Refrigerant Detection Using Gas Phase Area Ratio at Zero Subcooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigerant leakage detection methods are unable to accurately quantify refrigerant leakage when the subcooling degree at the condenser outlet is 0°C, necessitating complete refrigerant removal and replacement, which is burdensome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant detection apparatus that calculates the gas phase area ratio using temperature and enthalpy differences, allowing for precise refrigerant amount detection even at zero kelvin subcooling, by comparing this ratio to a standard value and outputting the calculated amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional subcooling degree detection method is used, then refrigerant leakage can be detected when subcooling degree is greater than 0°C, but accurate quantification of leakage amount is impossible and detection cannot be performed when subcooling degree is 0°C
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from subcooling degree to gas phase area ratio. When subcooling degree is 0°C (making conventional detection impossible), the system calculates the gas phase area ratio using temperature differences and enthalpy differences, enabling continuous detection across all operating conditions including zero subcooling states.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces gas phase area ratio as an intermediary parameter to bridge the detection gap. This intermediary allows the system to detect refrigerant leakage even when the primary parameter (subcooling degree) becomes ineffective at 0°C, maintaining detection capability across all conditions.
2Reliability
If complete refrigerant removal and replacement is performed, then accurate refrigerant amount can be restored, but maintenance work becomes burdensome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical process of complete refrigerant removal and replacement with a calculation-based detection system. By using gas phase area ratio calculations from temperature and enthalpy data, the system provides accurate refrigerant amount information without requiring physical intervention to remove and refill refrigerant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis of refrigerant leakage by automatically calculating the gas phase area ratio and comparing it with standard values. This allows the refrigeration system to identify and quantify its own refrigerant loss without external intervention, reducing maintenance burden and time.
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
Enables accurate quantification of refrigerant leakage, reducing the need for complete refrigerant removal and replacement, thereby minimizing maintenance time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature difference which is a difference between an outdoor temperature and a condensation temperature of the refrigerant, a second temperature difference which is a difference between a refrigerant discharge temperature of the compressor and the condensation temperature
Implementation Method 2
an enthalpy difference of the refrigerant between an inlet of the condenser and an outlet of the condenser
Data Source
AI summary
When the subcooling degree is determined to be at zero kelvin, a calculation unit calculates a gas phase area ratio of the outdoor heat exchanger, using a first temperature difference which is a difference between an outdoor temperature and a condensation temperature of a refrigerant, a second temperature difference which is a difference between a refrigerant discharge temperature and the condensation temperature, an enthalpy difference of the refrigerant between an inlet and an outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a specific heat at constant pressure gas of the refrigerant. The calculation unit compares the gas phase area ratio with a standard value set as a standard for the gas phase area ratio, and calculates a refrigerant amount in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, based on a comparison result.