Indoor AC Leak Response Using Sensor-Triggered Minimum Air Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air conditioners using flammable refrigerants struggle to prevent local accumulation of leaked refrigerant gas in indoor spaces, especially in larger rooms, due to insufficient air speed from the indoor unit's outlets.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner includes a refrigerant gas sensor that triggers air to be blown from its outlets at a minimum air speed preset according to its rated cooling capacity, with adjustable blowout modes such as upper, lower, upper/lower, and left/right outblows, ensuring effective dispersal of refrigerant gas in case of leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If air is blown from the outlet at a determined air volume, then the air conditioner can operate normally, but the air speed may be insufficient to prevent local accumulation of refrigerant gas in large rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from air volume to air speed. When refrigerant gas is detected, the control unit determines the outlet area and calculates the required air speed based on the distance from the outlet to the sensor. The air volume is then adjusted according to the calculated air speed and outlet area, ensuring sufficient air speed to disperse refrigerant gas effectively.
2Reliability
If the air conditioner is configured to blow wind from the outlet, then refrigerant gas accumulation is restrained, but the air speed may still be insufficient in large rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of air speed based on real-time conditions. The control unit calculates the required air speed dynamically according to the detected refrigerant gas concentration, outlet area, and distance from outlet to sensor. This dynamic adjustment ensures the air speed is always sufficient to effectively disperse refrigerant gas, regardless of room size or specific leakage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the refrigerant gas sensor to control the air blowing operation. When the sensor detects refrigerant gas, it triggers the control unit to calculate and adjust the air speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the air speed responds appropriately to actual refrigerant gas accumulation conditions, maintaining effective dispersion.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a refrigerant gas sensor is attached to the indoor unit, then refrigerant gas leakage can be detected, but local accumulation of refrigerant gas may still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting refrigerant gas leakage early through the sensor and immediately responding by blowing air from the outlet. This preliminary detection and response prevents significant local accumulation of refrigerant gas before it can reach dangerous concentration levels. The air blowing operation is initiated as soon as leakage is detected, proactively preventing accumulation.
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
This solution effectively prevents local accumulation of refrigerant gas in indoor spaces by ensuring air is blown at a sufficient speed to agitate the air, thereby dispersing leaked refrigerant gas and maintaining safety.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant gas sensor provided in the indoor unit
Implementation Method 2
air is blown from the one or more outlets at a minimum air speed or higher... effectively prevent local accumulation of the refrigerant gas
Data Source
AI summary
When refrigerant gas leaks in an indoor unit, the leaked refrigerant gas locally accumulates in an area of the indoor space.This air conditioner includes an indoor unit having one or more outlets, and an outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit, wherein a flammable refrigerant or a mildly flammable refrigerant is used. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant gas sensor disposed in the indoor unit. When refrigerant gas is detected by the refrigerant gas sensor, a control is performed such that air is blown from the one or more outlets at a minimum air speed or higher, said minimum air speed being preset in accordance with the rated cooling capacity of the air conditioner.