Air-conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air-conditioning system does not adequately back up data from the central management device, leading to potential data loss and impaired convenience, especially in multi-air-conditioning setups where user billing relies on accurate data.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a central management device with a first data unit for storing power consumption data and results of pro-rata calculations, and a second data unit for storing data from central controllers, with each central controller having a third data unit for operation data and a fourth data unit for backing up data from the central management device, enabling data duplication and restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored only in the central management device, then the system structure is simple, but data loss occurs when the master unit malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements data copying by creating backup copies of data from the central management device and storing them in central controllers. The central management device outputs data to central controllers, which store copies in their data units, ensuring data redundancy and preventing loss when the master unit malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data backup by proactively copying data from the central management device to central controllers before any malfunction occurs. This preliminary action ensures that data is already secured in multiple locations, preventing data loss without requiring complex real-time recovery mechanisms.
2Reliability
If data is backed up only from central controller to central management device, then the master unit has data redundancy, but the master unit's data cannot be restored if it is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional backup direction by having the central management device (master unit) output data to central controllers (slave units) for storage. This reversal ensures that even if the master unit's data is lost, it can be restored from the copies stored in the central controllers, solving the restoration problem.
3Reliability
If multiple data units are implemented for bidirectional backup, then data loss is prevented, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service data backup where the central management device automatically outputs data to central controllers, and central controllers automatically store received data in their data units. This automated self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual data management operations while maintaining high data security.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of central controllers that each control a refrigeration cycle device and receive power consumption data of the refrigeration cycle device and a central management device that performs pro-rata calculation by use of at least the power consumption data and manages the plurality of central controllers are provided. The central management device includes a first data unit that stores the power consumption data and a result of the pro-rata calculation and a second data unit that stores data output from each of the plurality of central controllers, and the plurality of central controllers each include a third data unit that stores operation data of the refrigeration cycle device and a fourth data unit that stores data of the first data unit output from the central management device.