Variable Speed Compressor Fixed-Speed Startup to Reduce Noise and Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioner units with variable speed compressors often generate undesirable noise and wear when switching between operating modes, particularly when there is a large temperature difference between the set and actual room temperatures, due to sudden changes in compressor speed.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioner unit with a refrigeration loop, a variable speed compressor, and a temperature sensor, where the compressor operates at a fixed speed for a predetermined time, determines a target temperature, and then adjusts to a target compressor speed based on the estimated room temperature and fixed speed, minimizing sudden speed changes and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the compressor speed is varied quickly to respond to large temperature differences, then the cooling/heating response time is improved, but noise and wear on the compressor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature response timeVSAvoidnoise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by operating the compressor at a fixed initial speed before transitioning to variable speed operation. This preliminary fixed-speed operation allows the system to establish baseline conditions and then smoothly transition to target speed, preventing sudden speed changes that cause noise and wear while still achieving responsive temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the compressor operates at variable speed to maintain energy efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but sudden speed changes cause noise and operational instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor energy consumptionVSAvoidnoise and operational instability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by implementing a controlled transition from fixed speed to variable speed operation. The compressor speed is dynamically adjusted through a transition period where it gradually changes from the fixed initial speed to the calculated target speed based on temperature differential, maintaining energy efficiency while avoiding sudden changes that cause noise and instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the compressor switches from fixed speed to variable speed operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but harmful noise is generated during the transition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor operating modesVSAvoidnoise during mode transition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing a fixed initial compressor speed operation mode before transitioning to variable speed. This preliminary phase allows the system to prepare for the mode switch and then transition smoothly to the target variable speed, maintaining operational flexibility while minimizing noise during the transition period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach reduces noise and wear on the compressor by smoothly transitioning compressor speeds, maintaining a comfortable environment while minimizing energy usage and system cycling.

Implementation Method 1

a variable speed compressor operably coupled to the refrigeration loop and being configured to urge a flow of refrigerant through the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor configured to detect an indoor temperature of a room

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 3

operate the variable speed compressor at a fixed compressor speed for a predetermined amount of time... generate a target compressor speed... operate the variable speed compressor at the target compressor speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS11668506B2System and method for operating a variable speed compressor of an air conditioner unit

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An air conditioner unit includes a refrigeration loop, a variable speed compressor urging refrigerant through the refrigeration loop, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature within a room, and a controller operably coupled to the variable speed compressor. The controller is configured to initiate the compressor at a fixed speed, determine an estimated target temperature of the room, determine an actual temperature of the room, generate a target compressor speed, and initiate the compressor at the target speed.