GHP Air Conditioner Battery Power Balancing for Stable Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas Heat Pump (GHP) air conditioners face inefficiencies due to heat loss and inconsistent power generation, leading to reduced operation efficiency and increased frost formation on outdoor heat exchangers during low-temperature heating.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a battery system that stores and manages power generated by the air conditioner's engine and generator, allowing for optimized power distribution based on operation performance, with the battery being charged during excess power generation and discharged during power deficits, thereby stabilizing electricity use and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a GHP air conditioner uses engine power to drive the compressor, then heating performance is improved, but engine efficiency decreases due to heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a battery as an intermediary energy storage device between the generator and the compressor motor. The generator charges the battery during periods of excess power, and the battery discharges to power the compressor during high-demand periods, mediating the energy flow to optimize both engine efficiency and heating performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different power sources (engine direct drive, battery discharge, generator charge) based on real-time conditions. This allows the engine to operate at optimal efficiency points while meeting varying heating demands through parameter adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a generator is provided to generate power using engine output, then power supply flexibility is improved, but operation efficiency reduces due to power imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The battery serves as an intermediary that absorbs excess power from the generator and releases it when power is needed, eliminating the power imbalance issue. This allows the generator to operate independently to charge the battery without worrying about immediate power consumption matching
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the battery in advance when the generator produces excess power. This stored energy is then available for later use, allowing the system to prepare energy resources ahead of time rather than reacting to immediate power demands
3Ease of operation
If an EHP air conditioner adjusts supply current for easy compressor control, then response to partial load is improved, but frost formation occurs on outdoor heat exchanger during low-temperature heating
Solution Approach 1:
The battery acts as a buffer that allows the compressor to maintain higher current draw for better anti-frost performance while the generator charges the battery during periods of lower demand. This decouples the immediate power consumption from the generator output, allowing optimized compressor control independent of real-time generator capacity
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
The battery management system enhances electricity use efficiency and operation stability by balancing power generation and consumption, preventing quick battery discharge and maintaining optimal performance across varying loads, thus improving overall air conditioner efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a battery to store at least a part of the electricity generated by the generator
Implementation Method 2
a generator that generates electricity using power generated in the engine
Implementation Method 3
an engine that generates power using a combustion gas
Implementation Method 4
supply hot wind or cold wind into a space to be air-conditioned
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include at least one indoor device, an outdoor device connected to the indoor device, the outdoor device including a compressor that compresses refrigerant, an engine generating a power using combustion gas, a generator that generates electricity using the power, a battery that receives at least a portion of the electricity, a first supply line that supplies the electricity stored in the battery into the outdoor device, and a second supply line that supplies the electricity stored in the battery into the at least one indoor device. The battery is charged by the generator, or the electricity stored in the battery is discharged into the indoor device or the outdoor device according to operation performance of each of the indoor device and the outdoor device.