Air conditioning unit, and operation control method and operation control device for air conditioning unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air conditioning units for data centers face inefficiencies due to independent refrigeration systems that fail to effectively mix supply air temperatures, leading to energy wastage and reduced reliability under varying load conditions.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning unit with two integrated refrigeration systems, each comprising a compressor and a fluorine pump, connected in a pipeline with a controller that adjusts their operation based on load percentage and temperature differences to optimize energy efficiency and uniform temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If two independent refrigeration systems are used to increase cooling capacity, then the refrigeration capacity is improved, but the supply air temperature cannot be effectively mixed leading to local hot spots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration capacityVSAvoidtemperature control uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the air paths of two independent refrigeration systems into a common air mixing channel. The first air channel from the first evaporator and the second air channel from the second evaporator are combined in a mixing section, allowing supply air temperatures to be effectively mixed and eliminating local hot spots while maintaining increased refrigeration capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If pump mode is used to utilize natural cooling, then energy consumption is reduced, but the power is unstable and refrigeration capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidrefrigeration capacity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between compressor mode and pump mode based on real-time temperature differential detection. When the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor environments is sufficient, pump mode is activated for energy-efficient natural cooling. When the differential is insufficient, compressor mode provides stable refrigeration capacity, ensuring continuous reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If compressor mode is used to ensure stable refrigeration, then refrigeration capacity is sufficient, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigeration capacityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the refrigeration system by switching between compressor-driven refrigeration and pump-driven natural cooling based on environmental temperature differentials. This parameter change allows the system to operate in the most energy-efficient mode when conditions permit, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient refrigeration capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If independent air paths are used for each refrigeration system, then system simplicity is maintained, but supply air temperatures cannot be effectively mixed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidtemperature control uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an air mixing channel as an intermediary component that receives air from both evaporators and combines them before supply. This intermediary mixing section enables effective temperature blending while adding minimal structural complexity, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and temperature control uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution reduces energy consumption, enhances energy efficiency, and ensures a uniform supply air temperature, improving the accuracy of temperature control and reducing the risk of local hot spots by effectively utilizing natural cooling sources.

Implementation Method 1

an evaporator 01, a compressor 02, a condenser 03, a fluorine pump 04, an expansion valve 05

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a compressor 02, a second compressor 22

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a fluorine pump 04 connected in parallel with the first one-way valve 16

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4187178B1Air conditioning unit, and operation control method and operation control device for air conditioning unit
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 EMERSON NETWORK POWER CO LTD
  • EP4187178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4187178B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4187178B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and discloses an air conditioning unit, and an operation control method and an operation control device for an air conditioning unit. The air conditioning unit includes: a first refrigeration system including a first evaporator, a first compressor, a first condenser, a first one-way valve, and a first throttling element connected in sequence in a loop as well as a second one-way valve connected in parallel with the first compressor, and a first fluorine pump connected in parallel with the first one-way valve; and a second refrigeration system including a second evaporator, a second compressor, a second condenser, a third one-way valve, and a second throttling element connected in sequence in a loop as well as a fourth one-way valve connected in parallel with the second compressor, and a second fluorine pump connected in parallel with the third one-way valve, where the first evaporator and the second evaporator are arranged front and rear in sequence along a return air cooling duct. With the air conditioning unit, the energy consumption of the system can be reduced, the energy efficiency of the system can be improved, and a very uniform supply air temperature can be ensured, which is beneficial to more accurate control of the supply air temperature.