Outdoor system for air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners face inefficiencies in operation due to the limitations of two-stage compression, which is only effective in very low outdoor temperatures, leading to suboptimal performance in other conditions.
Innovation Solution
An outdoor air conditioner system that can switch between one-stage and two-stage compression modes using additional refrigerant pipes and valves, allowing communication between outdoor units without the need for separate devices, enabling efficient operation in various temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outdoor systems are connected in series for two-stage compression, then the required pressure ratio is achieved when outdoor temperature is very low, but capacity and efficiency deteriorate in other temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between series connection (two-stage compression) for very low outdoor temperatures and parallel connection (one-stage compression) for other temperature conditions. This dynamic reconfiguration of the outdoor systems allows the air conditioner to adapt to different temperature environments while maintaining optimal capacity and efficiency in each condition.
2Productivity
If outdoor systems are connected in parallel, then capacity and efficiency are maintained in normal conditions, but the required pressure ratio cannot be achieved when outdoor temperature is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between parallel connection (one-stage compression) for normal temperature conditions and series connection (two-stage compression) for very low outdoor temperatures. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the air conditioner to achieve the required pressure ratio in extreme cold while maintaining optimal capacity and efficiency in normal operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate device is installed to enable switching between compression modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor systems are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as individual one-stage compression units and as combined two-stage compression units. The same outdoor systems and refrigerant pipes are used for both parallel and series connections, eliminating the need for separate switching devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple outdoor systems by enabling them to operate either independently in parallel or in series combination. By integrating the switching capability into the existing system architecture rather than adding separate devices, the solution reduces complexity while achieving compression mode flexibility.
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 system allows for flexible operation modes, optimizing heating performance across different outdoor temperatures by efficiently utilizing existing outdoor systems and space, while maintaining high capacity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with outdoor air
Implementation Method 3
the air conditioner performs a refrigeration cycle for compressing, condensing, expanding and evaporating refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor system for an air conditioner may include at least one outdoor unit, the at least one outdoor unit including a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger; a pair of two-stage compression lines that extends to outside of the outdoor system; a pair of connection lines that extends to the outside of the outdoor system and communicates with an indoor unit; and multiple valves that open/close the pair of two-stage compression lines and the pair of connection lines when the outdoor system is operated in a one-stage heating mode or a two-stage heating mode.