Remote Maintenance Server for Multi-Site Air Conditioner Power Saving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote total maintenance systems are unable to efficiently manage and reduce electricity consumption across multiple control sites, as they lack a power-saving feature to optimize the operation of indoor units in buildings such as structures, stores, and schools.

Innovation Solution

A remote maintenance server that detects continuously operated or non-operating indoor units and transmits control commands to adjust operation rates, set temperatures, and compressor capacities, using a waste operation mode to minimize energy usage, with communication through various networks like TCP/IP and RS-485.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional building management systems are used to control facilities in one building, then the control function is achieved, but the system cannot remotely manage multiple control sites and reduce energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote management capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The remote maintenance server is designed to universally manage multiple control sites through a single centralized platform. It can detect, diagnose, and control various types of indoor units (air conditioners, heat pumps, etc.) across different buildings, replacing the need for separate building management systems at each location. This multi-functional capability enables remote management of multiple sites while providing energy-saving features that were previously unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If indoor units operate continuously to maintain comfort, then the comfort level is maintained, but energy consumption increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the operational status, temperature, and energy consumption of indoor units. Based on this feedback, the remote maintenance server automatically adjusts operation rates, set temperatures, and compressor capacities to optimize energy consumption while maintaining comfort. The system can detect when continuous operation is unnecessary and reduce or stop operation accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as operation rate, set temperature, and compressor capacity based on real-time conditions. Instead of fixed continuous operation, the indoor units can vary their operation rates and temperatures according to actual needs, enabling energy savings while maintaining comfort when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a remote total maintenance system is implemented to manage multiple control sites, then remote management is achieved, but the system lacks power-saving features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated management capabilityVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges remote maintenance functionality with energy-saving control capabilities into a single integrated platform. The remote maintenance server combines diagnostic, monitoring, and energy optimization functions, allowing it to not only manage multiple control sites remotely but also actively reduce energy consumption through automated control adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3129946B1Remote maintenance server, total maintenance system including the remote maintenance server and method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3129946B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3129946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3129946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a remote maintenance server for remotely maintaining at least one maintenance point provided with an air conditioner having a plurality of indoor units performing air conditioning and at least one outdoor unit connected to the indoor units to drive the indoor units including a display unit configured to display a maintenance screen for maintaining the at least one maintenance point; and a controller configured to control at least one of an operation rate, a set temperature for the plurality of indoor units and a compression capacity of a compressor contained in the air conditioner according to a control setting value, and control the display unit to display control information, which is information associated with at least one of a control state and a control result in which at least one of the control setting value, the operation rate, the set temperature and the compression capacity is controlled, in a first region on the maintenance screen.