Thermal storage air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal storage air conditioners face challenges in responding to fluctuating power demands, requiring the ability to handle both 'requests for reduced use of power' and 'requests for accelerated use of power' effectively, especially with renewable energy surpluses or shortages.
Innovation Solution
A thermal storage air conditioner system with a thermal storage circuit, refrigerant circuit, and control section that switches operations based on received signals, shifting between utilization cooling, cooling, and cold thermal energy storage operations to manage power usage and storage efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the air conditioner operates in simple cooling mode to maintain room temperature, then cooling performance is maintained, but power consumption cannot be reduced when power shortage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling and stores cold thermal energy in the thermal storage tank during periods when power is abundant. This pre-stored cold energy is then utilized during power shortage periods to maintain cooling performance without additional power consumption, effectively resolving the contradiction between reducing power usage and maintaining reliable cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage tank acts as an intermediary between the refrigerant circuit and the room cooling system. It decouples the timing of cooling energy generation from cooling energy consumption, allowing the system to reduce instantaneous power consumption while maintaining overall cooling performance through the mediation of stored thermal energy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioner operates in utilization cooling mode to reduce power consumption, then power usage is optimized, but the ability to respond to accelerated power use requests is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control section dynamically switches between simple cooling mode, utilization cooling mode, and cold thermal energy storage mode based on real-time power requests from the power supply system. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize power consumption during normal operation while maintaining the capability to respond to accelerated power use requests by transitioning to different operational modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal storage tank serves multiple functions: it stores cold thermal energy for later utilization, enables power consumption reduction during shortages, and provides a buffer that allows the system to meet accelerated power use requests. This multi-functionality enhances the system's adaptability to various power supply scenarios while managing power consumption flexibly.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the air conditioner operates in cooling and cold thermal energy storage mode to store cold energy, then future power-saving capability is enhanced, but immediate cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cold thermal energy storage in the tank during periods when cooling demand is low or power is abundant. By pre-storing cooling capacity, the system extends its power-saving duration during subsequent high-demand periods, as the stored cold energy can be utilized without immediate power consumption for cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section implements periodic operation cycles alternating between cooling and cold thermal energy storage modes. During storage periods, immediate cooling capacity is reduced as energy is directed to charging the thermal storage tank. This periodic alternation allows the system to accumulate cooling capacity over time, extending the duration of power-saving operation while managing immediate cooling demands through cyclic operation.
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
Enables immediate power-saving operations during reduced power requests and increased power consumption with thermal energy storage during accelerated use requests, maintaining comfort and fulfilling demand fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling and cold thermal energy storage operation in which the refrigerant absorbs heat from the thermal storage medium
Implementation Method 2
the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (27)
Implementation Method 3
a utilization cooling operation in which the thermal storage medium absorbs heat from the refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
The control section implements: a utilization cooling operation in which the thermal storage medium absorbs heat from the refrigerant and in which the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger, when the receiving section receives a first signal indicating a request for reduced use of power during an operation in which the room is cooled by the refrigerant evaporating in the indoor heat exchanger; and a cooling and cold thermal energy storage operation in which the refrigerant absorbs heat from the thermal storage medium and in which the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger, when the receiving section receives a second signal indicating a request for accelerated use of power during the operation in which the room is cooled by the refrigerant evaporating in the indoor heat exchanger.