Sub-Giga Wireless HVAC Unit Networking in High-Rise Buildings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner systems face communication challenges in high-rise buildings due to signal limitations and obstacles, leading to delayed data processing and instability in wireless communication between indoor, outdoor, and control units.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication system using sub-giga band frequencies, such as 400MHz and 900MHz, with omnidirectional antennas and routing algorithms like distance vector or link state, allowing direct communication between units without the need for a separate communication line, thereby enhancing stability and reducing installation and operation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless communication is implemented between air conditioner units, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but communication stability deteriorates due to signal attenuation from obstacles and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary device that enables data transmission between air conditioner units without requiring physical communication lines. This module includes a microcontroller and wireless communication interface that facilitate reliable wireless data exchange, resolving the contradiction by providing a mediator that overcomes the limitations of both wired and simple wireless approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing spread spectrum modulation techniques and adjustable transmission power levels to optimize communication reliability. The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as data rate, modulation scheme, and power output based on signal quality and distance, thereby maintaining stable communication despite obstacles and varying distances between units.
2Device complexity
If data is transmitted sequentially through the outdoor unit, then communication infrastructure is simplified, but data processing speed deteriorates due to delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication network into multiple independent wireless links between units, allowing parallel data transmission paths. Instead of a single sequential path through the outdoor unit, each indoor unit can communicate directly with the control unit or other units, creating multiple communication channels that operate simultaneously, thereby improving data processing speed while maintaining simplified infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional sequential communication structure to a multi-dimensional mesh network topology. Data can flow through multiple dimensions or paths simultaneously (direct indoor-to-control, indoor-to-outdoor, outdoor-to-control), enabling parallel processing and eliminating the bottleneck of sequential transmission through the outdoor unit.
3Speed
If higher frequency wireless communication is used, then data transmission speed is improved, but signal penetration through building obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency selection and adaptive modulation where the wireless communication module can switch between different frequency bands and modulation schemes based on environmental conditions. The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters to optimize the balance between data transmission speed and signal penetration capability, selecting lower frequencies when obstacles are present and higher frequencies when direct line-of-sight is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic signal transmission with duty cycling, where communication occurs in periodic intervals rather than continuously. This allows the system to transmit data in bursts at higher speeds when conditions permit, then listen for acknowledgments and retransmit if necessary, effectively managing the trade-off between transmission speed and reliability in the presence of obstacles.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an air conditioner. An air conditioner includes: a plurality of units including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and distributed at a plurality of layers in a building; and a control unit configured to monitor and control the plurality of units, wherein the control unit and the plurality of units include a communication unit configured to transmit/receive data in a wireless communication unit, respectively, and the communication unit transmits/receive the data using a sub-giga band frequency. A plurality of units transmit/receive data in a wireless communication scheme so that an indoor unit and an indoor unit, and an indoor unit and an outdoor unit may directly communicate with each other in a wireless scheme, and the indoor unit may directly communicate with a control unit without through the outdoor unit. Since a separate communication line is not installed, installation and operation costs may be reduced. Communication may be stably performed in a high-rise building and may be performed regardless of obstacles by specifying a frequency of a signal used by taking into consideration obstacles and an installation in a building. Direct communication between units is possible so that effects in management and operation of the air conditioner are increased to improve the stability.