Portable air conditioner and control method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable conditioners face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to pressure imbalances between internal and external spaces, leading to increased energy expenditure without enhanced cooling or heating efficiency, as they struggle to dynamically adapt to varying environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A portable conditioner with a control and command unit that regulates air exchange through connection pipes using sensors to manage enthalpy differences between internal and external spaces, adjusting air flow based on set-point temperatures and humidity levels, and utilizing communication systems like Wi-Fi or NFC to optimize energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If the portable conditioner operates with fixed energy supply regulation based on simple temperature comparison, then the internal space temperature can be maintained, but energy expenditure increases due to frequent regulation around balanced condition and inability to utilize natural air reintegration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddynamic adaptation to environmental conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors temperature and humidity sensors to detect enthalpy differences between internal and external spaces, using this feedback to dynamically regulate air exchange and conditioner operation, replacing fixed threshold-based regulation with adaptive control that responds to actual thermodynamic conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (air exchange rate, energy supply) based on enthalpy difference calculations that combine temperature and humidity measurements, allowing the conditioner to adapt its behavior to varying environmental conditions rather than operating with fixed parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the conditioner increases energy supply to maintain internal space temperature, then cooling or heating capacity is improved, but energy expenditure increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling or heating capacityVSAvoidenergy expenditure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful effect of pressure imbalance and natural air reintegration into a beneficial feature by detecting enthalpy differences and using them to trigger controlled air exchange that reduces the thermal load on the conditioner, thereby decreasing energy expenditure while maintaining cooling or heating capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The conditioner dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time enthalpy difference calculations, varying air exchange rates and energy supply according to actual environmental conditions rather than operating at fixed capacity levels, optimizing the balance between cooling/heating performance and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the portable conditioner uses simple temperature-based regulation, then the control system remains simple, but it cannot effectively utilize enthalpy differences to reduce energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidenergy waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates enthalpy difference calculations that combine temperature and humidity parameters, transforming the control approach from simple temperature comparison to a more sophisticated thermodynamic parameter-based system that enables energy optimization through controlled air exchange

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution dynamically optimizes energy consumption and performance by promoting or hindering natural air reintegration, reducing energy expenditure and enhancing the real efficiency of the conditioner by adapting to specific environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The control unit is configured to regulate at least one of the delivery device and the suction device on the basis of an enthalpy difference determined between the internal space and the external space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnthalpy difference:

Implementation Method 2

This pressure imbalance induces a natural re-integration of air from the external to the internal space through doors, windows, or other apertures or interspaces that can possibly be present

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11739969B2Portable air conditioner and control method

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 DE LONGHI APPLIANCES SRL

AI summary

A portable conditioner to cool or heat an internal space separate from an external space includes a control and command unit configured to determine at least the enthalpy difference between the internal space and the external space, and to regulate the quantity of air exchanged with the external space in relation to the enthalpy difference determined with respect to an expected value of enthalpy difference corresponding to a conditioning temperature and to a defined conditioning relative humidity. The present invention also concerns a method to regulate the portable conditioner.