Multi-Unit Air Conditioner Load Control for Energy and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners with multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit face inefficiencies in energy consumption and comfort due to constant compressor operation and uneven cooling/heating capacities, leading to wasteful energy use and potential discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system with a detection sensor and control apparatus that adjusts target evaporation/condensation temperatures and refrigerant states based on the highest required capacity among indoor units, allowing for dynamic adjustment of cooling/heating capacities to match actual loads and maintain comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the target value of evaporation temperatures is kept constant, then the compressor can maintain stable operation, but the compressor operates at higher rotations than necessary when indoor unit capacities are small, causing wasteful energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the target evaporation temperature variable rather than constant. The control device dynamically adjusts the target evaporation temperature based on the maximum required capacity among all indoor units, allowing the compressor to operate at appropriate speeds matching actual cooling demands while maintaining stable control through systematic adjustment of all indoor unit target temperatures
2Use of energy by moving object
If the target value of evaporation temperatures is changed according to the highest required capacity to save energy, then the compressor operates at appropriate rotations, but indoor units with small required capacities perform excessive cooling and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing individualized temperature adjustment for each indoor unit. The control device calculates and sets a specific target evaporation temperature for each indoor unit based on its required capacity relative to the maximum capacity, ensuring that each unit receives appropriate cooling matched to its local demand rather than uniform control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the target evaporation temperature parameter for each indoor unit according to its capacity ratio. The control device modifies the target evaporation temperature parameter individually for each unit based on its required capacity, preventing excessive cooling in low-demand units while maintaining energy efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the target value of refrigerant state is changed to lower cooling capacity when temperature drops below target, then comfort is maintained, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors the cooling temperature in each indoor unit and adjusts the target refrigerant state accordingly. When the cooling temperature drops below the target by a predetermined value or more, the control device receives feedback and automatically changes the target refrigerant state to reduce cooling capacity, maintaining comfort through automatic regulation
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 optimizes energy consumption by reducing unnecessary compressor operation and ensures comfort by precisely controlling temperature delivery to each unit, balancing energy savings with reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source unit (2) including a compressor (11)
Implementation Method 2
performing a cooling operation using the heat source-side heat exchanger as a condenser
Implementation Method 3
using the heat source-side heat exchanger as a condenser
Implementation Method 4
using the utilization-side heat exchanger as an evaporator
Implementation Method 5
using the utilization-side heat exchanger as an evaporator
Implementation Method 6
a plurality of utilization units each including a decompressing device
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is an air conditioner capable of achieving both energy conservation and comfort. An air conditioner (1) includes a detection sensor (26) detecting a state of air related to required capacities of a plurality of utilization units (3), and a control apparatus (30) acquiring the required capacities of the utilization units (3) based on a detection result of the detection sensor (26), setting target values (Tem, SHm) of each of an evaporation temperature (Te) in a utilization-side heat exchanger (16) adjusted by a compressor (11) and a predetermined refrigerant state (SH) adjusted by a decompressing device (15) in accordance with the highest required capacity and, when a cooling temperature (Tf) becomes lower than a target cooling temperature (Tfm) by a predetermined value (Δt) or more in one of the utilization units (3) other than the utilization unit (3) having the highest required capacity, changing the target value (SHm) of the refrigerant state (SH) such that a cooling capacity of the other utilization unit (3) is lowered.