Cooling System Refrigerant Leak Detection Using Parameter Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing refrigerant leak detection methods in cooling systems are inadequate for outdoor environments, fail to identify specific leaking units, and disrupt system operation, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving adjusting the operation of a first cooling unit, determining parameters, and comparing them to reference values to detect leaks non-invasively, allowing other units to compensate and maintain system stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct leak detection using sniffers is performed, then refrigerant leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and the method becomes unsuitable for outdoor environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefrigerant leak detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary substance (refrigerant oil) that carries refrigerant molecules from the leak site to a detection point. The oil acts as a mediator, allowing detection of leaks that would otherwise be undetectable by direct sniffing methods, especially in outdoor environments with air movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic sniffer systems with a simpler mechanical/chemical approach using refrigerant oil migration. Instead of using sophisticated sensors and signal processing, the system relies on the natural migration of refrigerant through the oil to a detection point where basic sensing can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If cooling unit operation is adjusted for leak detection, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but system productivity and cooling capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoidcooling capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adjusting only the operation of the suspected cooling unit rather than shutting it down completely. The unit operates at reduced capacity or with modified parameters during detection, allowing continued (though reduced) cooling while enabling accurate leak detection through parameter monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous cooling operation during leak detection by keeping the cooling unit running at adjusted parameters rather than shutting it down. This ensures the useful action of cooling continues uninterrupted, albeit at modified intensity, while leak detection parameters are monitored simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multiple cooling units are shut down for leak detection, then reliability of detection is improved, but system availability and continuous operation are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection process by focusing on one cooling unit at a time rather than shutting down the entire system. By isolating and monitoring individual units sequentially, the system can detect leaks with high reliability while maintaining overall system availability through the operation of other units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent temporarily reduces the operational status of individual cooling units for detection purposes, then recovers their full capacity once detection is complete. This temporary discarding of full operational capability during detection allows reliable leak identification, after which the units are recovered to full productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Productivity

If refrigerant leak is not detected promptly, then operational continuity is maintained, but refrigerant loss and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidrefrigerant loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of cooling unit parameters (current, voltage, temperature, pressure) to detect anomalies indicating refrigerant leaks. This real-time feedback system allows prompt detection of leaks while maintaining operational continuity, preventing significant refrigerant loss before intervention is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250305737A1Indirect refrigerant leak detection

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 VERTIV SRL

AI summary

A method for detecting a leak in a cooling system comprising a plurality of cooling units, a control device and a cooling system are provided. The method comprises adjusting operation of a first cooling unit of the plurality of cooling units. The method further comprises, while the first cooling unit is operating according to the adjusted operation, determining at least one parameter of the first cooling unit and operating at least one other cooling unit of the plurality of cooling units to compensate for the adjusted operation of the first cooling unit. The method further comprises comparing the at least one parameter to a reference value.