Multi-Split Compressor Oil Volume Adjustment for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-split air conditioning systems face energy efficiency losses due to over-filled compressor oil, leading to decreased heat exchange performance and increased pressure loss, especially during installations requiring shorter piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for adjusting the oil volume in the compressor of a multi-split system, which includes an oil volume adjusting device connected to the compressor, oil separator, and outdoor heat exchanger, allowing for oil recovery and controlled discharge based on pressure loss, refrigerant flow, and pipe diameter measurements to maintain optimal oil levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional lubricating oil is added during installation to ensure sufficient lubrication in long-piping systems, then the lubrication reliability is improved, but redundant oil enters the heat exchanger and refrigerant connection pipe causing energy efficiency loss and increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of oil volume from a fixed maximum value to a dynamically adjustable value based on piping length and system configuration. The control unit calculates the appropriate oil volume and adjusts the oil storage tank level accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to different installation scenarios and avoid both insufficient and excessive oil conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of oil volume based on its own operating parameters. The control unit monitors the system configuration and automatically controls the oil supply valve to maintain the appropriate oil level in the oil storage tank, eliminating the need for manual oil addition during installation.
2Reliability
If additional lubricating oil is added during installation to ensure sufficient lubrication in long-piping systems, then the lubrication reliability is improved, but the pressure loss of refrigerant connection pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of oil volume from a fixed maximum value to a dynamically adjustable value based on piping length and system configuration. The control unit calculates the appropriate oil volume and adjusts the oil storage tank level accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to different installation scenarios and avoid both insufficient and excessive oil conditions.
3Reliability
If the oil storage tank is filled to maximum capacity during product design, then the lubrication reliability is improved for long-piping installations, but redundant oil decreases heat exchange performance in short-piping systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static oil volume in the oil storage tank into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted based on system needs. The control unit monitors the operating conditions and piping configuration, and dynamically controls the oil supply valve to maintain the optimal oil level, ensuring both lubrication reliability and heat exchange performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of oil volume from a fixed maximum value to a dynamically adjustable value based on piping length and system configuration. The control unit calculates the appropriate oil volume and adjusts the oil storage tank level accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to different installation scenarios and avoid both insufficient and excessive oil conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed maximum amount of lubricating oil is added during installation, then the system can handle long-piping installations, but the device complexity increases due to the need for oil volume adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment of oil volume based on its own operating parameters. The control unit monitors the system configuration and automatically controls the oil supply valve to maintain the appropriate oil level, eliminating the need for manual oil addition during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback about the system configuration (piping length, indoor unit ratio) and automatically adjusts the oil volume accordingly. This closed-loop control system ensures the oil storage tank contains the appropriate amount of oil for the specific installation scenario without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-split system and a method and device for adjusting an oil volume of a compressor of a multi-split system. The adjusting method comprises the following steps: recycling oil back to an oil storage tank by controlling a switch unit to turn on and an oil volume adjusting unit to turn off; when a continuous time over which the oil storage tank recycles oil reaches a first pre-set time (t1), controlling the switch unit to turn off and controlling a multi-split system to perform a test run; obtaining, according to a low-pressure piping pressure loss (P1) and a refrigerant flow (Q), a low-pressure piping pipe diameter (D) and a low-pressure refrigerant density (Den), an excess oil volume (Q2) that needs to be recycled, and obtaining, according to the excess oil volume and a maximum oil storage volume (Qz) of the oil storage tank, an oil volume to be expelled (Q3).