System for determining operation condition of precooling operation/preheating operation of air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for controlling air conditioner operations during precooling or preheating lack efficient integration of ventilation and light blocking to optimize energy usage and comfort, particularly in absence scenarios where user behavior and environmental conditions are not adequately considered.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an air conditioner, a light-blocking apparatus, and a control unit that uses reinforcement learning to determine operation details based on set temperatures, outside air temperatures, solar radiation, and energy consumption to optimize precooling or preheating operations by controlling both the air conditioner and light-blocking devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If precooling or preheating operation is performed in absence control, then comfortableness when user returns is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortablenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs precooling or preheating operations in advance before the user returns to the target space. The operation detail determining unit calculates optimal operation details (start time, end time, temperature settings) based on predicted user return time, ensuring the space is ready for occupancy while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during extended absence periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operation parameters (temperature settings, operation duration, light blocking degree) based on the calculated operation details. By optimizing these parameters according to predicted user behavior and environmental conditions, the system achieves the desired comfort level while reducing overall energy consumption compared to fixed parameter approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If light blocking apparatus is controlled during precooling/preheating, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system merges the control of the air conditioner and the light blocking apparatus into a unified operation detail determining unit. This integrated approach coordinates both devices based on the same calculated operation details (timing, temperature goals, solar radiation data), achieving synergistic energy savings while managing complexity through centralized control logic rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses solar radiation amount as feedback input to determine operation details. By continuously monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting the coordination between light blocking and air conditioning operations accordingly, the system optimizes energy efficiency while the feedback mechanism provides a structured approach to managing control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If machine learning is used to determine operation details, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation optimizationVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation detail determining unit employs machine learning algorithms that enable the system to automatically learn and optimize operation patterns based on historical data and environmental conditions. The system self-adjusts to improve productivity in determining optimal precooling/preheating parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems, as the learning algorithm autonomously refines operation details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances the efficiency of precooling or preheating operations by minimizing energy usage and maintaining comfort by dynamically adjusting the operation of both the air conditioner and light-blocking apparatus based on real-time data and user behavior.

Implementation Method 1

an air conditioner that performs heat exchange between air in a target space for precooling or preheating and a heat medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a light blocking apparatus that blocks light incident on a target space from an outside of a building

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4184072B1System for determining operation condition of precooling operation/preheating operation of air conditioner
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4184072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4184072B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4184072B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A precooling operation/preheating operation control apparatus (100) includes: an air conditioner (10), a ventilation apparatus (20), a first control unit (41), a second control unit (42), and an operation detail determining unit (45). The air conditioner (10) performs heat exchange between air in a target space (R) for precooling or preheating and a heat medium. The ventilation apparatus (20) replaces part of the air in the target space (R) with outside air that is air outside a building. The operation detail determining unit (45) determines, on the basis of a set temperature of the target space (R) at a designated time and a quantity related to an outside air temperature, operation details of the air conditioner (10) and operation details of the ventilation apparatus (20) during a precooling operation or preheating operation.