Air Conditioning Demand Response With Dynamic Output And Precooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current demand response systems for air conditioning are limited to binary 'on' and 'off' states, failing to utilize dynamic output adjustment capabilities and do not consider temperature requirements, leading to inconvenience and discomfort for users during demand response events.
Innovation Solution
A new air conditioning demand response management system that includes a network communication module, DR control computation unit, air conditioning operation control unit, AC operation parameter acquisition unit, precooling policy database, and precooling control logic unit, which analyzes temperature and demand data to adjust output settings and precool the indoor temperature before demand response restrictions, allowing for continuous cooling comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binary on-off demand response control is used, then power load control is achieved, but user convenience and cooling comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static binary on-off control into a dynamic multi-level control system. The air conditioner can operate at different output levels (e.g., 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%) during demand response events, allowing gradual adjustment rather than abrupt on-off switching. This dynamic adjustment maintains cooling effectiveness while reducing power load, thereby improving both reliability and user convenience simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from a binary state (on/off) to a continuous output level parameter. By adjusting the compressor frequency and refrigerant flow rate, the system can operate at various capacity levels between 0% and 100%. This parameter transformation enables flexible load management during demand response while preserving user comfort through continuous cooling adjustment.
2Loss of energy
If demand response restricts air conditioning output, then power consumption is reduced, but indoor temperature comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-cooling before demand response events begin. The system forecasts upcoming demand response periods and intensifies cooling operations in advance to lower the indoor temperature below the setpoint. This stored cooling capacity compensates for the reduced cooling during the demand response event, maintaining comfort while reducing power consumption during peak periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous cooling action by switching to alternative cooling strategies during demand response. When compressor-based cooling is restricted, the system activates high-velocity fans and utilizes radiant cooling panels to maintain thermal comfort. This continuity of useful cooling action preserves indoor temperature comfort even when primary cooling capacity is reduced.
3Device complexity
If fixed output air conditioning is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but demand response flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities into conventional air conditioners by enabling variable frequency drive (VFD) control of the compressor. This allows the compressor speed to be adjusted continuously based on cooling load and demand response requirements. The dynamic adjustment mechanism provides demand response flexibility while adding minimal complexity to the existing system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the air conditioner universally adaptable to different operating conditions by integrating multiple control modes. The system can operate in normal mode, demand response mode, and pre-cooling mode, switching between them based on external signals and environmental conditions. This multi-functionality enables the device to adapt to various demand response strategies without requiring entirely different hardware systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning management systems and an air conditioning management method based on demand response requirements. Particularly, their implementation involves stepdown and precooling optimization within the air conditioning management system and air conditioning management method. The technical achievement is that even when demand response power limitation is required, a user can still enjoy optimum cooling comfort within the power restriction limit.