Compressor Shell Heating Control for Refrigerant Collection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner technologies inefficiently prevent refrigerant collection in compressors during standby, leading to increased standby power consumption and compressor failure due to unnecessary heating device operation and complex temperature control.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner with a compressor shell temperature detecting device, outside air temperature detecting device, and a controller that determines refrigerant collection based on these inputs to efficiently operate the compressor heating device, using threshold values to prevent refrigerant accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor heating device is operated using predetermined temperature thresholds or time zones, then refrigerant collection in the compressor is prevented, but standby power consumption increases and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the actual temperature of the compressor shell and dynamically adjusts the heating device operation based on real-time temperature feedback. The heating device is controlled to operate only when the compressor shell temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, creating a closed-loop feedback control system that prevents refrigerant collection while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during standby periods.
2Reliability
If multiple temperature detection spots and complex control factors are used, then refrigerant collection prevention is attempted, but device complexity increases and control efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and focuses control on the single most critical parameter - the compressor shell temperature - rather than monitoring multiple temperature points throughout the system. By placing a temperature detection device directly on the compressor shell and using this single measurement as the basis for heating control, the system achieves effective refrigerant collection prevention while maintaining simple control logic and minimal device complexity.
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 effectively prevents refrigerant collection in the compressor by heating the compressor shell only when necessary, reducing standby power consumption and minimizing compressor failure risks.
Implementation Method 1
supplying electricity to a device for heating a shell (heater) or a motor in the compressor so as to heat the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
In a compressor shell built in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a compressor shell thermistor that detects a temperature of the shell is installed. Also, an outside air temperature thermistor that detects an outside air temperature is installed in an outdoor unit. The outside air temperature is compared with the compressor shell temperature, and if the shell temperature is higher than the outside air temperature, a compressor heating device is invalidated. If the shell temperature is lower than the outside air temperature, it is determined as a refrigerant collection condition, and the compressor heating device is operated. Also, if the shell temperature is higher than the outside air temperature by a certain temperature or more, the operation of the compressor heating device is stopped so that wasteful standby power is reduced, and energy of the apparatus is saved.