System and method of adjusting compressor modulation range based on balance point detection of the conditioned space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current climate-control systems with fixed compressors face inefficiencies in energy usage and comfort maintenance due to fixed heating and cooling lockout points, leading to short cycling and increased auxiliary heat usage.
Innovation Solution
A climate-control system with a variable-capacity compressor and a control module that adjusts lockout thresholds based on outdoor ambient temperature and cycle run time, using a strike counter system to modify compressor operation modes and enable auxiliary heating strategically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fixed heating and cooling lockout points are used in climate-control systems, then the system structure is simple, but the system experiences short cycling and increased auxiliary heat usage leading to energy inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lockout point adjustment by modifying the fixed heating and cooling lockout points based on outdoor ambient temperature and cycle run time. The control module continuously adjusts these thresholds to prevent short cycling and optimize energy efficiency, transforming the static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring cycle run time and outdoor temperature, then using this information to adjust lockout points. The control module receives feedback from temperature sensors and operational data, processes this information, and modifies the lockout thresholds accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves energy efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed compressor capacity is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to varying temperature conditions leading to increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the compressor to operate at variable capacities rather than fixed capacity. The control module adjusts compressor capacity based on outdoor ambient temperature and indoor temperature requirements, allowing the system to adapt to varying thermal loads while managing complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting compressor capacity levels and lockout point thresholds based on environmental conditions. The control module modifies these parameters dynamically to optimize system performance across different temperature ranges, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-capacity compressors.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the compressor runs in short cycles, then the response speed to temperature changes is fast, but the energy efficiency deteriorates due to frequent start-stop operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic lockout point adjustment to extend compressor run cycles. By raising the heating lockout point or lowering the cooling lockout point based on outdoor temperature and run time, the system keeps the compressor running longer at lower capacities rather than cycling frequently, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining adequate response to temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of lockout points based on accumulated cycle run time data. The control module periodically evaluates whether lockout adjustment is needed based on the strike counter and temperature conditions, creating a rhythm of operation that balances energy efficiency with responsive temperature control.
Data Source
AI summary
A climate-control system includes a variable-capacity compressor, an outdoor ambient temperature sensor, a user-controlled device, and a control module. The outdoor ambient temperature sensor indicates a temperature of outdoor ambient air. The user-controlled device provides a demand signal indicating a demand for at least one of heating and cooling. The control module commands a compressor stage and a stage run time based on the temperature from the outdoor ambient temperature sensor and the demand signal. The control module also modifies a lockout threshold based on a cycle run time, where the cycle run time is an actual run time for the compressor to meet a setpoint temperature.