Low-Frequency Pulse Width Modulation Design for HVAC Compressors

This paper discusses the design of low-frequency pulse width modulation for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) compressors. HVAC units are traditionally controlled using nonlinear control techniques like hysteresis control. Using a very long pulse width, this method can treat an on/off air conditioner or heat pump compressor as a variable input for which traditional linear (or nonlinear) controls can be applied. The key advantage of this method is direct control over the compressor power using tunable saturation. Power control is especially useful when considering load management and real time energy pricing.