Alternative feedback usage for HVAC system
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC systems face performance issues when feedback from sensors becomes unavailable, leading to ineffective operation and potential suspension of air flow conditioning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that switches to alternative feedback from secondary sensors when primary sensor feedback is unavailable, allowing the HVAC system to continue operating in alternative defrost or conditioning modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the HVAC system operates based on feedback from a single primary sensor, then the control precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the sensor feedback becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (primary sensor and secondary sensor) into a unified control system that monitors the same or related parameters. The controller integrates feedback from both sensors, allowing it to switch between them based on availability, thereby maintaining both control precision and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential sensor failure by having a secondary sensor ready as a backup. The controller is programmed to detect when primary sensor feedback becomes unavailable and automatically switches to alternative feedback sources, cushioning against the harmful effect of sensor failure before it disrupts system operation.
2Reliability
If the HVAC system suspends operation when primary sensor feedback is unavailable, then the reliability is improved by avoiding incorrect operation, but the productivity deteriorates due to interruption of air flow conditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sensor acts as an intermediary feedback source that bridges the gap when the primary sensor fails. Instead of suspending operation, the controller uses alternative feedback from the secondary sensor to maintain continuous air flow conditioning, ensuring productivity is preserved while reliability is protected through validated alternative measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the feedback parameter source from the primary sensor to the secondary sensor when the primary becomes unavailable. This parameter substitution allows the control system to continue operating with modified feedback inputs, maintaining productivity without compromising reliability through unvalidated data.
3Reliability
If the HVAC system uses alternative feedback from secondary sensors, then the reliability is improved by maintaining continuous operation, but the measurement precision may deteriorate compared to primary sensor feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts its feedback source based on real-time sensor availability. The controller continuously monitors the status of primary and secondary sensors, switching between them as needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability through continuous operation while optimizing measurement precision by using the best available feedback source at any given moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the HVAC system to condition an air flow based on first feedback from a first sensor of the HVAC system, receive second feedback from a second sensor of the HVAC system, and control the HVAC system to condition the air flow based on the second feedback instead of the first feedback when the first feedback from the first sensor being no longer available. The first feedback is indicative of a first operating parameter of the HVAC system, and the second feedback is indicative of a second operating parameter of a refrigerant flowing through the HVAC system.