Refrigerant Pulse Charging Control for Accurate AC Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning system recharging methods are slow and inaccurate, particularly as the target refrigerant level is approached, due to pressure equalization and ideal-gas-law-related changes in temperature.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the desired refrigerant amount, transfer less than the desired amount initially, calculate incremental amounts based on sensor readings, and adjust pulse periods to efficiently add refrigerant, using a processor-controlled valve and sensor system to achieve precise charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the recharging unit uses periodic pulse charging with scale monitoring to achieve accurate refrigerant transfer, then the charging accuracy is improved, but the charging speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pulse period variable rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the pulse period dynamically based on the difference between current and target refrigerant charges. As the charge approaches the target, the pulse period automatically shortens, enabling faster charging when accuracy is less critical and slower charging when precision is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pulse period from a constant value to a variable that depends on the charging state. By calculating the ratio of remaining charge needed to incremental charge per pulse and multiplying by an initial pulse period, the system adapts the charging parameters in real-time, achieving both speed and accuracy through parameter optimization
2Device complexity
If the recharging unit operates with fixed pulse periods to simplify control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the refrigerant charge using a scale and comparing it to the target charge. The controller uses this feedback information to calculate the remaining charge needed and adjust the pulse period accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables accurate charging without requiring complex hardware, as the sophistication is achieved through control logic rather than device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating the optimal pulse period based on real-time charging status. The controller computes the ratio of remaining charge to incremental charge and self-regulates the pulse timing without external intervention, achieving high accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Productivity
If the recharging unit uses longer pulse periods to increase charging speed, then the productivity is improved, but the temperature changes due to ideal-gas-law effects worsen, leading to inaccurate charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the pulse period based on the charging state rather than using a fixed long pulse period. By calculating the ratio of remaining charge needed to the incremental charge per pulse and multiplying by an initial pulse period, the system optimizes pulse duration in real-time, achieving fast charging when appropriate while avoiding excessive temperature changes that would compromise accuracy
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
The method and system significantly improve the speed and accuracy of refrigerant charging, ensuring the air conditioning system reaches the optimal refrigerant level efficiently and effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a scale that supports and monitors how much refrigerant is in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a valve that regulates the rate at which the refrigerant flows out of the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
due at least in part to the ideal-gas-law-related changes in temperature associated with pressure changes as the refrigerant enters the air conditioning system and exits the recharging unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.