Multi-Indoor-Unit HVAC Priority Control for Outdoor Unit Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In IoT environments, controlling multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit is inefficient due to varying heat change rates and different cooling/heating capacities, leading to suboptimal energy usage and scheduling challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that determine the number of indoor units to operate based on energy consumption and comfort zone requirements, calculating priorities to optimize energy use by identifying the high efficiency range of the outdoor unit and adjusting operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple indoor units are individually controlled to meet different cooling/heating demands, then comfort requirements of each interior space are satisfied, but energy efficiency of the outdoor unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation status of indoor units based on real-time assessment of outdoor unit efficiency characteristics. The controller selectively operates indoor units to maintain outdoor unit within high efficiency ranges, adapting to varying thermal conditions and demand patterns while preserving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting which indoor units are active based on outdoor unit performance characteristics. The controller modifies the operating state of indoor units to align with the outdoor unit's high efficiency ranges, transforming the control strategy from individual comfort optimization to system-wide efficiency optimization.
2Ease of operation
If all indoor units are operated to meet cooling/heating demands, then comfort requirements are satisfied, but scheduling difficulty increases due to different high efficiency ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through automated controller logic that independently assesses outdoor unit efficiency characteristics and automatically determines optimal indoor unit operation combinations. The controller performs real-time evaluation and adjustment without requiring complex manual scheduling or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors outdoor unit performance and adjusts indoor unit operation accordingly. The controller uses efficiency range information to feedback control decisions, creating a closed-loop system that automatically optimizes the operation status of indoor units based on outdoor unit response.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a technology for a sensor network, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, machine-type communication (MTC)and internet of things (IoT). The present invention can be applied in intelligent services (smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security and safety-related services, and the like) utilizing said technology. The present invention, a method for effectively controlling a plurality of indoor devices, comprises the steps of: verifying first information of first indoor devices from among a plurality of indoor devices on the basis of energy consumption of an outdoor device connected to the plurality of indoor devices; verifying second information of second indoor devices from among the plurality of indoor devices on the basis of a previously configured comfort zone; if the number of second indoor devices is greater than the number of first indoor devices on the basis of the first information and second information, then calculating the priorities of the second indoor devices, and, on the basis of the calculated priorities, operating at least one indoor device from among the second indoor devices.