A computer implemented method, a computer program, and an apparatus for the diagnosis of anomalies in a refrigeration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing anomalies in refrigeration systems are often complex, costly, and require direct measurements, which can lead to inefficient operation and high repair costs, especially for detecting issues like refrigerant leaks and dirt accumulation, and lack the capability for automatic and complete diagnosis of multiple anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that includes a learning mode process to measure operating parameters under known conditions, defining anomalies and their associated variations, and an evaluation process using Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms to automatically diagnose anomalies based on indirect measurements, comparing measured values against healthy and virtual reference values to identify specific anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement methods are used to detect anomalies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses indirect measurement parameters (intermediaries) such as operating parameters, energy consumption, and performance metrics to detect anomalies instead of direct physical measurement of the anomalies themselves. This mediator approach allows detection of refrigerant leaks, dirt accumulation, and other faults through their effects on system operation rather than direct observation, reducing measurement system complexity while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with computational analysis methods. Instead of using sophisticated physical sensors and measurement devices to directly detect anomalies, the system uses processors to analyze patterns in operational data, replacing mechanical/physical measurement complexity with information processing
2Measurement precision
If direct measurement is used for anomaly detection, then detection capability is improved, but loss of time increases due to late detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent continuously monitors and analyzes operational parameters in real-time, performing preliminary detection of anomaly indicators before they develop into significant problems. By constantly evaluating system performance data, energy consumption patterns, and operational metrics, the system detects early signs of refrigerant leaks, dirt accumulation, and other faults before they cause major damage or require costly repairs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where operational data is constantly collected, analyzed, and used to adjust monitoring sensitivity and trigger alerts. The feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from operational patterns and improve anomaly detection timing, providing warnings early in the anomaly development process rather than waiting for direct measurement thresholds to be exceeded
3Device complexity
If indirect measurement methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anomaly detection task into multiple independent analysis components, each evaluating specific operational parameters (energy consumption, performance metrics, operational patterns). By dividing the detection problem into segments and analyzing each with appropriate methods, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy through comprehensive multi-parameter evaluation rather than relying on a single imprecise indirect measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a composite diagnostic approach by combining multiple indirect measurement data sources (operational parameters, energy data, performance metrics) into a unified anomaly detection framework. This composite methodology synthesizes information from various indirect measurements to achieve detection accuracy comparable to direct measurement while maintaining lower system complexity
4Measurement precision
If expert intervention is required for diagnosis, then diagnosis accuracy is improved, but extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service diagnostic capability where the system automatically performs anomaly detection, analysis, and diagnosis without requiring expert intervention. The processor-based system autonomously evaluates operational data, identifies anomaly patterns, and provides diagnostic results, enabling the refrigeration system to self-diagnose issues such as refrigerant leaks, dirt accumulation, and component failures independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in operational data to automatically identify and diagnose anomalies. By monitoring changes in operational parameters, energy consumption patterns, and performance metrics, the system automatically detects and diagnoses faults without expert intervention, translating parameter variations into specific anomaly identifications through programmed analysis algorithms
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer implemented method for the diagnosis of anomalies in a refrigeration system which comprising: - a learning mode process comprising performing measurements of several operating parameters of the refrigeration system when operating under known working conditions with no anomalies, and defining a plurality of different anomalies, each associated to corresponding one or more specific anomalous variations of one or more of the operating parameters; and; - an evaluation process comprising performing measurements of the operating parameters when the working conditions of the refrigeration system are unknown, and evaluating the obtained values to automatically diagnose that one of the different anomalies has occurred when the specific one or more anomalous variations associated thereto have been detected. The present invention also relates to a computer program and an apparatus for the diagnosis of anomalies in a refrigeration system which implement the method of the invention.