Page 31 - Towards A Sustainable Future , Phase 3 2025, E-Book_Neat

A newly designed suction connector can be connected to the ● Malfunction- Low pressure can damage or cause air source
Smart Refrigerant Detector (SRD) to monitor the R32 multi- equipment to malfunction.
split air conditioning system through a single suction port. This ● Surge- Low suction pressure can increase the likelihood of
improved solution can enable the Smart Refrigerant Detector surge conditions, which occur when the gas flow becomes
(SRD) to continuously monitor the low pressure of the R32 unstable and can cause pressure fluctuations and potential
multi-split air conditioning system. Our team has tested it damage to the compressor.
together with the Daikin BMS engineer, and they are satisfied ● Overheating- Operating at low suction pressures can
with this solution. cause the compressor to overheat due to increased gas
temperatures.
Eco Solution 1 ● Mechanical Stress- Operating at low suction pressures can
According to the servicing department data, about 20% cause the compressor to experience higher mechanical stress,
of the air conditioning malfunctions are reported due to potentially leading to premature wear and tear.
low refrigerant charge. Based on a study, undercharging
can reduce air conditioner life, capacity, and efficiency, and 5. Improve cooling capacity
refrigerant leakage can lead to fire risk. According to a study, lower refrigerant pressure leads to lower
Below are some key factors to substantiate the SRD benefits: cooling capacity. The capacity decreases with decreasing
refrigerant charge primarily due to a drop in refrigerant mass
1. Reduce carbon emissions flow rate. In general, a 30% reduction in charge results in
● Scope 1 emission - low refrigerant pressure signified pos- about a 30% reduction in cooling capacity.
sible refrigerant leakage; early detection can prevent further
refrigerant leakages to the environment. 6. Prevent fire risk from the newer R32 refrigerant
● Scope 2 emission- low refrigerant pressure leads to higher New R32 refrigerant is classified as A2L flammable gas. Early
energy consumption, rectifying the leakage can reduce elec- detection can prevent refrigerant leakages and fire incidents.
tricity consumption. The user or the Air con Technician can shut off the Air con to
● Scope 3 emission- low refrigerant pressure reduces life avoid further leakage into the room.
span, early detection and rectification can increase lifespan
and avoid the disposal of the air conditioning unit. The performance test is conducted on the Daikin single split
unit air conditioner model RKM25PVMG. The purpose is
2. Increase air conditioning efficiency to determine the air conditioner's performance during an
The study from Purdue University indicated that an improper undercharged condition. The test is done inside a non-air-
refrigerant charge amount can reduce the efficiency of conditioned room with the ambient temperature of 27 oC
systems by 10 to 20% in the field. and humidity of 72 % RH. Based on the testing with Daikin
and the BMS Engineer, there is a significant increase in supply
3. Reduce energy consumption air temperature when the air conditioner is undercharged,
According to a study, low refrigerant pressure can lead to as shown in Fig. 4.4. This chart shows that a low refrigerant
higher energy consumption by 10 to 20%. charge will reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

4. Increase life span
Low refrigerant pressure can reduce the life span of the air
conditioning system. Low pressure can have an adverse effect
on the compressor listed above.

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