ECM Controller Relay Circuit to Reduce HVAC Standby Power Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional HVAC systems consume constant standby power even when the blower motor is not running, leading to increased energy costs and carbon emissions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electronically commutated motor (ECM) controller with a relay that closes the DC electrical circuit only when the blower motor is activated, reducing standby power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the VFD remains connected to AC input source, then the blower motor can be controlled, but constant standby power consumption occurs even when motor is not running
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC electrical circuit from continuous operation and isolates it using a relay switch. The relay disconnects the DC circuit from the rectifier when the motor is not running, removing the source of standby power consumption while maintaining the ability to reconnect when needed for motor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of the DC electrical circuit through the relay, which closes the circuit only during periods when motor control is required and opens it during standby periods. This periodic on/off action eliminates continuous standby power consumption while ensuring control capability is available when needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the relay opens the DC electrical circuit, then standby power consumption is reduced, but motor activation response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay switch is positioned to enable rapid closure of the DC electrical circuit when motor activation is required. The circuit components remain in a pre-positioned state ready for immediate connection, minimizing the time delay between activation signal and actual motor operation.
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 effectively reduces standby power consumption by ensuring the ECM controller only operates when the blower motor is in use, thereby lowering energy costs and carbon footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier electrically connected to an AC input source, the rectifier being configured to receive AC electricity from the AC input source and convert the AC electricity from the AC input source to DC electricity
Implementation Method 2
a relay located within the first DC electrical circuit loop, the relay being configured to open to break the first DC electrical circuit loop and close to complete the first DC electrical circuit loop
Data Source
AI summary
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a blower assembly including a blower motor; and an electronically commutated motor (ECM) controller in electrical communication with the blower motor, the ECM controller including: a rectifier electrically connected to an alternating current (AC) input source, the rectifier being configured to receive AC electricity from the AC input source and convert the AC electricity to direct current (DC) electricity; a DC electrical circuit including a first DC electrical circuit loop and a second DC electrical circuit loop, the rectifier being configured to circulate the DC electricity through the DC electrical circuit; and a relay located within the first DC electrical circuit loop, the relay being configured to open to break the first DC electrical circuit loop and close to complete the first DC electrical circuit loop in order to reduce standby power consumption of the ECM controller.