Multi-Indoor AC Thermo-Off Control for Fewer Compressor Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioning apparatuses experience increased power consumption and reduced efficiency due to frequent compressor start-stops, and comfort is compromised by continuous low-efficiency operations and uneven thermo-off temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning apparatus with a control device that detects suction air temperatures across multiple indoor units, forcing at least one unit to thermo-off when the sum total of air conditioning capacities within a predetermined range exceeds a threshold, thereby reducing compressor start-stop frequency and maintaining comfort by maintaining a set temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indoor thermo-timing changing control is performed to change thermo-off temperature of indoor units, then compressor start-stop frequency is reduced, but power consumption increases and comfort is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of thermo-off temperature dynamically based on the number of operating indoor units. When multiple indoor units are operating, the thermo-off temperature is lowered to prevent synchronous shutdown. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining compressor operation continuity while controlling power consumption increases through conditional application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of thermo-off temperature rather than fixed temperature control. The control device modifies the temperature threshold based on real-time system state (number of operating indoor units), enabling adaptive prevention of compressor start-stop cycles while managing overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If indoor thermo-timing changing control is performed to change thermo-off temperature of indoor units, then compressor start-stop frequency is reduced, but comfort is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the thermo-off temperature parameter based on system conditions. By lowering the thermo-off temperature only when multiple indoor units are operating, it prevents compressor shutdown while minimizing impact on user comfort in individual rooms, thus resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically modifies temperature control parameters based on real-time operational context. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain compressor operation when needed while preserving comfort in occupied spaces, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If continuous low-efficiency operation is performed to reduce compressor start-stop frequency, then compressor operation continuity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermo-off temperature parameter conditionally - lowering it only when multiple indoor units are operating. This prevents unnecessary continuous low-efficiency operation while still avoiding compressor start-stop cycles when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operation parameters based on real-time conditions, enabling compressor continuity only when economically viable (multiple units operating). This dynamic control prevents wasteful continuous operation while maintaining reliability when needed, resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus suppresses an increase in power consumption associated with a reduction in start-stop frequency of a compressor. The air conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor and a plurality of indoor units connected with the outdoor unit and has a control device that performs thermo-off and thermo-on control such that a suction air temperature of the indoor unit falls within a predetermined temperature range with a set temperature defined as a reference. The control device detects the suction air temperatures of the indoor units, and, in a case where a sum total of air conditioning capacities of the indoor units, the suction air temperatures of which are between the set temperature and the thermo-off temperature, is at least a predetermined value, makes at least one indoor unit, the suction air temperatures of which are between the set temperature and the thermo-off temperature, forcedly thermo-off.