Height difference setting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the refrigerant transport capacity in air conditioners to account for height differences between indoor and outdoor units is challenging due to the need for manual input, potential worker errors, and the risk of incomplete settings, which can lead to inadequate cooling or heating performance.
Innovation Solution
A height difference setting system that uses a management apparatus to communicate with outdoor and indoor units to obtain and adjust refrigerant transport capacity based on measured height differences, reducing manual input and errors by automating the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input method is used to set height difference, then worker can input height difference value, but man-hour is required and input mistakes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the air conditioner to automatically obtain and process height difference information through its own sensors and communication capabilities, eliminating the need for manual worker input and thereby preventing input mistakes while reducing man-hour requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical input process is replaced with an automated electronic system where the air conditioner uses its communication terminal to automatically acquire height difference data, substituting human operation with electronic automation to improve reliability
2Ease of operation
If worker sets height difference manually, then height difference can be set, but worker may not set it or may make mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner performs self-service by automatically obtaining height difference information through its communication terminal and processing unit, eliminating dependency on worker action and ensuring the setting is always completed accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the communication terminal continuously obtain height difference information and the processing unit automatically adjust refrigerant transport capacity based on this data, creating a closed-loop system that ensures proper configuration
3Device complexity
If fixed height difference setting is used, then initial setting is simple, but transport capacity becomes inappropriate depending on operation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed setting to a dynamic adaptive system where the processing unit continuously monitors operation conditions and adjusts refrigerant transport capacity in real-time based on current height difference information and operational parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters dynamically by adjusting refrigerant transport capacity based on varying operation conditions and height difference data, allowing the air conditioner to adapt to different operational scenarios rather than relying on a fixed initial setting
4Productivity
If automated height difference setting is implemented, then manual labor is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner's existing communication terminal and processing unit are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform height difference information acquisition and automatic parameter adjustment in addition to their original functions, avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices and minimizing system complexity increase
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a height difference setting system capable of setting a transport capacity of refrigerant in an appropriate state.A height difference setting system (1) is constituted by a plurality of components. Information is communicated between the components, and accordingly a height difference between an outdoor unit (8) and an indoor unit (9) that constitute an air conditioner (7) installed on or in a building (6) is set. The height difference setting system (1) includes components that function as an outdoor unit height information obtaining unit (2), an indoor unit height information obtaining unit (3), a height difference setting unit (4), and a transport capacity adjusting unit (5). The outdoor unit height information obtaining unit (2) and the indoor unit height information obtaining unit (3) obtain outdoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the outdoor unit (8) and indoor unit height information indicating a height of an installation place of the indoor unit (9), respectively. The height difference setting unit (4) sets a height difference between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit on the basis of the outdoor unit height information and the indoor unit height information. The transport capacity adjusting unit (5) adjusts a transport capacity of refrigerant to be transported from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit on the basis of the height difference set by the height difference setting unit (4).