Sensor device for refrigeration circuits

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor device (20; 120) for a refrigeration circuit (10) travelled by a refrigerant fluid (F), wherein the sensor device (20; 120) is adapted to be positioned along the refrigeration circuit (10). The sensor device (20; 120) comprises an inlet (22), an outlet (24) and an intermediate zone (26) for the passage of the refrigerant fluid (F), the sensor device (20; 120) comprising a detection unit (30; 132; 134 136) adapted to detect the density (D) of the refrigerant fluid (F) and an electronic unit (34), connected to the detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136), adapted to acquire the values generated by the detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136) and to transmit at least one piece of information to the outside in relation to the density (D) of the refrigerant fluid (F).

Description

[0001] SENSOR DEVICE FOR REFRIGERATION CIRCUITS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration or conditioning comprising refrigeration machines, with direct and / or indirect expansion.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a system for controlling the proper operation of such refrigeration machines.

[0005] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0006] The use of special machines is known in the field of refrigeration or conditioning, called refrigerators, having the purpose of transferring heat from a colder environment to one with a higher temperature. Such an effect is used in the field of refrigeration, e.g., to make refrigerators for keeping one or more products, or in the field of conditioning, e.g., in cooling rooms in summer. Typical applications of the refrigeration sector consist of the creation of refrigerators for domestic use or for large-scale industrial use, e.g., cold rooms for storing products in supermarkets, or cold rooms mounted on board vehicles for transporting products for which the cold chain must be respected.

[0007] Said machines can also be used as heat pumps with the purpose of supplying heat to a warm room, i.e., heating the zone at a higher temperature, e.g., in winter heating.

[0008] As is known, in the refrigeration machines a refrigerant fluid, e.g., a refrigerant gas, is circulated within a closed circuit, also referred to as a refrigeration circuit. The refrigeration machines according to prior art can be divided mainly into compression-type refrigeration machines and absorption-type refrigeration machines.

[0009] In compression refrigeration machines, the refrigeration circuit identifies four fundamental elements connected with one another: a compressor, a condenser element, a throttling member and an evaporator element.

[0010] In absorption refrigeration machines, there is no compressor but an absorber and a generator.

[0011] The evaporator element, or simply evaporator, is the element capable of exchanging energy by conduction of the refrigerant gas which evaporates and cools, thus performing the refrigeration function.

[0012] The condenser element, or simply condenser, is the element capable of yielding energy to the external environment by condensing the refrigerant gas.

[0013] As is known, maintaining the correct amount of refrigerant fluid circulating within the refrigeration circuit is crucial to the proper operation of the refrigeration machine. The decrease in refrigerant fluid is caused by leaks and this leads to various inconveniences. The leaks are often concealed or minor (micro-leaks), e.g., caused by leaks on repairs, joints, devices applied to the refrigeration circuit, wear and tear, etc., and last over time without causing an actual disruption in the immediate future. However, a slow progression of the inefficiency of the refrigeration machine leads to actual malfunction and the necessary intervention of a refrigeration technician.

[0014] According to the prior art, the refrigeration technician's intervention to detect refrigerant fluid leakage occurs by direct or indirect detection.

[0015] Direct leak detection consists of using specific portable equipment to identify the exact point in the circuit from which the fluid is leaking.

[0016] Indirect leak detection consists of measuring magnitudes such as temperature, pressure, electrical absorption and checking whether they deviate from the design data of the refrigeration machine inspected.

[0017] To verify the diagnosis, the refrigeration technician must therefore apply instruments to read pressures, temperatures and connect to the electrical circuit for the amperometric measurement of the compressor. Using this detected data, and comparing it with known tables related to the fluid used, the technician estimates the correct operation of the machine. Once the leak in the refrigeration circuit has been repaired and the correct amount of refrigerant gas has been restored, the technician is then obliged to return to check the status of the repair and record the intervention, all in order to comply with F-GAS regulations issued by the European Union in the field of environmental policy.

[0018] In the known types of refrigeration machines, in particular machines for industrial use, the refrigeration circuit is equipped with an inspection element (liquid sight glass) which allows the refrigeration technician responsible for the repair to visually assess whether or not condensed gas is reaching the evaporator. Such an inspection element consists of a viewing element which is positioned in an appropriate point in the refrigeration circuit, typically on the side where the gas is condensed and is therefore liquid.

[0019] However, the solutions belonging to the state of the art have some drawbacks.

[0020] A drawback of the prior art is related to the fact that due to the slow progression of the inefficiency of the refrigeration machine, the actual repair work by the refrigeration technician only occurs after a more or less prolonged period during which the refrigeration machine operates inefficiently.

[0021] Another drawback of the prior art is related to the fact that the goodness of the assessment of the cause of the inefficiency and the time taken for such an assessment is dependent on the skill and / or experience of the refrigeration technician on site from time to time.

[0022] Therefore, the main aim of the present invention is to solve, or at least partially overcome, the aforementioned drawbacks which characterize the state of the art. In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to propose a solution which allows to detect in the shortest possible time the onset of problems in the refrigeration machine which can lead to a decrease in its efficiency.

[0023] It is another aim of the present invention to propose a solution which allows to minimise refrigerant fluid leakage into the atmosphere.

[0024] It is a further aim of the present invention to propose a solution which enables managing the efficient and timely dispatch of the refrigeration technician for maintenance / repair work or the activation of on-site refrigerant fluid recovery systems.

[0025] SUMMARY OF PRESENT INVENTION

[0026] In a first aspect, the present invention therefore relates to a sensor device for a refrigeration circuit travelled by a refrigerant fluid, said sensor device being adapted to be positioned along said refrigeration circuit and wherein said sensor device comprises an inlet, an outlet and an intermediate zone of passage of said refrigerant fluid from said inlet to said outlet, said sensor device comprising at least one detection unit adapted to detect at least one respective characteristic parameter of said refrigerant fluid and an electronic unit connected to said at least one detection unit, said electronic unit being adapted to acquire the values generated by said at least one detection unit and to transmit at least one piece of information to the outside in relation to said at least one characteristic parameter, said at least one detection unit comprising a density detection unit associated with said intermediate zone so as to be traversed by said refrigerant fluid and to detect the density of said refrigerant fluid.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, said at least one detection unit further comprises a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant fluid or a pressure detector for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant fluid or a flow rate detector for detecting the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid within the refrigeration circuit. Preferably, the electronic unit comprises communication means for transmitting said at least one piece of information to the outside.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the communication means comprise wireless communication means for the outside.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the communication means comprise a wired communication system for the outside.

[0030] Preferably, said at least one piece of information which is transmitted by the electronic unit corresponds to said at least one characteristic parameter acquired by said at least one detection unit.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one piece of information which is transmitted by said electronic unit is the result of a processing of said at least one characteristic parameter acquired by said at least one detection unit.

[0032] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a refrigeration machine comprising a refrigeration circuit travelled by a refrigerant fluid and a sensor device adapted to be positioned along said refrigeration circuit, wherein said sensor device is made according to what is described above.

[0033] In a further aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a system comprising a refrigeration machine provided with a refrigeration circuit travelled by a refrigerant fluid and one or more units configured to display at least one piece of information in relation to at least one characteristic parameter of the refrigerant fluid, wherein the refrigeration machine is made according to what is described above.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Further advantages, objectives and features as well as embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and will be clarified below by means of the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings; in the drawings, corresponding or equivalent features and / or component parts of the present invention are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular, in the figures:

[0036] - Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the sensor device applied to a refrigeration machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0037] - Figure 2 shows a possible use of the sensor device in a refrigeration circuit within a refrigeration machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0038] - Figure 3 shows an axonometric view of the sensor device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0039] - Figure 4 shows a plan view of the sensor device of Figure 3;

[0040] - Figure 5 shows a transparent view of the sensor device of Figure 4;

[0041] - Figure 6 shows an axonometric view of an element of the sensor device in Figure 5 isolated from the rest;

[0042] - Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an architecture comprising the sensor device of the invention according to the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 to 6;

[0043] - Figure 8 shows an embodiment variant of the sensor device of Figure 3,

[0044] - Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an architecture comprising the sensor device of the invention according to the preferred embodiment of Figure 8.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0046] While some particular embodiments of the present invention will be set out in the following description of the figures, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to such particular embodiments but, rather, the particular embodiments described below clarify various aspects of the present invention, the scope and extent of which are defined by the claims.

[0047] The preferred embodiment examples of the sensor device of the invention described below find particular application in thermodynamic systems comprising a refrigeration circuit for making refrigeration machines for cooling, cold rooms, chillers, preferably of industrial type.

[0048] It should be noted, however, that the sensor device according to the present invention finds application in the creation of heating machines, viz., by using the refrigeration machine as a heat pump.

[0049] A non-limiting embodiment example of a refrigeration machine provided with a sensor device which is the subject matter of the present invention is depicted in Figure 1 , while in Figure 2 such a solution is shown in a more detailed form.

[0050] In particular, the refrigeration machine, denoted overall with the number 1, comprises a sensor device 20 which is the subject matter of the present invention. In Figures 3 to 5, the sensor device 20 which is the subject matter of the invention is shown isolated from the refrigeration machine 1.

[0051] The sensor device 20 is advantageously applied along a closed refrigeration circuit 10 within which a refrigerant fluid F flows and which makes the refrigeration machine 1, as illustrated in Figure 2. As is known, the refrigerant fluid F along the refrigeration circuit 10 can assume different states, e.g., the refrigerant fluid F can be in the vapour and / or liquid state.

[0052] The refrigeration machine 1 illustrated and described is preferably a compression refrigeration machine 1.

[0053] In embodiment variants of the invention, the refrigeration machine could be an absorption refrigeration machine.

[0054] The refrigeration circuit 10 comprises a compressor 12, a condenser 14, a throttling member 16, e.g., an expansion valve, and an evaporator 18.

[0055] The evaporator 18 is the element capable of absorbing heat from the environment and therefore carries out the desired cooling function.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the refrigeration circuit 10 comprises a condenser 14 and an evaporator 18. In embodiment variants of the invention, not illustrated, the refrigeration circuit can comprise several condensers and / or evaporators suitably positioned along the refrigeration circuit. The sensor device 20 is preferably positioned along the refrigeration circuit 10 between the condenser 14 and the throttling member 16, viz., on what is called the liquid side of the refrigeration circuit 10. In such a portion of refrigeration circuit 10, the refrigerant fluid F is advantageously in the liquid state, whereas in the other parts of the refrigeration circuit 10, the refrigerant fluid F is in gas form. Under ideal operating conditions, in the liquid side of the refrigeration circuit 10 the refrigerant fluid F is advantageously all in the liquid state and in the other parts of the refrigeration circuit 10 the refrigerant fluid F is in gas form.

[0057] Under less than ideal operating conditions, and thus lower efficiency, in the liquid side of the refrigeration circuit 10 the refrigerant fluid F has a portion in the gaseous state, as well as a portion in the liquid state.

[0058] According to an aspect of the present invention, the sensor device 20 comprises an inlet 22, an outlet 24 and an intermediate zone 26 for the passage of the refrigerant fluid F from the inlet 22 to the outlet 24, as indicated in Figure 5.

[0059] In a first aspect thereof, the sensor device 20, hereinafter also referred to simply with the term sensor 20, comprises a detection unit 30 immersed at least partially in the intermediate zone 26 and adapted to be traversed by the refrigerant fluid F. The detection unit 30 comprises a detection element 32 which is hit by the refrigerant fluid F flowing along the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0060] The detection unit 30 has the task of detecting at least one characteristic parameter P of the refrigerant fluid F.

[0061] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the detection unit 30 comprises a density detector unit 30, hereinafter also indicated simply with the term density detector 30.

[0062] The detection element 32 of the density detector 30, which forms the part hit by the refrigerant fluid F, is preferably shaped like a tuning fork, as shown in particular in Figure 6.

[0063] The density detector 30 is preferably an element capable of outputting a parameter / value correlated to the density of the fluid of interest to the detection element 32. In a preferred embodiment, the density detector 30 is capable of outputting an electrical voltage value correlated to the density of the refrigerant fluid F of interest to the detection element 32, preferably an electrical voltage value which is directly proportional to the density of said refrigerant fluid F flowing in the section of the refrigeration circuit 10 where the sensor 20 is positioned.

[0064] For example, a maximum voltage value indicates a corresponding maximum density value of refrigerant fluid F, and a minimum voltage value indicates a corresponding minimum, or zero, density value of refrigerant fluid F.

[0065] A maximum density value of the refrigerant fluid F preferably corresponds to a correct condition / state of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 and a correct operation of the refrigeration circuit 10 and the refrigeration machine 1. This corresponds, preferably, to the ideal operating condition of the refrigeration circuit 10, viz., the condition wherein in the liquid side of the refrigeration circuit 10 where the density is measured, the refrigerant fluid F is advantageously all in the liquid state.

[0066] Lower density values of the refrigerant fluid F are due to the presence of a portion in the gaseous state, in addition to a portion in the liquid state, of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10. The presence of a portion of refrigerant fluid F in gaseous form within the refrigeration circuit 10 is a symptom of a non-ideal operating condition, and therefore lower efficiency, of the refrigeration circuit 10 itself. Such an abnormal operating condition can be caused, in particular, by the reduction of refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 due to a leakage.

[0067] According to the preferred embodiment described, the density detector is capable of outputting an electrical voltage value correlated with the density of the refrigerant fluid: in embodiment variants, the density detector can output magnitudes of a different type, e.g., an electrical current value or other magnitudes detectable and within the reach of the person skilled in the art.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the density detector 30 preferably exploits vibration technology: based on the presence or absence of fluid partially or completely covering the tuning fork, the frequency changes: this variation is detected and generates a corresponding output signal.

[0069] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the density detector 30 is therefore adapted to detect, either directly or indirectly, the characteristic parameter P of the refrigerant fluid F consisting of its density.

[0070] The sensor 20 then comprises an electronic unit 34 connected to detector unit 30, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7.

[0071] The electronic unit 34 is adapted to acquire the values generated by the detection unit 30, preferably the electrical voltage values from the detection unit 30 related to the density of the refrigerant fluid F.

[0072] The electronic unit 34 is further configured to transmit at least one piece of information to the outside in relation to the characteristic parameter P detected by the detection unit 30.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic unit 34 is preferably configured to transmit a piece of information corresponding to the density value of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 as acquired by the detection unit 30.

[0074] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit 34 is preferably configured to process the density value of the refrigerant fluid F acquired by the detection unit 30 and is configured to transmit a piece of information related to the result of said processing, viz., configured to generate and send value-added information with respect to the pure value as acquired by the detection unit 30.

[0075] The electronic unit 34 is preferably provided with communication means 40 for transmitting said information to the outside.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the communication means 40 comprise wireless communication means 42, 44 which allow data to be sent according to a wireless mode to one or more external units S, 48, as shown in Figure 7 in relation to an architecture comprising the sensor 20 of the invention.

[0077] The wireless communication means 42 comprise, for example, a connection system to an external unit consisting of a mobile device S such as a smartphone. The connection system is preferably a Bluetooth® mobile connection or a Wi-Fi- type connection.

[0078] Alternatively, or in addition, the wireless communication means 44 can preferably comprise a wireless connection system using GPRS technology to connect to a cloud architecture C via the Internet.

[0079] In a preferred alternative embodiment, the communication means 40 comprise a wired communication system for connection to the cloud architecture C, for example using an Internet connection router 46 preferably connected by means of an Ethernet network 46a.

[0080] The sensor 20 with its communication system 40 is therefore advantageously inserted in an architecture which allows a remote management of the information sent.

[0081] The information sent by the sensor 20 and made available to the external units S, 48 allows for optimal management of the refrigeration circuit 10, as described in more detail below.

[0082] The information sent by the sensor 20 can in fact be suitably used to be processed and / or displayed on the external units S, 48, viz., on the mobile device S and / or on special supervision platforms 48, which access the information within the cloud architecture C. A supervision platform 48 is advantageously controlled by the operator of the refrigeration machine 1 or the person responsible for controlling the same machine 1.

[0083] For example, the mobile device S and / or supervision platform 48 are preferably configured with appropriate display means for displaying messages such as 'Operation OK1, 'Malfunctioning1, 'Insufficient refrigerant fluid' or any other operating status and / or warning message.

[0084] With reference to the preferred embodiment described above, the sensor 20 as mentioned provides information related to the density of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 thanks to the use of the density detector 30.

[0085] The density value of the refrigerant fluid F advantageously indicates the state of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0086] A maximum density value of the refrigerant fluid F, as mentioned, preferably corresponds to a correct condition / state of refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 and a correct operation of the refrigeration circuit 10 and the refrigeration machine 1. Vice versa, lower density values of the refrigerant fluid F indicate the presence of a portion of the refrigerant fluid F in gaseous form within the refrigeration circuit 10 and therefore a symptom of a non-ideal operating condition, of lower efficiency, of the refrigeration circuit 10 itself, for example due to the reduction of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 due to a leak.

[0087] In general, the density value of the refrigerant fluid F is an indication of the condition / state, ideal or otherwise, of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0088] Variations in the density values detected within the refrigeration circuit 10, in particular a decrease in density, are therefore indicative of an anomaly or loss of efficiency of the refrigeration circuit 10, in particular due to refrigerant fluid F leakage.

[0089] Advantageously, if the electronic unit 34 transmits the density values of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10 as acquired by the detection unit 30, the external units communicating with the sensor 30, such as the mobile device S or the supervision platform 48, are capable of processing such data to assess the operating status of the refrigeration circuit 10 and generate related messages for the user, such as 'Operation OK1, 'Malfunctioning', 'Insufficient refrigerant fluid', or other operating or warning message.

[0090] If the electronic unit 34 is instead programmed to process the density values of the refrigerant fluid F acquired by the detection unit 30, the electronic unit 34 itself evaluates the operating state of the refrigeration circuit 10 and is capable of generating and sending related messages to the external units S, 48, such as 'Operation OK', 'Malfunctioning', 'Insufficient refrigerant fluid', or other operating or warning message.

[0091] Such messages will be appropriately evaluated by the user handling the external units S, 48.

[0092] The information received by the operator of the refrigeration machine 1 or the person responsible for controlling the machine 1, will make it possible to monitor and / or solve any problems, e.g., by promptly sending the refrigeration technician to the site to carry out checks with the necessary instrumentation and, if necessary, to limit the leakage of refrigerant fluid F and / or to restore any quantity of refrigerant fluid F which has already been dispersed by means of appropriate actions. Preferably, such restoration actions could be carried out directly on site without sending a refrigeration technician.

[0093] Therefore, it is clear that the sensor 20 according to the invention allows for the timely identification of any anomalies / leaks in the refrigeration circuit 10 and, if necessary, for intervention to resolve the problem by sending a technician or by on-site restoration action.

[0094] An advantage for the customer owning the refrigeration machine is therefore the reduction, or elimination, of on-site visits by the refrigeration technician to check the machine, a check which is carried out automatically and continuously thanks to the presence of the sensor of the invention.

[0095] Another advantage deriving from the early identification of any fluid leaks and the sending of warning messages to activate the refrigeration technician's repair intervention lies in the minimisation of refrigerant fluid leakage, which normally also comprises polluting greenhouse gases. This is in contrast to what occurs in the known type of systems where the repair intervention only takes place when the refrigeration machine actually fails, viz., when a significant amount of fluid has already leaked and dispersed into the environment. The solution according to the invention therefore contributes to limiting pollution caused by the dispersion of refrigerant greenhouse gases into the environment.

[0096] A further advantage of the early identification of any anomalies / leaks in the refrigeration circuit 10 allows the optimisation of maintenance and intervention plans on the refrigeration machine 1, with reductions and / or optimisation of the downtime which such operations require.

[0097] Furthermore, real-time information sent by the sensor 20 and received by the machine control operator allows to monitor the efficiency of the refrigeration circuit 10 and / or the optimal scheduling of any maintenance work.

[0098] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the detection unit 30 further comprises a viewing element 60 (preferably of the type used in the prior art\). The viewing element 60 preferably comprises a sight glass 62 which allows the inspection of the passage zone of the refrigerant fluid F within the sensor 20 and the assessment of the presence of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10. The use of the viewing element 60 can be useful for a quick visual check by a technician or as a safety control system in the event of malfunctioning of other parts of the sensor 20, e.g., in the event of malfunctioning of the detection unit 30.

[0099] In embodiment variants of the invention, the sensor is preferably further equipped with one or more further detection units for detecting respective characteristic parameters of the refrigerant fluid which differ from density: for example, the further detection unit can comprise a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant fluid, or a pressure detector for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant fluid, or a flow rate detector for detecting the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid within the refrigeration circuit.

[0100] A sensor 120 according to such an embodiment and its use is shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0101] The sensor 120 comprises several detection units, in particular: a density detector 30, a temperature detector 132, a pressure detector 134 and a flow rate detector 136. The flow rate detector can be made by means of a differential pressure detector.

[0102] Each detector 30, 132, 134, 136 is suitably connected to the electronic unit 34 of the sensor 120.

[0103] The values acquired by the electronic unit 34 can be sent directly to the outside, or processed to provide value-added information to the outside, similarly to what was described above.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the electronic unit 34 is preferably configured to transmit information which corresponds to the values as acquired by the respective detectors 30, 132, 134, 136, viz., the density of the refrigerant fluid F, the temperature of the refrigerant fluid F, the pressure of the refrigerant fluid F and the flow rate of the refrigerant fluid F within the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0105] Such values sent by the sensor 120 can be suitably used to be processed and / or displayed on the external units, e.g., on the mobile device S and / or on the supervision platform 48.

[0106] For example, status messages such as 'Operation OK1, 'Malfunctioning1, or analogue values of measured parameters such as 'Temperature= 30 °C, 'Pressure= 40 bar', 'Flow rate= 10 litres / minute' can be displayed on the mobile device S and / or supervision platform 48. The numerical values given are merely for illustrative purposes and in reality will assume suitable values depending on the type / size of the refrigeration circuit 10 to which the sensor 120 is applied.

[0107] Ad-hoc warning messages can also be displayed, for example: 'Insufficient refrigerant fluid', 'High temperature alarm', 'High pressure alarm', 'Insufficient flow rate', etc.

[0108] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic unit 34 is preferably configured to process one or more of said parameters acquired by the detectors 30, 132, 134, 136, and is configured to transmit a piece of value-added information as a result of said processing.

[0109] In such a case, the electronic unit 34 itself evaluates the operating state of the refrigeration circuit 10 and is capable of generating and sending related messages to the external units S, 48 of the type described above, such as: 'Operation OK1, 'Malfunctioning1, 'Temperature= 30 °C, 'Pressure= 40 bar', 'Flow rate= 10 litres / minute', 'Insufficient refrigerant fluid', 'High temperature alarm', 'High pressure alarm', 'Insufficient flow rate', etc.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a suitable processing of the characteristic parameters measured (density, temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) allows the generation of an index, e.g., a dimensionless value, which is used to evaluate an anomaly in the refrigeration circuit 10. For example, the increase in the index value can be proportionally related to an increase in inefficiency of the refrigeration circuit 10.

[0111] If a fault is detected by means of said index, and by analysing the various characteristic parameters, it will then be possible to identify the actual type of anomaly affecting the refrigeration circuit 10, e.g., a possible shortage of refrigerant fluid F or inappropriate under-cooling of the refrigerant fluid F.

[0112] The information received by the operator of the refrigeration machine 1 or the person responsible for controlling the machine 1 will then allow any problems to be monitored and / or resolved as described above.

[0113] It has thus been shown by means of the above detailed description of the embodiments of the device according to the present invention depicted in the drawings, that the device according to the present invention achieves the preset aims. In particular, the device according to the present invention allows to make a sensor device which enables the early detection of the onset of problems in a refrigeration machine.

[0114] Although the present invention has been elucidated above by means of the detailed description of its embodiments depicted in the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments depicted in the drawings and described above.

[0115] On the contrary, the aim of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Sensor device (20; 120) for a refrigeration circuit (10) travelled by a refrigerant fluid (F), said sensor device (20; 120) being adapted to be positioned along said refrigeration circuit (10) and being characterized in that it comprises an inlet (22), an outlet (24) and an intermediate zone (26) for the passage of said refrigerant fluid (F) from said inlet (22) to said outlet (24), said sensor device (20; 120) comprising at least one detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136) adapted to detect at least one respective characteristic parameter of said refrigerant fluid (F) and an electronic unit (34) connected to said at least one detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136), said electronic unit (34) being adapted to acquire the values generated by said at least one detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136) and to transmit at least one piece of information to the outside in relation to said at least one characteristic parameter, said at least one detection unit comprising a density detection unit (30) associated with said intermediate zone (26) so as to be traversed by said refrigerant fluid (F) and to detect the density (D) of said refrigerant fluid (F).

2. Device (120) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one detection unit (132; 134; 136) further comprises a temperature detector (132) for detecting the temperature of said refrigerant fluid (F) or a pressure detector (134) for detecting the pressure of said refrigerant fluid (F) or a flow rate detector (136) for detecting the flow rate of said refrigerant fluid (F) within said refrigeration circuit (10).

3. Device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said electronic unit (34) comprises communication means (40) for transmitting said at least one piece of information to the outside.

4. Device (20; 120) according to claim 3, characterized in that said communication means (40) comprise wireless communication means (42, 44) for the outside.

5. Device (20; 120) according to claim 3, characterized in that said communication means (40) comprise a wired communication system (46) for the outside.

6. Device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one piece of information which is transmitted by said electronic unit (34) corresponds to said at least one characteristic parameter acquired by said at least one detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136).

7. Device (20; 120) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that said at least one piece of information which is transmitted by said electronic unit (34) is the result of a processing of said at least one characteristic parameter acquired by said at least one detection unit (30; 132; 134; 136).

8. Refrigeration machine (1) comprising a refrigeration circuit (10) travelled by a refrigerant fluid (F) and a sensor device (20; 120) adapted to be positioned along said refrigeration circuit (10), characterized in that said sensor device (20; 120) is made according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. System comprising a refrigeration machine (1) provided with a refrigeration circuit (10) travelled by a refrigerant fluid (F) and one or more units (S, 48) configured to display at least one piece of information in relation to at least one characteristic parameter of said refrigerant fluid (F), characterized in that said refrigeration machine (1) is made according to claim 8.

Images