Outdoor Control Power Paths for Standby Noise and Inrush Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioning apparatuses face issues with reactive power consumption and external noise interference during the standby period, leading to malfunctions and failures in outdoor device control units.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning apparatus incorporates a dual current path system with a first path for inrush current suppression and a second path with a noise reduction unit and surge-current suppression resistor, allowing controlled power supply to the control-power-supply generation unit, reducing power consumption and enhancing noise resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If power is supplied to the outdoor device during standby period, then the control unit can respond immediately when operation is needed, but reactive power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power supply control by switching between two current paths based on operational state. During standby, the first current path is used with relays disconnected to reduce reactive power consumption. When operation is needed, the second current path is activated for immediate response. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between maintaining quick response capability and reducing standby power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the outdoor device is completely powered off during standby, then power consumption is reduced, but the control unit cannot respond immediately when operation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power supply levels rather than using a fixed on/off state. During standby, minimal power is supplied through the first current path to maintain basic functionality with reduced consumption. When operation is required, the system transitions to the second current path for full power operation, achieving both energy efficiency and quick response.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the outdoor device is completely powered off during standby, then power consumption is reduced, but external noise causes malfunctions and failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a first current path as an intermediary power supply route during standby periods. This path provides minimal continuous power that protects the control unit from external noise interference while consuming significantly less power than full operation. The intermediary power supply acts as a buffer against noise-induced malfunctions without the energy cost of full power supply.
4Device complexity
If a single current path is used for power supply, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot simultaneously achieve low power consumption and noise resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct current paths: a first current path for standby operation with reduced power consumption and noise protection, and a second current path for full operation. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements without requiring a completely complex multi-path architecture, achieving the balance between simplicity and performance.
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 configuration reduces standby power and reactive power consumption while preventing failures from surge currents, ensuring high power efficiency and resistance to external noise.
Implementation Method 1
a first current path through which AC power is supplied from the AC power supply to a control-power-supply generation unit through any one of the plurality of indoor devices, a first outdoor power-feed switching relay, and an inrush-current suppression resistor
Implementation Method 2
a second current path through which AC power is supplied from the AC power supply to the control-power-supply generation unit through a noise reduction unit, a second outdoor power-feed switching relay
Implementation Method 3
a surge-current suppression resistor having a lower impedance than the inrush-current suppression resistor
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning apparatus, being a power efficient and highly resistant to external noise, includes: an outdoor device; and indoor devices. The outdoor device includes: a first current path, through which AC power is supplied; and a second current path, through which AC power is supplied from the AC power supply to the control-power-supply generation unit through a first noise reduction unit, a second outdoor power-feed switching relay, and a surge-current suppression resistor. When there is a possibility an inrush current to the control-power-supply generation unit to be generated, the outdoor device supplies AC power of the AC power supply to the control-power-supply generation unit through the first current path. When there is not a possibility for an inrush current to the control-power-supply generation unit to be generated, the outdoor device supplies AC power of the AC power supply to the control-power-supply generation unit through the second current path.