Refrigerant Charge Detection Using Internal Circuit Data Only
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting refrigerant leaks in air-conditioning systems are inaccurate due to reliance on external data and compensation for various parameters, leading to HVAC system failures and high environmental and economic costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the total refrigerant charge in a cooling circuit using only internal data, including geometric and technical parameters, pressure, temperature, and enthalpy measurements, allowing for precise leak detection by calculating the mass flow and phase quantities of refrigerant within the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external data and multiple parameter compensations are used for leak detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to the complexity of compensating for expansion devices, fan speeds, filter clogging, and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dependency on external data (exterior temperature, hydrometry level) and complex parameter compensations from the leak detection method. By using only internal circuit data (pressures, temperatures measured within the cooling circuit), the method achieves accurate leak detection without the precision losses associated with compensating for multiple external variables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If empirical methods with multiple parameter compensations are used, then the adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to compensate for expansion devices, fan speeds, filter clogging, and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the cooling circuit's own internal parameters (pressures and temperatures at various points) are used to detect leaks. The system serves itself by using its inherent operational data without requiring external sensors or complex compensation mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If internal data only is used for determining refrigerant charge, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information occurs by excluding external data such as exterior temperature and hydrometry level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully extracts and eliminates the need for external environmental data (exterior temperature, hydrometry level) from the refrigerant charge determination process. By demonstrating that internal circuit data alone is sufficient for accurate charge level assessment, the method avoids the information loss and complexity associated with incorporating and processing external environmental parameters.
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 enhances the accuracy of refrigerant leak detection, reducing HVAC system failures and environmental impact by using existing sensors and eliminating external data dependencies, enabling early intervention and reducing refrigerant emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator (3) and a condenser (4). The cooling circuit (1) also comprises an expansion valve (10)
Implementation Method 2
the evaporator (3) and a condenser (4)
Implementation Method 3
sensors (13, 14) capable of measuring physical characteristics of the refrigerant in different parts of the circuit corresponding to different enthalpy levels
Implementation Method 4
sensors (13, 14) capable of measuring physical characteristics of the refrigerant in different parts of the circuit corresponding to different enthalpy levels
Implementation Method 5
a compressor (2), a condenser (4), an expansion valve (10) and an evaporator (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a level of refrigerant charge in a cooling circuit of an air-conditioning system and a module for leak detection are provided. The method includes determining a total quantity of refrigerant contained in the cooling circuit of the air-conditioning system solely based on data internal to the air-conditioning system.