Shared Airflow Control in Multi-Unit Air Conditioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems face inefficiencies in energy consumption and heat exchange due to the structure of buildings and the arrangement of unitary air conditioners, where the common space, such as a roof space, acts as a heat-insulating air flow path, making it difficult to achieve efficient air conditioning operations.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning system that includes multiple air conditioners, a changeable ventilation fan, and a controller that adjusts airflow volume based on the air temperature of the common space, number of operating air conditioners, and processing loads to optimize heat exchange efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed airflow volume is used by the ventilation fan, then the system structure is simple, but the energy efficiency deteriorates when air temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation fan's airflow volume is made dynamically adjustable based on air temperature conditions. The controller receives air temperature information and automatically changes the airflow volume to match thermal conditions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to environmental changes for optimal energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (airflow volume) of the ventilation fan according to air temperature variations. By adjusting this parameter in response to thermal conditions, the system maintains high energy efficiency across different operating environments without requiring complex structural modifications.
2Productivity
If the airflow volume of the ventilation fan is increased to improve heat exchange efficiency, then the air conditioning efficiency improves, but the energy consumption of the ventilation fan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the balance between heat exchange efficiency and energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the airflow volume parameter. The controller selects appropriate airflow volumes based on air temperature conditions, ensuring high heat exchange efficiency when needed while reducing energy consumption during milder thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the controller receives air temperature information and adjusts the ventilation fan's airflow volume accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the fan operates at optimal levels to achieve necessary heat exchange efficiency while minimizing energy consumption based on actual thermal conditions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the airflow volume is dynamically adjusted based on air temperature, then the energy efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves improved energy efficiency through parameter adjustment (airflow volume) based on air temperature. The control mechanism monitors temperature conditions and modifies the fan's operational parameter accordingly, providing a relatively simple adaptive control solution that balances efficiency gains with acceptable control system complexity.
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
The system effectively suppresses energy consumption and improves overall energy efficiency by dynamically adjusting airflow to maintain efficient heat exchange in the common space, ensuring stable and efficient air conditioning operations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat transfer to and from the usage-side heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a heat source-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat transfer to and from the usage-side heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The ventilation fan is disposed near an intake port through which air in an outdoor area is taken in the common space and/or an exhaust port through which air is discharged from the common space toward the outdoor area
Implementation Method 4
a heat source-side fan configured to feed air from the common space to the heat source-side heat exchanger and to blow the air into the common space
Data Source
AI summary
An air conditioning system suppresses energy consumption by efficient shared use of air in a common space that is not subjected to air conditioning in an indoor area, among a plurality of air conditioners for the purpose of heat exchange. A plurality of air conditioners each include: a usage-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat exchange with air in an air-conditioning target space; a heat source-side heat exchanger configured to carry out heat transfer to and from the usage-side heat exchanger; and a heat source-side fan configured to feed air from a common space to the heat source-side heat exchanger and to blow the air into the common space. The heat source-side heat exchangers of the air conditioners are disposed in the common space. A first ventilation fan whose airflow volume is changeable is disposed near an exhaust port through which air is discharged from the common space toward an outdoor area. A controller changes the airflow volume of the ventilation fan, based on information on an air temperature of the common space.