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.

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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. 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.

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4. 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.

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5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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9. 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.

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10. 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.

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11. 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.

CN106524582A-patent-drawing

12. 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.

13. Load Balancing System for Parallel Compressors with Efficiency Correlation-Based Gas Distribution

MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CO LTD, 2016

A load balancing system for compressors in parallel operation that optimizes gas distribution across multiple compressors. The system calculates efficiency correlations for each compressor based on its operating conditions, then distributes the gas load across the compressors using these correlations. The system includes a correlation calculation unit that determines the efficiency of each compressor based on its operating conditions, and a distribution unit that calculates the optimal gas load distribution across the compressors based on the correlations. The system includes a switching unit that can switch the sign of the calculated load distribution values to ensure that the load is distributed across the compressors in a balanced manner.

14. Air-Conditioning System with Variable Load Compressor Management and Frequency Control

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP, 2016

Air-conditioning system with optimized compressor operation under variable load conditions. The system employs a pressure-reducing device and outdoor heat exchanger to maintain indoor temperature, while employing a number control unit to dynamically manage compressor operation and frequency. The control unit monitors compressor operating frequencies and adjusts compressor number and frequency based on load conditions to achieve optimal performance while minimizing compressor cycling.

15. Parallel-Connected Refrigeration Compressor System with Individual Pressure Controllers and Integrated Temperature Sensors

Yunnan Fubon Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd., YUNNAN FUBANG REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT CO LTD, 2015

A parallel-type refrigeration compressor for large cold storage facilities that enables precise temperature control through optimized compressor configuration. The compressor comprises multiple compressors connected in parallel through a common liquid supply and discharge lines, with each compressor having its own pressure controller and electrical box. The compressor's discharge line is equipped with temperature sensors, and it is connected to the dual pressure controller and power electric box. This configuration allows the compressor to operate in parallel with other compressors, enabling precise temperature control through the coordinated operation of multiple compressors.

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