Condensate Water Level Control in Air Conditioners Using Condenser Spray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners face challenges in accurately controlling the water level of condensed water, leading to potential overflow and affecting cooling or heating efficiency, due to existing methods that fail to precisely manage the operating status of components.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner employs a water level control method that adjusts the rotational speed of the first fan, motor, and compressor frequency based on condenser and ambient temperatures to prevent water accumulation while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the water level of condensed water is not controlled, then the air conditioner can operate continuously, but the condensed water will overflow and affect cooling or heating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful condensed water into a beneficial resource by spraying it onto the condenser for evaporation-based cooling. The condensed water that would otherwise overflow is utilized to enhance heat dissipation, simultaneously solving the overflow problem and improving cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the spraying motor based on water level sensor feedback. When the water level reaches a preset threshold, the motor speed is increased to accelerate water spraying and evaporation, thereby controlling the water level and preventing overflow while maintaining continuous operation
2Reliability
If the rotational speed of the first fan and motor are increased to enhance evaporation, then the water level control improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control where the rotational speed of the first fan and spraying motor is adjusted in real-time based on water level sensor feedback. The motor speed varies from minimum to maximum rotational speed according to the actual water level, enabling precise water level control while optimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary high-speed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where water level sensors continuously monitor the condensed water level and provide signals to the controller. The controller adjusts the motor and fan speeds based on this feedback, achieving reliable water level control while minimizing energy consumption by operating components only at the necessary speed
3Device complexity
If the condenser temperature is not controlled, then the system operation is simple, but excessive condenser temperature reduces cooling efficiency and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the condensed water, which would otherwise be waste, to cool the condenser through evaporation. By spraying condensed water onto the condenser surface, the system leverages the phase change from liquid to vapor to absorb excess heat, effectively controlling condenser temperature and preventing damage while improving overall cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the phase transition of condensed water from liquid to vapor during evaporation on the condenser surface. This phase change absorbs latent heat from the condenser, providing effective cooling and temperature control without requiring additional complex cooling systems
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 method effectively controls the water level, preventing overflow and ensuring efficient operation by optimizing the evaporation rate of condensed water, thus maintaining the air conditioner's performance and preventing damage from excessive condenser temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The first fan is configured to dissipate heat from the condenser and the compressor
Implementation Method 2
the motor is configured to drive the rotating wheel to rotate, so as to spray condensed water in the water tank onto the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A water level control method of an air conditioner and the air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner includes a first fan, a condenser, a compressor, a water tank, a rotating wheel, and a motor. The first fan is configured to dissipate heat from the condenser and the compressor. The motor is configured to drive the rotating wheel to rotate, so as to spray condensed water in the water tank onto the condenser. The method includes: if a water level of the condensed water reaches a first preset water level, controlling the first fan to operate at a minimum rotational speed and the motor to operate at a maximum rotational speed, and obtaining a condenser temperature, and controlling at least one of a rotational speed of the first fan, a rotational speed of the motor, or an operating frequency of the compressor according to the condenser temperature.