KR20230148345A - Systems and methods for monitoring electrical components of chiller systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The monitoring system is configured to monitor the environment within the enclosure of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system. The monitoring system includes sensors configured to acquire data representative of environmental parameter values within the enclosure. The monitoring system also includes a controller configured to receive data from the sensor, determine the occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data, and instruct circuit breakers in the HVAC&R system to transition to a fault configuration in response to the determination of the occurrence of the thermal event. Includes.

Description

Systems and methods for monitoring electrical components of chiller systems

This application claims priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/151,418, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF A CHILLER SYSTEM,” filed February 19, 2021, and which claims for all purposes Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of technology that may be relevant to various aspects of the invention and are described below. It is believed that this discussion is helpful in providing background information to the reader to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this light and not as an admission of prior art.

Chiller systems used in commercial or industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) systems typically include a compressor to circulate a working fluid (e.g., refrigerant) through a heat exchanger in the HVAC&R system. Heat exchangers facilitate the transfer of heat energy between a working fluid and the space to be conditioned, such as a room or area within a building or other structure served by an HVAC&R system. Typically, a chiller system includes one or more electrical components that facilitate control and operation of the chiller system. For example, the chiller system may include a variable speed drive (VSD) that facilitates adjustment of the operating speed of a motor (e.g., an electric motor) configured to drive operation of the compressor. It may be desirable to monitor the operating conditions of electrical components during chiller system operation.

The present invention relates to a monitoring system configured to monitor the environment within an enclosure of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system. The monitoring system includes sensors configured to acquire data representative of environmental parameter values within the enclosure. The monitoring system also includes a controller configured to receive data from the sensor, determine the occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data, and instruct circuit breakers in the HVAC&R system to transition to a fault configuration in response to the determination of the occurrence of the thermal event. Includes.

The invention also relates to a method comprising obtaining, via one or more sensors, data representative of environmental parameter values within an enclosure of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system. The method also includes determining, through the controller, the occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data. The method also includes instructing, through a controller, a circuit breaker in the HVAC&R system to transition to a fault configuration in response to determining the occurrence of a thermal event.

The invention also relates to heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) systems. The HVAC&R system includes a circuit breaker configured to direct current from a power supply to electrical components located within an enclosure of the HVAC&R system. HVAC&R systems also include sensors configured to acquire data representative of environmental parameters within the enclosure. The HVAC&R system also receives data from sensors, determines the occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data, and trips circuit breakers to interrupt the flow of current to electrical components in response to the determination of the occurrence of a thermal event. and a controller configured to direct switching to the configuration.

The various aspects of the invention may be better understood by reading the following detailed description and referring to the drawings:
1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a building capable of utilizing a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) system in a commercial location, according to aspects of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vapor compression system, according to aspects of the invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vapor compression system of Figure 2, in accordance with aspects of the invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the vapor compression system of Figure 2, in accordance with aspects of the invention;
5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a portion of an HVAC&R system illustrating a monitoring system configured to monitor one or more components of an HVAC&R system, according to aspects of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for operating the monitoring system of Figure 5, in accordance with aspects of the invention; and
Figure 7 is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of a sensor that may be included in the monitoring system of Figure 5, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

One or more specific embodiments of the invention will be described below. This described embodiment is an example of the presently disclosed technology. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. As in any engineering or design scheme, in the development of any such physical implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's particular objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. You must understand that you can. Moreover, it should be understood that while this development effort may be complex and time consuming, it will nonetheless be a routine task of design, fabrication and manufacturing for those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present invention.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles “a, an” and “the” are intended to mean that there is one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to “one embodiment” or “one embodiment” of the invention is not to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

As briefly discussed above, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) systems may be used to thermally condition spaces within a building, home, or other suitable structure. For example, an HVAC&R system may include a vapor compression system (e.g., a chiller system) that transfers heat energy between a heat transfer fluid, such as a refrigerant, and a fluid to be conditioned, such as air, water, or brine. A vapor compression system may include a condenser and an evaporator that are fluidly coupled to each other through conduits. A compressor may be used to circulate refrigerant through conduits, thereby enabling transfer of thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid and the fluid to be conditioned through the condenser and/or evaporator. In many cases, the compressor may be driven by a motor (e.g., electric motor) in the HVAC&R system.

Typically, HVAC&R systems include electrical components (e.g., power components, control components, electromechanical components, etc.) configured to control the operation of various components of the chiller system, such as motors for compressors, fans, etc. . For example, in some embodiments, the electrical component may include a variable speed drive (VSD) electrically coupled to the compressor motor and configured to control the operating speed of the motor. For example, a VSD can accelerate a motor from 0 revolutions per minute (RPM) to critical operating speed during HVAC&R system startup. In some cases, the VSD may further adjust the magnitude of the operating speed and/or critical operating speed during operation of the HVAC&R system. In certain cases, it may be desirable to monitor the operating state or condition of electrical components (e.g., VSDs) during operation of an HVAC&R system.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a monitoring system configured to monitor the operating state or condition of one or more electrical components of an HVAC&R system (e.g., a chiller system). The monitoring system may include one or more sensors placed within the enclosure of the HVAC&R system. The enclosure may be configured to accommodate at least some of the electrical components. The sensor is configured to monitor one or more environmental parameters within the enclosure, such as parameters corresponding to the quality and/or composition of the air contained or residing within the enclosure. Sensors can also generate and provide feedback indicating environmental parameters. A controller of the monitoring system is electrically and/or communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to receive feedback from the sensor. As discussed in detail herein, the controller is configured to determine and monitor the operating state or condition of one or more electrical components disposed within the enclosure based on feedback received from sensors. Additionally, the controller may adjust the operation of the HVAC&R system based on feedback received from sensors (e.g., based on the operating state or condition of one or more electrical components).

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an environment for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system 10 in a building 12 for a typical commercial location. The HVAC&R system 10 may include a vapor compression system 14 (e.g., a chiller system) that supplies cooled liquid that can be used to cool the building 12. The HVAC&R system 10 may also include a boiler 16 to supply warm liquid to heat the building 12 and an air distribution system to circulate air into the building 12. The air distribution system may also include an air return duct 18, an air supply duct 20, and/or an air handler 22. In some embodiments, air handler 22 may include a heat exchanger connected to boiler 16 and vapor compression system 14 by conduit 24. A heat exchanger within air handler 22 may receive heated liquid from boiler 16 or cooled liquid from vapor compression system 14, depending on the mode of operation of HVAC&R system 10. Although the HVAC&R system 10 is shown as having a separate air handler on each floor of the building 12, in other embodiments, the HVAC&R system 10 may have a separate air handler 22 and/or between or among the floors. May contain other components that may be shared.

2 and 3 are one embodiment of a vapor compression system 14 that may be used in HVAC&R system 10. Vapor compression system 14 may circulate refrigerant through a circuit starting in compressor 32. The circuit may also include a condenser 34, expansion valve(s) or device(s) 36, and a liquid cooler or evaporator 38. The vapor compression system 14 further includes a control panel 40 having an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 42, a microprocessor 44, a non-volatile memory 46, and/or an interface board 48. can do.

Some examples of fluids that can be used as refrigerants in the vapor compression system 14 include hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants, such as R-410A, R-407, R-134a, and hydrofluoro olefins (HFO). , a “natural” refrigerant, such as ammonia (NH ₃ ), R-717, carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), R-744, or a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant, water vapor, or any other suitable refrigerant. In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 efficiently compresses refrigerants with a reference boiling point of about 19° C. (66° F.) at 1 atmosphere, also referred to as low-pressure refrigerants, when compared to medium pressure refrigerants such as R-134a. It can be configured to be utilized. As used herein, “reference boiling point” may refer to the boiling point temperature measured at 1 atmosphere.

In some embodiments, vapor compression system 14 includes a variable speed drive (VSD) 52, motor 50, compressor 32, condenser 34, expansion valve or device 36, and/or evaporator ( 38), one or more of these can be used. Motor 50 may drive compressor 32 and may be powered by a variable speed drive (VSD) 52 . The VSD 52 receives AC power with a specific fixed line voltage and fixed line frequency from an alternating current (AC) power source and provides power with variable voltage and frequency to the motor 50. In other embodiments, motor 50 may be powered directly from an AC or direct current (DC) power source. Motor 50 may include any type of electric motor that can be powered by a VSD or directly from an AC or DC power source, such as a switched reluctance motor, induction motor, electrocommutated permanent magnet motor, or other suitable motor. You can.

The compressor 32 compresses the refrigerant vapor and delivers the vapor to the condenser 34 through the discharge passage. In some embodiments, compressor 32 may be a centrifugal compressor. Refrigerant vapor delivered by compressor 32 to condenser 34 may transfer heat to a cooling fluid (e.g., water or air) in condenser 34. The refrigerant vapor may condense into liquid refrigerant in the condenser 34 as a result of heat transfer with the cooling fluid. Liquid refrigerant from the condenser 34 may flow through the expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , condenser 34 is water cooled and includes a tube bundle 54 connected to a cooling tower 56 that supplies cooling fluid to condenser 34 .

The liquid refrigerant delivered to the evaporator 38 may absorb heat from another cooling fluid, which may or may not be the same cooling fluid used in the condenser 34. The liquid refrigerant in the evaporator 38 may undergo a phase change from liquid refrigerant to refrigerant vapor. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , evaporator 38 may include a tube bundle 58 having a supply line 60S and a return line 60R connected to a cooling load 62 . Cooling fluid (e.g., water, ethylene glycol, calcium chloride brine, sodium chloride brine, or other suitable fluid) in evaporator 38 enters evaporator 38 through return line 60R and exits evaporator 38 through supply line 60S. Exit 38). The evaporator 38 can lower the temperature of the cooling fluid in the tube bundle 58 through heat transfer with the refrigerant. Tube bundle 58 in evaporator 38 may include multiple tubes and/or multiple tube bundles. In either case, the vapor refrigerant exits the evaporator 38 and returns to the compressor 32 by the suction line to complete the cycle.

4 is a schematic diagram of a vapor compression system 14 incorporating an intermediate circuit 64 between the condenser 34 and the expansion device 36. Intermediate circuit 64 may have an inlet line 68 directly fluidly connected to condenser 34. In other embodiments, inlet line 68 may be indirectly fluidly coupled to condenser 34. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , inlet line 68 includes a first expansion device 66 located upstream of intermediate vessel 70 . In some embodiments, intermediate vessel 70 may be a flash tank (eg, flash intercooler). In other embodiments, intermediate vessel 70 may be configured as a heat exchanger or “surface economizer.” In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 , intermediate vessel 70 is used as a flash tank and first expansion device 66 is used to lower the pressure (e.g., to expand) liquid refrigerant received from condenser 34. It is composed. During the expansion process, some of the liquid may evaporate and thus the intermediate vessel 70 may be used to separate the vapor from the liquid received from the first expansion device 66.

Additionally, the intermediate vessel 70 may have a larger volume of liquid refrigerant due to the pressure drop the liquid refrigerant experiences upon entering the intermediate vessel 70 (e.g., due to the rapid increase in volume it experiences upon entering the intermediate vessel 70). Can provide expansion. The vapor in the intermediate vessel 70 may be drawn by the compressor 32 into the suction line 74 of the compressor 32. In other embodiments, the vapor from the intermediate vessel may be drawn into an intermediate stage of compressor 32 (e.g., other than the suction stage). The liquid collecting in intermediate vessel 70 may be at a lower enthalpy than the liquid refrigerant exiting condenser 34 due to expansion in expansion device 66 and/or intermediate vessel 70. The liquid from the intermediate vessel 70 then flows in line 72 through the second expansion device 36 to the evaporator 38.

In light of the foregoing, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of HVAC&R system 10, generally showing the operation of HVAC&R system 10 and/or one or more electrical components 102 of HVAC&R system 10. Illustrative is a monitoring system 100 configured to monitor a condition or state. For example, one or more components 102 may include VSD 52 and/or components of VSD 52 . For clarity, as used herein, “electrical component 102” refers to a digital component (e.g., a microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA)); Analog components (e.g. wires, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors), electromechanical components (e.g. solenoids, actuators), power components (e.g. power supplies, inverters, power sources) bus, etc.) and/or other components that utilize and/or operate with electric current. In the illustrated embodiment, HVAC&R system 10 includes a circuit breaker 104 configured to receive power from a power supply 106. As a non-limiting example, power supply 106 may provide three-phase, fixed voltage, and fixed frequency alternating current (AC) power to circuit breaker 104 from an AC power grid, distribution system, or other source. Circuit breaker 104 is configured to distribute power received from power supply 106 to electrical components 102 of HVAC&R system 10. In some embodiments, circuit breaker 104 may supply power to monitoring system 100. In another embodiment, the monitoring system 100 may receive power from a separate power source (eg, a battery).

In any case, circuit breaker 104 allows current flow from power supply 106 through circuit breaker 104 to electrical component 102 (e.g., across the contacts of circuit breaker 104). The size can be monitored. Circuit breaker 104 is configured to enable or discontinue current flow across circuit breaker 104 based on the magnitude of current flow. For example, in response to an amount of current flow across circuit breaker 104 exceeding a threshold or remaining above a threshold for a predetermined time interval, circuit breaker 104 disconnects electrical component 102 from electrical component 102. Power supply 106 may be electrically disconnected (e.g., via opening the contacts of circuit breaker 104) to block the flow of current from power supply 106 to electrical components 102. That is, circuit breaker 104 may switch to an open circuit configuration to electrically isolate power supply 106 from all electrical components 102 or a subset of electrical components 102 . In fact, in some embodiments circuit breaker 104 may be a plurality of individual circuits configured to selectively enable or block the flow of current from power supply 106 to corresponding electrical components 102 of HVAC&R system 10. It should be understood that circuit breakers may be included.

In some embodiments, in an open circuit configuration of circuit breaker 104, circuit breaker 104 still allows flow of current 108 (e.g., from power supply 106) to monitoring system 100. It may be configured to block the flow of current 107 (e.g., from power supply 106) to electrical component 102 while doing so. As discussed below, in a faulted configuration of circuit breaker 104 (e.g., a type of open circuit configuration of circuit breaker 104), circuit breaker 104 includes electrical components 102 and a monitoring system ( 100) can block the flow of current (e.g., from power supply 106) to both.

In the illustrated embodiment, monitoring system 100 includes a controller 110 (e.g., printed circuit board [PCB], automation controller, programmable logic controller [PLC]) configured to receive power from circuit breaker 104. Includes. In particular, the controller 110 has a power converter 112 configured to receive AC power (e.g., current) from the circuit breaker 104 and output direct current (DC) power (e.g., current) to the controller 110. ) can be electrically coupled to. As a non-limiting example, power converter 112 may receive a supply of 120 volts AC power from circuit breaker 104 and output a supply of 24 volts DC power to controller 110. In some embodiments, fuse 114 may be electrically coupled between circuit breaker 104 and power converter 112.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the electrical components 102 and/or monitoring system 100, or portions thereof, are disposed within an enclosure 120 (e.g., electronics enclosure, housing) of the HVAC&R system 10. It can be. Controller 110 may be electrically and/or communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 122 of monitoring system 100. As discussed in detail herein, sensor 122 is configured to monitor one or more environmental parameters within interior 124 of enclosure 120 and provide feedback indicative of the environmental parameters to controller 110 . As used herein, “environmental parameter” refers to, for example, the concentration (e.g., parts per million) of compounds (e.g., organic compounds, inorganic compounds) that may be dispersed in the air within enclosure 120. ppm]). As a non-limiting example, such compounds may include carbon monoxide. Additionally or alternatively, “environmental parameters” may include the concentration of particulate matter (e.g., carbon particles) that may be suspended in the air within enclosure 120. Sensors 122 may include a first group of sensors 130 or a subset (e.g., sensors ( 122) and a second sensor group 132 or subset (eg, one or more of sensors 122). It should be understood that the individual sensors 122 of the first sensor group 130 and/or the second sensor group 132 may be placed in a variety of suitable locations within the enclosure 120 . For example, sensors 130 and 132 may be located adjacent to a particular electrical component 102 that requires monitoring. Controller 110 may utilize feedback received from sensors 122 to evaluate the operating conditions or status of electrical components 102 and/or HVAC&R system 10 generally.

For example, in some embodiments, certain electrical components 102 may experience degradation over time. In fact, the useful or designed life of some electrical components 102 may have expired, and it may be desirable to perform maintenance and/or replacement of such electrical components 102 to maintain the desired operation of the HVAC&R system 10. can do. In some cases, degradation of electrical components 102 and/or other variables (e.g., power quality, environmental factors such as humidity, etc.) may cause electrical components 102 to heat during operation of HVAC&R system 10. You can experience an event. As used herein, a thermal event is an operating condition or state of electrical component 102 in which the temperature of electrical component 102 exceeds the expected operating temperature range of electrical component 102 (e.g., overheating of the electrical component 102). As such, during a thermal event, the operating state of electrical component 102 may deviate from the expected operating state of electrical component 102 (e.g., the temperature of electrical component 102 may 102) may be elevated beyond the expected operating temperature).

In certain embodiments, the presence of certain compounds and/or particulates in the air within enclosure 120 may indicate the potential occurrence and/or existence of a thermal event. That is, environmental parameters within enclosure 120 may change before and/or during a thermal event. Accordingly, sensor 122 is configured to detect the presence of one or more compounds and/or particulates in the air that may be indicative of a potential or actual thermal event. Controller 110 may therefore be responsive to feedback from one or more sensors 122 indicating currents (e.g., in real time) and/or detected environmental parameters within enclosure 120 to generate thermal events within enclosure 120. Alternatively, potential outbreaks can be detected.

For example, in some embodiments, carbon monoxide may be present within interior 124 of enclosure 120 prior to or during a thermal event. The first sensor group 130 may include a carbon monoxide sensor configured to detect the concentration of carbon monoxide within the interior 124 . As such, based on feedback from the first sensor group 130, the controller 110 may continuously or intermittently monitor the carbon monoxide concentration within the enclosure 120 (e.g., of the HVAC&R system 10). during operation). In some embodiments, controller 110 may adjust the carbon monoxide concentration within interior 124 to a threshold (e.g., a target value or tolerance) at a specific point in time or for a predetermined time interval (e.g., 5 seconds). The occurrence of a thermal event may be determined in response to feedback from any one of the first sensor group 130 indicating that the thermal event exceeds . Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 may select a subset of the first group of sensors 130 (e.g., Potential or actual occurrence of a thermal event may be determined in response to feedback from (e.g., two or more). For this purpose, controller 110 utilizes temperature feedback, for example, from one or more temperature sensors configured to monitor the operating temperature within enclosure 120 (e.g., of one or more electrical components 102). can detect the potential or actual occurrence of a thermal event without

In certain embodiments, controller 110 may generate thermal events based on feedback from second sensor group 132 in addition to or instead of feedback that may be received by controller 110 from first sensor group 130. Potential or actual occurrence of can be detected. For example, in some embodiments, particulate matter (e.g., carbon particles) may be present within interior 124 of enclosure 120 prior to, at the start of, and/or during a thermal event. The second sensor group 132 may include an optical sensor (e.g., a photoelectric detector) configured to detect the concentration of particulates (e.g., carbon particles) that may be suspended in the air within the interior 124. As such, based on feedback received from the second sensor group 132, the controller 110 may continuously or intermittently monitor the concentration of particulates suspended in the air within the enclosure 120 (e.g., during operation of the HVAC&R system 10). In some embodiments, controller 110 may determine the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air within interior 124 to a threshold (e.g., The potential occurrence or presence of a thermal event may be determined in response to feedback from any of the second sensor group 132 indicating an exceedance (by target value or tolerance). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 110 may control a second group of sensors 132 to indicate that the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air within the interior 124 exceeds a threshold at a particular point in time or during a predetermined time interval. ) may determine the potential occurrence or actuality of a thermal event in response to feedback from a subset (e.g., two or more). For this purpose, the controller 110 may, for example, control the enclosure 120 without utilizing temperature feedback from one or more temperature sensors configured to monitor the operating temperature (e.g., of the electrical components 102) within the enclosure 120. (120) The potential occurrence or actuality of a thermal event can be detected.

In some embodiments, in response to detection of the actual or potential occurrence of a thermal event within enclosure 120, controller 110 may direct a signal from power supply 106 to electrical component 102 or to monitoring system 100. A command may be sent to the shunt trip 140 of circuit breaker 104 to effect interruption of power (e.g., current) flow. Shunt trip 140 enables adjustment of circuit breaker 104 based on an input signal from controller 110 (e.g., adjusting the amount of current flowing through circuit breaker 104 at a particular point in time). instead of based on). For example, shunt trip 140 may trip circuit breaker 104 (e.g., in response to receiving a control signal from controller 110) to configure circuit breaker 104 to fail (e.g., , a type of open circuit configuration), where circuit breaker 104 may electrically isolate power supply 106 from electrical components 102 and/or monitoring system 100. . In this way, in a fault configuration, circuit breaker 104 blocks current 146 (e.g., currents 107 and 108) from power supply 106 to electrical components 102 and monitoring system 100. can block the flow of all). For this purpose, based on feedback from any one or combination of sensors 122, shunt trip 140 allows controller 110 to disconnect electrical components 102 from circuit breaker 104 as well as monitoring system 100. It is possible to effect interruption of current flow to components (e.g., sensor 122, controller 110). By disabling the flow of current from the power supply 106 to the electrical component 102, the controller 110 inhibits the progression and/or escalation of the thermal event and causes the electrical component 102 to It can be possible to cool to a temperature that is substantially the same as or lower than the expected operating temperature.

In some embodiments, monitoring system 100 includes an indicator 150 configured to provide an indication (e.g., a visual indication) of whether controller 110 has activated shunt trip 140 in response to detection of a thermal event. ) (e.g., flip dot memory devices, visual indicators, etc.). That is, indicator 150 indicates whether controller 110 has effected interruption of current flow from power supply 106 to electrical components 102 and monitoring system 100 based on feedback from sensor 122. An indication of whether or not it is available can be provided.

For example, in some embodiments, indicator 150 may include an electromagnet 152, a plate 154 (e.g., a disk), and a spring 156. Electromagnet 152 may be configured to generate sufficient magnetic force to maintain plate 154 in a first orientation (e.g., face-up orientation) through a current supplied to electromagnet 152 from circuit breaker 104. there is. In response to interruption of current to electromagnet 152 (e.g., such as when controller 110 places circuit breaker 104 in a fault configuration in response to detection of a thermal event), electromagnet 152 The reduction or loss of magnetic force created by the spring 156 allows the plate 154 to transition from the first orientation to the second orientation (eg, a face down orientation). As a result, an operator (e.g., a service technician) inspecting the HVAC&R system 10 can determine whether a heat event has occurred through inspection of the indicator 150. For example, an operator may determine that a thermal event has not occurred based on observation of the plate 154 of the indicator 150 in a first orientation. Conversely, the operator may determine that a thermal event has occurred based on observation of the plate 154 of the indicator 150 in the second orientation.

As discussed above, indicator 150 indicates that the power to monitoring system 100 may be reduced, as may occur when controller 110 activates shunt trip 140 to place circuit breaker 104 in a fault configuration. Alternatively, plate 154 may be switched from the first orientation to the second orientation in response to interruption of current. However, indicator 150 may not solely transition plate 154 from a first orientation to a second orientation in response solely to interruption of power or current to electrical component 102 . For example, indicator 150 may move plate 154 in response to circuit breaker 104 interrupting current flow to electrical component 102 due to current flow through circuit breaker 104 exceeding a threshold. There may be no transition from the first orientation to the second orientation. In such circumstances, circuit breaker 104 (e.g., in an open circuit configuration) may nevertheless provide power (e.g., current flow) to monitoring system 100 (e.g., controller 110). can be maintained. Indicator 150 may be coupled to controller 110 and/or other suitable components of monitoring system 100. In other embodiments, monitoring system 100 may include, in addition to or instead of indicator 150, any other suitable device configured to alert an operator to the occurrence of a thermal event. In a further embodiment, controller 110 may be configured to send an indication (e.g., warning message, warning command) to another electronic device external to monitoring system 100 upon detection of a thermal event. Controller 110 may send an indication prior to actuation of shunt trip 140, simultaneously with actuation of shunt trip 140, or in response to actuation of shunt trip 140.

In some embodiments, controller 110 includes a processor 160, such as a microprocessor, capable of executing software to control components of HVAC&R system 10 and/or components of monitoring system 100. Processor 160 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general purpose” microprocessors, one or more special purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more special purpose integrated circuits (ASICs), or some combination thereof. For example, processor 160 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. Controller 110 may also include a memory device 162 (e.g., memory, memory storage, etc.) that may store information such as instructions, control software, lookup tables, configuration data, etc. Memory device 162 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). The memory device 162 can store various information and be used for various purposes. For example, memory device 162 may be processor-executable containing firmware or software for execution by processor 160, such as instructions for controlling components of HVAC&R system 10 and/or monitoring system 100. Commands can be saved. In some embodiments, memory device 162 is a tangible, non-transitory machine-readable medium that can store machine-readable instructions for execution by processor 160. Memory device 162 may include ROM, flash memory, hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid state storage medium or combinations thereof. Memory device 162 may store data, instructions, and any other suitable data.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 170 for operating monitoring system 100, according to the techniques described herein. It should be noted that the steps of method 170 discussed below may be performed in any suitable order and are not limited to the order shown in the illustrated embodiment of Figure 6. Additionally, it should be noted that in certain embodiments additional steps of method 170 may be performed and certain steps of method 170 may be omitted. Additionally, it should be understood that certain steps of method 170 may be performed concurrently with other steps. Method 170 may be performed by processor 160 of controller 110 (e.g., through execution of processor-executable instructions stored in memory device 162) and/or by HVAC&R system 10 and/or monitoring system. It can be implemented by any other suitable processing circuit (100).

Method 170 includes operating monitoring system 100 to detect the presence or potential occurrence of a thermal event within enclosure 120 as indicated by block 172 . The illustrated embodiment of method 170 also monitors feedback (e.g., data) from first sensor group 130 and second sensor group 132 as represented by blocks 174 and 176, respectively. It includes doing. As shown at block 178, controller 110 determines whether, for example, feedback from a sensor in first sensor group 130 indicates that the carbon monoxide concentration in enclosure 120 exceeds a first threshold. can be judged. As indicated by block 180, the controller 110 may determine, for example, feedback from the sensors of the second sensor group 132 to determine the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air within the enclosure 120 at a second threshold value. It can be determined whether it indicates that it exceeds .

None of the sensors 122 in the first sensor group 130 provide feedback indicating that the carbon monoxide concentration in the enclosure 120 exceeds the first threshold, and the sensors 122 in the second sensor group 132 In response to determining that none of ) provides feedback indicating that the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air within enclosure 120 exceeds the second threshold, controller 110 operates at block 172 of method 170. ) can be returned to. At least one sensor 122 of the first sensor group 130 provides feedback indicating that the carbon monoxide concentration in the enclosure 120 exceeds the first threshold and/or at least one sensor 122 of the second sensor group 132 In response to determining that one sensor 122 indicates that the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air within enclosure 120 exceeds a second threshold, controller 110, as shown at block 182, Shunt trip 140 may be activated according to the techniques described above to place circuit breaker 104 in a fault configuration. In other embodiments, controller 110 may control shunt trip 140 and/or from other suitable sensors in addition to or instead of the feedback provided by first and second sensor groups 130, 132. It is important to understand that thermal events can be detected based on feedback from .

7 is a partial exploded view of an embodiment of one of the sensors 122, referred to herein as sensor 190 (e.g., sensor assembly or module). The sensor 190 may include or include one of the sensors 122 of the first sensor group 130 and/or one of the sensors 122 of the second sensor group 132 . In fact, in some embodiments, sensor 190 may accommodate one or more first sensor groups 130 and one or more second sensor groups 132 within housing 192 of sensor 190. In another embodiment, each sensor 122 of the first sensor group 130 and each sensor 122 of the second sensor group 132 may be disposed in a separate housing 192.

In some embodiments, sensor 190 is coupled to or recessed within a surface of housing 192 (e.g., base surface 196, base portion) with one or more magnets 194 (e.g., permanent magnet) may be included. Magnets 194 may provide magnetic coupling (e.g., a removable Facilitates attachment, removable attachment). As such, magnets 194 facilitate installation of sensors 190 at various locations on or within enclosure 120 without involving modifications (e.g., physical alterations) of enclosure 120. That is, to couple sensor 190 to a particular part of enclosure 120, a service technician may magnetically couple magnet 194 with a metal component (e.g., panel, beam, strut) of enclosure 120. Engagement may maintain sensor 190 in a desired location within enclosure 120 (e.g., adjacent one or more of the electrical components 102). In fact, monitoring system 100 may be a retro-fit kit configured for installation within an enclosure (e.g., enclosure 120) of an existing embodiment of HVAC&R system 10 that did not previously include monitoring system 100. ), you must understand that it can be.

As described above, embodiments of the present invention may provide one or more technical benefits useful for detecting the occurrence of a thermal event within an enclosure of an HVAC&R system that may include one or more electrical components. Specifically, this embodiment includes a monitoring system having one or more sensors configured to monitor environmental parameters within an enclosure configured to house electrical components. The monitoring system can facilitate the detection of thermal events within the enclosure based on monitored environmental parameters without using dedicated temperature sensors. Additionally, the monitoring system may interrupt the supply of current to the electrical components to suppress the occurrence or escalation of a thermal event. The technical effects and technical problems described in this specification are only examples and are not limited thereto. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein may have different technical effects and solve different technical problems.

It is important to note that the configuration and arrangement of the monitoring system as shown in the various example embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art reviewing the invention will be able to make many modifications (e.g., various modifications) without departing substantially from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. It will be readily understood that changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion of elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) are possible. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be comprised of multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, the nature or number of individual elements or positions may be varied, or can be changed. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be altered or rearranged in accordance with alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover equivalent structures, as well as structures and structural equivalents described herein as performing the recited function. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

The claimed techniques presented and referred to herein are referenced and applied to specific examples and material objects of a practical nature that clearly improve the state of the art and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. In addition, the claims attached at the end of the specification include one or more components designated as "means [to perform] the [function]..." or "steps to [perform] the [function]..." If so, these factors are subject to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for claims that include elements otherwise specified, such elements shall be defined in 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims (20)

A monitoring system configured to monitor the environment within an enclosure of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system, comprising:
a sensor configured to acquire data representative of environmental parameter values within the enclosure; and
A controller comprising:
receive the data from the sensor;
determine occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data;
and instructing circuit breakers of the HVAC&R system to transition to a fault configuration in response to determining the occurrence of the thermal event. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the data includes the concentration of carbon monoxide within the enclosure. 2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the data includes the concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air within the enclosure. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: said circuit breaker, said circuit breaker being configured to monitor a magnitude of current sent through said circuit breaker to an electrical component of said HVAC&R system, said circuit breaker said circuit breaker exceeding a threshold; A monitoring system configured to switch to an open circuit configuration to stop current flow to the electrical component in response to a magnitude of current. 5. The monitoring system of claim 4, wherein in the open circuit configuration, the circuit breaker is configured to direct current from a power supply to the controller. 6. The monitoring system of claim 5, wherein in the fault configuration, the circuit breaker is configured to interrupt current flow from the power supply to the controller and to interrupt current flow to the electrical component. 7. The monitoring system of claim 6, comprising an indicator configured to provide a visual indication of the occurrence of the thermal event in response to cessation of the current flow to the controller. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine the occurrence of the thermal event in response to determining that the data from the sensor indicates that the environmental parameter value exceeds a threshold. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine the occurrence of the thermal event in response to determining that the data from the sensor indicates that the environmental parameter value exceeds a threshold during a predetermined time interval. Monitoring system. The monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to transmit a warning message to an electronic device in response to determining the occurrence of the thermal event. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor,
housing; and
A monitoring system comprising a magnet coupled to the housing, wherein the magnet is configured to removably mount the sensor to the enclosure. As a method,
Obtaining, through one or more sensors, data representative of environmental parameter values within an enclosure of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system;
determining, via a controller, occurrence of a thermal event in the enclosure based on the data; and
Instructing, via the controller, a circuit breaker in the HVAC&R system to transition to a fault configuration in response to determining the occurrence of the thermal event. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the occurrence of the thermal event comprises, via the controller, based on the environmental parameter value exceeding a threshold at a specific point in time or exceeding the threshold during a predetermined time interval. Determining the occurrence of the thermal event based on the environmental parameter value. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein instructing the circuit breaker to switch to the fault configuration comprises: causing the circuit breaker, through the controller, to interrupt the flow of current from a power supply to an electrical component disposed within the enclosure. Method, including. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein obtaining data comprises monitoring, via one or more of the sensors, a first concentration of carbon monoxide in the enclosure, a second concentration of particulate matter suspended in the air in the enclosure, or both. Method, including. As a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and/or air conditioning (HVAC&R) system,
a circuit breaker configured to direct current from a power supply to electrical components disposed within an enclosure of the HVAC&R system;
a sensor configured to acquire data representative of environmental parameters within the enclosure; and
A controller comprising:
receive the data from the sensor;
determine occurrence of a thermal event within the enclosure based on the data;
An HVAC&R system configured to instruct the circuit breaker to switch to a fault configuration to interrupt the flow of current to the electrical component in response to determining the occurrence of the thermal event. 17. The HVAC&R system of claim 16, wherein the circuit breaker is configured to transition to an open circuit configuration to interrupt the flow of the current to the electrical component in response to a magnitude of the current exceeding a threshold. 18. The circuit breaker of claim 17, wherein the circuit breaker is configured to direct additional current from the power supply to the controller in an open circuit configuration and to block flow of the additional current from the power supply to the controller in a faulted configuration. HVAC&R systems. 19. The HVAC&R system of claim 18, comprising an indicator configured to provide a visual indication indicating the occurrence of the thermal event in response to cessation of the flow of the additional current to the controller. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising an additional sensor configured to obtain additional data indicative of the environmental parameter within the enclosure, wherein the controller:
the data from the sensor indicating that the value of the environmental parameter exceeds a threshold; and
and determine the occurrence of the thermal event in response to the additional data from the additional sensor indicating that the value of the environmental parameter exceeds the threshold.