Air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an air conditioning system that improves heat efficiency and provides a comfortable indoor environment by effectively controlling indoor temperature through the circulation and introduction of internal and external air, while also allowing for flexible configuration and management of air handling units (AHUs).
Innovation Solution
The system includes an air handling unit (AHU) that controls the circulation and exchange of indoor and outdoor air, using a controller to manage the temperature and operation of outdoor units, and an interface unit for monitoring and controlling the AHU's operation, allowing for diverse configurations and efficient management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If air conditioning system controls indoor temperature by discharging cool or hot air, then temperature control is achieved, but heat efficiency needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air conditioning system with a ventilation system into an integrated system. The air handling unit (AHU) performs both temperature control and ventilation functions by mixing return air with outdoor air, conditioning the mixed air, and supplying it to the indoor space. This merging eliminates the need for separate systems and improves overall heat efficiency by utilizing the thermal energy in return air.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the supplied air by adjusting the mixing ratio between cool return air and outdoor air. The controller dynamically adjusts the damper positions to optimize the mixed air temperature, reducing the cooling load on the HVAC system and improving heat efficiency while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.
2Ease of operation
If air handling unit circulates and exchanges indoor and outdoor air, then indoor environment comfort is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air handling unit is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs temperature control, ventilation, and air circulation. The same AHU that conditions air for temperature control also provides fresh air ventilation by mixing outdoor air with return air. This universal design improves indoor environment comfort without requiring additional separate ventilation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from sensors monitoring indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality parameters. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts damper positions, fan speeds, and mixing ratios to optimize both comfort and energy efficiency. This closed-loop control simplifies operation by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining optimal performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air handling units are deployed for flexible configuration, then adaptability to different indoor environments is improved, but management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent air handling units, each capable of serving specific zones or floors. Each AHU can be configured independently based on local requirements, providing adaptability to different indoor environments. The segmentation allows flexible deployment while maintaining standardized interfaces for simplified management.
Solution Approach 2:
A centralized controller acts as an intermediary between multiple air handling units and the user interface. The centralized controller coordinates operation across all AHUs, manages communication protocols, and provides unified monitoring and control. This intermediary layer simplifies management by abstracting the complexity of multiple units behind a single point of control.
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 system enhances heat efficiency and temperature control by dynamically managing air circulation and exchange, providing a comfortable indoor environment and facilitating the management of AHUs through advanced monitoring and control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange unit configured to perform a heat exchange on mixed air of the outdoor air and the return air
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant is expanded by the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and evaporated, an temperature of surrounding air drops
Implementation Method 3
air that is heated by energy emitted as the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is liquefied in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning system includes an air handling unit (AHU) configured to control outdoor air that is externally supplied, exhaust air that is discharged from indoors to outdoors, and return air that is circulated indoors and supplied again, control the outdoor air or mixed air of the return air and the outdoor air at a set temperature, and supply cool/warm supply air indoors, at least one outdoor unit configured to supply a refrigerant to the AHU, a controller configured to control the AHU through communication with the outdoor unit, and an interface unit configured to operate as an input/output unit of the controller. The interface unit displays setting menus for devices forming the AHU, sets basis data for controlling the devices in response to data received through the setting menus, inputs the set basis data to the controller, and outputs a control menu and a monitoring menu in accordance with functions of the AHU changed according to a configuration of the plurality of devices.