Air-conditioning system and system and method for controlling an operation of an air-conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air-conditioning systems face challenges in maintaining energy efficiency and adapting to changes over time due to varying system conditions and neglect of installation-specific characteristics, such as airflow dynamics, which conventional model-based methods fail to accurately account for.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a reduced order model of airflow dynamics, transforming partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations for real-time control, allowing for adaptive and efficient operation by updating model parameters to minimize tracking errors and ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If model-based methods are used to maximize energy efficiency, then energy consumption is minimized, but the system cannot adapt to changes over time such as refrigerant leakage or heat exchanger corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static model-based control into dynamic adaptive control by continuously updating the model parameters based on real-time system performance data. The system dynamically adjusts to changes such as refrigerant leakage and heat exchanger corrosion by re-identifying model parameters online, thereby maintaining both energy efficiency and adaptability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where real-time measurements of system performance are used to update the airflow model parameters. This closed-loop approach allows the system to detect deviations caused by component degradation or refrigerant leakage and adjust operations accordingly, resolving the contradiction between energy optimization and adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If physical models of airflow are used to optimize system operation, then installation-specific characteristics can be accounted for, but the models are of infinite dimension and too complex for real-time control applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential dynamics of airflow behavior from complex partial differential equations by identifying and retaining only the dominant modes and characteristics. This model reduction technique removes unnecessary complexity while preserving the installation-specific airflow characteristics needed for accurate real-time control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the infinite-dimensional physical model into a finite-dimensional representation by changing the parameter space. Instead of solving full partial differential equations, the system uses a reduced set of ordinary differential equations with time-varying parameters that can be efficiently updated in real-time while maintaining modeling accuracy.
3Productivity
If reduced order models are used for real-time control, then computational complexity is reduced, but the models may deviate from actual system behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary model reduction offline to transform complex physical models into computationally efficient reduced-order models. This pre-processing step prepares the model structure for real-time application while preserving essential dynamics. During operation, the reduced model is continuously updated with real-time data to maintain accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between computational efficiency and model fidelity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for controlling an operation of an air-conditioning system generating airflow in a conditioned environment. The method updates a model of airflow dynamics connecting values of flow and temperature of air conditioned during the operation of the air-conditioning system. The model is updated iteratively to reduce an error between values of the airflow determined according to the model and values of the airflow measured during the operation. Next, the method models the airflow using the updated model and controls the operation of the air-conditioning system using the model.