Combined alternating operation method, device and multi-split system for outdoor units

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mechanical rotating solutions for MSAC systems do not consider energy efficiency, leading to suboptimal performance and high operation costs when outdoor units with different capacities are combined during partial load operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine and sequence combination manners of outdoor units based on indoor unit capacity and outdoor unit capacities to optimize energy efficiency, involving a range calculation (Q/b≤Qcb≤Q/a) and prioritizing combinations with fewer units, maximum capacity, and minimal communication address, ensuring efficient rotation and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If mechanical rotating solutions are used to switch start sequence of outdoor units, then the effective operation life of the system is increased and excessive operation of individual units is avoided, but energy efficiency is not optimized and operation costs remain high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective operation lifeVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of outdoor unit combinations based on real-time operating conditions. The control method calculates optimal combinations by considering indoor unit total capacity, outdoor unit individual capacities, and operating hours, then dynamically switches between different combination modes (single outdoor unit, multiple outdoor units, or all outdoor units) to optimize energy efficiency while extending system operation life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously including the combination of outdoor units, their operating sequences, and selection criteria based on capacity matching and operating hour distribution. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than using fixed mechanical rotation, the system achieves both extended operation life and optimized energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If outdoor units with different capacities are combined during partial load operations, then system flexibility is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates without optimized combination strategies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by matching specific outdoor unit capacities to specific indoor unit requirements. Instead of uniform treatment of all outdoor units, the system evaluates individual outdoor unit capacities and selectively combines them based on the total capacity of connected indoor units, ensuring each outdoor unit operates in its optimal efficiency range for the given load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines the optimal combination of outdoor units based on real-time conditions including total indoor unit capacity, individual outdoor unit capacities, and current operating hours. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high energy efficiency while preserving the flexibility to handle various partial load scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If fixed start sequence rotation is implemented, then operation simplicity is maintained, but operation costs increase due to suboptimal energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidoperation costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control method implements self-service by automatically calculating and determining the optimal combination and operation sequence of outdoor units based on pre-stored capacity data and real-time operating conditions. The system autonomously performs capacity matching, combination selection, and sequence arrangement without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while significantly reducing energy costs through optimized control strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3730853B1Combined alternating operation method, device and multi-split system for outdoor units
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3730853B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3730853B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3730853B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a combination shift operation method and device of an outdoor unit, and a MSAC system, and relates to the field of unit technology. Wherein, the method determining a plurality of combination manners of the outdoor unit according to a capacity of an indoor unit currently turned on and a capacity of each outdoor unit; sequencing the plurality of combination manners in priority according to priority preset rules; sequentially shifting the outdoor unit to operate based on the sequenced combination manners. In the present disclosure, an efficient combination manner of the outdoor unit is determined according to the capacity of the indoor unit currently turned on and the capacity of each outdoor unit, and an efficient shift solution of the combination manner is determined by sequencing in priority. It is possible to improve the energy efficiency of the system during operation at partial load, achieve the purpose of saving the operation cost whilst ensuring optimal cooling and heating effects, and prolong an effective service life of the unit.