Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face efficiency degradation and ineffectiveness in driving modes except for very low outdoor temperatures, due to two-stage compression systems.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner switches between one-stage and two-stage compression modes using a separate module box to connect indoor and outdoor units, allowing for efficient operation in various temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two-stage compression is used to achieve required pressure ratio at very low outdoor temperature, then the pressure ratio requirement is met, but the capability and efficiency of the air conditioner are seriously degraded except for particular cases with very low outdoor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between one-stage and two-stage compression modes based on outdoor temperature conditions. The control unit activates the second compressor in series with the first compressor when outdoor temperature falls below a predetermined threshold, and switches to parallel operation or single compressor mode when temperature rises, thereby adapting the compression configuration to environmental conditions while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the compression system by adjusting which compressors are active and how they are connected (series vs. parallel). The control unit modifies the compression stage configuration based on temperature parameters, enabling the system to optimize performance across different temperature ranges rather than operating in a fixed two-stage mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outdoor units are connected in parallel with separate refrigerant circulation, then each unit operates independently, but the system cannot achieve multistage compression required for very low outdoor temperature operation
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor units are designed with dual functionality: they can operate independently in parallel mode for normal temperature conditions, and they can be connected in series through the auxiliary module for low temperature two-stage compression operation. The auxiliary module enables the system to switch between these operational modes, making the outdoor units versatile enough to handle both independent operation and coordinated series compression.
3Temperature
If two-stage compression system is implemented, then pressure ratio at very low temperature is achieved, but the system becomes ineffective for general regions and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the compression configuration based on outdoor temperature. When temperature is above the threshold, the system operates in one-stage compression mode using only the first compressor or parallel compression, making it suitable for general regions. When temperature drops below the threshold, the control unit activates the second compressor in series to achieve the required pressure ratio for very low temperature operation.
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 solution enables the air conditioner to operate effectively in cooling, one-stage heating, and two-stage heating modes, improving capability and efficiency across different outdoor temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant is two-stage compressed and is provided through a plurality of outdoor units
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air is disposed in the outdoor unit
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerating cycle in which compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation procedures of a refrigerant are performed
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises: an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger installed therein; a first outdoor unit having a first outdoor heat exchanger and a first compressor installed therein; a second outdoor unit having a second outdoor heat exchanger and a second compressor installed therein; an auxiliary module which connects the indoor unit, the first outdoor unit, and the second outdoor unit; a first connection line by which the auxiliary module is connected to the first outdoor unit; a second connection line by which the auxiliary module is connected to the second outdoor unit; and a two-stage compression line by which the first outdoor unit is connected to the second outdoor unit.