Device and method for displaying subcooling data of a refrigeration circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for displaying subcooling data in HVAC systems are prone to contamination, require bulky and costly display devices, and lead to refrigerant release, lacking accurate numeric indications.
Innovation Solution
A device with a display module configured to display subcooling data in alphanumeric and/or string characters, scrolling or paging the data in predefined intervals, using a smaller LED, LCD, or e-ink display, connected to a charge-setting monitoring unit, avoiding direct attachment to the HVAC system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional display devices are used to display subcooling data, then the data can be displayed, but the devices are bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into a matrix of individual LED elements arranged in a grid pattern, where each LED can be independently controlled to display specific segments of numerical data. This segmentation allows the display of complex subcooling data using simple, small-scale LED elements rather than requiring a single large display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or analog display mechanisms with an electronic LED matrix system. The electronic control system drives individual LEDs to display numerical values, substituting complex mechanical display structures with a simpler electronic solution that uses light emission from semiconductor devices.
2Measurement precision
If conventional display methods are used, then subcooling data can be displayed, but contamination and refrigerant release occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic display system that receives subcooling data signals from the refrigeration system through electrical connections rather than direct physical attachment to refrigerant lines. This intermediary approach allows data acquisition and display without the display device itself being exposed to refrigerant, thereby preventing contamination and refrigerant release.
Solution Approach 2:
The display function is extracted from the refrigeration system's internal components and implemented as a separate, external display device. The display unit is positioned away from the refrigerant circulation paths, with only electrical connections (not refrigerant connections) linking it to the system sensors, thus removing the source of potential contamination and refrigerant release.
3Measurement precision
If conventional display devices are used, then subcooling data can be shown, but power consumption is high and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive LED elements that have low power consumption characteristics compared to conventional display technologies. LEDs are solid-state devices that consume minimal electrical power to produce visible light, making them energy-efficient for continuous display operations in refrigeration monitoring applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system updates the LED matrix periodically to show current subcooling data values rather than maintaining continuous high-power illumination. The system refreshes the display at intervals corresponding to data sampling rates, allowing the LEDs to remain in low-power states between updates while still providing accurate real-time monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a device for displaying subcooling data of a refrigeration circuit associated with an HVAC system. The device comprises a display module having a predefined display area configured to display at least two characters at a time, wherein the display module is configured to receive subcooling data of the refrigeration circuit and display the received subcooling data over the predefined display area in alphanumeric and/or string characters while scrolling or paging the data thereover in a predefined direction and at a predefined interval.