Vapor Compression Control Using Multi-Actuator Perturbation Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vapor compression systems, such as heat pumps and air-conditioning systems, face inefficiencies due to complex interactions among multiple components and the need for optimal energy consumption, which existing methods fail to address effectively, especially in complex multi-unit systems where mathematical models are inaccurate and difficult to calibrate.
Innovation Solution
A method that concurrently controls multiple actuators in vapor compression systems using sinusoidal perturbations to determine optimal operating points, optimizing energy consumption and system efficiency without relying on mathematical models, and adapting to changes over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mathematical models are used to optimize system operation, then system efficiency can be improved, but the method requires substantial real-time computational resources and is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal control inputs in lookup tables based on thermal flow conditions before real-time operation. During actual system operation, the controller simply retrieves pre-computed values from the lookup table based on measured thermal flow, avoiding time-consuming real-time mathematical model calculations while maintaining optimization performance.
2Use of energy by moving object
If thermal flow determination is performed to optimize control inputs, then energy consumption can be reduced, but the determination is difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and measures only the critical parameter (thermal flow) that directly determines optimal control inputs, rather than attempting to model or determine all system parameters. By focusing measurement efforts on this single key parameter, the system achieves energy optimization without the complexity of comprehensive system analysis.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple components are controlled concurrently to optimize system performance, then energy consumption is minimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple components (compressor speed, expansion valve position, fan speeds) into a unified control approach where all components are adjusted simultaneously based on thermal flow conditions and lookup table data. This merging of control functions achieves minimum energy consumption while managing complexity through integrated rather than separate control loops.
4Ease of operation
If conventional valve opening tables are used for control, then simple implementation is achieved, but the control is based on outside environment conditions only which is not always optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using fixed valve opening tables based solely on ambient temperature to a dynamic lookup table approach where control inputs are selected based on real-time thermal flow measurements. This parameter change from static to dynamic control data allows the system to adapt to actual operating conditions, achieving optimal performance while maintaining the simplicity of table-based control structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a vapor compression system modifies each control signal of a set of control signals with a corresponding modification signal of a set of modification signals, wherein each modification signal includes a perturbation signal, and the pertubation signals haver different frequencies and determines a metric signal representing perturbations in the system caused by the set of modification signals. Next, the method adjusts a value of each modification signal based on a function of a phase between the modification signal and a corresponding frequency component of the metric signal.