Outdoor heat exchanger and temperature control method therefor

Abstract

An embodiment of the present specification relates to a frame of a heat exchanger, a temperature control device of a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger, and a temperature control method of a heat exchanger, wherein a current is applied to grills arranged in a plurality of rows and / or columns to cause a temperature change between the grills, and ice nuclei are generated by an endothermic reaction of the grills due to the temperature change, thereby inducing freezing.

Description

Outdoor heat exchanger and its temperature control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger of an air conditioner installed outdoors and the temperature control thereof.

[0002] In the case of an air conditioning system, during heating operation, heat is recovered from an outdoor unit located in the low-temperature outdoor area and supplied to the indoor area. When the outdoor temperature is about 2 degrees or lower, frost forms on the surface of the heat exchanger, which acts as an evaporator. In this case, the heating capacity rapidly weakens, making it impossible to provide the heating desired by the consumer.

[0003] Meanwhile, Korean Registered Patent Publication 10-2582522 B1 (hereinafter referred to as the prior art), which is one of the prior art related to this, discloses a defrosting system dedicated to an outdoor heat exchanger. However, when operating with the defrosting system disclosed in the prior art, a portion of the heat exchanger cannot be used, and even after the defrosting operation is completed, it is difficult to achieve perfect defrosting, and even after the defrosting process is finished, there are limitations in that frost formation may occur again due to the external environment.

[0004] In other words, conventionally, only incomplete defrosting technologies were presented, and no technology to prevent frost buildup on the heat exchanger itself was proposed, inevitably leading to limitations in heating operation.

[0005] The present invention aims to improve upon the limitations of the prior art as described above.

[0006] Accordingly, the present specification aims to provide an embodiment capable of preventing frost buildup on a heat exchanger.

[0007] In addition, we intend to provide an embodiment in which the heating operation of an air conditioner can be stably performed by preventing ice formation.

[0008] The present invention, for solving the problem described above, provides a solution means of inducing freezing on a grill provided on the exterior of a heat exchanger.

[0009] Specifically, the invention is characterized by applying an electric current to grills arranged in multiple rows and / or columns to cause a temperature change between the grills, and inducing freezing by causing ice nuclei to be generated through an endothermic reaction of the grills due to the temperature change.

[0010] In other words, by inducing the Thomson effect, in which an endothermic reaction occurs on the grills arranged in multiple rows and / or columns, freezing is induced on the grills before frost forms on the body of the heat exchanger, thereby preventing frost on the heat exchanger.

[0011] Such technical features may be applied to and implemented in outdoor heat exchangers and related devices, systems, and methods, etc., and this specification aims to provide embodiments of a heat exchanger frame, a heat exchanger temperature control device, a heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger temperature control method that utilize the said technical features as a means of solution.

[0012] The frame of the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is a frame formed by a plurality of outer surfaces to form the outer surface of the heat exchanger, and includes one or more freezing-inducing surfaces among the plurality of outer surfaces in which conductors are arranged in a certain pattern shape formed in a plurality of rows, and a current source that applies a current within a certain size range between at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows to cause a temperature change in the conductors of the corresponding rows.

[0013] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the certain pattern may be a pattern in which the conductor is arranged from one side to the other in a row and then extended to a subsequent row, and the arrangement from the other side to the one side in the subsequent row is repeated multiple times.

[0014] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger, the pair of rows may include a first row in which the conductors are arranged from one side to the other, and a second row in which the conductors extend from the first row and are arranged from the other side to the one side.

[0015] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source can apply current so that current flows from the first row to the second row by connecting the + terminal to the first row and the - terminal to the second row.

[0016] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source can apply current to each of the plurality of zones, which are divided into pairs of the plurality of rows, thereby causing a temperature change in each of the plurality of zones.

[0017] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source may apply a current to at least one of the plurality of zones with a magnitude different from the magnitude of the current applied to another zone.

[0018] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source may apply a current to the upper zone among the plurality of zones with a magnitude smaller than the magnitude of the current applied to the lower zone.

[0019] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source can apply current according to one or more of the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger and the surface temperature of the conductor.

[0020] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source can apply current during at least a portion of the time when the ambient temperature is below a first reference temperature.

[0021] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the current source can apply current for at least a portion of the time during which the surface temperature corresponds to or greater than a second reference temperature.

[0022] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the heat source may further include a heat source that applies heat to at least one of the pair of rows before the current source applies the current, thereby creating a temperature difference between the rows.

[0023] In an embodiment of the frame of the heat exchanger above, the heat source may apply heat such that the surface temperature of the conductor becomes higher than the second reference temperature while the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger is lower than or equal to the first reference temperature.

[0024] A temperature control device for a heat exchanger according to an embodiment is a temperature control device for a heat exchanger in which a plurality of rows of conductor grills are arranged on one or more external surfaces, and comprises: a sensor unit for detecting one or more of the external temperature of the heat exchanger and the surface temperature of the grills; a heat supply unit provided on one side of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows and applying heat to one or more of the corresponding grills when operating; a current supply unit provided on one side of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows and applying a current within a certain size range between the corresponding grills when operating; and a control unit for operating one or more of the heat supply unit and the current supply unit so as to cause a temperature difference between the plurality of rows according to the detection result of the sensor unit.

[0025] In an embodiment of the temperature control device of the heat exchanger above, the pair of rows may include an odd row to which the heat supply unit applies heat and an even row that is the next row of the odd row.

[0026] In an embodiment of the temperature control device of the heat exchanger above, the control unit can operate the heat supply unit if, based on the detection result, the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

[0027] In an embodiment of the temperature control device of the heat exchanger above, the control unit can operate the current supply unit if, based on the detection result, the surface temperature corresponds to or greater than the second reference temperature.

[0028] In an embodiment of the temperature control device of the heat exchanger above, the control unit may operate the heat supply unit according to the detection result, and then operate the current supply unit.

[0029] In an embodiment of the temperature control device of the heat exchanger above, the control unit may operate one or more of the heat supply unit and the current supply unit differently from the previous operation if, after operating the current supply unit, the sensor unit detects the surface temperature and the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature.

[0030] A heat exchanger according to an embodiment is a heat exchanger installed outdoors, comprising: a main body of the heat exchanger; a frame forming the exterior of the main body; a grill pattern in which a plurality of rows of conductor grills are arranged on one or more of the outer surface of the frame; a sensor unit for detecting one or more of the outer temperature of the heat exchanger and the surface temperature of the grill pattern; a heat supply unit for applying heat to one or more of the grills corresponding to at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows when the outer temperature is below a first reference temperature as a result of detection by the sensor unit, thereby creating a temperature difference between the corresponding grills; and a current supply unit for applying a current within a certain size range between the grills corresponding to at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows when the surface temperature is above a second reference temperature as a result of detection, thereby creating a temperature change in the corresponding grills.

[0031] A temperature control method for a heat exchanger according to an embodiment is a temperature control method for a heat exchanger in which a plurality of rows of conductor grills are arranged on one or more external surfaces, and comprises the steps of: detecting the external temperature of the heat exchanger; heating one of the grills of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows according to the result of comparing the external temperature with a first reference temperature; detecting the surface temperature of the grill; and applying a current within a certain size range between the grills of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows according to the result of comparing the surface temperature with a second reference temperature.

[0032] The embodiments described above are not limited to those described above and may include embodiments described in the specific description below or inferred / derived from the specific description.

[0033] According to the embodiments described above, by inducing a Thomson effect in which an endothermic reaction occurs on a grill arranged in multiple rows and / or columns, freezing is induced on the grill before frost forms on the body of the heat exchanger, thereby having the effect of preventing frost formation on the heat exchanger itself.

[0034] In addition, by preventing frost buildup on the heat exchanger, management and maintenance of the outdoor heat exchanger become easier, and this also has the effect of extending the lifespan of the air conditioner.

[0035] Furthermore, by preventing frost buildup on the heat exchanger itself, not only can the frequency of defrosting operations be reduced, but there is also the effect of enabling efficient and stable heating operation of the air conditioner.

[0036] In addition, as the heating operation of the air conditioner becomes efficient and stable, it also has the effect of improving the reliability of the air conditioner and user satisfaction.

[0037] The effects according to the embodiments described above are not limited to those described above and may include effects described in the specific description below or inferred / derived from the specific description.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 2 is an enlarged example of the freezing-inducing surface (IF) shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an enlarged example of the freezing-inducing surface (IF) shown in FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of the freezing-inducing surface of the frame of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram to explain the principle of freezing induction.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a temperature control device for a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the temperature gradient of a grille of a conventional heat exchanger.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the temperature gradient of a grill according to the temperature control device of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing the freezing induction process according to the temperature control device of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the temperature control process of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the sequence of a temperature control method for a heat exchanger according to an embodiment.

[0049] Hereinafter, a frame of a heat exchanger, a temperature control device of a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger, and a method for controlling the temperature of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings; however, in order to clarify the features of the present invention, descriptions of general technical matters in the relevant technical field or descriptions of some components may be omitted.

[0050] First, a heat exchanger to which embodiments of the present invention can be applied is described.

[0051] The above heat exchanger (1000) refers to an outdoor heat exchanger as shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] The above heat exchanger (1000) may be a heat exchanger corresponding to the outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0053] The heat exchanger (1000) includes a main body (1) of the heat exchanger (1000) and a frame (10) that forms the exterior of the main body (1).

[0054] Here, the frame (10) can be formed with a plurality of outer surfaces.

[0055] The above frame (10) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body (1), and preferably may be formed with four outer surfaces including a front (F), a rear (B), a left side (L), and a right side (R) based on one direction of looking at the frame (10).

[0056] On one or more of the above plurality of outer surfaces, conductors (M) may be arranged in a plurality of rows.

[0057] In addition, on one or more of the above plurality of outer surfaces, the conductor (M) may be arranged in a plurality of rows.

[0058] In addition, on one or more of the plurality of external surfaces, the conductor (M) may be arranged in a radial form arranged in a plurality of matrices.

[0059] That is, the conductor (M) may form a shape arranged in multiple rows and / or columns on one or more of the plurality of outer surfaces.

[0060] The above conductor (M) may be a metal material through which heat and electricity are transferred.

[0061] The above conductor (M) may be made of, for example, iron material.

[0062] In this way, since the conductor (M) is made of iron material, heat transfer and electric current induction are achieved in the conductor (M), and thus temperature change and potential difference change can occur in the conductor (M).

[0063] The above-mentioned conductor (M) can be named a grill.

[0064] In the above-described heat exchanger (1000), the frame (10) may be implemented as an embodiment of the frame of a heat exchanger according to the present specification, or an embodiment of the frame of a heat exchanger may be applied.

[0065] Hereinafter, the embodiments of this specification will be described sequentially, with redundant content omitted as much as possible, and parts where specific details are omitted in the description of each embodiment will be described on the premise that the previously described contents apply.

[0066] Heat exchanger frame

[0067] The frame (10) of the heat exchanger (1000) as illustrated in FIG. 1 can induce freezing by controlling the temperature of the outside air of the frame (10) to prevent frost buildup of the heat exchanger (1000).

[0068] The above-mentioned frame (10) includes one or more freezing-inducing surfaces (IF) in which the conductors (M) among the plurality of outer surfaces are arranged in a certain pattern shape formed in a plurality of rows (R) as shown in FIG. 2, and a current source (CS) that applies a current within a certain size range between at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows (R) to cause a temperature change in the conductors (M) of the corresponding rows.

[0069] That is, the above frame (10) may control the temperature of the outside air by including a current source (CS) that applies current to at least one pair of conductors (M) of the ice-inducing surface (IF), in which the conductors (M) are arranged in the shape of a certain pattern on one or more of the plurality of outside air surfaces.

[0070] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, the above freezing induction surface (IF) is shown only in a form where the conductor (M) is arranged in the plurality of rows (R), but the conductor (M) can also be arranged in the plurality of columns on the above freezing induction surface (IF).

[0071] Additionally, the frame (10) may be implemented such that, as shown in FIG. 3, the conductor (M) is arranged in a plurality of rows (C) on the freezing induction surface (IF), and the current source (CS) applies a current within a certain size range between at least one pair of the plurality of rows (C).

[0072] For the convenience of explanation, the description of the conductor (M) arranged in multiple columns (C) is based on the premise that the form in which the direction is changed can be understood by inferring from the description of the conductor (M) arranged in multiple rows (R), and thus the description focuses on the form in which the conductor (M) is arranged in multiple rows (R).

[0073] FIG. 4 is an example of a front view of the freezing-inducing surface (IF) in which the conductor (M) is arranged in a plurality of rows (R).

[0074] The above freezing induction surface (IF) can have the shape of a certain pattern formed by arranging the conductor (M) in the plurality of rows (R) as shown in FIG. 4.

[0075] That is, the above-mentioned fixed pattern may be in the form of a plurality of rows (R) in which the conductor (M) is arranged.

[0076] The above schedule pattern may be a pattern in which the conductor (M) is arranged from one side (L) to the other side (R) in a row and then extended to the next row, and the arrangement from the other side (R) to the one side (L) in the next row is repeated multiple times.

[0077] That is, the above-mentioned fixed pattern may be in the form that the conductor (M) is arranged from one side (L) to the other side (R) in the above-mentioned row to form a row, extends from the other side (R) of the above-mentioned row to the next row, and is arranged from the other side (R) of the next row to the above-mentioned row to form a row, and a pair of rows in which the conductor (M) is connected is repeated multiple times.

[0078] Accordingly, the conductor (M) is arranged in units of a pair of rows (RZ), and the certain pattern can be formed / divided into a plurality of pairs (RZ) of a plurality of rows (R) in which the conductor (M) is arranged.

[0079] In this case, the above pair of rows (RZ) may correspond to one of the areas divided into multiple sections of the above-mentioned pattern.

[0080] Additionally, the conductor (M) may preferably be arranged in an even number of rows on the freezing-inducing surface (IF).

[0081] The above pair of rows (RZ) may include a first row (RN-1) in which the conductor (M) is arranged from one side to the other, and a second row (RN) in which the conductor extends from the first row (RN-1) and is arranged from the other side to the one side.

[0082] In this way, the freezing induction surface (IF), in which the conductor (M) is arranged in a plurality of rows (R), is divided into a plurality of pairs (RZ), each including the first row (RN-1) and the second row (RN), and can receive current from the current source (CS).

[0083] That is, the above-mentioned fixed pattern is a pattern in which the conductor (M) is arranged in the first row (RN-1) and the second row (RN) to form a pair (RZ), and the above-mentioned freezing induction surface (IF) may be formed in the form in which the conductor (M) is arranged in a plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0084] The above current source (CS) can apply current between conductors (M) of at least one pair (RZ) of the plurality of rows (R) to cause a temperature change between the conductors (M) of the corresponding rows.

[0085] That is, the current source (CS) may apply current between at least one pair of conductors (M) among a plurality of pairs (RZ) of conductors (M) formed on the freezing induction surface (IF).

[0086] The above current source (CS) can preferably apply current to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0087] In this case, the current source (CS) is provided in a number corresponding to the number of the plurality of pairs (RZ), so that each of the plurality of current sources (CS) can apply current to each of the corresponding pairs (RZ).

[0088] In addition, the current source (CS) may be provided as a single current supply device and may have a terminal connected to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ), and may apply current to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ) through the terminal connected to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0089] Meanwhile, the current applied by the current source (CS) to the conductor (M) may be a microcurrent within the specified size range.

[0090] The above constant size may be the minimum size that causes a temperature change between rows of the conductor (M).

[0091] The above current source (CS) may have its + terminal connected to the first row (RN-1) and its - terminal connected to the second row (RN).

[0092] Accordingly, the current source (CS) can apply current so that current flows from the first row (RN-1) to the second row (RN).

[0093] That is, the current applied from the current source (CS) can be induced between the conductors (M) of the row of the pair (RZ).

[0094] The above current source (CS) can apply current to each of the plurality of zones (RZ) that divide the plurality of rows (R) into pairs, thereby causing a temperature change in each of the plurality of zones (RZ).

[0095] That is, the current source (CS) can apply current to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ) to cause current to flow through the entire conductor (M) of the freezing induction surface (IF).

[0096] Accordingly, a temperature change may occur throughout the entire conductor (M) arranged on the above-mentioned freezing-inducing surface (IF).

[0097] The principle by which a temperature change occurs when the above current source (CS) applies current to the conductor (M) may be as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 5, when current is applied to the high-temperature portion of a conductor where there is a relative temperature difference between the two sides, the Thomson effect occurs, causing an endothermic reaction in the low-temperature portion, and thus a temperature change occurs.

[0099] In other words, when current is applied to the upper column while the lower column of a pair of columns arranged side by side has a relatively lower temperature compared to the upper column, an endothermic reaction occurs in the lower column corresponding to the - terminal, causing a change in the temperature of the lower column.

[0100] In this way, when an endothermic reaction occurs in the bottom column, ice nuclei are formed in the bottom column, and as the formed ice nuclei grow, ice formation occurs in the bottom column.

[0101] That is, by causing ice nucleation growth due to the Thomson effect on the conductor (M) of the lower column of the above freezing-inducing surface (IF), the surrounding ice formation, such as ice formation on the main body (1), can be induced to the conductor of the above freezing-inducing surface (IF).

[0102] Therefore, the ice formation that occurs on the main body (1) is induced to the freezing-inducing surface (IF), thereby preventing the ice formation on the main body (1).

[0103] The above current source (CS) can apply current when there is a temperature difference between the first row (RN-1) and the second row (RN) when applying current to each of the plurality of zones (RZ).

[0104] That is, the current source (CS) may apply current to the corresponding pair (RZ) when there is a temperature difference between the conductor (M) of the first row (RN-1) and the conductor (M) of the second row (RN).

[0105] The current source (CS) can apply a current to at least one of the plurality of zones (RZ) with a magnitude different from the magnitude of the current applied to another.

[0106] That is, the current source (CS) may apply a current magnitude different from the current magnitude applied to at least one of the plurality of zones (RZ) than the current magnitude applied to other zones.

[0107] Accordingly, at least one of the above plurality of zones (RZ) may experience a temperature change different from that of the other zones.

[0108] The above current source (CS) can apply different magnitudes of current to each of the plurality of zones (RZ).

[0109] That is, the current applied to each of the plurality of zones (RZ) can be applied with different magnitudes.

[0110] Accordingly, each of the above plurality of zones (RZ) may experience different temperature changes.

[0111] The above current source (CS) can apply a current to the upper zone among the plurality of zones (RZ) with a magnitude smaller than the magnitude of the current applied to the lower zone.

[0112] That is, the magnitude of the current applied at the bottom of the plurality of zones (RZ) can be the largest, and the magnitude of the current applied at the top can be the smallest.

[0113] Accordingly, the current applied to each of the plurality of zones (RZ) decreases in magnitude from the bottom to the top, and a gradual change in temperature between the plurality of zones (RZ) may occur.

[0114] This involves applying a high current to the bottom and a low current to the top so that a large endothermic reaction occurs in the bottom region, which is relatively lower in temperature compared to the top, and a small endothermic reaction occurs in the top region, which is relatively higher in temperature compared to the bottom. By varying the magnitude of the applied current in this way, the temperature change in the top and bottom of the freezing induction surface (IF) can be made uniform.

[0115] Accordingly, ice formation is evenly distributed across the upper and lower surfaces of the ice-inducing surface (IF), thereby enabling effective ice induction.

[0116] The above current source (CS) can also apply current according to one or more of the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger (1000) and the surface temperature of the conductor (M).

[0117] For example, when one or more of the above ambient temperature and the above surface temperature meet specific conditions, current may be applied, or current may be applied to a zone among the above plurality of zones (RZ) where the surface temperature meets a specific temperature standard.

[0118] In addition, the current source (CS) may apply current to the corresponding area according to specific application criteria when applying current based on one or more of the ambient temperature and the surface temperature.

[0119] Here, the specific application criteria may be criteria for one or more of the magnitude of the current corresponding to the surface temperature, the timing of the current application, and the application time.

[0120] The above current source (CS) can apply current during at least a portion of the time when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

[0121] That is, the current source (CS) may apply current to at least one of the plurality of zones (RZ) when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

[0122] Here, the first reference temperature may be a reference ambient temperature at which frost formation occurs.

[0123] For example, it can be 2 [℃].

[0124] The above current source (CS) can apply current during at least a portion of the time when the surface temperature corresponds to or greater than the second reference temperature.

[0125] That is, the current source (CS) may apply current to the area among the plurality of zones (RZ) where the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature.

[0126] Here, the second reference temperature may be a reference surface temperature at which implantation occurs.

[0127] For example, it can be 10 [℃].

[0128] The above current source (CS) may also apply current to a zone (RZ) among the plurality of zones (RZ) where the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

[0129] That is, the current source (CS) may apply current to one or more of the plurality of zones (RZ) when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature and the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature.

[0130] Meanwhile, the frame (10) may further include a heat source that applies heat to at least one of the pair of heats (RZ) before the current source (CS) applies the current, thereby creating a temperature difference between the heats.

[0131] The above heat source can heat one or more of the two heats in the zone (RZ) to create a temperature difference between the heats in the zone.

[0132] The above heat source is provided in a number corresponding to the number of the plurality of pairs (RZ), so that each of the plurality of heat sources can apply heat to each of the corresponding pairs (RZ).

[0133] In addition, the heat source may be provided as a single heating device and may have a heat transfer terminal connected to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ), thereby applying heat to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ) through the heat transfer terminal connected to each of the plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0134] The above heat source can apply heat to one or more of the two heat sources in the corresponding zone (RZ) when the above ambient temperature is below the above first reference temperature.

[0135] The above heat source can apply heat to the upper of the two columns in the corresponding zone (RZ) when the above ambient temperature is below the above first reference temperature.

[0136] Accordingly, as the temperature of the upper column of the zone (RZ) increases, a temperature difference may occur between the upper column and the lower column.

[0137] The above heat source can apply heat such that the surface temperature becomes greater than or equal to the second reference temperature while the above ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

[0138] That is, the heat source may apply heat to one or more of the two heats of the zone (RZ) such that the surface temperature, which is the condition for the current source (CS) to apply current, is greater than or equal to the second reference temperature.

[0139] Accordingly, conditions can be formed for the above Thomson effect to occur between the two columns of the zone (RZ).

[0140] Heat exchanger temperature control device

[0141] A temperature control device (100) (hereinafter referred to as the control device) of a heat exchanger (1000) according to an embodiment is a device for controlling the temperature of a heat exchanger (1000) in which a grill of a conductor (M) is arranged in a plurality of rows (R) as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 on one or more external surfaces (IF) as shown in FIG. 1, and includes a sensor unit (110), a heat supply unit (120), a current supply unit (130), and a control unit (140) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0142] Thus, the control device (100) including the sensor unit (110), the heat supply unit (120), the current supply unit (130), and the control unit (140) can prevent freezing of the main body (1) of the heat exchanger (1000) by controlling the temperature of the freezing induction surface (IF) of the heat exchanger (1000) and inducing freezing on the freezing induction surface (IF).

[0143] In the above control device (100), the sensor unit (110) detects one or more of the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger (1000) and the surface temperature of the grill (M).

[0144] The sensor unit (110) includes one or more sensors (SS) and can detect one or more of the ambient temperature and the surface temperature.

[0145] The sensor unit (110) preferably includes an ambient temperature detection sensor provided in the outside air of the heat exchanger (1000) to detect the ambient temperature and a surface temperature detection sensor provided on the surface of the grill (M) to detect the surface temperature, thereby enabling the detection of the ambient temperature and the surface temperature.

[0146] The sensor unit (110) can be controlled by the control unit (140).

[0147] The sensor unit (110) can transmit the detection result to the control unit (140).

[0148] In the above control device (100), the heat supply unit (120) is provided on one side (L) of at least one pair (RZ) of the plurality of rows (R) and applies heat to one or more of the corresponding grills (M) during operation.

[0149] Here, the row of the pair (RZ) may include an odd row (RN-1) to which the heat supply unit (120) applies heat, and an even row (RN) that is the next row of the odd row (RN-1).

[0150] That is, the odd row (RN-1) corresponds to the upper row of the pair (RZ), and the odd row (RN) corresponds to the lower row of the pair (RZ).

[0151] The heat supply unit (120) includes one or more heat sources (HS) and can apply heat to at least one pair of grills (M) among the plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0152] The heat supply unit (120) is preferably provided on one side (L) of each of the plurality of pairs (RZ) and can apply heat to one or more of the grills (M) of each of the plurality of pairs (RZ) during operation.

[0153] The operation of the heat supply unit (120) can be controlled by the control unit (140).

[0154] The above heat supply unit (120) can apply heat to the upper grill or lower grill among the corresponding grills (M) during operation.

[0155] In the above-described control device (100), the current supply unit (130) is provided on one side (L) of at least one pair (RZ) of the plurality of rows (R) and applies a current within a certain size range between the corresponding grills (M) during operation.

[0156] The above current supply unit (130) includes one or more current sources (CS) and can apply current between at least one pair of grills (M) among the plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0157] The above current supply unit (130) is preferably provided on one side (L) of each of the plurality of pairs (RZ) so as to be able to apply current between each of the grills (M) of the plurality of pairs (RZ) during operation.

[0158] The operation of the above current supply unit (130) can be controlled by the above control unit (140).

[0159] The above current supply unit (130) can apply current so that current is induced from the upper grill to the lower grill among the corresponding grills (M) during operation.

[0160] In the above control device (100), the control unit (140) operates one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) so that a temperature difference occurs between the plurality of rows (R) according to the detection result of the sensor unit (110).

[0161] The control unit (140) can control one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) to operate according to the detection result when each of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) is in a non-operating state, so that a temperature difference occurs between the plurality of rows (R).

[0162] The control unit (140) can operate one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) so that a temperature difference occurs between at least one pair of rows among the plurality of pairs (RZ) according to the detection result.

[0163] The control unit (140) can preferably operate the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) respectively so that a temperature difference occurs between the upper grill and the lower grill for each of the plurality of pairs (RZ).

[0164] The control unit (140) can operate the heat supply unit (120) if, based on the detection result, the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

[0165] That is, the control unit (140) may operate the heat supply unit (120) when the ambient temperature becomes below the first reference temperature, thereby controlling the application of heat to the upper grill of the corresponding pair (RZ).

[0166] Accordingly, the heat supply unit (120) operates when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature to heat the upper grill of the corresponding pair (RZ), thereby causing a temperature difference between the corresponding pair (RZ) grills.

[0167] The control unit (140) can operate the current supply unit (130) if, based on the detection result, the surface temperature is greater than or equal to the second reference temperature.

[0168] That is, the control unit (140) can control the current supply unit (130) to operate when the surface temperature becomes above the second reference temperature, so that current is applied between the grills of the corresponding pair (RZ).

[0169] Accordingly, the current supply unit (130) operates when the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature to apply current between the grills of the pair (RZ), thereby causing a temperature change to occur in the grill at the bottom of the pair (RZ).

[0170] The control unit (140) can operate the heat supply unit (120) according to the detection result, and then operate the current supply unit (130).

[0171] That is, the control unit (140) can operate the heat supply unit (120) first and the current supply unit (130) subsequently.

[0172] Accordingly, the current supply unit (130) may operate after the heat supply unit (120) has operated first.

[0173] In this case, the control unit (140) can operate the heat supply unit (120) when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature, and then operate the current supply unit (130) when the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature.

[0174] That is, the above control device (100) can cause the heat supply unit (120) to operate when the ambient temperature becomes below the first reference temperature, thereby raising the temperature of the upper grill of the corresponding pair (RZ), and then when the surface temperature becomes above the second reference temperature, the current supply unit (130) to operate so that an endothermic reaction occurs in the lower grill of the corresponding pair (RZ).

[0175] Accordingly, as ice nuclei are generated in the lower grill of the pair (RZ), freezing may be induced.

[0176] Figure 7 is an example diagram showing the concept of a temperature gradient in a conventional heat exchanger that controls the temperature of the grill using only a heater. Since it is difficult to generate a temperature gradient to the surface temperature of the evaporator where frosting begins, it is difficult to accurately induce frosting to the grill.

[0177] In contrast, the control device (100) according to the embodiment can effectively induce an endothermic reaction by applying a microcurrent as shown in FIG. 8, thereby lowering the temperature of the grill where the endothermic reaction takes place to a lower temperature than the surface temperature of the evaporator, so that frost can occur on the grill first, and thus the induction of frost onto the grill can be effectively achieved.

[0178] That is, the control device (100) according to the embodiment implements the Thomson effect by applying a microcurrent to the heating of the heater, thereby enabling effective freezing induction compared to conventional technology.

[0179] Meanwhile, the control unit (140) that controls the temperature in this manner may operate one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) differently from the previous operation if, after operating the current supply unit (130), the sensor unit (110) detects the surface temperature and the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature.

[0180] That is, the control unit (140) may operate the current supply unit (130) to cause a temperature change between the grills of the corresponding pair (RZ), and if the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature, one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) may be operated differently from before.

[0181] For example, the heat supply unit (120) may be operated to apply heat to the lower grill, or the current supply unit (130) may be operated to apply current from the lower grill to the upper grill.

[0182] The control unit (140) may operate one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) differently from before so that when the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature, the surface temperature exceeds the third reference temperature.

[0183] The freezing induction process of the above-described control device (100) can be carried out as shown in FIG. 9.

[0184] When the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature in the initial state as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the heat supply unit (120) applies heat to the upper grill so that a temperature difference occurs between the upper grill and the lower grill as shown in FIG. 9 (b), thereby inducing a temperature gradient.

[0185] Afterwards, when the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature, the current supply unit (130) applies current between the upper grill and the lower grill so that an endothermic reaction occurs in the lower grill as shown in (c) of FIG. 9, thereby generating ice nuclei.

[0186] Afterwards, as shown in Fig. 9 (d), ice is generated and expanded with an ice nucleus as the center, and due to the weight, the generated ice falls to the bottom and stacks as shown in Fig. 9 (e).

[0187] The above-described control device (100) can induce freezing on the grill through such a process and then remove the generated freezing, thereby making it easier to induce freezing again in the future, and effectively preventing ice formation on the main body (1).

[0188] Heat exchanger

[0189] A heat exchanger (1000) according to an embodiment is a heat exchanger installed outdoors as shown in FIG. 1, comprising: a main body (1) of the heat exchanger (1000); a frame (10) forming the exterior of the main body (1); a grill pattern in which grills of conductors (M) are arranged in a plurality of rows (R) on one or more exterior surfaces (IF) of the frame (10) as shown in FIG. 2; a sensor unit (110) that detects one or more of the exterior temperature of the heat exchanger (100) and the surface temperature of the grill pattern as shown in FIG. 6; a heat supply unit (120) that, when the exterior temperature is below a first reference temperature as a result of detection by the sensor unit (110), applies heat to one or more of the grills corresponding to at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows (R) to create a temperature difference between the corresponding grills; and when the surface temperature is above a second reference temperature as a result of detection, applies a current within a certain size range between the grills corresponding to at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows (R) to change the temperature of the corresponding grills. It includes the above-mentioned current supply unit (130) that generates.

[0190] The above-mentioned heat exchanger (1000) can prevent ice formation on the main body (1) by performing an ice growth operation logic to induce freezing through the grill pattern.

[0191] The operation process for the heat exchanger (1000) to prevent the main body (1) from adhering to the heat exchanger may be as shown in FIG. 10.

[0192] When the above heat exchanger (1000) starts operating, the sensor unit (110) detects the outside air temperature and checks (S1) whether the outside air temperature is below the first reference temperature (X [℃]), and if the outside air temperature is below the first reference temperature (X [℃]), it starts the ice growth operation logic (S2).

[0193] When the above ice growth operation logic is started (S2), the heat supply unit (120) starts operation (S3) and applies heat to the top row of at least one pair (RZ) of rows on the grill pattern.

[0194] Accordingly, the temperature of the upper row among at least one pair (RZ) of rows on the above grill pattern rises, and a temperature difference may occur with the grill of the lower row.

[0195] Afterwards, the sensor unit (110) detects the surface temperature and checks (S4) whether the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature (Y [℃]).

[0196] If the surface temperature is not above the second reference temperature (Y [℃]), the heat supply unit (120) maintains operation, and if the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature (Y [℃]), the current supply unit (130) starts operation (S5) and applies current between at least one pair (RZ) of rows on the grill pattern.

[0197] Accordingly, by applying current between at least one pair (RZ) of rows on the grill pattern, an endothermic reaction occurs in the lower row, and ice nuclei can be generated in the grill of the lower row.

[0198] Afterwards, the sensor unit (110) detects the surface temperature again and checks (S6) whether the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature (Z [℃]).

[0199] If the above surface temperature is below the above third reference temperature (Z [℃]), one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) start operating differently from the previous operation (S7).

[0200] Accordingly, the temperature of at least one pair (RZ) on the grill pattern rises, and the ice generated in the lower row of the pair (RZ) can be separated from the grill and fall to the bottom.

[0201] If the above surface temperature does not correspond to the third reference temperature (Z [℃]), the sensor unit (110) detects the ambient temperature again, and depending on the ambient temperature, the operation is terminated or the operation is repeated (S8) from the start of operation (S3) of the heat supply unit (120).

[0202] In this way, the heat exchanger (1000) can prevent ice formation on the main body (1) of the heat exchanger (1000) by performing an ice growth operation logic in the following process: when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature, the heat supply unit (120) operates to heat the grill of the upper row of the pair (RZ) (S1 to S3); when the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature, the current supply unit (130) operates to generate ice on the lower row of the pair (RZ) due to an endothermic reaction (S4 to S5); and when the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature, one or more of the heat supply unit (120) and the current supply unit (130) operate to cause the generated ice to fall downward (S6 to S8).

[0203] <Method for controlling heat exchanger temperature>

[0204] A temperature control method for a heat exchanger according to an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the control method) is a temperature control method for a heat exchanger (1000) in which grills of a conductor (M) are arranged in a plurality of rows (R) on one or more external surfaces (IF) as illustrated in FIG. 1 and 2, and comprises the steps of: detecting the external temperature of the heat exchanger (1000) as illustrated in FIG. 11 (S10); heating one of the grills of at least one pair (RZ) of the plurality of rows (R) according to the result of comparing the external temperature with the first reference temperature (S20); detecting the surface temperature of the grill (S30); and applying a current within a certain size range between the grills of at least one pair (RZ) of the plurality of rows (R) according to the result of comparing the surface temperature with the second reference temperature (S40).

[0205] The above-mentioned control method may be a method in which the control device (100) controls the temperature of the freezing induction surface (IF) of the heat exchanger (1000), or a method in which the heat exchanger (1000) controls the temperature of the freezing induction surface (IF).

[0206] The step (S10) of detecting the above ambient temperature allows the sensor unit (110) to detect the above ambient temperature.

[0207] The step (S20) of heating one of the above grills is such that when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature, the heat supply unit (120) can heat one of the above grills.

[0208] In the step (S20) of heating one of the above grills, when the ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature, the heat supply unit (120) can heat the upper grill among the above grills.

[0209] As a result, the temperature of the upper grille rises, which may cause a temperature difference with the lower grille.

[0210] The step (S30) of detecting the surface temperature above allows the sensor unit (110) to detect the surface temperature.

[0211] The step (S40) of applying a current within a certain size range between the grills allows the current supply unit (130) to apply a current between the grills when the surface temperature is above the second reference temperature.

[0212] Accordingly, an endothermic reaction occurs on the grill at the bottom, and ice may be generated.

[0213] The above control method can induce deposition on the grill through such a process, thereby preventing deposition on the heat exchanger (1000).

[0214] Meanwhile, the above-described control method may further include the step (S50) of re-detecting the surface temperature and, based on the result of comparing it with the third reference temperature, heating the remaining of at least one pair (RZ) of rows of grills and / or applying the current in reverse between one pair (RZ) of rows of grills.

[0215] The step (S50) of heating the remainder of the grills of at least one pair (RZ) of rows and / or applying current in reverse between the grills of one pair (RZ) of rows allows the sensor unit (110) to re-detect the surface temperature.

[0216] The step (S50) of heating the remainder of the grills in the at least one pair (RZ) of rows and / or applying current in reverse between the grills in the pair (RZ) of rows is such that when the surface temperature is below the third reference temperature, the heat supply unit (120) can heat the remainder of the grills in the at least one pair (RZ) of rows and / or the current supply unit (130) can apply current in reverse between the grills in the pair (RZ) of rows.

[0217] Accordingly, as the temperature of the bottom grill rises, some of the ice formed on the bottom grill may melt and fall to the bottom.

[0218] Although embodiments of the above-described frame (10), the above-described control device (100), the above-described heat exchanger (1000), and the above-described control method have been described so far, various modifications of the described embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. In a frame of a heat exchanger formed of multiple external surfaces, One or more freezing-inducing surfaces among the plurality of external surfaces, wherein conductors are arranged in a certain pattern formed in a plurality of rows; and A heat exchanger frame characterized by including a current source that applies a current within a certain size range between at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows to cause a temperature change in the conductor of the corresponding row.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above schedule pattern is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by a pattern in which the conductor is arranged from one side to the other in a row and then extended to a subsequent row, and the arrangement from the other side to the first side in the subsequent row is repeated multiple times.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above pair of rows is, A first row in which the above conductors are arranged from one side to the other; and A heat exchanger frame characterized by the conductor extending from the first row and including a second row arranged from the other side to the first side.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by having a + terminal connected to the first row and a - terminal connected to the second row, so that current is applied to allow current to flow from the first row to the second row.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying current to each of a plurality of zones, each of which is divided into pairs of the plurality of rows, thereby generating a temperature change in each of the plurality of zones.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying a current to at least one of the plurality of zones with a magnitude different from the magnitude of the current applied to another zone.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying a current to the upper zone among the plurality of zones with a magnitude smaller than the magnitude of the current applied to the lower zone.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying current according to one or more of the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger and the surface temperature of the conductor.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying current during at least a portion of the above-mentioned ambient temperature being below a first reference temperature.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above current supply is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying current during at least a portion of the time when the surface temperature corresponds to or greater than a second reference temperature.

11. In Paragraph 1, A heat exchanger frame characterized by further including a heat source that, before the current source applies the current, applies heat to at least one of the pair of rows to generate a temperature difference between the rows.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above heat source is, A heat exchanger frame characterized by applying heat such that the surface temperature of the conductor becomes greater than or equal to the second reference temperature while the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger is below the first reference temperature.

13. A temperature control device for a heat exchanger that controls the temperature of a heat exchanger having a plurality of rows of conductor grilles arranged on one or more external surfaces, A sensor unit for detecting one or more of the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger and the surface temperature of the grille; A heat supply unit provided on one side of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows above, which applies heat to one or more of the corresponding grills during operation; A current supply unit provided on one side of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows above, which applies a current within a certain size range between the corresponding grilles during operation; and A temperature control device for a heat exchanger characterized by including a control unit that operates one or more of the heat supply unit and the current supply unit to generate a temperature difference between the plurality of rows according to the detection result of the sensor.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above pair of rows is, A temperature control device for a heat exchanger characterized by the above-mentioned heat supply unit including an odd row to which heat is applied and an even row which is the next row of the odd row.

15. In Paragraph 13, The above control unit is, A temperature control device for a heat exchanger characterized by operating the heat supply unit when the above detection result indicates that the above ambient temperature is below the first reference temperature.

16. In Paragraph 13, The above control unit is, A temperature control device for a heat exchanger characterized by operating the current supply unit when the surface temperature corresponds to or greater than the second reference temperature based on the above detection result.

17. In Paragraph 13, The above control unit is, A temperature control device for a heat exchanger characterized by operating the heat supply unit according to the above detection result, and then operating the current supply unit.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above control unit is, A temperature control device for a heat exchanger characterized by operating one or more of the heat supply unit and the current supply unit differently from the previous operation when, after operating the current supply unit, the sensor unit detects the surface temperature and the surface temperature is below a third reference temperature.

19. In a heat exchanger installed outdoors, The main body of the above heat exchanger; A frame forming the exterior of the above-mentioned main body; A grill pattern in which a conductor grill is arranged in multiple rows on one or more outer surfaces of the above frame; A sensor unit for detecting one or more of the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger and the surface temperature of the grill pattern; A heat supply unit that, based on the detection result of the sensor unit, applies heat to one or more of the grills corresponding to at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows when the ambient temperature is below a first reference temperature, thereby creating a temperature difference between the corresponding grills; and A heat exchanger characterized by including a current supply unit that, when the surface temperature is above a second reference temperature as a result of the above detection, applies a current within a certain size range between grills corresponding to at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows to cause a temperature change in the corresponding grills.

20. A method for controlling the temperature of a heat exchanger in which a conductor grille is arranged in a plurality of rows on one or more external surfaces, A step of detecting the ambient temperature of the heat exchanger; A step of heating one of the grills of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows according to the result of comparing the above ambient temperature with a first reference temperature; A step of detecting the surface temperature of the above grill; and A method for controlling the temperature of a heat exchanger, characterized by including the step of applying a current within a certain size range between the grills of at least one pair of rows among the plurality of rows according to the result of comparing the surface temperature with a second reference temperature.

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