Variable Flow Valve Control for Water-Source Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners lack the ability to efficiently control the opening degree of variable flow valves based on installation environment and power consumption, and are not adaptable to different types of variable flow valves, affecting performance and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system with a water-refrigerant heat exchanger, a pump, a variable flow valve, and a controller that regulates the opening degree of the valve by manipulating the minimum flow rate of heat source water, using dip switches to set control lower limits and adjust based on pressure changes during cooling and heating operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the opening degree of the variable flow valve is regulated based on compressor operating rate, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the adaptability to different installation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the minimum flow rate of heat source water dynamically adjustable through the heat source water minimum flow manipulation part, allowing the system to adapt to different installation environments and operating conditions rather than being fixed, thus resolving the contradiction between optimized cooling capacity and environmental adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of minimum flow rate of heat source water from a fixed value to an adjustable parameter through the heat source water minimum flow manipulation part, enabling the system to optimize performance across different installation environments by modifying this key parameter
2Device complexity
If a fixed minimum flow rate is used for heat source water, then the system structure is simplified, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting multiple discrete minimum flow rate levels through the heat source water minimum manipulation part, allowing the system to select optimal energy-efficient settings in advance for different operating conditions without requiring complex real-time control algorithms
3Measurement precision
If the variable flow valve control is optimized for specific valve types, then the control precision is improved, but the versatility across different valve types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system through the variable flow valve controller that can accommodate different types of variable flow valves (electronic expansion valves, servo valves, etc.) by providing standardized control interfaces and adjustment mechanisms, achieving both control precision and broad compatibility
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
This solution allows for flexible control of the variable flow valve, optimizing power consumption and performance by adjusting the flow rate according to the installation conditions, and is compatible with various types of variable flow valves, enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump having a water-refrigerant heat exchanger to condense or evaporate a refrigerant by heat exchange with heat source water
Implementation Method 2
condense or evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with heat source water
Implementation Method 3
condense or evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with heat source water
Implementation Method 4
a pump installed on the heat source water flow path
Implementation Method 5
a variable flow valve installed on the heat source water flow path and capable of regulating the opening degree
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner includes: a heat pump having a water-refrigerant heat exchanger to condense or evaporate a refrigerant by heat exchange with heat source water; a heat source water flow path connected to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger; a pump installed on the heat source water flow path; a variable flow valve installed on the heat source water flow path and capable of regulating the opening degree; and a variable flow valve controller for controlling the opening degree of the variable flow valve, wherein the variable flow valve controller includes a heat source water minimum flow manipulation part for manipulating the minimum flow rate of the heat source water and regulates the opening degree of the variable flow valve according to the manipulation of the heat source water minimum flow manipulation part. Accordingly, a user or installation personnel can selectively regulate power consumption and efficiency as desired.