Air conditioner for removing foreign substances from indoor heat exchanger and method of operating the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face challenges in effectively removing foreign substances from indoor heat exchangers, which can lead to microbial growth and health issues, and may cause damage to the compressor during the removal process.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor based on dew point temperature and compression ratio to increase moisture condensation, ensuring uniform freezing and removal of foreign substances across the entire heat exchanger area, and determines the need for repeated operations based on indoor air moisture content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the air conditioner performs a defrosting operation to remove frost from the heat exchanger surface, then foreign substances may be removed together with the water, but the amount of moisture condensed is insufficient for effective foreign substance removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by setting a target temperature below the dew point temperature, causing the heat exchanger surface to reach sub-zero temperatures. This parameter change enables sufficient moisture condensation and freezing on the heat exchanger surface, effectively removing foreign substances while preventing compressor damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary cooling of the heat exchanger to below-zero temperatures before the defrosting operation. This preliminary action ensures that when moisture condenses during defrosting, it freezes immediately on the heat exchanger surface, creating effective ice layers that trap and remove foreign substances.
2Reliability
If the air conditioner operates to condense moisture on the heat exchanger surface for foreign substance removal, then foreign substances can be removed, but compressor damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control by continuously monitoring the heat exchanger temperature and comparing it with the dew point temperature. When the temperature difference reaches a predetermined threshold, the system automatically adjusts or stops the cooling operation, preventing excessive temperature drops that could cause compressor damage while maintaining effective foreign substance removal.
3Reliability
If the air conditioner uses conventional defrosting operation, then frost is removed from the heat exchanger surface, but foreign substances are not uniformly removed across the entire heat exchanger area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating ice layers at specific locations on the heat exchanger surface where moisture condenses and freezes. By controlling the cooling process to achieve below-zero temperatures across the entire heat exchanger surface, the system ensures uniform ice layer formation and subsequent uniform foreign substance removal across all areas.
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 approach enhances the removal of foreign substances, prevents compressor damage, and ensures uniform coverage, improving the air conditioner's efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit
Implementation Method 2
condensed water may be generated by heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air in the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
form frost on the surface of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit by using a refrigerant cycle
Implementation Method 4
the temperature of the ambient air decreases as the refrigerant expands and vaporizes in the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is provided that includes a compressor that compresses and discharges a refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air; a sensor unit including at least one sensor; and a controller. The controller performs a primary control of the compressor, based on a first target temperature corresponding to a dew point temperature of the indoor air and a current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, performs a secondary control of the compressor, based on a second target temperature below zero lower than the first target temperature and the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger, and determines whether to repeatedly perform at least one of the primary control or the secondary control, based on an amount of moisture contained in the indoor air.