Air Conditioning Valve Control to Cut Compressor Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems consume significant energy and shorten the compressor's lifespan due to frequent on-off cycles, especially in non-frequency-conversion types, and continue to consume energy when the indoor temperature is lower than the set point in frequency-conversion types.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning apparatus with a control method that includes a first and second switch valve, a compressor, a decompression element, a condenser, and an evaporator, where the compressor is turned off when the indoor temperature is lower than the preset temperature, and the switch valves are activated to allow heat absorption, and vice versa, using a refrigerant like R410, R134, or R22, with a controller managing the system to optimize energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor is turned off when indoor temperature reaches preset temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but indoor temperature rises quickly causing frequent on-off cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling to reach a lower target temperature (e.g., 26°C) before turning off the compressor. This preliminary action creates a temperature buffer that prevents rapid temperature rise, allowing the compressor to remain off longer and reducing frequent cycling while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic cooling cycles with extended off-periods. By cooling to a lower temperature threshold and maintaining it through thermal inertia, the compressor operates in periodic intervals rather than continuous or frequent cycling, reducing energy consumption and extending service life.
2Device complexity
If the compressor operates at constant speed in non-frequency-conversion type, then结构简单 is maintained, but energy consumption increases and compressor lifespan decreases due to frequent on-off cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter threshold for compressor operation. Instead of turning on at a conventional higher temperature (e.g., 28°C), the system cools to a lower threshold (e.g., 26°C) and turns off earlier, changing the operational parameters to reduce cycling frequency and energy consumption while maintaining simple hardware structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor continues to operate in frequency-conversion type when indoor temperature is lower than preset temperature, then indoor temperature stability is maintained, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial cooling action by cooling to a lower temperature (e.g., 26°C) than the conventional preset temperature (e.g., 28°C). This excessive cooling action creates a temperature buffer that maintains stability without requiring continuous compressor operation, allowing the compressor to turn off completely during low-temperature periods.
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 reduces energy consumption by allowing heat absorption when the compressor is off, prolonging the compressor's lifespan by minimizing on-off cycles and maintaining indoor temperature stability, with a significant reduction in power usage when the indoor temperature is lower than the set point.
Implementation Method 1
the evaporator, which is connected with the second switch valve and the decompression element... the air conditioning apparatus can still absorb the heat from the indoor environment
Implementation Method 2
A coolant can circulate through the compressor 11, the condenser 12, the capillary (or expansion valve) 14 and the evaporator 15
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The air conditioning apparatus includes a first switch valve, a compressor, a decompression element, a second switch valve, a condenser, and an evaporator. The control method of an air conditioning apparatus includes steps of setting a preset temperature, measuring an indoor temperature, and comparing the preset temperature with the indoor temperature. When the indoor temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the first switch valve and the second switch valve are turned on and the compressor is turned off; and when the indoor temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the first switch valve and the second switch valve are turned off and the compressor is turned on.