Multi-Split Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit Standby Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-split air conditioners in commercial settings face high standby power consumption due to outdoor units remaining in a powered state even when not in use, leading to wastage of energy resources and increased electricity costs.

Innovation Solution

A control method and device that detect when an outdoor unit enters a standby state, triggering it to enter a low power consumption mode by disconnecting the power supply and drive power, allowing for efficient shutdown and reducing standby power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outdoor unit remains in a powered standby state to ensure quick response when needed, then the system readiness and reliability are improved, but the standby power consumption increases significantly leading to energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem readinessVSAvoidstandby power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by introducing multiple power consumption modes (first power consumption mode with full power supply and second power consumption mode with reduced power supply). The system dynamically transitions between these modes based on operational state, allowing the outdoor unit to reduce power consumption during standby while maintaining the capability to quickly resume operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply parameter by controlling the power supply module to provide different levels of power (first power supply vs. second power supply) based on the operational state. This parameter change enables the system to switch between high-power operation and low-power standby states, resolving the contradiction between readiness and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the outdoor unit is kept powered on during standby to maintain operational readiness, then the response time when needed is improved, but the electricity cost increases due to prolonged power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidelectricity cost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power management where the system alternates between different power consumption modes based on operational needs. During standby periods, the system transitions to the second power consumption mode with reduced power supply, and only activates full power mode when actually needed for operation, creating a periodic pattern that reduces overall energy loss while maintaining responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply module is configured to provide the second power supply (reduced power) in advance during standby states, before full operation is needed. This preliminary action of reducing power during idle periods prepares the system for energy efficiency while maintaining the capability to quickly transition to full power mode when operational requirements arise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12000610B2Control method and control device of apparatus and apparatus using control device

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI

AI summary

Disclosed are a control method and a control device of an apparatus and an apparatus using the control device. The control method includes: detecting whether an outdoor unit of the apparatus enters a standby state; and controlling the outdoor unit to enter a low power consumption mode for controlling a drive of the outdoor unit to be powered off after detecting that the outdoor unit enters the standby state.