Air conditioner with thermostat setpoint estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some air conditioner units with variable speed compressors cannot operate at optimal speed due to limited communication capabilities of thermometers, which prevent them from receiving setpoint temperature data, leading to suboptimal cooling or heating performance.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner unit measures ambient temperature and estimates the setpoint temperature using a closed-loop control algorithm, allowing it to set the compressor speed based on the estimated setpoint temperature, even when the setpoint data is not received from the thermostat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the air conditioner uses a variable speed compressor with closed-loop control, then the cooling/heating efficiency is improved, but the system cannot operate optimally when the thermostat has limited communication capabilities and does not provide setpoint temperature data
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner unit independently estimates its own setpoint temperature using ambient temperature data and historical operation patterns, eliminating dependence on the thermostat for this information. The system serves itself by generating the missing setpoint data through estimation algorithms rather than relying on external communication from the thermostat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation algorithm that bridges the gap between the ambient temperature sensor and the closed-loop control system. This intermediary component translates available ambient temperature data into estimated setpoint values, enabling the control system to function even when direct thermostat communication is unavailable.
2Device complexity
If the thermostat has limited communication capabilities, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air conditioner cannot receive setpoint temperature data for optimal compressor control
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner unit independently estimates its own setpoint temperature using ambient temperature data and historical operation patterns, eliminating dependence on the thermostat for this information. The system serves itself by generating the missing setpoint data through estimation algorithms rather than relying on external communication from the thermostat.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioner estimates setpoint temperature instead of receiving it directly, then the system maintains operation with limited thermostat capabilities, but the measurement precision of temperature data may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The estimation algorithm incorporates feedback from ambient temperature measurements and historical operation data to continuously refine setpoint temperature estimates. By using feedback from multiple sources and time points, the system improves the accuracy of estimated values compared to simple single-point measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary estimation of setpoint temperature using ambient data before the closed-loop control algorithm requires it. This preliminary action allows the control system to have accurate temperature data ready in advance, improving overall response time and control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Air conditioner units and methods of operating the same are provided. A method of operating an air conditioner unit includes measuring an ambient temperature and estimating a setpoint temperature of the air conditioner unit. The method also includes inputting the measured ambient temperature and the estimated setpoint temperature into a closed-loop control algorithm. The method further includes setting a compressor speed of the variable speed compressor based on the output of the closed-loop control algorithm. An air conditioner unit may include a controller, and the controller may be configured for performing the method.