Mode Conversion Subcooling for Multi-Split Refrigerant Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-type air conditioners face challenges in preventing refrigerant from overheating into a pure gas state after heat exchange, while ensuring a suitable subcooling degree for indoor units during cooling operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mode conversion unit with subcooling units and a subcooling expansion valve, which subcools refrigerant before it enters indoor units, and using refrigerant pipes to manage refrigerant flow, ensuring proper subcooling and heat exchange to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If subcooling units are added to subcool refrigerant before it enters indoor units, then subcooling degree is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subcooling units are integrated into the existing refrigerant circulation system by nesting them within the refrigerant pipes. The refrigerant pipe is configured to pass through the subcooling units, allowing the subcooling function to be embedded within the existing system structure rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant pipe serves multiple functions: it transports refrigerant between components and simultaneously acts as a heat exchange medium by passing through the subcooling units. This multi-functionality allows the subcooling feature to be added without requiring dedicated separate piping systems.
2Productivity
If refrigerant is subcooled before entering indoor units, then cooling efficiency is improved, but risk of refrigerant overheating into pure gas state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subcooling units are positioned to subcool the refrigerant in advance before it enters the indoor units. The refrigerant pipe is configured to pass through the subcooling units at strategic locations, ensuring the refrigerant achieves the desired subcooling degree before reaching the indoor units, thereby preventing overheating and maintaining stable liquid state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to detect the state of refrigerant and controls the subcooling process accordingly. By monitoring refrigerant temperature and adjusting subcooling levels, the system maintains the refrigerant in the appropriate liquid state without over-subcooling or allowing it to overheat into pure gas state.
3Volume of moving object
If subcooling units are integrated into refrigerant pipes, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The subcooling units are nested within the refrigerant pipes, with the refrigerant pipe passing through the subcooling units. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization by embedding the subcooling function within the existing pipe structure, eliminating the need for separate external subcooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant circulation system is segmented into distinct functional sections, with subcooling units positioned at specific locations where subcooling is needed. The refrigerant pipe is divided into sections that pass through different subcooling units, allowing modular assembly and simplifying manufacturing by enabling independent production of pipe sections and subcooling units.
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 effectively prevents refrigerant from overheating into a pure gas state, maintaining a suitable subcooling degree for each indoor unit, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the air conditioner.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of subcooling units, during a cooling operation, are configured to subcool a refrigerant of a low temperature before the refrigerant of lower temperature is introduced to the plurality of indoor units
Implementation Method 2
The subcooling expansion valve may be disposed on the subcooling refrigerant pipe to expand a refrigerant under decompression before the refrigerant is introduced into the plurality of subcooling units
Implementation Method 3
Each one of the plurality of indoor units may include an indoor heat exchanger to exchange heat with indoor air
Implementation Method 4
an outdoor heat exchanger to exchange heat with outdoor air
Implementation Method 5
The outdoor unit may include a compressor to compress a refrigerant
Implementation Method 6
an indoor expansion valve to expand the refrigerant under decompression before the refrigerant is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger during a cooling operation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-type air conditioner includes an outdoor unit disposed at an exterior space, a plurality of indoor units disposed at interior spaces, and a mode conversion unit connected to the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units through refrigerant pipes to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the plurality of indoor units. The mode conversion unit includes a plurality of subcooling units which are configured to subcool a refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced to the plurality of indoor units, using a subcooling refrigerant pipe which sequentially passes through at least one of the plurality of subcooling units, so that a refrigerant after having passed through the subcooling unit, is in a state of pure gas while ensuring a desired subcooling degree that is suitable for each indoor unit.