Apparatus and method for controlling air conditioner using comfortable temperature and system comprising the apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners are inefficiently controlled, leading to user discomfort and increased power consumption due to direct manipulation by managers, resulting in unnecessary operation and high electricity costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that uses a communication unit to receive indoor and weather information, setting comfortable temperatures based on weather data to optimize air conditioner operation, including off and on comfortable temperatures to prevent unnecessary driving and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the manager determines the set temperature high to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but users feel hot and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors indoor temperature and compares it with the comfortable temperature range derived from weather information. When the temperature deviates from the comfortable range, the air conditioner is automatically controlled to adjust, creating a closed-loop feedback system that balances energy savings with user comfort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the optimal set temperature by integrating weather forecast data with real-time indoor temperature measurements, eliminating the need for manual manager intervention. The air conditioner self-adjusts its operation based on the calculated comfortable temperature range, achieving both energy efficiency and user satisfaction without human input.
2Ease of operation
If the manager determines the set temperature low to ensure user comfort, then user comfort improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system obtains weather forecast information in advance and pre-calculates the comfortable temperature range before the actual temperature deviation occurs. This allows the air conditioner to be proactively controlled to maintain comfortable temperatures without excessive cooling, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring user comfort is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the set temperature parameter based on changing weather conditions and real-time indoor temperature measurements. Rather than maintaining a fixed low temperature, the set temperature is continuously optimized within the comfortable range, reducing power consumption while adapting to environmental changes to maintain user comfort.
3Ease of operation
If direct manipulation by manager is used to control air conditioner, then ease of operation is maintained, but unnecessary driving and high electricity cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs temperature monitoring, weather data integration, comfortable temperature calculation, and air conditioner control without requiring manager intervention. This self-service approach eliminates unnecessary manual adjustments and ensures optimal operation based on objective data, reducing energy waste while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated control intermediary that processes weather information and indoor temperature data to determine optimal set temperatures. This intermediary replaces direct manager manipulation with intelligent automated control, preventing unnecessary air conditioner operation and reducing electricity costs while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for controlling an air conditioner using comfortable temperature and a system including the apparatus are disclosed. The disclosed apparatus for controlling an air conditioner includes a communication unit that receives an indoor temperature of an indoor zone measured by a temperature sensor and weather information of the zone provided by a weather server, respectively; and a control unit that sets a comfortable temperature of the zone based on the weather information and generates a drive control signal of the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the comfortable temperature. In this case, the comfortable temperature includes an off comfortable temperature, which is a perceived comfortable temperature of a user located in the zone when the air conditioner is turned off, and an on comfortable temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature of the user when the air conditioner is turned on.