Anti Fouling Devices for Heat Exchanger Maintenance

A self-cleaning method for air conditioning systems that prevents oil contamination on heat exchanger fins. The method involves applying a hydrophilic and oleophobic coating to the heat exchanger fins, which enables the formation of large contact areas between oil droplets and the coating surface. During the cooling cycle, the oil droplets crystallize, and during the condensation cycle, the crystals are removed from the fins through the condensed water flow. This process creates a continuous cleaning mechanism that prevents oil from accumulating on the heat exchanger fins.

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A heating and cooling air conditioner that automatically cleans the finned heat exchanger in dusty environments through a novel spray-water-based cleaning mechanism. The air conditioner features a spray water system with an ultrasonic oscillator that continuously sprays water onto the heat exchanger fins. This controlled cleaning process ensures efficient dust removal while maintaining optimal heat transfer performance. The system operates based on the degree of dust blockage, with the ultrasonic oscillator automatically activating when the heat exchanger becomes clogged.

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A method for controlling self-cleaning in indoor heat exchanger tubes through a controlled throttling device and compressor. The method achieves efficient cleaning of the tube interior by controlling the opening degree of the throttling device to a minimum, while maintaining a maximum opening. The compressor is specifically designed to operate at a predetermined cleaning frequency. This controlled approach ensures the tube remains clean while maintaining optimal heat transfer efficiency, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations.

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A method for self-cleaning heat exchanger surfaces that optimizes cleaning based on environmental conditions. The method employs a dynamic control system that monitors the surface temperature and moisture levels of the heat exchanger, then dynamically switches between cleaning modes based on the environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors the surface temperature and moisture levels, automatically adjusting the cleaning mode to achieve optimal cleaning performance. This approach enables intelligent control of cleaning duration and effectiveness, ensuring consistent performance across varying environmental conditions.

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A self-cleaning control method for air conditioners that optimizes cleaning based on the level of contamination. The method employs a dual-stage approach: initial cleaning through the condensation process, followed by a controlled degreasing phase. The condensation process freezes the contaminant, allowing the system to automatically clean the surface. Once the surface is clean, the degreasing phase begins, where the system uses a controlled amount of cleaning agent to remove the remaining contaminants. This dual-stage approach ensures efficient cleaning while minimizing energy consumption and wear on the system.

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Antifouling coating for condensate drain pipes in HVAC systems that prevents zooglea growth through a unique combination of hydrophobic polymer and metallic powder. The coating comprises a base layer of algaecide, an intermediate layer of hydrophobic polymer, and a top layer of metallic powder. The metallic powder contains silver and copper particles that exhibit the oligodynamic effect, inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth before they can establish themselves. This coating system provides long-term protection against zooglea without introducing chemicals or requiring maintenance services.

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A self-cleaning method for air conditioners that eliminates the need for chemical cleaning agents while maintaining effective pollutant removal. The method employs a liquid storage tank to store the cleaning solution, a heating device to generate high-temperature liquid, and a specialized handling module to convert the liquid into vapor. The vapor is then sprayed onto the heat exchanger surface, where it condenses and cools the surface through evaporation. The process is controlled to achieve optimal cleaning conditions, including precise temperature and time parameters, while maintaining the heat exchanger's performance and preventing corrosion.

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A self-cleaning control method for air conditioners that enables deeper cleaning of oil contamination compared to conventional methods. The method employs a dual-step approach: first, a cleaning agent is sprayed onto the heat exchanger surface to remove oil residue, followed by controlled temperature rise and fan operation to re-dry the surface. This sequential process allows for more thorough removal of oil contamination through both mechanical cleaning and controlled drying. The method can be integrated into air conditioner control systems to optimize cleaning performance while minimizing energy consumption.

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A method for reducing fouling on heat exchanger surfaces through a novel silicon oxide coating process. The coating, comprising a non-continuous film of silicon oxide, achieves superior anti-fouling properties compared to conventional coatings by minimizing surface roughness while maintaining thermal stability. The process enables the creation of coated heat exchangers with reduced fouling characteristics, particularly for complex geometries, without the need for continuous coatings or conformal coverage. The coating's unique composition and curing process enable effective adhesion to metal surfaces while maintaining mechanical integrity.

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A method for controlling self-cleaning in-tube of an indoor heat exchanger that addresses the conventional limitations of cleaning the tube itself. The method involves a novel approach to cleaning the tube's internal passages, particularly the hairpin sections, by employing a controlled flow of cleaning solution through the tube's internal passages. This approach eliminates the need for manual cleaning, which is currently a significant challenge for maintaining heat exchanger efficiency. The cleaning solution is precisely metered and delivered through the tube's internal passages, ensuring thorough coverage of the hairpin sections while minimizing potential damage to the refrigerant system.

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Self-cleaning control method for indoor air conditioning units to prevent tube fouling. The method involves analyzing the pressure difference between the indoor and outdoor system pressures to determine when the tube needs cleaning. The system monitors the pressure difference between the two pressures and activates the self-cleaning mode when the difference drops below a predetermined threshold. This approach eliminates the need for manual cleaning by automatically controlling the cleaning process based on the tube's performance.

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An air conditioner with a heat exchanger featuring an antifouling coating that suppresses dust adhesion through a novel combination of nanoparticles and a specially developed coating film. The coating film, which is integrated into the heat exchanger fins, enables effective dust suppression while minimizing cross-linking forces from dew condensation. This integrated approach addresses conventional issues of dust accumulation and bacterial growth in air conditioning systems.

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A cleaning control method for air conditioners that enables efficient cleaning of their self-cleaning heat exchanger without compromising system performance. The method employs a novel fan control system that dynamically adjusts airflow through the cleaning space between adjacent heat exchanger tubes. This airflow channel is defined as a clean space, and the limiting members restrict airflow to specific areas. The cleaning elements, which can be driven by the airflow, move within this clean space to effectively clean the heat exchanger. The controller monitors and adjusts the fan settings to maintain optimal airflow while ensuring the cleaning process is completed without compromising the system's operation.

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A self-cleaning air conditioner with a novel cleaning mechanism that maintains system performance while cleaning. The system features a heat exchanger with multiple tubes arranged in a grid pattern, with air channels connecting adjacent tubes. The cleaning mechanism comprises a set of strategically positioned limiting members that define clean spaces between tubes and air channels. These limiting members allow controlled airflow through the cleaning spaces while preventing dust and debris from spreading to adjacent components. The cleaning mechanism operates in both cooling and heating modes, ensuring continuous operation during cleaning cycles.

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A coating for air source heat pumps that prevents frost formation on the evaporator surface while maintaining efficient defrosting performance. The coating comprises a hydrophobic anti-icing material with enhanced oil repellency properties, designed to prevent frost accumulation on the heat exchanger surface. This coating provides superior defrosting capabilities compared to conventional coatings while maintaining the heat pump's efficiency and environmental benefits.

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Air conditioner self-cleaning control method and air conditioner that optimizes cleaning cycles based on environmental conditions. The method detects when the indoor heat exchanger produces condensation, then monitors the turbidity of the discharged water through a condensate pipe. When the water's particulate matter (PM) level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically initiates self-cleaning mode to prevent bacterial growth while minimizing energy consumption.

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A self-cleaning fin for air conditioning heat exchangers that enhances cleaning efficiency through enhanced frost formation. The fin features a hydrophilic coating that facilitates condensation of water droplets onto its surface. As the water condenses, it forms a film of ice crystals that accumulates on the surface. This ice layer provides an effective barrier against dust particles and pollutants, enabling efficient removal during defrosting. The hydrophobic coating of the fin prevents water droplets from spreading and promotes the formation of a compact, stable ice layer that is particularly effective at removing contaminants.

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A self-cleaning control method for air conditioners that addresses conventional cleaning challenges. The method employs a novel approach to cleaning the air conditioner's heat exchanger by simultaneously controlling the compressor, expansion valve, and solenoid valve in a coordinated manner. When the air conditioner reaches a specific temperature, the control system reduces compressor frequency and reverses the four-way valve while maintaining the electronic expansion valve at its maximum opening degree. This sequence enables controlled compression, refrigerant recovery, and vibration-assisted cleaning of the heat exchanger wall. The system stops compressor operation after cleaning to prevent further dirt accumulation.

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A self-cleaning control method for air conditioners that addresses the conventional cleaning limitations of conventional cleaning methods. The method employs a novel approach that combines electronic expansion valve operation with compressor frequency and fan speed control to achieve effective cleaning of the air conditioner's inner heat exchanger walls. The control unit automatically adjusts these parameters to optimize cleaning efficiency, particularly for areas with stubborn dirt adhesion.

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A self-cleaning method for air conditioning systems that addresses the conventional cleaning challenges of the heat exchanger. The method employs a novel approach that combines compressor shutdown with high-speed fan operation to enhance cleaning efficiency. When the compressor is shut down, the electronic expansion valve is opened to its maximum setting, and the compressor is stopped. The indoor fan is then accelerated to high speed, creating a high-velocity jet of refrigerant that effectively dislodges and removes stubborn dirt from the heat exchanger. This cleaning sequence is followed by opening the electronic expansion valve to a predetermined opening degree, which enables the compressor to resume normal operation while maintaining optimal refrigerant flow.

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