Air Conditioner Connection Switching Unit Abnormality Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for air conditioners cannot detect abnormalities in the connection switching unit, such as short circuits or open connections, which can lead to system malfunctions and secondary failures.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a controller to detect abnormalities in the connection switching unit by comparing current values when the unit is in different connection states, using a current detection circuit to identify any deviations that indicate a fault, and notifying the user or taking corrective measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a connection switching unit is used to switch between Y-connection and A-connection states, then motor efficiency is improved across different load conditions, but the risk of abnormal connection and system malfunction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary abnormality detection by applying a detection voltage to the connection switching unit before normal operation and comparing the detected current against reference values. This advance detection identifies potential connection abnormalities before they cause system failures, allowing preventive maintenance while maintaining the efficiency benefits of connection switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by detecting current values from the connection switching unit during operation and comparing them against predetermined reference values. When deviations are detected, the system provides feedback signals to alert operators and can trigger protective actions, ensuring system reliability while maintaining efficient motor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If conventional abnormality diagnosis methods are used to detect winding short circuits, then winding abnormalities can be detected, but connection switching unit abnormalities cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding abnormality detectionVSAvoidconnection switching unit status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal detection method that uses current measurement to diagnose both winding abnormalities and connection switching unit abnormalities. By measuring the current drawn by the connection switching unit and comparing it against reference values that account for different connection states (Y-connection, A-connection, and abnormal states), the system achieves multi-functional diagnostic capability without requiring separate detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3534533B1Air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3534533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3534533B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3534533B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioner includes a compressor (114a) to compress a refrigerant used in a refrigeration cycle, a converter (123) to generate a DC voltage, an inverter (126) to generate three-phase AC voltages from the DC voltage, a motor (111) to produce a driving force for driving the compressor (114a) with a plurality of coils (112U, 112V, 112W), the three-phase AC voltages being applied to the coils, a connection switching unit (128) to switch connection states of the coils (112U, 112V, 112W) between a first connection state and a second connection state, and a controller (135) to detect an abnormality of the connection switching unit (128).