Heat Pump Dryer Refrigerant Sensing for Valve Control and Leak Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat pump systems in clothes dryers face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to the use of flammable refrigerants, with existing gas sensors having low precision for detecting leaks and not improving operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A clothes dryer with strategically placed refrigerant pressure and temperature sensors, and a controller that adjusts the electronic expansion valve based on sensor readings to optimize refrigerant circulation and detect potential leaks, ensuring safe operation and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flammable refrigerants are used in heat pump systems, then environmental protection (no ozone layer destruction or global warming) is achieved, but safety problems emerge due to explosion or fire risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by installing sensors (gas sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors) that continuously monitor the refrigerant state and provide real-time data to the controller. When abnormal conditions are detected (such as refrigerant leakage or unsafe temperature/pressure levels), the system automatically adjusts the electronic expansion valve or shuts down the compressor to prevent safety incidents, thus resolving the contradiction between using environmentally friendly flammable refrigerants and ensuring system safety
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic expansion valve acts as an intermediary device that precisely controls the refrigerant flow based on feedback from sensors. By regulating the refrigerant amount and flow rate, it prevents dangerous accumulation of flammable refrigerant and maintains safe operating conditions, enabling the use of eco-friendly refrigerants without compromising safety
2Reliability
If gas sensors are installed outside the heat pump system to detect refrigerant leakage, then safety monitoring is provided, but measurement precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically placing gas sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors at specific locations within the heat pump system (such as near the evaporator, compressor, and refrigerant pipes) rather than outside the system. This localized placement ensures high-concentration refrigerant vapor is detected immediately upon leakage, significantly improving measurement precision and response time while maintaining safety monitoring capability
3Reliability
If temperature and pressure sensors are installed only for compressor protection before heat pump operation, then equipment safety is ensured, but operational efficiency cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a sensor system that serves multiple functions: temperature sensors and pressure sensors not only protect the compressor from damage but also optimize heat pump operation by monitoring refrigerant state throughout the system. The controller uses this data to adjust the electronic expansion valve for optimal refrigerant flow, enabling both equipment protection and efficiency improvement simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature and pressure sensors during operation to continuously optimize heat pump performance. The controller adjusts the electronic expansion valve based on real-time refrigerant state data to maintain optimal operating conditions, improving efficiency while the same sensors continue to provide compressor protection
4Productivity
If the electronic expansion valve is controlled based on precise refrigerant state measurements, then system efficiency is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a control system that automatically adjusts the electronic expansion valve based on feedback from sensors without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously monitors refrigerant temperature and pressure, calculates the appropriate valve opening degree, and adjusts the valve to optimize system efficiency, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining high productivity
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
Accurate measurement and control of refrigerant state enhance system efficiency, prevent leaks, and promote user safety by optimizing refrigerant circulation and detecting leaks promptly.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant pressure sensor provided in at least one of a first pipe connecting an expander and an evaporator or a second pipe connecting the evaporator and a compressor
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant temperature sensor provided in the second pipe
Implementation Method 3
an electronic expansion valve configured to control a refrigerant; and a controller configured to control the electronic expansion valve based on detection values of the refrigerant pressure sensor and the refrigerant temperature sensor
Implementation Method 4
a heat pump system including a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to heat air
Implementation Method 5
an air circulation system for supplying the air heated after heat exchange with the condenser to a laundry container
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a clothes dryer includes: a refrigerant pressure sensor provided in at least one of a first pipe connecting an expander to an evaporator or a second pipe connecting the evaporator to a compressor; a refrigerant temperature sensor provided in the second pipe; an electronic expansion valve configured to control a refrigerant; and a controller configured to control the electronic expansion valve based on detection values of the refrigerant pressure sensor and the refrigerant temperature sensor.