Air conditioning device
Solution Overview
Problem
The air-conditioning apparatus disclosed in existing patents faces a refrigerant accumulation issue in the outdoor heat exchanger due to insufficient refrigerant circulation when the heat exchange amount is decreased, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The air-conditioning apparatus controls the first and second flow rate control devices and the flow control device to manage the refrigerant circulation by increasing the amount flowing through the bypass pipe, ensuring necessary refrigerant circulation even when heat exchange amounts are decreased.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the heat exchange amount of the outdoor heat exchanger is decreased by throttling the outdoor flow rate control device, then the heat exchange amount is reduced, but the refrigerant accumulates in the outdoor heat exchanger and the circulation amount becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant circulation path is segmented into multiple independent control zones: the outdoor heat exchanger section with its flow rate control device, and the bypass section with its own flow rate control device. This segmentation allows independent control of refrigerant flow in each section, enabling the system to reduce heat exchange amount in the outdoor heat exchanger while maintaining adequate circulation through the bypass path.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass pipe acts as an intermediary path for refrigerant circulation. When the outdoor heat exchanger's heat exchange amount is reduced, the bypass pipe provides an alternative route that maintains refrigerant circulation, preventing accumulation in the outdoor heat exchanger while ensuring sufficient refrigerant returns to the compressor.
2Quantity of substance
If the opening degree of the outdoor flow rate control device is throttled to decrease heat exchange amount, then heat exchange is reduced, but refrigerant flow out from the outdoor heat exchanger becomes smaller than compressor discharge amount
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the opening degrees of both the outdoor flow rate control device and the bypass flow rate control device based on operating conditions. When heat exchange amount needs to be reduced, the outdoor flow rate control device is throttled while the bypass flow rate control device is simultaneously adjusted to maintain overall refrigerant circulation efficiency, ensuring the system adapts to varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow distribution parameters by adjusting the opening degrees of multiple flow rate control devices. By varying the parameter of bypass flow rate in response to changes in outdoor heat exchanger flow rate, the system maintains optimal refrigerant circulation efficiency while achieving the desired heat exchange amount reduction.
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 secures the necessary refrigerant circulation for operation while reducing heat exchange amounts, preventing refrigerant accumulation and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an outdoor heat exchanger that causes heat exchange between refrigerant and outdoor air
Implementation Method 2
a compressor that compresses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
flow rate adjustment using an expansion valve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus that includes a compressor, a flow switching device, an outdoor heat exchange unit, an expansion section and an indoor heat exchanger, which are connected by pipes, in which the outdoor heat exchange unit includes a first outdoor heat exchanger connected to the flow switching device, a first flow rate control device connected in series to the first outdoor heat exchanger, a second outdoor heat exchanger connected in parallel with the first outdoor heat exchanger and the first flow rate control device, a second flow rate control device connected in series to the second outdoor heat exchanger, a bypass pipe configured to bypass the first outdoor heat exchanger and the first flow rate control device, and the second outdoor heat exchanger and the second flow rate control device, a third flow rate control device provided in the bypass pipe, and a flow control device connected between a discharge side of the compressor and the second outdoor heat exchanger.