Method for controlling a ceiling type air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling type air conditioners take a long time to reach target temperatures, and the PMV control method is unreliable in determining user pleasant feelings due to direct airflow influence, often causing draft-related unpleasant sensations.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling a ceiling type air conditioner using dynamic airflow modes, where vane groups adjust rotation angles and air volume to rapidly achieve set temperatures and minimize draft, incorporating a pleasant airflow index to accurately assess user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same control method is used for both cooling and heating operations, then the control system remains simple, but the indoor temperature reaches target temperature slowly and user comfort deteriorates in heating mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing different control strategies for cooling and heating operations. The control system dynamically adjusts vane rotation angles and airflow directions based on the operation mode, transitioning from a static unified control approach to a dynamic mode-specific control approach, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and performance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes control parameters (vane rotation angles, airflow directions) based on operation mode. In heating mode, specific rotation angles are applied to discharge warm air toward the floor, while in cooling mode, different angles are used. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve fast temperature response without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If PMV control method is used to determine user comfort, then thermal environment can be evaluated, but the method is unreliable when air velocity is 0.5 m/s or more due to direct airflow influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using pleasant airflow index as a supplementary or alternative metric to PMV. When direct airflow affects the user (air velocity ≥ 0.5 m/s), the system switches to or incorporates pleasant airflow index calculation, which accounts for airflow direction and user position, thereby maintaining reliability in conditions where PMV fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring air velocity, temperature, and user position to determine whether PMV or pleasant airflow index should be used for comfort assessment. This feedback mechanism ensures the most appropriate metric is selected based on current operating conditions, maintaining measurement precision and reliability.
3Device complexity
If conventional airflow control is used, then the system operates simply, but draft phenomenon occurs causing unpleasant feeling and temperature difference in indoor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing airflow to specific locations based on operation mode and user position. In heating mode, air is discharged toward the floor away from the user; in cooling mode, air is directed toward the user's location. This localized airflow control eliminates draft while maintaining effective temperature regulation without requiring complex multi-zone systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by controlling vane rotation angles to discharge air at different angles. In heating mode, air is directed downward toward the floor; in cooling mode, air is directed horizontally or slightly upward toward the user. This dimensional control of airflow direction prevents draft while maintaining simplicity.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time to reach target temperatures, enhances user satisfaction by providing optimal airflow based on operation mode, and accurately determines user comfort, minimizing draft-related discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit performs an evaporation function
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit performs a condensation function
Implementation Method 3
A freezing cycle for performing compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
A freezing cycle for performing compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a ceiling type air conditioner including a panel located on a ceiling surface, outlets formed at positions corresponding to four sides of the panel, a first vane group for opening and closing the outlets located at two opposing sides, and a second vane group for opening and closing the outlets located at the other two opposing sides includes performing a dynamic airflow mode in which an indoor temperature reaches a set temperature by controlling rotation angles of the first vane group and the second vane group, and calculating a pleasant airflow index Y for determining a pleasant feeling of a user at the set temperature. The pleasant airflow index is calculated using the indoor temperature, the rotation angle of the first vane group or the second vane group, an air volume, a distance from a floor surface and an airflow position as variables.