Modular Air Conditioner Control System to Reduce Failure Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed central air-conditioning control systems are prone to failure propagation and complex maintenance due to coupled functional modules, making it difficult to locate and address issues, and increasing energy consumption and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A control system for air conditioners is divided into independent main machine, water pump, cooling tower, and tail end control assemblies, allowing for flexible operation and real-time adjustments based on feedback parameters and user instructions, reducing interference and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a master controller controls all devices in a distributed central air-conditioning system, then centralized control is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates because failure propagation occurs and the whole system cannot operate normally after device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules, each responsible for controlling specific devices. Each control module operates autonomously without being affected by failures in other modules, thereby eliminating failure propagation while maintaining centralized control capabilities through their coordinated operation.
2Device complexity
If functional modules are coupled in control logic, then system integration is achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates because it becomes difficult to locate and check failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control modules, each managing specific devices. This modular architecture maintains system integration through coordinated operation while enabling easy failure location, as each module can be independently tested and diagnosed without affecting other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Control modules serve as intermediaries between the central control system and specific devices. Each module independently processes control signals and monitors device status, acting as a buffer that isolates failures and simplifies troubleshooting by confining issues to specific module-device pairs.
3Ease of repair
If control modules are independently designed, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple control assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
Each control module is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can manage multiple devices and perform various control functions. This standardization reduces the perceived complexity by providing a uniform interface and structure across all modules, while maintaining independence for ease of repair and maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided in the present application are a control system of an air conditioner and an air-conditioning device. The control system of the air conditioner comprises: a main machine control assembly receiving a feedback parameter of a main machine, so as to adjust, according to the feedback parameter, a water discharge temperature of the main machine; a water pump control assembly, wherein the water pump control assembly is in communication with the main machine control assembly, so as to adjust, according to a feedback parameter of the water pump, an operating parameter of a water pump; a cooling tower control assembly, wherein the cooling tower control assembly is connected to the water pump control assembly, so as to adjust, according to an environment parameter and a target water discharge temperature, the current water discharge temperature of a cooling tower; and a tail end control assembly, wherein the tail end control assembly is connected to the water pump control assembly, so as to adjust, according to user requirements, an operating state of a tail end. According to the control system of the air conditioner in the present application, flexibility of system control can be improved, and energy consumption of the system can be reduced; in addition, the control system is easily maintained, whereby construction and debugging periods can be effectively shortened, and labor costs can be reduced.