Power electronics communication in self-powered air conditioning system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems do not adequately address the varying costs associated with peak and minimum electrical demand, leading to higher costs during peak demand times, and there is a need for systems that can operate efficiently under different pricing conditions and utility signals.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system with integrated electrical energy storage systems and power converters that allow components to be powered by an AC power grid, an energy storage device, or both, with a controller managing power distribution based on utility signals and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If air conditioning systems draw power from the power grid during peak demand times, then continuous operation is maintained, but energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the energy storage device during minimum demand periods when electricity is cheaper and less stressful on the grid. This advance preparation allows the system to operate independently during peak demand periods, avoiding high costs while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the power grid and the air conditioning system. It buffers the system from peak demand costs by storing energy during low-cost periods and releasing it during high-cost periods, effectively decoupling operation timing from billing timing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air conditioning systems operate during peak demand times, then cooling needs are met, but electrical stress on the power grid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges energy storage devices during minimum demand periods, creating a buffer that allows continuous operation during peak demand without drawing additional stress on the power grid. This advance preparation eliminates the harmful effect of peak demand electrical stress while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device serves as an intermediary that absorbs the electrical stress during peak demand periods. By releasing stored energy during these times, it prevents the air conditioning system from directly drawing power from the stressed grid, thereby reducing electrical stress while maintaining cooling operation.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If air conditioning systems use energy storage devices, then cost-effective power management is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides universal functionality by automatically managing multiple power sources (power grid and energy storage device) through a unified interface. It handles charging, discharging, and power switching based on utility signals and system needs, masking the underlying complexity while delivering cost-effective power management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors utility signals, power source availability, and system operation status. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of power management strategies, optimizing cost efficiency while keeping the control architecture manageable through rule-based decision making.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method of providing communication between a utility (800) and power electronics (900) of an air conditioning system (902), the method including receiving, at a controller (810) of the air conditioning system (902), a message (802) from the utility (800); wherein the message (802) includes an event field (850) including an event and a start time field (852) including a start time; determining (946) whether a current time equals the start time; upon determining that the current time equals the start time, transmitting (948) the message to the power electronics (900).