Condenser Fan And Split Valve Control During Pressure Sensor Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face operational inefficiencies and failures due to unavailability or errors in pressure sensor readings, which are critical for condenser operation, leading to potential system shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a condenser control system that utilizes outdoor air temperature (OAT) sensors as a control input to maintain condenser operation, allowing for controlled degradation of condensing capacity and continued system functionality even in the absence of reliable pressure sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensor readings are used to control condenser operation, then condenser control precision is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when pressure sensors fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from pressure sensor readings to outdoor air temperature (OAT) sensor readings when pressure sensors fail. The controller detects pressure sensor failure and switches to using OAT as the control input, allowing the condenser to continue operating based on temperature rather than pressure data.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor air temperature sensor acts as an intermediary substitute when the primary pressure sensor fails. The controller uses OAT readings as a mediating parameter to maintain condenser control functionality, bridging the gap created by pressure sensor failure.
2Measurement precision
If the system requires pressure sensor readings for condenser control, then control accuracy is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates when sensors fail
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts by changing the control parameter from pressure to outdoor air temperature when pressure sensors fail. This parameter substitution allows the system to maintain control functionality under different operating conditions and sensor availability scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between different control inputs (pressure sensor readings vs. OAT sensor readings) based on sensor availability. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain operation despite sensor failures.
3Productivity
If pressure sensors are used for condenser control, then condensing capacity optimization is improved, but system continuity deteriorates upon sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the basis for optimizing condensing capacity from pressure sensor data to outdoor air temperature data when pressure sensors fail. This allows the system to continue adjusting condenser operation to maintain efficient condensing capacity without requiring pressure sensor input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system has a pre-prepared backup control method using OAT sensors that activates when pressure sensors fail. This beforehand preparation ensures continuous operation by having an alternative control input ready to prevent system shutdown.
Data Source
AI summary
Condenser control, systems, devices, and methods are described herein. One system includes a number of pressure sensors, wherein each of the number of pressure sensors is configured to sense a pressure associated with a condenser of a refrigeration system, a temperature sensor configured to sense an outdoor air temperature, and a controller configured to activate operation of a number of condenser fans and a number of split valves associated with the condenser based, at least in part, on the sensed outdoor air temperature upon a failure of each of the number of pressure sensors.