Refrigeration cycle apparatus and optimization method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-split type refrigeration cycle apparatuses face challenges in optimizing refrigerant distribution across multiple expansion valves, leading to increased calculation load, longer cycles, and reduced control performance due to the lack of a specific method for solving the optimization problem.
Innovation Solution
A refrigeration cycle apparatus with a controller that includes a total computing unit, target computing unit, restriction setting unit, and optimizer to set opening command values for expansion valves, using a method that involves computing target openings, setting restricted ranges, and applying an orthogonal projection process to ensure accuracy and reduce calculation load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a general method of solving the optimization problem is used, then the optimization can be performed, but calculation load increases and calculation cycle lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optimization problem into distinct computational steps: calculating total opening, determining target openings, setting restricted ranges, and applying the orthogonal projection method. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, reducing overall calculation time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex general optimization algorithms with a specialized mathematical approach (orthogonal projection method) that is better suited for this specific application. This substitution of computational methodology significantly reduces calculation load while preserving optimization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a general method of solving the optimization problem is used, then the optimization can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential computational elements needed for optimization (total opening, target openings, restricted ranges) from the complex general optimization framework. By taking out only the necessary components and applying the orthogonal projection method, the controller complexity is reduced while maintaining optimization accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If general optimization methods are used, then optimization can be achieved, but control performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of total opening and target openings before applying the orthogonal projection method. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, enabling faster and more accurate optimization execution, thereby improving overall control performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes general-purpose optimization algorithms with the specialized orthogonal projection method, which is computationally more efficient and better tailored to the specific constraints of refrigeration cycle control. This substitution enhances control performance by reducing calculation time and improving response speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-split type refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit including a plurality of expansion valves and a controller to set opening command values for the plurality of expansion valves. The controller sets target openings of the plurality of expansion valves to a plurality of provisional openings, respectively, in an initial step, and determines whether the plurality of provisional openings satisfy an inequality constraint in a first step. When the inequality constraint is not satisfied, the controller fixes one of the provisional openings to an inequality constraint end in a second step, and in a third step, the controller sets again as the provisional openings, points obtained by orthogonally projecting points representing the plurality of provisional openings on an affine hyperplane in a space reduced in order by exclusion of an already fixed provisional opening from the plurality of provisional openings, the affine hyperplane having as an intercept, a subtraction total opening calculated by subtracting the already fixed provisional opening from a total opening, and returns to the first step. When the inequality constraint is satisfied, the controller sets the provisional opening at a current time point as the opening command value in a fourth step.