Remote Controller Power Selection in Multi-Split Air Conditioners
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-type air conditioners, remote controllers often face difficulties in receiving sufficiently high voltage due to voltage drops in power lines, especially when the distance between the remote controller and the indoor unit supplying power is long.
Innovation Solution
The system selects an indoor unit with the highest voltage value to supply power to the remote controller through a communication line, which also transmits high-frequency communication signals, using a power-supplying indoor unit module and a power filter to ensure reliable power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the remote controller receives electric power from an indoor unit through a long power line, then the remote controller can be powered without external power supply, but the voltage drops significantly due to the long distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the remote controller measures the voltage received from each indoor unit and reports it back. Based on this feedback, the system automatically selects the indoor unit with the highest voltage as the power supply source, ensuring optimal power delivery despite long transmission distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by selecting different indoor units as power sources based on their voltage characteristics. Instead of using a fixed power supply configuration, the system dynamically adjusts which indoor unit supplies power to the remote controller, optimizing the voltage level for reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If the indoor unit supplies electric power through the communication line, then the power supply structure is simplified, but the high-frequency communication signals are interfered with by power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (power filter) that separates the power transmission function from the communication signal transmission. The power filter acts as a mediator that allows DC power to pass through while blocking high-frequency communication signals, enabling both functions to coexist on the same communication line without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by transmitting communication signals in time slots when power transmission is not occurring, or using different frequency bands. The communication line alternates between carrying DC power and carrying high-frequency communication signals, ensuring that both functions can operate without mutual interference.
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes at least one outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, and at least one remote controller to receive operation commands for the plural indoor units. One of the plural indoor units may be selected as a power-supplying indoor unit to supply electric power to the at least one remote controller, based on voltage values of electric power to be supplied from the plural indoor units to the at least one remote controller. The selected indoor unit supplies electric power to the at least one controller. The air conditioner enables a supply of electric power with a sufficiently high voltage to a remote controller by supplying electric power to the remote controller by one indoor unit exhibiting a highest voltage value of electric power to be supplied to the remote controller, as compared to other indoor units.