A method for controlling vehicle air-conditioning system and a compressor to which the method is applied
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air-conditioning systems fail to detect refrigerant leaks until they reach 90% loss, leading to potential compressor damage.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling the air-conditioning system that includes precise sensing of refrigerant amount by measuring outside air temperature, evaporator temperature, duct inside temperature, discharge pressure, and compressor rpm, allowing for early detection of refrigerant insufficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional refrigerant detection methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection precision is insufficient and cannot detect refrigerant leaks until 90% loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the refrigerant detection function into multiple independent measurement components: outside air temperature sensor, evaporator temperature sensor, duct inside temperature sensor, discharge pressure sensor, and compressor rpm sensor. Each sensor measures a specific parameter, and the control unit integrates these measurements to calculate refrigerant amount. This segmentation allows precise detection without requiring a single complex detection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls compressor operation, monitors system parameters, calculates refrigerant amount based on integrated sensor data, and provides early leak detection. By making the control unit multi-functional, the patent achieves precise refrigerant detection without adding dedicated complex detection hardware, thus improving measurement precision while limiting device complexity increase.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to improve refrigerant detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages compressor operation, processes data from multiple sensors (temperature sensors, pressure sensor, rpm sensor), calculates refrigerant amount using integrated algorithms, and provides early leak detection warnings. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent achieves high measurement precision through multiple measurements while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from multiple separate detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing operational parameters (compressor rpm, discharge pressure, temperature differences) that are already measured for normal AC operation. The control unit leverages these self-generated data to calculate refrigerant amount, eliminating the need for additional dedicated detection sensors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If early detection of refrigerant insufficiency is implemented, then compressor protection is improved, but the control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors temperature differences (outside air vs. evaporator, evaporator vs. duct inside) and discharge pressure, comparing these feedback values against expected ranges. When deviations indicate refrigerant insufficiency, the system provides early warning and can adjust compressor operation. This feedback mechanism enables reliable compressor protection through straightforward comparative algorithms rather than complex predictive models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of refrigerant insufficiency by monitoring temperature differences and pressure values before actual compressor damage occurs. The control algorithm calculates refrigerant amount based on these preliminary measurements and triggers early warnings or protective actions before the 90% loss threshold is reached, ensuring compressor reliability through proactive rather than reactive control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables early detection of refrigerant leaks, preventing compressor damage and improving system stability by accurately determining refrigerant levels down to 10% insufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the blown air is introduced into the vehicle interior after being cooled by heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 4
Implementation Method 2
In the evaporator, the refrigerant is evaporated by a heat exchange with an outside air after the expansion
Implementation Method 3
the condenser 2 condenses a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant by the compressor 1 using blown air from a cooling fan
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioning system and a compressor to which the method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioning system is applied. The embodiments of the present disclosure may precisely sense changes in the refrigerant amount of a mechanical or an electrical compressor, thereby making it possible to stably operate the compressor.