KR20080067529A - How to operate a combined refrigeration system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a plurality of refrigerators; And a compressor connected to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of refrigerators, the compressor forming a refrigeration cycle together with the plurality of refrigerators, the method comprising: providing a plurality of refrigerators by supplying refrigerant using a compressor; A first step of driving; And a second step of determining whether the refrigerant leaks by supplying refrigerant to at least two of the plurality of refrigerators.

Description

METHOOD OF OPERATING A MULTI REFRIGERATING SYSTEM

1 is a view showing a composite refrigeration system disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-0077605,

2 is a view showing the kimchi refrigerator disclosed in US Patent No. 6,615,607,

3 is a view showing a wine cellar disclosed in Korea Utility Model Publication No. 0380906,

4 is a view showing an example of a composite refrigeration system according to the present invention,

5 is a view showing an example of a refrigeration cycle constituting a complex refrigeration system according to the present invention,

6 is a view for explaining an example of a method for determining whether a refrigerant leaks according to the present invention;

7 is a block diagram of an example of a combined refrigeration system according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to a method for operating a complex refrigeration system, and more particularly, to a method for operating a complex refrigeration system that can detect whether the refrigerant leaks in the refrigerant pipe.

1 is a view showing a composite refrigeration system disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-0077605, wherein the combined refrigeration system includes a refrigerator main body 111 and an outdoor unit 151 of a plurality of refrigerators. The outdoor unit 151 may include a compressor 152, an accumulator 154, a condenser 153, a fan 156, and the compressor 152 may include a variable compressor 153a and a constant speed compressor 153b. have. Each refrigerator includes an indoor unit 141 and an expansion device 44, and the indoor unit 141 includes an evaporator 143 and a fan 145 in the circulation passage 123. A refrigerant distributor 157 and a refrigerant collection tube 158 are provided between the outdoor unit 151 and the indoor unit 111. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 152 is supplied to the expansion device 144 and the evaporator 143 of each of the refrigerator main body 111 through the condenser 155 and through the refrigerant distributor 157, and the refrigerant collection pipe 158. ), Returning to the compressor 152 through the accumulator 154 to supply the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 152, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle. In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. H11-063775 discloses an example of a control method of such a refrigeration system. As described above, the cooling method by circulating cold air using the evaporator 143 and the fan 145 is called an indirect cooling method.

On the other hand, there are refrigerators that refrigerate certain deposits, such as the kimchi refrigerator and the wine cellar, which are appropriate storage temperatures (eg, kimchi-) 0 ° C, wine-15 ° C) is designed to maintain the temperature in the oven.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a kimchi refrigerator disclosed in US Patent No. 6,615,607. The kimchi refrigerator includes a cooling chamber 220, a refrigerant pipe 222, a heater 223, and a cooling chamber 220 surrounding the cooling chamber 220. The compressor 241 and the condenser 242 are placed on the lower portion of the, and the cooling chamber 220 is directly cooled by using the refrigerant pipe 222. This cooling method is called direct cooling method.

3 is a view showing the wine cellar disclosed in Korea Utility Model Publication No. 0380906, the wine cellar is located in the lower part of the storage compartment 307, the shelf on which the wine is placed 372, the storage compartment 307, including a compressor, etc. The apparatus room 304 and the storage room 307 are located above the temperature control unit 310 to control the temperature inside the storage room 307.

On the other hand, such a multiple refrigeration system is provided with a plurality of refrigerators, it requires a piping of the refrigerant, and moreover, since a plurality of refrigerators should be provided in the same room as a general home, there will be a risk of a major accident in the case of leakage of the refrigerant. Korean Patent Publication No. 0325549 discloses a method of determining a refrigerant leakage by comparing the temperature of the refrigerator before operating the compressor with the temperature of the refrigerator after operating the compressor for a predetermined time, and Korean Patent Publication No. 0652932 A method of detecting a leak of a refrigerant using a nanotube sensor is disclosed. US Patent Publication No. 2005-0103029 discloses a temperature sensor installed at each entrance and exit of an evaporator, and detects whether a refrigerant leaks due to a temperature difference of the evaporator. Or a method for detecting whether the refrigerant leaks due to a change in pressure, duty or voltage of the compressor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of operating a combined refrigeration system.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a complex refrigeration system that can detect whether the refrigerant leaks.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for operating a complex refrigeration system that can detect whether the refrigerant leaks in the refrigerant pipe.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating a multiple refrigeration system that can determine whether the refrigerant leaks by determining whether the refrigerant leaks for a plurality of refrigerators.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

4 is a view showing an example of a compound refrigeration system according to the present invention, the compound refrigeration system includes one outdoor unit 10, kimchi refrigerator 20, wine cellar 30, refrigerator 40, the refrigerant Is circulated between the outdoor unit 10 and the kimchi refrigerator 20, the wine cellar 30, the refrigerator 40 through the refrigerant pipe 50 and the pipe connection 60.

5 is a view showing an example of a refrigeration cycle constituting a complex refrigeration system according to the present invention, the outdoor unit 10 includes an accumulator 11, a compressor 12, a condenser 13 along the flow of the refrigerant. . The condenser 13 may further include a fan 14, and the accumulator 11 serves to allow the refrigerant in the gas phase to enter the compressor 12. The refrigerant exiting the condenser 13 enters the pipe connection 60 through the supply refrigerant pipe 51, and passes through the pipe connection 60 to the inside of the kimchi refrigerator 20, the wine cellar 30, and the refrigerator 40. Supplied as one. This supply is controlled by valves 71, 72, 73. The refrigerant that has passed through one of the kimchi refrigerator 20, the wine cellar 30, and the refrigerator 40 is recovered to the accumulator 11 through a recovery refrigerant pipe 52 and a pipe connection 60. The pipe connection part 60 may be actually provided, but may be understood as a virtual space in which the supply refrigerant pipe 51, the recovery refrigerant pipe 52, and / or the valves 71, 72, and 73 are located. It may be located on the side). On the other hand, the valves 71, 72, 73 may be located on the outdoor unit 10 and / or the refrigerator side according to a control unit (not shown) in charge of the control. The kimchi refrigerator 20, the wine cellar 30, and the refrigerator 40 are respectively connected to the outdoor unit 10 through the supply refrigerant pipe 51 and the recovery refrigerant pipe 52. Kimchi refrigerator 20 is provided with an evaporator 21, the wine refrigerator 30 is provided with an evaporator 31 and a fan 32, the refrigerator 40 is the evaporator (41A, 41B) and the fan (42A, 42B) ). The refrigerator 40 includes a freezing compartment 43 and a refrigerating compartment 44, in which an evaporator 41A is used for freezing the freezer compartment 43 and an evaporator 41B is used for refrigerating the refrigerating compartment 44. In addition, the refrigerator 40 includes a heater 45 and a valve 46 for controlling a refrigerant supply to the freezer compartment 43 and the refrigerating compartment 44 for defrosting in the freezer compartment 43. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to a refrigerator equipped with a kimchi refrigerator, a wine refrigerator, a freezer and a refrigerating chamber, provided that refrigeration or freezing is possible without departing from the basic spirit of the present invention. In addition, the kimchi refrigerator 20, the wine cellar 30, and the refrigerator 40 are each provided with temperature sensors 27, 37, 47A, and 47B for measuring the temperature. Meanwhile, a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 10, the kimchi refrigerator 20, the wine cellar 30, and the refrigerator 40, and a cable (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals therebetween are further included. It is provided. The control unit may be provided in each of the refrigerators and the outdoor unit, and may be provided in any one or at least one of them. Various modifications to the configuration and operation of the control unit can be found in an air conditioning system with one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units. The temperature sensors 27, 37, 47A, 47B are generally located in a refrigerator, but may be located in an evaporator, or may be located in a refrigerator and an evaporator. The compressor 12 may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be a variable capacitance type.

Next, the operation of the refrigeration cycle shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

In the case of cooling the freezer compartment 43, the compressor 12 is operated, the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 41A via the condenser 13 and the supply refrigerant pipe 51, and the recovery refrigerant pipe 52 and the accumulator ( The refrigerant is circulated to the compressor 12 via 11). At this time, the valve 73 is opened, the valves 71 and 72 are closed, and the valve 46 is operated so that the refrigerant is directed to the evaporator 41A. Fan 47A and fan 14 can also be operated together. When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 47A becomes equal to or less than the set value (for example, -18 ° C), the supply of the refrigerant to the evaporator 41A is stopped.

In the case of cooling the refrigerating compartment 44, the valve 46 is operated so that the refrigerant is directed to the evaporator 41B, and when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 47B is lower than or equal to the set value (e.g., 3 ° C), The refrigerant supply to the evaporator 41B is stopped.

In the case of cooling the kimchi refrigerator 20, by opening the valve 71 and closing the valves 72 and 73, the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 21, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 27 is increased. When the set value is lower than the set value (eg 0 ° C.), the refrigerant supply to the evaporator 27 is stopped.

In the case of cooling the wine refrigerator 20, by opening the valve 72 and closing the valves 71 and 73, the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 31, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 37 is When the set value is lower than the set value (eg 15 ° C.), the refrigerant supply to the evaporator 37 is stopped. The fan 32 may be operated together with the supply of the coolant.

Cooling of each refrigerator may be sequentially performed as described above, but in a state in which a plurality of refrigerators are already operated, when the temperature in the refrigerator measured by the temperature sensors 27, 37, 47A, and 47B is equal to or higher than a set value, Various methods may be used, such as an operation may be performed in a form of supplying a refrigerant to a refrigerator.

On the other hand, the operation of each refrigerator, it can be detected whether the refrigerant is leaked, for example, the temperature in the kimchi refrigerator 20 before turning on the compressor 12 in order to operate the kimchi refrigerator 20 to measure the temperature sensor ( 27), the temperature in the kimchi refrigerator 20 after a predetermined time elapses after the compressor 12 is turned on by using the temperature sensor 27, and then comparing the two temperatures to determine whether the refrigerant leaked Can be detected. In addition, the leakage of the refrigerant may be sensed by a change in pressure, duty or voltage of the compressor during such operation. In addition, in the outdoor unit 10, flow meters 81 and 82 are provided on the supply refrigerant pipe 51 side and the recovery refrigerant pipe 52 side, respectively, and the refrigerant leaks due to the change amount of the refrigerant flow rate or the difference in the refrigerant flow rate. May be judged.

However, even if the leak of refrigerant is checked, is it in the refrigerant pipe or is it actually leaking (for example, long opening of the refrigerator door, abnormal operation of the refrigerator, abnormal operation of the sensing means, failure of the temperature sensor, strict judgment) The determination of refrigerant leakage may be wrong when conditions are set, etc.), and the present invention is intended to solve this problem.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an example of a method of determining whether a refrigerant leaks according to the present invention, and assumes a complex refrigeration system including three refrigerators. First, by operating the complex refrigeration system by supplying a refrigerant to one refrigerator (S1) and determining whether the refrigerant leaks in this process (S2; for example, when using the temperature inside the refrigerator, the refrigerant is supplied If the difference in the temperature inside the refrigerator before and after a predetermined time from the supply of the refrigerant is more than the set value, it is determined that the refrigerant is leaked.

If it is determined that the refrigerant leaks, the allowable value (for example, when using the temperature inside the refrigerator, the allowable value has a value larger than the set value, and that the measured temperature difference is greater than the allowable value, the leakage of the refrigerant is greatly It means that there is a risk of explosion in case of inefficient operation of the refrigerator or explosive refrigerant.) If it is abnormal (S3), if it exceeds the allowable value, the operation is stopped immediately and the alarm sound is used. The user is warned of this fact (S4). This allowable value may vary depending on the specification of the refrigerator used, the degree of danger of the refrigerant used, and the like.

If it is less than the allowable value, it is important to determine where the refrigerant leaks, rather than to stop the operation immediately, to switch to the confirmation mode to check this, and records that the refrigerant leaks to the refrigerator (S5).

Next, it is determined whether all of the three refrigerators have been checked for leakage of the refrigerant (S6), and if all are not confirmed, the operation returns to the normal operation state. At this time, the step S1, S2, S3, S5, S6 is again passed to the refrigerator which has been confirmed that the refrigerant has already leaked, and the confirmation mode (recording) may be performed again, or the original state may be maintained.

When the operation of step S1 is started with respect to the other refrigerators, the operation is stopped through steps S2, S3, and S4 and a warning is issued, or the refrigerant does not leak through the steps S2, S7, S5, and S6. Or to the refrigerator through which the refrigerant leaks through steps S2, S3, S5, and S6.

Next, when the operation of step S1 is started for the remaining refrigerators, the operation is stopped through steps S2, S3, and S4 and a warning is generated, or the refrigerant leaks through steps S2, S7, S5, and S6. Or a refrigerator in which the refrigerant leaks through steps S2, S3, S5, and S6.

At this time, since all of the three refrigerators have been checked for leakage, the process proceeds to the next step, and if it is determined that the refrigerant leaks through all the three refrigerators (S8, S9, S10), the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe. When it is determined that the refrigerant leaks only in one refrigerator (S11), the refrigerant is leaked from the refrigerator (S12). If the refrigerant leaks from the two refrigerators, the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe. Check that it is not (S13). At this time, the leakage of the refrigerant pipe is a concept including the leakage of the outdoor unit (10). In addition, by using the refrigerant leak detection means provided in the outdoor unit 10, such as the flow meters (81, 82), it is possible to check whether the leakage of the refrigerant is made in the refrigerant pipe or in the outdoor unit 10 (for example, two This can be confirmed by using the refrigerant flow-in / out relationship of the flowmeters 81 and 81 of FIG.

Finally, such confirmation or determination is warned to the user and / or stop driving (S14).

The confirmation in step 11 is preferably judged to be a leak in the refrigerant pipe, but may also be determined as a refrigerant leak in all three refrigerators. Also in the case of step 13, it may be determined that the refrigerant leakage of the two refrigerators, or the refrigerant leakage of the refrigerant pipe.

In addition, when the leakage of the refrigerant occurs in at least two or more refrigerators, it may be configured to determine that the refrigerant leaks in the multiple refrigeration system.

In addition, if it is provided with a means for detecting the refrigerant leaked in the refrigerator and / or outdoor unit in conjunction with this it is possible to know whether the refrigerant leaked in the refrigerant pipe.

In addition, in the case where the freezer compartment 43 and the refrigerating compartment 44 are provided as in the refrigerator 40, if it is determined that the refrigerant leaks only from one side, it is possible to immediately determine that the refrigerant tube is not leaked.

In addition, by associating steps 11, 12, 13 and 14 with valves 71, 72 and 73, it is possible to selectively shut down the system without interrupting the operation of the combined refrigeration system as a whole.

7 is a block diagram of an example of a complex refrigeration system according to the present invention, in which the control unit 90 includes a compressor 12, a fan 14, a temperature sensor 27, 37, 47A, 47B, and a fan 32. 42A, 42B, valves 46, 71, 72, and 73 operate in combination with the refrigeration system, and in conjunction with temperature sensors 27, 37, 47A, 47B and / or flow meters 81, 82 The leak is determined and confirmed, and the user is informed using the display 91 and / or alarm 92. Here, the control unit 90 is represented as one, but it may be distributed in a plurality of refrigerators and outdoor units.

In the following, various aspects of the claimable invention are described. The following description forms part of a detailed description of the invention and is directed to examples of a method of operating a complex refrigeration system according to the present invention or a technical idea of the present invention which can be appreciated from various points of view. It should be understood as a minimum description and not as a boundary limiting the present invention.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 1 at the time of filing. Through this method, it is possible to reliably determine the refrigerant leak and / or to accurately determine the refrigerant leak point.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 2 at the time of filing. This is particularly suitable for determining refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant pipe and determining refrigerant leakage in a specific refrigerator.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 3 at the time of filing. This is particularly suitable for determining refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant pipe.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 4 at the time of filing. This particularly serves to confirm the determination of refrigerant leakage.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 5 at the time of filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 6 at the time of filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 7 at the time of filing. This is particularly useful when explosive refrigerants are used.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 8 at the time of filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 9 at the time of filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 10 at the time of filing. In this way, it is possible to continue the operation for the refrigerator without leakage of the refrigerant.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 11 at the time of filing. This describes the refrigerant leakage check in the refrigerant pipe, which is one of the main technical ideas of the present invention. This method may be particularly useful in complex refrigeration systems in which a plurality of refrigerators located indoors comprise one refrigeration cycle, and a refrigerant tube must be provided indoors. Although a plurality of refrigerators themselves may be easily identified through a sensor for detecting leaked refrigerant or a conventional refrigerant leak detection algorithm, a method of detecting refrigerant leakage in a refrigerant pipe connecting them is not suggested. to be.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 12 at the time of filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 13 at the time of filing.

A method of operating a complex refrigeration system as claimed in claim 14 upon filing.

A method of operating a complex refrigeration system as claimed in claim 15 upon filing.

A method of operating a complex refrigeration system as claimed in claim 16 upon filing.

A method of operating a complex refrigeration system as claimed in claim 17 upon filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 18 at the time of filing.

A method of operating the complex refrigeration system according to claim 19 at the time of filing.

A method of operating a complex refrigeration system as claimed in claim 20 upon filing. In this way, it is possible to check whether the refrigerant leaks, especially in the outdoor unit.

As described above, according to the technical idea of the present invention and examples of the method for operating the combined refrigeration system, it is possible to implement the combined refrigeration system described in the object of the invention.

On the other hand, descriptions of the objects and effects of the present invention can be inferred by those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the objects and effects of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A plurality of refrigerators; And a compressor connected to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of refrigerators and forming a refrigeration cycle together with the plurality of refrigerators. A first step of operating the plurality of refrigerators by supplying a refrigerant using a compressor; And, And supplying a coolant to at least two of the plurality of refrigerators to determine whether the coolant leaks. 2. The method of claim 1, The second step is to supply a refrigerant to all of the plurality of refrigerators to operate the refrigeration system to determine whether the refrigerant leaks. The method of claim 2, The second step is a method of operating a complex refrigeration system to confirm that the refrigerant leaked when all of the plurality of refrigerators are determined to leak the refrigerant. The method of claim 1, The second step is a method of operating a combined refrigeration system that confirms that the refrigerant leaked when at least two of the plurality of refrigerators is determined to leak the refrigerant. The method of claim 1, The second step is a method for operating a combined refrigeration system to determine that the refrigerant leaked to the refrigerator when one of the plurality of refrigerators is determined to leak the refrigerant. A plurality of refrigerators; And a compressor connected to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of refrigerators and forming a refrigeration cycle together with the plurality of refrigerators. A first step of determining whether the refrigerant is leaked to at least two of the plurality of refrigerators sequentially; And, And a second step of confirming that the refrigerant is leaked according to a result of the determination in the first step of at least two of the plurality of refrigerators. The method of claim 6, Prior to the second step, determining whether to stop the operation of the combined refrigeration system; a method of operating a combined refrigeration system comprising a. The method of claim 6, Prior to the second step, recording the result of the determination in the first step. The method of claim 6, And determining whether at least two of the plurality of refrigerators have leaked out of the refrigerant prior to the second step. The method of claim 6, And a third step of selectively stopping operation of the plurality of refrigerators according to the result of the checking in the second step. A plurality of refrigerators; A compressor connected to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of refrigerators and forming a refrigeration cycle together with the plurality of refrigerators; And a refrigerant pipe connecting a plurality of refrigerators and a compressor. A first step of operating the plurality of refrigerators by supplying refrigerant through a refrigerant pipe using a compressor; And, And a second step of confirming that the refrigerant is leaked in the refrigerant pipe. The method of claim 11, The second step is a method of operating a combined refrigeration system using the results of the determination of whether or not the refrigerant leaked to at least two of the plurality of refrigerators. The method of claim 11, The second step is a method of operating a combined refrigeration system to confirm that the refrigerant leaked in the refrigerant pipe when it is determined that the refrigerant leaked in all of the plurality of refrigerators. The method of claim 11, Prior to the second step, at least two of the plurality of refrigerators sequentially determining and recording the leakage of the refrigerant; method of operating a multiple refrigeration system comprising a. The method of claim 11, Prior to the second step, determining whether to stop the operation of the plurality of refrigerators; a method of operating a complex refrigeration system comprising a. The method of claim 1, The plurality of refrigerators is a method of operating a multiple refrigeration system including at least one of a refrigerator equipped with a freezer and a refrigerator, a kimchi refrigerator and a wine refrigerator The method of claim 1, The complex refrigeration system includes a refrigerant pipe connecting the plurality of refrigerators and the compressor, A method of operating a multiple refrigeration system in which at least one of a plurality of refrigerators and at least a portion of a refrigerant pipe are located indoors. The method of claim 11, A method of operating a complex refrigeration system in which at least a portion of a refrigerant pipe is located indoors. The method of claim 1, The combined refrigeration system includes a valve for shielding a supply of refrigerant to a plurality of refrigerators. The method of claim 1, The combined refrigeration system is a method for operating a combined refrigeration system comprising an outdoor unit in which the compressor is located, and having an refrigerant leak detection means.

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