Load offset in air conditioning systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems do not adequately address the varying costs associated with peak and minimum electrical demand, leading to higher costs during peak demand times and inefficiencies in power utilization.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system incorporating an outdoor load, indoor load, energy storage device, and power measurement units to control power supply, allowing for offsetting combined power demands using an energy storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air conditioning systems draw power from the power grid during peak demand, then the system operates continuously without interruption, but the cost of electricity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage device during off-peak hours when electricity costs are low. The controller monitors grid conditions and accumulates energy in advance, so that during peak demand periods the stored energy can be discharged to offset expensive grid power, thereby reducing electricity costs while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the power grid and the air conditioning system. It buffers the connection, allowing the system to draw from stored energy during peak demand rather than directly from the expensive grid, thus mediating the cost issue while ensuring uninterrupted power supply
2Use of energy by moving object
If air conditioning systems use energy storage devices to offset peak demand power, then electricity costs are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to manage the air conditioning system operation and to control the energy storage device charging/discharging cycles. This universal controller reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while still achieving peak demand offset capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors grid demand conditions, energy storage charge levels, and air conditioning system needs. This feedback loop enables automated decision-making about when to charge or discharge the energy storage device, reducing the need for complex manual control systems and simplifying overall system management
3Productivity
If air conditioning systems implement load offset control, then power management efficiency improves, but the measurement and control requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service measurement where the controller directly monitors and measures the power demand of the air conditioning system components (compressor, fan, etc.) through integrated sensors and monitoring circuits. This eliminates the need for separate external measurement devices, reducing measurement complexity while maintaining sufficient precision for effective load offset control
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An air conditioning system (800) including an outdoor load (802) connected to an AC bus (305); an indoor load (804) connected to the AC bus (305); an energy storage device (240) connected to the AC bus (305); an outdoor load power measurement unit (806) configured to determine a power demand of the outdoor load (802); an indoor load power measurement unit (808) configured to determine a power demand of the indoor load (804); and an energy storage device management unit (810) configured to control power supplied by the energy storage device (240) such that power supplied by the energy storage device (240) offsets a combined power demand of the outdoor load (802) and power demand of the indoor load (804).