Vapor Compression Control Using Precomputed Input Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor compression systems face challenges in optimizing energy efficiency and computational complexity in controlling operations to maintain specified setpoints, particularly in adjusting condenser fan speed and determining optimal control inputs in real-time without measuring heat flow.
Innovation Solution
A method that pre-determines optimal sets of control inputs using a computer-based model and stores them in a lookup table or approximator, allowing for real-time selection based on differences between setpoints and current metrics, minimizing computational complexity and avoiding heat flow determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If real-time monitoring and determination of control inputs is performed to optimize system performance, then energy efficiency is improved, but computational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal control inputs in lookup tables before system operation. During real-time operation, the controller simply retrieves pre-determined control values based on current operating conditions, avoiding complex real-time calculations while maintaining optimization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple pre-calculated control strategies in advance to handle different operating scenarios. By having control solutions ready beforehand for various conditions, the system can quickly adapt to changing conditions without performing complex real-time optimization calculations
2Use of energy by moving object
If frequent adjustments to condenser fan speed are made to optimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the condenser fan speed to a level that may be slightly higher or lower than the theoretical optimal value, rather than making frequent small adjustments. This partial action approach reduces the number of adjustments while maintaining acceptable energy efficiency and system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of control inputs rather than continuous adjustment. The system checks operating conditions at predetermined intervals and makes adjustments only when necessary, reducing frequent changes that could destabilize the system while still maintaining energy efficiency
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive real-time monitoring of all thermodynamic parameters is performed to determine optimal control inputs, then control precision is improved, but measurement and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the most critical thermodynamic parameters for control decisions, such as evaporator outlet temperature and condenser conditions. By selecting only the essential parameters needed for optimal control, the system achieves high control precision without the burden of monitoring and processing all possible thermodynamic parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system control an operation of a vapor compression system using a set of control inputs. A control value is determined based on an output of the operation of the vapor compression system and a setpoint for the operation of the vapor compression system. The control value is used to select at least a subset of the set of control inputs from a computer-readable medium, wherein the subset of control inputs, along or in combination with a function of the control value, forms the set of control inputs.