Air-Conditioner Mode Switching for Low-Temperature Dehumidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing dehumidification at low outdoor temperatures, leading to excessive cooling and increased power consumption, while at high outdoor temperatures, they struggle with processing sensible heat loads, resulting in inadequate temperature control and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning apparatus with a refrigerant circuit, humidity and temperature sensors, and an operation control unit that selects between continuous, intermittent, and operation stop modes based on indoor humidity and temperature thresholds to optimize dehumidification, reducing power consumption and maintaining comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the compressor and fan are switched between operating and non-operating states repeatedly during dehumidifying operation, then the capacity to process sensible heat load from outside is increased, but the indoor temperature decreases too much and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operation mode adjustable based on outdoor temperature conditions. The control unit dynamically selects between continuous operation mode, intermittent operation mode, and operation stop mode according to the measured outdoor temperature, allowing the system to adapt its operational characteristics to external environmental conditions rather than using a fixed switching pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (continuous vs. intermittent vs. stopped) based on the outdoor temperature parameter. When outdoor temperature is low, the system switches to continuous or intermittent modes to maintain higher indoor temperature while still achieving dehumidification, thereby resolving the contradiction between processing heat load capacity and maintaining temperature
2Reliability
If the temperature and humidity become sufficiently low, then dehumidifying operation is continued, but power input to electric motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring indoor temperature and humidity conditions and adjusting the operation mode accordingly. The control unit receives feedback from sensors and automatically transitions between continuous operation mode, intermittent operation mode, and operation stop mode based on whether dehumidification targets are achieved, preventing unnecessary continued operation that would waste energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action through the intermittent operation mode, where the compressor and fan operate in cycles rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain dehumidification effectiveness while reducing average power consumption by incorporating rest periods when dehumidification targets are met
3Reliability
If the compressor operates continuously at high outdoor air temperatures, then dehumidification is maintained, but the capacity to process sensible heat load is low, resulting in temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on outdoor temperature conditions. At high outdoor temperatures, the control unit maintains continuous operation to ensure adequate heat processing capacity while still achieving dehumidification, adapting the system's response to external thermal conditions
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
The apparatus effectively reduces relative humidity and power consumption by switching operation modes, ensuring comfortable indoor conditions while minimizing energy usage across varying temperature and humidity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an evaporator supplying cooling air
Implementation Method 2
a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator connected by refrigerant pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A mode selection unit selects a continuous operation mode when a dehumidifying operation is started. When an indoor temperature is less than or equal to a set first temperature threshold and indoor humidity is greater than a set humidity threshold in the continuous operation mode, the mode selection unit selects an intermittent operation mode. When the indoor temperature is less than or equal to a set second temperature threshold that is greater than the first temperature threshold and the indoor humidity is less than or equal to the set humidity threshold in the intermittent operation mode, the mode selection unit selects an operation stop mode.