Liquid Refrigerant Pressure Sensing for Charge Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems face inefficiencies due to tedious and time-consuming monitoring processes for refrigerant charge levels, which require expertise to analyze temperature data and relate it to system performance, leading to suboptimal cooling efficiency and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second sensors to measure refrigerant liquid temperature and pressure, respectively, with a controller determining target pressure values based on temperature data to assess if the refrigerant charge is at, above, or below an acceptable level, and displaying the status for user indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature measuring equipment is used to monitor refrigerant charge level, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming requiring expert analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical temperature measuring equipment with an acoustic sensing system that uses sound wave propagation through the refrigerant to detect charge levels. The acoustic sensor measures sound velocity or attenuation in the refrigerant, which correlates to refrigerant density and charge level, eliminating the need for manual temperature measurements and expert analysis while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure refrigerant charge level. Instead of directly measuring temperature and requiring expert interpretation, the system uses acoustic properties of the refrigerant itself as a mediator to provide direct, automated charge level detection through changes in sound velocity or attenuation that correlate to refrigerant density.
2Measurement precision
If traditional temperature measuring equipment is used to monitor refrigerant charge level, then measurement capability is provided, but expertise is required to accurately analyze data and relate it to system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex temperature measurement and analysis systems with acoustic sensing that directly measures refrigerant charge level through sound wave properties. The acoustic sensor detects changes in sound velocity or attenuation that directly correlate to refrigerant density and charge level, providing intuitive measurements that do not require expert temperature data analysis or interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from temperature to acoustic properties (sound velocity or attenuation). This parameter change simplifies the measurement process because acoustic properties of refrigerant directly and monotonically correlate to refrigerant density and charge level, eliminating the need for expert analysis of temperature data and its relationship to system performance.
3Productivity
If refrigerant charge level is not monitored, then system operation continues, but cooling efficiency decreases and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the acoustic sensor continuously monitors refrigerant charge level and provides real-time information to the control system. When the refrigerant charge level deviates from the optimal range, the system can alert the user or automatically adjust operation, ensuring the system maintains peak cooling efficiency and prevents energy waste from improper refrigerant levels.
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 solution simplifies the monitoring of refrigerant charge levels, enhancing the efficiency of air conditioner or heat pump systems by providing accurate and user-friendly assessments of refrigerant status, thereby reducing energy costs and improving cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor is operable to provide an output indicative of a sensed refrigerant liquid temperature of a liquid refrigerant line
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor is operable to provide an output indicative of a sensed refrigerant liquid pressure in the liquid refrigerant line
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of a system includes first and second sensors. The first sensor is operable to provide an output indicative of a sensed refrigerant liquid temperature of a liquid refrigerant line that is within or extending from an outlet of a condenser coil of an air conditioner or heat pump unit. The second sensor is operable to provide an output indicative of a sensed refrigerant liquid pressure in the liquid refrigerant line. A controller is configured to determine at least one target pressure value from the output indicative of the sensed refrigerant liquid temperature of the liquid refrigerant line. The controller is configured to determine if the level of refrigerant charge is at, above, or below an acceptable level based on a comparison of the output indicative of sensed refrigerant liquid pressure to the at least one target pressure value.