Heat Pump Dryer Temperature Sensing for Refrigerant Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clothes treating apparatuses with heat pump systems face challenges in detecting refrigerant leakage, which can lead to unstable operation and increased energy consumption due to damaged condensers or refrigerant pipes, making it difficult for users to detect leaks without expensive sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize temperature detection to indirectly measure pressure changes by monitoring temperature changes in the condenser and air suction path, allowing for rapid and easy detection of refrigerant leakage without the need for expensive pressure sensors, and a controller to determine if a refrigerant leak has occurred based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive pressure sensors are used to detect refrigerant leakage, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly detect refrigerant pressure changes. Instead of directly measuring pressure with expensive sensors, the system measures temperature changes in the condenser or air suction path, which correlate with refrigerant leakage conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical pressure sensing system with a temperature-based detection system. By substituting pressure sensors with temperature sensors (which are simpler and cheaper), the system achieves adequate detection capability while reducing device complexity and cost
2Reliability
If refrigerant leakage is not detected, then the apparatus continues operating, but energy consumption increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature detection results are continuously monitored and used to control the operation of the heat pump system. When abnormal temperature changes indicate refrigerant leakage, the system provides feedback to stop operation, preventing energy waste and maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of refrigerant leakage conditions before significant damage or energy waste occurs. By continuously monitoring temperature changes and detecting anomalies early, the system takes preliminary action to prevent deterioration, thereby maintaining reliability and reducing energy consumption
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
Enables reliable and efficient detection of refrigerant leaks, enhancing the apparatus's reliability and energy efficiency by minimizing energy loss and extending the lifespan of the heat pump system.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus that utilize temperature detection to indirectly measure pressure changes by monitoring temperature changes in the condenser and air suction path
Implementation Method 2
the heat pump system transmits thermal energy to a refrigerant through the evaporator, and transmits thermal energy of the refrigerant to air introduced into the drum through the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
A clothes treating apparatus includes a drum configured to accommodate therein an object to be dried, an air suction device configured to form a flow path of air introduced into the drum, an air exhaustion device configured to form a flow path of air exhausted from the drum, a condenser disposed to heat air sucked into the drum through the air suction device, an evaporator disposed to cool air exhausted from the drum the air exhaustion device, and a compressor and an expander configured to constitute a heat pump together with the condenser and the evaporator. The method includes a temperature detection step of detecting a temperature change of air passing through the condenser or the air suction device, and a determination step of determining that refrigerant leakage has occurred when a temperature decrease amount measured in the temperature detection step is more than a predetermined level.