Multi-Zone Air Conditioning Regulation Using Independent Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems struggle to individually regulate temperature and airflow in multiple zones, as they rely on adjusting the thermal cycle machine or outlet gratings, which can offset flows, making precise zone control challenging.
Innovation Solution
A regulation method that uses a thermal cycle machine, a distributor with adjustable valves, and a central processing unit to manage airflow and temperature in each zone independently, adjusting valve aperture based on temperature differences and accumulating global needs to optimize airflow from the thermal cycle machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustable outlet gratings are used to regulate airflow in each zone, then individual zone temperature control is improved, but flows from other outlets are offset, making precise regulation impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the airflow control into independent segments by placing individual adjustable valves at each outlet. Each valve can be regulated independently through electronic control signals from the central processing unit, allowing precise control of airflow to each zone without affecting other outlets. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both individual zone control and precise regulation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors in each zone that provide feedback to the central processing unit. The CPU processes this temperature information along with desired setpoint temperatures to automatically adjust the valve positions. This closed-loop feedback control ensures precise regulation while maintaining individual zone independence, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and regulation precision.
2Device complexity
If the thermal cycle machine is adjusted to meet the needs of all zones, then overall system operation is simplified, but individual zone temperature requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains simple thermal cycle machine operation while achieving zone-specific temperature control by segmenting the airflow control function. Individual electronic valves at each outlet can be independently adjusted based on zone requirements, while the thermal cycle machine operates in a simplified manner. This resolves the contradiction by keeping the main system simple while adding adaptability at the distribution level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces electronic valves as intermediary devices between the thermal cycle machine and the zones. These valves act as mediators that translate the simple output of the thermal cycle machine into zone-specific airflow control. The intermediary valves provide the adaptability needed for individual zone requirements while keeping the thermal cycle machine operation simple.
3Productivity
If bypass connections are used to divide main airflow into smaller flows, then airflow distribution is achieved, but the section of conduits must be precisely proportional to flow requirements, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static conduit section proportioning with dynamic valve control. Instead of requiring conduits to be manufactured with precise cross-sectional areas proportional to flow requirements, the system uses adjustable electronic valves that can dynamically control airflow to each zone. This resolves the manufacturing complexity by making the system adaptable through dynamic control rather than precise static manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the controlled parameter from conduit cross-sectional area (which requires precise manufacturing) to valve aperture position (which can be easily adjusted). By controlling the opening position of electronic valves rather than manufacturing conduits with precise sections, the system achieves accurate airflow distribution while simplifying manufacturing requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of this invention a regulation method for regulating an air conditioning system suitable for independently regulating the temperature of a plurality of zones. The air conditioning system comprises a thermal cycle machine. According to various embodiments, the thermal cycle machine is capable of delivering a cold airflow, a hot airflow or both. This flow is divided into smaller flows supplied to each of the zones to be regulated. The method according to the invention allows regulating these smaller flows as well as the operating conditions of the thermal cycle machine. According to various embodiments, the method additionally incorporates more complex variants involving variables such as pressure or thermal inertia. Likewise, according to one embodiment the air conditioning system incorporates a particular distributor configuration simplifying the installation of said regulation system.