Heat Source Unit Valve Switching for Simultaneous Cooling and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner systems face challenges in efficiently performing simultaneous cooling and heating operations, particularly in managing refrigerant flow and heat exchange to maintain stable operation and prevent ice buildup in outdoor heat exchangers.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner system incorporates a configuration with two heat exchange sections and four-way switching valves that allow for flexible operation modes, including simultaneous cooling and heating, by switching the roles of the heat exchange sections as radiators and evaporators, and using a secondary heat exchange section to reduce ice formation and maintain refrigerant balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single heat exchange section is used in outdoor units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform simultaneous cooling and heating operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor heat exchanger is divided into two independent heat exchange sections (first heat exchange section and second heat exchange section), each capable of functioning independently as an evaporator or radiator. This segmentation enables flexible configuration for simultaneous cooling and heating operations while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each heat exchange section is designed to be multi-functional, capable of serving as either an evaporator or a radiator depending on the operational mode. The switching valves enable each section to adapt its function dynamically, allowing the system to perform cooling, heating, or simultaneous operations using the same physical components
2Productivity
If refrigerant flow is increased to enhance cooling capacity, then cooling performance improves, but ice accumulation in the heat exchanger increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the heat exchanger into two sections, the system can distribute refrigerant flow across both sections during cooling operation. This prevents excessive refrigerant concentration in a single section, reducing the risk of ice accumulation while maintaining adequate cooling capacity through combined heat exchange area
Solution Approach 2:
The second heat exchange section can be optimized with different characteristics (such as smaller size or different heat transfer properties) compared to the first section. This local differentiation allows the second section to handle specific cooling loads without creating conditions favorable for ice accumulation, while the first section provides the primary cooling capacity
3Volume of moving object
If the heat exchanger size is reduced to compact the outdoor unit, then the device size is reduced, but the heat exchange efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger is segmented into two compact sections that can be arranged in a space-efficient configuration within the outdoor unit housing. This segmentation allows for optimized spatial utilization, maintaining compact overall dimensions while preserving sufficient total heat exchange area and efficiency through the combined capability of both sections
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 configuration enables stable operation by ensuring adequate heat exchange, preventing excessive refrigerant pressure and ice accumulation, and optimizing cooling and heating capacities, thus enhancing the system's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (11) configured to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchange section (21) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and air; a second heat exchange section (22) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the air
Implementation Method 3
exchange heat between the refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 4
exchange heat between the refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 5
a first switching valve (35) configured to switch between a first state where the first switching valve (35) brings the high and low pressure gas connection pipe (3) and a discharge side of the compressor (11) into communication with each other
Data Source
AI summary
A heat source unit includes a first switching valve configured to switch between a first state where the first switching valve brings a high and low pressure gas connection pipe and a discharge side of a compressor into communication with each other and a second state where the first switching valve brings the high and low pressure gas connection pipe and a suction side of the compressor into communication with each other; and a second switching valve configured to switch between a third state where while the second switching valve brings the discharge side of the compressor and a gas end of a first heat exchange section into communication with each other, the second switching valve brings the suction side of the compressor and a gas end of the second heat exchange section into communication with each other and a fourth state where while the second switching valve brings the discharge side of the compressor and the gas end of the second heat exchange section into communication with each other, the second switching valve brings the suction side of the compressor and the gas end of the first heat exchange section into communication with each other.