Multi-Unit Air Conditioning Load Allocation by Ranked Temperature Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems that control multiple apparatuses do not effectively reflect the user's intention for load distribution, leading to inefficient power consumption and operation.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system with a controller that ranks apparatuses by controllability and distributes a lower limit load among them based on user-input processing proportions, ensuring that each apparatus processes its allocated load efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each air-conditioning apparatus operates independently to achieve its own control target value, then each apparatus can maintain its set temperature, but the proportion of load borne by each apparatus is uncertain and user intention is not reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives user input about desired load distribution and translates it into coordinated control signals for multiple air-conditioning apparatuses. The controller calculates specific operation modes for each apparatus based on the user's intention, thereby mediating between user requirements and apparatus operations without requiring complex inter-apparatus communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of each air-conditioning apparatus based on real-time conditions and user preferences. The controller continuously monitors temperature, load demands, and apparatus status to optimize load distribution dynamically, rather than using fixed predetermined ratios, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while reflecting user intention.
2Use of energy by moving object
If mathematical programming is used to create an operation plan that minimizes or maximizes an objective function, then power saving can be achieved, but user intention is not reflected as operation depends on the objective function determination method
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by obtaining user input about desired load distribution before executing the operation plan. The controller uses this pre-acquired user preference information to guide the optimization process, ensuring that power saving measures align with user intentions from the outset rather than imposing predetermined objective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from a fixed objective function to a user-defined load distribution ratio. By allowing users to specify desired operation ratios for each apparatus, the system transforms the rigid mathematical programming approach into a flexible system that adapts to user preferences while still achieving power optimization through coordinated control.
3Extent of automation
If the controller calculates and distributes load among multiple apparatuses without user input, then automated control is achieved, but the system does not reflect user preferences for load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to easily input their preferred load distribution ratios through a simple interface. The controller then automatically processes this input and manages the complex calculations and coordinated control of multiple apparatuses, combining user-friendly operation with automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual operation status of each apparatus and comparing it with the user's desired load distribution. The controller adjusts operations to maintain alignment with user preferences, providing real-time feedback control that ensures user intention is reflected while maintaining automated operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air-conditioning system includes: a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses configured to condition air in an air-conditioned space; a storage unit configured to store an apparatus rankings created for the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses in order of a shorter time taken to reach a set temperature, and a processing proportion of a load to be processed by each of the air-conditioning apparatuses that are at a second place and subsequent places in the apparatus rankings; and a controller configured to control operation of the plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses. The controller includes: an extraction unit configured to extract a lower limit load that occurs at a minimum, in a load that occurs in the air-conditioned space and that changes depending a time period; a distribution unit configured to distribute a proportion at which the lower limit load extracted by the extraction unit is to be processed, as the processing proportion stored in the storage unit; and an air-conditioning control unit configured to control each of the air-conditioning apparatuses that are at the second place and subsequent places in the apparatus rankings, such that the lower limit load is processed at the processing proportion distributed by the distribution unit, and to control the air-conditioning apparatus that is at a first place in the apparatus rankings, such that a remaining load of the lower limit load and a fluctuating load that occurs over the lower limit load are processed.