Air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems struggle to automatically detect and resolve temperature imbalances between indoor spaces occupied by multiple indoor units, leading to occupant discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioner employs a method to determine the relative positions of indoor units within the same space using floor temperature trends, and adjusts the vane direction and fan speed of adjacent units to address temperature imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple indoor units are installed in different indoor spaces, then the air conditioner can serve multiple areas, but temperature imbalance occurs between the spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors indoor temperatures through sensors in each indoor unit and uses this feedback to automatically identify temperature imbalances. The controller compares temperatures across different spaces and triggers cooperative operations only when imbalances are detected, enabling adaptive response to actual thermal conditions rather than operating continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective cooperative operation where only specific indoor units designated as 'support indoor units' adjust their operations to address temperature imbalances in particular spaces. This localized approach allows different indoor units to have different operational states, with support units actively adjusting while others maintain normal operation, thereby resolving temperature issues in specific areas without affecting the entire system.
2Extent of automation
If the air conditioner automatically determines relative positions of indoor units, then temperature imbalance can be resolved effectively, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature data naturally generated by the air conditioning operation itself to determine the relative positions of indoor units. Indoor units automatically serve as both sensors and references for each other, with the controller analyzing temperature changes and spatial relationships without requiring external positioning systems or additional hardware. The indoor units essentially position themselves through their thermal interaction with the environment.
3Ease of operation
If support indoor units perform cooperative operation to resolve temperature imbalance, then occupant comfort improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial cooperative operation where only the necessary support indoor units adjust their operations to resolve temperature imbalances, rather than having all indoor units operate at full capacity continuously. The controller determines the minimum required support operation needed to achieve temperature balance, avoiding excessive energy consumption while still improving occupant comfort in affected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively identifies temperature imbalances before they cause significant occupant discomfort by continuously monitoring temperature distributions. The controller initiates cooperative operations in support indoor units to prevent temperature extremes from developing, thereby maintaining comfort with smaller energy inputs rather than requiring large corrective operations after imbalances have fully developed.
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
This approach effectively and quickly resolves temperature imbalances by optimizing the operation of adjacent indoor units, enhancing occupant comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
determine the relative positions of indoor units disposed in the same indoor space based on a temperature trend of floor temperature corresponding to each installation area of the indoor units
Implementation Method 2
adjust a vane and a fan of the support indoor unit to quickly and effectively solve the temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2b
AI summary
A method of controlling an air conditioner is disclosed. The method of controlling an air conditioner of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit; and a plurality of indoor units respectively comprising a vane connected to the outdoor unit and adjusting a wind direction, and a fan for forming an air flow, the method comprising: detecting an indoor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units through a temperature sensor disposed in each of the plurality of indoor units; specifying an indoor unit having a temperature imbalance as a target indoor unit based on the indoor temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units detected through the temperature sensor; specifying indoor units adjacent to the target indoor unit as a support indoor unit; and performing a support operation for resolving a temperature imbalance of the target indoor unit by adjusting a vane and a fan of the support indoor unit.