Higher staged operation for climate control system based on lower staged thermostat conditioning calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing climate control systems with higher staged capabilities require upgrading and rewiring lower staged thermostats, leading to increased costs and complexity, as they often fail to effectively communicate with earlier generation thermostats.
Innovation Solution
A climate control system that utilizes a controller to translate analog conditioning calls from lower staged thermostats into commands for higher staged operations, allowing the system to operate efficiently with minimal hardware upgrades by adjusting compressor speeds and airflow based on target discharge temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher staged climate control systems are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary that translates simple two-stage thermostat calls into complex multi-stage compressor operations. The controller receives basic cooling calls from the thermostat and internally determines the appropriate compressor stage based on ambient temperature conditions, thereby enabling high precision temperature control without requiring a complex thermostat.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of compressor speed from fixed two-stage operation to variable multi-stage operation. The controller dynamically selects from multiple compressor speeds (first, second, third stages) based on ambient temperature, allowing precise temperature control while maintaining compatibility with simple two-stage thermostats.
2Measurement precision
If higher staged climate control systems are used, then temperature control precision is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as a cost-effective intermediary that enables multi-stage operation without requiring expensive thermostat upgrades. By processing simple thermostat calls and internally determining appropriate compressor stages, the system achieves high precision temperature control while avoiding the high installation costs associated with upgrading entire thermostat systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller replicates the functionality of a complex multi-stage thermostat by software logic rather than hardware. Instead of requiring a physically complex thermostat with multiple sensors and processing capabilities, the simple thermostat's basic calls are copied and interpreted by the controller to achieve the same precision control function.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multi-stage compressor operation is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback logic that monitors ambient temperature conditions and adjusts compressor stage accordingly. By continuously comparing actual conditions with target temperature ranges and selecting appropriate compressor stages, the system optimizes energy efficiency while the controller manages the complexity of multi-stage coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressor operation transitions from static two-stage control to dynamic multi-stage control. The controller dynamically selects from multiple compressor speeds based on real-time ambient temperature conditions, enabling energy optimization while the controller absorbs the complexity of dynamic decision-making.
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
Enables efficient operation of higher staged climate control systems with lower staged thermostats, reducing installation costs and complexities while maintaining effective temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor that is configured to circulate a refrigerant in a fluid circuit
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger positioned along the fluid circuit, and a blower that is configured to generate an airflow that is to contact the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method of controlling a climate control system includes receiving an analog conditioning call from a thermostat. In addition, the method includes selecting a target discharge temperature for an airflow output by the climate control system to the interior space based on the analog conditioning call received from the thermostat. Further, the method includes adjusting a speed of a compressor of the climate control system among to a plurality of different compressor speeds based on the target discharge temperature.