Communication Voltage Output Circuit for Low-Standby Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners consume standby power even when not in operation due to continuous voltage supply to communication units, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion apparatus with a communication voltage output unit that uses a transformer and flyback converter to supply voltage independently of the main power conversion unit, reducing standby power consumption by only activating when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage is continuously supplied to the communication unit to ensure stable operation, then communication reliability is improved, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the communication voltage output unit to operate only during specific periods when the outdoor unit is running. The control unit activates the communication voltage output unit when the outdoor unit operates and deactivates it when the outdoor unit stops, converting continuous voltage supply into periodic operation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining communication reliability during operational periods while eliminating unnecessary power consumption during standby periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication voltage output unit dynamically controllable rather than statically fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the operation state of the communication voltage output unit based on the operational status of the outdoor unit, enabling the system to adapt between active and standby states. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain communication reliability when needed while reducing power consumption when not needed.
2Loss of energy
If a separate communication voltage output unit is added to reduce standby power, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into distinct functional units: a main power conversion unit for the outdoor unit and a separate communication voltage output unit for the communication module. This segmentation allows independent control of each unit's operation, enabling the communication voltage unit to be activated only when necessary. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing the energy efficiency benefits of selective operation while keeping each segment relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the main power conversion unit, monitors the operational status of the outdoor unit, and manages the communication voltage output unit. By making the control unit multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate control circuits that would increase device complexity. The universal control unit resolves the contradiction by providing intelligent control for energy efficiency without proportionally increasing system 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
Stably supplies voltage to communication units while significantly reducing standby power consumption by ensuring voltage is only provided when the outdoor unit is operational.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage conversion apparatus with a communication voltage output unit that uses a transformer and flyback converter to supply voltage independently of the main power conversion unit
Implementation Method 2
a voltage conversion apparatus with a communication voltage output unit that uses a transformer and flyback converter to supply voltage independently
Data Source
AI summary
A power conversion apparatus includes a rectifier to rectify a voltage of an input alternating current (AC) power source and a voltage drop device to output a dropped voltage using the voltage from the rectifier, and the voltage drop device includes a transformer and a communication voltage output device provided at a secondary side of the transformer to output a first direct current (DC) voltage for operation of a communication device. The communication voltage output device includes a first resistor provided at the secondary side of the transformer to reduce an output change rate of the first DC voltage and first and second zener diodes connected between the first resistor and ground to limit an upper limit of the first DC voltage. Accordingly, it is possible to stably supply a voltage to a communication unit while reducing standby power.