Outdoor AC Driver Power Switching for Low-Standby Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for driving compressors in outdoor air conditioner units face challenges in reducing standby power consumption while maintaining operational efficiency, particularly when the indoor unit is stopped or in abnormal pressure conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a control switch that connects and disconnects power to the compressor driver and fan driver based on a switching command, allowing for selective power supply to the control circuits and inverter circuits, ensuring power saving while maintaining compressor functionality and managing abnormal pressure situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is continuously supplied to the compressor driver and fan driver, then the compressors and fan can operate without interruption, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power supply control by introducing control switches (304, 305) that can connect or disconnect power to the compressor driver and fan driver based on operational requirements. The system transitions from static continuous power supply to dynamic on-demand power supply, cutting power during standby conditions while maintaining capability for rapid restart when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If power is cut to the compressor driver during standby, then power consumption is reduced, but the compressor cannot quickly resume operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidrestart response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains the capability for quick restart by keeping the control circuitry in a ready state even when power is cut to the motors. The control switches are designed to enable rapid reconnection of power, and the control substrate remains capable of issuing restart commands immediately when operational conditions are met, achieving preliminary preparation for quick resumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the control switch disconnects power from the compressor driver, then standby power is saved, but abnormal pressure conditions cannot be monitored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby power savingVSAvoidabnormal condition monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power supply system into multiple controllable sections: the compressor driver power supply, the fan driver power supply, and the control circuitry power supply. Control switch 305 specifically manages power to the compressor driver, while the control substrate retains power through separate pathways, enabling independent control of monitoring functions from motor driving functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1995529B1Load driving apparatus for outdoor unit of an air conditioner and load driving method
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP1995529B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1995529B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1995529B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Power saving is implemented by cutting power to a compressor driver (31a) and a fan driver (31b) while operating power is kept supplied to a control substrate (307). After the power source to the control substrate (307) is turned on, power is supplied to the compressor driver (31a) and the fan driver (31b). Then, when it is determined that an indoor unit is in operation, the compressor driver (31a) and the fan driver (31b) are operated. Meanwhile, when it is determined that the indoor unit is not in operation, after the lapse of ten minutes or twenty minutes under a predetermined setting, the power to the compressor driver (31a) and the fan driver (31b) is cut. When the operation of the indoor unit is started again, power is supplied to the compressor driver (31a) and the fan driver (31b).