Air conditioning apparatus and control method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning systems face inefficiencies and performance issues when switching between heating and cooling modes due to load imbalances and compressor frequency fluctuations, leading to unstable cycles, noise, and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning apparatus with a controller that dynamically adjusts the operation mode of heat exchangers and matches indoor units to maintain optimal performance by distributing loads and controlling valve operations, ensuring efficient heat exchange without compressor frequency changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operation mode of heat exchangers is switched to change between heating and cooling, then the air conditioning apparatus can provide both heating and cooling functions, but the compressor frequency fluctuates and cycle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat exchanger configuration adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically reconfigures which heat exchangers serve as evaporators or condensers based on operational needs, allowing the apparatus to switch between heating and cooling modes while maintaining cycle stability through controlled transitions rather than abrupt changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat exchangers by switching their roles between evaporator and condenser modes. This parameter change enables the system to provide both heating and cooling functions while the control system manages the transition to prevent compressor frequency fluctuations and maintain cycle stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the four-way valve switches operation modes to change heat exchanger function, then heating and cooling modes can be switched, but refrigerant pressure changes rapidly causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple heat exchangers in different locations and preparing their operational states before mode switching is needed. This allows the system to transition between heating and cooling modes more smoothly by having heat exchangers already positioned and ready to assume their new roles, thereby reducing rapid pressure changes and associated noise.
3Device complexity
If heat exchanger operation modes are designated and fixed, then the system structure is simplified, but load imbalance occurs causing weakened heating or cooling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the heat exchanger system into multiple independent units distributed across different locations. Each heat exchanger can operate independently or in coordination with others, allowing the system to maintain simple overall structure while achieving load balance through selective operation of individual segments based on spatial and thermal demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each heat exchanger universal by enabling them to function as either evaporators or condensers depending on operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplified structure while improving productivity, as heat exchangers can be dynamically assigned to different roles to balance loads and optimize heating or cooling performance across multiple zones.
4Ease of operation
If the compressor operating frequency is reduced to minimize refrigerant pressure difference, then four-way valve switching is smoothed, but cooling or heating performance is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat exchanger configuration adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically reconfigures which heat exchangers serve as evaporators or condensers based on operational needs, allowing the apparatus to switch between heating and cooling modes while maintaining cycle stability through controlled transitions rather than abrupt changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat exchangers by switching their roles between evaporator and condenser modes. This parameter change enables the system to provide both heating and cooling functions while the control system manages the transition to prevent compressor frequency fluctuations and maintain cycle stability.
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 maintains consistent cooling and heating performance, reduces power consumption, and minimizes compressor instability and noise, ensuring efficient operation across mode changes.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of heat exchangers may be operated as an evaporator or a condenser in a refrigerating cycle
Implementation Method 2
perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and a certain fluid such as water
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange between the refrigerant and water
Implementation Method 4
a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The air conditioning apparatus may perform a refrigerating cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes with refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
evaporation processes with refrigerant to cool or heat the certain space
Implementation Method 6
condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes with refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor device that is configured to circulate refrigerant and that includes a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, a plurality of indoor devices configured to circulate water, and a heat exchange device that connects the outdoor device with the indoor device. The heat exchange device includes a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the water, and a switch device configured to control flow of refrigerant between the indoor device and the heat exchanger.