Fill level sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to continuously or accurately determine the loading condition and changes in the loading status of activated carbon beds used in adsorbers for refrigeration circuits, leading to unpredictable breakthroughs and safety risks due to flammable gases like R290.
Innovation Solution
An adsorber device with an activated charcoal bed, gas inlet, gas outlet, and conveying fan, equipped with multiple loading measuring points and a gas detector, allows for continuous monitoring of the loading status and changes over time, enabling timely filter changes and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical sensors are used to detect critical gas concentrations, then detection capability is improved, but explosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors with a mechanical measurement system consisting of a pressure sensor and a model-based concentration calculation. The pressure sensor measures pressure changes in the hermetically sealed space, and a control unit calculates gas concentration based on pressure differential, temperature, and volume data, eliminating the need for electrical sensors inside the explosive atmosphere
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by measuring pressure changes as an indirect indicator of gas concentration. Instead of directly detecting gas concentration with electrical sensors inside the sealed space, the system measures pressure changes caused by gas accumulation and calculates concentration from these indirect measurements, thereby avoiding direct electrical sensor exposure to explosive atmospheres
2Object-affected harmful factors
If activated carbon bed is used to adsorb leaked working fluid, then safety against contamination is improved, but loading status monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where pressure sensors continuously monitor pressure changes in the hermetically sealed space containing the activated carbon bed. The control unit processes this pressure data to calculate and determine the loading status of the activated carbon bed, providing continuous feedback information about adsorption capacity and enabling timely maintenance decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct loading status measurement (which would require intrusive sensors in the activated carbon bed) with a mechanical substitution approach using pressure sensors in the sealed space. The loading status is inferred from pressure changes caused by adsorption processes, eliminating the need for complex sensors within the carbon bed structure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hermetically sealed space is used to contain working fluid, then leakage prevention is improved, but gas accumulation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring feedback by using pressure sensors to detect pressure changes in the hermetically sealed space. When pressure changes indicate gas accumulation reaching critical levels, the control unit can trigger alarm signals or ventilation activation, providing feedback that enables timely intervention before explosion hazards arise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring pressure changes and calculating gas concentrations before critical explosion limits are reached. The system provides early warning signals when gas accumulation approaches dangerous levels, enabling preventive measures to be taken before the situation becomes critical
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 continuous monitoring of the activated carbon bed's loading status, reducing the risk of gas breakthrough and allowing for proactive maintenance, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in refrigeration systems.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorber to adsorb flammable working fluid that has leaked from a refrigeration unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for the adsorptive separation of gaseous working fluid exiting a refrigeration system operated in an indoor space, wherein an adsorber is provided with a flowable activated carbon bed as well as a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the adsorber has a conveying blower, has a gas detector at the gas inlet, and a plurality of loading measuring points are arranged in the activated carbon bed, with which the loading state and its change over time over the bed length are determined.