Refrigeration cycle apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In refrigeration cycle apparatuses, simultaneous heating and defrosting operations increase the heating load, leading to reduced indoor heat exchanger performance and user comfort due to the indoor and part of the outdoor heat exchanger operating as a condenser.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus with a compressor, indoor heat exchanger, and dual outdoor heat exchangers, featuring a bypass flow passage and flow control valve, where the compressor's upper limit frequency is increased during simultaneous heating and defrosting operations to enhance indoor heat exchanger performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If simultaneous heating and defrosting operation is performed, then heating continuity is maintained, but heating performance of indoor heat exchanger deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the compressor's upper limit frequency based on the operating mode. During simultaneous heating and defrosting operation, the controller increases the upper limit frequency to a higher value compared to normal heating operation, allowing the compressor to operate at higher speeds to compensate for the increased heating load and maintain indoor heating performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the compressor as a key control variable. By increasing the upper limit frequency during simultaneous heating and defrosting operation, the system adjusts the refrigerant circulation rate to maintain adequate heating capacity in the indoor heat exchanger despite the additional defrosting load.
2Ease of operation
If simultaneous heating and defrosting operation is performed, then heated air supply is maintained, but heating load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor frequency limit based on operational requirements. During simultaneous heating and defrosting, the increased upper limit frequency allows the compressor to handle the higher heating load by increasing refrigerant circulation, thereby maintaining heated air supply without excessive energy penalty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If indoor heat exchanger operates as condenser during defrosting, then defrosting function is achieved, but heating capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment of the compressor based on the operational mode. When the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser during defrosting, the controller increases the upper limit frequency to compensate for the reduced heating capacity, allowing the system to maintain adequate heating performance while performing the defrosting function.
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 increased compressor frequency improves heating performance during simultaneous heating and defrosting, maintaining user comfort and reducing electricity consumption by optimizing the refrigeration cycle.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (11)
Implementation Method 2
an indoor heat exchanger (13)
Implementation Method 3
an outdoor heat exchanger including a first outdoor heat exchanger (15a) and a second outdoor heat exchanger (15b)
Implementation Method 4
part of refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied to one of the first outdoor heat exchanger (15a) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (15b) through the bypass flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes: a compressor; an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor heat exchanger including first and second outdoor heat exchangers; a bypass flow passage causing a discharge side of the compressor to communicate with the first or second outdoor heat exchanger; a flow control valve at the bypass flow passage; and a controller performing a heating operation in which the first and second outdoor heat exchangers operate as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser and a simultaneous heating and defrosting operation in which part of refrigerant the compressor discharges is supplied to one of the first and second outdoor heat exchangers through the bypass flow passage, the other of the outdoor heat exchangers operates as an evaporator, the indoor heat exchanger operates as a condenser, and an upper limit frequency of the compressor changes to a value higher than in the heating operation.