Variable speed air conditioner for enclosure cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosure cooling systems lack efficient and adaptable solutions for maintaining optimal temperatures within enclosures housing heat-generating components, particularly in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system with a controller that uses variable direct current (VDC) to adjust the speed of fans and compressors based on set points and temperature data from a thermostat, allowing for closed-loop cooling and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional fixed-speed cooling systems are used, then the enclosure temperature can be maintained, but energy consumption is high and the system lacks adaptability to varying thermal loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-speed motors to variable-speed motors that can dynamically adjust their operating speed based on real-time thermal conditions. The controller receives temperature feedback from sensors and modulates the speed of fans and compressors accordingly, allowing the system to adapt efficiently to varying thermal loads while reducing energy consumption during low-demand periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the cooling components by implementing multiple temperature set points (first, second, and third set points) that trigger different cooling intensities. By varying the speed parameter of motors and adjusting refrigerant flow based on these set points, the system optimizes energy usage across different operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple temperature set points and variable speed control are implemented, then energy efficiency and adaptability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor enclosure temperature and feed this information back to the controller. The controller compares the measured temperature against predefined set points and automatically adjusts the speed of cooling components, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through intelligent automation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives temperature input from sensors, compares readings against multiple set points, determines the appropriate cooling level, and controls both fan and compressor speeds. This multi-functional approach consolidates control logic into a single device, managing system complexity while enabling sophisticated adaptive behavior
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 provides efficient and adaptable cooling by optimizing fan and compressor speeds, reducing energy consumption, noise, and heat absorption, while maintaining optimal enclosure temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to: utilize two or more set points and input from the thermostat to variably control the one or more fans and one or more compressors using variable direct current (VDC)
Data Source
AI summary
One example provides a cooling system, including: a first side configured to face an ambient environment; a second side configured to face an enclosure interior; a flange that surrounds the system and is configured for attachment to an opening of the enclosure; a thermostat; one or more fans; one or more compressors; and a controller configured to: utilize two or more set points and input from the thermostat to variably control the one or more fans and one or more compressors using variable direct current (VDC).