Ceiling Indoor Unit Layout for Removable Refrigerant Leak Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration apparatuses using low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants face challenges in detecting refrigerant leakage effectively, which is crucial for environmental protection and system reliability.
Innovation Solution
The indoor unit of a refrigeration apparatus is designed with a casing and a plate-shaped member, incorporating a gas sensor that can detect refrigerant leakage by being positioned adjacent to a support member and removable for maintenance, allowing for efficient detection and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gas sensor is installed inside the casing to detect refrigerant leakage, then the detection reliability is improved, but the ease of replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The indoor unit is divided into an upper casing and a lower plate-shaped member that can be separated from each other. The gas sensor is installed on the inner surface of the plate-shaped member, allowing the sensor to remain accessible for replacement while maintaining its detection function within the enclosed space when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas sensor is extracted from the interior of the casing by mounting it on the separable plate-shaped member. This allows the sensor to be easily removed and replaced by simply detaching the plate-shaped member from the casing, without requiring disassembly of the entire unit or access to internal components.
2Ease of repair
If the gas sensor is positioned to be removable when the plate-shaped member is shifted, then the ease of replacement is improved, but the detection precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-shaped member is pre-positioned to cover the blow-in port, creating a controlled detection zone. The gas sensor is strategically placed on the inner surface of this member to detect refrigerant leakage at the source before it disperses, maintaining high detection precision while allowing easy access for replacement.
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 reliable detection of refrigerant leakage, facilitating maintenance and ensuring the system's operational integrity while adhering to environmental protection standards.
Implementation Method 1
The gas sensor is installed at or adjacent to the support member, and detects refrigerant leakage
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger allows a refrigerant larger in specific gravity than air to flow therein
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor unit of a refrigeration apparatus, to be disposed in a ceiling, includes a casing that has blow-out ports and a blow-in port disposed in a lower surface, a plate-shaped member disposed below the blow-in port, and a filter disposed above an opening in the plate-shaped member. The casing accommodates a heat exchanger, a control board, a support member supporting the control board, and a gas sensor disposed at or adjacent to the support member and between the casing and the plate-shaped member. The gas sensor detects the refrigerant flowing out of the blow-in port due to refrigerant leakage, and the gas sensor is removable when the plate-shaped member is shifted.