Air-conditioner control system, information processing apparatus and air-conditioner control method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant leakage detection systems, such as those described in Patent Document 1, are not convenient and reliable, particularly when air-conditioning is not needed, as they fail to provide timely and accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioner control system that includes a control unit for performing refrigerant leakage prediction and detection through first and second refrigerant detection controls, where the first control predicts leakage based on periodic pressure measurements when the air conditioner is not running, and the second control performs detailed detection while the air conditioner is under load, using a combination of sensors and networked devices for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If refrigerant leakage detection is performed only when air-conditioning is not needed (holidays, late night), then the system can operate without interfering with normal air-conditioning usage, but the detection timing is delayed and may not provide timely alert for refrigerant leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary refrigerant leakage prediction by measuring refrigerant pressure when the air conditioner is not running, before actual leakage occurs. This preliminary detection allows the system to predict potential leakage issues in advance and alert users before the problem worsens, resolving the contradiction between convenient operation timing and timely detection.
2Measurement precision
If refrigerant leakage detection is performed while the air conditioner is running under load, then the detection accuracy is improved due to better refrigerant circulation, but the system complexity and operational interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) preliminary prediction phase when the air conditioner is not running, using simple pressure measurements, and (2) detailed detection phase when the air conditioner is running under load, using multiple sensors. This segmentation allows the system to combine simple and complex measurements at appropriate times, improving overall detection accuracy without requiring constant complex monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic refrigerant pressure measurements at predetermined intervals when the air conditioner is not running, complementing the load-based detection. This periodic action provides regular baseline data that enhances the accuracy of leakage detection without requiring continuous complex monitoring during operation.
3Reliability
If multiple detection parameters are used during load-based detection, then the reliability of refrigerant leakage detection is improved, but the number of sensors and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection parameters are segmented into two groups measured at different times: (1) refrigerant pressure measured when the air conditioner is not running, and (2) additional parameters such as refrigerant temperature and flow rate measured when running under load. This temporal segmentation allows the system to use multiple parameters for high reliability without requiring all sensors to operate simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables convenient and reliable refrigerant leakage detection by combining periodic predictions with detailed load-based detection, ensuring early identification of leaks and facilitating timely maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
predicting the refrigerant leakage based on first refrigerant detection control for the air conditioner every predetermined period... predicting the refrigerant leakage based on a pressure of a refrigerant while the air conditioner is not running
Implementation Method 2
performing a refrigerant leakage detection for the air conditioner based on a state of a refrigerant for the air conditioner while the air conditioner is running under a load that is greater than or equal to a predetermined load
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioner control system includes a control unit configured to control an air conditioner. In this air-conditioner control system, the control unit is configured to perform a refrigerant leakage prediction based on first refrigerant detection control for the air conditioner every predetermined period, and the control unit is configured to execute second refrigerant detection control when a result of the refrigerant leakage prediction based on the first refrigerant detection control indicates that there is a possibility of a refrigerant leakage, the second refrigerant detection control including performing a refrigerant leakage detection for the air conditioner while running the air conditioner in a refrigerant leakage detection mode.