Air Conditioning Temperature-Based Flow Path Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems using water or brine as a heat medium struggle to detect abnormalities in the flow path, such as leakage or clogging, especially at locations where the wire-shaped water leakage detection system is not installed, leading to potential worsening of failures and spread of leakage.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning apparatus equipped with a failure determination unit that monitors inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat medium, along with flow rate control and fan operation, to detect abnormalities in the flow path by comparing actual temperatures with pre-learned expected values, allowing for timely detection and isolation of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire-shaped water leakage detection system is installed on specific portions of the circulation pipe, then leakage detection capability is improved at those locations, but leakage at other locations cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the circulation pipe into multiple sections and installs temperature sensors at different locations along the pipe. Each sensor monitors temperature changes in its specific section, allowing comprehensive coverage of the entire circulation system rather than relying on a single detection point
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they detect heat medium leakage, identify clogging abnormalities, and monitor overall system performance. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for specialized detection systems for different types of abnormalities
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are installed at multiple locations to detect all possible leakage points, then comprehensive leakage detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives temperature data from multiple sensors and processes this information to detect abnormalities. This centralized processing approach allows comprehensive monitoring without requiring complex distributed detection systems at each sensor location
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in temperature parameters along the circulation pipe to detect abnormalities. By tracking temperature variations rather than using multiple specialized detection mechanisms, the system achieves comprehensive coverage with simpler components
3Speed
If the wire-shaped water leakage detection system is used, then detection response at installed locations is improved, but the system cannot detect abnormalities in locations without sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from point-based detection (wire-shaped sensors at specific locations) to distributed temperature field monitoring using multiple temperature sensors along the pipe. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple sections, improving both response speed and coverage
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 system effectively suppresses the worsening of failures and spread of leakage by accurately determining the presence of abnormalities in the water or air passages, enabling prompt repair and maintaining comfort levels without shutting down all indoor units.
Implementation Method 1
a failure determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in a flow path of the heat medium
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and air
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus (100) uses a heat medium containing at least one of cold water and hot water. The air conditioning apparatus (100) includes: a heat source device (1); a heat exchanger (3) configured to exchange heat between the heat medium and air; a flow rate control valve (4) configured to control a flow rate at which the heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger (3); a temperature sensor (8) configured to detect a temperature of the heat medium discharged from the heat exchanger (3); and a failure determination unit (110) configured to detect presence or absence of an abnormality in a flow path of the heat medium based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (8) and a commanded degree of opening for the flow rate control valve (4).