Power conditioning device and power conditioning system

Abstract

The application relates to a power regulating device and a power regulating system. The power regulating device comprises a power input interface, a controller, an environmental parameter output interface and a current detection circuit, wherein the power input interface, the environmental parameter output interface and the current detection circuit are connected with the controller; the controller is used for receiving a target power sent by an external device through the power input interface, and is used for sending an environmental parameter value to a controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface, so that the controlled device works based on the environmental parameter value; the controller is further used for detecting a working current of the controlled device through the current detection circuit, determining a gap between an output power of the controlled device and the target power according to the working current, and adjusting the environmental parameter value according to the gap, so that the controlled device works based on the adjusted environmental parameter value. The power regulating device can improve the flexibility and universality of air conditioner power regulation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of intelligent air conditioning technology, and in particular to a power regulation device and power regulation system. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners, as a common intelligent device for regulating indoor temperature and humidity, have been widely used.

[0003] Existing air conditioners target a set temperature and adjust their power by calculating the difference between the room temperature and the target temperature. This adjustment method allows the air conditioner to operate based on the set temperature, which only ensures the user's comfort.

[0004] However, since this adjustment method only aims to maintain a constant room temperature, the power consumed by the air conditioner is related to the temperature difference. With the increasing proportion of renewable energy generation, and the grid's power supply capacity being related to solar radiation intensity, to utilize renewable energy generation more efficiently, a large number of flexible loads need to be configured within buildings. This allows for the absorption of more electricity when power generation is high and less when it is low. Due to the building's thermal inertia and the human body's tolerance to temperature fluctuations, the goal of flexible adjustment of air conditioning power consumption has been proposed. This involves changing the original constant temperature control of air conditioning to actively adjusting the air conditioning power within a tolerable temperature fluctuation range. For existing air conditioning systems, a universal air conditioning power control method and device are needed to achieve flexible adjustment of air conditioning power. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a power regulation device and power regulation system applicable to air conditioners to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a power regulation device. The device includes: a power input interface, a controller, an environmental parameter output interface, and a current detection circuit. The power input interface, the environmental parameter output interface, and the current detection circuit are all connected to the controller. The controller is configured to receive a target power transmitted by an external device through the power input interface, and to transmit environmental parameter values ​​to a controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface, so that the controlled device operates based on the environmental parameter values. The controller is further configured to detect the operating current of the controlled device through the current detection circuit, determine the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power based on the operating current, and adjust the environmental parameter values ​​based on the difference, so that the controlled device operates based on the adjusted environmental parameter values.

[0007] In one embodiment, the power regulation device further includes an environmental parameter sensor and a signal path switching element. The controller and the environmental parameter sensor are both connected to the environmental parameter output interface through the signal path switching element. The signal path switching element is used to open a first signal path between the controller and the environmental parameter output interface, or to open a second signal path between the environmental parameter sensor and the environmental parameter output interface.

[0008] In one embodiment, the signal path switching element includes a signal single-pole double-throw switch, the fixed terminal of which is connected to the environmental parameter output interface, and the movable terminal of which is connected to the controller and the environmental parameter sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the power regulation device further includes a first digital-to-analog conversion circuit and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit. The controller is connected to the fixed terminal of the environmental parameter output interface through the first digital-to-analog conversion circuit, and the environmental parameter sensor is connected to the fixed terminal of the environmental parameter output interface through the analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to control the signal path switching element to turn on the first signal path when the target power is received, and to control the signal path switching element to turn on the second signal path when the target power is not received.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller is also configured to acquire the environmental parameter value based on the sensing data sent by the environmental parameter sensor.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller is also configured to determine the environmental parameter value from the target environmental parameter range according to a prediction strategy.

[0013] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to use the environmental parameter value obtained after the last adjustment of the environmental parameter value as the environmental parameter value sent to the controlled device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the power input interface is a communication interface or a DC bus voltage interface.

[0015] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a power regulation system, which includes a controlled device and a power regulation apparatus as described in any of the first aspects.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controlled device is an air conditioner.

[0017] The aforementioned power regulation device and system comprises a power input interface, a controller, an environmental parameter output interface, and a current detection circuit. The power regulation device sends environmental parameter values ​​to the controlled device, causing the controlled device to operate based on these values. Then, the current detection circuit detects the operating current of the controlled device and determines the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power received from an external device. Based on this difference, the environmental parameter values ​​are adjusted, causing the controlled device to operate based on the adjusted environmental parameter values. This continuously reduces the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power until the output power of the controlled device equals the target power, thus improving the flexibility of air conditioning regulation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the power regulation device in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the power regulation device in another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power regulation device in another embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the power regulation device in another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0023] Peak-valley electricity phenomenon, characterized by power shortages during peak hours and power surpluses during off-peak hours, is caused by the load characteristics and power supply features of the system. It not only increases the marginal cost of power supply but also affects the stability of electricity consumption. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly serious in electricity-consuming countries and has led to a series of problems.

[0024] In particular, power outages during peak electricity demand have a significant impact on people's lives. However, in order to meet the needs of daily life while reducing peak electricity demand, it is necessary to adjust the power of certain appliances, such as the power of air conditioners. Air conditioners are one of the main causes of peak load on the power grid. Currently, most air conditioners are controlled to regulate room temperature, which is a rather inflexible method of regulation.

[0025] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a power regulation device and a power regulation system that can regulate the power of air conditioners, thereby reducing the peak-valley difference of the power grid load, achieving the purpose of "peak shaving and valley filling", and improving the flexibility of air conditioner regulation.

[0026] In one embodiment, a power regulation device 100 is provided, such as Figure 1 As shown, the power regulation device 100 includes a power input interface 101, a controller 102, an environmental parameter output interface 103, and a current detection circuit 104, wherein the power input interface 101, the environmental parameter output interface 103, and the current detection circuit 104 are all connected to the controller 102.

[0027] The controller 102 is configured to receive a target power sent by an external device through the power input interface 101, and to send an environmental parameter value to the controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface 103 so that the controlled device operates based on the environmental parameter value. The controller 102 is also configured to detect the operating current of the controlled device through the current detection circuit 104, determine the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power based on the operating current, and adjust the environmental parameter value based on the difference so that the controlled device operates based on the adjusted environmental parameter value.

[0028] The power input interface 101 described above can be used to receive target power sent by an external device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the interface can be a software interface, such as an HTTP-based development interface, i.e., an HTTP interface, an API application programming interface, i.e., an API interface, such as an RPC interface or a Web service interface, etc.

[0030] In another possible implementation, the interface can also be a hardware interface, such as an IDE interface, SCSI interface, SATA interface, USB interface, etc.

[0031] The aforementioned controller 102 refers to a master command device that controls the starting, speed regulation, braking, and reversing of the motor by changing the wiring of the main circuit or control circuit and changing the resistance value in the circuit according to a predetermined sequence. It can be composed of a program counter, an instruction register, an instruction decoder, a timing generator, and an operation controller. It is the "decision-making body" that issues commands, that is, it completes the coordination and command of the operation of the entire computer system.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the controller 102 can be an MCU microcontroller.

[0033] The aforementioned environmental parameter output interface 103 can be used to send environmental parameter values ​​to the controlled device.

[0034] In one possible implementation, if the controlled device is a temperature control device, such as an air conditioner, then the environmental parameter value can be a temperature parameter value.

[0035] In another possible implementation, if the controlled device is a humidity control device, such as a humidifier, then the environmental parameter value can be a humidity parameter value.

[0036] As mentioned above, the environmental parameter value can be changed accordingly depending on the controlled device, and it can be matched with the controlled device. In this application, the controlled device is an air conditioner, so the corresponding environmental parameter value is the temperature parameter value.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the temperature parameter value can be obtained by a temperature sensor.

[0038] In another possible implementation, the temperature parameter value can also be determined by the controller 102 from the target environmental parameter range according to the prediction strategy. In this application, the controlled device is an air conditioner, so the target environmental parameter range can be set to 16°C-31°C. The target environmental parameter range can be adjusted according to the different controlled devices and the different environments in which the controlled devices are applicable.

[0039] The aforementioned environmental parameter output interface 103 can be used to output environmental parameter values ​​to the controlled device. The environmental parameter output interface 103 can be set at a position corresponding to the controlled device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the environmental parameter output interface 103 can wirelessly transmit the environmental parameter value to a controlled device, such as Zig-Bee, Bluetooth, wireless broadband, ultra-wideband, NFC, LoRa, etc.

[0041] In another possible implementation, the environmental parameter output interface 103 can also transmit the environmental parameter value to the controlled device via wired transmission, such as serial port, Ethernet, etc.

[0042] The aforementioned current detection circuit 104 is installed on the power supply line of the controlled device to facilitate the detection of the operating current of the controlled device.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the current detection circuit 104 can use an integrated differential operational amplifier to detect the operating current of the controlled device.

[0044] In another possible implementation, the current sensing circuit 104 can also use a current sensing amplifier with a wide common-mode input range to detect the operating current of the controlled device.

[0045] In another possible implementation, the current detection circuit 104 can also detect the operating current of the controlled device by means of a microcontroller-based voltage and current detection system simulation.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the current detection circuit 104 can also detect the operating current of the controlled device in a manner based on discrete or semi-discrete component circuits.

[0047] As described above, the controller 102 can determine the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power based on the operating current, and adjust the environmental parameter value based on the difference.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the adjustment method can be either increasing or decreasing the environmental parameter value. The following explanation uses increasing the environmental parameter value as an example to illustrate the workflow of controller 102. If the adjustment method is to increase the environmental parameter value, the controlled device will operate based on the increased environmental parameter value. At this time, the operating current of the controlled device can be detected again by the current detection circuit 104. Based on this operating current, the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power is determined again. If this difference is smaller than the previous difference, it indicates that selecting increasing the environmental parameter value as the adjustment method is correct. If the environmental parameter value is increased again, the controlled device will operate based on the increased environmental parameter value. The operating current of the controlled device will be detected again to determine the difference between the output power and the target power. The action of increasing the environmental parameter value will be continuously executed until the output power is equal to the target power and the difference is zero. If the difference between the output power and the target power is greater than the previous difference after the first execution of increasing the environmental parameter value, it means that the selected adjustment method of increasing the environmental parameter value is an incorrect adjustment method. Then, the action of decreasing the environmental parameter will be executed until the output power is equal to the target power and the difference is zero.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the power regulation device 200 includes not only the various modules included in the power regulation device 100, but also an environmental parameter sensor 105 and a signal path switching element 106. The controller 102 and the environmental parameter sensor 105 are both connected to the environmental parameter output interface 103 through the signal path switching element 106.

[0050] The signal path switching element 106 is used to connect the first signal path between the controller 102 and the environmental parameter output interface 103, or to connect the second signal path between the environmental parameter sensor 105 and the environmental parameter output interface 103.

[0051] The aforementioned signal path switching element 106 includes a signal single-pole double-throw switch. The fixed terminal of the signal single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the environmental parameter output interface 103, and the movable terminal of the signal single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the controller 102 and the environmental parameter sensor 105.

[0052] As described above, the power regulation device 100 also includes a first digital-to-analog conversion circuit 107 and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 108. The controller 102 is connected to the fixed terminal of the environmental parameter output interface 102 through the first digital-to-analog conversion circuit 107, and the environmental parameter sensor 105 is connected to the fixed terminal of the environmental parameter output interface 103 through the analog-to-digital conversion circuit 108.

[0053] The aforementioned environmental parameter sensor 105 refers to a device that can detect environmental parameters and obtain environmental parameter values. In this embodiment, the environmental parameter sensor 105 refers to a temperature sensor. The following will take the controller 102 as an MCU microcontroller and the environmental parameter sensor 105 as a temperature sensor as an example to explain in detail the technical principle of their cooperation. The analog input port of the MCU microcontroller is directly connected to the resistor network of the temperature sensor. By detecting the voltage value of the input port in real time, the resistance value of the temperature sensor is measured. By looking up the temperature / resistance correspondence table, the environmental temperature parameter is obtained.

[0054] The aforementioned first digital-to-analog converter circuit 107 can be used to convert digital output into analog output for transmitting environmental parameter values ​​sent by the controller 102 to the controlled device.

[0055] The analog-to-digital converter circuit 108 described above can be used to convert analog inputs into digital inputs, and to transmit the environmental parameter sensor data sent by the environmental parameter sensor 105 to the controlled device.

[0056] In one possible implementation, when the signal path switching element 106 connects the first signal path between the controller 102 and the environmental parameter output interface 103, it indicates that the active terminal of the signal single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the controller 102 through the first digital-to-analog conversion circuit 107, and it indicates that the environmental parameters output by the environmental parameter output interface 103 are provided by the controller 102.

[0057] In another possible implementation, when the signal path switching element 106 connects the second signal path between the environmental parameter sensor 105 and the environmental parameter output interface 103, it indicates that the active terminal of the signal single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the environmental parameter sensor 105 through the analog-to-digital conversion circuit 108, and it indicates that the environmental parameters output by the environmental parameter output interface 103 are provided by the environmental parameter sensor 105.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, a power regulation device 300 is provided. This power regulation device includes a power input interface 101, a controller 102, an environmental parameter output interface 103, a current detection circuit 104, an environmental parameter sensor 105, a signal path switching element 106, a first digital-to-analog conversion circuit 107, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 108. The controller 102 is further configured to control the signal path switching element 106 to conduct the first signal path when the target power is received. The following will be combined with... Figure 3 The specific operating procedure of controller 102 when the target power is not received is described in detail.

[0059] Optionally, if the controller 102 does not receive the target power, it controls the signal path switching element 106 to turn on the second signal path. At this time, the environmental parameter value output by the environmental parameter output interface 103 is provided by the environmental sensor. The analog-to-digital conversion circuit 108 transmits the environmental parameter to the controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface 103. The controlled device will operate according to the environmental parameter value provided by the environmental sensor. The current detection circuit 104 performs the action of detecting the operating current of the controlled device.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a power regulation device 400 is provided. This power regulation device includes a power input interface 101, a controller 102, an environmental parameter output interface 103, a current detection circuit 104, an environmental parameter sensor 105, a signal path switching element 106, a first digital-to-analog conversion circuit 107, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit 108. The controller 102 is further configured to control the signal path switching element 106 to conduct the second signal path when the target power is not received. The following will be combined with... Figure 4 The specific workflow of controller 102 when receiving target power is described in detail.

[0061] Optionally, when the controller 102 receives the target power, it controls the signal path switching element 106 to disconnect the second signal path and connect the first signal path. At this time, the environmental parameter value output by the environmental output interface is provided by the controller 102. The first digital-to-analog converter circuit 107 transmits the environmental parameter to the controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface 103. The environmental parameter value can be determined by the controller 102 from the target environmental parameter range according to the prediction strategy, or it can be obtained after the previous adjustment of the environmental parameter value. The controlled device will operate according to the environmental parameter value provided by the controller 102. At this time, the current detection circuit 104 detects the operating current of the controlled device and adjusts the operating current accordingly. The current is transmitted to the controller 102, which determines the difference between the output power of the controlled device and the target power based on the operating current of the controlled device, and adjusts the environmental parameter values ​​accordingly. The controller 102 then transmits the adjusted environmental parameter values ​​to the controlled device through the first analog-to-digital circuit from the environmental parameter output interface 103. The controlled device then operates based on the adjusted environmental parameter values. The current detection circuit 104 then transmits the operating current of the controlled device to the controller 102. The controller 102 then determines the difference between the output current of the controlled device and the target current based on the current operating current, and adjusts the environmental parameter values ​​again until the output power of the controlled device equals the target power, and the difference between the two is zero.

[0062] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to acquire the environmental parameter value based on the sensing data sent by the environmental parameter sensor.

[0063] The process of how the controller obtains the environmental parameter value based on the sensing data sent by the environmental parameter sensor has been explained in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0064] In one embodiment, the controller is also configured to determine the environmental parameter value from the target environmental parameter range according to a prediction strategy.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the prediction strategy refers to the controller being able to randomly select any value from the target environmental parameter range to determine the environmental parameter value.

[0066] In another possible implementation, the predictive strategy refers to the controller selecting the same environmental parameter value detected by the environmental parameter sensor from the target environmental parameter range as the environmental parameter value.

[0067] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to use the environmental parameter value obtained after the last adjustment of the environmental parameter value as the environmental parameter value to be sent to the controlled device.

[0068] In one embodiment, the power input interface is a communication interface or a DC bus voltage interface.

[0069] In one possible implementation, if the power input interface is a communication interface, which can be a standard serial port, then this device can receive the target power sent by an external device through the standard serial port.

[0070] In another possible implementation, if the power input interface is a communication interface, which may be a GPIB interface, then the device can receive the target power sent by an external device through the GPIB interface.

[0071] In another possible implementation, if the power input interface is a communication interface, which can be a LAN network interface, then the device can receive the target power sent by an external device through the LAN network interface.

[0072] In another possible implementation, if the power input interface is a communication interface, which can be a USB interface, then the device can receive the target power sent by an external device through the USB interface.

[0073] In another possible implementation, if the power input interface is a communication interface, which can be a wireless interface, then the device can receive the target power sent by an external device through the wireless interface.

[0074] This application also provides a power regulation system, which includes any of the controlled devices and power regulation apparatuses described in the above embodiments.

[0075] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0076] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power conditioning device, characterized by, The power regulating device comprises a power input interface, a controller, an environmental parameter output interface, a current detection circuit, an environmental parameter sensor, a signal path switch element, a first digital-to-analog conversion circuit and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, the power input interface, the environmental parameter output interface and the current detection circuit are connected with the controller, the controller and the environmental parameter sensor are connected with the environmental parameter output interface through the signal path switch element; The controller is configured to receive a target power sent by an external device through the power input interface, and to send an environmental parameter value to a controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface, so that the controlled device operates based on the environmental parameter value; The controller is further configured to detect a working current of the controlled device through the current detection circuit, to determine a gap between an output power of the controlled device and the target power according to the working current, and to adjust the environmental parameter value according to the gap, so that the controlled device operates based on the adjusted environmental parameter value, and the step of detecting the working current of the controlled device through the current detection circuit is performed again until the output power of the controlled device is equal to the target power; The signal path switch element is configured to turn on a first signal path between the controller and the environmental parameter output interface, or to turn on a second signal path between the environmental parameter sensor and the environmental parameter output interface; The controller is further configured to, in a case where the target power is not received, control the signal path switch element to turn on the second signal path, and to transmit the environmental parameter value to the controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface through the analog-to-digital conversion circuit, the environmental parameter value output by the environmental parameter output interface being provided by the environmental parameter sensor, so that the controlled device operates according to the environmental parameter value provided by the environmental parameter sensor; and in a case where the target power is received, control the signal path switch element to turn on the first signal path, and to transmit the environmental parameter value to the controlled device through the environmental parameter output interface through the first digital-to-analog conversion circuit, the environmental parameter value output by the environmental parameter output interface being provided by the controller, so that the controlled device operates according to the environmental parameter value provided by the controller.

2. The power conditioning device of claim 1, wherein, The signal path switch element comprises a signal single-pole double-throw switch, a fixed terminal of the signal single-pole double-throw switch is connected with the environmental parameter output interface, and a movable terminal of the signal single-pole double-throw switch is connected with the controller and the environmental parameter sensor.

3. The power conditioning device of claim 2, wherein, The controller is connected with the fixed terminal of the environmental parameter output interface through the first digital-to-analog conversion circuit, and the environmental parameter sensor is connected with the fixed terminal of the environmental parameter output interface through the analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

4. The power conditioning device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to acquire the environmental parameter value according to sensing data sent by the environmental parameter sensor.

5. The power conditioning device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to determine the environmental parameter value from a target environmental parameter interval according to a prediction strategy.

6. The power conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to send the environment parameter value obtained after the last adjustment of the environment parameter value to the controlled device.

7. The power conditioning device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The power input interface is a communication interface or a DC bus voltage interface.

8. The power conditioning device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The controller is an MCU microcontroller.

9. The power conditioning device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The controller is specifically configured to adjust the environment parameter value according to the gap, and the adjustment manner is to increase the environment parameter value or to decrease the environment parameter value.

10. A power conditioning system characterized by, The power regulation system comprises a controlled device and the power regulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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