Air-Source Heat Pump Dual-Cycle Control for Balanced Operating Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-source heat pump systems with two refrigeration cycles connected to outdoor units have unequal operating times, leading to high life-cycle costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An air-source heat pump system with a control device that adjusts the operation of two refrigeration cycles based on outside air load, allowing the system to operate one cycle when the load is high and the other when it's low, ensuring balanced operating times and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two refrigeration cycles are operated simultaneously to meet outside air load requirements, then air conditioning performance is improved, but operating time becomes unbalanced leading to higher life-cycle cost
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically switches between operating one or two refrigeration cycles based on the outside air load. When the outside air load is high, both cycles operate; when it is low, only one cycle operates. This dynamic adjustment balances the operating times of the outdoor units while meeting the air conditioning requirements, thereby reducing life-cycle cost.
2Power
If two outdoor units are connected to handle outside air conditioning, then cooling and heating capacity is improved, but operating time imbalance increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating outdoor units based on the outside air load. The control device determines whether to operate one or two refrigeration cycles by comparing the outside air load with a predetermined threshold. This dynamic operation strategy ensures that outdoor units have balanced operating times, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining sufficient cooling and heating capacity.
3Device complexity
If outside air load is always handled by one outdoor unit, then device complexity is reduced, but operating time becomes unbalanced increasing life-cycle cost
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements a dynamic switching mechanism that activates a second outdoor unit when the outside air load exceeds a predetermined threshold. This allows the system to maintain simple operation under light loads while utilizing additional capacity under heavy loads, thereby balancing the operating times of both outdoor units and reducing life-cycle cost without excessive complexity.
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 configuration reduces life-cycle costs and energy consumption by optimizing the operating times of the refrigeration cycles and allowing for efficient temperature and humidity control in air-conditioned spaces.
Implementation Method 1
outside air and return air, that exchange heat with the first circulating refrigerant and the second circulating refrigerant in the first air-conditioning heat exchanger and the second air-conditioning heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
outside air and return air, that exchange heat with the first circulating refrigerant and the second circulating refrigerant in the first air-conditioning heat exchanger and the second air-conditioning heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
a first compressor, and a first circulating refrigerant flowing between and through the first air-conditioning heat exchanger, the first heat-source heat exchanger, and the first compressor
Implementation Method 4
a second compressor, and a second circulating refrigerant flowing between and through the second air-conditioning heat exchanger, the second heat-source heat exchanger, and the second compressor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An air-source heat pump air conditioner according to the present invention includes: a first heat pump including a first refrigeration cycle that is formed by a first air-conditioning heat exchanger, a first heat-source heat exchanger, a first compressor, and a first circulating refrigerant flowing between and through the first air-conditioning heat exchanger, the first heat-source heat exchanger, and the first compressor; a second heat pump including a second refrigeration cycle that is formed by a second air-conditioning heat exchanger, a second heat-source heat exchanger, a second compressor, and a second circulating refrigerant flowing between and through the second air-conditioning heat exchanger, the second heat-source heat exchanger, and the second compressor; and an air conditioner control device configured to control the first heat pump and the second heat pump to operate at least one of the first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle to adjust air-conditioning air to be in a suitable air condition for air conditioning of a space to be air conditioned, the air-conditioning air containing outside air, return air, and other air that exchange heat with the first circulating refrigerant and the second circulating refrigerant in the first air-conditioning heat exchanger and the second air-conditioning heat exchanger.