System and method for controlling the operation of an outdoor air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning systems waste energy as the outdoor unit heats air while indoor units cool it, due to cross-purpose operations when dehumidification and air conditioning loads are present, leading to inefficiencies in temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control the outdoor air conditioner to determine if an air conditioning load exists, heating the dehumidified air only if no load is detected, and passing dehumidified air at a dehumidification temperature if a load is present, using sensors to assess conditions such as indoor temperature, solar radiation, and indoor air conditioner operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the outdoor air conditioning unit heats dehumidified air to provide supply air at base temperature, then the air temperature is suitable for most rooms, but energy is wasted when indoor units simultaneously cool the air due to air conditioning loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the outdoor unit's heating operation based on real-time detection of indoor air conditioning loads. When a cooling load is detected in any indoor unit, the outdoor unit dynamically stops heating the supply air, allowing it to remain at dehumidification temperature. This dynamic adaptation prevents the contradiction between maintaining supply air temperature and avoiding energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by having indoor air conditioning units transmit operational status information to the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit receives feedback about cooling loads and adjusts its heating operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the outdoor unit to stop heating when indoor units are cooling, eliminating the energy waste from opposing heating and cooling operations.
2Temperature
If the outdoor unit provides supply air at base temperature to meet room temperature requirements, then individual room temperature needs are addressed, but cross-purpose heating and cooling operations occur when air conditioning loads exist
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the temperature control functions of the outdoor unit and indoor units through coordinated operation. When cooling loads are detected, the outdoor unit stops heating and the indoor units handle cooling, creating a unified control strategy. This merging of functions eliminates the inefficiency of simultaneous heating and cooling operations while maintaining effective temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on load conditions. When no cooling load exists, the outdoor unit heats supply air to base temperature for general temperature control. When cooling loads are detected, the system dynamically transitions to a mode where the outdoor unit provides dehumidified air at lower temperature and indoor units provide cooling. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between maintaining base temperature and avoiding cross-purpose operations.
3Quantity of substance
If dehumidification is performed by cooling air to dew point temperature, then humidity removal is achieved, but the air temperature becomes colder than desired for room comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the supply air temperature based on real-time detection of air conditioning loads. When cooling loads are present, the outdoor unit dynamically maintains air at dehumidification temperature without reheating, allowing the cold dehumidified air to be used directly. When no cooling load exists, the system dynamically heats the air to base temperature for comfort. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between dehumidification and temperature suitability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the supply air temperature parameter based on operational conditions. During dehumidification with cooling loads, the supply air temperature parameter is set to dehumidification temperature (colder). When no cooling loads are present, the parameter changes to base temperature (warmer). This parameter change strategy allows the system to achieve both effective dehumidification and temperature suitability under different conditions.
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 minimizes energy consumption by optimizing the operation of both outdoor and indoor units, reducing the need for redundant heating and cooling, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the outdoor air down to the dew point (55° F.) in the OACU, at which point moisture will condense out of the air
Implementation Method 2
heating the dehumidified air to generate supply air
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for controlling an outdoor air conditioner formed outside of a structure, the method including: drawing outdoor air into the outdoor air conditioner; cooling the outdoor air to a dehumidification temperature to provide dehumidified air in the outdoor air conditioner; determining whether an air conditioning load exists in an air conditioning space inside the structure; heating the dehumidified air to generate supply air if it is determined that no air conditioning load exists in the air conditioning space; passing the dehumidified air at the dehumidification temperature as the supply air if it is determined that an air conditioning load exists in the air conditioning space; and providing the supply air to the air conditioning space.