Air Conditioner Sensor Fault Substitution for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners with malfunctioning temperature sensors can lead to inconvenient downtime and reduced user experience due to the inability to accurately control temperature parameters, especially when multiple sensors fail simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling air conditioners that involves multiple temperature sensors to detect fault states, estimate parameter substitution values based on operating parameters, and continue operation using these values, ensuring the air conditioner can function even when some sensors are faulty, thereby reducing downtime and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the air conditioner stops operation when a temperature sensor malfunctions, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter source for temperature control by switching from direct sensor readings to calculated substitution values when sensor faults are detected. The control method dynamically adjusts which parameters are used for operation control based on sensor status, maintaining system functionality while compensating for measurement losses through mathematical calculations based on operating parameters.
2Productivity
If the air conditioner continues operation with faulty sensors, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability worsen due to inaccurate temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary calculation mechanism that mediates between faulty sensor data and control decisions. When sensors malfunction, the control method uses operating parameters (current, voltage, power consumption) as intermediate variables to calculate substitution values that represent the actual temperature conditions, thereby maintaining accurate control without direct sensor input.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by detecting sensor faults automatically and switching to substitution value mode without external intervention. The control method monitors sensor status continuously and autonomously adjusts the control strategy, allowing the system to serve itself during fault conditions and maintain operation without requiring manual repair or shutdown.
3Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors are installed to improve reliability, then device complexity increases, but measurement precision and fault detection capability improve
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple data sources (temperature sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors, power consumption sensors) into a unified control framework. When temperature sensors are present, they are combined with other operating parameter sensors to create a redundant measurement system that can cross-validate readings and switch to alternative calculation methods if sensor faults occur, thereby improving reliability through integration rather than simple multiplication of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an air conditioner having an indoor unit(s) and at least two temperature sensors. The at least two temperature sensors are configured to obtain at least two corresponding temperature parameter values in the indoor unit, and the method includes: obtaining a fault parameter value in the at least two temperature parameter values in response to any one of the at least two temperature sensors being in a fault state; obtaining a parameter substitution value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to operating parameters of the air conditioner; and controlling the air conditioner to be operated according to the parameter substitution value.