Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioner technologies for multi-type systems face increased power consumption during washing operations due to separate washing of multiple indoor units, which leads to frequent compressor driving and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A refrigerant circuit and control system that coordinates the washing process across multiple indoor units, delaying the start of washing operations for units until a predetermined unit initiates freezing, thereby reducing compressor frequency and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washing operation is performed separately for each indoor unit, then each indoor heat exchanger can be cleaned, but the compressor driving frequency increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges washing operations across multiple indoor units by having them operate simultaneously or in coordinated sequence, utilizing the single outdoor unit's compressor and refrigerant circuit for all indoor units, thereby reducing total compressor driving frequency and power consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness for each indoor heat exchanger
2Reliability
If washing operation is performed separately for each indoor unit, then each indoor heat exchanger can be cleaned, but the overall washing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines washing operations for multiple indoor units into a coordinated process where the outdoor unit serves all indoor units simultaneously or in optimized sequence, reducing the total time required compared to separate washing operations while ensuring each indoor heat exchanger receives adequate cleaning
3Reliability
If washing operation is performed separately for each indoor unit, then each indoor heat exchanger can be cleaned, but shared pipes are repeatedly cooled increasing power consumption per unit capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing operations so that shared refrigerant pipes are cooled only once or in coordinated sequence rather than repeatedly for each indoor unit, reducing the energy consumed by stationary components while maintaining cleaning effectiveness for all indoor heat exchangers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coordinated washing process reduces power consumption and shortens the overall washing time, improving energy efficiency and user convenience by minimizing interference with air-conditioning operations.
Implementation Method 1
Until a predetermined indoor unit included in the multiple indoor units starts the processing of freezing or forming dew on the indoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
Until a predetermined indoor unit included in the multiple indoor units starts the processing of freezing or forming dew on the indoor heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an air-conditioner achieving energy saving in washing of multiple indoor heat exchangers. The air-conditioner (100) includes a refrigerant circuit (Q) configured such that an outdoor unit (Uo) having a compressor (1) and an outdoor heat exchanger (2) and multiple indoor units (U1, U2, U3, U4) having indoor expansion valves (12) and indoor heat exchangers (10) are connected to each other through a pipe and a control section configured to control at least the compressor (1) and the multiple indoor expansion valves (12). Until a predetermined indoor unit (U1) included in the multiple indoor units (U1, U2, U3, U4) starts the processing of freezing or forming dew on the indoor heat exchanger (10), the control section does not start the processing for the other indoor units (U2, U3, U4).