Heat Pump Load Unit Airflow for Refrigerant Leakage Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In air conditioning apparatuses, there is a lack of effective definition for the positional relationship among the relay unit fan, intermediate heat exchanger, and opening port, leading to stagnation and ineffective diffusion of leaking refrigerant, resulting in localized increases in indoor refrigerant concentration.
Innovation Solution
A heat pump apparatus with a refrigerant circuit and a load unit that includes a load-side heat exchanger positioned in an air passage isolated from the heat medium circuit chamber, featuring an air inlet and outlet at different heights to facilitate the circulation and discharge of refrigerant, preventing stagnation and promoting vertical air flow for diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay unit fan is operated continuously to suppress refrigerant concentration, then refrigerant leakage safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by operating the ventilation fan only when refrigerant leakage is detected, rather than continuously. The control unit monitors refrigerant concentration and activates the fan in response to leakage events, achieving safety requirements while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the control unit continuously monitors refrigerant concentration and adjusts ventilation fan operation accordingly. When refrigerant concentration exceeds safe levels, the fan is activated; when levels are normal, operation ceases. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while optimizing energy usage.
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
The solution effectively prevents refrigerant stagnation within the casing and disperses leaked refrigerant indoors, reducing the risk of localized concentration and flammable regions.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (235), an air inlet (231) configured to suck indoor air therethrough, an air outlet (232) formed at a height position different from a height position of the air inlet (231), and configured to blow indoors the air sucked through the air inlet (231)
Implementation Method 2
an air outlet (232) formed at a height position different from a height position of the air inlet (231)
Data Source
AI summary
A load unit includes a water circuit chamber configured to accommodate at least a part of a water circuit configured to allow water to flow therethrough, a fan, an air inlet formed at a height positioned different from that of the air inlet and configured to suck indoor air therethrough, an air outlet configured to blow indoors the air sucked through the air inlet, and an air passage formed between the air inlet and the air outlet so as to be isolated from the water circuit chamber. A load-side heat exchanger is provided in the air passage.