Method and apparatus for risk reduction during refrigerant leak
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face challenges in detecting refrigerant leaks and modifying operations to prevent health and fire hazards when refrigerant enters enclosed spaces, as existing systems only adjust the variable-speed circulation fan of the affected system without addressing the risk across interconnected HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize multiple leak detectors to monitor refrigerant leaks across interconnected HVAC systems, triggering a warning signal that activates variable-speed circulation fans, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and smoke detectors in other systems to disperse refrigerant and alert users, thereby reducing fire hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circulation fan of the affected HVAC system is activated to disperse refrigerant, then the refrigerant dispersion effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple HVAC systems into a coordinated network where controllers communicate refrigerant leak warnings between systems. When a leak is detected in one system, the circulation fans of other systems are activated to assist in dispersing the refrigerant throughout the building, merging the safety functions of multiple systems to achieve better dispersion effectiveness while distributing the energy burden across multiple units.
2Reliability
If multiple HVAC systems are interconnected to respond to refrigerant leaks, then the safety coverage is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controllers in each HVAC system are designed with multi-functionality, serving both their primary climate control function and a secondary safety function by detecting refrigerant leaks and communicating with other systems. This universal design allows multiple systems to contribute to safety coverage without requiring separate dedicated safety systems, thereby improving safety coverage while managing complexity through existing infrastructure.
3Speed
If the circulation fan operates at high speed to disperse refrigerant quickly, then the response time is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation fans are configured with variable speed operation, allowing them to adjust their rotational speed dynamically based on the severity and location of the refrigerant leak. During active leak response, fans operate at higher speeds to achieve rapid dispersion. The system monitors the situation and adjusts fan speeds accordingly, maintaining high dispersion capability when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation or when the leak is successfully contained.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring a refrigerant leak. The method includes monitoring, by a first controller, operation of a first HVAC system for conditioning air within a first level of a residence, monitoring, by a second controller, operation of a second HVAC system for conditioning air within a second level of the residence and determining, using a plurality of leak detectors, whether refrigerant within the first HVAC system is leaking. Responsive to a positive determination in the determining step, receiving, by the first controller, a refrigerant leak warning signal, forwarding, by the first controller to the second controller, the refrigerant leak warning signal. Responsive to receiving the refrigerant leak warning signal from the first controller, activating, by the second controller, a variable-speed circulation fan of the second HVAC system.