Detection apparatus and method for refrigerant leakage of air source heat pump system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air source heat pump systems lack the ability to automatically detect refrigerant leakage, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive detection processes, resulting in economic losses and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that monitor running parameters such as compressor rotational speed, water temperature differences, and expansion valve openings to calculate a cumulative score, automatically detecting refrigerant leakage by comparing these parameters with preset ranges and sending an alarm signal when a predetermined score is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a special device is used to detect refrigerant leakage, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air source heat pump system performs self-detection of refrigerant leakage using its existing sensors and control unit. The control unit monitors running parameters (compressor current, water temperature difference, running time) and automatically calculates a cumulative score to determine leakage, eliminating the need for external detection devices and reducing detection time to routine operation monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical/chemical detection methods (special detection devices) with an electronic parameter analysis system. By substituting mechanical detection with electronic monitoring of electrical and thermal parameters, the system achieves automated leakage detection without additional hardware while reducing time and labor requirements.
2Reliability
If a special device is used to detect refrigerant leakage, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls compressor operation, monitors system parameters, and detects refrigerant leakage. By making the control unit universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection devices, thereby maintaining detection capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the leakage detection function with the existing control unit. Instead of having separate detection and control systems, the control unit integrates both functions by monitoring running parameters and calculating cumulative scores for leakage detection, thereby simplifying the system architecture while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used, then detection accuracy is maintained, but operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own operational data (compressor current, temperature differences, running time) to perform leakage detection without requiring external energy-intensive detection equipment. This self-service approach maintains detection accuracy while minimizing additional energy consumption and operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from using specialized detection parameters (requiring special devices) to using existing running parameters that are already measured during normal operation. By utilizing parameters like compressor current, water temperature difference, and running time, the system achieves accurate leakage detection without additional energy expenditure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air source heat pump system. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air source heat pump system includes the following steps in a cooling mode: S110: obtaining a running parameter of an air source heat pump system, wherein the running parameter at least includes a compressor rotational speed; S120: comparing the running parameter with a preset running parameter range; S130: updating a cumulative score when the running parameter falls within the preset running parameter range; and S140: when the cumulative score exceeds a predetermined cumulative score, determining that refrigerant leakage occurs, and when the cumulative score does not exceed the predetermined cumulative score, return to step S110.