An air conditioning system for a building, and method of operating an air conditioning system of a building

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rising electrical power rates and peak demand are making air conditioning a luxury for many, while natural gas is underutilized, leading to strain on the electric grid and potential for power outages, necessitating a more efficient energy management system for air conditioning systems.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system that can switch between electric motor and natural gas internal combustion engine power sources based on operating parameters such as time of day and energy costs, using a programmable electronic controller to optimize energy usage and reduce noise during nighttime hours.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric motors are used to drive the compressor in air conditioning systems, then the system operates reliably and efficiently during normal conditions, but operating costs rise significantly during peak electrical demand hours and contributes to grid strain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compressor is designed to accept multiple power source inputs (electrical power and natural gas-powered alternate drive), allowing it to function reliably regardless of which energy source is available or economically viable at any given time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between electrical power and natural gas power sources based on real-time operating conditions, energy costs, and grid demand conditions, optimizing operational costs while maintaining continuous reliable operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If natural gas is underutilized as an energy source, then existing infrastructure is simpler, but this leads to strain on the electric grid and potential power outages during peak demand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy infrastructure complexityVSAvoidgrid reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between electrical grid power and natural gas power, coordinating the switching mechanism and ensuring seamless operation while reducing overall grid dependency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the energy source parameter dynamically based on external conditions (electrical demand, cost variations, grid reliability), shifting between electrical and natural gas inputs to optimize both reliability and cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If air conditioning systems operate during nighttime hours, then cooling needs are met, but noise from electric motors may be more disruptive during quieter nighttime environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling function reliabilityVSAvoidnoise disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different power sources are selected based on the time of day and operational context, with natural gas power preferred during nighttime hours specifically to reduce noise disturbance while maintaining cooling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 daytime operating costs by up to 50% by leveraging cheaper natural gas power during peak electrical demand hours and alleviates grid strain by using natural gas as a primary energy source, while also providing redundancy and noise management.

Implementation Method 1

natural gas internal combustion engine power sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant to evaporate into a vapor and drop in temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

causes the refrigerant to evaporate into a vapor and drop in temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

the refrigerant vapor is compressed and forced through a heat exchange coil, condensing the refrigerant into a liquid and increasing its temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 5

circulated over the heat exchange coil to remove heat from the compressed coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3022504B1An air conditioning system for a building, and method of operating an air conditioning system of a building

Publication Date: 2022.03.16 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORP

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AI summary

Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of an air conditioning system and a method of operating the air conditioning system. In one example, an air conditioning system includes a compressor selectively operated by a first power source and a second power source.