Air-conditioning control device and air-conditioning control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning control devices lack the ability to provide area-specific operation controls for multiple air conditioners, leading to inefficient energy usage and comfort issues due to the inability to differentiate between various indoor apparatuses and areas.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning control device that includes an air conditioner management unit, image analysis unit, air-conditioning communication line connection units, and an air-conditioning control unit, which analyzes image information from sensors to determine the presence and location of individuals and apparatuses, and adjusts air conditioning settings accordingly to provide area-specific controls, including wind direction and temperature adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infrared radiation is used to send control signals in all directions, then wireless control of indoor apparatuses is achieved, but area-specific control for multiple identical apparatuses cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple air-conditioning communication line connection units, each responsible for a specific air conditioning area. This segmentation allows the control device to provide area-specific control to multiple identical air conditioners by routing control signals through different communication line connection units, thereby resolving the contradiction between wireless control capability and area-specific control capability.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation of remote controllers is used, then air conditioner operation can be controlled, but energy waste occurs when no persons are present in the room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control by automatically detecting occupancy status in each air conditioning area and adjusting air conditioner operations accordingly. The system monitors whether persons are present in each area and automatically starts or stops air conditioners, eliminating the need for manual operation and preventing energy waste when no persons are present.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air conditioners run continuously to maintain comfort, then comfortable environment is provided, but energy consumption increases when no persons are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring occupancy status in each air conditioning area and adjusting air conditioner operations based on this information. When persons are detected, air conditioners are activated to maintain comfortable temperature; when no persons are present, air conditioners are stopped to save energy. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between maintaining thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption.
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 device enables efficient energy-saving and comfort-enhancing controls by automatically adjusting air conditioning settings based on occupancy and heat sources in different areas, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort without manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
an image analysis unit to analyze image information obtained from an image sensor and to ascertain a person in each of air conditioning areas
Data Source
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AI summary
An air-conditioning control device (2) controlling operation of a plurality of air conditioners, includes: an air conditioner management unit (21) managing operating states of the air conditioners; an image analysis unit (23) analyzing image information obtained from an image sensor (10) and ascertaining a person in each of air conditioning areas that are subjected to controlled air conditioning by the air conditioners; air-conditioning communication line connection units (81a to 81d) corresponding respectively to the air conditioning areas and connectable with air-conditioning communication lines (5a to 5d) connected to the air conditioners; an air-conditioning communication line connection determination unit (22) capable of determining whether or not the air conditioners are connected to the air-conditioning communication line connection units (81a to 81d) via the air-conditioning communication lines (5a to 5d); and an air-conditioning control unit (24) providing, based on the number of persons in each air conditioning area, air conditioning area-specific operation control for the air conditioners connected to the air-conditioning communication line connection units (81a to 81d) via the air-conditioning communication lines (5a to 5d).