Multi-Unit Air Conditioning Mode Conversion for Simultaneous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-unit air conditioning systems face mode conflict issues where indoor units cannot operate in different modes simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies and user dissatisfaction, as existing solutions primarily prioritize one mode over others without fully addressing the underlying conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-unit air conditioning system with an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units, each equipped with controllers, uses selection signals to operate under customized control modes, allowing for mode conversion and parameter sharing to enable simultaneous operation of different modes without turning off units, thereby reducing user impact and improving startup time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outdoor unit operates in a single mode to avoid mode conflict, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as indoor units cannot operate in different modes simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between single-mode operation (when all indoor units require the same mode) and multi-mode operation (when indoor units require different modes). The outdoor unit can operate in heating mode while one indoor unit operates in cooling mode, and another indoor unit operates in ventilation mode. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while providing versatility when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by introducing a ventilation mode that can operate independently of heating or cooling modes. The outdoor unit's compressor can remain stopped while the ventilation fan operates, allowing indoor units to provide air circulation even when the outdoor unit is not actively heating or cooling. This parameter change enables multi-mode operation without compromising system reliability.
2Reliability
If the system prioritizes one operating mode and turns off conflicting indoor units, then mode conflict is resolved, but productivity deteriorates as some indoor units cannot operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments indoor units into different operational groups based on their mode requirements. Indoor units operating in ventilation mode are separated from those requiring heating or cooling modes. This segmentation allows the outdoor unit to service different groups of indoor units simultaneously in different modes, resolving mode conflicts while maintaining high productivity as all indoor units can remain operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation mode acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between heating and cooling modes. When mode conflicts arise, the system can switch conflicting indoor units to ventilation mode, which does not require compressor operation. This intermediary mode allows these indoor units to remain operational while the outdoor unit services other indoor units in heating or cooling modes, thus resolving mode conflicts without reducing overall productivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mode conversion is performed slowly to ensure stability, then system stability is improved, but time consumption increases during mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-cooling or pre-heating refrigerant lines before mode conversion. When switching from cooling to heating mode, the system uses residual cold refrigerant to quickly establish the heating cycle. When switching from heating to cooling mode, pre-heated refrigerant lines enable faster cooling establishment. This preliminary action reduces mode conversion time while maintaining system stability through controlled temperature transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action during mode conversion by keeping the ventilation fan operational throughout the transition. This ensures continuous air circulation and comfort in indoor units while the outdoor unit transitions between heating and cooling modes. The continuous operation of the ventilation system masks the mode conversion process, reducing perceived conversion time while maintaining system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-unit air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit, a first indoor unit, a second indoor unit, a third indoor unit, and a mode conversion device. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor-unit controller and a selector. The first indoor unit includes a first indoor-unit controller. The second indoor unit includes a second indoor-unit controller. The selector is configured to send a first selection signal or a second selection signal. The outdoor-unit controller is configured to control the outdoor unit, the first indoor-unit controller and the second indoor-unit controller to operate under a first control mode according to the first selection signal. The outdoor-unit controller is configured to control the outdoor unit, the first indoor-unit controller and the second indoor-unit controller to operate under a second control mode according to the second selection signal.