Compressor Working Volume Control Using Feedback Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning units with double-cylinder compressors experience unstable operation and potential shutdown due to mismatched control instructions and valve failures, leading to reduced reliability and user satisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A control method for compressors that determines if a working volume change is faulty by monitoring changes in current, voltage, frequency, or pressure differences, and triggers an alarm or stops the compressor if the change is not successful, ensuring the compressor operates in a state matching the control instruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a conventional control method is used to change the working volume of a double-cylinder compressor, then the energy efficiency is improved by switching to different working volumes, but the operation reliability deteriorates when the valve body is damaged, causing mismatched control instructions and unstable operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device receives feedback information from the driving controller about the compressor's actual working volume state. The control device compares this feedback with the expected state based on control instructions. When a mismatch is detected (indicating valve body damage or failure), the control device generates alarm information to alert the user, preventing unstable operation and shutdowns while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of variable working volume control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the control device sends a control instruction to change the working volume, then the compressor capacity is adjusted to match operation requirements, but the system complexity increases due to the need for monitoring and fault detection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a self-service approach where the driving controller automatically acquires running parameters (current, voltage, frequency) and determines the actual working volume state without requiring external intervention. The control device simply sends control instructions and receives feedback, while the compressor system autonomously monitors its own state and provides necessary information for fault detection, reducing the overall system complexity despite maintaining advanced capacity adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 method enhances the stability and reliability of compressor operation by identifying and addressing faults in working volume changes, preventing unnecessary shutdowns and improving user experience.

Implementation Method 1

the control device controls a valve body of the compressor to actuate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

making a decision by means of a sudden increase or decrease of at least one of current, voltage or frequency of the compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical parameter detection: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 3

a compressor with a variable working volume, so as to switch to different working volumes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3809060B1Control method for compressor, and cooling medium circulation system
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3809060B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Disclosed are a control method for a compressor, and a cooling medium circulation system. After the compressor changes the working volume according to a received control instruction, the operation state of the compressor is determined so as to determine whether the current working volume state of the compressor matches the control instruction; and if so, it is determined that the compressor operates normally, and if not, it is determined that the compressor has an operation fault. According to the control method for a compressor, and a cooling medium circulation system controlled using the control method, it can be determined whether the current working volume state of the compressor matches the control instruction, and processing is performed in a timely manner according to the determination result, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the working process of the compressor and further improving the reliability of the cooling medium circulation system.