Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus for AC and DC Power Supply Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Refrigeration cycle apparatuses are limited by their configuration to primarily use three-phase AC power supply, making it difficult to utilize high voltage DC power supply efficiently, leading to issues with motor versatility, increased size, and higher costs when attempting to operate with DC power.

Innovation Solution

A refrigeration cycle apparatus designed to operate with both AC and DC power supply, utilizing a DC power supply device and an AC power supply device to power system components, allowing high-voltage DC to be used directly for improved efficiency and simplifying the system configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If refrigeration cycle apparatus is configured to operate with three-phase AC power supply, then the apparatus can use standard commercial power sources, but it cannot efficiently utilize high voltage DC power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply compatibilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter device is designed to accept both AC and DC power inputs and convert them to the required motor driving frequencies. The control device detects the input power type and adjusts operating parameters accordingly, enabling the same apparatus to function with different power supply types without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If large-capacity inverter devices are used to drive motors with AC power supply, then motors can be driven effectively, but the system cannot directly utilize high voltage DC power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor driving capabilityVSAvoidpower supply flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device changes operating parameters based on the detected power supply type. When DC power is detected, the inverter device adjusts its switching patterns and voltage utilization to optimize motor driving performance for DC input, whereas AC input uses standard rectification and inversion patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the apparatus is designed for AC power supply only, then the system configuration is optimized for AC, but it increases size and cost when attempting to operate with DC power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoiddual power supply configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter device and control device are designed with universal power input capabilities. The same hardware components can handle both AC and DC inputs by adjusting control parameters, eliminating the need for separate AC-optimized and DC-optimized systems and reducing overall apparatus size and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3276283B1Refrigeration cycle apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3276283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276283B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3276283B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) is configured to be operatable with power supply of both of DC power supply and AC power supply.