Automated Rooftop AC Unit Testing via Control Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual testing of large rooftop air conditioning units is time-consuming and prone to errors during commissioning and servicing, as it involves testing multiple complex sub-systems individually.
Innovation Solution
An automated testing system for multi-sub-system environmental conditioning units, comprising a control board with configuration information and an input/output module, connected via a data communications link to a remote test device, which initiates and performs tests on sub-systems based on user requests and transmits results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing of each sub-system is performed individually, then testing can be completed with simple equipment, but testing time is excessive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The control board automatically configures and executes test sequences without requiring manual intervention for each sub-system. The system self-manages the testing process by receiving a test request, automatically configuring appropriate tests based on stored configuration information, executing them, and generating results, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual testing of each component individually
Solution Approach 2:
The control board serves multiple functions: it manages normal operation of the environmental conditioning unit, stores configuration information for various sub-systems, automatically configures test sequences, executes tests, and generates results. This multi-functionality allows a single automated system to handle all testing operations across different sub-systems, significantly improving testing efficiency
2Reliability
If manual testing procedures are used, then equipment complexity remains low, but testing accuracy is reduced due to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with an automated electronic control system. The control board uses electronic configuration information and automated test sequences to eliminate human error in test execution, while the electronic system manages the complexity that would otherwise require manual coordination of multiple sub-systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control board receives test results from sensors monitoring sub-systems during testing, automatically processes this information, and generates comprehensive test result reports. This automated feedback loop ensures accurate documentation and analysis of test outcomes without manual intervention errors
3Productivity
If automated testing is implemented, then testing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to control board and communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control board stores configuration information for all sub-systems in advance, including test parameters, sensor locations, and expected results. This preliminary configuration allows the automated testing to proceed efficiently without requiring complex real-time decision-making, as the test sequences are pre-planned and stored in the control board's memory
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning unit test system includes an a multi-sub-system air conditioning assembly including a plurality of sub-systems for conditioning an indoor environment. The a multi-sub-system air conditioning assembly includes a control board having control circuitry for controlling the plurality of sub-systems. The air conditioning unit test system includes a remote test communications device connected to the control board via a data communications link. The control board is configured to perform a configuration of tests for testing sub-systems of the multi-sub-system air conditioning assembly based on receiving a test request from the remote test communications device, to test the sub-systems based on the configuration of the tests, and to transmit results of the tests to the remote test communications device.