PV-Coupled Heat Pump Control for Surplus Power Air Conditioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint water boiler-air/air heat pump air conditioning systems do not maximize energy exploitation efficiency, particularly in utilizing electrical power produced by photovoltaic systems for air conditioning in residential and commercial environments.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that integrates a photovoltaic system with a joint water boiler-air/air heat pump system, utilizing a programmable logic controller and management software to optimize energy usage by prioritizing the use of surplus electrical power for air conditioning and domestic water production, minimizing reliance on public electrical power mains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic systems are coupled to joint water boiler-air/air heat pump air conditioning systems, then electrical power is produced for air conditioning, but energy exploitation efficiency is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photovoltaic system with the joint water boiler-air/air heat pump air conditioning system into an integrated energy management system. The control unit merges power production data from photovoltaic panels with consumption data from both the water boiler and air conditioning units, creating a unified system that optimizes energy usage across all components simultaneously, thereby maximizing energy exploitation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the control unit monitors real-time power production from photovoltaic systems and power consumption by the water boiler and air conditioning units. Based on this feedback, the control unit dynamically adjusts operational parameters to optimize energy exploitation, ensuring that produced electrical power is efficiently utilized before resorting to grid power.
2Loss of energy
If surplus electrical power is prioritized for air conditioning and domestic water production, then energy costs are reduced, but reliance on public electrical power mains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time conditions. When surplus electrical power from photovoltaic systems is available, the control unit prioritizes powering air conditioning and water production. When photovoltaic power is insufficient, the system automatically transitions to utilizing public electrical power mains, providing operational flexibility while minimizing energy costs through adaptive decision-making.
3Use of energy by moving object
If water boiler usage is minimized, then energy efficiency improves, but system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit changes operational parameters based on available energy sources. It monitors the operational status of both the water boiler and air conditioning units, and dynamically adjusts which system operates based on surplus electrical power availability. This parameter adjustment allows the system to minimize water boiler usage when photovoltaic power is abundant, improving energy efficiency while maintaining the capability to switch between different operational configurations.
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 achieves near-full exploitation of photovoltaic electrical power, reducing energy costs and providing cost-effective air conditioning and domestic water production, especially during sunny periods, while minimizing water boiler usage and offering flexible operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic system (2) with supply of the produced electrical power
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a joint water boiler-air/air heat pump air conditioning system (1) coupled to a photovoltaic system (2) and intended to air condition a closed environment formed by one or more rooms and comprising an electrical system to which electrical appliances (14) are connected, an electronic control system is programmed to: - compute electrical power production of the photovoltaic system (2) and electrical power consumption of the electrical appliances (14) in the closed environment and, based thereon, a surplus electrical power production of the photovoltaic system (2) with respect to the electrical power consumption of the electrical appliances (14) in the closed environment; - if a surplus of electrical power production of the photovoltaic system (2) is determined to exist with respect to the electrical power consumption of the electrical appliances (14) in the closed environment, determine how many indoor units (9) of the hot/cold air/air heat pump system(7) can be electrically supplied simultaneously with the electrical power surplus; - if it is determined that the surplus electrical power production of the photovoltaic system (2) is sufficient to supply one or simultaneously more indoor units (9) of the hot/cold air/air heat pump system (7), check whether indoor units (9) of the hot/cold air/air heat pump system(7) are scheduled to be switched on; and - if there is at least one indoor unit (9) of the hot/cold air/air heat pump system(7) scheduled to be switched on, switch on the indoor units (9) of the hot/cold air/air heat pump system(7) scheduled to be switched on based on the programmed switching on priorities and in a number no greater than the maximum number of indoor units (9) of the hot/cold air/air heat pump system (7), which can be electrically supplied simultaneously with the surplus electrical power production of the photovoltaic system (2).