Indoor Unit Low-Pressure Valve Control for Stable Air Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners face issues with excessive power consumption due to frequent on/off switching of indoor units, leading to discomfort from excessively cold or lukewarm and humid air, and struggle to maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system with a low pressure valve and controller that adjusts the evaporation pressure of indoor units based on temperature differences, maintaining a constant blowout temperature and reducing compressor restarts, thereby minimizing power consumption and On/Off switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the indoor unit is frequently switched on and off based on temperature, then the temperature control responsiveness is improved, but the compressor power consumption increases and the system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The low pressure valve is opened in advance before the indoor unit is turned off to maintain evaporation pressure. This preliminary action prevents the compressor from shutting down by ensuring sufficient refrigerant pressure is maintained in the system, thereby avoiding frequent on/off cycling and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous refrigerant circulation by keeping the low pressure valve open during indoor unit operation. This continuity ensures the compressor runs smoothly without interruption, maintaining stable temperature control while avoiding the energy waste associated with repeated startup and shutdown cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the indoor unit is frequently switched on and off, then the temperature adjustment flexibility is improved, but the system reliability and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The low pressure valve is opened preliminarily to maintain evaporation pressure before the indoor unit shuts down. This ensures the compressor continues operating reliably, preventing system instability and maintaining user comfort by avoiding frequent restarts while still allowing temperature adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If the low pressure valve opening degree is adjusted dynamically, then the evaporation pressure control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the low pressure valve opening degree based on feedback from pressure sensors that monitor evaporation pressure. This closed-loop feedback mechanism achieves precise pressure control while automating the adjustment process, minimizing the need for manual intervention and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically regulates evaporation pressure through the controller and low pressure valve without requiring manual adjustment. The controller monitors pressure conditions and self-adjusts the valve opening to maintain optimal evaporation pressure, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the compressor runs continuously to avoid frequent switching, then the power consumption increases, but the temperature stability improves
Solution Approach 1:
The low pressure valve is opened in advance to maintain evaporation pressure, allowing the compressor to run continuously without frequent shutdowns. This preliminary pressure maintenance enables stable temperature control while the system manages power consumption through efficient continuous operation rather than repeated startup cycles.
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 system provides comfortable air by maintaining a consistent indoor unit blowout temperature, reduces compressor power consumption, and minimizes On/Off switching, allowing for efficient control of evaporation pressure and temperature stability.
Implementation Method 1
a low pressure valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the low pressure pipe
Implementation Method 2
an indoor heat exchanger... in a cooling mode to absorb heat from air heat exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
an outdoor unit provided with a compressor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an outdoor unit provided with a compressor; a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit, each having an indoor heat exchanger, and disposed in each different space; a low pressure pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor and in which a low pressure gaseous refrigerant flows; a switching device provided with a low pressure valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the low pressure pipe; an indoor temperature sensor that measures a temperature of a space where the indoor unit is disposed; and a controller that is electrically connected to the indoor temperature sensor and adjusts an opening degree of the low pressure valve, wherein the controller adjusts the opening degree of the low pressure valve based on a difference between a measured value of the indoor temperature sensor and a previously input set temperature. Thereby, by increasing an evaporation pressure in the indoor unit, noise from the air conditioner can be suppressed and comfort can be improved.