Air-conditioning control method in an air system, and device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air conditioning systems in ventilation systems face challenges in precisely setting target air conditions for temperature and humidity, often requiring additional energy for reheating or humidification, and are inefficient in terms of energy usage due to limitations in coolant flow control methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlled air conditioning that regulates both the coolant mass flow and inlet temperature using a coolant supply device with integrated controllers to adjust air temperature and humidity, allowing for precise control of air conditioning processes through multiple stages and actuators, optimizing the air conditioning process for energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If volume control is used to regulate coolant mass flow at constant temperature, then the air cooler can maintain stable operation, but it cannot precisely control both air temperature and humidity independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable operationVSAvoidprecise control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static volume control to dynamic control by introducing both mass flow regulation and temperature regulation. The system dynamically adjusts both the coolant mass flow rate and the coolant inlet temperature based on real-time air condition requirements, enabling independent control of air temperature and humidity while maintaining stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameters from only mass flow to both mass flow and temperature. By regulating both the coolant mass flow rate and the coolant inlet temperature, the system gains additional degrees of freedom to independently control air temperature and humidity, resolving the limitation of volume-controlled systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If admixture control is used to regulate coolant flow temperature, then air can be cooled without dehumidification, but it requires cooling air below the dew point resulting in supercooling and additional reheating energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedehumidification controlVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring air temperature and humidity, comparing them with setpoints, and adjusting the coolant mass flow and temperature accordingly. This closed-loop control prevents over-cooling below the dew point by providing real-time feedback, thereby eliminating the need for reheating and improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculation of the required coolant parameters based on the desired air condition and current state. By pre-determining the appropriate coolant mass flow and temperature before the cooling process, the system avoids excessive cooling and the subsequent energy-wasting reheating operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If only one parameter (mass flow or temperature) is controlled, then the system is simpler to operate, but it cannot achieve precise independent control of air temperature and humidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control function into two independent control loops: one for mass flow regulation and another for temperature regulation. Each loop handles one degree of freedom, making the overall system easier to operate while achieving precise control of both air temperature and humidity through coordinated action of the two segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach enables more precise and efficient air conditioning by allowing for independent control of air temperature and humidity, reducing the need for additional energy and improving overall energy efficiency by optimizing the coolant flow and temperature settings.

Implementation Method 1

The cooling and dehumidification of air in ventilation systems is usually carried out by means of one or more air coolers through which a coolant flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

If, according to this idea, water vapor is condensed from the air mass flow, the entire air volume must be cooled down to the dew point of the desired moisture content

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP2802822B1Air-conditioning control method in an air system, and device
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 HOCHSCHULE FUER TECH & WIRTSCHAFT HTW BERLI
  • EP2802822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2802822B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2802822B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an air-conditioning control method in an air system. A specified target air state, which is characterized at least by the temperature and the humidity of the air, is set for air in an initial air state. The air in the initial air state is conditioned using an air cooler (42) for which a coolant volume flow rate and a coolant inlet temperature of a coolant that is fed to the air cooler (42) are regulated during the air-conditioning process. The coolant is fed to the air cooler (42) via a temperature controlling device (45) with which the coolant inlet temperature is adjusted and via a volume flow rate adjusting device (44) with which the coolant volume flow rate is adjusted. A control device is coupled to the volume flow rate adjusting device (44) and the temperature controlling device (45) and regulates the volume flow rate adjusting device (44) and the temperature controlling device (45) in order to set the specified target air state. The invention further relates to an air-conditioning control device.