Attic Heat Exchanger Control for Multi-Unit Air Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems face inefficiencies in energy consumption and heat exchange due to inadequate ventilation and uneven distribution of air conditioning capacities in common spaces not subjected to air conditioning, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system that includes multiple air conditioners with both target space and common space heat exchangers, controlled by a system that adjusts capacities based on real-time temperature information from multiple positions in the common space, optimizing airflow and heat exchange efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single exhaust fan is used to ventilate the common space, then the system structure is simple, but the air conditioning efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The common space is divided into multiple zones with temperature sensors distributed at different positions. Each zone's temperature information is independently monitored and used to control specific air conditioners, enabling localized and differentiated air conditioning operations that improve overall efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation status and capacity of each air conditioner based on real-time temperature information from multiple positions in the common space. This dynamic control optimizes heat exchange efficiency by matching air conditioner output to actual thermal conditions in different zones
2Ease of operation
If air conditioners operate without centralized control, then system operation is simple, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the common space and provide feedback information to the controller. The controller processes this temperature information and adjusts air conditioner operations accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption while maintaining simple operation for users
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (capacity, operation status) of air conditioners based on temperature parameters detected at multiple positions. This parameter-based control enables energy optimization by adjusting air conditioner output to match actual thermal demands in different zones
3Ease of manufacture
If air conditioners are uniformly distributed, then installation is simple, but heat exchange efficiency is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements differentiated control for different air conditioners based on their local thermal environment. Temperature sensors at various positions provide localized information, and the controller adjusts each air conditioner's operation according to its specific position and thermal conditions, optimizing heat exchange efficiency for each location
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 energy consumption, enhances heat exchange efficiency, and minimizes capacity decreases by distributing air conditioning loads effectively across units with varying heat exchange efficiencies, aligning operations with temperature distributions and real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a common space-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat transfer to and from the air-conditioning target space-side heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a common space-side fan configured to feed taken in air from the common space to the common space-side heat exchanger and to blow the air into the common space
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an air conditioning system capable of reducing energy consumption by efficient shared use of air in a common space that is not subjected to air conditioning in an indoor area, among a plurality of air conditioners for the purpose of heat exchange. A plurality of air conditioners (21 to 25) each include: an air-conditioning target space-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat exchange with air in an air-conditioning target space; a common space-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat transfer to and from the air-conditioning target space-side heat exchanger; and a common space-side fan configured to feed taken in air from an attic (AT) to the common space-side heat exchanger and to blow the air into the common space. The common space-side heat exchangers of the air conditioners (21 to 25) are disposed in the attic (AT). The air conditioners are controlled based on temperature information items at plural positions in the attic (AT) as the common space.