Air Conditioner Pipe Filling With Automatic Water Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner systems face challenges in accurately determining the appropriate amount of water for initial filling in heat exchange systems, leading to potential inefficiencies and errors in cooling or heating operations due to subjective manual filling methods.
Innovation Solution
An automated water filling method for air conditioners that includes operating in different supply modes to fill pipes with water, using pumps and heat exchangers to determine the appropriate water level, and outputting completion or error notifications to ensure accurate filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual water filling is performed based on subjective judgment, then the filling process is simple to perform, but the accuracy of determining appropriate water amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water flow amount during filling and provides feedback to the controller. When the measured water amount reaches the predetermined appropriate amount, the controller automatically stops the filling process, ensuring both ease of operation and high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual subjective judgment with an automated measurement system using a flow meter or level sensor to objectively determine water amount, substituting human judgment with precise mechanical/electrical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If automated water filling with continuous monitoring is implemented, then the accuracy of water amount determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-stopping during water filling. The controller automatically manages the filling process based on sensor feedback without requiring external intervention, achieving high precision while keeping the control logic integrated and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it controls the water valve, monitors water amount through sensors, determines when filling is complete, and manages error notifications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Device complexity
If water filling is performed without automated monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of proper water filling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous monitoring system provides real-time feedback on water amount during filling, ensuring reliable determination of filling completion. This feedback mechanism guarantees that the system stops at the appropriate water amount, significantly improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and verification during the filling process itself, rather than requiring separate post-filling checks. This preliminary action ensures reliability is established during the filling operation.
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
The method allows for precise and automatic water filling, ensuring the air conditioner operates efficiently by providing users with clear notifications of completion or errors, thus enhancing operational reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange device including a plurality of heat exchangers which connect the outdoor unit with the plurality of indoor units and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water
Implementation Method 2
a group of pipes which connect the plurality of indoor units with the plurality of heat exchangers, a group of valves which regulates flow of water in the group of pipes
Data Source
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AI summary
A water filling method for an air conditioner, includes operating, by the air conditioner, in a water supply mode to fill the group of pipes with water, determining whether a filling amount of water in the group of pipes is appropriate while continuously filling the group of pipes with water, and outputting, by an output device, information indicating that filling of water has been completed when it is determined that the filling amount of the water is appropriate, wherein the water supply mode includes a first water supply mode in which water is supplied while the outdoor unit is stopped and a second water supply mode in which water is supplied while the outdoor unit is operated.