Refrigeration Cycle Off-Time Abnormality Detection Using Pressure Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigeration cycle apparatuses are unable to detect abnormalities during periods of long-term suspension, such as intermediate seasons, as the calculated refrigerant amount is based on operational state, making it difficult to determine if the refrigerant amount is appropriate.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus and abnormality detection system that includes a control unit capable of detecting abnormalities based on pressure or temperature during off times, with data transmission to a server for further analysis via a communication network, allowing for continuous monitoring and detection even when the cycle is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the refrigeration cycle is operated to detect abnormalities, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and the system cannot detect abnormalities during off periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing pressure and temperature data during operational periods, then uses this stored data to detect abnormalities during off periods without requiring active cycle operation. This allows abnormality detection to occur in advance of when it would traditionally be possible, eliminating the need to run the cycle solely for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the operational state data (pressure and temperature readings) stored in memory, then analyzes this copied data during off periods to detect abnormalities. This copying approach allows the system to perform detection without actually operating the refrigeration cycle, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If the refrigeration cycle operates continuously to enable abnormality detection during all periods, then detection coverage is improved, but energy consumption and operational wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects and stores pressure and temperature data during operational periods as preliminary actions, enabling subsequent abnormality detection during off periods without requiring continuous operation. This preliminary data collection ensures comprehensive detection coverage while avoiding the energy waste of running the cycle solely for detection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stored historical pressure and temperature data as feedback to detect abnormalities during off periods. By analyzing this feedback information, the system can determine whether refrigerant leakage or other abnormalities have occurred without needing to operate the cycle continuously, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive monitoring.
3Device complexity
If abnormality detection is performed only during operational periods, then the system structure remains simple, but detection capability during off periods is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and storage during operational periods, then uses this stored data for abnormality detection during off periods. This approach extends detection capability to off periods without requiring complex additional hardware, as the same sensors and memory already present in the system are utilized for their full potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the existing pressure and temperature sensors and memory components for both operational monitoring and off-period abnormality detection. This universal use of existing components extends detection capability without increasing device complexity, as no additional specialized hardware is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates, the refrigeration cycle including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valves, and indoor heat exchangers, which are connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe, a heat source unit accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger, use-side units accommodating the indoor heat exchangers, and a control unit that controls at least turning on and off of the refrigeration cycle. The control unit detects abnormality of the refrigeration cycle based on the pressure or temperature of the refrigeration cycle in an off time of the refrigeration cycle.