Cooling system and control method therefor

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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-loop cooling system with a first loop without throttling and a second loop with throttling, controlled by solenoid valves and a temperature detection module, to maintain optimal refrigerant temperature and prevent condensation and overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If refrigerant throttling is used before cooling in the frequency converter, then cooling efficiency is improved, but condensation occurs during low-load conditions causing damage

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two cooling modes (throttled and non-throttled) based on real-time temperature detection and load conditions. The control unit adjusts the cooling strategy from static to dynamic, selecting appropriate solenoid valve configurations to prevent condensation during low-load conditions while maintaining efficient cooling during high-load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the refrigerant flow parameters (throttled vs. non-throttled) based on operating conditions. By detecting temperature and load status, the control unit switches between different refrigerant flow states, optimizing the cooling parameter to match the current operational requirements and prevent harmful condensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If refrigerant temperature is reduced for efficient cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but the frequency converter overheats during high-load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency converter temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic adjustment of refrigerant temperature based on real-time monitoring. During high-load conditions, the control unit switches to non-throttled cooling mode which provides higher refrigerant temperature and sufficient cooling capacity, preventing overheating while maintaining high cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerant temperature parameter is dynamically changed based on load conditions. The system switches between throttled (lower temperature) and non-throttled (higher temperature) modes, optimizing the temperature parameter to match cooling demands and prevent both condensation and overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single cooling loop is used, then system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling system complexityVSAvoidcooling system adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into two distinct cooling loops: a first cooling loop with throttled refrigerant and a second cooling loop with non-throttled refrigerant. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate cooling mode based on operational conditions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-loop cooling system provides multi-functionality by accommodating both low-load and high-load conditions within a single integrated system. The control unit universally manages both cooling modes, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational requirements without requiring separate independent systems.

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

Effectively prevents condensation during low-load conditions and provides sufficient cooling during high-load conditions, ensuring the frequency converter operates within a safe temperature range.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature detection module and a heat exchange module are arranged inside the frequency converter; when the temperature detection module detects that the temperature inside the frequency converter is lower than a switching temperature T

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchange module are arranged inside the frequency converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

the refrigerant at a relatively low temperature enters the frequency converter to cause that the surface temperature of elements such as a refrigerant liquid supply copper pipe, a frequency converter cooling plate, etc. inside the frequency converter is too low

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3798538B1Cooling system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3798538B1 patent drawingFigure 1

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.