Air Conditioner and Starting Control Method Thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioners with multiple compressors face challenges in simultaneously starting both units stably, leading to decreased cooling and heating speed and increased starting load, which can result in compressor failure.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner system with a determining unit and control unit that simultaneously starts multiple compressors if the starting load is below a reference load, and sequentially starts them if the load is above the reference load, using a combination of constant-speed and variable-capacity compressors with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control to manage operating capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple compressors are simultaneously started, then cooling and heating speed is improved, but starting load increases and compressor failure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling and heating speedVSAvoidcompressor starting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically changes the operating capacity parameter of the first compressor before starting the second compressor. By reducing the operating capacity of the first compressor prior to the second compressor's start, the system manages the starting load to prevent compressor failure while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the operating capacity of the first compressor is decreased to reduce starting load of the second compressor, then compressor starting stability is improved, but overall cooling and heating ability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor starting stabilityVSAvoidcooling and heating ability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs a preliminary action by adjusting the operating capacity of the first compressor before the second compressor is started. This preliminary capacity adjustment ensures that the starting load is reduced to a safe level, preventing compressor failure while the system prepares for dual-compressor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operating capacity of compressors based on real-time conditions. The first compressor's capacity is varied dynamically before and during the starting process of the second compressor, allowing the system to balance starting stability with overall cooling and heating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If sequential starting is used to reduce starting load, then compressor starting stability is improved, but cooling and heating speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor starting stabilityVSAvoidcooling and heating speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operating capacity parameter of the first compressor during the sequential starting process. By optimizing the capacity adjustment timing and magnitude, the system achieves reliable compressor starting while minimizing the impact on overall cooling and heating speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2618078B1Air Conditioner and Starting Control Method Thereof
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2618078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2618078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2618078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioner having a plurality of compressors and a starting control method thereof, where the plurality of compressors is simultaneously started if a starting load of the air conditioner is smaller than a reference load, and the plurality of compressors is sequentially started if the starting load of the air conditioner is larger than the reference load, thereby simultaneously starting the plurality of compressors at a starting load section in which a starting stability of the compressors is secured, and thus capable of enhancing the cooling and heating performance.