Method for detecting leaks in a refrigerating circuit of a compression refrigeration machine, and leak detection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting leaks in refrigeration circuits are complex, costly, and prone to misinterpretation or late detection, leading to significant refrigerant loss before leaks are identified.
Innovation Solution
A method involving four measuring points within the refrigeration circuit's internal heat exchanger to determine thermodynamic state variables, specifically temperatures, which are used to calculate a ratio that deviates from a reference value to detect leaks, allowing for immediate and reliable detection and initiation of corrective measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure measuring devices are used to detect pressure in the refrigeration circuit, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leak detection function from complex pressure measurement systems and implements it using only temperature measurements at four specific points in the refrigeration circuit. By taking out the pressure sensing requirement and replacing it with temperature-based detection, the system achieves leak detection capability without the complexity and maintenance burden of pressure measuring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure measurement system with a temperature-based detection system. Instead of using pressure sensors and mechanical gauges, the invention uses temperature sensors at four measuring points combined with thermodynamic calculations to detect leaks, thereby substituting a mechanical system with a thermal field-based system that is simpler and more reliable.
2Reliability
If pressure and temperature measurement systems are implemented, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but maintenance requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential leak detection function from complex multi-parameter measurement systems and implements it using only temperature measurements. By removing the pressure measurement requirement and relying solely on temperature data from four points combined with thermodynamic relationships, the system maintains high detection accuracy while dramatically reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural thermodynamic relationships within the refrigeration cycle itself to perform leak detection. The temperature differences at the four measuring points automatically provide the necessary information for leak detection through thermodynamic calculations, eliminating the need for external pressure sensing equipment and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Reliability
If complex leak detection methods are used, then detection reliability is improved, but detection time is delayed and refrigerant loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of temperature at four predetermined measuring points in the refrigeration circuit, allowing the system to be prepared for immediate leak detection. By continuously gathering temperature data and maintaining readiness to perform thermodynamic analysis, the system can detect leaks immediately when they occur, preventing delayed detection and associated refrigerant loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature at all four measuring points and continuously evaluates temperature differences for leak detection. This continuous operation ensures that leaks are detected immediately when they occur rather than periodically, maintaining high detection reliability while minimizing detection time and preventing refrigerant loss through early intervention.
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 approach enables continuous, simple, and reliable leak detection, allowing for prompt action to minimize refrigerant loss and ensure safety, even identifying small leaks, with a structure that is maintenance-intensive and less prone to errors.
Implementation Method 1
one internal heat exchanger, which are connected to one another by lines containing a refrigerant, wherein the internal heat exchanger is arranged between the evaporator and the compressor and between the condenser and the pressure reducer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting leaks in a refrigerating circuit (100) of a compression refrigeration machine and to a leak detection system. The refrigerating circuit (100) has at least one evaporator (120), a compressor (130), a condenser (140), a pressure reducer, and an inner heat exchanger (160) which are connected together via lines. wherein a refrigerant is conducted in the lines, and the inner heat exchanger (160) is arranged between the evaporator (120) and the compressor (130) and between the condenser (140) and the pressure reducer. The temperature of the refrigerant is detected in the region of the inner heat exchanger (160) at the inlets and outlets, and a value is ascertained therefrom which is compared with a reference value. If the value deviates from the reference value, a leak is occurring.