Air conditioner and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face issues with reduced air cooling or heating performance when the indoor load is high, leading to perceived weak performance, and increased power consumption when the load is low, as they rely on user-defined settings rather than self-detection of indoor load.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner that includes a load detecting unit to determine the indoor load by monitoring the compressor's operating frequency and power consumption, adjusting the compressor frequency and fan rotations based on detected load levels, and implementing a temperature maintenance mode to reduce frequency when the set temperature is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the compressor drives at a previously-set operating frequency, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air cooling or heating performance is reduced when load is high
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback signals from temperature sensors and load detection means, continuously monitors the actual temperature and load conditions, and adjusts the compressor operating frequency dynamically based on this feedback to optimize cooling/heating performance while maintaining simple overall system design
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor operating frequency is changed from a fixed previously-set value to a dynamic value that adjusts according to detected load conditions and temperature differential, allowing the system to adapt to varying indoor space requirements without complex manual configuration
2Measurement precision
If the compressor is turned on/off frequently to maintain set temperature when load is low, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of frequent on/off cycling, the system employs periodic modulation of compressor frequency where the compressor runs continuously at varying frequencies, creating a more efficient periodic operation pattern that maintains temperature precision while reducing overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameter of compressor frequency from binary on/off states to continuous variable frequency modulation, allowing precise temperature control through incremental frequency adjustments that consume less energy than repeated startup and shutdown cycles
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 enables rapid air cooling or heating, prevents frequent on/off cycles, and reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting operations based on detected indoor loads, improving performance and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (100) configured to compress the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger (120) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air; an indoor heat exchanger (140) configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air
Implementation Method 3
an expansion device (130) configured to reduce a pressure of the refrigerant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of controlling an air conditioner (10) including activating (S11, S12) a refrigeration cycle by driving an compressor (100); detecting a high pressure and a low pressure when the refrigeration cycle is activated; adjusting an operating frequency of the compressor (100) based on the detected high pressure or low pressure of the refrigeration cycle; determining (S13) a current load of an inside space (5) through a load detecting unit (180); determining (S14, S15) a load level of the inside space (5) by comparing the current load with a reference load; and determining (S17, S19) the operating frequency of the compressor (100) based on the determined load level.