Refrigerant Switching Layout for Simultaneous Cooling and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems face inefficiencies in simultaneously performing cooling and heating operations due to complex refrigerant flow management and the need for multiple switching valves, which complicates the connection between heat source and auxiliary refrigerant circuits.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning system incorporates a refrigerant flow path switching device with a configuration that allows the outdoor unit, indoor units, and heat recovery units to be connected via a simplified refrigerant circuit, using a series of connection pipes and valves to manage refrigerant flow efficiently, enabling flexible operation between cooling and heating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching valves are used to manage refrigerant flow in simultaneous cooling and heating operations, then the system can achieve flexible operation modes, but the device complexity and pipe layout become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first switching valve is configured to switch between multiple functions: connecting the first auxiliary refrigerant circuit to either the first refrigerant circuit (for heat recovery operation) or the second refrigerant circuit (for simultaneous cooling and heating operation). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate switching mechanisms for different operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heat recovery function and simultaneous cooling/heating function into a single system architecture where the first auxiliary refrigerant circuit can be integrated with either the first or second refrigerant circuit through the switching valve, consolidating multiple operations into one unified system rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching valves and complex pipe layouts are used, then the system can manage refrigerant flow for simultaneous cooling and heating, but the risk of refrigerant leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first switching valve serves multiple purposes: it controls refrigerant flow for heat recovery operations, manages refrigerant flow for simultaneous cooling and heating operations, and enables the system to transition between different operation modes. This consolidation reduces the total number of valve connection points, thereby reducing potential leakage paths.
3Loss of energy
If conventional auxiliary heat exchanger connections are used, then heat recovery can be performed, but the pipe layout becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat recovery function with the simultaneous cooling and heating function by using a single first auxiliary refrigerant circuit that can be connected to either the first refrigerant circuit or the second refrigerant circuit through the switching valve, eliminating the need for separate dedicated heat recovery circuits and reducing pipe layout complexity.
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 configuration reduces the number of switching valves required, simplifies the pipe layout, and enhances heat recovery efficiency by allowing for easy control of refrigerant flow, thereby improving the system's operational efficiency and reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (52) that causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and air
Implementation Method 2
a compressor (25) and a heat exchanger (30)
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system includes: an outdoor unit including a first refrigerant circuit that includes a compressor and a first heat exchanger; a first indoor unit disposed in a first indoor space and that includes a second heat exchanger; a second indoor unit including a third heat exchanger; an intermediate unit including an intermediate refrigerant circuit that causes the second heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger to individually function as an evaporator or a condenser; and a first auxiliary refrigerant circuit including a first auxiliary heat exchanger and a second auxiliary heat exchanger connected in series to the first auxiliary heat exchanger via a refrigerant pipe.