Ceiling Airflow Vane Control for Faster, Draft-Free Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling type air conditioners take a long time to reach target temperatures, and the PMV control method is unreliable in determining user comfort due to direct airflow influence, leading to unpleasant feelings from drafts and temperature differences.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling a ceiling type air conditioner using dynamic airflow modes, where vane groups rotate to optimize airflow patterns, calculating a pleasant airflow index to ensure user comfort and minimizing draft effects by adjusting air volume and rotation angles based on indoor conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same control method is used for both cooling and heating operations, then the control system is simple, but the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature slowly and user comfort is reduced due to draft effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by switching between different airflow patterns based on operation mode. In cooling mode, the air conditioner uses a first airflow pattern that directs air along the ceiling, while in heating mode, it switches to a second airflow pattern that directs air along the floor. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize temperature distribution speed for each mode without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes key parameters including airflow direction, air volume, and vane rotation angles based on whether the system is in cooling or heating mode. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves faster temperature reach and reduced draft effects while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
2Reliability
If the PMV control method is used to determine user comfort, then thermal environment is considered, but the pleasant feeling determination is unreliable due to direct airflow influence at air velocity of 0.5 m/s or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful draft effect into a beneficial control parameter. By detecting air velocity and identifying when it exceeds 0.5 m/s, the system actively adjusts airflow patterns to prevent uncomfortable draft while maintaining effective temperature distribution. This transforms the previously harmful high-velocity airflow into a controlled parameter that enhances user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring air velocity and adjusting airflow patterns based on detected conditions. When air velocity exceeds the threshold, the system modifies vane angles and airflow distribution to eliminate uncomfortable draft effects, creating a closed-loop control that responds to actual operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If conventional airflow control is used, then the system structure is simple, but the time required for indoor temperature to reach target temperature is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the airflow control into distinct patterns for different operation modes. By dividing the control strategy into cooling-specific and heating-specific airflow patterns, the system optimizes temperature distribution efficiency in each mode without requiring a completely complex unified control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between different airflow patterns and vane positions to optimize temperature distribution. By alternating between different airflow configurations and adjusting vanes periodically, the system accelerates temperature reach while maintaining manageable structural 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 approach significantly reduces the time to reach target temperatures, enhances user comfort by accurately determining pleasant feelings, and minimizes draft-related discomfort by optimizing airflow patterns and temperature distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a method of controlling a ceiling type air conditioner... performing a dynamic airflow mode in which an indoor temperature reaches a set temperature by controlling rotation angles of a first vane group and a second vane group
Implementation Method 2
even when relatively warm air is discharged from the ceiling by relatively cold indoor air, warm air flows to a point higher than an occupant (user) according to flow of air due to a temperature difference
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a ceiling type air conditioner including a panel located on a ceiling surface, outlets formed at positions corresponding to four sides of the panel, a first vane group for opening and closing the outlets located at two opposing sides, and a second vane group for opening and closing the outlets located at the other two opposing sides includes performing a dynamic airflow mode in which an indoor temperature reaches a set temperature by controlling rotation angles of the first vane group and the second vane group, and calculating a pleasant airflow index Y for determining a pleasant feeling of a user at the set temperature. The pleasant airflow index is calculated using the indoor temperature, the rotation angle of the first vane group or the second vane group, an air volume, a distance from a floor surface and an airflow position as variables.