Control circuit for air conditioner outdoor unit, electric control component and air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioners face challenges in reducing standby power consumption due to the need to maintain power supply to outdoor unit components, which hinders compliance with low energy consumption requirements.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit for the air conditioner outdoor unit incorporates a standby power supply that operates based on signals from the indoor unit to control a first electronic switch, allowing the outdoor unit to power down during standby, using a non-isolated switching power supply to drive the switch and minimize power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the outdoor unit power supply circuit remains powered during standby to maintain readiness, then the air conditioner can respond quickly when needed, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent circuits: a first power supply circuit that powers down during standby, and a second power supply circuit that remains active. This segmentation allows the outdoor unit to be completely powered off during standby while maintaining the capability to quickly restart, thus resolving the contradiction between low standby power consumption and fast response capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic power management by controlling the first electronic switch to connect or disconnect the first power supply circuit from the outdoor unit power supply circuit based on operational state. During standby, the switch disconnects the power circuit to minimize energy consumption, while during operation, it connects to provide full power, enabling the system to adapt its power consumption dynamically to actual needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the outdoor unit is completely powered down during standby, then power consumption is minimized, but the unit cannot respond quickly when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandby power consumptionVSAvoidreadiness
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is divided into two independent circuits: a first power supply circuit that is disconnected during standby to minimize power consumption, and a second power supply circuit that remains active to maintain system readiness. This segmentation enables the outdoor unit to be completely powered off while preserving the capability to quickly restart through the always-on second circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second power supply circuit acts as an intermediary that remains active during standby to maintain communication and control capabilities. This intermediary power supply enables the outdoor unit to receive startup commands and respond quickly while the main first power supply circuit remains disconnected, thus preserving readiness without significant power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces standby power consumption of the air conditioner by ensuring the outdoor unit is powered down when not in use, meeting low energy consumption standards and enhancing energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the non-isolated switching power supply is configured to convert the standby control power supply of the indoor unit into direct current (DC) voltage, to power on and actuate the first relay

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwitching power supply conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12359839B2Control circuit for air conditioner outdoor unit, electric control component and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.07.15 FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • US12359839B2 patent drawing
  • US12359839B2 patent drawing
  • US12359839B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control circuit for an air conditioner outdoor unit, an electric control component and an air conditioner are provided. The control circuit has a power input end for accessing alternating current power, an outdoor unit power supply circuit connected to the power input end for converting the accessed alternating current into an outdoor unit power supply, a first electronic switch provided in series between the power input end and the outdoor unit power supply circuit, and a standby power supply. An input end of the standby power supply is connected to an output end of a standby control power supply of an indoor unit. An output end of the standby power supply is connected to a controlled end of the first electronic switch. The standby power supply starts to operate when receiving the standby control power supply of the indoor unit, to control the closing of the first electronic switch.