Variable Water Flow Valve Control in Heat Pump Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners lack the ability to efficiently control the opening degree of variable flow valves based on installation environment and power consumption, and are not adaptable to different types of variable flow valves, affecting performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner incorporates a variable flow valve controller with a heat source water minimum flow manipulation part that sets control lower limits using dip switches, allowing for adjustable opening degrees based on operation mode and pressure changes, enabling flexible control of the variable flow valve irrespective of its type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the opening degree of variable flow valve is regulated based on compressor operating rate, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the adaptability to different installation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable flow valve that can dynamically adjust its opening degree based on different operating conditions. The valve controller receives signals from the controller and adjusts the valve opening accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying installation environments and operational requirements rather than being fixed to compressor operating rate alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from compressor operating rate to a more comprehensive set of parameters including heat source water temperature, flow rate, and environmental conditions. This allows the variable flow valve to regulate water flow based on actual thermal exchange needs rather than solely on compressor status, improving both cooling capacity and environmental adaptability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the opening degree of variable flow valve is regulated by temperature sensed by water recovery tube, then the heat recovery efficiency is improved, but the control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control system that not only senses temperature but also measures flow rate, pressure, and other parameters. The variable flow valve controller integrates multiple sensing inputs to make comprehensive control decisions, enhancing both heat recovery efficiency and control precision by considering multiple factors simultaneously rather than relying on temperature alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual water flow rate and temperature, compares it with the target values, and adjusts the variable flow valve opening degree accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system improves control precision while maintaining heat recovery efficiency by making real-time adjustments based on actual system performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed control lower limit is set for variable flow valve, then the system stability is improved, but the flexibility in power consumption regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed control lower limit with a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The variable flow valve controller can modify the minimum opening degree of the valve based on operational conditions, allowing the system to maintain stability through controlled adjustments while providing flexibility to regulate power consumption according to different installation environments and operational requirements.
4Measurement precision
If the variable flow valve controller is designed for specific valve type, then the control precision is improved, but the adaptability to different valve types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal variable flow valve controller that can work with different types of variable flow valves. The controller incorporates adaptive recognition functionality that identifies the connected valve type and automatically adjusts its control algorithm and parameters accordingly, maintaining high control precision across different valve types while eliminating the need for type-specific controller designs.
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 allows users to optimize power consumption and performance by adjusting the minimum flow rate of heat source water, enhancing cooling and heating efficiency while being compatible with various variable flow valves, thus offering selective regulation of power consumption and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a water-refrigerant heat exchanger for heat exchange between heat source water and a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a plate-type heat exchanger in which a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows and a heat source water flow path through which heat source water flows are separated by a heat transfer plate
Implementation Method 3
A pump for pumping the heat source water to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a variable flow valve for regulating the flow rate of the heat source water coming in and out of the water-refrigerant heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
which performs a cooling operation or a heating operation by sequentially compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
releasing the heat when the refrigerant is liquefied
Implementation Method 7
absorbing the surrounding heat when the refrigerant is vaporized
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner comprising: a heat pump (2) including at least one indoor unit (I) and an outdoor unit (O), the outdoor unit having a compression part (20) for compressing a refrigerant, wherein the heat pump (2) has a water-refrigerant heat exchanger (1) for condensing or evaporating the refrigerant by heat exchange with heat source water; a heat source water flow path (5) connected to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger (1); a pump (6) installed in the heat source water flow path (5); and a variable flow valve (8) installed in the heat source water flow path (5) to be capable of regulating opening degree thereof, wherein the outdoor unit (O) includes therein a main controller (100) for controlling the outdoor unit (O) and a variable flow valve controller (10) for controlling the opening degree of the variable flow valve (8).