Power architecture for self-powered air conditioning system

Abstract

A system includes an air conditioning system including a first unit including a compressor and a second unit; an energy storage device; a first transfer switch providing a power connection to the first unit; and a system energy manager configured to control the first transfer switch to supply power to both the second unit and the first unit from one of the AC power grid or the energy storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to air conditioning systems. Background Art

[0002] Electric energy drives a large number of devices and equipment in commercial, industrial, residential applications and data centers. For example, electric energy drives lights, motors, household appliances, medical equipment, computers, air conditioning systems, electric vehicle charging stations, data center processing and cooling needs, and many other electrical devices. In most areas, power utilities generate and distribute electricity through AC power grids. Factors such as shortages and / or cost increases associated with the use of fossil fuels, the intermittent nature of renewable resources, the variability of power demand and supply, and the increase in energy demand have significantly affected the continued availability and cost of electricity for consumers and businesses. In general, shortages and / or cost increases often occur during peak demand periods. Peak demand may occur based on the time of day, such as in the morning or evening. On a more random basis, peak demand (or demand greater than available supply) may occur as a result of natural disasters, or if the power from the grid comes from solar energy, it occurs during a large range of cloudy times, or if the power from the grid comes from wind turbines, it occurs during the variability of wind. For example, a hurricane or earthquake may damage the power grid and / or generators of a power utility, resulting in a large loss of electrical power for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Repairing these damaged lines and generators may take hours, days, or weeks. Various sites may also lose power from the power grid for other reasons (including maintenance). During these times of power loss, the site may not be able to continue operating. In addition, the increasing number of data centers has significantly increased the energy demand from the power grid.

[0003] Typically, electrical energy from the power grid is more expensive during peak demand moments. For example, a power utility may use low-cost generators during periods of minimum demand and further use high-cost generators during periods of peak demand. Unfortunately, existing infrastructure cannot adequately address these different costs associated with peak and minimum demand. Therefore, commercial, industrial, data center, and residential applications typically draw power from the power grid during peak demand periods, despite the higher costs associated with its generation. Some energy consumers (e.g., commercial, industrial, data center, and residential users) may be driven by factors other than cost, such as a desire to support sustainable energy options as further described below. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to an embodiment, a system includes: an air conditioning system, which includes a first unit and a second unit, the first unit including a compressor; an energy storage device; a first transfer switch, which provides a power connection to the first unit; and a system energy manager, which is configured to control the first transfer switch to supply power to both the second unit and the first unit from one of an AC power grid or an energy storage device.

[0005] In addition to, or as an alternative to, one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include an auxiliary DC source configured to charge the energy storage device.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include a thermal energy storage system configured to be powered by the AC power grid or the energy storage device.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the first transfer switch position enables powering of the thermal energy storage system and the first unit from the grid and / or from an energy source or storage device.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the system energy manager, in response to information from one or more of a utility, a consumer, an energy storage device manager, an HVAC manager, and the first transfer switch, determines a position of the first transfer switch to provide an alternative power distribution configuration for the air conditioning system.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes directly charging the energy storage device from the AC power grid.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes charging the energy storage device by an auxiliary DC source.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to indoor loads and / or the AC power grid.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to the first unit in a dedicated manner using a first transfer switch.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the second unit and the first unit are both connected to the first transfer switch.

[0014] According to another embodiment, a method of operating a system, the system comprising: an air conditioning system comprising a first unit and a second unit, the first unit comprising a compressor; an energy storage device; a first transfer switch which provides power to the first unit, the method comprising controlling the first transfer switch to supply power to the first unit from one of an AC power grid or an energy storage device.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the air conditioning system includes a thermal energy storage system, wherein the method includes controlling a first transfer switch to supply power from an AC power grid and / or one of the energy storage devices to the thermal energy storage system and the first unit.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include determining a power distribution configuration for the air conditioning system in response to information from one or more of a utility, a consumer, an energy storage device manager, an HVAC manager, and a first transfer switch.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes charging the energy storage device from an AC power grid.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes charging the energy storage device by one or more auxiliary DC sources.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to an indoor load and / or an AC power grid.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described herein, further embodiments may include wherein the power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to the first unit in a dedicated manner using the first transfer switch.

[0021] Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are illustrative and explanatory in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0023] Figure 1 A system in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0024] Figure 2 A controller in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0025] Figure 3A Depicted is the electrical architecture of an example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3B Depicted is the electrical architecture of an example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4A Depicted is the electrical architecture of an example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4B Depicted is the electrical architecture of an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5A Depicted is the electrical architecture of a fixed speed compressor having a DC architecture in an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5B Depicted is the electrical architecture of a fixed speed compressor having an AC architecture in an example embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5C Depicted is the electrical architecture of a variable speed compressor having a DC architecture in an example embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5D Depicted is the electrical architecture of a variable speed compressor having an AC architecture in an example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 Depicted is the electrical architecture of a compressor powered by a multi-level inverter in an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 One phase branch of a five-level multiphase inverter in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0035] Figure 8 Depicted are communications between a controller, a thermostat, and a remote system in an example embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 9 A control process in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0037] Fig.10 A power architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0038] Fig.11 A power architecture in an example embodiment is depicted.

[0039] Fig.12 A system energy manager in an example embodiment is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] With current global electrification and decarbonization efforts, there is an incentive to use efficient, optimized, all-electric air conditioning systems that provide comfort while being dispatchable (on-off, modulating, or variable) under different pricing conditions or upon receipt of a utility signal. As an example, the utility signal may be received from the AC power grid and may include an Independent System Operator (ISO), which may include an independent, federally regulated entity established to coordinate regional transmission and ensure the security and reliability of the electric power system in a non-discriminatory manner, or a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), which may operate large-scale electric power systems across a large geographic area and is typically an independent, membership-based, non-profit organization that ensures reliability and optimizes supply and demand bids for wholesale electric power, or from a virtual power plant, which is generally considered to include a connected aggregation of distributed energy resources (DER) technologies that provide integration of renewable energy and demand flexibility. Reference to a utility refers to one or more entities involved in the generation, transmission and / or distribution of electric power.

[0041] Embodiments described herein relate to air conditioning systems that include an electrical energy storage system (eg, battery, ultracapacitor) to provide the level of dispatchability required for interconnection with an electric power grid.

[0042] Figure 1A system 100 in an example embodiment is depicted. The system 100 includes components of an air conditioning system. The phrase "air conditioning" is intended to include one or more of heating, cooling, ventilation, humidification, dehumidification, refrigeration, hot water heating, cooling water or fluid, air filtration, and other known air handling operations, or a combination of any of the above operations. The air conditioning system may include known types of systems, such as heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, chillers, split systems, packaged systems, integrated systems, etc. The air conditioning system 100 includes a first unit 200 and one or more second units 250. Depending on the nature of the air conditioning system, the first unit 200 and (one or more) second units 250 can be located separately (indoors or outdoors) or co-located (indoors or outdoors). For example, in a split system, the first unit 200 is an outdoor unit (e.g., a compressor and a heat exchanger), and (one or more) second units 250 are indoor units (e.g., an expansion mechanism, a heat exchanger). In a packaged system (e.g., rooftop or ground), the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 are co-located in a single footprint outside the building. In the cooler, the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 can be co-located (indoors or outdoors) or separately located. Some integrated systems can have the first unit 200 and the second unit 250 co-located in a building.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the example shown in , the first unit 200 can be an outdoor unit of a split system located on the ground near the building 102, on the roof of the building 102, or in any other location. The second unit(s) 250 can be located inside the building 102, which is common in split systems. It is to be understood that Figure 1 is an example, and embodiments are not limited to split systems.

[0044] System 100 includes a controller 220 , a power converter 230 , and an energy storage device (ESD) 240 . Figure 1 is an example embodiment, and the location of the components is not limited to Figure 1. For example, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 may be separate from the first unit 200 that houses the compressor 242, the drive 244, the fan 246, and the (one or more) loads 248. The first unit 200 may include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the first unit 200. This allows the components of the described embodiments to be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200 of an air conditioning system and / or a second unit 250 of an air conditioning system. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 may be located in the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 may be located near or outside the first unit 200. One or more of the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the controller 220 may be located in the building 102.

[0045] The first unit 200 may include a heat exchanger (not shown) that will function as a condenser / gas cooler and / or as an evaporator as part of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0046] In the drawings, the positions of all components in the drawings are examples, and the embodiments include modifications to the positions of the components shown in the drawings. For example, the components illustrated as being connected to the first unit 200 may be retrofit components added to the existing first unit 200. Although illustrated as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] The controller 220 may communicate with the air conditioning controller system controller and / or the energy storage device controller. In some embodiments, a single controller may implement all functions of the controller 220, the air conditioning controller, and the energy storage device controller. The controller 220 communicates with the components of the system using wired and / or wireless connections, which are not shown in the drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 The system and embodiments thereof described herein allow one or more components of the air conditioning system and other loads not associated with the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid, powered only by the energy storage device 240, and powered by both the AC power grid and the energy storage device 240. The one or more components of the air conditioning system include components in the first unit 200 and components in the second unit 250.

[0049] Figure 2A controller 220 according to an embodiment is depicted. The controller 220 includes a sensor interface 222, which can obtain operating parameters of the air conditioning system, such as pressure, temperature, etc. As is known in the art, the controller 220 can adjust the operation of the air conditioning system based on the sensed operating parameters. The controller 220 includes a processor 224 that controls the operation of the system 100. The processor 224 can be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 224 can be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or a combination of hardware / software. The processor 224 allows the controller 220 to perform calculations locally, also known as edge computing. The processor 224 can send commands to other components of the air conditioning system 100 based on the results of the local calculations.

[0050] The controller 220 includes a memory 226 that can store computer programs, reference data, sensor data, etc. that can be executed by the processor 224. The memory 226 can be implemented using known devices (e.g., random access memory). The controller 220 includes a communication unit 228 that allows the controller 220 to communicate with other components of the system 100 (e.g., the first unit 200, the second unit 250, and the thermostat 260). The communication unit 228 can be implemented using a wired connection (e.g., LAN, Ethernet, twisted pair, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, near field communication ("NFC"), Bluetooth, etc.).

[0051] In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 can provide high-speed data communication and / or communicate with newer devices with high-speed buses through existing wiring systems while maintaining communication with existing devices (e.g., with RS-485 communication buses). In some embodiments, the HVAC equipment may include 4 wires for data communication, power, ground, Data+ and Data-. Of these lines, Data+ and Data- are used to carry low-speed standard RS-485 data. The power line is used to power the wall controller and comes from the second unit 250. This same power line is carried to the first unit 200, although it is not typically used. The ability to utilize the power and ground lines of a 4-wire system (referred to as "power line communication" (PLC) technology) allows digital / data signals to be sent over the power line. In some embodiments, PLC technology can allow data to be transmitted at or near gigabit speeds using standard two-conductor wiring. This includes 2 wires represented by power and ground of the HVAC equipment. It should be appreciated that other data transmission speeds are also possible. In some embodiments, the communication unit 228 of the present disclosure can be configured so that when PLC high-speed communication occurs on the power line and ground line of the 4-wire system, low-speed RS-485 communication can also occur on the Data+ and Data- lines. In some embodiments, the ability to use high-speed communication or a combination of high-speed and low-speed communication enables the controller 220 to utilize machine learning (ML)-based or artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms. In some embodiments, high-speed and low-speed communications can occur almost simultaneously (e.g., within a few milliseconds). This can allow standard HVAC lines to communicate with RS-485-controlled devices and HVAC devices that contain additional PLC transceivers. This can be advantageous because both new high-speed HVAC equipment and existing RS-485 HVAC equipment can coexist on the existing wiring of a building.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 , power converter 230 is used to perform any necessary power conversion, including one or more of AC-AC, AC-DC, DC-AC, and DC-DC. Power converter 230 may include several power converters located at different locations in system 100. Power converter 230 may operate in a bidirectional manner, so that one or more power conversions are bidirectional. Figure 1 As shown in , power converter 230 is connected to AC and / or DC power sources and / or loads. Power converter 230 can also provide power to loads in building 102 (including second unit 250 (if in building 102), thermostat 260, and load 270). In normal mode, loads in building 102 will receive AC power directly from the AC power grid. Controller 220 can select whether power will come from the AC power grid or from power converter 230. Example embodiments of power converter 230 are described herein.

[0053] The energy storage device 240 is configured to provide at least a portion of the power to operate one or more components of the air conditioning system, such as the first unit 200, (one or more) second units 250, together with (one or more) indoor loads 270 and any other loads in certain circumstances. The energy storage device 240 can be implemented using a device for storing electrical energy, the device including, for example, one or more of a battery, a battery module, a battery cell, a supercapacitor, etc. The battery 240 may include several cells in a modular form or as an independent multi-cell array. The battery 240 may be made of a single or multiple packaged independent system, a battery module or an individual battery. The battery 240 (e.g., a complete plug-and-play battery) may include a box, wires, a cell, and a module. For example, the battery 240 may include a group of cells configured as independent mechanical and electrical units. The energy storage device 240 may include other components (e.g., an ESD management system (ESDMS)) electrically coupled to the energy storage device 240, and may be adapted to communicate with the controller 220 directly or through the ESDMS.

[0054] The first unit 200 also includes components used as part of an air conditioning system and includes a compressor 242, one or more drivers 244, a fan 246 and other loads 248, and a control unit (not shown). The heat exchanger (not shown) in the first unit 200 can act as an evaporator or a condenser / gas cooler. These components are further described in detail herein when relevant to the embodiments.

[0055] In a split system, inside the building 102, one or more second units 250 are positioned to condition one or more zones of the building 102. The second unit 250 can be employed using a variety of known second units, including variable air volume (VAV) units, liquid cooled second units, fan coil units, furnaces, (one or more) air handlers, etc., which typically include a heat exchanger. In other types of systems (e.g., packaged or chillers), the (one or more) second unit 250 can be located outdoors and include any form of heat exchanger, such as a cooling tower, etc.

[0056] The optional thermostat 260 provides a user interface for the air conditioning system 100 and allows the user to input the operating mode of the air conditioning system 100, input the set points for various zones of the system 100, etc. The indoor load 270 can be supplied with electrical power by the first unit 200. The indoor load 270 includes a variety of loads, such as appliances, lighting, electric vehicle chargers, etc. The thermostat 260 is not required, and other technologies can be used to control the air conditioning system.

[0057] Figure 3A Depicted is the electrical architecture of an example embodiment. Figure 3AThe locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or separate from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] like Figure 3A As shown in FIG, the AC power grid 302 is connected to the first unit 200 through a grid disconnect 304, which is under the control of the controller 220. This allows the first unit 200 to be powered by the energy storage device 240 independently of the AC power grid 302. The first unit 200 can also be powered by both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The disconnect 304 can also be implemented as a mechanical switch controlled by the controller 220, for example, or by the controller 220 in software by controlling one or more power converters.

[0059] The AC power grid 302 is connected to an indoor AC load 308 (e.g., an air handler, or any fixed equipment in a residential, commercial, industrial building, or data center). The AC power grid 302 is also provided to an AC / AC converter 310, which supplies conditioned AC power to the compressor driver 244A of the compressor 242 and the fan 246. The AC / AC converter 310 can control the amplitude, frequency, phase, etc. of the AC power provided to the compressor driver 244A of the compressor 242 and the fan 246.

[0060] The AC power grid 302 may also be connected to one of the unidirectional or bidirectional AC / DC converters 312, which interfaces the AC power bus 305 with the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 supplies power to the DC load 248, which may be located in the first unit 200. Under certain conditions, the DC power bus 313 supplies power to one or more components of the air conditioning system (e.g., the compressor 242 and the fan 246) through the bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 and the AC / AC converter 310. This allows one or more components of the air conditioning system to operate independently of or in conjunction with the AC power grid 302. The bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 also allows power from the DC bus 313 to be directed to the AC power grid 302.

[0061] The DC power bus 313 can be powered by the energy storage device 240. In the charging mode, the DC power bus 313 is used to charge the energy storage device 240 (charger not shown). The DC power bus 313 can also be powered by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 (e.g., solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc.). The DC / DC converter 316 can be used to couple the auxiliary DC source 314 to the DC power bus 313. The DC power bus 313 can supply power to the indoor DC load 318. The DC / DC converter 320 can be used to couple the indoor DC load 318 to the DC power bus 313. The AC / DC converter 347 can be used to couple the DC power bus 313 to the indoor AC load 308 via the disconnector 348. In some operating modes, the energy storage device 240 is used to power the indoor AC load 308. The AC / AC converter 310, the AC / DC converter 312, the DC / DC converter 320, the DC / DC converter 316, and the AC / DC converter 347 can be Figure 1 In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 are connected to the AC power bus 305 via a DC / AC converter (not shown). In other embodiments, one or more auxiliary power sources provide AC power that is connected to the AC bus 305 and / or the DC bus 313 via an appropriate AC / AC converter or AC / DC converter.

[0062] The compressor driver 244A can be implemented in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the compressor driver 244A is a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the output of the AC / AC converter 310. In other embodiments, the compressor driver 244A can be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter.

[0063] An optional DC / DC converter 241 may provide power conversion between the energy storage device 240 and the DC power bus 313. The DC / DC converter 241 may be a bidirectional converter that is used to step up or step down a DC voltage so that the energy storage device 240 can power the DC power bus 313 and the DC power bus 313 can charge the energy storage device 240. The DC / DC converter 241 may be part of the energy storage device 240 or may be a separate component from the energy storage device 240.

[0064] Figure 3AThe electrical architecture allows one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit 250) to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components of the air conditioning system (the first unit 200 and / or the second unit 250) and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility conditions, utility power prices, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0065] Figure 3B Depicted is the electrical architecture of an example embodiment. Figure 3B The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] In addition to eliminating the AC / AC converter 310, Figure 3B Similar to Figure 3A The compressor 242 is provided with power from a compressor driver 244A. The compressor driver 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, the compressor driver 244A may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The compressor driver 244A may be controlled by the controller 220.

[0067] The fan 246 is provided with power from the fan driver 244B. The fan driver 244B may be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the fan 246 to the AC power bus 305. In other embodiments, the fan driver 244B may be a power converter, such as an AC / AC converter or an AC / DC converter. The fan driver 244B may be controlled by the controller 220.

[0068] Figure 3B The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility conditions, utility power prices, the state of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0069] Figure 4A An electrical architecture in another example embodiment is depicted. Figure 4A The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] exist Figure 4AIn the embodiment of the present invention, compressor drive 244A and fan 246 are DC powered, and therefore, there is no need for AC / AC converter 310. Under certain conditions, bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 allows energy storage device 240 to supply power to one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or feed power from DC bus 313 to AC power grid 302. Bidirectional AC / DC converter 312 interfaces AC power bus 305 with DC power bus 313.

[0071] The compressor driver 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the compressor 242 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the compressor driver 244A may be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The compressor driver 244A may be controlled by the controller 220.

[0072] Figure 4A The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0073] Figure 4B An electrical architecture in another example embodiment is depicted. Figure 4B The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] In addition to the fan 246 including the fan driver 244B, Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A The fan driver 244B may be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay, that connects the fan 246 to the DC power bus 313. In other embodiments, the fan driver 244B may be a power converter, such as a DC / AC converter or a DC / DC converter. The fan driver 244B may be controlled by the controller 220.

[0075] Figure 4B The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0076] Figure 5A The DC electrical architecture of the fixed speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5A The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in conjunction with the above embodiments or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240. Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , AC power from an AC power grid 302 is supplied to a power converter 230 through a grid disconnect 304. The power converter 230 includes an AC / DC converter 370 and a DC / AC converter 372. The output of the DC / AC converter 372 is provided to the compressor 242 through a compressor driver 244A. Since the compressor 242 is fixed speed, the compressor driver 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay.

[0078] Both the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 operate under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 370 and the DC / AC converter 372 is a DC link 371, which is optionally connected to the energy storage device 240 through the DC / DC converter 241. In this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can provide DC power to the DC link 371 to provide power to the DC / AC converter 372 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of or in conjunction with the AC power grid 302. The AC / DC converter 370 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to provide power to the AC power grid 302 and to be charged from the AC power grid 302.

[0079] Controller 220, power converter 230, energy storage device 240, DC / DC converters 320 and 316, AC / DC converter 347, and DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable first unit 200 to operate independently of AC power grid 302, or to operate under power from both AC power grid 302 and energy storage device 240. It also allows auxiliary power sources to be added in a modular manner.

[0080] Figure 5AThe electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0081] Figure 5B The AC electrical architecture of the fixed speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5B The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the above embodiments or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0083] exist Figure 5B , power converter 230 includes a DC / DC converter 241 and an AC / DC converter 370 coupled to energy storage device 240. AC / DC converter 370 may be bidirectional to allow energy storage device 240 to provide power to AC power grid 302 and to be charged from AC power grid 302. Since compressor 242 is fixed speed, compressor driver 244A may be a switch, such as a contactor or a relay.

[0084] The controller 220, the power converter 230, and the energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC power grid 302, or to operate under power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0085] Figure 5B The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0086] Figure 5C The DC electrical architecture of the variable speed first unit 200 in an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5C The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] In addition to compressor driver 244A providing variable speed operation of compressor 242, Figure 5C Similar to Figure 5A The other loads 248 of the first unit 200 may be powered by the output of the DC / AC converter 372 .

[0088] The controller 220, the power converter 230, the energy storage device 240, and the DC / DC converter 241 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC power grid 302, or to operate under power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240.

[0089] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the above embodiments or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0090] Figure 5C The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0091] Figure 5D The AC electrical architecture of the speed-changing first unit 200 in an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 5D The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] In addition to compressor driver 244A providing variable speed operation of compressor 242, Figure 5D Similar to Figure 5B The other loads 248 of the first unit 200 may be powered by the AC power bus 305 .

[0093] For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. The power converter 230 can be used in combination with the above embodiments or other embodiments. For example, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can be connected to the energy storage device 240 (via a DC bus) to supplement the power from the energy storage device 240.

[0094] The controller 220, power converter 230, and energy storage device 240 can be retrofitted to an existing first unit 200. This allows the energy storage device 240 to be added to an existing air conditioning system to enable the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC power grid 302, or to operate under power from the AC power grid and the energy storage device 240.

[0095] Figure 5D The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0096] Figure 6 An electrical architecture having a variable speed compressor drive including a multi-level inverter in an example embodiment is depicted.For ease of illustration and explanation, not all components of the first unit 200 are shown. Figure 6The locations of the components in are examples, and any component may be located as part of the first unit 200, part of the second unit(s) 250, or as a separate part from the first unit 200 or the second unit(s) 250. This allows the components to be retrofitted to existing air conditioning systems. Although shown as separate boxes, the elements may be combined into sub-assemblies and assemblies anywhere in the system, indoors or outdoors, without departing from embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown in , AC power from the AC power grid 302 is supplied to the power converter 230 through the grid disconnect 304. The power converter 230 includes an AC / DC converter 380 and a multi-level inverter 382. The output of the multi-level inverter 382 is provided to the compressor 242. The output of the multi-level inverter 382 can be a multi-phase, multi-level waveform that is configured to drive a multi-phase motor of the compressor 242. In an example embodiment, the multi-level inverter 382 is a five-level three-phase inverter. In another example embodiment, the multi-level inverter 382 is a three-level three-phase inverter.

[0098] The multi-level inverter 382 synthesizes a sinusoidal current waveform to operate and control the compressor 242. Traditionally, this is accomplished with a two-level inverter. Integration with the energy storage device 240 allows for a natural progression to higher order inverters. Three-level and five-level inverters require independent power supplies to set the voltage levels. Figure 6 In an embodiment, the energy storage device 240 can set the voltage level. The energy storage device 240 can include internal battery modules connected in series. The multi-level inverter 382 directly uses battery modules of each necessary voltage level, thereby realizing the benefits of a multi-level inverter. The multi-level inverter 382 benefits from lower harmonic output and lower dv / dt device stress. The multi-level inverter 382 increases reliability by the ability to reconfigure to a lower level number after a fault occurs, by integrating back-to-back switches or relays to connect or disconnect battery modules together.

[0099] Figure 7A phase branch of a five-level multiphase inverter in an embodiment of a multilevel inverter 382 is shown. The energy storage device 240 includes at least four battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D connected in series. The combination of battery modules 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D and a neutral point n provides five voltage levels for generating a sinusoidal output waveform on one phase. Typically, N battery module voltages are used to provide N+1 level output waveforms for each phase. Switches S1-S4 and S1'-S4' are controlled by a controller 220 to generate a sine wave as known in the art. The multilevel inverter 382 can be reconfigured into fewer levels by integrating back-to-back switches or relays to connect or disconnect the battery modules together.

[0100] The voltage levels used in the multi-level inverter 382 do not need to be supplied by a separate battery module. The voltage levels used to generate the sinusoidal output waveform can be generated using one battery module, where the battery voltage is divided by, for example, a capacitor.

[0101] refer to Figure 6 , the AC / DC converter 370 and the multi-level inverter 382 are both operated under the control of the controller 220. Between the AC / DC converter 370 and the multi-level inverter 382 is a DC link 381 connected to the energy storage device 240. In this arrangement, the energy storage device 240 can be charged by the power converter 230. Alternatively, the energy storage device 240 can provide DC power to the DC link 381 to power the multi-level inverter 382 and the compressor 242. This allows the first unit 200 to operate independently of the AC power grid 302, or to operate under power from both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240. The AC / DC converter 380 can be bidirectional to allow the energy storage device 240 to provide power to the AC power grid, and to be charged from the AC power grid.

[0102] Figure 6The electrical architecture of the air conditioning system allows one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system to be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. The power supplied by the AC power grid 302 can be limited by the controller 220 that controls various power converters. Other loads such as indoor DC loads 318 and indoor AC loads 308 can be powered only by the AC power grid 302, only by the energy storage device 240, or by both the energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302. One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 can also power one or more components (the first unit 200 and / or (one or more) second units 250) of the air conditioning system and / or other loads alone or together with the AC power grid 302 and / or the energy storage device 240. Whether to supply power from the AC power grid 302, the energy storage device 240, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, or a combination thereof is based on a variety of factors, such as utility status, utility power prices, the status of the energy storage device 240, consumer preferences, etc. Fig. 9 Discuss example conditions.

[0103] In the above embodiments, one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may be used to provide DC power. The one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 may include sources such as solar DC power, wind DC power, geothermal DC power, fuel cells, etc.

[0104] Figure 8 Depicted is communication between the controller 220, the thermostat 260, and the remote system 410 in an example embodiment. As described above, the controller 220 can be integrated as part of the air conditioning controller and / or the battery controller, or be independent and communicate with the air conditioning controller and / or the energy storage controller. The controller 220 communicates with the thermostat 260 via a local link 400. The local link 400 can be a wired connection (e.g., twisted pair, four-wire, power line communication, Modbus, CAN bus, etc.) and / or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi, radio or Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). The thermostat 260 can also be implemented using a software application operating on a user device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, laptop). The thermostat 260 can also provide occupancy, past performance, and weather information to the controller 220.

[0105] One or both of the controller 220 and the thermostat 260 may communicate with the remote system 410 via a network 406. The network 406 may be a remote network and may be implemented via various communication protocols. The network 406 may be implemented via one or more networks such as, but not limited to, WiMax, a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a personal area network (PAN), a campus area network (CAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN), or any broadband network, and may also be implemented using technologies such as, for example, the following: technologies of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Matter, fixed wireless data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G (e.g., 3G networks based on WCDMA / UMTS), 4G, IMT-Advanced, pre-4G, LTE Advanced, 5G, 6G, Mobile WiMax, WiMax2, WirelessMAN-Advanced networks, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, UMTS-TDD, 1xRTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols such as TCP / IP, SMS, MMS, Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), Instant Messaging and Presence Protocol (IMPP), instant messaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data network, broadband network, or messaging protocol.

[0106] The remote system 410 may be embodied as any type of processor-based computing or computer device capable of performing the functions described herein, including but not limited to a computer, server, workstation, desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, mobile computing device, wearable computing device, network appliance, WEB appliance, distributed computing system (e.g., cloud computing), processor-based system, and / or consumer electronic device. The remote system 410 provides information that is used by the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260 to implement an energy management routine that controls how power is consumed by one or more components of the air conditioning system and the load 270. The information provided by the remote system 410 may include utility pricing, indicating the cost of electricity on the AC power grid 302, and weather information, which may be used to predict future utility pricing and usage of one or more components of the air conditioning system. The utility pricing and weather may be pushed to the remote system 410 or pulled by the remote system 410 using known network technologies. The utility pricing and / or weather may be determined in real time, or may be a prediction of future conditions.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the controller 220 communicates with the components of the system using wired and / or wireless connections, which are not shown in the drawings. Depending on the power source used in the operating mode (e.g., one or more of AC grid power, energy storage device power, auxiliary power source, etc.), the controller 220 sends command signals to various system components (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, AC / DC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380 and / or multi-level inverter 382, ​​AC disconnect 304, etc.) to route power to one or more components of the air conditioning system, such as the first unit 200, (one or more) second units 250, and indoor loads 270 and any other loads.

[0108] Fig. 9 An energy management process in an example embodiment is depicted. The process may be performed by the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260. At 600, the controller 220 determines whether there is a request to reduce energy usage, or any other communication signal, such as a change in energy pricing, or an incentive. A utility provider may request to reduce energy usage during a certain time period to avoid a service explanation (e.g., brownout), or other penalties or incentives such as pricing changes. A request to reduce energy usage may be accompanied by an incentive (e.g., $5 off the next energy bill). A request to reduce may also originate from an energy consumer such as a data center, where the data center needs to maintain their processing and / or cooling loads and incentivizes other users to reduce their consumption to ensure energy availability.

[0109] If there is a request to reduce energy usage, the process proceeds to 602, where the user (e.g., a consumer of a utility) can approve or deny the request to reduce energy usage. The determination of approval or denial can be pre-established by the user and pre-programmed into the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260. For example, the user may wish to always reduce energy consumption regardless of terms. The user may wish to never reduce energy consumption regardless of terms. The user may wish to reduce energy consumption only when the utility provides an incentive. The approval or denial determination at 602 can also be real-time, where the user enters approval or denial of the reduction in energy consumption through the thermostat 260 or through a mobile device.

[0110] If the user approves the reduction in energy usage at 602, the process proceeds to 604, where one or more components of the air conditioning system (if necessary) and / or other loads are at least partially powered by the energy storage device 240. This may require opening the AC disconnect 304 (e.g., zero power from the AC power grid 302) and using only the energy storage device 240 to power the one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. Operating the one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads may also include using both the AC power grid 302 and the energy storage device 240 in combination to power the one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads. The controller 220 may limit the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, AC / DC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multi-level inverter 382) to reduce the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302. The energy storage device 240 and the AC power grid 302 are used in combination to power one or more components and / or one or more loads of the air conditioning system.

[0111] Using the energy storage device 240 to operate one or more components of the air conditioning system may also include limiting the amount of power used from the AC power grid 302 to a power limit (e.g., 1 kW during 2 hours). The controller 220 may limit the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302 by controlling various power converters 230 in the system (e.g., AC / AC converter 310, AC / DC converter 312, AC / DC converter 347, DC / DC converter 320, DC / DC converter 316, DC / DC converter 241, AC / DC converter 370, DC / AC converter 372, AC / DC converter 380, and / or multi-level inverter 382) to reduce the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302. At 604, other loads may be powered by the energy storage device 240, including (one or more) indoor loads 270, which may include (one or more) indoor DC loads 318 and / or (one or more) indoor AC loads 308. The process returns to 600.

[0112] At some point, the energy storage device 240 will lack sufficient charge so that one or more components of the air conditioning system will need to be powered exclusively by the AC power grid 302. The controller 220 can detect the state of the energy storage device 240, such as the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), voltage, temperature, etc. When the power is not within acceptable limits to power one or more components of the air conditioning system or other loads. If the state of the energy storage device 240 is not within acceptable limits, one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads need to be powered by the AC power grid 302. This causes the energy storage device 240 to stop discharging and / or start charging the energy storage device 240.

[0113] If at 600 the utility or some other source has not requested a reduction in energy usage, the flow proceeds to 606 where the controller 220 determines whether the system 100 should use power from the energy storage device 240. An example of a situation in which the system 100 should use power from the energy storage device 240 occurs when the utility power is at peak price, near grid capacity, or at least one of grid capacity. This determination can be made in real time, or can be made in advance using a forecast and communicated from the utility to the air conditioning system. Peak prices do not necessarily require that electricity prices are at their highest, but are generally known in the art as periods of time above average energy costs. Whether the utility is at peak price can be determined by utility pricing obtained from the remote system 410 or current or future weather information obtained from the remote system 410. This information can also be stored locally in the controller 220. If the utility is at least one of at peak prices, near grid capacity, or at grid capacity, the flow proceeds to 604 where one or more components of the air conditioning system and loads 270, including indoor AC loads 308 and / or other loads, are powered by the energy storage device 240 alone or in combination with the AC power grid 302. As described above, the controller 220 can limit the amount of power drawn from the AC power grid 302 by controlling the various power converters 230 in the system. Peak prices of utility power and grid capacity are not the only factors that can be relied upon in determining that the system should use power from the energy storage device 240.

[0114] Regarding grid capacity, information regarding grid capacity and current grid loading may be obtained from a remote system, such as a source of utility pricing. If AC power grid 302 is at or near grid capacity (e.g., within a threshold range of grid capacity, and optionally, increasing), it may be prudent to use power from energy storage device 240 to avoid power interruptions.

[0115] Another example of a situation in which the system should use power from energy storage device 240 occurs when a user requests a reduction in energy usage. The user can use thermostat 260 to place system 100 in a reduced energy usage mode (e.g., an eco-friendly mode), which causes the system to use power from energy storage device 240 to power one or more components of the air conditioning system.

[0116] In another example, the system may use power from energy storage device 240 based on a machine learning (ML) and / or artificial intelligence (AI) control algorithm implemented by controller 220 based on data from box 602 (e.g., user consent) or based on data from box 600 (e.g., a request to reduce energy usage).

[0117] If at 606, the system should not use power from the energy storage device 240, the process proceeds to 608, where the energy storage device 240 is charged using the AC public grid 302. At 610, the controller 220 determines whether the battery state is within acceptable limits, including state of charge (SOC), state of health (SoH), temperature, voltage, or a state outside of safety and / or operating limits. If so, the process returns to 600. At 610, the controller 220 can detect parameters of the energy storage device 240 to confirm that parameters such as battery state of health, operating range, temperature range, voltage, capacity, etc. are within valid limits.

[0118] It should be noted that energy storage device 240 may be charged even when utility power is at peak prices. This may include fault modes, test modes, etc. Thus, charging energy storage device 240 is not limited to off-peak utility power price times.

[0119] If at 610, the energy storage device has a status that is not within acceptable limits, the process proceeds to 612, where the energy storage device 240 can be charged if the SoC is low, or the energy storage device 240 can be completely disconnected if the energy storage device 240 is not operating within safety and / or operating limits.

[0120] Although Fig. 9 Involving operating one or more components of the air conditioning system and / or other loads to reduce power consumption, but other techniques may be used to reduce power consumption, such as using a variable speed drive to reduce compressor speed, changing thermostat set points, etc. In other embodiments, the utility may request an increase in energy usage. The request may be real-time or a future request based on predicted conditions. Increasing energy usage may include charging the energy storage device 240.

[0121] If the thermostat 260 is equipped with a processor 261, then Fig. 9One or more operations of the process may be performed by the thermostat 260. The processor 261 may be implemented using a general-purpose microprocessor that executes a computer program stored on a storage medium to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, the processor 261 may be implemented in hardware (e.g., ASIC, FPGA) or a combination of hardware / software. The controller 220 and the thermostat may be implemented jointly or separately. Fig. 9 All or some operations.

[0122] In other embodiments, the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260 perform system enhancement routines to improve the performance of the entire air conditioning system based on optimization (including model predictive control) or machine learning techniques, taking into account carbon impact, energy performance, energy cost, life cycle cost, impact on the life of the equipment, and reliability. The system enhancement routine can operate with or without information about weather, occupancy, historical usage, consumer preferences, equipment performance maps (HVAC, battery), potential energy outages, etc. Machine learning techniques about consumer preferences, usage, flexibility in decisions about temperature, cost, environmental issues, etc. can be used to improve control logic and optimization. Other control strategies that have advantages in cost, performance, efficiency, environment, comfort, and reliability, such as pre-cooling and pre-heating, can be implemented by the controller 220 and / or the thermostat 260.

[0123] Fig.10 3, the power architecture includes an AC power grid 302 connected to an AC power bus 305 via a grid disconnect 304. The first unit 200 (e.g., an outdoor unit) and the second unit(s) 250 (e.g., an indoor unit(s)) can be powered by the AC power bus 305 (e.g., grid power) or the energy storage device 240 (e.g., a battery). Fig.10 The architecture of includes one or more auxiliary DC sources 314 (optional), a DC power bus 313, an energy storage device 240, and a bidirectional AC / DC converter 312. These elements may be similar to those in FIG.

[0124] Fig.10The power architecture of the embodiment includes a plurality of transfer switches used to control power connections to the second unit 250, the first unit 200, and the indoor AC load 308. The first transfer switch 650 connects both the second unit(s) 250 and the first unit 200 to the AC bus 305 or one of the energy storage devices 240. The energy storage device 240 is connected to the second unit(s) 250 and the first unit 200 through the bidirectional AC / DC converter 312. Other transfer switches 652 and 654 allow the indoor AC load 308 to be connected to the AC power grid 302 or the energy storage device 240 through the bidirectional AC / DC converter 312, or to be disconnected from the AC power grid 302 or the energy storage device 240.

[0125] The use of multiple transfer switches 650, 652, and 654 allows for seamless power transfer in a variety of power distribution configurations. Fig.10 The power architecture allows the energy storage device 240 to be charged directly by the AC power grid 302 through the transfer switch 650, or charged by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314. The energy storage device 240 can provide power to the AC bus 305 through the transfer switch 650 to power the indoor AC load 308 and / or the AC power grid 302 through the transfer switch 650. The energy storage device 240 can also use a single transfer switch 650 to specifically provide power to the air conditioning system (e.g., (one or more) second units 250 and the first unit 200) in a dedicated manner.

[0126] Fig.11 A power architecture in an example embodiment is depicted. Fig.11 The power architecture is similar to Fig.10 The power architecture includes a thermal energy storage system 660. Fig.10 One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 and DC power bus 313 may be used in Fig.11 In the embodiment of . One or more auxiliary DC sources 314 and DC power bus 313 are not shown, but may be included. The thermal energy storage system 660 is part of the air conditioning system and can be implemented using known systems, such as water tanks, phase change materials, geothermal storage, etc. Such systems typically require electrical power for pumps, sensors, controllers, etc. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the thermal energy storage system 660 can be powered by the AC power grid 302 through the transfer switch 650. The thermal energy storage system 660 can also be powered by the energy storage device 240 through the transfer switch 650. This architecture provides similar Fig.10 The same power distribution configuration discussed. The air conditioning system including the second unit(s) 250 , the first unit 200 , and the thermal energy storage system 660 may be specifically powered by the energy storage device 240 using a single transfer switch 650 in a dedicated manner.

[0127] Fig.12 A system energy manager 700 in an example embodiment is depicted. The system energy manager 700 may be implemented using the controller 220 of the first unit 200 or another controller of the air conditioning system. In other embodiments, one or all functions of the system energy manager 700 may be implemented using a remote computing system (e.g., cloud computing).

[0128] The system energy manager 700 receives input from various sources and determines how to best allocate power in the air conditioning system. The system energy manager 700 can communicate with other systems using methods including but not limited to wired, wireless, and mesh communication. Fig.12 702 provides information related to, for example, pricing of utility power, incentives to reduce power consumption, etc. Consumer 704 provides information related to, for example, consumer preferences (e.g., never reduce power consumption, always reduce power consumption, etc.). Consumer 704 can provide information through thermostat 260, mobile application, and / or web portal.

[0129] The ESD manager 708 provides information related to the energy storage device 240, such as charge / discharge power level, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), temperature, etc. The ESD manager 708 can be implemented by the controller 220 or another controller associated with the energy storage device 240. The HVAC manager 710 provides information related to, for example, HVAC set points, state of health (SOH) of the air conditioning system, predicted service needs, etc. The HVAC manager 710 can be implemented by the controller 220 or another controller associated with the air conditioning system. The transfer switches 712 (e.g., transfer switches 650, 652, and 654) provide information related to, for example, switch position, state of health (SOH), etc. The thermal energy storage system 660 provides information related to, for example, temperature, state of health (SOH), etc.

[0130] The system energy manager 700 receives Fig.12The various subsystems of the system energy manager 700 collect information and determine the power distribution configuration in response to information from one or more of the utility 702, the consumer 704, the ESD manager 708, the HVAC manager 710, the transfer switch 712, the thermal energy storage system 660 (if present), and the auxiliary DC source 314 (e.g., solar DC power, wind DC power, fuel cell, etc.). Based on the received information, the system energy manager 700 controls the transfer switches 650, 652, and 654 to distribute power throughout the air conditioning system in the power distribution configuration. The system energy manager 700 implements various power distribution configurations, including (i) energy storage devices 240 charged directly by the AC power grid 302, (ii) energy storage devices 240 charged by one or more auxiliary DC sources 314, (iii) energy storage devices 240 that provide power to the AC bus 305 to power indoor AC loads 308 and / or the grid 302, and (iv) energy storage devices 240 that specifically and using a single transfer switch 650 provide power in a dedicated manner to the air conditioning system (e.g., (one or more) second units 250 and the first unit 200 and the thermal energy storage system 660, if present).

[0131] As described above, embodiments may be in the form of processor-implemented processes and apparatus for practicing those processes (e.g., controller 240 and / or thermostat 260). Embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in a tangible medium, such as a network cloud storage, an SD card, a flash drive, a floppy disk, a CD ROM, a hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments may also take the form, for example, of a computer program code stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted through some transmission medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted through some transmission medium (e.g., by wire or cable, by fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation); wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0132] The terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limitations of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises and / or comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components and / or groups thereof.

[0133] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each of which has certain features in a particular embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the present disclosure may be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described, but which are comparable to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: An air conditioning system comprising a first unit and a second unit, wherein the first unit comprises a compressor; Energy storage devices; a first transfer switch providing a power connection to the first unit; as well as A system energy manager is configured to control the first transfer switch to supply power to both the second unit and the first unit from one of an AC power grid or the energy storage device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary DC source configured to charge the energy storage device.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a thermal energy storage system configured to be powered by the AC power grid or the energy storage device.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The first transfer switch position enables powering of the thermal energy storage system and the first unit from the grid and / or from an energy source or storage device.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The system energy manager determines the position of the first transfer switch to provide an alternate power distribution configuration for the air conditioning system in response to information from one or more of a utility, a consumer, an energy storage device manager, an HVAC manager, and the first transfer switch.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes directly charging the energy storage device from the AC power grid.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes charging the energy storage device by the auxiliary DC source.

8. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to indoor loads and / or the AC power grid.

9. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to the first unit in a dedicated manner using the first transfer switch.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The second unit and the first unit are both connected to the first conversion switch.

11. A method of operating a system, the system comprising: An air conditioning system comprising a first unit and a second unit, wherein the first unit comprises a compressor; Energy storage devices; and a first transfer switch providing a power connection to the first unit, the method comprising: The first transfer switch is controlled to supply power to the first unit from one of an AC power grid or the energy storage device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The system comprises a thermal energy storage system, wherein the method comprises controlling the first transfer switch to supply power to the thermal energy storage system and the first unit from one of the AC power grid and / or the energy storage device.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining a power distribution configuration for the air conditioning system in response to information from one or more of a utility, a consumer, an energy storage device manager, an HVAC manager, and the first transfer switch.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes charging the energy storage device from the AC power grid.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes charging the energy storage device by one or more auxiliary DC sources.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to indoor loads and / or the AC power grid.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The power distribution configuration includes the energy storage device providing power to the first unit in a dedicated manner using the first transfer switch.

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