A temperature change detection method and system of compressor-based refrigeration systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressor-based refrigeration systems face increased power consumption due to temperature changes caused by open doors or seal malfunctions, requiring additional active sensors that increase energy use and costs, and may fail to detect issues in remote or inaccessible locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize compressor power data to detect temperature changes by constructing a feature space from acquired power data, classifying temperature states, and notifying users through a real-time notification system, eliminating the need for additional sensors and allowing early detection of seal breaches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active sensors are installed to detect temperature changes, then temperature detection capability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor serves dual functions: it both cools the enclosure and acts as the detection sensor for temperature changes. By monitoring the compressor's existing operational parameters (power consumption, start-stop cycles, runtime), the system detects temperature changes without requiring separate active sensors, thereby avoiding additional power consumption and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by analyzing the compressor's electrical power data as a mediator to infer temperature changes. Instead of directly measuring temperature with sensors, the system monitors the compressor's power consumption patterns, which indirectly reflect temperature changes in the enclosure
2Measurement precision
If multiple active sensors are deployed in controlled storage facilities, then temperature detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is made universal by assigning it multiple functions: it performs its primary cooling function while simultaneously serving as the detection sensor for temperature changes. This eliminates the need for separate sensors in each cooling zone, reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining detection coverage across the entire enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the existing compressor system. By combining the cooling function and temperature detection function into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor installations, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and device complexity
3Ease of operation
If audio notification signals are used to alert users, then user notification capability is improved, but effectiveness is reduced for users with hearing disabilities or in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system uses multiple parameters/modalities to alert users: visual notifications (lights), tactile notifications (vibrations), and auditory notifications (beeps). By changing the notification parameter from a single auditory signal to multiple sensory modalities, the system improves reliability for users with hearing disabilities or in noisy environments
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a temperature change detection method with a compressor. The method comprises acquiring, via a circuit breaker of the compressor, power data associated with the compressor, wherein the power data relates to temperature states of the compressor. The method further comprises constructing a feature space using the acquired power data; determining feature vectors within the feature space; classifying, via a classifier, the temperature states based on the feature vectors of the feature space; determining a temperature change based on the classified temperature states; and notifying a user of a detected temperature change.