Dual-Mode Air Conditioning Controller for Rapid Indoor Load Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indirect air conditioning systems using water or brine as heat media struggle to quickly follow variations in indoor air conditioning loads due to the distance between the heat source and the indoor units, leading to compromised comfort as it takes time for temperature adjustments to be effectively transported through pipes.
Innovation Solution
A controller for the air conditioning system that operates in two modes: the first mode fixes the flow rate adjustment valve's degree of opening and varies the compressor's operation frequency, while the second mode adjusts the valve's opening based on required air conditioning performance, allowing for immediate adaptation to indoor load changes by optimizing the flow rate and compressor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If water or brine is used as heat medium and delivered through pipes from heat source to indoor units, then refrigerant usage is reduced, but response time to indoor load changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts future air conditioning performance requirements based on current indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and weather forecast data. By calculating the predicted performance in advance and pre-adjusting the water temperature and flow rate before the load change actually occurs, the system compensates for the transportation delay of water through pipes, thereby maintaining rapid response capability while using water as heat medium
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and actual air conditioning performance, then feeds this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback along with weather forecasts to dynamically adjust water temperature and flow rate, ensuring the system adapts to changing conditions and maintains optimal performance despite the time delay inherent in water-based heat transfer
2Productivity
If water temperature is adjusted to follow indoor load changes, then air conditioning performance improves, but temperature adjustment time causes comfort degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates predicted air conditioning performance in advance using current temperature data and weather forecasts. Based on this prediction, it pre-adjusts the water temperature and flow rate before the actual load change occurs, so that when the load change happens, the water is already at the appropriate temperature and flow rate, eliminating the delay and maintaining comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts both water temperature and flow rate based on predicted performance requirements. By making the system dynamic and adaptive rather than static, it can respond to changing indoor loads in real-time, maintaining high air conditioning performance and comfort levels
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 solution ensures that air conditioning performance closely follows indoor load variations, enhancing comfort by rapidly adjusting to changes in heating or cooling demands.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor configured to compress a first heat medium
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the first heat medium and outdoor air
Implementation Method 3
a second heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the first heat medium and a second heat medium
Implementation Method 4
a third heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the second heat medium and indoor air
Implementation Method 5
a pump configured to circulate the second heat medium between the third heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus has a first mode and a second mode as operation modes. In the first mode, a degree of opening of a first flow rate adjustment valve is fixed to a first degree of opening smaller than 100% and greater than 0%, and an operation frequency of a compressor is varied in accordance with air conditioning performance required of a third heat exchanger. In the second mode, the degree of opening of the first flow rate adjustment valve is varied in accordance with air conditioning performance required of the third heat exchanger. When a difference between the air conditioning performance required of the third heat exchanger and air conditioning performance offered by the third heat exchanger becomes greater than a determination value, the operation mode is changed from the first mode to the second mode.