Air-conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems with multiple integral air conditioners operating independently face inefficiencies in energy consumption, leading to redundant capacity and increased power consumption, especially when the air conditioning capacity falls within a certain range.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts by stopping compressors in operation, changing the operating frequency and state of remaining air conditioners, and switching to blowing operations to reduce power consumption and maintain temperature consistency, while optimizing energy efficiency through communication and strategic management of air flow and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple air conditioners operate independently with compressors running, then individual air conditioner energy efficiency is maintained, but overall system energy consumption increases due to redundant capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple air conditioners into a coordinated system where compressors are managed collectively based on total air conditioning capacity requirements. When the combined capacity of multiple air conditioners exceeds the load demand, compressors are selectively stopped to eliminate redundant energy consumption while maintaining individual unit efficiency when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts compressor operation states based on real-time air conditioning capacity requirements. Compressors can switch between running and stopped states, and air conditioners can transition between cooling operations and blowing operations, allowing the system to adapt efficiently to varying load conditions and prevent energy waste.
2Power
If multiple compressors operate simultaneously, then sufficient air conditioning capacity is provided, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the total air conditioning capacity requirement and provides feedback to control compressor operation. When the combined capacity of running compressors exceeds the actual cooling load, the system stops appropriate compressors to reduce power consumption while ensuring sufficient capacity remains available to meet the cooling demand.
3Use of energy by moving object
If compressors are stopped to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but temperature distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
Air conditioners are designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both cooling operations (with compressor running) and blowing operations (with compressor stopped). When compressors are stopped to improve energy efficiency, air conditioners switch to blowing mode to continue circulating air and maintaining temperature distribution, thus serving multiple functions with a single device.
4Productivity
If air conditioners operate at high capacity, then cooling demand is met quickly, but excessive cooling occurs around operating air conditioners
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by stopping some compressors when total air conditioning capacity exceeds requirements, preventing excessive cooling. Instead of all compressors running at full capacity, only the necessary number operate, providing sufficient but not excessive cooling capacity, thereby avoiding large temperature deviations from the set point while still meeting cooling demands efficiently.
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 enhances overall energy consumption efficiency, reduces power consumption, and minimizes temperature deviations from set points, thereby improving comfort and reducing uneven temperature distributions.
Implementation Method 1
a service-side heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between air of the air-conditioning-target space and refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a heat-source-side heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the air of the common space and the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant circulating through the service-side heat exchanger and the heat-source-side heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
In an air conditioning system which conditions air in one air-conditioning-target space with a plurality of air conditioners each including a compressor, the energy consumption efficiency as a whole is improved. The air conditioners (21 to 29) each include a service-side heat exchanger exchanging heat between air of a room which is the air-conditioning-target space and a refrigerant, a heat-source-side heat exchanger exchanging heat between air of a common space and the refrigerant, and a compressor (41 to 49) compressing the refrigerant circulating through the service-side heat exchanger and the heat-source-side heat exchanger. When an air conditioning capacity falls within a predetermined range for at least two of the plurality of air conditioners (21 to 29), part of the air conditioners whose compressors are in operation has its compressor stopped.