Air-conditioning apparatus and refrigerant leakage detection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant leakage detection systems struggle to detect slow leaks, as the pressure reduction and resulting temperature differences are minimal, making it difficult to detect refrigerant loss in a timely manner.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning apparatus with a liquid refrigerant container, a heating unit, a temperature detection unit, and a storage unit that measures the time it takes for the container to reach a predetermined temperature after heating, allowing for comparison with a reference time period to determine refrigerant leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature difference detection method is used to detect refrigerant leakage, then detection simplicity is improved, but detection precision deteriorates for slow leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from temperature difference to heating time. By measuring how long it takes for the container to reach a predetermined temperature after heating starts, the system can detect refrigerant leakage with high precision. The heating time is stored and compared with reference values to determine if leakage has occurred, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Device complexity
If pressure reduction method is used to detect refrigerant leakage, then detection mechanism is simplified, but detection capability deteriorates for slow leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure reduction detection mechanism with a thermal field-based heating time measurement system. Instead of relying on pressure changes that are difficult to detect in slow leaks, the system uses a heating unit and temperature sensor to measure the time required for thermal energy to transfer through the refrigerant, providing reliable detection regardless of leak rate.
3Speed
If temperature difference detection is used, then detection response is faster, but detection accuracy deteriorates for minimal temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating to the container before measurement. By pre-heating the container and then measuring the time it takes for the refrigerant to absorb this thermal energy and reach a predetermined temperature, the system achieves both fast response and high accuracy. This preliminary thermal action amplifies the detection signal even for slow leaks where temperature differences are minimal.
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 method enables the detection of refrigerant leakage regardless of the leak's form, allowing for early detection of refrigerant loss and ensuring safety by estimating the refrigerant amount within the system.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the container
Implementation Method 2
a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the container
Implementation Method 3
a change in the temperature of the container is detected... the amount of refrigerant contained in the air-conditioning apparatus can be estimated
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a container in which refrigerant in a liquid state can be present; a heating unit that heats the container; a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the container; a storage unit that stores a first time period of application of heat that elapses before a detection result provided by the temperature detection unit reaches a predetermined temperature, the first time period of application of heat, and a time when the first time period of application of heat was acquired; and a leakage determination unit that compares the first time period of application of heat stored in the storage unit with a reference time period stored in the storage unit in advance and determines whether or not there is refrigerant leakage. Thus, refrigerant leakage can be detected regardless of the form of leakage.