Refrigeration cycle device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration cycle apparatuses face challenges in accurately calculating the refrigerant amount due to errors caused by installation environments and the need for coefficient regulation, leading to insufficient calculation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus that calculates the refrigerant amount using positional information and detected temperatures from multiple temperature sensors in the condenser, eliminating the need for error regulation by coefficients and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If coefficients and assumed conditions are used to regulate errors in refrigerant amount calculation, then the calculation can be performed, but the calculation accuracy deteriorates due to error causes from installation environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the error-prone elements (coefficients and assumed conditions) from the calculation system. By directly measuring temperatures at multiple positions in the condenser and using these actual measurements rather than regulated values, the system eliminates the source of errors while maintaining calculation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the indirect calculation method using coefficients with a direct measurement-based approach. By substituting the coefficient regulation mechanism with direct temperature measurements from multiple sensors, the system achieves higher accuracy without sacrificing ease of implementation
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are disposed in the condenser to directly obtain volumetric proportions, then calculation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the condenser into multiple measurement positions along the refrigerant flow direction. By placing temperature sensors at different segments (positions) of the condenser, the system obtains localized temperature data that can be used to calculate volumetric proportions of refrigerant phases, thereby improving accuracy while keeping each sensor's function simple and standardized
3Quantity of substance
If the refrigerant circuit is excessively filled with refrigerant, then the system operates, but pressure transfer of liquid refrigerant in the compressor extends and causes failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated refrigerant amount (based on temperature sensor readings) is used to monitor and control the refrigerant charge in the system. This feedback allows the system to detect when the refrigerant amount becomes excessive and take corrective action before compressor damage occurs, thereby maintaining reliability while managing refrigerant quantity
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 approach enhances the calculation accuracy of the refrigerant amount by directly obtaining volumetric proportions from temperature data, reducing errors and providing a more precise determination of refrigerant levels.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a refrigerant amount from positional information and detected temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors (1) disposed in a direction in which refrigerant of the condenser (12) flows
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant amount calculation unit (23) that calculates a refrigerant amount from positional information and detected temperatures of multiple temperature sensors (1) disposed in a direction in which refrigerant of the condenser (12) flows
Data Source
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AI summary
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit that includes a condenser, multiple temperature sensors that are disposed in line in a direction in which refrigerant flows in the condenser and detect refrigerant temperature of the condenser, a memory unit that stores positional information of the multiple temperature sensors, and a refrigerant amount calculation unit that calculates a refrigerant amount of the condenser based on the positional information of the multiple temperature sensors, detected temperatures of the multiple temperature sensors and a saturated liquid temperature of the refrigerant.