VRF System with Replaceable Modules for Rapid Function Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VRF systems have distinct internal structures for different functions, making it difficult to quickly adjust or change functions, leading to increased warehouse costs and reduced responsiveness to market demands.
Innovation Solution
A VRF system with a first outdoor unit featuring a gas-side stop valve, a liquid-side stop valve, and a multi-functional pipe stop valve, allowing for the connection of replaceable modules such as phase-change heat storage or hydraulic modules, enabling the system to achieve various functions while maintaining universal components and reducing structural differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outdoor units are designed with different internal structures for different functions, then each unit can achieve its specific function reliably, but the device complexity increases and components cannot be universalized
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor unit is segmented into a fixed basic structure and a replaceable module. The replaceable module can be swapped to provide different functions (heat recovery, non-stop defrosting) while the main body remains standardized. This segmentation allows functional reliability without increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor unit is designed with universal interfaces (gas-side stop valve, liquid-side stop valve, multi-functional pipe stop valve) that can accommodate different replaceable modules. This universality allows a single basic structure to support multiple functions through module replacement, reducing the need for multiple specialized units.
2Productivity
If multiple outdoor units with different functions are prepared as inventory, then market demands can be met quickly, but warehouse costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static inventory of different unit types to a dynamic configuration where a single standardized unit can be adapted to different functions by replacing modules. This allows rapid response to market demands without maintaining large inventories of different unit types.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding or storing multiple specialized units, the system recovers the base outdoor unit and only replaces the functional module when function changes are needed. This reduces inventory requirements while maintaining the ability to meet diverse market demands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outdoor units are customized at the design stage for different functions, then functional requirements are met, but adjustment becomes difficult at subsequent stages
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the outdoor unit into a fixed base and a replaceable module, the system enables easy adjustment at any stage. The module can be replaced without affecting the base structure, making adjustments simple compared to redesigning or reconfiguring specialized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms from a static customized design to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The replaceable module allows functional adjustments at any stage (design, purchasing, installation, or operation) without difficulty, as modules can be swapped rather than reconfigured.
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 approach enables rapid function changes and reduces costs by allowing universal components to be used across different functions, improving modularization and responsiveness to customer requirements, while minimizing warehouse inventory needs.
Implementation Method 1
phase-change heat storage module can store heat during shutdown or operation of the system
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic module can realize heat recovery and prepare hot water at the same time of refrigeration or heating of the VRF system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention provides a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system, which includes: a first outdoor unit (100), the first outdoor unit (100) at least including three external interfaces, namely, a gas-side stop valve (102), a liquid-side stop valve (101), and a multi-functional pipe stop valve (103); a first indoor unit (200), two ends of a refrigerant pipeline of the first indoor unit (200) being respectively in communication with the gas-side stop valve (102) and the liquid-side stop valve (101); and a replaceable module (300), one end of a refrigerant pipeline of the replaceable module (300) being in communication with the multi-functional pipe stop valve (103), and the other end being in communication with the liquid-side stop valve (101). Differences in internal structures of VRF systems having different functions can be reduced, and the degree of modularization is improved, thereby realizing rapid change or adjustment between the VRF systems having different functions.