Method for controlling air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioner noise reduction technologies do not effectively address refrigerant flow noises, especially at night, and require user-initiated low-noise operation modes, which can be inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling an air conditioner that automatically determines execution times for low-noise operations by limiting compressor frequency, indoor and outdoor blower rotation rates, and refrigerant flow, using time-based logic to reduce noise levels without user input, while ensuring target pressures are maintained through supplementation operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If user-initiated low-noise operation mode is implemented, then air-blowing noises are reduced, but user convenience deteriorates due to manual input requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair-blowing noisesVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air conditioner automatically detects nighttime conditions and initiates low-noise operation without user input. The control unit monitors operation timing and autonomously adjusts compressor frequency and blower rotation rates, allowing the system to serve itself in noise reduction rather than requiring continuous user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes noise reduction parameters for nighttime operation. When nighttime is detected, the control unit proactively limits compressor frequency to predetermined values and reduces blower rotation rates before noise becomes a complaint, preparing the system in advance for quiet operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-generated harmful factors

If compressor frequency is limited to reduce noises, then noise levels are reduced, but cooling/heating efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor noisesVSAvoidcooling/heating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial compression frequency reduction only during nighttime low-noise periods rather than continuously. The control unit limits compressor frequency to predetermined values specifically when nighttime operation is detected, allowing full frequency range during daytime when noise is less critical, thus maintaining efficiency when needed while reducing noise when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The compressor frequency limitation is dynamically adjusted based on operation timing. The control unit transitions between different frequency limits depending on whether it is nighttime or daytime, making the frequency constraint flexible rather than fixed to balance noise reduction and efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If refrigerant flow is reduced to minimize flow noises, then refrigerant noises are reduced, but heat exchange performance may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefrigerant flow noisesVSAvoidheat exchange performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies refrigerant flow reduction periodically only during nighttime low-noise operation periods. The control unit reduces refrigerant flow rates when nighttime is detected and maintains normal flow rates during daytime, creating a periodic pattern of flow restriction that aligns with noise sensitivity cycles rather than applying continuous restriction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (refrigerant flow rate, compressor frequency, blower speed) based on time-of-day conditions. During nighttime, parameters are adjusted to reduce noise; during daytime, parameters return to normal values for optimal performance, allowing the system to adapt its parameters to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If automatic nighttime detection is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors operation timing and uses this feedback to automatically determine when nighttime low-noise operation should be activated. By incorporating time detection feedback into the control logic, the system automatically adjusts its operation based on the detected time period without requiring complex user interfaces or manual scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method effectively reduces refrigerant and air-blowing noises during designated low-noise operation times, enhancing user convenience and air conditioner performance by automatically adjusting operational parameters to minimize noise pollution at night.

Implementation Method 1

the refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the refrigerant compressed in the compressor of the outdoor unit is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

the refrigerant may be decompressed in an indoor expansion device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecompression: Depressurisation

Implementation Method 4

the refrigerant may be decompressed in an indoor expansion device and be evaporated in an indoor heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

while an indoor fan rotates, the cooled air may be discharged into an indoor space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2940392B1Method for controlling air conditioner
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2940392B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2940392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2940392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method for controlling an air conditioner. The method for controlling an air conditioner includes determining time information for determining an execution time of a low-noise operation and performing the low-noise operation according to the determined time information. The performing of the low-noise operation includes limiting a maximum value of an operation frequency of a compressor; and reducing an amount of refrigerant introduced into an indoor unit.