Method for cleaning air conditioner and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner cleaning methods are ineffective in sterilizing microorganisms such as bacteria and mold, which breed on the heat exchanger surfaces due to condensation in high-temperature weather, leading to poor cleanliness inside the unit.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a frosting-defrosting process followed by quick cooling sterilization, where the air conditioner controls frosting and defrosting based on set conditions, then reduces the heat exchanger temperature to a sterilization temperature, utilizing a sharp temperature change to kill bacteria and mold, thereby enhancing cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing self-cleaning functions (heat-exchanger spray rinsing or steam washing) are used, then dirt such as dust and oil stains can be cleaned, but sterilization effect on microorganisms like bacteria and mold is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically during the cleaning process. It starts with high temperature (60-70℃) for sterilization, then rapidly drops to low temperature (0-5℃) for the frosting-sterilization effect. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both dirt cleaning and effective sterilization of microorganisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water on the heat exchanger surface. By controlling the temperature to drop below freezing point, frost forms on the heat exchanger surface, which mechanically removes and kills microorganisms. This phase transition from liquid to solid provides the sterilization effect that conventional cleaning methods cannot achieve
2Reliability
If high temperature sterilization is applied to kill microorganisms, then sterilization effect is improved, but energy consumption increases and time required for cleaning extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action with distinct phases: high-temperature sterilization phase followed by low-temperature frosting phase. This periodic temperature variation achieves thorough sterilization while controlling the total cleaning time within 30-60 minutes, preventing excessive energy consumption and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the phase transition to frost formation, the patent achieves rapid sterilization. The frosting process itself kills microorganisms through mechanical action and temperature drop, reducing the need for prolonged high-temperature exposure and thereby shortening overall cleaning time
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 method effectively strips dirt and kills microorganisms on the heat exchanger, improving the overall cleanliness of the air conditioner by utilizing the frosting-defrosting and quick cooling sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
controlling frosting on the surface of a target heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
controlling defrosting of the frost on the target heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
reducing the surface temperature of the target heat exchanger to a sterilization temperature, and carrying out quick cooling sterilization
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for cleaning an air conditioner, comprising: in response to a cleaning instruction, controlling frosting on the surface of a target heat exchanger; after a frosting completion condition is met, controlling defrosting of the frost on the target heat exchanger; and after a defrosting completion condition is met, reducing the surface temperature of the target heat exchanger to a sterilization temperature, and carrying out quick cooling sterilization, wherein the temperature difference between the sterilization temperature and the defrosting temperature during defrosting meets a set temperature change sterilization condition. In the method, frosting-defrosting and quick cooling sterilization processes are carried out successively. By means of a frosting-defrosting process, dirt such as dust on the heat exchanger may be effectively stripped and deep bacteria may be exposed, and then the quick cooling sterilization process may kill the bacteria by utilizing the sharp temperature change during switching from the defrosting process to the quick cooling process. Also disclosed is the air conditioner.