Dual-Power Compressor Control for Peak-Demand Air Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rising electrical power rates and peak demand are making air conditioning a luxury for many, while natural gas is underutilized, leading to strain on the electric grid and potential for power outages.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system that can selectively operate a compressor using either an electric motor or a natural gas internal combustion engine, with an electronic controller determining the energy source based on cost, time, and demand to optimize energy usage and reduce grid loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric motor is used to power the compressor, then the system operates reliably on the electrical grid, but operating costs increase during peak demand periods
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is designed to accept power from multiple sources - both the electrical grid and natural gas engine - allowing it to function reliably regardless of which power source is available. The system can switch between grid power during off-peak hours and engine power during peak demand periods, achieving both reliability and cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power source parameter dynamically based on external conditions such as electricity pricing, grid demand, and availability. The controller monitors these parameters and switches between electric motor and natural gas engine operation to optimize both reliability and operating cost.
2Ease of operation
If the electrical grid is relied upon exclusively, then the system is simple to operate, but the grid becomes strained during peak demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system serves itself by generating its own power through the natural gas engine when grid power is unavailable or too expensive. The engine can independently power the compressor without external grid intervention, reducing strain on the electrical infrastructure while maintaining operational simplicity through automated controller management.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a natural gas engine is used to power the compressor, then operating costs decrease during daytime, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of having dual power sources. It automatically monitors conditions, decides which power source to use, and executes the switching between electric motor and natural gas engine, thereby reducing the operational complexity burden on the user while enabling cost savings.
4Productivity
If the compressor operates during peak demand periods, then cooling is provided when needed, but power outages may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential grid failures by having the natural gas engine ready as a backup power source. When grid reliability is compromised during peak demand periods, the engine can immediately take over to power the compressor, ensuring continuous cooling operation without interruption.
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 reduces daytime operating costs by up to 50% by leveraging lower natural gas prices, decreases noise during nighttime operation, and provides redundancy during power outages, thus enhancing energy management and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the second power source is an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may be a natural gas powered internal combustion engine.
Implementation Method 2
the first power source is an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of an air conditioning system and a method of operating the air conditioning system. In one example, an air conditioning system includes a compressor selectively operated by a first power source and a second power source.