Refrigeration cycle device and refrigeration cycle system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor gas sensors used for refrigerant detection experience changes in detection characteristics when exposed to gases for extended periods, leading to potential overlooking of leaks or false detections, which can result in increased indoor refrigerant concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus and system that includes a controller which operates an air-sending fan to diffuse leaked refrigerant and stops electric supply to the refrigerant detection unit when the fan's rotation speed exceeds a threshold, reducing the detection unit's exposure time and maintaining its characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric refrigerant detection unit is continuously supplied with electricity to maintain detection capability, then the detection reliability is improved, but the detection characteristics change due to long-term exposure to gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the electric refrigerant detection unit to operate only during necessary detection periods rather than continuously. The controller activates the detection unit when refrigerant leakage is suspected and deactivates it when not needed, thereby maintaining detection reliability while preventing characteristic degradation from prolonged gas exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies discarding and recovering by temporarily deactivating the electric refrigerant detection unit after it has served its detection purpose. The controller manages the power supply to the detection unit, cutting power when detection is complete and restoring it when needed again, thus preserving the unit's detection characteristics while maintaining operational reliability.
2Speed
If the air-sending fan operates at high rotation speed to rapidly diffuse leaked refrigerant, then the safety response speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the air-sending fan to variable its rotation speed according to operational conditions. The controller adjusts the fan speed dynamically - operating at high speed when refrigerant leakage is detected to ensure rapid diffusion, and at lower speeds during normal operation to reduce energy consumption, thus balancing safety response with energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the rotation speed parameter of the air-sending fan based on system state. The controller changes the fan's operational parameters (rotation speed) in response to detection signals, increasing speed for rapid refrigerant diffusion when needed and decreasing speed for energy conservation during normal conditions.
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 reduces the change in detection characteristics of the refrigerant detection unit, ensuring reliable leak detection and preventing local increases in refrigerant concentration, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the indoor air-sending fan is rotated when the leakage of the refrigerant is detected so that indoor air is sucked through an air inlet formed in the casing of the indoor unit and air is blown off to the indoor space through an air outlet. In this manner, the leaked refrigerant can be diffused.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate refrigerant, a heat exchanger unit accommodating a heat exchanger of the refrigerant circuit, and a controller configured to control the heat exchanger unit, in which the heat exchanger unit includes an air-sending fan, and an electric refrigerant detection unit, the controller is configured to operate the air-sending fan when the controller detects leakage of the refrigerant on the basis of a detection signal from the electric refrigerant detection unit, and the controller is configured to stop electric supply to the electric refrigerant detection unit when a rotation speed of the air-sending fan becomes equal to or larger than a first threshold value under a state in which the electric refrigerant detection unit is supplied with electricity.