Air Conditioner Valve Abnormality Detection Using Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems lack a means to detect abnormalities in solenoid valves, leading to potential system failures and the need for costly repairs due to abnormal cycles caused by refrigerant leaks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that utilizes temperature sensors to detect anomalies in adjustment valves, allowing for real-time monitoring and automatic counter-error operations to prevent system shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solenoid valves are used to implement cooling and heating concurrent type air conditioning system, then the system can serve multiple indoor units with different air conditioning loads, but the system lacks means to detect abnormalities in solenoid valves leading to abnormal cycles and system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the operating states of multiple solenoid valves and detects abnormalities by analyzing their electrical characteristics and operational responses. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of valve issues without requiring physical inspection, thus maintaining system reliability while supporting multiple indoor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the solenoid valves and the system management, providing intelligent monitoring and detection capabilities. It mediates the communication between valves and system control, enabling abnormality detection through electrical signal analysis and operational state monitoring without direct physical intervention.
2Productivity
If solenoid valves leak causing abnormal cycles, then refrigerant circulation is reduced and system efficiency decreases, but there is no detection means requiring complete system shutdown for repair
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of solenoid valve abnormalities through continuous monitoring of electrical characteristics and operational states. By detecting potential leaks or malfunctions before they cause complete system failure, the controller can take preliminary actions such as adjusting refrigerant distribution or alerting operators, thereby preventing total system shutdown and minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides self-service monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, automatically detecting valve abnormalities and managing system operations without requiring immediate external intervention. This self-monitoring system can identify leaks and adjust operations autonomously, reducing the need for complete system shutdowns and minimizing repair time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solenoid valves are installed for cooling and heating concurrent operation, then the system achieves higher adaptability, but the complexity of detecting and diagnosing valve abnormalities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with universal multi-functional capabilities to monitor and detect abnormalities in multiple different types of solenoid valves using a unified approach. It can handle various valve configurations and operational modes through a single intelligent system, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms for each valve type or position, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 solution enables quick detection and mitigation of valve abnormalities, reducing system downtime, repair costs, and enhancing user convenience by allowing software-based solutions to address issues without complete system shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to detect a temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to detect a temperature of refrigerant supplied to the water tank
Implementation Method 3
a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a water tank configured to generate hot water through heat exchange with refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner. The method may include detecting an outlet temperature of a compressor; detecting a change in temperature of a hot water supply pipe; determining a system error based on the outlet temperature of the compressor; and determining an abnormality in an adjustment valve based on the temperature of the hot water supply pipe when a system error is determined.