Load offset in air conditioning systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioning systems do not adequately address the varying costs associated with peak and minimum electrical demand, leading to higher costs during peak demand times, and there is a need for systems that can operate efficiently and dispatchably under different pricing conditions.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system incorporating an outdoor load, indoor load, energy storage device, and power measurement units to control power supply, allowing for offsetting combined power demands and utilizing energy storage to supplement or replace grid power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If air conditioning systems draw power from the power grid during peak demand times, then the system can operate continuously, but the cost of electricity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectricity costVSAvoidpower supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage device during minimum demand periods when electricity is cheaper and more abundant. This stored energy is then discharged during peak demand periods to avoid high costs, effectively preparing in advance for future high-cost operation windows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the power grid and the air conditioning system. It buffers the mismatch between grid pricing conditions and system power needs, allowing the AC system to operate independently of peak pricing periods while maintaining continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If air conditioning systems operate during peak demand times, then cooling needs are met, but energy costs increase due to high-cost generators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidelectricity cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-charges energy storage devices during minimum demand periods when electricity is cheaper, creating an energy reserve that can be deployed during peak demand periods to maintain cooling effectiveness without incurring high costs from peak-demand generators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal parameter of energy consumption by shifting power draw from peak demand periods to minimum demand periods. This time-shifting strategy maintains cooling effectiveness while exploiting the parameter change in electricity pricing to reduce overall energy costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If air conditioning systems rely on the power grid, then power supply is available, but system dispatchability is limited under different pricing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem dispatchabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage device provides multiple functions: it stores energy for later use, provides backup power during outages, and enables participation in demand response programs. This multi-functionality increases system adaptability to different pricing conditions and operational requirements without requiring entirely separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250246910A1Load offset in air conditioning systems

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 CARRIER CORP

AI summary

An air conditioning system includes an outdoor load connected to an AC bus; an indoor load connected to the AC bus; an energy storage device connected to the AC bus; an outdoor load power measurement unit configured to determine a power demand of the outdoor load; an indoor load power measurement unit configured to determine a power demand of the indoor load; and an energy storage device management unit configured to control power supplied by the energy storage device such that power supplied by the energy storage device offsets a combined power demand of the outdoor load and power demand of the indoor load.