Systems and methods for temperature and humidity control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Residential HVAC systems face complexity and increased costs due to the need for multiple sensors and devices to control individual components, limiting their functionality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A residential HVAC system with an outdoor unit controller that determines operating values for the compressor based on a percentage of the delta between minimum and maximum operating values, using predefined temperature and time-dependent multipliers, reducing the need for additional sensors and simplifying control by using ambient temperature data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and devices are used to control individual components, then component operation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor ambient temperature sensor serves multiple functions: it directly determines compressor operating values, indirectly influences indoor component operation through the controller, and provides data for both temperature and humidity control algorithms. This multi-functional use of a single sensor reduces the need for additional sensors while maintaining comprehensive system control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines temperature and humidity control functions into a unified control algorithm that uses outdoor ambient temperature as a common input parameter. The controller integrates multiple control objectives (compressor operation, indoor temperature maintenance, humidity control) into a single decision-making process, reducing the need for separate sensing and control systems for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and devices are used to control individual components, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor ambient temperature data is utilized across multiple system functions including compressor control, indoor temperature regulation, and humidity control. The single sensor enables the system to adapt to varying outdoor conditions and maintain optimal operation across different environmental scenarios, providing versatile functionality without requiring dedicated sensors for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses outdoor ambient temperature as a key parameter that drives dynamic adjustments in compressor operating values and indoor component operation. By changing the operating parameters based on outdoor temperature variations, the system maintains high functionality and adaptability across different environmental conditions without adding complex hardware
3Device complexity
If simple control components are used, then device complexity is reduced, but HVAC system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically changes compressor operating values based on outdoor ambient temperature and time-dependent factors. This parameter adjustment enables the simple control system to achieve high efficiency by optimizing compressor operation for current environmental conditions, maintaining productivity without requiring complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors outdoor ambient temperature and adjusts compressor operating values accordingly. This feedback loop enables the simple control system to maintain optimal efficiency by responding to changing environmental conditions, achieving high productivity without complex hardware through intelligent control algorithms
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors and devices are added, then control precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor ambient temperature sensor provides data that serves multiple control objectives simultaneously, including compressor operation optimization and indoor environmental maintenance. This multi-functional use of a single sensor achieves comprehensive control precision without requiring additional sensors, thereby avoiding increased costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges temperature control and humidity control into a unified system that uses outdoor ambient temperature as a common input. This consolidation achieves precise control for both functions using a single sensor, reducing the total cost of sensors and devices while maintaining high control precision across all system functions
Data Source
AI summary
A residential HVAC system includes, a compressor, and an outdoor unit controller in communication with the compressor. The outdoor unit controller is configured to receive an indoor ambient temperature and a temperature set point. The outdoor unit controller is further configured to determine an outdoor ambient temperature, and to determine an operating value for the compressor based on a percentage of a delta between a minimum operating value of the compressor and a maximum operating value of the compressor, plus the minimum operating value. The minimum operating value and the maximum operating value are based on the determined outdoor ambient temperature. The percentage of the delta is based on a predefined temperature differential multiplier and one or more time dependent multipliers. The outdoor unit controller is further configured to modify the current operating value of the compressor with the determined operating value.