Air Conditioning System Ventilation Fan Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems face issues with reverse flow of air and energy wastage due to external air introduction by the ventilation device when the air conditioning indoor unit is stopped, leading to inconvenience and temperature fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system with coordinated control of indoor and ventilation fans, including modes for air quality improvement and energy saving, prevents reverse air flow and temperature fluctuations by controlling the ventilation fan based on the state of the indoor unit and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ventilation fan operates when the air conditioning indoor unit is stopped, then external air is introduced for ventilation, but reverse flow of air occurs at the suction port filter and room temperature fluctuates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionVSAvoidair flow direction stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the operation state of the air conditioning indoor unit and adjusts the ventilation fan operation accordingly. When the air conditioning unit stops, the control unit receives feedback and stops the ventilation fan to prevent reverse air flow and temperature fluctuations, while allowing it to operate when the air conditioning unit is running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the ventilation fan operation based on the real-time state of the air conditioning indoor unit. The ventilation fan operates only during air conditioning operation and stops when air conditioning operation ceases, creating a dynamic coordination that prevents harmful reverse air flow while maintaining ventilation functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ventilation fan operates independently when the air conditioning indoor unit is stopped, then air exchange occurs, but energy is wasted and convenience is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent ventilation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit merges the operation of the ventilation fan with the air conditioning indoor unit operation. Both fans operate together during air conditioning mode, and both stop when air conditioning stops, eliminating independent ventilation operation that would waste energy while still providing comprehensive air exchange during air conditioning operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by coordinating ventilation only when air conditioning is active, rather than providing full independent ventilation capability. This partial coordination approach prevents energy waste from unnecessary ventilation operation while maintaining adequate air exchange through the combined operation during air conditioning mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If the ventilation fan operates when the air conditioning indoor unit is stopped, then ventilation is provided, but unnecessary temperature fluctuations occur in the room

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionVSAvoidroom air temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit monitors the air conditioning unit state and uses this feedback to control ventilation fan operation. When air conditioning stops, the control unit stops the ventilation fan to prevent external air from causing temperature fluctuations, while maintaining ventilation capability when air conditioning is active and temperature control is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically coordinates ventilation fan operation with air conditioning operation to maintain temperature stability. The ventilation fan operates only when air conditioning is running, creating a dynamic relationship that prevents temperature fluctuations during air conditioning transitions while still providing ventilation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents reverse air flow and temperature fluctuations, ensuring user convenience and energy efficiency by coordinating fan operations and providing flexible modes based on air quality and thermal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an air conditioning indoor unit including an indoor fan and a heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir circulation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a ventilation device including a ventilation fan with an indoor side exhaust air duct. When the ventilation fan is made to operate, air in a room is exhausted to outside via the indoor side exhaust air duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir exhaust: Convection

Implementation Method 3

an air conditioning indoor unit including an indoor fan and a heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4357687B1Air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4357687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4357687B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4357687B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system capable of securing convenience of a user by preventing reverse flow of air in a state where an air conditioning indoor unit is stopped and capable of achieving energy saving. The air conditioning system in which an air conditioning indoor unit 10 including an indoor fan 14 and a heat exchanger is connected to a ventilation device 30 including a ventilation fan 37 with a duct, includes a control unit 50 that drives and controls the indoor fan 14 and the ventilation fan 37, and the control unit 50 performs control to drive the ventilation fan 37 in a case where the indoor fan 14 is driven, stop the ventilation fan 37 in a case where the indoor fan 14 is stopped, and stop the ventilation fan 37 in a case where the indoor fan 14 is driven after operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 10 is stopped.