Air-conditioning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning apparatuses lack the ability to detect switching failures at four-way and three-way valves, leading to potential compressor breakdowns due to abnormal pressure and temperature issues.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning apparatus equipped with a controller that uses temperature sensors and current sensors to detect switching failures at four-way and three-way valves by measuring temperature differences and current values, preventing compressor damage by stopping operation when failures are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the air-conditioning apparatus performs heating-defrosting simultaneous operation using multiple valves, then the average heating capacity per cycle is improved, but the risk of valve switching failure causing compressor breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor refrigerant temperatures at various points in the system. The controller compares actual temperature readings with expected temperatures based on current operation mode, and when deviations exceed predetermined thresholds, it detects valve switching failure and stops the compressor to prevent breakdown. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time detection and response to valve failures while maintaining high productivity through continuous heating-defrosting operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If valve switching failure occurs in the heating-defrosting simultaneous operation, then a closed circuit forms causing abnormally high pressure and temperature, but the system lacks detection capability to prevent compressor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature feedback monitoring at multiple strategic points in the refrigerant circuit. Temperature sensors measure refrigerant temperatures, and the controller uses these readings to detect abnormal conditions indicative of valve switching failure. When temperature deviations exceed thresholds, the system identifies the harmful closed-circuit condition and responds by stopping the compressor, thereby preventing damage from abnormal pressure and temperature while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature sensors as intermediary detection devices between the valve system and the compressor. These sensors act as mediators that indirectly detect valve switching failures by monitoring refrigerant temperature changes caused by abnormal flow patterns. This intermediary approach enables detection of valve failures without directly monitoring valve positions, allowing the system to maintain adaptability while protecting against harmful effects.
3Productivity
If the system continues operation without detecting valve switching failure, then productivity is maintained, but compressor breakdown risk increases due to sustained abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous temperature monitoring with feedback control that enables the system to maintain high productivity through sustained heating-defrosting operation while protecting compressor service life. The controller continuously compares actual temperature readings against expected values, and upon detecting deviations indicating valve failure, it immediately stops the compressor. This feedback mechanism allows the system to operate at full productivity for extended periods while preventing cumulative damage that would reduce compressor lifespan.
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
Effectively detects switching failures at valves, preventing compressor breakdowns and maintaining system efficiency by ensuring normal operation and reducing the risk of high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge temperature sensor configured to measure a discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor
Implementation Method 2
an indoor pipe temperature sensor configured to measure a pipe temperature of a pipe through which the refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
an indoor temperature sensor configured to measure an indoor temperature of the indoor air
Implementation Method 4
a current sensor configured to measure a current supplied to the compressor
Implementation Method 5
an indoor heat exchanger connected to the fourth port and configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air
Implementation Method 6
configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a four-way valve, a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve each having a closed port, a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a first outdoor heat exchanger, a second outdoor heat exchanger, a bypass expansion valve, a check valve, a discharge temperature sensor, an indoor pipe temperature sensor, an indoor temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a controller configured to detect switching failure at the four-way valve, the first three-way valve, and the second three-way valve. The controller is configured to detect switching failure at the four-way valve, the first three-way valve, or the second three-way valve by using the temperatures measured by the discharge temperature sensor, the indoor pipe temperature sensor, and the indoor temperature sensor and the current in consideration of an operation status.