Parallel Refrigerant Pump Control for Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigerant circulation devices with multiple pumps connected in parallel, there is a risk of refrigerant flowing back into newly attached pumps during operation, leading to decreased cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A controller is used to recognize the connection of a new pump while an existing pump is operating and temporarily stops the existing pump for a specific time, followed by controlling power supply to the new pump during this period to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pumps are connected in parallel to allow operation during pump replacement, then system availability is improved, but refrigerant backflow occurs causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary action by detecting pump connection status before backflow can occur. When a new pump is detected as connected while another pump is running, the controller proactively stops the running pump before refrigerant backflow can happen, thus preventing performance degradation while maintaining system availability.
2Ease of operation
If pumps are connected in parallel for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful backflow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring pump connection status through detection circuits. When a pump is connected or disconnected, the controller receives feedback signals and automatically adjusts pump operation accordingly, stopping the running pump when a new one is connected to prevent backflow, while allowing easy replacement through parallel connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel pump connection is allowed during operation, then adaptability is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The controller takes preliminary action by detecting pump connection status changes before they affect system stability. When a new pump is detected as connected, the controller stops the running pump in advance, preventing refrigerant backflow and maintaining flow stability while allowing flexible pump interchangeability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump system includes a housing, a plurality of pumps, and a controller. The housing includes an opening and a fluid flow path. The plurality of pumps are insertable into and removable from the housing via the opening, and are connected to the flow path by being attached to the housing. When the controller recognizes that a second pump, other than a first pump among the plurality of pumps, is connected to the flow path while the first pump of the plurality of pumps is in operation, the controller is configured or programmed to stop operation of the first pump only for a specific time. The controller is configured or programmed to control power supply to the second pump during the specific time.