Excess energy management for self-powered air conditioning systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems face challenges in managing peak and minimum demand energy costs, as existing infrastructure does not adequately address the varying costs associated with electrical energy usage, leading to higher costs during peak demand times and inefficiencies in energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system incorporating a compressor, controller, and auxiliary DC power sources that dynamically distribute power between the system, energy storage devices, and the AC power grid based on excess energy production, charge thresholds, and export permissions, allowing for efficient use and storage of energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If air conditioning systems draw power from the power grid during peak demand, then continuous operation is maintained, but energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging energy storage devices during minimum demand periods when electricity is cheaper and more abundant. This stored energy is then utilized during peak demand periods to avoid drawing expensive power from the grid, thereby reducing energy costs while maintaining continuous operation of the air conditioning system.
2Loss of energy
If auxiliary DC power sources produce excess power beyond system load, then energy efficiency improves, but power distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary power management controller that mediates between auxiliary DC power sources, energy storage devices, and the air conditioning system. This controller automatically manages power distribution, handling the complexity of coordinating multiple power sources and storage devices, while maximizing energy efficiency by utilizing excess power from auxiliary sources.
3Quantity of substance
If energy storage devices are used to store excess power, then energy availability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by designing the power management controller to handle multiple functions: charging energy storage devices from auxiliary power sources, discharging stored energy during peak demand, monitoring system state, and coordinating power distribution. This universal controller manages the increased system complexity while maximizing energy availability through effective utilization of storage devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system includes an first unit including a compressor; a controller; and one or more auxiliary DC power sources; the controller is configured to determine whether the one or more auxiliary DC power sources is producing excess power beyond a load of the first unit; when the one or more auxiliary DC power sources is not producing excess power beyond the load of the first unit, the controller supplies all power from the one or more auxiliary DC power sources to the first unit.