AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED COORDINATION BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF UNITS

Abstract

An air conditioning system including a plurality of air conditioner units that work together in an optimized manner to meet conditioning requirements for a contiguous space. Specifically, a controller is in operative communication with a communication module of each of the plurality of air conditioner units and is configured for obtaining conditioning requirements for the contiguous space, determining individual unit commands for meeting those requirements, and communicating the unit commands to each respective air conditioner unit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to air conditioner units, and more particularly to air conditioning systems including a plurality of modular units and related methods of operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air conditioner or conditioning units are conventionally utilized to adjust the temperature indoors, e.g., within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. Such units commonly include a closed refrigeration loop to heat or cool the indoor air. Typically, the indoor air is recirculated while being heated or cooled. A variety of sizes and configurations are available for such air conditioner units. For example, some units may have one portion installed within the indoors that is connected to another portion located outdoors, e.g., by tubing or conduit carrying refrigerant. These types of units are typically used for conditioning the air in larger spaces.

Another type of air conditioner unit, commonly referred to as single-package vertical units (SPVU), or package terminal air conditioners (PTAC) may be utilized to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single room or group of rooms of a structure. These units typically operate like split heat pump systems, except that the indoor and outdoor portions are defined by a bulkhead and all system components are housed within a single package. In this regard, such units commonly include an indoor portion that communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area within a building and an outdoor portion that generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area outside a building.

Certain conventional air conditioning systems may include multiple modular air conditioner units, such as PTACs, installed in a single location or common area. For example, multiple air conditioner units may be used to increase system capacity or better distribute the conditioned air within a room. However, when more than one unit is used, the flexibility of individually controllable units frequently results in individual units fighting each other, e.g., if the units are set to different setpoint temperatures or operation modes. Additionally, total needed system capacity may not be calculated or may be calculated based on non-normal conditions, such as extreme temperatures or worst-case scenarios. This commonly results in air conditioner units that are sized incorrectly, operate in inefficient ranges and cycles, and result in reduced comfort.

Accordingly, improved air conditioner systems would be useful. More specifically, air conditioner systems with multiple, modular air conditioner unit and improved methods of operation and coordination would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning system for a contiguous space is provided. The air conditioning system includes a plurality of air conditioner units in fluid communication with the contiguous space, wherein each of the plurality of air conditioner units comprises a communication module. A controller is in operative communication with the communication module of each of the plurality of air conditioner units. The controller is configured for obtaining conditioning requirements for the contiguous space, determining unit commands for the plurality of air conditioner units to meet the conditioning requirements of the contiguous space, and communicating one of the unit commands to each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air conditioning system for a contiguous space is provided. The air conditioning system includes a plurality of air conditioner units in fluid communication with the contiguous space. The method includes obtaining conditioning requirements for the contiguous space, determining unit commands for each of the plurality of air conditioner units to meet the conditioning requirements of the contiguous space, and communicating one of the unit commands to each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an air conditioner unit, with part of an indoor portion exploded from a remainder of the air conditioner unit for illustrative purposes, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of components of the indoor portion of the exemplary air conditioner unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a refrigeration loop in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts certain components of a communication system according to example embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for operating an air conditioning system with a plurality of modular air conditioner units in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “substantially,” “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an air conditioner unit 10 is provided. The air conditioner unit 10 is a one-unit type air conditioner, also conventionally referred to as a room air conditioner or a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC). The unit 10 includes an indoor portion 12 and an outdoor portion 14, and generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

A housing 20 of the unit 10 may contain various other components of the unit 10. Housing 20 may include, for example, a rear grill 22 and a room front 24 which may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T by a wall sleeve 26. The rear grill 22 may be part of the outdoor portion 14, and the room front 24 may be part of the indoor portion 12. Components of the outdoor portion 14, such as an outdoor heat exchanger 30, an outdoor fan 32 (FIG. 2), and a compressor 34 (FIG. 2) may be housed within the wall sleeve 26. A casing 36 may additionally enclose outdoor fan 32, as shown.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, indoor portion 12 may include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 40 (FIG. 1), a blower fan 42, and a heating unit 44. These components may, for example, be housed behind the room front 24. Additionally, a bulkhead 46 may generally support and/or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion 12, such as the blower fan 42 and the heating unit 44. Bulkhead 46 may generally separate and define the indoor portion 12 and outdoor portion 14.

Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may be components of a refrigeration loop 48, which is shown schematically in FIG. 3. Refrigeration loop 48 may, for example, further include compressor 34 and an expansion device 50. As illustrated, compressor 34 and expansion device 50 may be in fluid communication with outdoor heat exchanger 30 and indoor heat exchanger 40 to flow refrigerant therethrough as is generally understood. More particularly, refrigeration loop 48 may include various lines for flowing refrigerant between the various components of refrigeration loop 48, thus providing the fluid communication there between. Refrigerant may thus flow through such lines from indoor heat exchanger 40 to compressor 34, from compressor 34 to outdoor heat exchanger 30, from outdoor heat exchanger 30 to expansion device 50, and from expansion device 50 to indoor heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant may generally undergo phase changes associated with a refrigeration cycle as it flows to and through these various components, as is generally understood. Suitable refrigerants for use in refrigeration loop 48 may include pentafluoroethane, difluoromethane, or a mixture such as R410a, although it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such example and rather that any suitable refrigerant may be utilized.

As is understood in the art, refrigeration loop 48 may be alternately be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) or a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). As shown in FIG. 3, when refrigeration loop 48 is operating in a cooling mode and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser. Alternatively, when the assembly is operating in a heating mode and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may each include coils through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

According to an example embodiment, compressor 34 may be a variable speed compressor. In this regard, compressor 34 may be operated at various speeds depending on the current air conditioning needs of the room and the demand from refrigeration loop 48. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, compressor 34 may be configured to operate at any speed between a minimum speed, e.g., 1500 revolutions per minute (RPM), to a maximum rated speed, e.g., 3500 RPM. Notably, use of variable speed compressor 34 enables efficient operation of refrigeration loop 48 (and thus air conditioner unit 10), minimizes unnecessary noise when compressor 34 does not need to operate at full speed, and ensures a comfortable environment within the room.

In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, expansion device 50 may be disposed in the outdoor portion 14 between the indoor heat exchanger 40 and the outdoor heat exchanger 30. According to the exemplary embodiment, expansion device 50 may be an electronic expansion valve that enables controlled expansion of refrigerant, as is known in the art. More specifically, electronic expansion device 50 may be configured to precisely control the expansion of the refrigerant to maintain, for example, a desired temperature differential of the refrigerant across the indoor heat exchanger 40. In other words, electronic expansion device 50 throttles the flow of refrigerant based on the reaction of the temperature differential across indoor heat exchanger 40 or the amount of superheat temperature differential, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant is in the gaseous state entering compressor 34. According to alternative embodiments, expansion device 50 may be a capillary tube or another suitable expansion device configured for use in a thermodynamic cycle.

According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, outdoor fan 32 is an axial fan and indoor blower fan 42 is a centrifugal fan. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, outdoor fan 32 and blower fan 42 may be any suitable fan type. In addition, according to an exemplary embodiment, outdoor fan 32 and blower fan 42 are variable speed fans. For example, outdoor fan 32 and blower fan 42 may rotate at different rotational speeds, thereby generating different air flow rates. It may be desirable to operate fans 32, 42 at less than their maximum rated speed to ensure safe and proper operation of refrigeration loop 48 at less than its maximum rated speed, e.g., to reduce noise when full speed operation is not needed. In addition, according to alternative embodiments, fans 32, 42 may be operated to urge make-up air into the room.

According to the illustrated embodiment, blower fan 42 may operate as an evaporator fan in refrigeration loop 48 to encourage the flow of air through indoor heat exchanger 40. Accordingly, blower fan 42 may be positioned downstream of indoor heat exchanger 40 along the flow direction of indoor air and downstream of heating unit 44. Alternatively, blower fan 42 may be positioned upstream of indoor heat exchanger 40 along the flow direction of indoor air, and may operate to push air through indoor heat exchanger 40.

Heating unit 44 in exemplary embodiments includes one or more heater banks 60. Each heater bank 60 may be operated as desired to produce heat. In some embodiments as shown, three heater banks 60 may be utilized. Alternatively, however, any suitable number of heater banks 60 may be utilized. Each heater bank 60 may further include at least one heater coil or coil pass 62, such as in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes 62. Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be utilized.

The operation of air conditioner unit 10 including compressor 34 (and thus refrigeration loop 48 generally) blower fan 42, outdoor fan 32, heating unit 44, expansion device 50, and other components of refrigeration loop 48 may be controlled by a processing device such as a controller 64. Controller 64 may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner unit 10. As described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 7, the controller 64 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of unit 10. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

Unit 10 may additionally include a control panel 66 and one or more user inputs 68, which may be included in control panel 66. The user inputs 68 may be in communication with the controller 64. A user of the unit 10 may interact with the user inputs 68 to operate the unit 10, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs 68 and controller 64 to facilitate operation of the unit 10 based on such user commands. A display 70 may additionally be provided in the control panel 66, and may be in communication with the controller 64. Display 70 may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the unit 10.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 4 through 6, exemplary air conditioning systems 100 that may be used to heat, cool, dehumidify, filter, or otherwise condition air within a contiguous space 102 will be described. Due to the similarity between the embodiments described, like reference numerals may be used to refer to the same or similar features between embodiments. As illustrated, air conditioning system 100 includes a plurality of packaged terminal air conditioner units 104 (e.g., such as air conditioner unit 10). However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, each air conditioner unit 104 could instead be a single package vertical unit (SPVU), a modular air conditioner unit, a split heat pump air conditioner unit, or any other number, type, and configuration of air conditioners. In addition, according to exemplary embodiments, and each air conditioner unit is a single stage air conditioner that operates only in an on state or an off state. Alternatively, each unit may be include variable operation, may operate most efficiently at a rated capacity, etc.

As shown, contiguous space 102 is illustrated as a single, continuous, or open space including several fixed partitions 106 and several movable partitions 108, as will be described in more detail below. In general, the term “contiguous space” and the like may be used herein to generally refer to an area that is in fluid communication with more than one modular air conditioner unit. For example, contiguous space 102 may include one or more zones (e.g., identified generally by reference numeral 110), wherein each zone 110 may be in direct flow communication with adjacent zones 110 depending on the position of movable partitions 108. According to the illustrated embodiments, each zone 110 has a dedicated air conditioner unit 104. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, one or more zones 110 may share air conditioner units or air conditioning system 100 may have any other number, position, and configuration of zones 110 and air conditioner units 104.

As illustrated, fixed partitions 106 may be walls or any other suitable fixed structure which defines at least a part of a zone 110. In addition, movable partitions 108 may be any structure that is movable between an open position and a closed position, or that may otherwise regulate the flow of air between zones 110. Specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, movable partitions 108 may be a door 112, an according style ghost door, room divider, or sliding partition 114, or any other suitable dividing wall or structure that is movable to either prevent or permit a flow of air between zones 110. According to exemplary embodiments, each movable partition may include a partition sensor 116 that is generally configured for detecting the position of the movable partition 108. For example, partition sensor 116 may be a mechanical switch, a reed switch assembly, a hall effect sensor assembly, or any other switch or sensor capable of detecting the position of movable partitions 108. Aspects of the present subject matter are directed towards smart or optimized control methods that may utilize the position of movable partitions 108 in determining control actions of air conditioning system 100.

According to exemplary embodiments, each air conditioner unit 104 within air conditioning system 100 may include a controller 120 (e.g., similar to controller 64). As shown and described herein, each air conditioner unit 104 and controller 120 may communicate (send and/or receive) information with other controllers 120 or a centralized controller, either directly or via a network 122 (described below with reference to FIG. 7). Notably, according to exemplary embodiments, air conditioning system 100 may further include a central hub 124 that has a control interface 126 for communicating with controllers 120 of the various air conditioner units 104 of air conditioning system 100. In this regard, central hub 124 be mounted in a central location and may include a dedicated controller 120 to control all air conditioner units 104. For example, central hub 124 may be a primary thermostat, a wall-mounted control panel, a remote device (e.g., such as a mobile phone), or any other control interface that is remote from air conditioner units 104.

By contrast, according to exemplary embodiments, the controller 120 of one or more air conditioner units 104 may act as a master or parent controller, while the remaining units act as slave or children controllers. Alternatively, the master controller 120 may be part of central hub 124. In this regard, the term “master,” “parent,” or the like is used herein to refer to the unit that is giving a command, while the “slave,” “child,” or the like is the unit that is receiving a command. Notably, which unit is designated a master or a child may vary depending on how the system is set up, controlled, and programmed. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the parent/child relationship may be set by a user by toggling each air conditioner unit 104. Alternatively, the most frequently manipulated or controlled unit 104 may be designated the master unit or any other control methodologies may be used.

Referring now briefly to FIG. 7, two controllers 120 are illustrated (e.g., controllers 120 from two of the air conditioner units 104. Controllers 120 may communicate directly or via one or more network(s) 122. Controllers 120 can include one or more computing device(s) 130. Although similar reference numerals will be used herein for describing the computing device(s) 130 associated with controllers 120, respectively, it should be appreciated that each of controllers 120 may have a dedicated computing device 130 not shared with the other. According to still another embodiment, only a single computing device 130 may be used to implement method 200 as described below, and that computing device 130 may be included as part of controllers 120.

Computing device(s) 130 can include one or more processor(s) 130A and one or more memory device(s) 130B. The one or more processor(s) 130A can include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs) (e.g., dedicated to efficiently rendering images), processing units performing other specialized calculations, etc. The memory device(s) 130B can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage medium(s), such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, magnetic disks, etc., and/or combinations thereof.

The memory device(s) 130B can include one or more computer-readable media and can store information accessible by the one or more processor(s) 130A, including instructions 130C that can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 130A. For instance, the memory device(s) 130B can store instructions 130C for running one or more software applications, displaying a user interface, receiving user input, processing user input, etc. In some implementations, the instructions 130C can be executed by the one or more processor(s) 130A to cause the one or more processor(s) 130A to perform operations, as described herein (e.g., one or more portions of method 200). More specifically, for example, the instructions 130C may be executed to determine conditioning requirements and transmit and/or receive unit commands. The instructions 130C can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the instructions 130C can be executed in logically and/or virtually separate threads on processor(s) 130A.

The one or more memory device(s) 130B can also store data 130D that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, or stored by the one or more processor(s) 130A. The data 130D can include, for instance, data indicative of control algorithms or operating parameters associated with such efficient operating conditions. The data 130D can be stored in one or more database(s). The one or more database(s) can be connected to controllers 120 by a high bandwidth LAN or WAN, or can also be connected to controller through network(s) 122. The one or more database(s) can be split up so that they are located in multiple locales. In some implementations, the data 130D can be received from another device.

The computing device(s) 130 can also include a communication module or interface 130E used to communicate with one or more other component(s) of communication system (e.g., controllers 120) over the network(s) 122. The communication interface 130E can include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more network(s) 122, including for example, transmitters, receivers, ports, controllers, antennas, or other suitable components.

The network(s) 122 can be any type of communications network, such as a local area network (e.g. intranet), wide area network (e.g. Internet), cellular network, or some combination thereof and can include any number of wired and/or wireless links. The network(s) 122 can also include a direct connection between one or more component(s) of communication system 100. In general, communication over the network(s) 122 can be carried via any type of wired and/or wireless connection, using a wide variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and/or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

The technology discussed herein makes reference to servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from such systems. It should be appreciated that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components. For instance, computer processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices (e.g., servers) working in combination. Databases and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel. Furthermore, computing tasks discussed herein as being performed at the computing system (e.g., a server system) can instead be performed at a user computing device. Likewise, computing tasks discussed herein as being performed at the user computing device can instead be performed at the computing system.

Now that the construction of air conditioning system 100 according to exemplary embodiments has been presented, an exemplary method 200 of operating an air conditioning system will be described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 200 of operating air conditioning system 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 200 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other air conditioning systems or appliances. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 64, controllers 120, or any other suitable dedicated controller.

Referring now to FIG. 8, method 200 includes, at step 210, obtaining conditioning requirements for a contiguous space. In this regard, continuing example from above, the conditioning requirements for contiguous space 102 may be set by a user by manipulating one or more air conditioner units 104, by using central hub 124, via a remote device, or using any other suitable input device or method. As used herein, the term “conditioning requirements” may refer to any suitable environmental state or condition within contiguous space 102, such as may be regulated by adjusting air conditioning system 100. For example, the conditioning requirements may be a temperature set point, a humidity set point, the heating or cooling capacity, or any other parameter that may be regulated by air conditioning system 100.

Step 220 includes determining unit commands for each of a plurality of air conditioner units in fluid communication with the contiguous space 102. In this regard, the “unit commands” generally refer to commands, instructions, control signals, or other directions sent to one or more of air conditioner units 104 within conditioning system 100. Notably, according to exemplary embodiments, a controller 120 may be configured for determining such unit commands and communicating such commands to each air conditioner unit 104. In addition, each unit command for each respective air conditioner unit 104 may be different than other unit commands, such that air conditioning system 100 collectively meets the conditioning requirements for the contiguous space 102 by operating each air conditioner unit 104 in an efficient manner.

Step 230 includes communicating one of the unit commands to each of the plurality of air conditioner units. In this regard, the unit commands determined at step 220 are communicated directly or indirectly between controllers 120 of the various air conditioner units 104. These unit commands regulate the operation of air conditioner units 104 in a coordinated and improved manner. As explained herein, the air conditioner unit 104 that is sending the commands may be referred to as the master or parent unit and the air conditioner unit 10 for receiving the commands may be the child or slave unit. It should be appreciated that the communications between controllers may be sent directly or indirectly between units through a network as illustrated generally in FIGS. 4 through 6. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates direct communication between a controller 120 within central hub 124 and each air conditioner unit 104. FIG. 5 illustrates a pure master/slave configuration, where a master unit communicates directly to the other slave units, and FIG. 6 illustrates a peer-to-peer communication network where all air conditioner units share information (e.g., even between slave units).

It should be appreciated that the steps of determining unit commands may include optimizing or improving the operation of air conditioning system 100 to achieve various design or performance goals. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, each air conditioner unit 104 and have a different heating and/or cooling capacity. Thus, for example, a first unit may be a 7000 BTU unit, a second unit may be a 9000 BTU unit, and a third unit may be 12000 BTU unit. Furthermore, by using a variable speed compressor, the BTU per unit can be changed to a specific target BTU, e.g., based on a differential between the actual temperature and a setpoint temperature. Depending on the conditioning requirements, the controller may determine to use fewer than all air conditioner units 104 or may choose only to operate units 104 at a peak operating efficiency and in a combination that meets the capacity needs. For example, if the conditioning requirements include a heating/cooling capacity of 16000 BTUs the unit commands sent to the first and second air conditioner units may be to operate at full capacity, while the unit command sent to third unit may be to remain off.

According to another exemplary embodiment, units may be operating in response to the environmental conditions they are experiencing. For example, the presence or lack of direct sunlight may be a parameter that impacts comfort and it may be desirable to adjust a particular unit's performance when some sections of a conditioned space has sunlight, while others do not. For example, it may be desirable to change setpoint, extend cycle time, or change fan speed (or run fan to circulate air). Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, a unit exposed to direct sunlight may provide more cooling to compensate or overcome the additional heat from that direct sunlight.

According still other embodiments, the unit commands may be selected to achieve a target or setpoint temperature, e.g., as set by the master unit or set as an average among all unit setpoints. According still other embodiments, determining the unit commands may include prioritizing operation of higher efficiency units of the plurality of air conditioner units 104. Thus, if it is determined that fewer than all air conditioner units 104 need to be run to meet the conditioning requirements, controller 120 may determine that only the highest efficiency units can operate. According still other embodiments, determining the unit commands may include optimizing performance of the air conditioning system based at least in part on a capacity of one or more units and efficiency of one or more units, based on a historical run time or cycle count of one or more units (e.g., to ensure even wear or to reduce wear on older units), a measured temperature, or a rate of temperature change of each of the plurality of air conditioner units 104.

According to still other embodiments, unit commands may be determined at least in part based on the position of the movable partition 108. Thus, for example, if the door 112 and sliding partition 114 are closed, each air conditioner unit 104 may operate according to its own temperature setpoint. By contrast, if one or both of door 112 and sliding partition 114 are open, the controller 120 may use partition sensors 116 to determine the position of such movable partitions 108, and the unit commands may be selected to operate units that share the same space in a coordinated manner and toward a coordinated goal.

FIG. 8 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of any of the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method 200 are explained using system 100 as an example, it should be appreciated that this method may be applied to improve the coordinated or optimized operation of any suitable air conditioning system having any suitable number and configuration of units within any suitable room or space.

According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of air conditioner units 104 may be operated in an individual mode or a group mode. In this regard, for example, a user may toggle the unit 104 for individual operation and control, e.g., based on a single temperature setpoint. This individual mode may be used in situations where an installation does not result in competing air conditioner units 104 (e.g., where difference setpoints on different units results in competing air conditioner units, such as when one is heating while the other is cooling). For example, the user may implement the individual mode when an air conditioner unit 104 is the only unit installed in a single room, when the doors to a room in a shared space are closed, when there is no partition wall that is dividing a space with multiple units, etc. In this regard, for example, if partition sensor 116 indicates the movable partitions 108 are closed, such that the various zones 110 are substantially isolated from each other, each unit 104 may operate independently based on local control.

Alternatively, a user may toggle the unit 104 for group mode in situations where competing air conditioner units 104 might result in inefficiencies or when system 100 operation may be improved by implementing methods described herein. In this regard, the group mode may be toggled via a user interface, remote device, or upon receiving a command from another unit (e.g., the master unit). For example, all air conditioner units 104 may default to single unit operation, i.e., individual mode. However, when a user accesses one of the air conditioner units 104 or a remote control hub (such as central hub 124), that particular air conditioner unit 104 (which may become the master unit) can communicate with other air conditioner units 104 in the shared contiguous space 102 (which may be designated the peer, children, or slave units). In this manner, instead of having to toggle all air conditioner units 104 into the group mode, a user may manipulate a single, master air conditioner unit 104 to propagate commands and operating instructions throughout a system of air conditioners that are in the same contiguous space.

It should be appreciated that the grouping behavior of an air conditioner system 100 described above is only exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter. For example, it should be appreciated that individual air conditioner units may opt not to join a particular system of air conditioner units, e.g., based on user input. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of air conditioners is assigned a unit identification key that is communicated among controller 120, e.g., to identify itself, its location, its operating state, its environmental parameters, etc. In addition, the various air conditioner units within a system may be linked in any suitable manner, e.g., by the individual unit controllers, by a remote hub or control device, based on serial numbers or access identification codes, etc.

Thus, the air conditioning system 100 described above and associated methods of operation include the use of algorithms to coordinate the individual units of the group to optimize the total capacity to meet present operating environment and conditions. According to exemplary embodiments, each air conditioner unit 104 may have embedded programming to act as a master or slave units, and such programming may be toggled on and off by a user depending on whether individual or group mode is desired. Thus, conditioning system 100 may operate independently of or in conjunction with an external control system.

As explained above, aspects of the present subject matter may be directed to methods of coordinating programming settings, such as operating mode or temperature setpoints among a system of air conditioner unite in a single space. In this regard, for example, the operating mode or temperature setpoints of a master unit may regulate the operation of all units within the system (i.e., the slave units). The master unit that may be determined based on which unit was last changed by a user, by user selection, by programming, etc. The units 104 may operate in individual or group mode, and in some embodiments, the local control or individual mode of operation may be restricted, e.g., by being locked or requiring password in order to change settings. Additionally, time of day or occupancy may be used to restrict local control.

Aspects of the present subject matter may also include a method to optimize energy usage within group by modifying the operation of one or more units to prioritize operation of higher efficiency units, i.e., units with better EER ratings. Aspects of the present subject matter may also include a method to monitor run time or cycle count of individual units and modify operation of one or more units to prioritize units with low run times in order to achieve equal run time/cycle count for units within to achieve similar wear throughout the group. Aspects of the present subject matter may also include a method to override coordinated control among the group, such that each unit can operate independently. In addition, unit sensors may measure significantly different environment than the group indicating a different environment is outside groups.

As described above, FIGS. 4 through 6 describe exemplary configurations of air conditioning systems 100 for implementing coordinated control for various purposes explained herein. However, it should be appreciated that although specific exemplary embodiments are described, modifications and variations may be made to the illustrated conditioning systems 100 while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, communications could be wired or wireless, networks could be local or wide area networks, alternative master/slave configurations may be used, the size and configuration of the contiguous space 102 may vary, any suitable number of units 104 could be connected, and/or different communication protocols may be used.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for a contiguous space, the air conditioning system comprising:

a plurality of air conditioner units in fluid communication with the contiguous space, wherein each of the plurality of air conditioner units comprises a communication module; and

a controller in operative communication with the communication module of each of the plurality of air conditioner units, the controller being configured for: obtaining conditioning requirements for the contiguous space; determining unit commands for the plurality of air conditioner units to meet the conditioning requirements of the contiguous space; and communicating one of the unit commands to each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the unit commands for at least two of the plurality of air conditioner units are different.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of air conditioner units is designated a master unit that regulates operation of slave units of the plurality of air conditioner units.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the unit commands comprise a setpoint temperature sent from the master unit to each of the slave units.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein a last adjusted unit of the plurality of air conditioner units is designated the master unit for regulating the operation of each of the slave units.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air conditioner units has a different heating/cooling capacity, the conditioning requirements comprise a total heating/cooling capacity, and wherein determining the unit commands comprises:

operating fewer than all of the plurality of air conditioner units while achieving the total heating/cooling capacity.

7. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein determining the unit commands comprises:

prioritizing operation of higher efficiency units of the plurality of air conditioner units.

8. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein determining the unit commands comprises:

optimizing performance of the air conditioning system based at least in part on a capacity, an efficiency, a historical run time or cycle count, a measured temperature, environmental conditions, or a rate of temperature change of each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

9. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the contiguous space comprises a movable partition, and wherein the air conditioning system includes:

a partition sensor configured for detecting a position of the movable partition, and wherein determining the unit commands comprises adjusting the unit commands based at least in part on the position of the movable partition.

10. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air conditioners is assigned a unit identification key that is communicated to the controller.

11. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the controller is mounted within one of the plurality of air conditioner units.

12. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the controller is a mounted in a central hub having a control interface and being positioned remote from each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

13. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the contiguous space comprises a plurality of zones, and wherein each of the plurality of air conditioner units are positioned within one of the plurality of zones.

14. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air conditioner units is a packaged terminal air conditioner, a single package vertical unit, or a modular air conditioner unit.

15. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of air conditioner units is a single stage air conditioner that operates only in an ON state or an OFF state.

16. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the communication module is a wireless communication module in wireless communication with the controller.

17. A method of operating an air conditioning system for a contiguous space, the air conditioning system comprising a plurality of air conditioner units in fluid communication with the contiguous space, the method comprising:

obtaining conditioning requirements for the contiguous space;

determining unit commands for each of the plurality of air conditioner units to meet the conditioning requirements of the contiguous space; and

communicating one of the unit commands to each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the unit commands for at least two of the plurality of air conditioner units are different.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the unit commands comprises:

optimizing performance of the air conditioning system based at least in part on a capacity, an efficiency, a historical run time or cycle count, a measured temperature, environmental conditions, or a rate of temperature change of each of the plurality of air conditioner units.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the contiguous space comprises a movable partition and a partition sensor for detecting a position of the moving partition, and wherein determining the unit commands comprises:

adjusting the unit commands based at least in part on the position of the movable partition.