DX Air-Conditioner Feedback Control for Measured EER Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC&R systems face challenges in maximizing energy efficiency ratios (EER), coefficients of performance (COP), integrated energy efficiency ratios (IEER), and seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) due to limitations in direct measurement and control adjustments, particularly in field environments where accurate heat absorption and rejection measurements are complex.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple sensors (pressure, temperature, flow, power voltage, and current sensors) and a controller that calculates and adjusts operating parameters to optimize EER, COP, IEER, or SEER through a feedback loop, using polynomial equations and sensor data to determine refrigerant flow rates and enthalpies, thereby maximizing measured efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement methods are used to assess energy efficiency ratios, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and control systems required
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it controls HVAC system operation, collects data from various sensors, calculates energy efficiency ratios using polynomial equations, and implements feedback control adjustments. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated devices into a single integrated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polynomial equations as mathematical intermediaries that relate easily measurable parameters (temperatures, pressures) to difficult-to-measure parameters (heat absorption rates, heat rejection rates). These equations serve as mediators between simple sensor readings and the complex energy efficiency calculations without requiring direct measurement of all thermodynamic parameters.
2Use of energy by moving object
If real-time feedback control adjustments are implemented to maximize energy efficiency ratios, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures operating parameters through sensors, calculates the energy efficiency ratio using polynomial equations, compares it to desired performance levels, and automatically adjusts control settings to maximize efficiency. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of energy efficiency ratios while maintaining system stability through automated control adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for maximizing the measured efficiency of an HVAC&R system including two pressure sensors, two temperature sensors, a flow sensor, a power voltage sensor, a power current sensor, and a controller. Each pressure sensor may be adapted to measure different refrigerant pressures and generate respective pressure signals. Each temperature sensor may be adapted to measure different refrigerant temperatures and generate respective temperature signals. The flow sensor may be adapted to measure a refrigerant flow rate and to generate a flow signal. The power voltage sensor may be configured to measure an electrical voltage input and generate a power voltage signal. The power current sensor configured to measure an electrical current input and to generate a power current signal. The controller may be adapted to receive the signals, calculate a measured efficiency, and output a first voltage output signal having a value dependent upon the measured efficiency.