Method for installing refrigerant cycle apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The refrigerant cycle apparatuses face challenges in safely transporting and installing, as they may be damaged without refrigerants, and there is a need for both non-flammable and flammable refrigerants to meet market demands while reducing global warming impact.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the recovery and regeneration of refrigerants with low global warming potential but non-flammability or non-toxicity from existing facilities, allowing for the reuse of refrigerants in new installations, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a refrigerant cycle apparatus is transported without refrigerant, then transportation safety is improved, but the apparatus may be damaged during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by recovering the refrigerant from the apparatus before transportation occurs. This preparatory step ensures the apparatus is in a safe state for transport while preventing damage by maintaining proper system pressure and preventing contamination that could occur with empty or improperly filled systems.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a flammable refrigerant with low GWP is used, then global warming impact is reduced, but safety concerns arise in buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from using flammable refrigerants with low GWP to using non-flammable refrigerants with higher GWP in building applications. This changes the safety parameters of the refrigerant system while accepting the trade-off of increased global warming potential, thereby ensuring building safety requirements are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harm of higher GWP refrigerants into a benefit by prioritizing building safety. The non-flammable nature of the refrigerant eliminates safety hazards in buildings, and the patent acknowledges this trade-off by accepting the higher GWP as necessary for safe building operation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a new refrigerant cycle apparatus is installed with flammable refrigerant, then low GWP requirement is met, but compatibility with safety regulations may be an issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting refrigerants with specific safety characteristics (non-flammable) that meet building and regulatory requirements. This ensures the installed apparatus is compatible with safety regulations while still addressing environmental concerns through refrigerant recovery and regeneration programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by removing flammable refrigerants from existing systems and recovering them for proper disposal or regeneration. This allows new apparatus to be installed with safe, non-flammable refrigerants while managing the transition from old refrigerant types in compliance with regulations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method disclosed herein includes installing a refrigerant cycle apparatus (100). The refrigerant cycle apparatus (100) includes a first heat source unit (30), a utilization unit (10), and a connection pipe (20). The method includes a first refrigerant recovery step (S102) and a second refrigerant accommodation step (S107). In the first refrigerant recovery step (S102), a first refrigerant (R1) is recovered from the first heat source unit (30). The first refrigerant (R1) has a first GWP and at least one of flammability or toxicity. In the second refrigerant accommodation step (S107), a second refrigerant (R2) is accommodated in the first heat source unit (30). The second refrigerant (R2) is recovered and regenerated from an existing facility (200), has a second GWP, and has at least one of non-flammability or non-toxicity.