Air conditioner with base defroster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face increased electricity consumption due to the need for heaters and control devices to prevent freezing at the base of outdoor units in low-temperature environments, which is not effectively addressed by current systems.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, defrost pipe, and defrost valve with a controller to manage refrigerant flow, using temperature sensors to adjust the defrost valve opening based on detected temperatures, thereby preventing freezing without excessive energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater and control device are used to prevent freezing at the base of the outdoor unit, then the base freezing prevention is improved, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, which already contains thermal energy, to heat the base and prevent freezing. The refrigerant serves dual purposes: cooling/heating the heat exchanger and preventing base freezing, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external heaters or additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the refrigerant by directing it through a defrost pipe arranged at the base. The high-temperature refrigerant from the compressor discharge side is used to raise the temperature of the base, preventing freezing through thermal parameter transfer rather than electrical heating.
2Temperature
If refrigerant flow is increased through the defrost pipe, then base heating effect is improved, but system complexity increases due to defrost valve control
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors system conditions and automatically adjusts the defrost valve opening degree based on temperature sensors and operational parameters. This feedback mechanism optimizes the refrigerant flow to the defrost pipe, maintaining effective base heating while preventing excessive complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The defrost valve opening degree is dynamically adjusted during operation rather than being fixed. The controller modifies the refrigerant flow rate in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal requirements and maintain optimal base heating efficiency.
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 design effectively prevents freezing at the outdoor unit base while reducing electricity consumption by optimizing refrigerant flow and defrosting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a defrost pipe arranged at the base and configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor to supply heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the base
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with outdoor air
Implementation Method 3
an expansion valve configured to depressurize a refrigerant flowing into or flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner including a compressor including a discharge side; an outdoor heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with outdoor air; a base arranged to support the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; a four-way valve arranged between the discharge side of the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger; a defrost pipe arranged at the base and configured to receive refrigerant discharged from the compressor to supply heat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the base; and a defrost valve arranged on the defrost pipe and configured to adjust a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the defrost pipe.