Control method and apparatus for self-cleaning of air conditioner, and air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners struggle to balance indoor temperature and humidity adjustment, leading to user discomfort and health issues due to bacterial growth and humidity imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for controlling air conditioners that adjust compressor frequency, fan speed, and air deflector position based on real-time indoor temperature and humidity readings, using predefined control strategies and PID methods to optimize both parameters for user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the compressor runs at high frequency to quickly reduce temperature difference, then the cooling speed is improved, but the coil temperature becomes lower than dew point causing excessive condensation and low humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors indoor humidity levels and uses this feedback to adjust compressor frequency. When humidity drops below a threshold, the controller reduces compressor frequency to prevent excessive condensation, creating a closed-loop control system that balances cooling speed with humidity maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor frequency is dynamically adjusted based on real-time humidity conditions rather than operating at fixed high frequency. The system transitions from static high-speed operation to dynamic variable-speed operation, adapting the cooling rate to current environmental conditions to avoid over-dehumidification.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor runs at low frequency to maintain small temperature difference, then energy consumption is reduced, but the coil temperature becomes higher than dew point preventing condensation and causing high humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses humidity sensor feedback to determine when increased cooling is needed. When humidity exceeds the threshold, the controller increases compressor frequency to promote condensation and dehumidification, ensuring the system only consumes additional energy when actually needed for humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (compressor frequency) based on humidity levels. By adjusting the frequency parameter dynamically, the system can switch between energy-saving low-frequency operation and dehumidifying high-frequency operation, optimizing the balance between energy consumption and humidity control.
3Device complexity
If existing air conditioners focus only on temperature control, then the temperature regulation is simple and effective, but humidity control is neglected leading to user discomfort and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner control system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: temperature control and humidity control. By integrating humidity sensing and dual-parameter control algorithms, the system transitions from single-function temperature regulation to multi-function environmental control, addressing both temperature and humidity to prevent bacterial growth and improve comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors and adjusts both temperature and humidity without user intervention. The humidity sensor and control algorithm work together to self-regulate the cooling operation, maintaining optimal humidity levels to prevent bacterial growth and user discomfort without requiring manual humidity control.
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 solution effectively maintains optimal indoor temperature and humidity levels, enhancing user comfort and preventing bacterial growth by dynamically adjusting compressor and fan operations in response to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of a coil of an indoor unit is generally lower (lower than a dew point temperature of an air), and a water vapor in the air is continuously condensed
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A control method for self-cleaning of an air conditioner, comprising: in a refrigeration mode of an air conditioner, collecting an indoor temperature t and an indoor humidity RH (SI01); when the indoor temperature t is greater than a first preset temperature t1, controlling an operating frequency of a compressor and/or a rotational speed of an indoor fan according to a first control strategy (SI02); when the indoor temperature t is less than or equal to the first preset temperature t1, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor and/or the rotational speed of the indoor fan by means of selecting a corresponding control strategy according to the indoor humidity RH; or, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor and the position of an air deflector according to a second control strategy. By means of the method, both the indoor temperature and humidity can meet the comfort requirements of a user, and the influence of fluctuation of other environmental parameters caused by adjustment to a single indoor environmental parameter is avoided. Also disclosed are an apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, and an air conditioner.