Load Balancing Strategies in Multi Compressor Systems
Modern multi-compressor systems handle cooling loads ranging from 10% to 100% capacity, with individual units cycling between 30-70 Hz operating frequencies. Managing these distributed loads presents significant operational challenges, as even minor imbalances can reduce system efficiency by 15-20% and increase mechanical wear across the compression network.
The fundamental challenge lies in coordinating multiple compression units to meet varying thermal demands while maintaining optimal energy efficiency and preventing mechanical stress from uneven loading.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dynamic load distribution algorithms, coordinated frequency control systems, real-time capacity adjustment methods, and intelligent staging protocols. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation strategies that balance system performance, energy efficiency, and equipment longevity in commercial and industrial applications.
1. Method for Coordinated Control of Compressor, Fan, and Expansion Valve in Air-Cooled Multi-Split Systems
TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, 2025
A method for optimizing the operation of air-cooled multi-split systems through coordinated control of compressor, fan, and expansion valve parameters. The method achieves improved energy efficiency and stability by separately regulating compressor operating frequency, fan operating frequency, and expansion valve opening, while ensuring decoupling between these parameters. This approach enables optimal operation of the air-cooled system under varying indoor and outdoor conditions, particularly during low load periods when conventional on/off control methods are less effective.
2. Dual-Compression Water-Cooled Cabinet Air Conditioning System with Dynamic Load-Based Cooling Distribution and Real-Time Capacity Adjustment
GUANGDONG CHENYUN ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
A dual-compression water-cooled cabinet type multi-connected air conditioning control system that dynamically calculates and distributes cooling capacity according to load demands, enabling load optimization and real-time capacity adjustments. The system comprises an outdoor unit with a compressor, electronic expansion valve, and four-way reversing valve, an indoor unit controller with a main control chip, drive module, and sensor, and a sensor module that monitors environmental parameters. The controller receives control instructions from a central controller, transmits them to the drive module, which controls the compressor, fan, and heat exchanger. The sensor module continuously monitors environmental conditions and feeds real-time data to the main control chip.
3. Refrigeration System Energy Management with Advanced Compressor and Fan Monitoring and Control
EMERSON DIGITAL COLD CHAIN INC, 艾默生数字冷链公司, 2022
Energy management system for refrigeration systems that optimizes energy consumption through advanced monitoring and control of compressor and fan performance. The system monitors compressor rack and fan power consumption, determining total system power consumption. It then compares this total consumption against predicted and baseline values to identify potential energy savings opportunities. The system implements dynamic control strategies to optimize compressor and fan operation, including selective start and operation, to maintain system performance while minimizing energy consumption.
4. Control Method for Multi-Split Heat Pump System with Compressor Frequency Adjustment Based on Indoor Unit and Hydraulic Module Energy Demand
GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO LTD, Guangdong Midea Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd., 2022
Control method of a multi-split heat pump system that allows accurate matching of the output capacity of the compressor and the indoor actual heat exchange requirement, so as to the indoor environment temperature regulation and the heat supply of the hydraulic module are effectively considered. The method involves acquiring first energy demand information of at least one air conditioner indoor unit and second energy demand information of at least one hydraulic module; the first energy demand information represents the heating capacity demand condition of at least one air conditioner indoor unit, and the second energy demand information represents the heating capacity demand condition of at least one hydraulic module; and adjusting the running frequency of the compressor according to the target parameters corresponding to the first energy-demand information and the second energy-demand information.
5. Two-Stage Air Treatment System with Dynamic Control Based on Environmental and Demand Parameters
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., 2022
A two-stage air treatment system for air handling units that optimizes operation under non-standard loads. The system achieves balanced operation by dynamically controlling the operating states of the two-stage system through environmental conditions and user demand. The control mechanism monitors system capacity requirements and operating time, determining the optimal operating state based on environmental conditions and cumulative operating time. This enables the system to maintain consistent operation even when one stage is operating under reduced capacity, while preventing the primary stage from being unnecessarily activated. The control system also ensures balanced startup conditions for both stages when the primary stage is not operating.
6. System with Dual Indoor Air Management Units and Outdoor Compressor in Parallel Configuration Featuring Independent Operation and Integrated Refrigerant Heat Exchangers
EMERSON CLIMATE TECH SUZHOU CO LTD, 2022
Environmental optimization system that improves temperature and humidity regulation of a predetermined space by integrating a compressor and an indoor air management system. The system comprises an outdoor compressor that compresses a refrigerant, and two indoor air management units connected in parallel. Each unit contains a refrigerant heat exchanger and a separate air handling unit. The indoor units are positioned opposite the outdoor compressor and are designed to operate independently while maintaining optimal temperature and humidity conditions. This dual-source parallel configuration enables efficient and reliable temperature and humidity control through the integrated compressor and air handling units.
7. Method for Coordinated Compressor Load Adjustment and Alternation in Multi-Unit Water Chillers and Heat Pumps
AIRMASTER CO LTD, Shandong Yashi Co., Ltd., 2020
A method for optimizing compressor operation in multi-unit water chillers and heat pumps that balances cooling and heating demands through coordinated compressor loading/unloading. The method employs a two-stage approach: first, it dynamically adjusts compressor load levels across units to maintain optimal operating conditions, and second, it alternates compressor operation between units to achieve balanced cooling/heating performance. This approach ensures consistent system performance while minimizing energy consumption.
8. Air Conditioning System with Selective Compressor Branch Operation via Four-Way Valve Configuration
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC ZHUHAI, 2020
Air conditioning system with improved energy efficiency by selectively operating compressors based on load conditions. The system employs a control valve configuration that enables dynamic load matching between compressor branches. When the load is low, the compressor branch with the greater capacity is activated. When the load is high, both branches are activated. The system incorporates a four-way valve that enables selective control of the compressor branches, with the branch with the higher capacity controlling the flow through the four-way valve. This configuration enables optimal compressor operation while maintaining system efficiency.
9. Heat Source System with Real-Time Compressor Load Distribution and Temperature Control
MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES THERMAL SYSTEMS LTD, 2020
A heat source system that optimizes compressor load distribution across multiple heat source machines through real-time temperature control. The system monitors compressor performance metrics (e.g., frequency, consumption, power, and torque) from each machine, then dynamically adjusts the current load distribution to balance temperature requirements across all machines. This enables precise temperature control across the system while maintaining optimal compressor performance.
10. Control Method for Multi-Module Heat Pump Units with Coordinated Compressor Operation and Dynamic Frequency Adjustment
QINGDAO ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE HAIER WATER HEATER CO LTD, 2020
Control method for multi-compressor and multi-module heat pump units that enables efficient operation across varying loads while maintaining optimal performance. The method employs a controller that coordinates compressor operation across multiple modules, enabling synchronized operation of compressors when the system is not fully loaded. By dynamically adjusting compressor frequency based on load conditions, the system achieves optimal performance while minimizing energy waste.
11. Parallel Compressor Ultra-Low Temperature Heat Pump with Integrated Air Compression and Heat Transfer Mechanism
武晓宁, XIAONING WU, 2020
A parallel compressor ultra-low temperature air source heat pump unit that enables efficient operation in partial load conditions by optimizing heat transfer and compression. The unit achieves this through a novel compressor design that enables both air compression and heat transfer simultaneously, allowing the system to operate effectively at lower temperatures while maintaining high efficiency. The design enables the system to achieve higher integrated partial load performance (IPLV) coefficients compared to conventional heat pumps.
12. Air Source Heat Pump Unit with Parallel Compressors and Integrated Vapor-Liquid Separator
WU XIAONING, 2019
Ultra-low temperature air source heat pump unit with parallel compressors that enables efficient operation in low-temperature environments. The unit features a compact design with a fixed heat exchanger and axial fan, while the parallel compressor assembly is integrated with a vapor-liquid separator and four-way valve. The system achieves improved partial load performance through optimized condensation and evaporation conditions, enabling higher integrated partial load performance coefficient (IPLV) compared to conventional heat pumps.
13. Air Conditioning System with Multi-Type Compressor Series-Parallel Configuration
Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, 2019
Air conditioning system with improved efficiency through optimized compressor arrangement. The system comprises a compressor unit, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger. The system achieves energy efficiency by using multiple compressors of different types in parallel and in series, rather than the conventional parallel arrangement of the same type. This configuration enables the system to achieve higher overall efficiency compared to traditional parallel configurations.
14. Air Conditioning System with Multi-Connected Rack Configuration and Intelligent Expansion Valve Control
深圳市共济科技股份有限公司, SHENZHEN BROTHER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2019
A multi-connected rack type energy-saving air conditioning system for data centers that optimizes cooling efficiency through intelligent expansion valve control. The system features a shared first evaporator, a second evaporator, and a third evaporator, with a compressor and natural cooling condenser. The system incorporates a dehumidification mode that dynamically adjusts expansion valve operation to maintain optimal humidity levels, while also controlling evaporator flow. This integrated approach enables energy-efficient cooling in both hot and cold aisles, with the system's intelligent expansion valve control system dynamically adjusting valve operation based on real-time humidity conditions.
15. Dual-Compressor Air Source Heat Pump System with Integrated Heating and Cooling Units
Kunshan Kestar Air Conditioning Technology Co., Ltd., KUNSHAN KLIMASYSTEMTECHNIK CO LTD, 2018
Dual-compressor dual-working condition air source heat pump system that enables both heating and cooling through a single outdoor unit. The system comprises a body with two units, one for heating and one for cooling, with the body located outdoors. The heating unit operates in both heating and cooling modes, while the cooling unit operates in heating mode. This configuration allows the system to provide both heating and cooling functions through a single outdoor unit, achieving simultaneous heating and cooling through the body's unique dual-working condition operation.
16. Air Conditioning System with Single AHU and Multiple Heat Source Units Featuring Dynamic Capacity Control and Compressor Selection
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, 2018
Air conditioning system with high reliability, featuring a single AHU that utilizes multiple heat source units to achieve optimal performance. The system comprises an air processing unit with an exhaust fan, air supply fan, and multiple heat exchange coils formed by the exhaust fan. The air flow outside the building forms an air flow from the outside of the building toward the inside of the building through the air supply fan, and the heat exchange coil heats the air flowing from the outside of the building to the inside of the building and the refrigerant. The system comprises multiple outdoor units each having a compressor, decompression device, and outdoor heat exchanger, which are connected to the heat exchange coils through refrigerant pipes. The system implements dynamic capacity control and compressor selection to ensure reliable operation, with the capacity of each outdoor unit determined based on the heat source load and compressor operating frequency.
17. Refrigerant Flow Path with Dual Independent Circuits and Shared Indoor Heat Exchanger
GUANGDONG ZHIGAO HEATING EQUIPMENT CO LTD, Guangdong Chigo Heating & Ventilation Equipment Co., Ltd., 2017
A refrigerant flow path for air conditioners, air conditioner indoor units, and multi-compressor systems that enables dynamic control of refrigerant flow rates based on temperature differences between the indoor and ambient environments. The path comprises two independent refrigerant circuits that share a common indoor heat exchanger, allowing each circuit to operate independently while maintaining a controlled refrigerant flow rate. This enables continuous cooling operation even when ambient temperatures deviate from setpoint, while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining system performance.
18. Air-Conditioning System with Parallel Compressor Configuration and Variable Displacement Management
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, Zhuhai Gree Electric Appliances Co., Ltd., 2017
Air-conditioning system and passenger car air conditioner with optimized compressor operation for variable load conditions. The system employs parallel operation of compressors with different displacement characteristics to dynamically manage cooling and heating demands. When load is low, compressors with smaller displacement operate alone; when load is high, compressors with larger displacement operate in parallel. This parallel operation enables the system to maintain optimal cooling or heating performance while minimizing compressor wear and energy consumption.
19. Device and Method for Dynamic Adjustment of Unit Count in Parallel Air-Cooled Heat Pumps Based on Temperature Differential
MIDEA GROUP CO LTD, 2017
A method and device for optimizing compressor performance in parallel air-cooled heat pumps by dynamically adjusting the number of cooling and heating units based on the temperature difference between the water outlet and setpoint. The method calculates the initial number of units in both cooling and heating modes, then adjusts this number based on the rate of temperature change between the water outlet and setpoint. This approach ensures precise control of the cooling and heating units to maintain optimal compressor operation and prevent temperature-related issues.
20. Air-Cooled Heat Pump System with Parallel Compressor Configuration for Load Distribution
Suzhou Bixin Air Conditioning Co., Ltd., SUZHOU BSE AIR CONDITIONING CO LTD, 2017
A novel air-cooled heat pump system that utilizes multiple compressors to distribute cooling load across multiple compressors, thereby improving overall system efficiency. The system employs a parallel compressor configuration with multiple compressors arranged between the heat exchanger and surface cooler, enabling the system to maintain consistent cooling performance across varying ambient temperatures. This innovative architecture enables the system to operate with reduced compressor capacity while maintaining optimal cooling capacity, thereby extending compressor lifespan and improving overall system reliability.
Get Full Report
Access our comprehensive collection of 25 documents related to this technology