Air Conditioner External Cut-Off Valve Powered by Utilization Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner systems face challenges in efficiently managing refrigerant leakage, particularly in reducing the number of components and power sources required for external cut-off valves, which complicates the reduction of power plugs and receptacles, and increases power consumption and potential refrigerant leakage.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner design incorporates external cut-off valves driven by operating electric power from the utilization unit's power source, utilizing a motor-operated valve with an adjustable opening degree, and includes a valve driver and controller within a cut-off unit to control the external cut-off valve, reducing the need for additional power sources and minimizing refrigerant leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external cut-off valves are provided outside the utilization unit, then refrigerant leakage can be prevented, but the number of power sources and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated power source (33) within the utilization unit. This power source simultaneously supplies electricity to the utilization unit's own components and to the external cut-off valves (61), eliminating the need for separate power sources at remote locations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable refrigerant leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The power source (33) in the utilization unit is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it powers the utilization unit's internal components and also provides power to the external cut-off valves (61) through communication lines. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of power sources needed in the system
2Reliability
If additional power sources are provided for external cut-off valves, then the valves can be operated reliably, but power consumption and number of power plugs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function for external cut-off valves into the existing power source (33) of the utilization unit. By utilizing the same power source that already operates the utilization unit, the system avoids additional power consumption from separate power sources while ensuring reliable valve operation through adequate power availability
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 configuration reduces the number of power plugs and receptacles, lowers power consumption, and effectively prevents refrigerant leakage by ensuring the external cut-off valve is firmly closed, even when using AC electric power converted to DC.
Implementation Method 1
even when using AC electric power converted to DC
Data Source
AI summary
A utilization unit has a power source configured to receive electric power supplied from a power source system and supplies operating electric power. At least one of the first cut-off valve or the second cut-off valve is an external cut-off valve provided outside the utilization unit. The external cut-off valve is driven using the operating electric power supplied from the power source.