KR20220019211A - Power saving system that cools outdoor unit using current detection sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a power saving system for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which measures and analyzes a current by directly connecting a controller (3) including a current detection sensor to a socket (6) where main power of the air conditioner is supplied, accurately identifies an operation mode of the outdoor unit (2) and whether the outdoor unit (2) is operated to transmit information of an identification result by using various wired and wireless communication technology, turns on and off a water valve since an opening and closing device (4) receives an information signal, thereby controlling a water injection nozzle device installed in the outdoor unit to minimize a waste of water and efficiently cool the outdoor unit to have economic efficiency and reliability.

Description

{Power saving system that cools outdoor unit using current detection sensor}

The present invention provides a controller (3) that is directly connected to the power connection cord (6) of the indoor unit (1) of the air conditioner, measures the amount of current with a detection sensor, accurately detects whether the outdoor unit is operating or not, and transmits an opening/closing signal of the water valve ) and the switch 4 receives this signal, opens and closes a water valve, and sprays water through a spray nozzle to cool an outdoor unit.

The parts of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are mainly composed of three types: a compressor, a condenser, and a condenser motor. The compressor takes the refrigerant from the indoor air conditioner and sends it to the condenser, and when the refrigerant passes through the condenser (heat exchanger), the condenser motor sucks in cold air from the outside and lowers the temperature of the condenser.

There are several types of cooling the condenser, such as water cooling, air cooling, and evaporative type.

The outdoor unit continuously supplies air to the condenser, and the hot air that has passed through the condenser is discharged to the outside. However, since the warm air heated by the surrounding environment heated in summer is supplied to the condenser, the condensation efficiency is remarkably lowered, so that the air conditioner in the room cannot sufficiently produce cool air, thereby increasing power consumption.

General home air conditioners or commercial medium and large air conditioners mainly use air cooling. Water cooling and evaporative type are used in super large air conditioners and air conditioners used throughout the building.

Older air conditioners only have full operation (constant speed) and stop functions, but in the case of new air conditioners that are recently produced, inverter control method and TCS (Tandem Cleaning System) method are widely used as methods to reduce power consumption.

However, the air conditioning system is hardly prepared for power loss due to the external environment, that is, power consumption loss due to outdoor temperature and sunlight in summer.

Recently, in order to make up for this even a little, there are many cases in which a light-shielding film is installed on the outdoor unit to prevent the temperature from rising due to direct sunlight.

If the temperature of the outdoor unit rises excessively, the condenser does not condense smoothly, and as the operating time increases, the pressure, noise, and temperature inside the refrigerant pipe rise, the cooling efficiency rapidly decreases, and excessive power consumption occurs. . This adversely affects the durability of the compressor and drive motor, and in severe cases, the outdoor unit is cut off to protect important parts.

In order to solve this problem, as in [Patent Document 0001] Registration No. 10-1443841 and [Patent Document 0002] Registration No. 10-1375545, there is a power saving system that detects the operation of the outdoor unit and cools the outdoor unit by spraying fine water. In this system, the sensor responds to the wind of the rotating fan to determine whether the outdoor unit is operating and is an analog method that sprays water.

The heat of evaporation is the thermal energy that a liquid absorbs from its surroundings during the process of evaporation, when a liquid is turned into a gas.

If water is finely sprayed on the condenser (heat exchanger), the water droplets easily change into gas as they touch or pass through the heat exchanger with high temperature, and this gas absorbs the heat of evaporation to cool the condenser (heat exchanger). In general, water sprayed from tap water is lower than the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit, so when water is finely sprayed into the condenser, cooling by water temperature and cooling by heat of evaporation are performed together.

When configuring a power saving system by spraying water to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, a method to easily and accurately detect the operation of the condenser (heat exchanger) in the outdoor unit at a lower cost than before is required. Do.

Application No. 10-2014-0047886 Patent Registration No. 10-1443841 Motion detection sensor to detect outdoor unit motion Application No. 10-2013-0061728 Patent Registration No. 10-1375545 Air conditioner power saving system using water injection system Application No. 20-2006-0000012 Patent Registration Office 20-0429614 urine sensor washing valve Application No. 10-2015-0053043 Patent Registration No. 10-1689959 Water saving device for sink by human body sensor Application No. 10-2019-0162432 Patent Registration No. 10-2019-0143421 outdoor unit cooling device Application No. 10-2009-0125391 Patent Registration No. 10-2011-0068433 How to measure the power consumption of electrical products

In the case of the sensor of [Patent Document 0001] mentioned above, the biggest drawback is the inaccuracy of the sensor. The most widely used air conditioner outdoor unit is mostly in the vertical direction in which the wind direction by the motor is horizontal. In addition, the capacity and air volume of the outdoor unit are different, and the wind pressure of the fan also varies depending on various external factors (change in the rotation speed of the fan according to the weather, wind, decrease in rotational power due to aging of the cooling fan, etc.). This reduces the accuracy of the sensor and increases the probability of malfunction. In addition, in the power saving mode, it is possible to reduce the time to spray water to save water, but it is impossible to distinguish whether it is a power saving mode or a constant speed mode with the existing sensor by the wind pressure of the fan.

Accordingly, there are difficulties in commercialization and dissemination due to reasons such as an increase in manufacturing cost, an increase in installation and management costs, and a need for professional installation personnel in the product production and installation stage.

There are various types of sensors. current sensor, motion sensor, temperature sensor, fire sensor, smoke sensor, sunlight sensor, dust sensor, water level sensor, human body sensor, laser sensor, radar sensor, gyro sensor, acceleration sensor, speed sensor Hundreds of sensors such as , horizontal sensors, etc. are being used in various fields.

Although several types of sensors are being grafted onto water valves, they have been applied to simply on/off valves for washbasins and toilets (urinary bin infrared detector) and sink (motion sensor, infrared sensor), so their use is limited. Most of the sensor-operated valves operate integrally with the sensor, or even if the distance between the sensor and the operating part is only a few meters, the applications are limited.

However, if signals are transmitted and received using various wired and wireless methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, mobile communication, etc., various sensors can be used without limiting the distance.

Among hundreds of sensors currently in use, a sensor to replace the analog-type outdoor unit operation detection sensor in [Patent Document 0001] is needed. That is, it is very important to adopt an accurate 'outdoor unit operation detection sensor' that can be used in an air conditioner power saving system using water injection as in [Patent Document 0002] and to properly utilize the sensor in a power saving system.

For this purpose, the sensor selection criteria are as follows.

1) Detect whether the outdoor unit is operating quickly and accurately

2) Minimize the need for experts when installing the system.

In order to satisfy this condition, the conditions of 3), 4) and 5) are necessary.

3) There is no need to cut and connect the outdoor unit wires or disassemble the outdoor unit.

4) It is not necessary to install the sensor around the outdoor unit.

5) Easy maintenance and management.

6) The sensor application and system configuration should be economical.

[Patent Document 0001] and [Patent Document 0001] and [Patent Document 0001] and [Patent Document 0001] and [Patent Document 0001] and [Patent Document 0001] and [Patent Document 0001] To solve the disadvantages of Patent Document 0002], inaccuracy of the sensor, and increase in installation cost and management cost.

(Patent Document 0006) Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0068433 describes a method of analyzing how much power consumption and in which operation mode each electric product was operated for each operation mode without measuring the power consumption provided for each electric product has been

Accordingly, in the present invention, the operation mode of the outdoor unit is determined by measuring the current consumption of the air conditioner with a current sensor, and further, the water valve is controlled to spray fine water to the outdoor unit through a spray nozzle to configure an air conditioner power saving system.

The operation mode of the air conditioner can be divided into three main categories: 1) only the indoor unit is operated, 2) the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are fully operated, and 3) the air conditioner power saving mode is operated.

First of all, it is necessary to be able to determine the current consumption according to the operation modes of the three air conditioners mentioned above, so this value must be set manually or automatically.

Manual input methods include starting the air conditioner at the time of initial installation and pressing the setting button, then operating the air conditioner to recognize the current consumption according to each operation mode, directly inputting the current range for each mode, and using the LCD on the controller There is a method of operating the air conditioner by installing it or selecting the model of the air conditioner entered in advance through IOT.

As an automatic input method, it is best to program the controller to automatically recognize the current consumption for each mode of the air conditioner for a certain period of time when each air conditioner is operated without user intervention during installation (when an outlet is installed).

At the time of installation, the controller 3 including the current detection sensor is directly connected to the outlet 6 , and the air conditioner power cord is directly connected thereon again, so that the general public can easily install the controller 3 .

(However, if the power of the air conditioner uses 3-phase power or is directly connected to a circuit breaker, professional help may be required.)

As described above, the current detection sensor (included device) is directly connected to the outlet (6) to which the main power of the air conditioner is supplied, and the current is measured and analyzed to find out whether the outdoor unit is operating and the operating mode simply and accurately. It transmits information about this using wired/wireless communication technology (a device that performs the above functions is expressed as the controller 3), receives this information signal, turns the water valve on or off, and By automatically controlling the injection (the device that performs the above functions is expressed as the switch 4), the air conditioner power saving system is completed.

1) It can accurately judge whether the outdoor unit is operating, maximizing the power saving effect and

The waste of water required for system operation can be minimized.

2) Since it is connected to a power outlet, it is easy to install, remove, and manage the system.

(However, when directly connected to a 3-phase circuit breaker, the help of a related expert may be required.)

3) Current measuring sensor has very low possibility of malfunction, high reliability, and low price as it is widely used.

4) Functions can be easily upgraded by adding or replacing sensors and parts.

For example:

A) Indoor and outdoor temperature sensors, human body detection and remote control functions can be added.

(The air conditioner can be turned on/off automatically by detecting the indoor and outdoor temperature and human body.)

B) By adding an Iot module, it is easy to extend functions such as setting various operation modes by interworking with other Iot devices or interlocking with mobile phones. (Example: It is possible to obtain the external temperature data of the outdoor unit installed from the local weather information without adding a temperature sensor.)

C) If the temperature sensor and the timer are linked, the switch 4 can be controlled more precisely, thereby maximizing the power saving and water saving effect.

Example: In the case of spring and autumn when the outdoor temperature is relatively low, water consumption is minimized in addition to power saving by spraying water for 1 minute every 3 minutes of operating the outdoor unit.

5) In the case of a large automatic air conditioner, even if the water cooling method or the evaporation method is already applied, it can be easily added and used as an auxiliary cooling device for the outdoor unit.

In the representative diagram, after removing the power line from the wall outlet 6 to which the power line of the indoor unit 1 of the air conditioner is connected, connect the controller 3 directly, and then connect the power line of the indoor unit 1 on it. The switch 4 has a built-in valve, and serves to block or supply water through the spray nozzle 5 connected to the outdoor unit 2 connected to the water supply.
The signal transmission method of the controller 3 and the switch 4 is wired or wireless, and a method advantageous to the installation site is selected.
The number of spray nozzles 5 is installed according to the water pressure of the water supply and the size and capacity of the outdoor unit 2 .
If the water pressure is insufficient or if the water supply is not directly connected, a hydraulic pump interlocking with the switch 4 may be added or installed inside the switch 4 . The hydraulic pump is not shown in the representative diagram.
When the water supplied to the switch (4) is directly connected to the water supply, there is a chlorine removal function to prevent oxidation of aluminum used in outdoor unit parts and clogging of the spray nozzle due to trace amounts of chlorine and contaminants contained in the tap water. A water filter (7) is used.
The position and spacing of the nozzles are appropriately arranged so that fine water is evenly sprayed to the condenser (heat exchanger) at the position where the wind of the blowing motor of the outdoor unit 2 is introduced through the spray nozzle 5 .

1. How to install the controller

In order to determine whether the air conditioner outdoor unit is operating, in the case of a single-phase connected small air conditioner (1), the controller (3) is directly connected to the power connection outlet (6) of the indoor unit (1) at the front end, and a 3-phase or medium-large air conditioner connected to a circuit breaker In the case of , connect the controller (3) to the circuit breaker with a lead wire. The power line of the air conditioner is connected to the outlet terminal (8) on the controller (3).

2. How to analyze the outdoor unit operation mode using the current consumption sensor in the controller

At this time, the power consumption by which the controller 3 can determine the use mode of the air conditioner may be different for each air conditioner model, but most can be classified into the following three modes.

(The power consumption shown below is an example)

A) Indoor unit ventilation mode: 10W ~ 100W

B) Indoor unit + outdoor unit full operation mode: 1200W

C) Indoor unit + outdoor unit low power mode (inverter, TCS): 200W ~ 500W

As such, since the air conditioner consumes a different current for each state mode, the controller 3 can accurately distinguish it. In this case, the controller can determine that the outdoor unit operates only in the air conditioner mode of (B) (C).

3. How to manually recognize and set the operation mode of the air conditioner in the controller

A method of recognizing the current consumption according to each operation mode by operating each mode in turn after pressing the setting button on the controller

Recognition time for each of the following modes may take 1 to 3 minutes.

There is no need to follow the air conditioner mode registration order. This is because the mode is automatically determined according to the current consumption due to current consumption.

(A) To register the air conditioner full operation mode, operate the air conditioner at the lowest temperature and press the setting button on the controller.

(B) To register the air conditioner power saving mode, after full operation for about 5 minutes, set the target temperature of the air conditioner 1 to 2 degrees lower than the current indoor temperature, and then press the setting button on the controller.

(C) There is no need to register the air conditioner blowing mode separately, but the registration method is to set the target set temperature of the air conditioner 2~3 degrees higher than the room temperature, and then press the set button on the controller. (D) There is no need to separately register the air conditioner stop mode.

4. How to automatically recognize and set the operation mode of the air conditioner in the controller

After installing the controller, turn on the air conditioner. Set the target set temperature of the air conditioner 2-3 degrees lower than the current temperature.

After the air conditioner operates in full operation mode for the first time, when the indoor temperature becomes similar to the set temperature, the next step, the power saving mode, is registered, thereby completing the registration of the required outdoor unit operation mode. After that, if it continues to operate, the ventilation mode is also automatically registered.

5. How to send a signal from the controller to the switchgear

Based on the power consumption data detected by the controller (3), it is determined whether the air conditioner use mode and the outdoor unit are operating, and the switch (3) Sends a valve on/off command signal.

6. Installation and operation of the switchgear

The valve opener 4 including a wired/wireless signal receiving device and a valve opening and closing device is

It is installed by branching from the water pipe. The switch 4 receives the open/close signal sent from the control unit 3 by wire or wirelessly, turns on the water valve, and finely sprays water to facilitate evaporation of water through the spray nozzle, Cool the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit.

7. Power supply for operation of controller and switchgear

Since the controller 3 is directly connected to the power source, there is no need for a separate power supply.

The switch 5 may require a separate power source depending on a method of receiving a signal from the controller 3 .

That is, in the case of a wired connection, a separate power source is not required, but in the case of a wireless connection, an adapter (wired), a rechargeable battery, a dry cell, a solar battery, etc. may be used as a power supply method.

8. Installation of hydraulic pumps, piping, spray nozzles, etc.

If the water pipe has a lower pressure than the allowable pressure of the spray nozzle, or if spraying is not performed properly because the number of spray nozzles increases in a large-capacity outdoor unit, a water pressure pump interlocking with the switch 4 is built in or additionally installed in the switch.

9. Install water filter

A water filter (7) having a chlorine removal function is installed in the valve to prevent corrosion of the aluminum of the outdoor unit and clogging of the nozzle by chlorine contained in the water supply.

Water valve, ball valve, spray nozzle, T fitting for spray nozzle connection, L fitting, tubing (pipe for water connection), etc. are properly arranged according to the capacity and situation of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

The power saving system used in this invention can be used for all air conditioners, air conditioners, refrigerators with outdoor units, air conditioners, humidity controllers, and the like.

The system can add indoor or outdoor temperature sensing devices (including wired and wireless transmitters).

By adding an infrared remote control and a human body sensor to the indoor temperature sensor, the old air conditioner can be automatically controlled depending on the room temperature and presence of a person to turn on/off or adjust the wind strength.

When an external temperature sensor is added (including wired/wireless transmitter), if the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit is lower than the general water temperature (usually around 20 degrees), the system automatically stops and a motor is installed on the switch (4). In this case, it is possible to prevent freezing by automatically discharging the water remaining in the external pipe connected to the switch (4). In this case, a warning sound or message is sent to the user, and if there is no motor to automatically discharge, the user manually closes the pipe valve at the actuator.

When the Iot function is added to the controller 3, the above function can be performed through weather information without an external sensor.

When this invention is applied and interlocked with a fire detection sensor, an automatic fire extinguishing system can be easily configured in a place where there is no fire extinguishing system.

(Example: home, warehouse, rest room, container house, camper, etc.)

By applying this invention and linking various sensors, mechanical devices, Iot functions and automatic timer functions, it can be used in agriculture, such as watering the lawn at a specific time or interval every day, and can be used for automation in various fields such as feeding livestock or fish farms. can be used

Claims (4)

How to make an 'outdoor unit operation detection sensor' by measuring the current of the air conditioner in real time using a current measuring sensor and analyzing the current usage to determine whether the outdoor unit is operating
(example)
The power consumption that can determine the use mode of the air conditioner may be different for each air conditioner model, but most can be classified into the following four modes.
(The power consumption shown below is an example)
(A) Indoor operation only: 10W ~ 100W: Blow mode
(B) Indoor unit operation + outdoor unit full operation: 1200W or more: full operation mode
(C) Indoor unit operation + outdoor unit low power mode operation (inverter, TCS): 200W ~ 500W
As described above, since the air conditioner consumes a different current for each state mode, the controller 3 can accurately distinguish it.
In this case, it can be determined that the outdoor unit operates only in the mode of (B) (C).
The method according to claim 1
A controller that sends a water valve open/close command signal to the switch by wire or wirelessly by registering the outdoor unit operation mode and detecting and analyzing the outdoor unit operation mode using the 'outdoor unit operation detection sensor'
The method of claim 2 .
How to manually and automatically set the current according to the operation mode of the air conditioner in the controller
1) Manual setting
A method of recognizing the current consumption according to each operation mode by operating each mode in turn after pressing the setting button on the controller
Recognition time for each of the following modes may take 1 to 3 minutes.
There is no need to follow the air conditioner mode registration order. This is because the mode is automatically determined according to the current consumption due to current consumption.
(A) To register the air conditioner full operation mode, operate the air conditioner at the lowest temperature and press the setting button on the controller.
(B) To register the air conditioner power saving mode, after full operation for about 5 minutes, set the target temperature of the air conditioner 1 to 2 degrees lower than the current indoor temperature, and then press the setting button on the controller.
(C) There is no need to separately register the air conditioner blowing mode, but the registration method is to set the target set temperature of the air conditioner 2~3 degrees higher than the room temperature, and then press the setting button on the controller. (D) There is no need to separately register the air conditioner stop mode.

2) Auto setting
After installing the controller, turn on the air conditioner. Set the target set temperature of the air conditioner 2-3 degrees lower than the current temperature.
After the air conditioner operates in full operation mode for the first time, when the indoor temperature becomes similar to the set temperature, the next step, the power saving mode, is registered, thereby completing the registration of the required outdoor unit operation mode. After that, if the operation continues, the ventilation mode is also automatically registered.
The method of claim 2 .
A switch that opens and closes the water valve by receiving the signal sent by the controller by wire or wirelessly

Images