Outdoor fan control method, control device, outdoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides an outdoor fan control method, a control device, an outdoor unit, and an air conditioner, relating to the technical field of air conditioning equipment. The main purpose is to provide a control method and a corresponding control device, etc., which can adjust the number of fans turned on and the maximum operating frequency according to the operating conditions of the unit. The outdoor fan control method includes obtaining operating conditions, including the starting load; and determining the number of fans turned on and the maximum operating frequency according to the operating conditions. It also includes a first preset starting load value a1 and a second preset starting load value a2, a1 < a2; if A < a1, the number of fans in operation is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is f1; if A ≥ a2, the number of fans in operation is two and the maximum operating frequencies of the two fans are the same, and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is greater than f1. By adjusting the number of fans started and the maximum operating frequency, the present invention helps reduce the energy consumption generated when the fans are in operation, thereby achieving the purpose of saving energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air-conditioning equipment, and in particular to an outdoor fan control method, a control device, an outdoor unit and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Currently, airflow from air conditioner outdoor units can be divided into two basic modes: top and side. Side-discharging outdoor units typically have one or more fans. When an outdoor unit has multiple fans, they are often controlled by simultaneous on / off control. During daily use, outdoor units typically operate at less than full capacity. Running the fan fully at this time not only affects the efficiency of the heat exchanger but also wastes energy.

[0003] In order to save energy, reduce energy consumption, and improve the utilization rate of heat exchangers, it is necessary to develop a new outdoor fan control method, control device, and corresponding outdoor unit and air conditioner equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an outdoor fan control method, control device, outdoor unit, and air conditioner to address the prior art problem of high energy consumption caused by simultaneous on / off switching of outdoor fans. The various technical effects achieved by the preferred technical solution among the various technical solutions provided by the present invention are detailed below.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] The outdoor fan control method provided by the present invention includes:

[0007] Obtain operating conditions, including startup load A;

[0008] According to the operating conditions, the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency are determined.

[0009] On the basis of the above technical solution, the present invention can also be improved as follows.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, it further includes a first preset startup load value a1 and a second preset startup load value a2, a1<a2;

[0011] If the startup load A is less than the first preset startup load value a1, the number of operations of the fan is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f1;

[0012] If the startup load A ≥ the second preset startup load value a2, the number of the running fans is two and the maximum operating frequencies of the two fans are the same, and the maximum operating frequencies of the fans are greater than f1.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the present invention further includes a third preset startup load value a3, a3>a2;

[0014] If the third preset startup load value a3>the startup load A≥the third preset startup load value a2, then the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f4,

[0015] If the startup load A≥the third preset startup load value a3, the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f5, and f5>f4>f1.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the operating conditions also include the required capacity B of the whole machine;

[0017] If the second preset startup load value a2>the startup load A≥the first preset startup load value a1, then compare the whole machine demand capacity B with the preset whole machine demand capacity value b1, and determine the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency based on the comparison result.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, if the whole machine required capacity B is less than the preset whole machine required capacity value b1, the number of running fans is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is f2, f2>f1;

[0019] If the whole machine required capacity B ≥ the preset whole machine required capacity value b1, the number of running fans is two and the maximum operating frequency of the two fans is f3, f3>f2>f1;

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the operating frequencies of the two fans are different.

[0021] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes:

[0022] Preset fan operation switching time t;

[0023] Obtaining the operating time T of the fan;

[0024] Comparing the fan operation time T with the preset fan operation switching time t;

[0025] In the case where the operating states of the fan are different, if the operating time of the fan is not less than the preset operating time, the operating state of the fan is switched.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the startup load A=total capacity of the startup internal units / total capacity of the external units.

[0027] As a further improvement of the present invention, the whole machine required capacity B= ;

[0028] Among them, the is the capacity requirement of the nth indoor unit.

[0029] As a further improvement of the present invention, the = ;

[0030] Among them, the is the rated total capacity of the nth indoor unit, is the proportional coefficient of the nth indoor unit.

[0031] The present invention also provides an outdoor fan control device, comprising:

[0032] An acquisition module is used to obtain operating conditions, including startup load A;

[0033] The control module is used to determine the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency according to the operating conditions obtained by the obtaining module.

[0034] The present invention also provides an outdoor unit, comprising the outdoor fan control device described above.

[0035] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0036] A processor, which is used to execute multiple instructions;

[0037] A memory for storing a plurality of instructions;

[0038] The plurality of instructions are used to be stored by the memory, and loaded and executed by the processor to perform any of the outdoor fan control methods described above.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by the preferred embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0040] This technical solution determines the number of fans to start and their maximum operating frequency by determining operating conditions such as the startup load, thereby reducing energy consumption during fan operation and achieving energy conservation. Furthermore, by switching between fan operating states, the system can achieve rotational control of the units, extending the motor's lifespan. Furthermore, during fan switching, the corresponding heat exchanger can also be switched synchronously to improve heat exchange efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0042] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a specific embodiment of the outdoor fan control method of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor fan control device of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 It is a system diagram of the heat exchanger in the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0045] In the figure: 100, outdoor fan control device; 101, acquisition module; 102, control module; 1, first heat exchanger; 11, first heating valve; 12, first solenoid valve; 13, first fan; 2, second heat exchanger; 21, second heating valve; 22, second solenoid valve; 23, second fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementations obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0048] It should also be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention depending on the specific circumstances.

[0049] The present invention provides an outdoor fan control method. This method addresses the problem of increased energy consumption in multi-fan air conditioning units when all fans are fully operational. By adjusting the number of fans activated and their operating frequency, the method reduces energy consumption and improves heat exchanger utilization. The present invention also provides an outdoor fan control device, an outdoor unit, and an air conditioner incorporating the aforementioned method or device.

[0050] Example 1:

[0051] This embodiment provides an outdoor fan control method, such as Figure 1 Shown, including:

[0052] S1: Obtain operating conditions, including startup load A;

[0053] S2: Determine the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency based on the operating conditions.

[0054] Heat exchangers come in two types: integrated and non-integrated. With integrated heat exchangers, refrigerant flows into all heat exchangers simultaneously during operation. With non-integrated heat exchangers, the refrigerant can be adjusted to the heat exchanger it flows into as needed. This solution is applicable to non-integrated heat exchangers. Adjusting the fan speed also adjusts the heat exchanger accordingly, thereby improving heat exchanger utilization.

[0055] This embodiment takes an outdoor unit with two fans as an example to specifically illustrate the technical solution.

[0056] A first preset startup load value a1 and a second preset startup load value a2 are preset, wherein a1<a2; if the startup load A<the first preset startup load value a1, the number of running fans is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is f1; if the startup load A≥the second preset startup load value a2, the number of running fans is two and the maximum operating frequencies of the two fans are the same, and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is greater than f1.

[0057] When the startup load A is less than the first preset startup load value a1, the unit is in a low-load operation state. Accordingly, only one outdoor fan is required to operate, and the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f1.

[0058] It should be noted that the operation order of the above-mentioned fans can be started according to a preset operation order, or the start-up order can be determined according to the total historical operation time of the fans. In addition, when a fan is started, the corresponding heat exchanger needs to be started at the same time.

[0059] When the startup load A is not less than the second preset startup load value a2, the unit is in a high-load operation state. Accordingly, the two outdoor fans are in operation at the same time, and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is higher than f1.

[0060] The following is a detailed description of the fan operating status when the startup load A is at a high value:

[0061] A third preset startup load value a3 is preset, a3>a2; if the startup load A is less than the third preset startup load value a3 and not less than the second preset startup load value a2, then the maximum operating frequency of the fan at this time is f4; if the startup load A is not less than the third preset startup load value a3, then the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f5.

[0062] In the above, f5>f4>f1.

[0063] As an optional implementation, the startup load A=total capacity of the startup internal units / total capacity of the startup external units.

[0064] The specific value of the startup load A can be obtained through the above formula.

[0065] The above technical solution can control the number and frequency of fans in the unit under low load and high load conditions by comparing the startup load A with a plurality of preset different startup load values.

[0066] When the load of the unit is at a moderate stage, that is, the startup load A is not less than the first preset startup load value a1 and less than the second preset startup load value a2, it is necessary to combine other operating conditions to determine the number of fans in operation and the maximum operating frequency:

[0067] Specifically, step S3 is also included: the operating conditions also include the whole machine demand capacity B; if the second preset startup load value a2> startup load A≥first preset startup load value a1, it is necessary to compare the whole machine demand capacity B with the preset whole machine demand capacity value b1, and determine the number of fans turned on and the maximum operating frequency based on the comparison result.

[0068] If the whole machine demand capacity B is less than the preset whole machine demand capacity value b1, the number of running fans is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is f2, f2>f1; if the whole machine demand capacity B is greater than or equal to the preset whole machine demand capacity value b1, the number of running fans is two and the maximum operating frequency of the two fans is f3, f3>f2>f1.

[0069] It should be noted that under the load of this unit, the operating frequencies of the two fans in operation are different.

[0070] In addition, the above f3<f4.

[0071] The above whole machine requirement capacity B can be obtained by the following formula:

[0072] Machine demand capacity B= ;in, is the capacity requirement of the nth indoor unit, where n is a positive integer greater than zero.

[0073] In other words, the more indoor units there are, the higher the demand capacity B of the whole unit.

[0074] Capacity requirement of the nth indoor unit = ;in, is the rated total capacity of the nth indoor unit, is the proportional coefficient of the nth indoor unit.

[0075] above It is related to the temperature difference between the set temperature of the indoor unit and the ambient temperature. The greater the temperature difference, The higher the value of The relationship with temperature difference is positive.

[0076] You can set the above A certain temperature difference or a temperature difference within a certain range corresponds to a fixed value. When the temperature difference at the nth indoor unit is determined, The value can also be determined.

[0077] In order to ensure that the operating time and service life of different fans can be consistent and avoid the situation where a certain fan wears out too quickly, this solution also provides: when certain conditions are met, the above-mentioned fans are rotated and controlled to help extend the service life and service cycle of the motor.

[0078] In this embodiment, the condition for performing rotation control on the fans is set to a single operation time of the fans.

[0079] Specifically, the fan operation switching time is preset to t; the fan operation time T is obtained and the fan operation time T is compared with the preset fan operation switching time t; when the fan operation status is different, if the fan operation time is not less than the preset operation time, the fan operation status is switched.

[0080] For example, if one fan is running and the other is stopped, and the fan's operating time exceeds the preset fan operation switching time, the operating status of the two fans will be rotated or switched. The running fan will stop running, and the inactive fan will start at the same frequency as the other fan's original operating frequency. After a certain period of operation, the switching process will be repeated.

[0081] Alternatively, if both fans are running at different frequencies, and their operating time exceeds a preset fan switching time, the two fans' operating states are rotated or switched, with the two fans switching operating frequencies. After a certain period of operation, the switching process is repeated.

[0082] It should be noted that if both fans are in operation and have the same operating frequency, the above switching action will not be performed; in addition, when the fans are switched, the corresponding heat exchangers are also switched synchronously.

[0083] The requirements for the operating quantity and operating frequency of the above fans are shown in the table below.

[0084]

[0085] In the above table, a1<a2<a3; f1<f2<f3<f4<f5.

[0086] In this embodiment, the operation switching times of fans with different maximum operating frequencies are different:

[0087] Specifically, when the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f1, the corresponding preset operating switching time is t1; when the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f2, the corresponding preset operating switching time is t2; when the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f3, the corresponding preset operating switching time is t3.

[0088] Generally speaking, the higher the operating frequency of the fan, the more serious the heating phenomenon. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above t1>t2, t1>t3 are set. The above time values ​​can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0089] In addition, the structural relationship between the above-mentioned fan and heat exchanger is as follows Figure 3 shown.

[0090] The corresponding equipment includes two heat exchange structures, a first heat exchanger 1 and a second heat exchanger 2. When the first heating valve 11 and the first solenoid valve 12 in the first heat exchanger 1 are in the open state, and the second heating valve 21 and the second solenoid valve 22 in the second heat exchanger 2 are in the closed state, the refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 1, and the first fan 13 is in the started state, and the second fan 23 is in the stopped state. Conversely, the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 2, the second fan 23 is in the started state, and the first fan 13 is in the stopped state. If the first heat exchanger 1 and the second heat exchanger 2 are both in the open state, the corresponding two fans are also in the started state at the same time. In other words, when a heat exchanger participates in heat exchange, the corresponding heating valve and solenoid valve must be opened, and the heating valve and solenoid valve in the heat exchanger not participating in heat exchange are in the closed state.

[0091] In this embodiment, the outdoor fan can determine its opening number and maximum operating frequency according to the above-mentioned operating conditions, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the unit; in addition, this embodiment can also achieve the purpose of extending the motor service life by controlling the fans to start in turn and switching the operating status of the fans.

[0092] Example 2:

[0093] The present invention also provides an outdoor fan control device 100, such as Figure 2 As shown, the device includes:

[0094] An acquisition module 101 is used to acquire operating conditions, including startup load A;

[0095] The control module 102 is used to determine the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency according to the operating conditions obtained by the obtaining module 101.

[0096] The implementation method and beneficial effects of each module in this embodiment can be found in the introduction of the relevant steps in Example 1, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0097] It can be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment can achieve the effect of reducing the energy consumption of the unit by obtaining the operating conditions and determining the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency of the fans according to the size of the operating conditions; in addition, this embodiment can also achieve the purpose of extending the motor service life by controlling the fans to be turned on in turn and switching the operating status of the fans.

[0098] Example 3:

[0099] The present invention also provides an outdoor unit, comprising the outdoor fan control device described above.

[0100] The implementation methods and beneficial effects of each module in this embodiment can be found in the introduction of the relevant steps in Examples 1-2, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0101] It can be understood that the technical solution provided in this embodiment can achieve the effect of reducing the energy consumption of the unit by obtaining the operating conditions and determining the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency of the fans according to the size of the operating conditions; in addition, this embodiment can also achieve the purpose of extending the motor service life by controlling the fans to be turned on in turn and switching the operating status of the fans.

[0102] Example 4:

[0103] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0104] A processor, which is used to execute multiple instructions;

[0105] A memory for storing a plurality of instructions;

[0106] Among them, multiple instructions are used to be stored in the memory, and loaded and executed by the processor to implement the outdoor fan control method as described in the above embodiment 1.

[0107] Regarding the air conditioner in the above embodiment, the specific manner in which its processor executes the program in the memory has been described in detail in Embodiments 1-3 of the method, and will not be elaborated on here.

[0108] It can be understood that the same or similar parts of the above embodiments can be referenced to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can refer to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

[0109] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" or "multiple" is at least two.

[0110] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time; when an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element at the same time. In addition, the "connection" used here may include wireless connection; the wording "and / or" used includes any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0111] Any process or method description in a flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a specific logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present application includes alternative implementations in which functions may be performed out of the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present application belong.

[0112] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above-described embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented using hardware, as in another embodiment, any one of the following technologies known in the art or a combination thereof can be used: a discrete logic circuit having logic gate circuits for implementing logic functions on data signals, an application-specific integrated circuit having suitable combinational logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the method of the above embodiment can be completed by instructing related hardware through a program, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiment.

[0114] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a processing module, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a module. The above-mentioned integrated module may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0115] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0116] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, 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.

[0117] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an outdoor fan, characterized in that: include: Obtain operating conditions, including startup load A; According to the operating conditions, the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency are determined; It also includes a first preset startup load value a1 and a second preset startup load value a2, a1<a2; if the startup load A<the first preset startup load value a1, the number of running fans is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is f1; if the startup load A≥the second preset startup load value a2, the number of running fans is two and the maximum operating frequencies of the two fans are the same, and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is greater than f1; The operating conditions also include a whole-machine demand capacity B; if the second preset startup load value a2> the startup load A≥ the first preset startup load value a1, then comparing the whole-machine demand capacity B with the preset whole-machine demand capacity value b1, and determining the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency based on the comparison result; if the whole-machine demand capacity B< the preset whole-machine demand capacity value b1, then the number of fans to be turned on is one and the maximum operating frequency of the fans is f2, and f2>f1; If the whole machine required capacity B ≥ the preset whole machine required capacity value b1, the number of running fans is two and the maximum operating frequency of the two fans is f3, f3>f2>f1; The startup load A = total capacity of the internal unit at startup / total capacity of the external unit; The required capacity of the whole machine B= ; wherein, is the capacity requirement of the nth indoor unit; described = ; wherein, is the rated total capacity of the nth indoor unit, is the proportional coefficient of the nth indoor unit; described It is related to the temperature difference between the set temperature of the indoor unit and the ambient temperature. The relationship with temperature difference is positive.

2. The outdoor fan control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes a third preset startup load value a3, a3>a2; If the third preset startup load value a3>the startup load A≥the second preset startup load value a2, then the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f4, If the startup load A≥the third preset startup load value a3, the maximum operating frequency of the fan is f5, and f5>f4>f1.

3. The outdoor fan control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two fans operate at different frequencies.

4. The outdoor fan control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Preset fan operation switching time t; Obtaining the operating time T of the fan; Comparing the fan operation time T with the preset fan operation switching time t; In the case where the operating states of the fan are different, if the operating time of the fan is not less than the preset fan operation switching time, the operating state of the fan is switched.

5. An outdoor fan control device based on the outdoor fan control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: include: An acquisition module is used to obtain operating conditions, including startup load A; The control module is used to determine the number of fans to be turned on and the maximum operating frequency according to the operating conditions obtained by the obtaining module.

6. An outdoor unit, characterized in that: Including the outdoor fan control device according to claim 5.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A processor, which is used to execute multiple instructions; A memory for storing a plurality of instructions; The plurality of instructions are used to be stored in the memory and loaded and executed by the processor to implement the outdoor fan control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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