Device control method, device control apparatus and device using control apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-split air conditioners face high standby power consumption due to outdoor units remaining in a powered state even when not in use, leading to wasteful energy usage and increased electricity costs.

Innovation Solution

A control method and device that detect when all indoor units are off, triggering the outdoor unit to enter a low power consumption mode by disconnecting its power supply load and drive power, and ensuring the drive MCU power supply enters a discharging mode to fully power off the drive, reducing standby power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outdoor unit remains in a powered standby state to ensure quick response when needed, then the reliability and responsiveness of the air conditioning system is improved, but the standby power consumption increases significantly leading to energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by introducing multiple power consumption modes (first power consumption mode with full power supply and second power consumption mode with reduced power supply). The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on operational state, allowing the outdoor unit to enter a low-power standby state while maintaining the capability to quickly resume full operation when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the outdoor unit is completely powered off to eliminate standby power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system cannot respond quickly when air conditioning is needed again

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidsystem responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively powering different components of the outdoor unit with different power levels. In the second power consumption mode, certain components receive reduced or no power while other essential components maintain minimal power supply. This localized power management allows the system to dramatically reduce overall standby power consumption while preserving the critical functionality needed for quick response when air conditioning is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequency conversion drive is used to enable flexible operation of the outdoor unit, then the adaptability and control flexibility are improved, but the standby power consumption of the drive increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoiddrive standby power
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by introducing time-based power management for the frequency conversion drive. The system periodically transitions the drive between different power states based on operational requirements. During standby periods, the drive enters a low-power state, and when operation is needed, it quickly transitions back to full power mode. This periodic switching between power states maintains the adaptability and control flexibility of the frequency conversion drive while significantly reducing its standby power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3862823B1Device control method, device control apparatus and device using control apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3862823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3862823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3862823B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed are a device control method, a device control apparatus and a device using the control apparatus, wherein the method comprises: detecting whether an outdoor unit of a device enters a standby state; and after it is detected that the outdoor unit enters the standby state, controlling the outdoor unit to enter a low power consumption mode, wherein the low power consumption mode is used for controlling the deenergization of a driver of the outdoor unit. The present disclosure solves the problem in traditional technology of the relatively high standby power consumption of an outdoor unit of a multi-split air conditioner, thereby greatly reducing electric power consumption, saving on electric power consumption costs and also improving the service life and utilization rate of the device.