Multi-connected system and control method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-split air conditioning systems face conflicts in operating modes during transitional seasons, as some users prefer refrigerating while others prefer heating, and existing priority modes fail to meet user needs, resulting in poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine the operating mode of a multi-split air conditioning system based on outdoor ambient temperature and indoor unit operating conditions, using a priority level table and majority rule to avoid conflicts, allowing the system to switch between heating and refrigerating modes as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single outdoor unit operates in a multi-split air conditioning system, then the system can provide refrigerating or heating functions, but the outdoor unit can only operate in one mode at a time, causing conflicts when different indoor units require different modes simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode adaptabilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability where the outdoor unit can automatically transition between refrigerating and heating modes based on real-time detection of indoor unit requirements. The control system dynamically adjusts the system operating mode according to the number of indoor units requiring refrigerating versus heating, enabling the single outdoor unit to adaptively serve multiple conflicting demands without fixed priority constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If priority modes are set for the air conditioning system, then the system can operate in a determined mode, but the priority modes have certain limitations and cannot meet needs of most users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation stabilityVSAvoidmode selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces static priority mode settings with dynamic mode determination. The control system continuously monitors the operating states of all indoor units and automatically determines the appropriate outdoor unit operating mode based on the majority requirement or configurable priority rules. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain stable operation while adapting to varying user needs across different scenarios, eliminating the limitations of fixed priority modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces configurable priority level parameters that can be adjusted according to user preferences and specific application scenarios. The control system uses these parameter settings to determine mode switching behavior, allowing flexible configuration of which indoor units have higher priority for refrigerating or heating modes. This parameter-based approach provides both operational reliability through defined rules and adaptability through customizable settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3399250B1Multi-connected system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 GD MIDEA HEATING & VENTILATING EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3399250B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3399250B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3399250B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A multi-connected system and control method therefor. The control method comprises the following steps: obtaining outdoor ambient temperature when start instructions of indoor units are received (S110); determining whether the outdoor ambient temperature falls within a preset temperature range (S120); and determining an operation mode of a multi-connected system according to operations statuses of the started indoor units when the outdoor ambient temperature falls within the preset temperature range (S130).