Control system for multiple compressors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiple compressor systems primarily focus on temperature control, neglecting relative humidity, which is crucial for human comfort, and often lead to over-cooling discomfort due to continuous adjustment methods.
Innovation Solution
A compressor control system that uses pulse width modulation to intermittently adjust compressor output based on both temperature and relative humidity, allowing for temporary over-cooling to reduce humidity while maintaining temperature comfort, utilizing a system controller to manage multiple compressors with varying capacity levels and stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If continuous adjustment methods are used to meet temperature requirements, then temperature control is improved, but over-cooling discomfort occurs and energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulse width modulation (PWM) to intermittently operate compressors rather than continuously. The controller adjusts compressor duty cycles based on both temperature and humidity conditions, creating periodic on-off cycles that prevent over-cooling while maintaining comfort. This resolves the contradiction by replacing continuous operation with periodic operation that adapts to actual environmental conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple compressors are operated at full capacity to reduce relative humidity, then humidity control is improved, but temperature comfort deteriorates due to over-cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating compressors at partial capacity rather than full capacity. The controller modulates compressor output to provide only the necessary cooling power required, avoiding excessive cooling that would cause discomfort. This allows humidity reduction while maintaining temperature comfort by matching compressor output to actual load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making compressor capacity adjustable and dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors both temperature and humidity conditions and dynamically adjusts compressor duty cycles and capacity levels. This dynamic control allows the system to reduce humidity when needed while preventing over-cooling, resolving the contradiction between humidity control and temperature comfort.
3Ease of operation
If compressors are intermittently adjusted based on temperature and humidity, then human comfort is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that simultaneously handles multiple functions: temperature control, humidity control, and compressor management. The single controller integrates sensing and control for both temperature and humidity conditions, coordinating multiple compressors with varying capacity levels. This multi-functional approach improves human comfort while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for controlling an output for a plurality of compressors includes a control unit receiving a first value from a first sensor and generating a first output based on the first value. The control unit receives a second value from a second sensor and derives a final output from the first output and the second value. A plurality of compressors receives the control commands from the control unit based on the final output.