evaporation saturation temperature is lower than the condensation saturation temperature at second predetermined time intervals; determining that the abnormality in the phase change of the refrigerant is in a transient state when it is detected that the evaporation saturation temperature is lower than the condensation saturation temperature; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. After determining that the abnormality in the phase change of the refrigerant is in a transient state, detecting whether the power consumption of the compressor of the air conditioning system is higher than the predetermined threshold value; determining that no refrigerant leakage occurs in the air conditioning system when it is detected that the power consumption of the compressor of the air conditioning system is higher than the predetermined threshold; The method of claim 2 further comprising:

4. installing a current sensor in a controller of the air conditioning system; a step in which the current sensor detects an input current of the compressor, and the controller calculates the power consumption based on the input current detected by the current sensor; the controller detecting whether the power consumption of the compressor of the air conditioning system is lower than the predetermined threshold; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

5. 3. The air conditioning system refrigerant leak detection method according to claim 2, wherein the second predetermined time is between 3 and 5 minutes. method.

6. 2. The method for detecting a refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time period is between 10 minutes and 30 minutes.

7. 2. The method for detecting a refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the full speed operation is the maximum rotation speed of the compressor under no load.

8. The method for detecting a refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined threshold is between 100 W and 400 W.

9. 2. The method for detecting a refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising the step of continuing to detect whether the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature after the compressor has entered full speed operation until the first predetermined time has elapsed.

10. 2. The method for detecting a refrigerant leak in an air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising the step of issuing a refrigerant leak alarm after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the air conditioning system.

11. 1. An air conditioning system, comprising: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a detector for detecting the power consumption of the compressor; a condenser connected to an output end of the compressor and equipped with a condensation temperature sensor for detecting a condensation saturation temperature; an evaporator connected to an input end of the compressor and equipped with an evaporation temperature sensor for detecting an evaporation saturation temperature; an expansion valve connected to the condenser and the evaporator; a controller electrically connected to the detector, the condensing temperature sensor, and the evaporating temperature sensor; Equipped with When the detector detects that the power consumption of the compressor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold and the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature, the controller operates the compressor at full speed, and if the compressor continues to operate at full speed for a predetermined time, issues a refrigerant leakage alarm; In order to eliminate the possibility that the phase change abnormality is in a transient period, the air conditioning system detects whether the phase change abnormality continues for the predetermined time by repeatedly checking whether the evaporation saturation temperature is higher than the condensation saturation temperature while the compressor maintains full speed operation until the predetermined time is reached.

12. The air conditioning system of claim 11 , wherein the controller disengages full speed operation of the compressor when the controller detects that the evaporating saturation temperature is lower than the condensing saturation temperature.

13. 12. The air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the controller detects whether the evaporating saturation temperature is higher than the condensing saturation temperature at regular time intervals, and the time intervals are between 3 and 5 minutes.

14. 12. The air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the predetermined time is between 10 and 30 minutes.

15. 12. The air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the predetermined threshold is between 100W and 400W.

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