US20190316821A1 - Detection apparatus and method for refrigerant leakage of air source cooling only system - Google Patents

Detection apparatus and method for refrigerant leakage of air source cooling only system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190316821A1
US20190316821A1 US16/381,627 US201916381627A US2019316821A1 US 20190316821 A1 US20190316821 A1 US 20190316821A1 US 201916381627 A US201916381627 A US 201916381627A US 2019316821 A1 US2019316821 A1 US 2019316821A1
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predefined
air source
refrigerant leakage
less
cumulative score
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US16/381,627
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Hui Zhai
Runfu Shi
Xiangyu Gao
Guangyu SHEN
Yuhui Kuang
Yu Zhu
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Carrier Corp
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Carrier Corp
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Assigned to CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION R&D MANAGEMENT (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD. reassignment CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION R&D MANAGEMENT (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GAO, XIANGYU, KUANG, YUHUI, SHEN, Guangyu, SHI, RUNFU, ZHAI, Hui, ZHU, YU
Assigned to CARRIER CORPORATION reassignment CARRIER CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION R&D MANAGEMENT (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B30/00—Heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2339/00—Details of evaporators; Details of condensers
    • F25B2339/04—Details of condensers
    • F25B2339/047—Water-cooled condensers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
    • F25B2345/003—Control issues for charging or collecting refrigerant to or from a cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F25B2500/221—Preventing leaks from developing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/25—Control of valves
    • F25B2600/2513—Expansion valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/17—Speeds
    • F25B2700/171—Speeds of the compressor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/19—Pressures
    • F25B2700/193—Pressures of the compressor
    • F25B2700/1931—Discharge pressures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2115—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor
    • F25B2700/21152—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor at the discharge side of the compressor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2116—Temperatures of a condenser
    • F25B2700/21163—Temperatures of a condenser of the refrigerant at the outlet of the condenser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
    • F25B2700/21175—Temperatures of an evaporator of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of operation and maintenance of cooling systems, and more particularly to a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system, which is used for monitoring whether a leakage has occurred in a cooling system.
  • the present invention further relates to a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system.
  • an air source cooling-only system generally uses a refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle operation.
  • the refrigerant may leakage from pipelines for a variety of reasons.
  • a cooling-only module may probably shut down due to a leakage, thereby resulting in economic losses, air pollution, and repair costs.
  • the existing air source cooling-only system is not capable of automatically detecting a refrigerant leakage.
  • a special-purpose apparatus can be used to detect whether a leakage has occurred, such detection is time-consuming and expensive.
  • a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises: a data obtaining module, configured to obtain an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system; a data comparison module, configured to compare the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; a cumulative score updating module, configured to update a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; and a refrigerant leakage determination module, configured to determine that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • the data comparison module comprises a compressor speed or capacity comparison module; the compressor speed or capacity comparison module is configured to compare the compressor speed or capacity with a minimum speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module is configured to increase the cumulative score by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity.
  • the data comparison module comprises a superheat comparison module; the superheat comparison module is configured to compare a superheat degree with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
  • the data comparison module comprises a first pressure comparison module; the first pressure comparison module is configured to compare a compressor discharge pressure with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure; and the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure.
  • the data comparison module comprises a supercooling degree comparison module; the supercooling degree comparison module is configured to compare the supercooling degree with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree; and the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree.
  • the data comparison module comprises a second pressure comparison module and/or a reservoir level comparison module
  • the second pressure comparison module and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to operate when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down; and wherein the second pressure comparison module is configured to compare the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to compare a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; and the refrigerant leakage determination module is configured to determine that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only cycle system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • the preset operating parameter interval is a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
  • the device further comprises a warning module configured to send a leakage warning signal when it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • the operating parameter comprises one or more of the following: an operating state of the air source cooling-only system, a shutdown state of the air source cooling-only system, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
  • a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises the following steps: S 1 : obtaining an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system; S 2 : comparing the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; S 3 : updating a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; S 4 : determining that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and returning to step S 1 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • step S 2 the compressor speed or capacity is compared with a minimum speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity, and the method returns to step S 1 when the compressor speed or capacity is less than the predefined speed or capacity.
  • a superheat degree is compared with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value, and the method returns to step S 1 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
  • step S 2 a compressor discharge pressure is compared with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure, and the method returns to step S 1 when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure.
  • step S 2 the supercooling degree is compared with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree, and the method returns to step S 1 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree.
  • the method further comprises the following steps: S 2 . 1 : when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down, comparing the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or comparing a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; S 3 . 1 : determining that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • the preset operating parameter interval is a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
  • the method further comprises step S 5 : sending a warning signal if it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • step S 1 comprises obtaining one or more of the following operating parameters: whether the air source cooling-only system is operating, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, the expansion valve opening degree, the supercooling degree, the superheat degree, the compressor discharge pressure, and the reservoir level.
  • the device and the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention are simple and reliable, easy in implementation, convenient in application and so on, and can provide automatic detection of a refrigerant leakage, improving the operating efficiency and safety of modules.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
  • positional terms such as top, bottom, upward, and downward mentioned herein are defined with respect to directions in each of the drawings, they are relative concepts and thus can vary according to different locations and different practical states thereof. Therefore, these or other positional terms should not be construed as limiting terms.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention.
  • the device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises a data obtaining module 100 , configured to obtain an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system; a data comparison module 200 , configured to compare the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; a cumulative score updating module 300 , configured to update a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; and a refrigerant leakage determination module 400 , configured to determine that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • the data comparison module 200 comprises a compressor speed or capacity comparison module 210 .
  • the compressor speed or capacity comparison module 210 is configured to compare a compressor speed (compresser_spd) or capacity with a minimum speed (minimum_spd) or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to increase the cumulative score by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity (as shown at module 310 ).
  • the data comparison module 200 comprises a superheat comparison module 220 ;
  • the superheat comparison module 220 is configured to compare a superheat degree (SH) with a sum of a superheat degree setting value (SH_sp) and a third predefined value (DT3) when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time (N2), the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value (DT1), a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value (DT2), and an expansion valve opening degree (EXV_open) is equal to a predefined opening degree;
  • the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value;
  • the data comparison module 200 comprises a first pressure comparison module 230 ; the first pressure comparison module 230 is configured to compare a compressor discharge pressure (HP) with a first predefined pressure (HP_predefined) when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the compressor discharge pressure (HP) is not less than the first predefined pressure; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure (HP) is less than the first predefined pressure (as shown at module 330 ).
  • HP compressor discharge pressure
  • HP_predefined first predefined pressure
  • the data comparison module 200 comprises a supercooling degree comparison module 240 ; the supercooling degree comparison module 240 is configured to compare the supercooling degree (SC) with a predefined supercooling degree (SC_predefined) when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree (as shown at module 340 ).
  • SC supercooling degree
  • SC_predefined predefined supercooling degree
  • the data comparison module 200 comprises a second pressure comparison module and/or a reservoir level comparison module 250 ; the second pressure comparison module and/or the reservoir level comparison module 250 is configured to operate when a second predefined period of time (N1) elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down; and wherein the second pressure comparison module is configured to compare the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to compare a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; and the refrigerant leakage determination module 400 is configured to determine that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • N1 second predefined period of time
  • the preset operating parameter interval may be a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
  • the preset value, preset table, or preset diagram can be pre-stored in a memory.
  • the device for detecting a refrigerant leakage can further comprise a warning module 500 configured to send a leakage warning signal when the refrigerant leakage determination module 400 determines that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • the warning signal can be an image signal, a sound signal, or a combination thereof.
  • the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • the predefined opening degree is 100%.
  • the operating parameter comprises one or more of the following: an operating state of the air source cooling-only system, a shutdown state of the air source cooling-only system, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention.
  • the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises the following steps:
  • step S 2 the compressor speed or capacity is compared with a minimum speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity, and the method returns to step S 1 when the compressor speed or capacity is less than the predefined speed or capacity.
  • step S 2 a superheat degree is compared with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value, and the method returns to step S 1 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
  • step S 2 a compressor discharge pressure is compared with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure, and the method returns to step S 1 when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure.
  • step S 2 the supercooling degree is compared with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; and in step S 3 , the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree, and the method returns to step S 1 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree.
  • the method further comprises the following steps:
  • the preset operating parameter interval described in step S 2 may be a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
  • the preset value, preset table, or preset diagram can be stored in an accessible memory.
  • the method further comprises step S 5 in which a warning signal is sent if it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • the warning signal can be an image signal, a sound signal, or a combination thereof.
  • the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • the predefined opening degree is 100%.
  • step S 1 comprises obtaining one or more of the following operating parameters: whether the air source cooling-only system is operating, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a cooling system when a cooling system is in a cooling mode, whether the cooling system is operating is continuously monitored. If it is found that the system has been shut down for a longer duration than a second predefined period of time, steps S 2 . 1 and S 3 . 1 described above are performed; and when it is determined that a refrigerant leakage has occurred, a warning signal is sent.
  • an operating parameter of an air-cooled heat pump system including reading an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, and a superheat degree from the air-cooled heat pump system; and whether the supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value is determined. If the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value, then a supercooling degree check is performed.
  • the expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree is determined continuously; if the expansion valve opening degree is equal to the predefined opening degree, then a superheat degree check is performed; and if the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree, then a compressor discharge pressure check is performed.
  • a cumulative score is respectively increased by a different value.
  • the cumulative score reaches a predefined cumulative score, it is determined that a refrigerant leakage has occurred and a warning signal is sent.
  • the cumulative score is increased by a first score; in the superheat degree check, if a superheat degree is greater than a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value, the cumulative score is increased by a second score; in the compressor discharge pressure check, if a compressor discharge pressure is less than a first predefined pressure, the cumulative score is increased by a third score; and in the supercooling degree check, if a supercooling degree is less than a predefined supercooling degree, the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score.
  • each of the checking steps described above can be used alone or in combination; and when a combination is performed, two or more than two or all of the checking steps can be used.
  • an initial value of the cumulative score is 0; the first score is 5; the second score is 3; the third score is 2; and the fourth score is 1.
  • the cumulative score reaches 15 (i.e., the predefined cumulative score)
  • the device and the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to the present invention are applicable to an air source cooling-only cycle cooling system which is preferably air-cooled.
  • the device and the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to the present invention can automatically detect whether a refrigerant leakage has occurred in a cooling system without using other apparatuses for manual detection, which effectively improves the operating efficiency of the cooling system and has good economic benefits.

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Abstract

A device and a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system, wherein the detection method comprises S1: obtaining an operating parameter of an air-cooled cooling-only air source cooling-only system, wherein the operating parameter comprises at least a compressor speed or capacity; S2: comparing the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; S3: updating a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; and S4: determining that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and returning to step S1 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.

Description

    FOREIGN PRIORITY
  • This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201810330163.4, filed Apr. 13, 2018, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the contents of which in its entirety are herein incorporated by reference.
    • TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to the field of operation and maintenance of cooling systems, and more particularly to a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system, which is used for monitoring whether a leakage has occurred in a cooling system. The present invention further relates to a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system.
    • BACKGROUND ART
  • It is known that an air source cooling-only system generally uses a refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle operation. During operation, the refrigerant may leakage from pipelines for a variety of reasons. A cooling-only module may probably shut down due to a leakage, thereby resulting in economic losses, air pollution, and repair costs.
  • The existing air source cooling-only system is not capable of automatically detecting a refrigerant leakage. Although a special-purpose apparatus can be used to detect whether a leakage has occurred, such detection is time-consuming and expensive.
  • Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a device and a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system, which is capable of automatically detecting an occurrence of a refrigerant leakage and reducing operating costs.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system, which can automatically detect a refrigerant leakage and send an alarm signal. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system.
  • The objects of the present invention are achieved by the following technical solutions:
  • A device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises: a data obtaining module, configured to obtain an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system; a data comparison module, configured to compare the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; a cumulative score updating module, configured to update a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; and a refrigerant leakage determination module, configured to determine that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • Optionally, the data comparison module comprises a compressor speed or capacity comparison module; the compressor speed or capacity comparison module is configured to compare the compressor speed or capacity with a minimum speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module is configured to increase the cumulative score by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity.
  • Optionally, the data comparison module comprises a superheat comparison module; the superheat comparison module is configured to compare a superheat degree with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
  • Optionally, the data comparison module comprises a first pressure comparison module; the first pressure comparison module is configured to compare a compressor discharge pressure with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure; and the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure.
  • Optionally, the data comparison module comprises a supercooling degree comparison module; the supercooling degree comparison module is configured to compare the supercooling degree with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree; and the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree.
  • Optionally, the data comparison module comprises a second pressure comparison module and/or a reservoir level comparison module;
  • the second pressure comparison module and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to operate when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down; and wherein the second pressure comparison module is configured to compare the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to compare a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; and the refrigerant leakage determination module is configured to determine that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only cycle system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • Optionally, the preset operating parameter interval is a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
  • Optionally, the device further comprises a warning module configured to send a leakage warning signal when it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • Optionally, the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • Optionally, the operating parameter comprises one or more of the following: an operating state of the air source cooling-only system, a shutdown state of the air source cooling-only system, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
  • A method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises the following steps: S1: obtaining an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system; S2: comparing the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; S3: updating a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; S4: determining that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and returning to step S1 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • Optionally, in step S2, the compressor speed or capacity is compared with a minimum speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity, and the method returns to step S1 when the compressor speed or capacity is less than the predefined speed or capacity.
  • Optionally, in step S2, a superheat degree is compared with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value, and the method returns to step S1 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
  • Optionally, in step S2, a compressor discharge pressure is compared with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure, and the method returns to step S1 when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure.
  • Optionally, in step S2, the supercooling degree is compared with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree, and the method returns to step S1 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree.
  • Optionally, the method further comprises the following steps: S2.1: when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down, comparing the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or comparing a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; S3.1: determining that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • Optionally, in step S2, the preset operating parameter interval is a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
  • Optionally, the method further comprises step S5: sending a warning signal if it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • Optionally, the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • Optionally, step S1 comprises obtaining one or more of the following operating parameters: whether the air source cooling-only system is operating, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, the expansion valve opening degree, the supercooling degree, the superheat degree, the compressor discharge pressure, and the reservoir level.
  • The device and the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention are simple and reliable, easy in implementation, convenient in application and so on, and can provide automatic detection of a refrigerant leakage, improving the operating efficiency and safety of modules.
    • DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention will be described in further details below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are drawn only for explaining the preferred embodiments and thus should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention. Moreover, unless expressly specified otherwise, the drawings are only intended to conceptually illustrate compositions or a construction of a described object and may comprise an exaggerated display, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the description is only illustrative and exemplary, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.
  • First of all, it is noted that positional terms such as top, bottom, upward, and downward mentioned herein are defined with respect to directions in each of the drawings, they are relative concepts and thus can vary according to different locations and different practical states thereof. Therefore, these or other positional terms should not be construed as limiting terms.
  • In addition, it is also noted that any single technical feature described or implied in the embodiments herein or any single technical feature shown or implied in the drawings can still continue to be combined among these technical features (or equivalents thereof), so as to obtain other embodiments of the present invention that are not directly mentioned herein.
  • It should be noted that the same reference numbers in different figures refer to the same or substantially the same assemblies.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention. Herein, the device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises a data obtaining module 100, configured to obtain an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system; a data comparison module 200, configured to compare the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval; a cumulative score updating module 300, configured to update a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; and a refrigerant leakage determination module 400, configured to determine that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 200 comprises a compressor speed or capacity comparison module 210. The compressor speed or capacity comparison module 210 is configured to compare a compressor speed (compresser_spd) or capacity with a minimum speed (minimum_spd) or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to increase the cumulative score by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity (as shown at module 310).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 200 comprises a superheat comparison module 220; the superheat comparison module 220 is configured to compare a superheat degree (SH) with a sum of a superheat degree setting value (SH_sp) and a third predefined value (DT3) when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time (N2), the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value (DT1), a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value (DT2), and an expansion valve opening degree (EXV_open) is equal to a predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value (as shown at module 320).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 200 comprises a first pressure comparison module 230; the first pressure comparison module 230 is configured to compare a compressor discharge pressure (HP) with a first predefined pressure (HP_predefined) when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the compressor discharge pressure (HP) is not less than the first predefined pressure; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure (HP) is less than the first predefined pressure (as shown at module 330).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 200 comprises a supercooling degree comparison module 240; the supercooling degree comparison module 240 is configured to compare the supercooling degree (SC) with a predefined supercooling degree (SC_predefined) when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; the cumulative score updating module 300 is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module 100 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree; and the cumulative score updating module 300 is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree (as shown at module 340).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 200 comprises a second pressure comparison module and/or a reservoir level comparison module 250; the second pressure comparison module and/or the reservoir level comparison module 250 is configured to operate when a second predefined period of time (N1) elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down; and wherein the second pressure comparison module is configured to compare the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to compare a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; and the refrigerant leakage determination module 400 is configured to determine that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • In the embodiments of the present invention, the preset operating parameter interval may be a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram. The preset value, preset table, or preset diagram can be pre-stored in a memory.
  • The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to the present invention can further comprise a warning module 500 configured to send a leakage warning signal when the refrigerant leakage determination module 400 determines that the refrigerant leakage has occurred. The warning signal can be an image signal, a sound signal, or a combination thereof.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the predefined opening degree is 100%.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating parameter comprises one or more of the following: an operating state of the air source cooling-only system, a shutdown state of the air source cooling-only system, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system according to the present invention. Herein, the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only system comprises the following steps:
  • S1: obtaining an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only system;
  • S2: comparing the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval;
  • S3: updating a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval;
  • S4: determining that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and returning to step S1 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, the compressor speed or capacity is compared with a minimum speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the minimum speed or capacity, and the method returns to step S1 when the compressor speed or capacity is less than the predefined speed or capacity.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, a superheat degree is compared with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value, and the method returns to step S1 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, a compressor discharge pressure is compared with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure, and the method returns to step S1 when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, the supercooling degree is compared with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value; and in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree, and the method returns to step S1 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps:
  • S2.1: when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only system is shut down, comparing the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system with a second predefined pressure, and/or comparing a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; and
  • S3.1: determining that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
  • In one embodiments of the present invention, the preset operating parameter interval described in step S2 may be a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram. The preset value, preset table, or preset diagram can be stored in an accessible memory.
  • In one embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises step S5 in which a warning signal is sent if it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred. The warning signal can be an image signal, a sound signal, or a combination thereof.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, the predefined opening degree is 100%.
  • In one embodiment of the present invention, step S1 comprises obtaining one or more of the following operating parameters: whether the air source cooling-only system is operating, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
  • FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Herein, when a cooling system is in a cooling mode, whether the cooling system is operating is continuously monitored. If it is found that the system has been shut down for a longer duration than a second predefined period of time, steps S2.1 and S3.1 described above are performed; and when it is determined that a refrigerant leakage has occurred, a warning signal is sent.
  • If it is found that the system has been operated for a longer duration than a first predefined period of time, then whether an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value is detected. If the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than the first predefined value, then a compressor speed or capacity check is performed.
  • If the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, then an operating parameter of an air-cooled heat pump system is obtained, including reading an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, and a superheat degree from the air-cooled heat pump system; and whether the supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value is determined. If the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value, then a supercooling degree check is performed.
  • If the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, then whether the expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree is determined continuously; if the expansion valve opening degree is equal to the predefined opening degree, then a superheat degree check is performed; and if the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree, then a compressor discharge pressure check is performed.
  • In each of the checking steps described above, if a checked operating parameter falls within a predefined range, then a cumulative score is respectively increased by a different value. When the cumulative score reaches a predefined cumulative score, it is determined that a refrigerant leakage has occurred and a warning signal is sent. Herein, in the compressor speed or capacity check, if a compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to a minimum speed or capacity, the cumulative score is increased by a first score; in the superheat degree check, if a superheat degree is greater than a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value, the cumulative score is increased by a second score; in the compressor discharge pressure check, if a compressor discharge pressure is less than a first predefined pressure, the cumulative score is increased by a third score; and in the supercooling degree check, if a supercooling degree is less than a predefined supercooling degree, the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score. Herein, each of the checking steps described above can be used alone or in combination; and when a combination is performed, two or more than two or all of the checking steps can be used.
  • In one embodiment of the invention, an initial value of the cumulative score is 0; the first score is 5; the second score is 3; the third score is 2; and the fourth score is 1. When the cumulative score reaches 15 (i.e., the predefined cumulative score), it is determined that a refrigerant leakage has occurred and a leakage warning signal is sent.
  • The device and the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to the present invention are applicable to an air source cooling-only cycle cooling system which is preferably air-cooled. The device and the method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to the present invention can automatically detect whether a refrigerant leakage has occurred in a cooling system without using other apparatuses for manual detection, which effectively improves the operating efficiency of the cooling system and has good economic benefits.
  • The specification discloses the present invention with reference to the drawings, and also allows those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, including making and using any device or module, selecting a suitable material, and using any combined method. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claimed technical solutions, and includes other examples that are envisaged by those skilled in the art. As long as such other examples contain structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claimed technical solutions, or such other examples contain equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claimed technical solutions, such other examples should be considered within the scope defined by the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. A device for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only cycle system, comprising:
a data obtaining module, configured to obtain an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only cycle system, wherein the operating parameter comprises at least a compressor speed or capacity;
a data comparison module, configured to compare the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval;
a cumulative score updating module, configured to update a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval; and
a refrigerant leakage determination module, configured to determine that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
2. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein
the data comparison module comprises a compressor speed or capacity comparison module;
the compressor speed or capacity comparison module is configured to compare the compressor speed or capacity with a predefined speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and
the cumulative score updating module is configured to increase the cumulative score by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the predefined speed or capacity.
3. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 2, wherein
the data comparison module comprises a superheat comparison module;
the superheat comparison module is configured to compare a superheat degree with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree reaches a predefined opening degree;
the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value; and
the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
4. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 3, wherein
the data comparison module comprises a first pressure comparison module;
the first pressure comparison module is configured to compare a compressor discharge pressure with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree;
the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure; and
the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure.
5. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 4, wherein
the data comparison module comprises a supercooling degree comparison module;
the supercooling degree comparison module is configured to compare the supercooling degree with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value;
the cumulative score updating module is configured to continue to operate the data obtaining module when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree; and
the cumulative score updating module is further configured to increase the cumulative score by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree.
6. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises:
the data comparison module comprising a second pressure comparison module and/or a reservoir level comparison module;
the second pressure comparison module and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to operate when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only cycle system is shut down; and wherein the second pressure comparison module is configured to compare the compressor discharge pressure with a second predefined pressure, and/or the reservoir level comparison module is configured to compare a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level; and
the refrigerant leakage determination module is configured to determine that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only cycle system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
7. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein the preset operating parameter interval is a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
8. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises:
a warning module, configured to send a leakage warning signal when it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
9. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 2, wherein the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
10. The device for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein the operating parameter comprises one or more of the following: an operating state of the air source cooling-only cycle system, a shutdown state of the air source cooling-only cycle system, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only cycle system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only cycle system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
11. A method for detecting a refrigerant leakage of an air source cooling-only cycle system, comprising the following steps:
S1: obtaining an operating parameter of the air source cooling-only cycle system, wherein the operating parameter comprises at least a compressor speed or capacity;
S2: comparing the operating parameter with a preset operating parameter interval;
S3: updating a cumulative score when the operating parameter falls within the preset operating parameter interval;
S4: determining that a refrigerant leakage has occurred when the cumulative score exceeds a predefined cumulative score, and returning to step S1 when the cumulative score does not exceed the predefined cumulative score.
12. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 11, wherein
in step S2, the compressor speed or capacity is compared with a predefined speed or capacity when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for a first predefined period of time and an absolute value of a temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is less than a first predefined value; and
in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a first score when the compressor speed or capacity is greater than or equal to the predefined speed or capacity, and the method returns to step S1 when the compressor speed or capacity is less than the predefined speed or capacity.
13. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 12, wherein
in step S2, a superheat degree is compared with a sum of a superheat degree setting value and a third predefined value when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, a supercooling degree is less than a second predefined value, and an expansion valve opening degree is equal to a predefined opening degree;
in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a second score when the superheat degree is greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value, and the method returns to step S1 when the superheat degree is not greater than the sum of the superheat degree setting value and the third predefined value.
14. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 13, wherein
in step S2, a compressor discharge pressure is compared with a first predefined pressure when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, the supercooling degree is less than the second predefined value, and the expansion valve opening degree is not equal to the predefined opening degree;
in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a third score when the compressor discharge pressure is less than the first predefined pressure, and the method returns to step S1 when the compressor discharge pressure is not less than the first predefined pressure.
15. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 14, wherein
in step S2, the supercooling degree is compared with a predefined supercooling degree when the air source cooling-only cycle system has been continuously operated for the first predefined period of time, the absolute value of the temperature difference between inlet and outlet water is not less than the first predefined value, and the supercooling degree is not less than the second predefined value;
in step S3, the cumulative score is increased by a fourth score when the supercooling degree is less than the predefined supercooling degree, and the method returns to step S1 when the supercooling degree is not less than the predefined supercooling degree.
16. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the following steps:
S2.1: when a second predefined period of time elapses after the air source cooling-only cycle system is shut down, comparing the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only cycle system with a second predefined pressure, and/or comparing a reservoir level with a predefined reservoir level;
S3.1: determining that the refrigerant leakage has occurred when the compressor discharge pressure of the air source cooling-only cycle system is less than the second predefined pressure and/or the reservoir level is below the predefined reservoir level.
17. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 11, wherein in step S2, the preset operating parameter interval is a preset value, a preset table, or a preset diagram.
18. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises:
step S5: sending a warning signal if it is determined that the refrigerant leakage has occurred.
19. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 12, wherein the first predefined value is 1 degree Celsius.
20. The method for detecting a refrigerant leakage according to claim 11, wherein step S1 comprises obtaining one or more of the following operating parameters: whether the air source cooling-only cycle system is operating, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only cycle system is shut down, time elapsed since the air source cooling-only cycle system operates, a water outlet temperature, a water inlet temperature, an expansion valve opening degree, a supercooling degree, a superheat degree, a compressor discharge pressure, and a reservoir level.
US16/381,627 2018-04-13 2019-04-11 Detection apparatus and method for refrigerant leakage of air source cooling only system Abandoned US20190316821A1 (en)

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