Modular Air Conditioner Compression Switching for Low-Temperature Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners experience efficiency degradation and ineffectiveness when operated at very low outdoor temperatures due to two-stage compression, which limits their capability and efficiency except in specific regions.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system that switches between one-stage and two-stage compression modes, utilizing a separate module box to connect indoor and outdoor units, allowing for flexible operation through a refrigerant flow management system with auxiliary valves and heat exchangers, enabling efficient heating modes across varying outdoor temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If two-stage compression is used to achieve required pressure ratio at very low outdoor temperature, then the pressure ratio requirement is met, but the capability and efficiency of the air conditioner are seriously degraded except for particular cases with very low outdoor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between one-stage and two-stage compression modes based on outdoor temperature conditions. When outdoor temperature is very low, the system activates two-stage compression to achieve required pressure ratio. When outdoor temperature is not extremely low, the system operates in one-stage compression mode to maintain high efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the compression stage configurable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression parameter (number of compression stages) based on outdoor temperature conditions. By adjusting the compression stage parameter from one-stage to two-stage compression, the system adapts to different temperature requirements while optimizing efficiency for each operating condition.
2Temperature
If two-stage compression is used to achieve required pressure ratio at very low outdoor temperature, then the pressure ratio requirement is met, but the air conditioner is inevitably driven ineffectively except for a particular region
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by switching between one-stage and two-stage compression modes. This allows the air conditioner to be effectively deployed across different regional conditions - using two-stage compression only when necessary for very low temperature regions, and one-stage compression for milder regions, thereby expanding overall operational versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary module is installed to enable switching between one-stage and two-stage compression modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the compression functionality into separate modular components - a first outdoor unit with first compressor for one-stage compression, and a second outdoor unit with second compressor for two-stage compression. The auxiliary module coordinates these segmented components, enabling mode switching while maintaining modular architecture that simplifies maintenance and installation compared to integrated designs.
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 allows for efficient operation in cooling, one-stage heating, and two-stage heating modes, particularly at low outdoor temperatures, simplifying the internal structure of outdoor units for easier maintenance and improving overall performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerant is two-stage compressed and is provided through a plurality of outdoor units
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with outdoor air is disposed in the outdoor unit
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is disclosed. The air conditioner comprises: an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger installed therein; a first outdoor unit having a first outdoor heat exchanger and a first compressor installed therein; a second outdoor unit having a second outdoor heat exchanger and a second compressor installed therein; an auxiliary module which connects the indoor unit, the first outdoor unit, and the second outdoor unit; a first connection line by which the auxiliary module is connected to the first outdoor unit; a second connection line by which the auxiliary module is connected to the second outdoor unit; and a two-stage compression line by which the first outdoor unit is connected to the second outdoor unit.