Dual-Heat-Source Air Conditioning for Low-COP Heating Switch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air-conditioning systems continue to operate the heat pump heating operation even when the coefficient of performance (COP) is small, leading to increased primary energy consumption and running costs, especially when the energy cost for the heat pump unit is higher than the other heat source unit.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning apparatus with a controller that deactivates the first heat source device (vapor-compression refrigeration cycle) and activates the second heat source device when the energy consumption exceeds a threshold, ensuring the process air is maintained at a target temperature, thereby preventing operation at a small COP and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat pump heating operation is continued until the heating capacity reaches the upper limit, then the indoor temperature can be maintained close to the target temperature, but the primary energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the heat source selection adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically switches between the heat pump unit and the other heat source unit based on real-time operating conditions, including COP values and heating capacity requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining indoor temperature, resolving the contradiction between temperature maintenance and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by monitoring the COP value and heating capacity as key decision parameters. When the COP falls below a predetermined threshold or when the heating capacity requirement exceeds what the heat pump can provide efficiently, the system switches to the other heat source unit. This parameter-based control strategy enables the system to avoid inefficient operation and reduce primary energy consumption while still meeting heating demands.
2Power
If the heat pump heating operation is continued under a small COP state, then the heating capacity can meet the demand, but the running cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the COP value and heating capacity of the heat pump unit. The controller uses this feedback information to make intelligent decisions about when to switch to the other heat source unit. When the COP falls below a predetermined threshold or when heating capacity demands exceed efficient heat pump operation, the system switches sources. This feedback mechanism ensures the system operates cost-effectively by avoiding inefficient heat pump operation while maintaining adequate heating capacity.
3Reliability
If the heat pump heating operation is continued when the heating capacity reaches the upper limit, then the indoor comfort is improved through the other heat source unit, but the energy consumption exceeds the threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing real-time monitoring and adaptive switching between heat sources. The controller dynamically adjusts the heating configuration based on current energy consumption levels and heating capacity requirements. When energy consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold or when the heat pump reaches its upper heating capacity limit, the system dynamically incorporates the other heat source unit to maintain indoor comfort while managing energy usage efficiently.
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
This approach reduces primary energy consumption and running costs by switching to the second heat source device when the first heat source's energy consumption exceeds a threshold, maintaining efficient operation and minimizing unnecessary energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat source device configured to transfer heat to process air using as a heat source a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning apparatus includes; a first heat source device configured to transfer heat to process air using as a heat source a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle; a second heat source device configured to transfer heat to the process air using an other heat source different from the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle; and a controller configured to control the first heat source device and the second heat source device. The controller deactivates the first heat source device and activates the second heat source device when, during a period in which the first heat source device is being operated to heat the process air, a temperature of the heated process air is kept at a target temperature and a parameter indicating an energy consumption of the first heat source device exceeds a first threshold value.