Frequency Converter Cooling Loop Switching to Prevent Condensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refrigerant cooling systems for frequency converters face issues with condensation during low-load conditions and overheating during high-load conditions, leading to potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A dual cooling loop system with a temperature detection module that switches between a first cooling loop without throttling and a second cooling loop with throttling, ensuring adequate cooling by adjusting the solenoid valves and electronic expansion valves based on temperature thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the refrigerant is throttled before cooling in the frequency converter to achieve low temperature cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but condensation water is generated when the unit runs under low-load working condition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant temperatureVSAvoidcondensation water
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the throttling mechanism adjustable based on operating conditions. The electronic expansion valve replaces the fixed throttling mechanism with a dynamically controllable one, allowing the system to adapt the degree of throttling according to load conditions, thereby preventing condensation during low-load operation while maintaining effective cooling during high-load operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the refrigerant by controlling the throttling degree dynamically. By adjusting the electronic expansion valve opening based on detected temperature and load conditions, the system optimizes the refrigerant temperature to prevent condensation while maintaining cooling effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between low temperature cooling and condensation prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the refrigerant temperature is kept low to improve cooling efficiency, then the cooling effect is enhanced, but the frequency converter components are damaged by burning due to overtemperature under high-load working condition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant temperatureVSAvoidfrequency converter operation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using temperature detection modules to monitor the frequency converter's temperature in real-time. The detected temperature information is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the electronic expansion valve opening and solenoid valve states accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents overtemperature damage while optimizing cooling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the refrigerant flow and temperature based on real-time operating conditions. The electronic expansion valve and solenoid valves are controlled dynamically according to temperature feedback and load detection, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain reliable operation under varying load conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single cooling loop with throttling is used to simplify the system structure, then the system is compact and simple, but it cannot adapt to both low-load and high-load working conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling system structureVSAvoidworking condition adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cooling system into two distinct cooling loops: a first cooling loop for low-load conditions and a second cooling loop for high-load conditions. Each loop has its own throttling mechanism optimized for specific operating conditions, allowing the system to adapt to different load requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual cooling loop system provides multi-functionality by enabling the frequency converter to operate effectively under both low-load and high-load conditions. The system universally handles different operating scenarios by switching between appropriate cooling loops, making the cooling system adaptable to various working conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Prevents condensation during low-load conditions and provides sufficient cooling capacity during high-load conditions, effectively managing temperature and preventing damage to the frequency converter.

Implementation Method 1

the frequency converter is internally provided with a temperature detection module and a heat exchange module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

the frequency converter is internally provided with a temperature detection module and a heat exchange module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

the refrigerant at a relatively low temperature enters the frequency converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11668500B2Cooling system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.06.06 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • US11668500B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses a cooling system and a control method thereof; the cooling system includes a compressor unit, a condenser, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a first throttle valve and a frequency converter; the second solenoid valve and the first throttle valve are connected with the first solenoid valve in parallel after being connected in series with each other; the compressor unit, the condenser, the first solenoid valve and the frequency converter are connected in series to form a first cooling loop; the compressor unit, the condenser, the second solenoid valve, the first throttle valve and the frequency converter are connected in series to form a second cooling loop; and the frequency converter is internally provided with a temperature detection module and a heat exchange module.