Air Conditioner and Operation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems lack a centralized control mechanism to efficiently manage the operation capacity of outdoor units and the circulation flow rate of heat source water, leading to complexity and reduced reliability in controlling both the outdoor units and variable flow valves.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable flow valve control board that connects to both the outdoor unit controller via a short-distance communication line and the central controller via a long-distance communication line, allowing for centralized control of the operation capacity and circulation flow rate of heat source water, and enabling protocol conversion between different communication methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control mechanism is implemented to manage both outdoor units and variable flow valves, then control reliability and system performance are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control boards and communication lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of outdoor units and variable flow valves into a single centralized control architecture. The central controller integrates multiple control functions, and the control board in each outdoor unit serves dual purposes by managing both the outdoor unit operations and the variable flow valve connected to heat source water circulation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The control board installed in each outdoor unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform both outdoor unit control and variable flow valve control. This universal control board receives and executes control signals from the central controller for multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control boards and reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable centralized management
2Device complexity
If separate control mechanisms are used for outdoor units and variable flow valves, then device complexity is reduced, but control reliability and system coordination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system implements feedback mechanisms where the central controller monitors the operational status of outdoor units and variable flow valves, and adjusts control signals accordingly. The control boards report back system states to the central controller, enabling coordinated control and maintaining high reliability despite the integrated architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control board in each outdoor unit acts as an intermediary between the central controller and the variable flow valve. It receives control signals from the central controller and translates them into appropriate valve control actions, ensuring reliable coordination between the centralized control system and distributed components
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
This solution simplifies the structure and enhances the reliability of the air conditioning system by allowing the central controller to manage both the outdoor units and the variable flow valve, improving the control over operation capacity and circulation flow rate, thereby optimizing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a water-refrigerant heat exchanger for heat exchange between heat source water and a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange between heat source water and a refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange between heat source water and a refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
A pump and a variable flow valve may be installed in the inflow path or the outflow path
Implementation Method 5
a variable flow valve to regulate an opening degree in response to a signal from the central controller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An air conditioner includes: a plurality of indoor units each having an indoor heat exchanged installed therein; a plurality of outdoor units being connected to the plurality of indoor units by a refrigerant flow path, and each having a water-refrigerant heat exchanger for heat exchange between a refrigerant and heat source water and an outdoor unit PCB installed therein; a heat source water flow path connected to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger; a pump installed on the heat source water flow path; a variable flow valve installed on the heat source water flow path and capable of regulating the opening degree; a central controller for controlling the plurality of outdoor units; and a variable flow valve control board for regulating the opening degree of the variable flow valve and regulating the flow rate of heat source water, wherein the variable flow valve control board is connected to the outdoor unit PCB via a first communication line, is connected to the central controller via a second communication line having a different communication method from that of the first communication line, and performs protocol conversion between the central controller and the indoor unit PCB. The central controller can control both the outdoor units and the variable flow valve by means of the variable flow vale control board, and if a gateway is installed between the central controller and the outdoor units, the structure becomes simpler.