Outdoor Unit Power Loop Control for Low-Standby Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air conditioners face challenges in reducing standby power consumption, which affects energy efficiency and environmental impact due to ongoing power supply to control circuits even in idle states.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power supply control circuit in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner that manages power supply through on/off loops, allowing for efficient power distribution and communication between indoor and outdoor units, minimizing standby power consumption by switching between power loops based on control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply continuously supplies power to the outdoor unit control circuits, then the control circuits can operate reliably and respond to commands, but the standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control circuit periodically switches between on and off states based on operational requirements. During standby, the circuit remains off to save energy, and activates only when communication signals indicate operational needs, thus achieving periodic power supply that balances reliability and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor unit's power supply control circuit autonomously determines when to power on or off based on received communication signals from the indoor unit. The system self-manages its power state without continuous external control, enabling it to enter low-power mode during standby while maintaining the ability to respond reliably when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply control circuit frequently switches power loops on and off, then standby power consumption is reduced, but the system response time and reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply control circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor communication signals from the indoor unit. When standby commands are received, the circuit transitions to off state; when operational commands are detected, it switches on. This feedback-driven approach ensures reliable response while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit prepares for potential operational states by maintaining the ability to quickly transition from standby to active mode. Communication circuits remain in a low-power listening state, ready to receive and respond to commands immediately, thus preliminary preparation ensures rapid response without continuous full-power operation
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes an outdoor-unit main control circuit, a power supply, a power supply control circuit, and an outdoor-unit communication circuit. The power supply control circuit is disposed in a loop of a power supply line for supplying power to the power supply, and is configured to control the power supply line to supply power to the power supply by controlling on/off of the loop; and the power supply is configured to supply power to the outdoor-unit main control circuit and the outdoor-unit communication circuit after receiving the power supplied from the power supply line.