Air-conditioner control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern air-conditioners using inverter technology face challenges in reducing noise and vibration due to variable compressor frequencies, which can cause nuisance vibrations, especially in flexible construction vehicles like recreational vehicles, where resonant frequencies are difficult to predict and mitigate.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioner system with a processor that identifies and avoids nuisance frequencies by adjusting the operation of rotating or reciprocating elements, such as compressors and fans, to maintain efficient temperature control while minimizing vibration and noise, allowing users to edit and update a list of nuisance frequencies stored in memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inverter technology is used to control compressor speed over a wide range of frequencies, then energy efficiency and smooth operation are improved, but noise and vibration problems are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the compressor operating frequency based on real-time conditions, transitioning from static single-speed operation to adaptive variable-speed control that avoids problematic frequency ranges while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (frequency) of the compressor to optimize performance, using a variable frequency drive to modulate motor speed and thereby control compressor output while avoiding resonant frequencies that cause vibration
2Ease of operation
If the compressor operates at variable frequencies, then heating and cooling output control is improved, but difficulty in identifying and managing vibration sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor operating conditions and adjust compressor frequency accordingly, using sensor data and control algorithms to maintain optimal temperature control while avoiding vibration-prone frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies and stores problematic resonant frequencies for different operating conditions, allowing the control algorithm to proactively avoid these frequencies before vibration issues arise, rather than reacting to problems after they occur
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air-conditioner is mounted in a flexible construction vehicle, then installation versatility is improved, but resonant vibrations occur at unpredictable frequencies causing nuisance
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts its operating frequency parameters based on the specific vehicle installation, using measurement and identification processes to determine the resonant frequencies of that particular vehicle structure, then adjusting compressor operation to avoid those specific frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by measuring the actual resonant frequencies of the vehicle structure during or after installation, then automatically configuring its operation to avoid those frequencies without requiring external intervention
4Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional single-speed compressor operation is used, then vibration sources can be eliminated by damping, but energy efficiency and smooth operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static single-speed operation to dynamic variable-speed control, allowing the compressor to operate at multiple frequencies optimized for different loading conditions while avoiding resonant frequencies that cause vibration, thereby maintaining both efficiency and vibration control
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an air-conditioner for maintaining a temperature of a conditioned space at or near a set temperature. The air-conditioner comprises at least one rotating or reciprocating element adapted to rotate or reciprocate at a variable frequency. The variable frequency including one or more nuisance frequencies at which vibration or noise within the air-conditioner or the conditioned space causes a nuisance. A processor (30) programmed to control variation of the variable frequency in response to operational requirement. The processor is configured to operate the at least one rotating or reciprocating element so as to substantially exclude operation at the one or more nuisance frequencies.