Multi-AC Whole-House Control for Stable Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whole-house air conditioning systems face challenges in maintaining stable control and efficiency, particularly in areas with significant diurnal temperature variations, leading to frequent mode switching between cooling and heating, and unpredictability in intermediate seasons, which can shorten the air conditioner's lifespan and require manufacturer-dependent operation.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system comprising multiple independently controllable air conditioners, sensors for temperature and humidity, and a system controller that determines airflow volumes and operating modes based on individual target temperatures and outdoor conditions, allowing for stable control and dehumidification without automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single air conditioner is used to control temperature in a whole-house system with automatic operation, then the system achieves manufacturer-independent whole-house air conditioning, but the operating mode frequently switches between cooling and heating in areas with great diurnal temperature variation, shortening the air conditioner's lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air conditioning function into multiple independent air conditioners (first air conditioner and second air conditioner) instead of using a single unit. This segmentation allows different air conditioners to operate in different modes simultaneously, preventing frequent mode switching of a single unit and extending its lifetime while maintaining whole-house air conditioning capability.
2Ease of operation
If automatic operation is used to control air conditioner mode switching, then the system can reach target temperatures for each habitable room, but the operation becomes unpredictable in intermediate seasons when target temperature and outdoor temperature are approximately equal
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a system controller that receives feedback from temperature sensors in each habitable room and outdoor temperature sensors, then actively controls the operating modes of multiple air conditioners based on this feedback. This feedback mechanism provides predictable and stable control in intermediate seasons by making informed decisions about which air conditioners should operate in cooling or heating modes, rather than relying on unpredictable automatic operation.
3Reliability
If multiple air conditioners are used with independent control, then stable control is achieved by preventing frequent mode switching, but the system complexity increases with multiple units and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single system controller that performs multiple functions: it controls multiple air conditioners, receives temperature feedback from multiple sensors, determines operating modes, and manages airflow distribution. This multi-functional controller simplifies the overall system architecture despite the presence of multiple air conditioners, as one intelligent control unit coordinates all aspects of the system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each component.
4Loss of substance
If air conditioners operate in cooling mode for dehumidification, then dehumidifying effect is achieved, but energy consumption increases and the air conditioner load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operating modes to different air conditioners based on local conditions in different habitable rooms. When dehumidification is needed in a specific room, only the air conditioner serving that room operates in cooling mode, while other air conditioners can operate in more energy-efficient heating modes or remain off. This localized approach achieves necessary dehumidification while minimizing overall energy consumption and load on the air conditioning system.
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 achieves stable air conditioning control and efficient dehumidification, reducing the load on air conditioners, prolonging their lifespan, and eliminating the need for a dehumidifier, while maintaining comfortable temperatures and humidity levels in habitable rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of conveying fans 3a to 3d, which transfer air in the air conditioning room 18 to a plurality of habitable rooms 2a to 2d
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of air conditioners 9a to 9c, which are disposed in the air conditioning room 18 and are independently controllable
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of independent air conditioners, a first air conditioner (AC) (9a), a second AC (9b), and a third AC (9c), are disposed in an air conditioning room. Individual target temperatures of each habitable room that are acquired from an input/output terminal (19) and an outdoor temperature that is acquired by an outdoor temperature sensor (7) are input to a mode setter (32). Based on the individual target temperatures and the outdoor temperature, the mode setter (32) sets a cooling mode and a cooling setpoint temperature for operation in the cooling mode, or a heating mode and a heating setpoint temperature for operation in the heating mode, for each of the first AC (9a), the second AC (9b), and the third AC (9c).