Variable-Capacity Air Conditioning to Prevent Early Thermo-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioners with save operation switches or temperature range settings often result in 'early thermo-off,' where operations stop before reaching the desired indoor temperature, causing user discomfort and energy inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner system with a capacity variable compressor, indoor heat exchangers, flow regulators, and controllers that adjust compressor capacity and flow valve apertures based on indoor temperature differences, allowing for energy-saving modes without changing the set temperature, thus preventing early thermo-off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the setting temperature is changed to achieve energy-saving operation, then energy consumption is reduced, but the setting temperature desired by the user is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor capacity is made dynamically variable through capacity variable type compressor (1) and inverter control, allowing the system to adjust cooling capacity continuously rather than using fixed on/off cycling. This enables energy-saving operation by matching capacity to actual load requirements while maintaining the user-set temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of compressor capacity (through frequency control of the inverter) to achieve energy-saving operation. By varying the compressor capacity parameter rather than changing the temperature setpoint, the system reduces energy consumption while preserving user comfort.
2Loss of energy
If the operation is stopped early to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the indoor temperature does not reach the desired set temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors (indoor temperature detecting means) to continuously monitor the indoor temperature and compare it with the user-set temperature. This feedback mechanism ensures operation continues until the desired temperature is actually reached, preventing early thermo-off while enabling energy-saving through capacity modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacity variable compressor allows dynamic adjustment of cooling capacity during operation. The system can operate at lower capacities when approaching the set temperature, reducing energy consumption while ensuring the temperature target is met, unlike fixed-capacity systems that must run fully or stop completely.
3Device complexity
If a fixed capacity compressor is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the system cannot achieve energy-saving operation without affecting user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a capacity variable type compressor (1) whose capacity can be continuously adjusted through inverter control of the compressor motor frequency. This dynamic capability allows the system to match cooling capacity to actual load requirements, achieving energy-saving operation while maintaining user comfort, at the cost of increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacity variable compressor serves multiple functions: it can operate at full capacity when high cooling is needed, at reduced capacity for partial load conditions, and can maintain steady-state temperature more efficiently. This multi-functionality enables energy-saving across various operating conditions without compromising comfort.
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
The system achieves energy-saving without altering the user-set temperature, ensuring comfortable indoor conditions by maintaining operation until the desired temperature is reached, thus preventing user discomfort during both cooling and heating operations.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (1) of a capacity variable type
Implementation Method 2
an outdoor heat exchanger (3)
Implementation Method 3
an indoor heat exchanger (23, 33)
Implementation Method 4
a flow regulator valve (22, 32)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an air conditioner which can obtain an energy-saving effect without any change to the setting temperature set by a user and, accordingly, without causing discomfort to the user. If a capacity restriction mode is set to at least one of indoor units Y1 and Y2, the setting temperature Ts in the indoor units Y1 and Y2 is not changed and is maintained at a value set by the user and a compressor 1 is operated with the capacity less than the normal capacity.