Air conditioner control method, control device, air conditioner and readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a control method, control device, air conditioner, and readable storage medium for an air conditioner. The air conditioner control method includes an indoor unit and at least two temperature sensors, the at least two temperature sensors being used to obtain at least two corresponding temperature parameter values ​​in the indoor unit. The air conditioner control method comprises: obtaining a fault parameter value of the at least two temperature parameter values ​​based on a fault condition of any of the at least two temperature sensors; obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on operating parameters of the air conditioner; and controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the parameter replacement value. This method ensures that even if a temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner fails, the indoor unit can still operate, ensuring that the air conditioner can continue to operate while awaiting maintenance, thereby reducing the downtime of the air conditioner while awaiting maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of air conditioner control, and in particular, relates to a control method for an air conditioner, a control device for an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The air conditioner is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors, and the plurality of temperature sensors can detect a plurality of temperature parameter values ​​in the air conditioner. Under the situation that the temperature sensor of the indoor unit of the air conditioner fails, the prior art will control the air conditioner to stop running, which will bring inconvenience to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related technologies.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0005] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control device for an air conditioner.

[0006] A third aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner.

[0008] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a readable storage medium.

[0009] In view of this, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioner is proposed, the air conditioner including an indoor unit and at least two temperature sensors, the at least two temperature sensors being used to obtain at least two corresponding temperature parameter values ​​in the indoor unit, the control method for the air conditioner including: obtaining a fault parameter value among the at least two temperature parameter values ​​based on any one of the at least two temperature sensors being in a faulty state; obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to an operating parameter of the air conditioner; and controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter replacement value.

[0010] The present invention provides an air conditioner control method for controlling an air conditioner. The air conditioner is provided with an indoor unit and multiple temperature sensors, the multiple temperature sensors being disposed at different locations within the indoor unit and capable of respectively collecting temperature parameter values ​​at the different locations. The indoor unit is also provided with a throttle valve and a fan. The throttle valve and fan of the indoor unit are controlled based on the corresponding multiple temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors, thereby achieving control over the operation of the indoor unit.

[0011] The indoor unit of the air conditioner continuously collects temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters of the air conditioner through multiple temperature sensors, and controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters. Among them, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the temperature sensor control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit.

[0012] During the operation of the air conditioner, it is detected whether the temperature sensor installed in the indoor unit is faulty. When it is detected that at least two temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty sensor among the multiple faulty temperature sensors is detected and located, so that the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors can be determined, and the true value of the faulty parameter value is estimated by other operating parameters of the air conditioner to obtain a parameter replacement value. The faulty parameter value among the multiple temperature parameter values ​​is replaced by the parameter replacement value, so as to update the multiple collected temperature parameter values, and continue to control the operation of the air conditioner through the parameter replacement value. In the case that the temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can still keep running, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate while waiting for maintenance, reducing the downtime of the air conditioner while waiting for maintenance, and thus improving the user experience.

[0013] In addition, the air conditioner control method in the above technical solution provided by the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0014] In one possible design, the indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, and at least two temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are arranged at both ends of the heat exchanger, and the third temperature sensor is arranged at the air inlet of the indoor unit. The step of obtaining the fault parameter value among the at least two temperature parameter values ​​specifically includes: determining the fault status of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor; determining the fault parameter value according to the fault status; wherein the fault parameter value includes the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the ambient temperature value.

[0015] In this design, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes a heat exchanger. When the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat exchanger to the second end. When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, refrigerant flows from the second end of the heat exchanger to the first end. The indoor unit is also equipped with multiple temperature sensors. These include a first temperature sensor located at the first end of the heat exchanger. In cooling mode, the first temperature sensor can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit. In heating mode, the first temperature sensor can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit. The multiple temperature sensors also include a second temperature sensor located at the second end of the heat exchanger. In cooling mode, the second temperature sensor can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit. In heating mode, the second temperature sensor can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit. The multiple temperature sensors also include a third temperature sensor located at the air inlet of the indoor unit. The third temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit, that is, the third temperature sensor can detect the ambient temperature of the indoor unit.

[0016] The air conditioner's indoor unit is equipped with a throttle valve and fan. During operation, the throttle valve opening and fan speed are controlled. Specifically, the throttle valve opening and fan speed are adjusted based on the collected refrigerant inlet and outlet temperatures and the ambient temperature.

[0017] By determining whether each of the multiple temperature sensors in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, it is determined whether a faulty parameter value exists in at least two temperature parameter values. When a faulty temperature sensor is detected among the multiple temperature sensors, it is determined that a faulty parameter value also exists in at least two of the collected temperature parameter values. When determining the operating mode of the air conditioner, by separately determining whether the three temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the three temperature sensors can be determined. This allows for rapid determination of the faulty parameter value among the collected temperature parameter values ​​when a faulty temperature sensor exists in the indoor unit, avoiding continued control of the air conditioner based on the faulty parameter value, thereby reducing the duration of operation of the air conditioner in a faulty state.

[0018] In one possible design, before the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner, it also includes: controlling the air conditioner to operate in a set operating mode; obtaining the operating parameters of the air conditioner in the set operating mode; wherein the set operating mode includes a cooling mode and a heating mode.

[0019] In this design, the control parameters and operating parameters for the air conditioner operating in cooling mode and heating mode are different. Furthermore, the refrigerant flows in different directions through the indoor unit's heat exchanger when the air conditioner is operating in different modes. Therefore, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the first and second temperature sensors are also different. Before estimating the parameter replacement values, the air conditioner's current operating mode must be determined. The fault parameter values ​​are then determined based on the operating mode and whether each of the multiple temperature sensors is faulty. The corresponding operating parameters are collected while the air conditioner is operating in the set operating mode. The parameter replacement values ​​are then estimated based on the collected operating parameters. This ensures that the calculated parameter replacement values ​​match the air conditioner's operating mode. This improves the accuracy of the air conditioner's operation based on the parameter replacement values ​​and avoids air conditioner failures caused by controlling the air conditioner based on parameter replacement values ​​that do not match the operating mode.

[0020] It is understood that the air conditioner's operating mode also includes a ventilation mode. When the air conditioner is in ventilation mode, the air conditioner's compressor does not need to run, and the indoor unit's shutoff valve does not need to be opened. Therefore, a temperature sensor failure will not affect the air conditioner's ventilation operation, and there is no need to estimate corresponding parameter replacement values.

[0021] In one possible design, the first temperature sensor is in a faulty state, and there are at least two indoor units. The steps of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically include: based on the air conditioner operating in heating mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and obtaining the number of indoor units in operation in the air conditioner; obtaining the high-pressure saturation temperature, target subcooling, refrigerant outlet pressure value and set heating output of at least two indoor units; and determining the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the number of indoor units, the high-pressure saturation temperature, the target subcooling, the refrigerant outlet pressure value and the set heating output.

[0022] In this design, the air conditioner is a multi-split unit, meaning it includes multiple indoor units. When operating in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant generated by the compressor flows through the second end of the indoor unit's heat exchanger to the first end. Because the first temperature sensor is located at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the refrigerant outlet temperature value. If the first temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant outlet temperature value can be determined as the fault parameter value.

[0023] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode and the refrigerant outlet temperature is at a fault parameter value, it is necessary to determine the number of indoor units operating and obtain operating parameters such as the high-pressure saturation temperature, set heating output, refrigerant outlet pressure, and target subcooling for the indoor units. Using these operating parameters and the number of indoor units operating, a parameter replacement value is estimated and replaced with the refrigerant outlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter values. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit, preventing inaccurate refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​from preventing the air conditioner from operating in heating mode.

[0024] It's worth noting that the high-pressure saturation temperature is a hardware parameter of the air conditioner system, so the system's high-pressure protection temperature can be directly used when calculating parameter substitution values. The target subcooling degree is a parameter value calculated by the air conditioner based on the operating command after it receives it. The refrigerant outlet pressure can be directly collected using a pressure sensor or calculated using other parameters such as the refrigerant outlet temperature. The set heating output can be calculated based on the high-pressure saturation temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0025] In one possible design, the step of determining the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value specifically includes: determining that the number of indoor units is less than a set number, and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the high-pressure saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree; determining that the number of indoor units is greater than or equal to the set number, and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet pressure value and the set heating output.

[0026] In this design, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is less than the set number, when calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the difference between the high-pressure saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree is calculated to obtain the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value is used as the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0027] The refrigerant outlet temperature is estimated based on the pressure saturation temperature and target subcooling using the following formula:

[0028] T1=T C -SCS;

[0029] Among them, T1 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and SCS is the target subcooling.

[0030] In this design, if it is detected that the number of indoor units that are turned on is greater than or equal to the set number, the temperature sensor in each indoor unit is checked for faults. If it is detected that there is a normal indoor unit, the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a normal sensor is calculated, and the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor is calculated. The set heating output is calculated based on the two refrigerant outlet pressure values, and then the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value of the heat exchanger is calculated based on the set heating output. The refrigerant outlet temperature value is estimated based on the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value, and the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value is calculated.

[0031] Use the following formula to calculate the refrigerant outlet pressure of the indoor unit with no sensor failure:

[0032] P1=P C -dP1;

[0033] Among them, P1 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with no sensor failure, P C is the maximum pressure value of the outdoor unit, and dP1 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with no sensor failure.

[0034] It is understood that the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of an indoor unit with a normal sensor can be calculated using the pressure values ​​across the electronic expansion valve collected by the sensor. It can also be calculated using the refrigerant flow rate, the refrigerant outlet enthalpy, and the set heating output of the indoor unit.

[0035] Use the following formula to calculate the refrigerant outlet pressure of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor:

[0036] P2 = P1 + (H1 - H2) × den × 9.8;

[0037] Among them, H1 is the liquid column pressure value caused by the difference between the faulty indoor unit and the reference point, H2 is the liquid column pressure value caused by the difference between the indoor unit with a faulty sensor and the reference point, den is the density of the refrigerant in the faulty indoor unit, P2 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the faulty indoor unit, and P1 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a normal sensor.

[0038] It's understandable that the liquid column pressure caused by the height difference between the indoor unit and the reference point is calculated during the air conditioner's trial operation. The refrigerant density can be calculated using the liquid refrigerant physical property function, using a piecewise fitting curve.

[0039] The refrigerant flow rate is calculated using the following formula:

[0040] mf=g(dp2,cv,den);

[0041] Where mf is the refrigerant flow rate, dP2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor, and den is the density of the refrigerant in the faulty indoor unit.

[0042] The pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor can be calculated using the following formula:

[0043] dp2=P C -P2;

[0044] Where dP2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor, P C is the maximum pressure value of the outdoor unit, and P2 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a fault.

[0045] The set heating output is calculated using the following formula:

[0046] Q=K A ×(T C -T3);

[0047] Among them, Q is the set heating output, K A is the coefficient, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and T3 is the ambient temperature.

[0048] The refrigerant outlet enthalpy of the heat exchanger is calculated based on the set heating output using the following formula:

[0049] h1=h2-Q / mf;

[0050] Among them, h1 is the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value, h2 is the refrigerant inlet enthalpy value, Q is the set heating output, and mf is the refrigerant flow value.

[0051] The parameter substitution value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value is calculated based on the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value using the following formula:

[0052] T1=f1(h1,T C );

[0053] Among them, T1 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature, h1 is the refrigerant outlet enthalpy, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and f1 is the setting function.

[0054] The above formula allows for accurate calculation of the refrigerant outlet temperature parameter for indoor units with faulty sensors, even when multiple indoor units are powered on. This allows for accurate calculation of the refrigerant outlet temperature parameter for indoor units with faulty sensors, by collecting the corresponding parameters for indoor units with healthy sensors. This further improves the accuracy of controlling air conditioner operation using the parameter substitution value and prevents other faults during operation.

[0055] It is understandable that when the set number is greater than 2, corresponding parameters of one indoor unit with a normal sensor can be collected to calculate parameter replacement values ​​for the refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​of multiple indoor units with faulty sensors, thereby enabling the operation of multiple indoor units with faulty sensors in the air conditioner to be controlled, thereby avoiding the inconvenience caused by the air conditioner stopping operation.

[0056] In one possible design, the first temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the steps of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically include: determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the air conditioner operating in cooling mode; obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value of the indoor unit every first set time period; and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0057] In this design, the air conditioner is a multi-split unit, meaning it includes multiple indoor units. When operating in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat exchanger to the second end. Because the first temperature sensor is located at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the refrigerant inlet temperature. If the first temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be determined as the fault parameter value.

[0058] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a fault parameter value, a substitute value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. When operating in cooling mode, low-temperature refrigerant flows through the first end of the indoor unit's heat exchanger to the second end of the heat exchanger. As the refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger, the low-temperature refrigerant continuously exchanges heat with the ambient air. Therefore, the refrigerant outlet temperature value should be higher than the refrigerant inlet temperature value. By calculating the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and a first set value, an estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value can be obtained. The estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value is used as a parameter substitute value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and the refrigerant inlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value is replaced by the parameter substitute value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the operation of the throttle valve and fan in the air conditioner's indoor unit, avoiding the inability to accurately control the air conditioner in heating mode due to inaccurate refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0059] The following formula is used to estimate the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value:

[0060] T1=T2+Z1;

[0061] Among them, T1 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant inlet temperature value, T2 is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and Z1 is the first set difference value.

[0062] It is understandable that during the operation of the cooling mode, since the temperature value of the environment in which the indoor unit is located is constantly changing, the energy loss during the heat exchange process between the refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger is also in a changing state. Therefore, it is set to update the estimated parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet at every first set time interval. The updating method is to collect the refrigerant outlet temperature value every first set time interval, and then re-estimate the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. This achieves continuous updating of the parameter replacement of the refrigerant inlet temperature value, further improving the stability of the control of the air conditioner with a faulty sensor.

[0063] In a possible design, the indoor unit includes a fan, and before the step of obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value of the indoor unit, the step further includes: controlling the fan to stop running for a second set time period.

[0064] In this design, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the refrigerant inlet temperature value is the fault parameter value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value is collected at intervals of a first set time, and the parameter replacement value is estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. Before each collection of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the fan is controlled to be shut down for a second set time. It is understandable that the operation of the fan will accelerate the heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the ambient air. Therefore, before collecting the refrigerant outlet temperature value, controlling the fan to be shut down for a second set time can reduce the energy lost by the refrigerant during the heat exchange process, further improving the accuracy of the parameter replacement value of the estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0065] In one possible design, the second temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes: based on the air conditioner operating in heating mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and obtaining the high-pressure saturation temperature of the indoor unit; based on the high-pressure saturation temperature, calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0066] In this design, the air conditioner is a multi-split unit, meaning it includes multiple indoor units. When operating in heating mode, refrigerant flows from the second end of the heat exchanger to the first end. Because the second temperature sensor is located at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the refrigerant inlet temperature. If the second temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be determined as the fault parameter value.

[0067] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode and the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a faulty parameter value, a replacement value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be estimated based on the high-pressure saturation temperature. When operating in heating mode, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows directly to the second end of the heat exchanger. Therefore, estimating the hardware parameters of the air conditioning system can provide a relatively accurate replacement parameter value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value. The high-pressure saturation temperature is the temperature value corresponding to the refrigerant at a certain pressure. It can be considered the high-pressure saturation temperature is the temperature value of the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant output by the compressor. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipeline to the second end of the indoor unit's heat exchanger, resulting in some heat loss. The second set difference is designed based on this heat loss. By calculating the high-pressure saturation temperature and the second set difference, the refrigerant inlet temperature value of the heat exchanger in heating mode can be estimated. The estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value is used as the replacement parameter value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and the replacement parameter value replaces the refrigerant inlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the operation of the throttle valve and the fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, so as to avoid the inability to accurately control the operation of the air conditioner in the heating mode due to the inaccurate refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0068] The refrigerant inlet temperature is calculated based on the high pressure saturation temperature using the following formula:

[0069] T2=T C +Z2;

[0070] Among them, T2 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant inlet temperature value, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and Z2 is the second set difference.

[0071] It's understandable that during heating mode, the compressor continues to operate at its set operating state, meaning the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant output by the compressor vary within a relatively narrow range. Therefore, only when the fault parameter value is detected, the air conditioner's operation is continuously controlled using the substitute parameter value calculated based on the difference between the high-pressure saturation temperature and the second set value. Frequent updates of this substitute parameter value are unnecessary.

[0072] In one possible design, the second temperature sensor is in a faulty state, and there are at least two indoor units. The steps of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically include: based on the air conditioner operating in cooling mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and obtaining the number of indoor units in operation in the air conditioner; obtaining the refrigerant inlet temperature value, target superheat, set heating output, exhaust temperature of the compressor and target exhaust superheat of the compressor of at least two indoor units; and determining the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the number of indoor units, the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the target superheat, the set heating output, the exhaust temperature value and the target exhaust superheat.

[0073] In this design, the air conditioner is a multi-split unit, meaning it includes multiple indoor units. When operating in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat exchanger to the second end. Because the second temperature sensor is located at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the refrigerant outlet temperature. If the second temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant outlet temperature value can be determined as the fault parameter value.

[0074] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the refrigerant outlet temperature is at a fault parameter value, it is necessary to determine the number of indoor units in operation and obtain the refrigerant inlet temperature, set heating output, target superheat, compressor exhaust temperature, and target compressor exhaust superheat. Using these operating parameters and the number of indoor units in operation, a parameter replacement value is estimated and replaced with the refrigerant outlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter values. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit, preventing inaccurate refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​from preventing the air conditioner from operating in heating mode.

[0075] In one possible design, the step of determining the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value specifically includes: determining that the number of indoor units is less than a set number, and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the refrigerant inlet temperature value and the target superheat; determining that the number of indoor units is greater than or equal to the set number, and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the exhaust superheat, exhaust temperature, refrigerant inlet temperature and target superheat.

[0076] In this design, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is less than the set number, when calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the refrigerant inlet temperature value and the target superheat are used to calculate, thereby obtaining an estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value is used as the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0077] The refrigerant outlet temperature is estimated based on the refrigerant inlet temperature and target superheat using the following formula:

[0078] T2 = T1 + SHS;

[0079] Among them, T2 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value, T1 is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and SHS is the target superheat.

[0080] In this design, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is greater than or equal to the set number, when calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the exhaust superheat, the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the exhaust temperature and the target superheat are used to calculate the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value is used as the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0081] The refrigerant outlet temperature is estimated based on the exhaust superheat, refrigerant inlet temperature, exhaust temperature, and target superheat using the following formula:

[0082] T2 = (DSH - DSHS) / 4 + T1 + SHS;

[0083] Among them, T2 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value, T1 is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, SHS is the target superheat, DSHS is the target exhaust superheat, and DSH is the exhaust temperature.

[0084] The above formula collects the corresponding parameters of the indoor unit and accurately calculates the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor based on these parameters. This further improves the accuracy of controlling the air conditioner operation through the parameter replacement value and avoids other faults during the air conditioner operation.

[0085] In one possible design, the third temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the steps of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically include: determining that the fault parameter value is the ambient temperature value; obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value every third set time period; and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the ambient temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0086] In this design, if the third temperature sensor fails during air conditioner operation, the ambient temperature value collected by the third temperature sensor is determined to be a fault parameter value. A substitute value for the ambient temperature value can be estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. By calculating the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the third set value, an estimated ambient temperature value can be obtained. This estimated ambient temperature value is used as a parameter substitute value for the ambient temperature value, and the ambient temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value is replaced with the parameter substitute value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the operation of the throttle valve and fan in the air conditioner's indoor unit, avoiding the inability to accurately control the air conditioner in heating mode due to inaccurate refrigerant inlet temperature values.

[0087] The following formula is used to estimate the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value:

[0088] T3=T2+Z3;

[0089] Among them, T3 is the parameter replacement value of the ambient temperature value, T2 is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and Z3 is the third set difference value.

[0090] It is worth noting that when the air conditioner operates in cooling mode and heating mode, the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value is different. Therefore, before the step of calculating the parameter replacement value of the ambient temperature value, different third set differences are selected according to different operating modes of the air conditioner.

[0091] It is understood that during air conditioner operation, the ambient temperature of the indoor unit is constantly changing, and the energy loss during the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger is also constantly changing. Therefore, the estimated replacement value for the ambient temperature is updated every third set time interval. The update is performed by collecting the refrigerant outlet temperature value every third set time interval, and then re-estimating the parameter replacement value for the ambient temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. This allows for continuous updating of the replacement parameter for the ambient temperature value, further improving the stability of control for air conditioners with sensor faults.

[0092] In a possible design, the indoor unit includes a throttle valve, and before the step of obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value of the indoor unit, the step further includes: controlling the throttle valve to close for a fourth set time period.

[0093] In this design, when the air conditioner is in operation and the ambient temperature value is a fault parameter value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value is collected at intervals of a third set time, and the parameter replacement value is estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. Before each collection of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the throttle valve is controlled to close for a fourth set time. It is understandable that when the throttle valve is in the on state, low-temperature or high-temperature refrigerant will continue to flow into the heat exchanger, resulting in a large difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value. Therefore, before collecting the refrigerant outlet temperature value, controlling the throttle valve to close for the fourth set time can reduce the gap between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value, further improving the accuracy of the parameter replacement value of the estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0094] In one possible design, the steps of determining the fault status of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor specifically include: obtaining the numerical relationship between the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the ambient temperature value; and determining the fault status of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor respectively based on the numerical relationship.

[0095] In this design, based on the data relationship between the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the first temperature sensor, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the second temperature sensor, and the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the third temperature sensor, it is detected whether there is a faulty temperature sensor among the three temperature sensors, and the faulty temperature sensor among the three temperature sensors can be located.

[0096] In a possible design, the air conditioner control method further includes: timing to control the duration of the air conditioner operation according to the parameter replacement value; and determining that the duration reaches a fourth set duration, controlling the air conditioner to stop operating.

[0097] In this design, after the air conditioner has been operating for a fourth time period based on the estimated temperature parameter value, it is shut down. Because the temperature parameter substitute values ​​are all estimated values, there is a certain difference between them and the actual temperature parameter values. Shutting down the air conditioner after the fourth time period based on the estimated temperature parameter value prevents malfunctions caused by prolonged operation with a faulty temperature sensor. This improves the stability of the air conditioner's operation.

[0098] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control device for an air conditioner is proposed, comprising: a fault parameter acquisition unit, for acquiring a fault parameter value among at least two temperature parameter values ​​based on the fact that any one of the at least two temperature sensors is in a faulty state; a parameter determination unit, for obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner; and an operation control unit, for controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter replacement value.

[0099] The air conditioner control device provided by the present invention is used to control the air conditioner. The air conditioner is provided with an indoor unit and multiple temperature sensors, which are arranged at different locations of the indoor unit and can respectively collect temperature parameter values ​​at different locations. The indoor unit is also provided with a throttle valve and a fan. The throttle valve and fan of the indoor unit are controlled based on the corresponding multiple temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors, thereby achieving control over the operation of the indoor unit.

[0100] The indoor unit of the air conditioner continuously collects temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters of the air conditioner through multiple temperature sensors, and controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters. Among them, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the temperature sensor control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit.

[0101] During the operation of the air conditioner, it is detected whether the temperature sensor installed in the indoor unit is faulty. When it is detected that at least two temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty sensor among the multiple faulty temperature sensors is detected and located, so that the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors can be determined, and the true value of the faulty parameter value is estimated by other operating parameters of the air conditioner to obtain a parameter replacement value. The faulty parameter value among the multiple temperature parameter values ​​is replaced by the parameter replacement value, so that the multiple collected temperature parameter values ​​are updated, and the operation of the air conditioner is continued to be controlled by the updated temperature parameter value. In the case that the temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can still keep running, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate while waiting for maintenance, reducing the downtime of the air conditioner while waiting for maintenance, and thus improving the user experience.

[0102] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: an indoor unit; and a control device for the air conditioner according to the second aspect, disposed in the indoor unit.

[0103] The air conditioner provided by the present invention includes an indoor unit and an air conditioner control device. The air conditioner control device is the air conditioner control device of the second aspect above, and thus has all the beneficial effects of the air conditioner control device of the second aspect above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] The air conditioner also includes an outdoor unit and a refrigerant pipeline, and the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipeline.

[0105] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is proposed, comprising: at least two indoor units; a memory storing programs or instructions; and a processor executing the programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the steps of the air conditioner control method as described in the first aspect above.

[0106] The air conditioner provided by the present invention includes at least two indoor units, a memory, and a processor. The memory stores a program or instructions; the processor executes the program or instructions stored in the memory to implement the steps of the air conditioner control method of the first aspect described above. Thus, all the beneficial effects of the air conditioner control method of the first aspect described above are achieved, and no further details will be given here.

[0107] The air conditioner further comprises an outdoor unit and a refrigerant pipeline, wherein the outdoor unit is connected to at least two indoor units via the refrigerant pipeline.

[0108] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a readable storage medium is provided. The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions. When executed by a processor, the program or instructions implement the steps of the air conditioner control method described in any of the possible designs described above. Thus, the method has all the beneficial technical effects of the air conditioner control method described in any of the possible designs described above, and no further details will be given herein.

[0109] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0111] Figure 1 FIG1 shows one of the schematic flow charts of the control method of the air conditioner in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0112] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0113] Figure 3 FIG2 shows a second schematic flow chart of the air conditioner control method in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0114] Figure 4 FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of the method for controlling the air conditioner in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0115] Figure 5 FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of the method for controlling the air conditioner in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0116] Figure 6FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0117] Figure 7 FIG6 shows a sixth schematic flow chart of the method for controlling the air conditioner in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0118] Figure 8 FIG7 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for controlling an air conditioner in a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0119] Figure 9 FIG8 is a schematic flow chart of the method for controlling the air conditioner in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0120] Figure 10 FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 11 FIG10 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for controlling an air conditioner in a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 12 FIG11 is a schematic flow chart showing a method for controlling an air conditioner in a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0123] Figure 13 FIG12 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 14 A schematic block diagram of a control device for an air conditioner in a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0125] Figure 15 shows a schematic block diagram of an air conditioner in a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0126] Figure 16 A schematic block diagram of an air conditioner in a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0127] in, Figure 2 The corresponding relationship between the reference numerals and component names is as follows:

[0128] 200 indoor unit, 202 heat exchanger, 204 first temperature sensor, 206 second temperature sensor, 208 third temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0129] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention and the features therein can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0130] In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0131] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 16 A method for controlling an air conditioner, a device for controlling an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a readable storage medium according to some embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0132] Example 1:

[0133] like Figure 1 As shown, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes at least two temperature sensors and an indoor unit. The at least two temperature sensors are capable of collecting at least two temperature parameter values ​​in the indoor unit. The at least two temperature parameter values ​​correspond to the at least two temperature sensors, and each temperature sensor is configured to collect one temperature parameter value.

[0134] The control methods of the air conditioner include:

[0135] Step 102, determining whether any one of the at least two temperature sensors is in a fault state;

[0136] Step 104, determining a fault parameter value among at least two temperature parameter values;

[0137] Step 106, estimating the parameter replacement value using the operating parameters of the air conditioner;

[0138] Step 108: Control the operation of the air conditioner by using the parameter substitution value.

[0139] The parameter replacement value corresponds to the fault parameter value.

[0140] The air conditioner control method provided in this embodiment is used to control the air conditioner. The air conditioner is provided with an indoor unit and multiple temperature sensors. The multiple temperature sensors are located at different locations in the indoor unit and are capable of respectively collecting temperature parameter values ​​at different locations. The indoor unit is also provided with a throttle valve and a fan. The throttle valve and fan of the indoor unit are controlled based on the corresponding multiple temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors, thereby achieving control over the operation of the indoor unit.

[0141] The indoor unit of the air conditioner continuously collects temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters of the air conditioner through multiple temperature sensors, and controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters. Among them, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the temperature sensor control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit.

[0142] During the operation of the air conditioner, it is detected whether the temperature sensor installed in the indoor unit is faulty. When it is detected that at least two temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty sensor among the multiple faulty temperature sensors is detected and located, so that the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors can be determined, and the true value of the faulty parameter value is estimated by other operating parameters of the air conditioner to obtain a parameter replacement value. The faulty parameter value among the multiple temperature parameter values ​​is replaced by the parameter replacement value, so as to update the multiple collected temperature parameter values, and continue to control the operation of the air conditioner by the parameter replacement value. In the case that the temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can still keep running, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate while waiting for maintenance, reducing the downtime of the air conditioner while waiting for maintenance, and improving the user experience.

[0143] In some embodiments, when a fault is detected in a temperature sensor in the air conditioner, the air conditioner outputs corresponding prompt information to indicate the fault of the temperature sensor.

[0144] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner detects that there is a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors, the air conditioner receives an operation instruction from the user and then continues to execute the steps of estimating parameter replacement values ​​and controlling the operation of the air conditioner through the parameter replacement values.

[0145] In these embodiments, the air conditioner can determine whether to continue operating based on the user's actual needs. If no user operation instructions are received, the air conditioner will output a "fault shutdown" prompt message and control the air conditioner to stop operating. This improves the controllability of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner can determine whether to continue operating in the event of a temperature sensor failure based on the user's needs.

[0146] like Figure 2 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the indoor unit 200 is provided with a heat exchanger 202, and the temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor 204, a second temperature sensor 206, and a third temperature sensor 208. The first temperature sensor 204 and the second temperature sensor 206 are provided at both ends of the heat exchanger 202, and the third temperature sensor 208 is provided at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200.

[0147] In this embodiment, an indoor unit 200 of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger 202. When the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from a first end of the heat exchanger 202 to a second end. When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, refrigerant flows from a second end of the heat exchanger 202 to a first end. The indoor unit 200 is also equipped with multiple temperature sensors. These include a first temperature sensor 204 disposed at the first end of the heat exchanger 202. In cooling mode, the first temperature sensor 204 can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. In heating mode, the first temperature sensor 204 can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. The multiple temperature sensors also include a second temperature sensor 206 disposed at the second end of the heat exchanger 202. In cooling mode, the second temperature sensor 206 can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. In heating mode, the second temperature sensor 206 can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. The multiple temperature sensors also include a third temperature sensor 208 provided at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200 . The third temperature sensor 208 can collect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit 200 , that is, the third temperature sensor 208 can collect the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit 200 .

[0148] like Figure 3 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the step of determining a fault parameter value among at least two temperature parameter values ​​specifically includes:

[0149] Step 302, detecting the fault status of the first temperature sensor, the fault status of the second temperature sensor, and the fault status of the third temperature sensor respectively;

[0150] Step 304 : determining corresponding fault parameter values ​​according to the fault status of the first temperature sensor, the fault status of the second temperature sensor, and the fault status of the third temperature sensor.

[0151] The fault parameter values ​​include the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value.

[0152] In this embodiment, a throttle valve and a fan are provided in the indoor unit of the air conditioner. During operation of the indoor unit, the operation of the indoor unit is controlled by controlling parameters such as the throttle valve opening and the fan speed. Specifically, the throttle valve opening and the fan speed are adjusted based on the collected refrigerant outlet temperature, ambient temperature, and refrigerant inlet temperature.

[0153] By determining whether each of the multiple temperature sensors in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, it is determined whether a faulty parameter value exists in the multiple temperature parameter values. When a faulty temperature sensor is detected among the multiple temperature sensors, it is determined that a faulty parameter value also exists in the multiple collected temperature parameter values. When determining the operating mode of the air conditioner, by separately determining whether the three temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the three temperature sensors can be determined. This allows for rapid determination of the faulty parameter value among the collected temperature parameter values ​​when a faulty temperature sensor exists in the indoor unit, avoiding continued control of the air conditioner based on the faulty parameter value, thereby reducing the duration of operation of the air conditioner in a faulty state.

[0154] like Figure 4 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, before estimating the parameter replacement value using the operating parameters of the air conditioner, the process includes:

[0155] Step 402, controlling the air conditioner to operate in a set operating mode;

[0156] Step 404: collecting the operating parameters of the air conditioner in the set operating mode.

[0157] The set operation mode includes cooling mode and heating mode.

[0158] In this embodiment, since the control parameters and operating parameters of the air conditioner operating in cooling mode and heating mode are different, and the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit's heat exchanger is different when the air conditioner operates in different modes, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are also different. Before estimating the parameter replacement value, it is necessary to determine the current operating mode of the air conditioner, and determine the fault parameter value based on the operating mode and whether each of the multiple temperature sensors is faulty. The corresponding operating parameters are collected while the air conditioner is operating in the set operating mode, and the parameter replacement value is estimated based on the collected operating parameters. The calculated parameter replacement value is consistent with the air conditioner's operating mode, thereby improving the accuracy of the air conditioner operation based on the parameter replacement value and avoiding the air conditioner malfunction caused by controlling the air conditioner based on the parameter replacement value that does not conform to the operating mode.

[0159] It is understood that the air conditioner's operating mode also includes a ventilation mode. When the air conditioner is in ventilation mode, the air conditioner's compressor does not need to run, and the indoor unit's shutoff valve does not need to be opened. Therefore, a temperature sensor failure will not affect the air conditioner's ventilation operation, and there is no need to estimate corresponding parameter replacement values.

[0160] In some embodiments, a fault is detected in a first temperature sensor of the air conditioner. In cooling mode, since the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant inlet temperature value among the collected temperature parameter values ​​is determined to be a fault parameter value. In heating mode, since the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value among the collected temperature parameter values ​​is determined to be a fault parameter value.

[0161] In some other embodiments, a fault is detected in a second temperature sensor of the air conditioner. In cooling mode, since the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value among the collected temperature parameter values ​​is determined to be a fault parameter value. In heating mode, since the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant inlet temperature value among the collected temperature parameter values ​​is determined to be a fault parameter value.

[0162] In some other embodiments, a fault is detected in the third temperature sensor of the air conditioner. Since the temperature parameter value collected by the third temperature sensor is the ambient temperature value, the ambient temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value is determined to be a fault parameter value.

[0163] like Figure 5 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, it is determined that the first temperature sensor is faulty and the air conditioner includes multiple indoor units. The step of estimating the parameter replacement value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:

[0164] Step 502: According to the air conditioner operating in the heating mode, it is determined that the refrigerant outlet temperature value is a fault parameter value;

[0165] Step 504, determining the number of indoor units in operation;

[0166] Step 506 , collecting the set heating output, refrigerant outlet pressure, target subcooling degree and high pressure saturation temperature;

[0167] Step 508 : Estimate a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the set heating output, the refrigerant outlet pressure value, the target subcooling degree, and the high-pressure saturation temperature.

[0168] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, i.e., it includes multiple indoor units. When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant generated by the compressor flows through the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit to the first end. Because the first temperature sensor is mounted at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the refrigerant outlet temperature. If the first temperature sensor is faulty, it can be determined that the refrigerant outlet temperature is the fault parameter value.

[0169] If the air conditioner is operating in heating mode and the refrigerant outlet temperature is at a fault parameter value, it is necessary to determine the number of indoor units operating and obtain operating parameters such as the refrigerant outlet pressure, high-pressure saturation temperature, target subcooling for the indoor units, and set heating output. Using these operating parameters and the number of indoor units operating, a parameter replacement value is estimated and replaced with the refrigerant outlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit, preventing inaccurate refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​from preventing the air conditioner from operating in heating mode.

[0170] It's worth noting that the high-pressure saturation temperature is a hardware parameter of the air conditioner system, so the system's high-pressure protection temperature can be directly used when calculating parameter substitution values. The target subcooling degree is a parameter value calculated by the air conditioner based on the operating command after it receives it. The refrigerant outlet pressure can be directly collected using a pressure sensor or calculated using other parameters such as the refrigerant outlet temperature. The set heating output can be calculated based on the high-pressure saturation temperature and the ambient temperature.

[0171] like Figure 6 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the step of estimating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value specifically includes:

[0172] Step 602, determining that the air conditioner is operating in heating mode;

[0173] Step 604: Determine whether the number of indoor units is less than the set number. If yes, proceed to step 606; otherwise, proceed to step 608.

[0174] Step 606 , estimating a parameter replacement value for the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the target subcooling degree and the high-pressure saturation temperature;

[0175] Step 608 : Estimate a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the set heating output and the refrigerant outlet pressure value.

[0176] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is less than the set number, when calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the difference between the high-pressure saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree is calculated to obtain an estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value is used as the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0177] The refrigerant outlet temperature is estimated based on the target subcooling and pressure saturation temperature using the following formula:

[0178] T1=T C-SCS;

[0179] Among them, T1 is the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and SCS is the target subcooling.

[0180] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is not less than the set number, the temperature sensor in each indoor unit is checked for faults. If it is detected that there is an indoor unit without faults, the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a normal sensor is calculated, and the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor is calculated. The set heating output is calculated based on the two refrigerant outlet pressure values, and then the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value of the heat exchanger is calculated based on the set heating output. The refrigerant outlet temperature value is estimated based on the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value, thereby calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0181] Use the following formula to calculate the refrigerant outlet pressure of the indoor unit with no sensor failure:

[0182] P1=P C -dP1;

[0183] Among them, P1 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with no sensor failure, P C is the maximum pressure value of the outdoor unit, and dP1 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with no sensor failure.

[0184] It is understood that the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of an indoor unit with a normal sensor can be calculated using the pressure values ​​across the electronic expansion valve collected by the sensor. It can also be calculated using the refrigerant flow rate, the refrigerant outlet enthalpy, and the set heating output of the indoor unit.

[0185] Use the following formula to calculate the refrigerant outlet pressure of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor:

[0186] P2 = P1 + (H1 - H2) × den × 9.8;

[0187] Among them, H1 is the liquid column pressure value caused by the difference between the faulty indoor unit and the reference point, H2 is the liquid column pressure value caused by the difference between the indoor unit with a faulty sensor and the reference point, den is the density of the refrigerant in the faulty indoor unit, P2 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the faulty indoor unit, and P1 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a normal sensor.

[0188] It's understandable that the liquid column pressure caused by the height difference between the indoor unit and the reference point is calculated during the air conditioner's trial operation. The refrigerant density can be calculated using the liquid refrigerant physical property function, using a piecewise fitting curve.

[0189] The refrigerant flow rate is calculated using the following formula:

[0190] mf=g(dp2,cv,den);

[0191] Where mf is the refrigerant flow rate, dP2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor, and den is the density of the refrigerant in the faulty indoor unit.

[0192] The pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor can be calculated using the following formula:

[0193] dp2=P C -P2;

[0194] Where dP2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor, P C is the maximum pressure value of the outdoor unit, and P2 is the refrigerant outlet pressure value of the indoor unit with a fault.

[0195] The set heating output is calculated using the following formula:

[0196] Q=K A ×(T C -T3);

[0197] Among them, Q is the set heating output, K A is the coefficient, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and T3 is the ambient temperature.

[0198] The refrigerant outlet enthalpy of the heat exchanger is calculated based on the set heating output using the following formula:

[0199] h1=h2-Q / mf;

[0200] Among them, h1 is the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value, h2 is the refrigerant inlet enthalpy value, Q is the set heating output, and mf is the refrigerant flow value.

[0201] The parameter substitution value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value is calculated based on the refrigerant outlet enthalpy value using the following formula:

[0202] T1=f1(h1,T C )

[0203] Among them, T1 is the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature, h1 is the refrigerant outlet enthalpy, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and f1 is the setting function.

[0204] The above formula allows for accurate calculation of the refrigerant outlet temperature parameter for indoor units with faulty sensors, even when multiple indoor units are powered on. This allows for accurate calculation of the refrigerant outlet temperature parameter for indoor units with faulty sensors, by collecting the corresponding parameters for indoor units with healthy sensors. This further improves the accuracy of controlling air conditioner operation using the parameter substitution value and prevents other faults during operation.

[0205] In some embodiments, the set number has a value range greater than or equal to 2.

[0206] In these embodiments, when the number of powered-on indoor units in the air conditioner is greater than or equal to 2, and the indoor units in the powered-on state include indoor units with normal sensors, parameter replacement values ​​for the refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​of the indoor units with faulty sensors are calculated by collecting corresponding parameters of the indoor units with normal sensors.

[0207] It is understandable that when the set number is greater than 2, corresponding parameters of one indoor unit with a normal sensor can be collected to calculate parameter replacement values ​​for the refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​of multiple indoor units with faulty sensors, thereby enabling the operation of multiple indoor units with faulty sensors in the air conditioner to be controlled, thereby avoiding the inconvenience caused by the air conditioner stopping operation.

[0208] like Figure 7 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, if the first temperature sensor fails, the step of estimating the parameter replacement value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:

[0209] Step 702: According to the air conditioner operating in cooling mode, it is determined that the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a fault parameter value;

[0210] Step 704: every first set time interval, the fan is controlled to stop running for a second set time, and the refrigerant outlet temperature value is collected;

[0211] Step 706 : Estimate a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0212] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, i.e., it includes multiple indoor units. When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from the first end to the second end of the heat exchanger. Because the first temperature sensor is located at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the refrigerant inlet temperature value. If the first temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be determined to be the fault parameter value.

[0213] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a fault parameter value, a substitute value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. When operating in cooling mode, low-temperature refrigerant flows through the first end of the indoor unit's heat exchanger to the second end of the heat exchanger. As the refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger, the low-temperature refrigerant continuously exchanges heat with the ambient air. Therefore, the refrigerant outlet temperature value should be higher than the refrigerant inlet temperature value. By calculating the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and a first set value, an estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value can be obtained. The estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value is used as a parameter substitute value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and the refrigerant inlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value is replaced by the parameter substitute value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the operation of the throttle valve and fan in the air conditioner's indoor unit, avoiding the inability to accurately control the air conditioner in heating mode due to inaccurate refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0214] The following formula is used to estimate the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value:

[0215] T1=T2+Z1;

[0216] Among them, T1 is the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value, T2 is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and Z1 is the first set difference value.

[0217] It is understandable that during the operation of the cooling mode, since the temperature value of the environment in which the indoor unit is located is constantly changing, the energy loss during the heat exchange process between the refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger is also in a changing state. Therefore, it is set to update the estimated parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet at every first set time interval. The updating method is to collect the refrigerant outlet temperature value every first set time interval, and then re-estimate the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. This achieves continuous updating of the parameter replacement of the refrigerant inlet temperature value, further improving the stability of the control of the air conditioner with a faulty sensor.

[0218] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a fault parameter value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value is collected at intervals of a first set time, and the parameter replacement value is estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. Before each collection of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the fan is controlled to be shut down for a second set time. It is understandable that the operation of the fan will accelerate the heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the ambient air. Therefore, before collecting the refrigerant outlet temperature value, controlling the fan to be shut down for a second set time can reduce the energy lost by the refrigerant during the heat exchange process, further improving the accuracy of the parameter replacement value of the estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0219] In some embodiments, the second set duration ranges from 10 seconds to 40 seconds.

[0220] In these embodiments, the second set time duration is set to be greater than or equal to 10 seconds, so that the refrigerant outlet temperature value is close to the refrigerant inlet temperature value for a sufficient period of time. The second set time duration is set to be less than or equal to 40 seconds, which can avoid air conditioner failure caused by poor refrigerant heat exchange in the heat exchanger for a long time.

[0221] like Figure 8 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, if the second temperature sensor fails, the step of estimating the parameter replacement value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:

[0222] Step 802: According to the air conditioner operating in the heating mode, it is determined that the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a fault parameter value;

[0223] Step 804, obtaining high pressure saturation temperature;

[0224] Step 806 : Estimate a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value based on the high pressure saturation temperature.

[0225] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, i.e., it includes multiple indoor units. The air conditioner operates in heating mode, with refrigerant flowing from the second end of the heat exchanger to the first end. Because the second temperature sensor is located at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the refrigerant inlet temperature value. If the second temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be determined as the fault parameter value.

[0226] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode and the refrigerant inlet temperature value is a faulty parameter value, a replacement value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value can be estimated based on the high-pressure saturation temperature. When operating in heating mode, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows directly to the second end of the heat exchanger. Therefore, estimating the hardware parameters of the air conditioning system can provide a relatively accurate replacement parameter value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value. The high-pressure saturation temperature is the temperature value corresponding to the refrigerant at a certain pressure. It can be considered the high-pressure saturation temperature is the temperature value of the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant output by the compressor. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipeline to the second end of the indoor unit's heat exchanger, resulting in some heat loss. The second set difference is designed based on this heat loss. By calculating the high-pressure saturation temperature and the second set difference, the refrigerant inlet temperature value of the heat exchanger in heating mode can be estimated. The estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value is used as the replacement parameter value for the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and the replacement parameter value replaces the refrigerant inlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the operation of the throttle valve and the fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, so as to avoid the inability to accurately control the operation of the air conditioner in the heating mode due to the inaccurate refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0227] The refrigerant inlet temperature is calculated based on the high pressure saturation temperature using the following formula:

[0228] T2=T C +Z2;

[0229] Among them, T2 is the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant inlet temperature value, T C is the high pressure saturation temperature, and Z2 is the second set difference.

[0230] It's understandable that during heating mode, the compressor continues to operate at its set operating state, meaning the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant output by the compressor vary within a relatively narrow range. Therefore, only when the faulty parameter value is detected as the refrigerant inlet temperature, will the air conditioner's operation be continuously controlled using the substitute parameter value calculated based on the difference between the high-pressure saturation temperature and the second set value, eliminating the need for frequent updates to the substitute parameter value.

[0231] like Figure 9 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the second temperature sensor is faulty, and the air conditioner includes multiple indoor units. The step of estimating the parameter replacement value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:

[0232] Step 902: According to the air conditioner operating in cooling mode, it is determined that the refrigerant outlet temperature value is a fault parameter value;

[0233] Step 904, determining the number of indoor units in operation;

[0234] Step 906 , collecting the target superheat, the refrigerant inlet temperature, the compressor exhaust temperature, the set heating output, and the compressor target exhaust superheat;

[0235] Step 908 , estimating a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the number of indoor units, the target superheat, the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the compressor exhaust temperature, the set heating output, and the compressor target exhaust superheat.

[0236] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, i.e., it includes multiple indoor units. When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from the first end to the second end of the heat exchanger. Because the second temperature sensor is located at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the refrigerant outlet temperature. If the second temperature sensor is faulty, the refrigerant outlet temperature value can be determined as the fault parameter value.

[0237] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode and the refrigerant outlet temperature is at a fault parameter value, it is necessary to determine the number of indoor units in operation and obtain the refrigerant inlet temperature, set heating output, target superheat, compressor exhaust temperature, and target compressor exhaust superheat. Using these operating parameters and the number of indoor units in operation, a parameter replacement value is estimated and replaced with the refrigerant outlet temperature value in the collected temperature parameter values. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit, preventing inaccurate refrigerant outlet temperature values ​​from preventing the air conditioner from operating in heating mode.

[0238] like Figure 10 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the step of estimating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value specifically includes:

[0239] Step 1002, determining that the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode;

[0240] Step 1004: Determine whether the number of indoor units is less than the set number. If yes, execute step 606; otherwise, execute step 1008.

[0241] Step 1006 , estimating a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the target superheat and the refrigerant inlet temperature value;

[0242] Step 1008 : Estimate a parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the exhaust gas temperature, the exhaust gas superheat, the target superheat, and the refrigerant inlet temperature.

[0243] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is less than the set number, when calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the target superheat and the refrigerant inlet temperature value are used to calculate to obtain an estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value is used as the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0244] The refrigerant outlet temperature is estimated based on the target superheat and the refrigerant inlet temperature using the following formula:

[0245] T2 = T1 + SHS;

[0246] Among them, T2 is the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, T1 is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and SHS is the target superheat.

[0247] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the number of indoor units turned on is not less than the set number, when calculating the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the exhaust superheat, the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the exhaust temperature and the target superheat are used to calculate, thereby obtaining an estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the estimated refrigerant outlet temperature value is used as the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0248] The refrigerant outlet temperature is estimated based on the exhaust superheat, refrigerant inlet temperature, exhaust temperature, and target superheat using the following formula:

[0249] T2 = (DSH - DSHS) / 4 + T1 + SHS;

[0250] Among them, T2 is the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, T1 is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, SHS is the target superheat, DSHS is the target exhaust superheat, and DSH is the exhaust temperature.

[0251] The above formula collects the corresponding parameters of the indoor unit and accurately calculates the parameter replacement value of the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit with a faulty sensor based on these parameters. This further improves the accuracy of controlling the air conditioner operation through the parameter replacement value and avoids other faults during the air conditioner operation.

[0252] like Figure 11 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, if the third temperature sensor fails, the step of estimating the parameter replacement value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:

[0253] Step 1102, determining the ambient temperature value as a fault parameter value;

[0254] Step 1104: every third set time period, control the throttle valve to close for a fourth set time period, and obtain the refrigerant outlet temperature value;

[0255] Step 1106: Estimate a parameter replacement value for the ambient temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

[0256] In this embodiment, if the third temperature sensor fails during the operation of the air conditioner, the ambient temperature value collected by the third temperature sensor is determined to be a fault parameter value. The substitute value of the ambient temperature value can be estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. By calculating the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the third set value, an estimated ambient temperature value can be obtained, and the estimated ambient temperature value is used as the parameter substitute value of the ambient temperature value, and the ambient temperature value in the collected temperature parameter value is replaced by the parameter substitute value. The updated temperature parameter value is used to control the operation of the throttle valve and the fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, thereby avoiding the inability to accurately control the air conditioner to operate in heating mode due to inaccurate refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0257] The following formula is used to estimate the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value:

[0258] T3=T2+Z3;

[0259] Among them, T3 is the parameter replacement value of the ambient temperature value, T2 is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and Z3 is the third set difference value.

[0260] It is worth noting that when the air conditioner operates in cooling mode and heating mode, the difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value is different. Therefore, before calculating the parameter replacement value of the ambient temperature value, different third set differences are selected according to different operating modes of the air conditioner.

[0261] It is understood that during air conditioner operation, the ambient temperature of the indoor unit is constantly changing, and the energy loss during the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger is also constantly changing. Therefore, the estimated replacement value for the ambient temperature is updated every third set time interval. The update is performed by collecting the refrigerant outlet temperature value every third set time interval, and then re-estimating the parameter replacement value for the ambient temperature value based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. This allows for continuous updating of the replacement parameter for the ambient temperature value, further improving the stability of control for air conditioners with sensor faults.

[0262] When the air conditioner is in operation and the ambient temperature value is a fault parameter value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value is collected at intervals of the third set time, and the parameter replacement value is estimated based on the refrigerant outlet temperature value. Before each collection of the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the throttle valve is controlled to be in a closed state for a fourth set time. It is understandable that when the throttle valve is in the on state, low-temperature or high-temperature refrigerant will continue to flow into the heat exchanger, resulting in a large difference between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value. Therefore, before collecting the refrigerant outlet temperature value, controlling the throttle valve to close for the fourth set time can reduce the gap between the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value, further improving the accuracy of the parameter replacement value of the estimated refrigerant inlet temperature value.

[0263] In some embodiments, the fourth set time length ranges from 60 seconds to 120 seconds.

[0264] In these embodiments, the fourth set time is set to be greater than or equal to 60 seconds, so that the refrigerant outlet temperature value is close to the ambient temperature value for a sufficient period of time. The fourth set time is set to be less than or equal to 120 seconds, which can avoid air conditioner failure caused by the refrigerant being unable to enter the heat exchanger of the indoor unit for a long time.

[0265] like Figure 12As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the steps of respectively detecting the fault state of the first temperature sensor, the fault state of the second temperature sensor, and the fault state of the third temperature sensor specifically include:

[0266] Step 1202, determining the numerical relationship between the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the ambient temperature value, and the refrigerant outlet temperature value;

[0267] Step 1204 : Determine the fault status of each temperature sensor based on the numerical relationship.

[0268] In this embodiment, based on the data relationship between the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the first temperature sensor, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the second temperature sensor, and the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the third temperature sensor, it is detected whether there is a faulty temperature sensor among the three temperature sensors, and the faulty temperature sensor among the three temperature sensors can be located.

[0269] In some embodiments, the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the ambient temperature value, and the refrigerant outlet temperature value are collected, and if it is determined that two of them are not fault parameter values, then the other one is determined to be a fault parameter value.

[0270] After determining that any two of the three temperature parameter values ​​are non-fault parameter values, whether the other temperature parameter value is faulty is determined in the following manner.

[0271] When the compressor of the air conditioner stops running for the fifth set time, another temperature parameter value is determined to be a fault parameter value when the following judgment conditions are met:

[0272] (Abs(T3-T1)-dT2)×(Abs(T3-T2)-dT2)×(Abs(T2-T1)-dT2) is less than 0, and Abs(T2-T1)<dT2, and Abs(T3-T1)≥dT2;

[0273] When the air conditioner is running in cooling mode, another temperature parameter value is determined to be a fault parameter value when the following judgment conditions are met:

[0274] (T1-T3-dT2)×(T2-T3-dT1)×(T1-T2-dT3) is less than 0 and reaches the preset duration, and T1-T2<dT2, and T1-T3≥dT1;

[0275] When the air conditioner is running in heating mode, another temperature parameter value is determined to be a fault parameter value when the following judgment conditions are met:

[0276] (T3-T1-dT1)×(T3-T2-dT1)×(T1-T2-dT4) is less than 0 and reaches a preset time length, T1-T2<dT4, and T3-T1≥dT1.

[0277] Among them, T1 is the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor, T2 is the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor, T3 is the temperature parameter value collected by the third temperature sensor, dT1 is the first set value, dT2 is the second set value, dT3 is the third set value, and dT4 is the fourth set value.

[0278] like Figure 13 As shown, in any of the above embodiments, the method for controlling the air conditioner further includes:

[0279] Step 1302, timing the duration of controlling the operation of the air conditioner by using the parameter substitution value;

[0280] Step 1304: Based on the duration reaching a fourth set duration, the air conditioner is controlled to shut down.

[0281] In this embodiment, after the air conditioner has been controlled to operate for a fourth duration based on the estimated temperature parameter value, the air conditioner is shut down. Because the temperature parameter substitute values ​​are all estimated temperature parameter values, there is a certain difference between them and the actual temperature parameter values. Shutting down the air conditioner after the air conditioner has been controlled to operate for the fourth duration based on the estimated temperature parameter value can prevent malfunctions caused by prolonged operation of the air conditioner with a faulty temperature sensor. This improves the stability of the air conditioner's operation.

[0282] Example 2:

[0283] like Figure 14 As shown, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a control device 1400 for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0284] The fault parameter acquiring unit 1402 is configured to determine whether any one of the at least two temperature sensors is in a fault state, and determine a fault parameter value of the at least two temperature parameter values.

[0285] The parameter determination unit 1404 is configured to estimate the parameter replacement value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner.

[0286] The operation control unit 1406 is used to control the operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter replacement value.

[0287] The air conditioner control device provided in this embodiment is used to control the air conditioner. The air conditioner is provided with an indoor unit and multiple temperature sensors. The multiple temperature sensors are installed at different locations in the indoor unit and are capable of respectively collecting temperature parameter values ​​at different locations. The indoor unit is also provided with a throttle valve and a fan. The throttle valve and fan of the indoor unit are controlled based on the corresponding multiple temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors, thereby achieving control over the operation of the indoor unit.

[0288] The indoor unit of the air conditioner continuously collects temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters of the air conditioner through multiple temperature sensors, and controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters. Among them, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the temperature sensor control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit.

[0289] During the operation of the air conditioner, it is detected whether the temperature sensor installed in the indoor unit is faulty. When it is detected that at least two temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty sensor among the multiple faulty temperature sensors is detected and located, so that the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors can be determined, and the true value of the faulty parameter value is estimated by other operating parameters of the air conditioner to obtain a parameter replacement value. The faulty parameter value among the multiple temperature parameter values ​​is replaced by the parameter replacement value, so that the multiple collected temperature parameter values ​​are updated, and the operation of the air conditioner is continued to be controlled by the updated temperature parameter value. In the case that the temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can still keep running, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate while waiting for maintenance, reducing the downtime of the air conditioner while waiting for maintenance, and thus improving the user experience.

[0290] In some embodiments, when a fault is detected in a temperature sensor in the air conditioner, the air conditioner outputs corresponding prompt information to indicate the fault of the temperature sensor.

[0291] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner detects that there is a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors, the air conditioner receives an operation instruction from the user and then continues to execute the steps of estimating parameter replacement values ​​and controlling the operation of the air conditioner through the parameter replacement values.

[0292] In these embodiments, the air conditioner can determine whether to continue operating based on the user's actual needs. If no user operation instructions are received, the air conditioner will output a "fault shutdown" prompt message and control the air conditioner to stop operating. This improves the controllability of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner can determine whether to continue operating in the event of a temperature sensor failure based on the user's needs.

[0293] like Figure 2 As shown, in the above embodiment, the indoor unit 200 is provided with a heat exchanger 202, and the temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor 204, a second temperature sensor 206, and a third temperature sensor 208. The first temperature sensor 204 is provided at a first end of the heat exchanger 202, the second temperature sensor 206 is provided at a second end of the heat exchanger 202, and the third temperature sensor 208 is provided at an air inlet of the indoor unit 200.

[0294] In this embodiment, an indoor unit 200 of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger 202. When the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from a first end of the heat exchanger 202 to a second end. When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, refrigerant flows from a second end of the heat exchanger 202 to a first end. The indoor unit 200 is also equipped with multiple temperature sensors. These include a first temperature sensor 204 disposed at the first end of the heat exchanger 202. In cooling mode, the first temperature sensor 204 can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. In heating mode, the first temperature sensor 204 can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. The multiple temperature sensors also include a second temperature sensor 206 disposed at the second end of the heat exchanger 202. In cooling mode, the second temperature sensor 206 can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. In heating mode, the second temperature sensor 206 can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. The multiple temperature sensors also include a third temperature sensor 208 provided at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200 . The third temperature sensor 208 can collect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit 200 , that is, the third temperature sensor 208 can collect the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit 200 .

[0295] Example 3:

[0296] like Figure 15 As shown, a third embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner 1500, including: an indoor unit 1502 and a control device 1400 of the air conditioner.

[0297] The control device 1400 of the air conditioner is arranged in the indoor unit. The control device 1400 of the air conditioner is selected as the control device 1400 of the air conditioner in the above-mentioned embodiment 2.

[0298] The air conditioner control device 1400 is used to control the air conditioner. The air conditioner is equipped with an indoor unit and multiple temperature sensors. The multiple temperature sensors are located at different locations in the indoor unit and can respectively collect temperature parameter values ​​at different locations. The indoor unit is also equipped with a throttle valve and a fan. The throttle valve and fan of the indoor unit are controlled based on the corresponding multiple temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors, thereby achieving control over the operation of the indoor unit.

[0299] The indoor unit of the air conditioner continuously collects temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters of the air conditioner through multiple temperature sensors, and controls the operation of the air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters. Among them, the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the temperature sensor control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit.

[0300] During the operation of the air conditioner, it is detected whether the temperature sensor installed in the indoor unit is faulty. When it is detected that at least two temperature sensors are faulty, the faulty sensor among the multiple faulty temperature sensors is detected and located, so that the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors can be determined, and the true value of the faulty parameter value is estimated by other operating parameters of the air conditioner to obtain a parameter replacement value. The faulty parameter value among the multiple temperature parameter values ​​is replaced by the parameter replacement value, so that the multiple collected temperature parameter values ​​are updated, and the operation of the air conditioner is continued to be controlled by the updated temperature parameter value. In the case that the temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner is faulty, the indoor unit of the air conditioner can still keep running, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate while waiting for maintenance, reducing the downtime of the air conditioner while waiting for maintenance, and thus improving the user experience.

[0301] In some embodiments, when a fault is detected in a temperature sensor in the air conditioner, the air conditioner outputs corresponding prompt information to indicate the fault of the temperature sensor.

[0302] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner detects that there is a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors, the air conditioner receives an operation instruction from the user and then continues to execute the steps of estimating parameter replacement values ​​and controlling the operation of the air conditioner through the parameter replacement values.

[0303] In these embodiments, the air conditioner can determine whether to continue operating based on the user's actual needs. If no user operation instructions are received, the air conditioner will output a "fault shutdown" prompt message and control the air conditioner to stop operating. This improves the controllability of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner can determine whether to continue operating in the event of a temperature sensor failure based on the user's needs.

[0304] In any of the above embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an outdoor unit and a refrigerant pipeline, and the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipeline.

[0305] Example 4:

[0306] like Figure 16 As shown, a fourth embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner 1600 , including: at least two indoor units 200 , a memory 1602 and a processor 1604 .

[0307] like Figure 2 As shown, in the above embodiment, a heat exchanger is provided in the indoor unit 200, and the temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is provided at a first end of the heat exchanger, the second temperature sensor is provided at a second end of the heat exchanger, and the third temperature sensor is provided at an air inlet of the indoor unit 200.

[0308] In the above embodiment, the indoor unit 200 is provided with a heat exchanger 202, and the temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor 204, a second temperature sensor 206, and a third temperature sensor 208. The first temperature sensor 204 is provided at a first end of the heat exchanger 202, the second temperature sensor 206 is provided at a second end of the heat exchanger 202, and the third temperature sensor 208 is provided at an air inlet of the indoor unit 200.

[0309] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 includes a heat exchanger 202. When the air conditioner 1600 operates in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from a first end of the heat exchanger 202 to a second end. When the air conditioner 1600 operates in heating mode, refrigerant flows from a second end of the heat exchanger 202 to a first end. The indoor unit 200 is also equipped with multiple temperature sensors. These include a first temperature sensor 204 located at the first end of the heat exchanger 202. In cooling mode, the first temperature sensor 204 can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. In heating mode, the first temperature sensor 204 can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. The multiple temperature sensors also include a second temperature sensor 206 located at the second end of the heat exchanger 202. In cooling mode, the second temperature sensor 206 can detect the refrigerant outlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. In heating mode, the second temperature sensor 206 can detect the refrigerant inlet temperature of the indoor unit 200. The multiple temperature sensors also include a third temperature sensor 208 provided at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200 . The third temperature sensor 208 can collect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit 200 , that is, the third temperature sensor 208 can collect the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit 200 .

[0310] The memory 1602 stores programs or instructions, and the processor 1604 executes the programs or instructions stored in the memory 1602 to implement the steps of the control method of the air conditioner 1600 in the first embodiment.

[0311] The control method for air conditioner 1600 is used to control air conditioner 1600. Air conditioner 1600 is provided with an indoor unit 200 and multiple temperature sensors. The multiple temperature sensors are located at different locations within indoor unit 200 and are capable of collecting temperature parameter values ​​at different locations. Indoor unit 200 is also provided with a throttle valve and a fan. The throttle valve and fan of indoor unit 200 are controlled based on the corresponding multiple temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors, thereby controlling the operation of indoor unit 200.

[0312] The indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 continuously collects temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters of the air conditioner 1600 through multiple temperature sensors, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 1600 based on the collected temperature parameter values ​​and operating parameters. The temperature parameter values ​​collected by the temperature sensor control the throttle valve and fan in the indoor unit 200.

[0313] During the operation of the air conditioner 1600, a temperature sensor installed in the indoor unit 200 is detected to determine whether it is faulty. If at least two temperature sensors are detected to be faulty, the faulty sensor among the multiple faulty temperature sensors is detected and located, thereby determining the faulty parameter value among the temperature parameter values ​​collected by the multiple temperature sensors. The actual value of the faulty parameter value is estimated based on other operating parameters of the air conditioner 1600 to obtain a parameter replacement value. The faulty parameter value among the multiple temperature parameter values ​​is replaced by the parameter replacement value, thereby updating the multiple collected temperature parameter values. The operation of the air conditioner 1600 is continued to be controlled using the updated temperature parameter value. This ensures that even if a temperature sensor in the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 is faulty, the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 can continue to operate, ensuring that the air conditioner 1600 can continue to operate while awaiting maintenance, reducing the downtime of the air conditioner 1600 while awaiting maintenance, and improving the user experience.

[0314] In some embodiments, when a fault is detected in the temperature sensor of the air conditioner 1600 , the air conditioner 1600 outputs corresponding prompt information to indicate the fault of the temperature sensor.

[0315] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner 1600 detects that there is a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors, the air conditioner 1600 receives the user's operation instructions and then continues to execute the steps of estimating parameter replacement values ​​and controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1600 through the parameter replacement values.

[0316] In these embodiments, air conditioner 1600 can determine whether to continue operating based on the user's actual needs. If no user operation instruction is received, air conditioner 1600 outputs a "fault shutdown" prompt message and controls air conditioner 1600 to stop operating. This improves the controllability of air conditioner 1600, as air conditioner 1600 can determine whether to continue operating in the event of a temperature sensor failure based on the user's needs.

[0317] Embodiment 5:

[0318] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, the control method of the air conditioner in any of the above embodiments is implemented, thereby having all the beneficial technical effects of the control method of the air conditioner in any of the above embodiments.

[0319] The readable storage medium includes a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0320] It should be clarified that in the claims, description and drawings of the present invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise clearly defined, the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. They are only for the purpose of more conveniently describing the present invention and making the description process simpler, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have the specific directions described, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, these descriptions cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention. The terms "connect", "install", "fix", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection between multiple objects, or a detachable connection between multiple objects, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection between multiple objects, or an indirect connection between multiple objects through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood based on the specific circumstances of the above data.

[0321] In the claims, specification, and accompanying drawings of the present invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "a specific embodiment," and the like mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In the claims, specification, and accompanying drawings of the present invention, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0322] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner includes an indoor unit and at least two temperature sensors, wherein the at least two temperature sensors are used to obtain at least two corresponding temperature parameter values ​​in the indoor unit. The control method of the air conditioner includes: Based on the fact that any one of the at least two temperature sensors is in a fault state, obtaining a fault parameter value among the at least two temperature parameter values; obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameter of the air conditioner; controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution value; The indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, the at least two temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are disposed at both ends of the heat exchanger, and the third temperature sensor is disposed at an air inlet of the indoor unit, and the step of obtaining a fault parameter value among the at least two temperature parameter values ​​specifically includes: determining a fault status of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor; determining the fault parameter value according to the fault state; Wherein, the fault parameter values ​​include the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value; Before the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner, the method further includes: Control the air conditioner to operate in the set operating mode; Acquiring the operating parameters of the air conditioner in a set operating mode; Wherein, the set operation mode includes cooling mode and heating mode; The third temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameter of the air conditioner specifically includes: Determine that the fault parameter value is the ambient temperature value; Obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value every third set time period; Calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the ambient temperature value according to the refrigerant outlet temperature value; Before the step of obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the method further includes: The throttle valve is controlled to close for a fourth set time period.

2. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first temperature sensor is in a faulty state, the number of the indoor units is at least two, and the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes: Based on the air conditioner operating in the heating mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and obtaining the number of indoor units in the air conditioner that are in operation; Obtaining high-pressure saturation temperatures, target subcooling degrees, refrigerant outlet pressure values, and set heating outputs of at least two of the indoor units; The parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value is determined according to the number of indoor units, the high-pressure saturation temperature, the target supercooling degree, the refrigerant outlet pressure value and the set heating output.

3. The air conditioner control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step of determining the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value specifically includes: Determining that the number of indoor units is less than a set number, and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the high-pressure saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree; It is determined that the number of indoor units is greater than or equal to a set number, and the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value is calculated according to the refrigerant outlet pressure value and the set heating output.

4. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, wherein: The first temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameter of the air conditioner specifically includes: Based on the air conditioner operating in the cooling mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant inlet temperature value; Obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value of the indoor unit every first set time period; The parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant inlet temperature value is calculated according to the refrigerant outlet temperature value.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The indoor unit includes a fan, and before the step of obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value of the indoor unit, the step further includes: The fan is controlled to stop running for a second set time period.

6. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameter of the air conditioner specifically includes: Based on the air conditioner operating in the heating mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant inlet temperature value, and obtaining the high-pressure saturation temperature of the indoor unit; The parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant inlet temperature value is calculated based on the high-pressure saturation temperature.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second temperature sensor is in a faulty state, and there are at least two indoor units. The step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes: Based on the air conditioner operating in the cooling mode, determining that the fault parameter value is the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and obtaining the number of indoor units in the air conditioner that are in operation; Obtaining the refrigerant inlet temperature value, target superheat, set heating output, compressor exhaust temperature, and compressor target exhaust superheat of at least two indoor units; The parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value is determined according to the number of indoor units, the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the target superheat, the set heating output, the exhaust temperature and the target exhaust superheat.

8. The air conditioner control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of determining the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value specifically includes: Determining that the number of indoor units is less than a set number, and calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value based on the refrigerant inlet temperature value and the target superheat; It is determined that the number of indoor units is greater than or equal to a set number, and the parameter replacement value corresponding to the refrigerant outlet temperature value is calculated according to the exhaust superheat, the exhaust temperature, the refrigerant inlet temperature and the target superheat.

9. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The step of determining the fault status of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor specifically includes: Obtaining a numerical relationship between the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value, and the ambient temperature value; According to the numerical relationship, the fault states of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor are respectively determined.

10. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Also includes: Timing controls the duration of operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter replacement value; It is determined that the duration reaches the fourth set duration, and the air conditioner is controlled to stop running.

11. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner includes an indoor unit and at least two temperature sensors, wherein the at least two temperature sensors are used to obtain at least two corresponding temperature parameter values ​​in the indoor unit. The control device of the air conditioner includes: a fault parameter acquiring unit, configured to acquire a fault parameter value of the at least two temperature parameter values ​​based on the fact that any one of the at least two temperature sensors is in a fault state; a parameter determination unit, configured to obtain a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on an operating parameter of the air conditioner; an operation control unit, configured to control the operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution value; The indoor unit includes a heat exchanger, the at least two temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a third temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are disposed at both ends of the heat exchanger, and the third temperature sensor is disposed at an air inlet of the indoor unit, and the step of obtaining a fault parameter value among the at least two temperature parameter values ​​specifically includes: determining a fault status of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor; determining the fault parameter value according to the fault state; Wherein, the fault parameter values ​​include the refrigerant inlet temperature value, the refrigerant outlet temperature value and the ambient temperature value; Before the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner, the method further includes: Control the air conditioner to operate in the set operating mode; Acquiring the operating parameters of the air conditioner in a set operating mode; Wherein, the set operation mode includes cooling mode and heating mode; The third temperature sensor is in a fault state, and the step of obtaining a parameter replacement value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameter of the air conditioner specifically includes: Determine that the fault parameter value is the ambient temperature value; Obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value every third set time period; Calculating the parameter replacement value corresponding to the ambient temperature value according to the refrigerant outlet temperature value; Before the step of obtaining the refrigerant outlet temperature value, the method further includes: The throttle valve is controlled to close for a fourth set time period.

12. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: Indoor unit; The control device of the air conditioner according to claim 11 is provided in the indoor unit.

13. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: At least two indoor units; a memory, wherein a program or instruction is stored in the memory; A processor, wherein the processor executes the program or instructions stored in the memory to implement the steps of the air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A readable storage medium, characterized in that The readable storage medium stores a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the air conditioner control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10 are implemented.

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