Air conditioning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

The air conditioning system that adjusts temperature and humidity in a room does not adequately consider the operating state of the air conditioner during concurrent cooling and humidification operations, leading to inappropriate control.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system with a control device that adjusts the temperature of supplied air, air flow rate, and water flow rate for humidification based on dehumidification information, operation information, temperature information, and humidity information to effectively manage the operating state of both the outdoor air handler and air conditioner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the air conditioner performs cooling operation with low evaporation temperature to achieve better cooling effect, then cooling performance is improved, but moisture condensation increases and drain water discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidmoisture condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the evaporation temperature parameter of the refrigerant based on real-time dew-point temperature calculations and operational conditions. By changing this parameter adaptively rather than maintaining a fixed low temperature, the system achieves effective cooling while preventing excessive condensation that would occur with consistently low evaporation temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors operational information including cooling load, humidity levels, and temperature differentials to calculate real-time dew-point temperatures. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the evaporation temperature dynamically, ensuring optimal cooling performance while preventing moisture condensation by maintaining the evaporation temperature above the calculated dew-point temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If the outdoor air handler increases heating and humidification capacity to achieve desired indoor humidity levels during cooling operation, then humidification performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor humidity levelVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the water flow rate parameter to the outdoor air handler's humidification system based on real-time humidity requirements and operational conditions. By dynamically changing this parameter rather than maintaining constant high-capacity humidification, the system achieves desired indoor humidity levels while minimizing energy consumption through optimized humidification capacity matching actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control device calculates precise humidification requirements based on target humidity levels, outdoor air conditions, and cooling operation parameters. Instead of providing excessive humidification capacity, the system applies partial action by adjusting water flow rate to match actual humidity needs, thereby achieving desired humidity levels without unnecessary energy consumption from over-humidification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If the control device adjusts multiple parameters (air temperature, air flow rate, water flow rate) to prevent condensation and maintain humidity, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device integrates multiple control functions into a single centralized unit that simultaneously manages evaporation temperature, air temperature, air flow rate, and water flow rate parameters. This multi-functional approach achieves high control precision for preventing condensation and maintaining humidity while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate control systems by consolidating control logic in one device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the control of multiple parameters (evaporation temperature, air temperature, air flow rate, water flow rate) into a unified control strategy executed by a single control device. By combining these control functions and their interrelationships into one integrated system rather than separate independent controls, the patent achieves precise coordination of all parameters while simplifying the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system ensures appropriate control during concurrent cooling and humidification operations by dynamically adjusting parameters to prevent condensation and maintain desired temperature and humidity levels, enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an outdoor air handler (10) configured to treat taken-in outdoor air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a heating humidifying operation for heating and humidifying the outdoor air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

an air conditioner (20) configured to treat indoor air taken in from the target space (SP1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 4

dehumidification information regarding an amount of condensed water generated in the air conditioner (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3967945B1Air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3967945B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967945B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3967945B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

When an outdoor air handler (10) performs a heating humidifying operation and an air conditioner (20) performs a cooling operation, a control device (30) adjusts at least one of a to-be-supplied air temperature of the outdoor air handler (10), a to-be-supplied air flow rate of the outdoor air handler (10), a to-be-supplied water flow rate of the outdoor air handler (10), and a cooling temperature that is a temperature at an air heat exchanger (22a) of the air conditioner (20). The control device (30) adjusts the to-be-supplied air temperature and the cooling temperature on the basis of dehumidification information, operation information, temperature information, and humidity information. The operation information is information regarding an operating state of the air conditioner (20).