Air Conditioner Dynamic Load Control for Optimal Compressor Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioning systems face inefficiencies due to varying loads with seasons, climate, and occupancy, leading to suboptimal operation as the refrigeration capacity fails to match changing conditions.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner control method that dynamically adjusts the target load, chilled water temperature, and cooling water temperature by calculating differences and adjusting compressor operation parameters, including pressure ratios, to optimize the operation of the chiller unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the refrigeration capacity is fixed, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing loads and operates suboptimally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing loadsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the refrigeration capacity adjustable through compressor frequency regulation. The control system dynamically adjusts the compressor's operating frequency based on real-time temperature feedback and load conditions, transforming a fixed-capacity system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing cooling demands while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring chilled water temperature and using this information to adjust compressor frequency. The control system compares actual temperature with target temperature and modifies compressor operation accordingly, enabling the system to adapt to changing loads through closed-loop feedback while avoiding overly complex control architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If the compressor operates at high frequency, then the cooling effect is strong, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechilled water temperature controlVSAvoidcompressor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by adjusting compressor frequency based on actual cooling needs rather than operating at constant high frequency. The system dynamically modulates compressor speed to match the cooling load, maintaining effective temperature control while reducing energy consumption during partial-load conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the compressor by adjusting frequency based on temperature feedback. The control system modifies the compressor's rotational speed parameter according to the degree of temperature deviation, enabling effective cooling with optimized energy consumption across different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the temperature control is tight, then the comfort level is high, but the temperature fluctuations cause frequent adjustments and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidsystem operational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a dead band or hysteresis range around the target temperature. Instead of responding to every minor temperature fluctuation, the system allows temperatures to vary within an acceptable range before triggering compressor adjustments, cushioning against frequent on-off cycling and maintaining steady operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by using proportional control where the compressor frequency adjustment is proportional to the temperature deviation. This dynamic response provides smooth, graduated adjustments rather than abrupt on-off changes, maintaining comfortable temperature control while avoiding the inefficiency of frequent full-capacity cycling

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

Ensures the air conditioning unit operates at optimal efficiency by matching refrigeration capacity with changing loads, reducing temperature fluctuations and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator heat exchange unit (131), configured to perform heat exchange between the chilled water and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a condenser heat exchange unit (132), configured to perform heat exchange between the cooling water and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3708930B1Air conditioner control method and device and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3708930B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3708930B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3708930B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention provides an air conditioner control method and device and an air conditioner. The air conditioner device is characterized in that current chilled water temperature of a unit is acquired within preset cycle; the target load of the unit, the target temperature of chilled water and the target temperature of cooling water are determined based on the chilled water temperature set by a user and the current chilled water temperature; the evaporating parameters and the condensing parameters of the unit can be determined based on the target load of the unit, the target temperature of the chilled water and the target temperature of the cooling water; and then the running parameters of a compressor can be determined based on the target load of the unit, the evaporating parameters and the condensing parameters. Therefore, the unit can work based on the running parameters. With the adoption of the method and the device, all components of an air conditioner unit can run in the optimal running state, so that high-reliability running of the air conditioner unit can be ensured.