KR20100036880A - Apparatus for controlling an operation of a multi air-conditioning system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A drive controller and a method of a multi air conditioning system are provided to reduce power consumption by limiting power according to an outdoor and indoor temperature changing rate and the capacity of an indoor unit. CONSTITUTION: A drive controller and method of a multi air conditioning system comprises a capacity detection unit(300), a temperature detection unit(130), and a power control unit(120). The capacity detection unit detects the operation capacity of one or more indoor units. The temperature detection unit detects the outdoor temperature. The power control unit sets a limited amount of power for the multi air-conditioning system according to the outside temperature and the capacity of the indoor unit. After the power control unit sets the temperature of the indoor unit, the limited power is varied according to the indoor temperature changing rate.

Description

Operation control apparatus and method of multi-air conditioning system {APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN OPERATION OF A MULTI AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an operation control apparatus and method of a multi-air conditioner system. More particularly, in performing peak power control of a multi-air conditioner system, a limiting power is set in response to an outside temperature and an indoor load, and a rate of change of the room temperature is provided. The present invention relates to an operation control apparatus and method for a multi-air conditioner system that can save energy and improve user convenience by changing the limited power.

As shown in FIG. 1, a general multi-air conditioner system includes an outdoor unit 210 that controls distribution and circulation of refrigerant and an indoor unit 220 that is shared with the outdoor unit 210 and discharges air into each chamber. The multi-air conditioner 200 and the plurality of multi-air conditioner 200 is connected to the central control unit 100 that can be centrally controlled.

Initially, since the control program for individually controlling the plurality of air conditioners 200 was not implemented in the central control apparatus 100, it was not possible to individually control the detailed functions of each of the multi air conditioners 200. By simultaneously turning on / off the power of the air conditioner 200 or by applying the same desired temperature of all the air conditioners 200, there is a problem that the efficiency is lowered.

In order to solve such a problem, a user generally controls setting information of an air conditioner such as network information about each multi-air conditioner 200 connected to the central control apparatus 100, and device information of the indoor unit 220 and the outdoor unit 210. The control program for registering in advance to the control device 100 and individually controlling each air conditioner according to the registered setting information is implemented in the central control device 100.

Accordingly, in order to increase the efficiency of air conditioner management in a common building such as a company or a school where air conditioners are recently installed, a central control device is installed. As the performance of the outdoor unit 210 is improved, a large number of indoor units 220 are provided. Shared and connected to the outdoor unit 210, the central control unit 100 through a plurality of multi-air conditioner 200 is integrated control.

In addition, the central control apparatus 100 switches and controls the operation mode of the air conditioner so that the total amount of power used for the operation of the multi-air conditioner 200 is limited to a predetermined target power or less. Therefore, when the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners installed exceeds the target power amount, the central control apparatus may efficiently manage energy by adjusting the power consumption amounts of the plurality of air conditioners.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating power consumption and limited power with respect to the outside temperature during peak power control in FIG. 1, where A represents the outside temperature and B represents the limited power set by an administrator. Peak power control is performed to maintain the peak power of the power consumption below the set limit power.

In the conventional multi-air conditioner system, as shown in FIG. 3, regardless of the load capacity of the indoor load, that is, the multi-air conditioner, the administrator sets the limit power to a constant value to perform peak power control, thereby allowing the actual user to use the system. There is a problem that becomes uncomfortable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an operation control apparatus and method for a multi-air conditioner system that sets a limit power corresponding to an outside temperature and an indoor load, and changes the limit power according to a change rate of the room temperature.

Operation control apparatus of the multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a capacity detecting unit for detecting at least one indoor unit operating capacity, a temperature detecting unit for detecting the outside air temperature, and based on the indoor unit operating capacity and the outside air temperature And a power control unit for setting the limit power of the multi-air conditioner system.

In addition, the operation control method of the multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention for achieving the above object comprises the steps of detecting at least one indoor unit operating capacity, detecting the outside air temperature, and based on the indoor unit operating capacity and the outside temperature And setting the limited power of the air conditioner system.

According to the present invention, in performing peak power control of a multi-air conditioner system, limiting power may be set according to an outside temperature and an indoor load, and limiting power may be changed according to a change rate of room temperature, thereby improving user convenience.

In addition, the present invention can save energy by setting the limiting power in response to the outside temperature and the indoor load, and changing the limiting power in accordance with the change rate of the room temperature in performing the peak power control of the multi-air conditioning system.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner is shared with the outdoor unit 210 and the outdoor unit 210 for controlling the distribution and circulation of the refrigerant. A central control device 100 configured to connect the plurality of multi-air conditioners 200 including the indoor units 220 for discharging and the plurality of multi-air conditioners 200 to perform central control, and to detect one or more indoor unit operating capacities. The central control apparatus 100 includes a capacity detecting unit 300, and includes an air conditioner control unit 110 that controls the multi-air conditioner 200, a temperature detection unit 130 that detects an outside air temperature, and an indoor unit. It is configured to include a power control unit 120 for setting the limit power of the multi-air conditioning system based on the operating capacity and the outside temperature.

On the other hand, the operation control apparatus of the multi-air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the capacity detection unit 300 for detecting one or more indoor unit operating capacity, the temperature detection unit 130 for detecting the outside air temperature, and the indoor unit It is configured to include a power control unit 120 for setting the limit power of the multi-air conditioning system based on the operating capacity and the outside temperature.

The capacity detecting unit 300 detects an operating capacity, that is, an indoor load according to each indoor unit, from one or more indoor units 220 provided in the multi-air conditioner. The capacity required when operating the indoor unit according to the set temperature, the power consumption according to the compressor frequency and frequency is determined according to the indoor unit operating capacity.

The temperature detection unit 130 detects the outside air temperature at the place where each indoor unit is installed. In FIG. 2, the temperature detection unit 130 is provided in the central control device 100, but the temperature detection unit 130 may be disposed at a place where each indoor unit is installed. In addition, the temperature detection unit 130 may be provided in the central control apparatus 100, and a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown) connected to the temperature detection unit 130 may be provided at each indoor unit installation site.

The power control unit 120 sets the limited power based on each indoor unit operating capacity detected from the capacity detecting unit 300 and the outside air temperature at each indoor unit installation location detected from the temperature detecting unit 130. After setting the limit power, the operation control apparatus of the multi-air conditioner system performs peak power control by preventing the peak power that the entire multi-air conditioner system can use to the maximum does not exceed the limit power.

The limited power is set by multiplying the power consumption according to the indoor unit operation capacity by the efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature and the power allowance. The power consumption according to the indoor unit operating capacity may be determined by the product of the required frequency of the compressor and the power consumption per compressor frequency according to the indoor load detected through the capacity detecting unit 300. In addition, when the power consumption required for one indoor unit can be known, it may be simply determined by the sum of indoor units that require operation. The efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature is a value determined from the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit 120, and may be preset by an administrator or the like. The efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature is determined after calculating the efficiency of the compressor based on the high pressure and the refrigerant discharge temperature because the low pressure is constant in cooling, and the high pressure is constant in the case of heating, so the compressor based on the low pressure and the refrigerant discharge temperature The efficiency of can then be determined. In addition, the efficiency compensation value can be set in a simple manner by configuring a table according to the outside temperature. The power allowance is to set an allowance for operating the system within a range in which the entire system does not exceed the amount of available power, and may be set to, for example, 80% in the range of 0 to 100%.

4 is a diagram illustrating power consumption and limit power with respect to the outside air temperature during peak power control of the multi-air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, where C represents the outside air temperature and D represents the limited power. Unlike B representing the limited power in FIG. 3, D representing the limited power may be changed according to the ambient temperature.

Operation control apparatus of a multi-air conditioner system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the capacity detection unit 300 for detecting one or more indoor unit operating capacity, the temperature detection unit 130 for detecting the outside air temperature, and the indoor unit operating capacity And a power control unit 120 for setting limited power of the multi-air conditioner system based on the outside air temperature, wherein the power control unit 120 includes a setting unit 121 for setting a temperature for each indoor unit; And a power change unit 123 which calculates a set temperature following speed at which the outside temperature follows the indoor unit set temperature, and changes the limited power by reflecting the set temperature.

The capacity detecting unit 300 detects an operating capacity, that is, an indoor load according to each indoor unit, from one or more indoor units 220 provided in the multi-air conditioner. The capacity required when operating the indoor unit according to the set temperature, the power consumption according to the compressor frequency and frequency is determined according to the indoor unit operating capacity.

The temperature detection unit 130 detects the outside air temperature at the place where each indoor unit is installed. In FIG. 2, the temperature detection unit 130 is provided in the central control device 100, but the temperature detection unit 130 may be disposed at a place where each indoor unit is installed. In addition, the temperature detection unit 130 may be provided in the central control apparatus 100, and a plurality of temperature sensors (not shown) connected to the temperature detection unit 130 may be provided at each indoor unit installation site.

The power control unit 120 sets the limited power based on each indoor unit operating capacity detected from the capacity detecting unit 300 and the outside air temperature at each indoor unit installation location detected from the temperature detecting unit 130. After setting the limit power, the operation control apparatus of the multi-air conditioner system performs peak power control by preventing the peak power that the entire multi-air conditioner system can use to the maximum does not exceed the limit power.

The limited power is set by multiplying the power consumption according to the indoor unit operation capacity by the efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature and the power allowance. The power consumption according to the indoor unit operating capacity may be determined by the product of the required frequency of the compressor and the power consumption per compressor frequency according to the indoor load detected through the capacity detecting unit 300. In addition, when the power consumption required for one indoor unit can be known, it may be simply determined by the sum of indoor units that require operation. The efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature is a value determined from the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit 120, and may be preset by an administrator or the like. The efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature is determined after calculating the efficiency of the compressor based on the high pressure and the refrigerant discharge temperature because the low pressure is constant in cooling, and the high pressure is constant in the case of heating, so the compressor based on the low pressure and the refrigerant discharge temperature The efficiency of can then be determined. In addition, the efficiency compensation value can be set in a simple manner by configuring a table according to the outside temperature. The power allowance is to set an allowance for operating the system within a range in which the entire system does not exceed the amount of available power, and may be set to, for example, 80% in the range of 0 to 100%.

The power control unit 120 sets a temperature for the indoor unit, and then changes the limited power based on a speed at which the outdoor air temperature follows the indoor unit set temperature. The power control unit 120 calculates a set unit 121 for setting a temperature for each indoor unit, and a set temperature following speed at which the outside air follows the indoor unit set temperature, and reflects the limited power to reflect the set power. It includes a power change unit 123 to change. The setting unit 121 is set to the temperature that the user wants to operate. Of course, the setting unit 121 may be provided in each indoor unit. In addition, the setting unit 121 may be installed in an outdoor unit connected to a plurality of indoor units. In addition, the setting unit 121 may be installed in the central control apparatus 100 separately from the power control unit 120.

The power change unit 123 operates each indoor unit at a set temperature for each indoor unit set through the setting unit 121, and the outside air temperature of each indoor unit detected through the temperature detection unit 130 is set to the above. Calculate the speed at which temperature is followed. The power change unit 123 changes the limited power by reflecting the calculated set temperature following speed.

5 is a diagram illustrating power consumption and limit power with respect to the outside air temperature in the peak power control of the multi-air conditioner system according to another embodiment of the present invention, where C represents the outside temperature, D represents the limited power, and E Indicates that the limiting power has been changed to reflect the set temperature following speed. Unlike B representing the limited power in FIG. 3, D and E representing the limited power may be changed according to the ambient temperature.

In addition, the power change unit 123 prepares a limit power change amount according to the set temperature tracking speed as a table, and selects one of the limit power change amounts written in a table corresponding to the calculated set temperature tracking speed to set the limit power. You can change it. For example, when the set temperature following speed changes from 0.1 deg. C / min to 1 deg. C / min, the limit power change amount is set in advance from 10% to 1% of the maximum load, and the calculated set temperature following speed is 0.5 deg. In the case of minutes, the limiting power is changed to reflect the corresponding 6%.

Hereinafter, the operation and operation control method of the operation control apparatus of the multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

Operation control method of a multi-air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of detecting at least one indoor unit operating capacity (SP10), the step of detecting the outside temperature (SP20), and the indoor unit operating capacity and the outside temperature And setting the limited power of the multi-air conditioner system on the basis (SP30).

Detecting the at least one indoor unit operating capacity (SP10) detects the indoor load required for each indoor unit 210 in the multi-air conditioner. The indoor unit operating capacity, i.e., the indoor load, can be determined as the product of the required compressor operating frequency and power consumption per frequency. Detecting the outside air temperature (SP20) detects the air temperature at the place where each indoor unit is installed. In another embodiment, the multi-air conditioner system may include a temperature sensor at a place where each indoor unit is installed, and a temperature detection unit provided in the central control device 100 of the multi-air conditioner system to detect the outside temperature detected by each temperature sensor. Can be collected through 130. Setting the limit power of the multi-air conditioner system (SP30) sets the limit power based on the detected indoor unit operating capacity and the outside temperature, wherein the peak power of the power used by the entire multi-air conditioner system is less than the limit power. Limited to. Here, the limited power may be determined as a product of power consumption according to the indoor operating capacity, efficiency compensation value and power allowance for each outside temperature, and the efficiency compensation value and power allowance for each outside temperature are preset by an administrator. Can be. The efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature is a value determined from the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit 120, and may be preset by an administrator or the like. The efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature is determined after calculating the efficiency of the compressor based on the high pressure and the refrigerant discharge temperature because the low pressure is constant in the cooling, and the high pressure is constant in the case of heating, so the compressor based on the low pressure and the refrigerant discharge temperature The efficiency of can then be determined. In addition, the efficiency compensation value can be set in a simple manner by configuring a table according to the outside temperature. The power allowance is to set an allowable range in which the system is to be operated within the range in which the entire system does not exceed the amount of available power, and may be set to, for example, 80% in the range of 0 to 100%.

In addition, the operation control method of the multi-air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of detecting at least one indoor unit operating capacity (SP10), the step of detecting the outside temperature (SP20), the indoor unit operating capacity and the outside air Setting the limited power of the multi-air conditioner system based on the temperature (SP30), setting the temperature for each indoor unit (SP40), and setting temperature tracking speed at which the outside temperature follows the indoor unit setting temperature. Comprising a step of calculating (SP50), and the step of changing the limited power by reflecting the set temperature tracking speed (SP60 or less).

Steps SP10 to SP30 described above are omitted below and replaced with the above.

In the setting of the temperature (SP40), a temperature desired by the user is set for each indoor unit 210. In the calculating of the set temperature following speed (SP50), after setting the temperature, the set temperature is driven to calculate the speed at which the outside temperature reaches the set temperature, that is, the set temperature following speed. The step of changing the limit power changes the limit power based on the calculated set temperature following speed.

The changing of the limited power may include setting a limited power change amount according to the set temperature following speed (SP60) and changing the limited power by a predetermined limited power change amount corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed. It comprises a step (SP71). For example, the changing of the limit power may be performed by creating a limit power change amount according to the set temperature following speed as a table and selecting one of the limit power change amounts written in a table corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed. You can change the power.

In addition, the step of changing the limit power includes the step (SP60) of setting the limit power change amount according to the set temperature tracking speed, the step of determining whether the set temperature tracking speed is within a preset set speed range (SP70), As a result of the determination, when the set temperature following speed is within the set speed range, changing the limited power by a preset limit power change amount corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed (SP71) is configured. As a result of the determination, if the set temperature following speed is outside the set speed range, the limited power is not changed and is maintained as it is (SP73). The set speed range determines a range in which the limited power change amount is changed, thereby changing the limited power only within the set speed range, thereby preventing a sudden change in the multi-air conditioner system and improving the stability of the system. For example, the set speed range is set from 0.1 ° C / min to 1 ° C / min.

For example, the changing of the limit power may be performed by creating a limit power change amount according to the set temperature following speed as a table and selecting one of the limit power change amounts written in a table corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed. You can change the power. When the set temperature tracking speed is changed from 0.1 ° C / minute to 1 ° C / minute, the limit power change amount is set in advance from 10% to 1% of the maximum load, and then, if the calculated set temperature tracking speed is 0.5 ° C / minute, The limiting power is changed to reflect 6%.

As described above, the operation control apparatus and method of the multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention, unlike the conventional peak power control by varying the limiting power according to the indoor load to increase the efficiency and energy savings, while improving user convenience can do.

1 is a schematic view showing a general multi-air conditioner system;

2 is a schematic view showing a multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating power consumption and limit power with respect to outside temperature during peak power control in FIG. 1; FIG.

4 is a diagram illustrating power consumption and limit power with respect to the outside temperature in the peak power control of the multi-air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a diagram illustrating power consumption and limit power with respect to the outside temperature in the peak power control of the multi-air conditioner system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control method of a multi-air conditioner system according to the present invention.

Claims (9)

A capacity detecting unit detecting one or more indoor unit operating capacity; A temperature detecting unit detecting an outside temperature; And And a power control unit configured to set the limit power of the multi-air conditioner system based on the indoor unit operation capacity and the outside air temperature. The method of claim 1, wherein the limiting power is And a compressor power consumption according to the indoor unit operating capacity, an efficiency compensation value according to the outside air temperature, and a power allowance. The power control unit of claim 1, wherein the power control unit And setting the limited power based on the speed at which the outdoor air temperature follows the indoor unit set temperature after setting the temperature with respect to the indoor unit. The power control unit of claim 1, wherein the power control unit A setting unit for setting a temperature for each indoor unit; And And a power change unit configured to calculate a set temperature tracking speed at which the outside air temperature follows the indoor unit set temperature, and change the limited power by reflecting the set temperature. The method of claim 4, wherein the power control unit And an operation control apparatus of the multi-air conditioner system configured to change the limit power by a preset limit power change amount corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed. Detecting at least one indoor unit operating capacity; Detecting an outside temperature; And And setting the limited power of the multi-air conditioner system based on the indoor unit operating capacity and the outside air temperature. The method according to claim 6, Setting a temperature for each indoor unit; Calculating a set temperature following speed at which the outside temperature follows the indoor unit set temperature; And And changing the limited power by reflecting the set temperature following speed. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein changing the limit power comprises Setting a limit power change amount according to the set temperature following speed; And And changing the limited power by a preset limited power change amount corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein changing the limit power comprises Setting a limit power change amount according to the set temperature following speed; Determining whether the set temperature following speed is within a preset set speed range; And And changing the limited power by a preset limited power change amount corresponding to the calculated set temperature following speed if the set temperature following speed is within the set speed range. .

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