Air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning control methods are not versatile and struggle to apply precooling and preheating operations to various types of air-conditioning apparatuses, especially when controlled externally, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system that allows for the adjustment of compressor operation capacity and setting temperature, enabling precooling and preheating control across different types of air-conditioning apparatuses, facilitated by an external controller like a HEMS, which optimizes energy usage and comfort by managing indoor temperature effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the compressor frequency is controlled from an external controller (HEMS), then precooling and preheating operations can be applied to various types of air-conditioning apparatuses, but the control complexity and difficulty of implementing universal compatibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal precooling/preheating control method that can be applied to different types of air-conditioning apparatuses (split-type, multi-split-type, VRF-type) through a standardized external controller interface. The control method uses common parameters (indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, target temperature) that are universally available across different apparatus types, enabling the HEMS to control diverse air-conditioning systems without requiring apparatus-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control approach where the external controller (HEMS) communicates with the air-conditioning apparatus through standardized signals. The control method acts as a mediator by translating high-level precooling/preheating requirements into apparatus-specific control commands, simplifying the interface between the HEMS and various air-conditioning types while maintaining universal compatibility.
2Productivity
If the compressor operates at high capacity to quickly reach target temperature, then precooling and preheating effectiveness improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the compressor operation capacity based on real-time temperature conditions. The control method calculates the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments, and adjusts the compressor capacity accordingly - using higher capacity when the temperature difference is large and faster cooling/heating is needed, and reducing capacity when the temperature difference is small. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between reaching the target temperature efficiently and minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (compressor capacity, operation timing) based on environmental conditions. By monitoring indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and calculating the required temperature change, the system adjusts the compressor capacity parameter to match the actual cooling or heating demand, avoiding unnecessary high-power operation and reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective precooling/preheating performance.
3Loss of time
If the compressor operates continuously at high capacity, then the target temperature is reached faster, but operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent compressor operation rather than continuous high-capacity operation. The control method monitors the indoor temperature continuously and adjusts the compressor operation in cycles - operating at high capacity when the temperature difference is large and the target temperature is far from being reached, and reducing or stopping operation when the target temperature is approaching. This periodic action pattern reduces energy loss while still achieving the precooling/preheating objective within the required time frame.
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 solution enhances operation efficiency, reduces power consumption, and improves comfort by allowing flexible control of compressor capacity and setting temperatures, making precooling and preheating operations more universally applicable and energy-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor 26 that compresses the refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
an indoor heat exchanger 25 and an outdoor heat exchanger 27 that exchange heat with indoor air and outdoor air, respectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an air-conditioning system according to the present invention, during precooling or preheating control, a setting temperature is controlled such that a first temperature difference between the setting temperature and an indoor temperature is not less than a temperature difference at which a compressor performs operation, and the setting temperature is controlled to be changed to a target temperature when a second temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature is less than the first temperature difference. Since the compressor can be operated in the range from a low capacity to a medium capacity, operation efficiency of the air-conditioning apparatus can be increased, and the energy-saving operation with less power consumption can be realized. Since the operation capacity of the compressor can be readily suppressed with adjustment of the setting temperature, control is facilitated and the precooling control can be incorporated in various types of air-conditioning apparatuses. The precooling control can be performed from an external controller and can be employed in the HEMS and so on.