Multi-Type Air Conditioner Grouped Pipe Port Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-type air conditioners with multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit face increased costs and installation complexities due to the need for multiple distributors, which can be costly and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system where multiple indoor units are connected to a single pipe port, with a distributor controlling refrigerant flow using low and high pressure valves to manage heating and cooling operations, allowing for grouped indoor units to operate in a coordinated manner, reducing the need for additional distributors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distributors are installed to connect multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit, then the system can support more indoor units, but the material costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple indoor units are connected to a single pipe port through a group ID assignment mechanism, merging what would traditionally require separate distributor connections into a single connection point. This reduces the number of distributors needed while maintaining the ability to support multiple indoor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe port is designed to serve multiple functions by accepting multiple indoor units through group ID assignment. A single pipe port can manage multiple indoor units that would traditionally require separate dedicated connections, making the system more versatile without increasing hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distributors are installed to connect multiple indoor units, then more indoor units can be supported, but installation labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple indoor unit connections into a single pipe port through group ID assignment, significantly reducing the number of installation steps and labor required compared to installing separate distributors for each indoor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Indoor units are pre-configured with group IDs that enable automatic identification and connection to the correct pipe port. This preliminary configuration reduces on-site installation complexity and labor requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If indoor units are connected in groups to a single pipe port, then material costs are reduced, but the control complexity of refrigerant flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from indoor unit responses to automatically determine which indoor units are connected to each pipe port. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control of refrigerant flow by enabling automatic identification and management of grouped indoor units without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification of indoor units through group ID assignment and automatic response detection. The control system automatically manages refrigerant flow distribution to grouped indoor units without requiring external intervention or complex manual setup.
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 configuration reduces material and installation costs by minimizing the number of distributors required while maintaining efficient operation of indoor units, allowing for flexible mode switching between heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a distributor controlling refrigerant flow using low and high pressure valves to manage heating and cooling operations
Data Source
AI summary
A multi type air conditioner may include an outdoor unit, a distributor connected to the outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units connected to the distributor. The distributor may include a plurality of pipe ports. Two or more of the indoor units may be connected to one or more of the pipe ports to form an indoor unit group. An operation mode of the two or more indoor units forming the indoor unit group may operate in a reference mode that corresponds to an operation mode of a main indoor unit or an appropriate pipe port.