Control system, air conditioner, and server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face challenges in maintaining comfort and energy efficiency due to changes in heat load caused by solar radiation, especially in highly insulated and airtight houses, where they struggle to balance high capacity during peak loads and energy conservation during low loads.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a heat load estimation unit, which uses location and weather information to predict solar radiation impacts, and an operation control unit that adjusts the air conditioner's operation in advance to mitigate comfort deterioration by anticipating and managing heat load changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the air conditioner operates at high capacity to handle peak heat load from solar radiation, then comfort is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner performs preliminary cooling or heating operations before the predicted peak heat load occurs. The control unit receives solar radiation predictions and schedules operations in advance to pre-adjust the indoor temperature, reducing the need for high-capacity operation during peak periods and thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the air conditioner operation based on real-time and predicted solar radiation data. The control unit continuously monitors weather forecasts and location information to optimize the timing and intensity of operations, transitioning between different operational modes to balance comfort and energy efficiency under varying thermal conditions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the air conditioner delays operation to save energy during low load periods, then energy consumption decreases, but comfort deteriorates when solar radiation causes sudden heat load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses solar radiation predictions to schedule preliminary operations before anticipated heat load peaks. By pre-cooling or pre-heating the space, the air conditioner can operate at lower capacity during peak periods while maintaining temperature stability, thus reducing energy consumption without compromising comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors indoor temperature, outdoor weather conditions, and solar radiation predictions to adjust operations in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system responds appropriately to actual thermal conditions while optimizing energy usage based on predicted future heat loads.
3Temperature
If the air conditioner operates continuously to maintain comfort, then temperature stability is maintained, but energy conservation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs concentrated preliminary operations before predicted peak heat loads rather than operating continuously. By pre-adjusting the indoor temperature in advance based on solar radiation forecasts, the air conditioner can operate intermittently at lower capacity during peak periods, maintaining comfort while significantly reducing energy waste compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner operates in periodic cycles determined by predicted solar radiation patterns rather than continuous operation. The control unit schedules on/off cycles and intensity levels based on forecasted heat load variations, allowing the system to maintain temperature stability through strategically timed operations while minimizing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
In a control system, a heat load estimation unit, by referring to location information that indicates a location environment of a house H1 and to weather information that indicates a weather forecast for a certain time slot T1, estimates a heat load which depends on solar radiation to the house H1 during the time slot T1. Specifically, the heat load estimation unit checks whether or not there is a building that blocks the solar radiation to the house H1 during the time slot T1 based on the location information when the weather forecast indicated in the weather information is sunny. Further, the heat load estimation unit estimates the heat load which depends on the solar radiation to the house H1 during the time slot T1 according to a result of the check. An operation control unit controls ahead, operation of an air conditioner provided in the house H1 before the time slot T1 according to the heat load estimated by the heat load estimation unit.