Relay-Line Communication in Air Conditioning Water-Refrigerant Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration air-conditioning systems with both refrigerant and water circuits face complexity in interlock circuits due to multiple stages of connection, leading to issues with communication protocols, address allocation, and increased communication traffic, especially when using a common communication medium.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an information transfer system where each pair of units (heat-source unit and first relay unit, first relay unit and second relay unit, second relay unit and indoor unit) communicates discretely through separate transmission lines, using different media/means, thereby simplifying the system and reducing communication traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware interlock circuits are used to ensure operational stability, then system reliability is improved, but the interlock circuit becomes very complex including distance matters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardware interlock circuit with a communication-based control system. Transmission lines carry control signals between units, and operational coordination is achieved through software/control logic rather than complex hardware interlocks. This substitution eliminates distance-related complexity and simplifies the physical circuit structure while maintaining operational reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units are connected in series by transmission lines, then system integration is achieved, but the interlock circuit becomes very complex including distance matters
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting all units in a single series chain with a complex interlock circuit, the system is divided into multiple independent transmission line segments. Each segment connects specific pairs of units, allowing system integration to be achieved through modular connections rather than a monolithic series structure. This reduces the complexity of the interlock circuit by eliminating the need to manage interlocks across the entire series chain.
Data Source
AI summary
An information transfer system for a refrigeration air-conditioning apparatus in which one or more heat-source units for the refrigerating/air conditioning apparatus, one first relay unit, and one or more second relay units are connected by refrigerant piping, and the second relay units and one or more indoor units are connected by water piping, wherein communications are performed discretely between a pair of the heat-source unit and the first relay unit, a pair of the first relay unit and the second relay units, and a pair of the second relay units and the indoor units through transmission lines respectively.