Automated fault detection system for local monitoring of residential and commercial air conditioning systems

摘要

An electronic monitoring system is provided to monitor for and sense faults in a residential or commercial air conditioning system that uses a chemical refrigerant. By monitoring the discharge pressure variable, a determination may be made concerning the condition of the air conditioning system and alert the home owner or resident when the air conditioning system requires professional service. The early warning of system air conditioning system faults will give the property owner the opportunity to service the system before more long term damage is done to the system. The microprocessor based control will monitor the discharge line pressure and transmit a signal to a system monitor panel that is co-located with the heating/air conditioning thermostat installed within the dwelling or structure. A display on the face of the monitor panel will alert the home owner or resident, in an incremental manner, when the air conditioning system is in urgent need of professional service. The system consists of a control module that is installed within the condenser housing, a pressure switch with a variable output that is installed in the condenser discharge line and a display panel that is mounted within the dwelling, next to the thermostat that is controlling the condenser. The communication line between the control of the instant invention and its display panel is the same control line that exists between the system thermostat and the condenser, thereby eliminating the need for a separate control cable or radio frequency control link between the condenser and the interior of the structure.