Heat Exchanger Air Inlet Sensing for Precise AC Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unitary-type air conditioners face challenges in precise temperature control due to limitations in wireless communication between different manufacturer products, leading to incomplete control signals and cumbersome wired connections, which hinder efficient heating and cooling operations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed air conditioner integrates a temperature sensing device within the heat exchanger, allowing for precise control of refrigerant flow and indoor temperature measurement, combined with a wireless communication system for improved control signal transmission, reducing the impact of natural convection and enhancing installation convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermostat is installed indoors to measure temperature and transmit control signals, then temperature control functionality is achieved, but wireless communication compatibility between different manufacturers' products is difficult and control signal precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing device with the heat exchanger assembly, integrating multiple functions (temperature sensing, refrigerant flow control, heat exchange) into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate thermostat installations and improves compatibility by having the air conditioner independently measure and control temperature without relying on external thermostats from different manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensing device and the expansion valve, receiving temperature data and automatically adjusting refrigerant flow accordingly. This internal control mechanism replaces the need for wireless communication with external thermostats, ensuring precise and compatible temperature control.
2Reliability
If a wired connection is used to transmit control signals from the thermostat to the indoor unit, then control signal transmission is reliable, but installation complexity increases due to the need to connect communication lines through walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an integrated electronic control system. The temperature sensing device and controller are built into the air conditioner unit itself, eliminating the need for physical communication lines running through walls and significantly simplifying installation while maintaining reliable control signal transmission.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature sensing device is positioned close to the heat exchanger, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement is affected by natural convection from the heat exchanger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the temperature sensing device to measure the temperature of air entering the heat exchanger, rather than air near the heat exchanger surfaces where convection occurs. This local measurement approach captures the true ambient temperature without being influenced by heat exchanger-induced convection currents.
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
This solution enables precise indoor temperature control and reduces installation complexity by allowing for accurate measurement and control of indoor temperature, improving the efficiency and convenience of heating and cooling operations in unitary-type air conditioners.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensing device sensing a temperature of the air introduced into the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
exchanging heat between refrigerant and air flowing through an evaporator or condenser
Implementation Method 3
air flowing through an evaporator or condenser
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner may include a heat exchanger having a first cooling coil and a second cooling coil inclined toward each other, an inlet formed between a lower end of the first cooling coil and a lower end of the second cooling coil to allow air to pass through, an inside air duct through which air introduced to the inlet flows, an air supply duct through which the air passing through the heat exchanger flows, a fan causing air passing through the heat exchanger to flow, and a temperature sensor sensing a temperature of the air introduced into the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plate positioned between the first cooling coil and the second cooling coil. The plate may have a sensor insertion hole into which the temperature sensing device is inserted. By measuring the temperature of the air introduced into the heat exchanger, more accurate control information may be provided.