Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air conditioner and a control method for the air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner comprises: a controller configured to: detect a start-up instruction of a cooling mode, obtain the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; when determining that the working environment temperature is higher than a preset environment temperature, control the air conditioner to execute a high temperature protection strategy; under the high temperature protection strategy, obtain a preset startup operation frequency of the compressor; determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency; control the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value. With the air conditioner, when the air conditioner is started and operated in a high temperature environment, the pressure difference in the air conditioner can be reduced by controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of excessive pressure that is easy to occur in the air conditioner in a high temperature environment, and improving the reliability and use experience of the air conditioner when operating in a high temperature environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the compressor of a traditional air conditioner must run to the protection platform operating frequency after being turned on. The pressure of the air conditioning system often exceeds the standard during platform operation in an extremely high temperature environment, such as 58°C, which makes the operation of the air conditioner in a high temperature environment extremely risky. The existing method is to increase the configuration of the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner to achieve the operation of the air conditioner in a high temperature environment, but this method increases the cost of the air conditioner. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner, by which the pressure difference in the air conditioner can be reduced by controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve when the air conditioner is turned on and operated in a high temperature environment, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of excessive pressure that is prone to occur in the air conditioner in a high temperature environment, and improving the reliability and user experience of the air conditioner when operating in a high temperature environment.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an air conditioner.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a first embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: a refrigerant circulation circuit, so that the refrigerant circulates in a circuit composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a four-way valve; a compressor, used to compress low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharge it to the condenser; a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, one of which works for the condenser and the other works for the evaporator; a four-way valve, used to control the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, so that the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger can be switched between the condenser and the evaporator; an electronic expansion valve, which is arranged in the refrigerant flow path between the condenser and the evaporator, and the electronic expansion valve is used to open when its opening is reduced. hours, the flow resistance of the refrigerant through the electronic expansion valve increases, and when its opening increases, the flow resistance of the refrigerant through the electronic expansion valve decreases; a first temperature sensor is used to collect the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; the controller is configured to: detect the start-up instruction of the cooling mode, and obtain the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; when it is determined that the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, control the air conditioner to execute the high temperature protection strategy; under the high temperature protection strategy, obtain the preset startup frequency of the compressor; determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency; control the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value.

[0006] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, when the working environment temperature of the air conditioner is too high, the air conditioner is controlled to execute a high temperature protection strategy, that is, the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve is calculated by the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, and then the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to be the initial opening. Compared with the method of increasing the configuration of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to achieve operation in a high temperature environment, in the present application, when the air conditioner is started and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor to work at the preset startup operation frequency, the pressure difference in the air conditioner is effectively reduced by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, thereby avoiding the problem that the air conditioner exceeds the pressure standard and cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment and saving the cost of the air conditioner.

[0007] In some embodiments, when determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, the controller is specifically configured to calculate the initial opening by the following formula:

[0008] K=a1*T+a2*f+a3

[0009] Among them, K is the initial opening, T is the working environment temperature, f is the preset startup operation frequency, and a1, a2 and a3 are adjustment coefficients.

[0010] In some embodiments, 40 Hz ≤ the preset power-on operating frequency ≤ 55 Hz.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air conditioner also includes a second temperature sensor for collecting the outlet temperature of the condenser; when obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner, the controller is also configured to: determine the working state of the first temperature sensor; when determining that the working state is an abnormal working state, obtain the working environment temperature according to the outlet temperature of the condenser.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: obtain the duration of the operation of the electronic expansion valve at the initial opening; and control the air conditioner to exit the high temperature protection strategy after the duration reaches a preset duration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: obtain the maximum allowable operating frequency of the compressor under the working environment temperature; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, control the compressor to increase the frequency, and control the opening of the electronic expansion valve to increase; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency, control the compressor to reduce the frequency.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: detecting a start-up instruction for a cooling mode, and obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; when it is determined that the working environment temperature is higher than a preset environment temperature, controlling the air conditioner to execute a high temperature protection strategy; under the high temperature protection strategy, obtaining a preset startup frequency of the compressor; determining an initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency; and controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve to be the initial opening, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value.

[0015] According to the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, when the working environment temperature of the air conditioner is too high, the air conditioner is controlled to execute a high temperature protection strategy, that is, the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve is calculated by the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, and then the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to be the initial opening. Compared with the method of increasing the configuration of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to achieve the operation in a high temperature environment, in the present application, when the air conditioner is started and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor to work at the preset startup operation frequency, the pressure difference in the air conditioner is effectively reduced by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, thereby avoiding the problem that the air conditioner exceeds the pressure standard and cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment and saving the cost of the air conditioner.

[0016] In some embodiments, when determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, the controller is specifically configured to calculate the initial opening by the following formula:

[0017] K=a1*T+a2*f+a3

[0018] Among them, K is the initial opening, T is the working environment temperature, f is the preset startup operation frequency, and a1, a2 and a3 are adjustment coefficients.

[0019] In some embodiments, it also includes: obtaining the duration of the operation of the electronic expansion valve at the initial opening; after the duration reaches a preset duration, controlling the air conditioner to exit the high temperature protection strategy.

[0020] In some embodiments, the maximum allowable operating frequency of the compressor under the working environment temperature is obtained; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to increase the frequency, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to increase; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to reduce the frequency.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2is a circuit diagram outlining the structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a control process of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a control process of a controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a control process of a controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Reference numerals:

[0034] 1: air conditioner; 2: outdoor unit; 3: indoor unit; 4: connecting pipes;

[0035] 11: compressor; 12: first temperature sensor; 13: second temperature sensor; 14: electronic expansion valve; 16: first heat exchanger; 22: second heat exchanger; 29: four-way valve; 50: controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0037] The air conditioner in this application performs a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation, and supplies cold energy to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0038] The compressor compresses the gaseous refrigerant into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges it from the compressor. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0039] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state to the compressor. The evaporator can achieve a refrigeration effect by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to exchange heat with the material to be cooled. In the entire cycle, the air conditioner can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0040] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to a portion of a refrigeration cycle including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve may be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0041] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in a heating mode, and when the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in a cooling mode.

[0042] Figure 1 The air conditioner 1 shown has: an indoor unit 3, taking an indoor wall mounted unit (shown in the figure) as an example, the indoor wall mounted unit is usually installed on the indoor wall. For another example, an indoor cabinet unit (not shown in the figure) is also a form of indoor unit. An outdoor unit 2 is usually set outdoors and used for heat exchange in the indoor environment.

[0043] Figure 2 The circuit structure of the air conditioner 1 is shown in FIG. 1 . The air conditioner 1 is provided with an indoor controller 50 to control the operation of various components in the air conditioner 1 so that the various components of the air conditioner 1 can operate to realize various predetermined functions of the air conditioner 1 .

[0044] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the air conditioner 1 further includes: a refrigerant circulation loop, a compressor 11 , a first heat exchanger 16 , a second heat exchanger 22 , a four-way valve 29 , an electronic expansion valve 14 , a first temperature sensor 12 and a controller 50 . Among them, the refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate in the loop composed of the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator and four-way valve; the compressor 11 is used to compress the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharge it to the condenser; the first heat exchanger 16 and the second heat exchanger 22, one of which works for the condenser and the other works for the evaporator; the four-way valve is used to control the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant loop so that the first heat exchanger 16 and the second heat exchanger 22 can be switched between the condenser and the evaporator; the electronic expansion valve 14, the electronic expansion valve 14 is arranged in the refrigerant flow path between the condenser and the evaporator, and the electronic expansion valve 14 is used to increase the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve 14 when its opening is reduced, and to reduce the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve 14 when its opening is increased; the first temperature sensor 12 is used to collect the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0045] In order to solve the above problems, the controller 50 is configured to ensure that the air conditioner 1 operates stably through the following steps.

[0046] First, a start instruction of the cooling mode is detected to obtain the working environment temperature of the air conditioner.

[0047] Among them, the working environment temperature can be understood as the outdoor environment temperature of the air conditioner.

[0048] Specifically, when the user turns on the cooling mode through the remote control or the button on the air conditioner 1 or the air conditioner APP, the controller 50 of the air conditioner 1 detects the start instruction of the cooling mode, and the first temperature sensor 12 starts to collect the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 and sends the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the controller 50.

[0049] Secondly, when it is determined that the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, the air conditioner is controlled to execute a high temperature protection strategy.

[0050] The preset ambient temperature may be understood as the lowest temperature value of the high temperature working environment temperature of the area where the air conditioner is installed. For example, the preset ambient temperature may be 43° C. or 55° C., and there is no limitation on this.

[0051] Specifically, the controller 50 compares the working environment temperature with the preset environment temperature to determine whether the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 is in the high temperature range. If the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, it means that the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 is in the high temperature range. At this time, the air conditioner 1 may have a risk of excessive pressure due to the high working environment temperature. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the high temperature protection strategy to ensure that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment, thereby overcoming the problem that the air conditioner 1 cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment due to excessive pressure, and improving the reliability and user experience of the air conditioner 1 when operating in a high temperature environment. If the working environment temperature is not higher than the preset environment temperature, it means that the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 is not in the high temperature range, and there is no need to control the air conditioner 1 to execute the high temperature protection strategy.

[0052] Again, under the high temperature protection strategy, the preset startup frequency of the compressor is obtained.

[0053] Specifically, when controlling the air conditioner 1 to execute the high temperature protection strategy, the controller 50 automatically obtains the preset startup operating frequency of the compressor stored in the controller 50, wherein the preset startup operating frequency can be understood as the stable operating frequency of the system that controls the air conditioner during the startup phase of operation. The preset startup operating frequency can be set according to actual operating conditions during the development phase of the air conditioner, and there is no restriction on this.

[0054] Then, the initial opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 14 is determined according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency.

[0055] Specifically, since the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the preset startup frequency of the compressor affect the pressure of the air conditioning system, there is a great risk when the air conditioner 1 operates in a high temperature environment. Therefore, in this application, the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency are used to calculate the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 14.

[0056] Finally, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 14 is controlled to be the initial opening degree, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner 1 is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value.

[0057] Specifically, since the compressor of the air conditioner 1 must run to a preset startup frequency after being turned on, and the pressure of the air conditioning system of the air conditioner 1 often exceeds the standard in an extremely high temperature environment such as 58°C, there is a great risk that the air conditioner 1 will operate in a high temperature environment. Therefore, in order to solve the problem that the air conditioner 1 cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment due to excessive pressure, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is controlled to be the initial opening in the present application to reduce the pressure of the air conditioning system when the air conditioner 1 operates at the preset startup frequency. That is, when the air conditioner 1 is turned on and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor 11 to operate at the preset startup frequency, the controller 50 calculates the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 through the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency, and sends a corresponding instruction to the electronic expansion valve 14 to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 to the initial opening, so as to adjust the flow resistance of the refrigerant through the electronic expansion valve 14, thereby reducing the pressure difference of the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioner 1 operates at the preset startup frequency, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner 1 is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value. Therefore, in the present application, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is adjusted to the initial opening to effectively reduce the pressure difference in the air conditioner, thereby avoiding the problem that the air conditioner 1 exceeds the pressure limit and cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment. Compared with the method of increasing the configuration of the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner to achieve operation in a high temperature environment, the present application reduces the cost of the air conditioner 1 by controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14, and at the same time can improve the reliability and user experience of the air conditioner 1 when operating in a high temperature environment.

[0058] In addition, when the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 14 is operated at the initial opening degree, the outdoor fan continues to operate in a high wind state.

[0059] According to the air conditioner 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner 1 is in the cooling mode, when the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 is too high, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute a high temperature protection strategy, that is, the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is calculated by the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency, and then the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is controlled to be the initial opening. Compared with the method of increasing the configuration of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 1 to achieve the operation in a high temperature environment, in the present application, when the air conditioner 1 is started and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor 11 to work at the preset startup frequency, the pressure difference in the air conditioner 1 is effectively reduced by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 to the initial opening, thereby avoiding the problem that the air conditioner 1 exceeds the pressure standard and cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment, ensuring that the air conditioner 1 can still operate stably in a high temperature environment and saving the cost of the air conditioner 1.

[0060] In some embodiments, when determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, the controller 50 is specifically configured to calculate the initial opening by the following formula:

[0061] K=a1*T+a2*f+a3

[0062] Wherein, K is the initial opening, T is the working environment temperature, f is the preset startup frequency, and a1, a2 and a3 are adjustment coefficients.

[0063] The adjustment coefficients a1, a2 and a3 may be understood as coefficients calculated based on experimental test data during the development and testing phase of the air conditioner 1.

[0064] Specifically, the controller 50 substitutes the working environment temperature T of the air conditioner 1 collected by the first temperature sensor 12, and the preset startup frequency and adjustment coefficients a1, a2 and a3 stored in the controller 50 into the above formula to calculate the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 14. Therefore, when the air conditioner 1 is started and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor 11 to operate at the preset startup frequency, the pressure difference in the air conditioner 1 is effectively reduced by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 to the initial opening, thereby avoiding the problem that the air conditioner 1 exceeds the pressure standard and cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment.

[0065] In some embodiments, 40Hz≤preset startup frequency≤55Hz, for example, the preset startup frequency can be 40Hz, 42Hz, 50Hz or 55Hz. When the preset startup frequency of the compressor 11 is within this frequency range, the oil return protection effect of the compressor 11 is best.

[0066] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 further includes a second temperature sensor 13 for collecting the outlet temperature of the condenser; when obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the controller 50 is further configured to perform the following steps.

[0067] Step S1, determining the working state of the first temperature sensor.

[0068] Step S2, when it is determined that the working state is an abnormal working state, obtaining the working environment temperature according to the outlet temperature of the condenser.

[0069] Specifically, since the outlet temperature of the condenser collected by the second temperature sensor 13 is slightly different from the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 collected by the first temperature sensor 12, and the outlet temperature is often 2°C-5°C higher than the working environment temperature, when the working environment temperature collected by the first temperature sensor 12 is wrong due to a malfunction, the outlet temperature of the condenser collected by the second temperature sensor 13 can replace the working environment temperature collected by the first temperature sensor 12. That is to say, when the user turns on the air conditioner 1 and adjusts the operating mode of the air conditioner 1 to the cooling mode, the first temperature sensor 12 collects the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 in real time, and the outlet temperature of the condenser collected by the second temperature sensor 13 in real time. Since the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 collected by the first temperature sensor 12 corresponds to the working environment temperature of the air conditioner 1 1 is crucial, so it is necessary to judge the working state of the first temperature sensor 12, for example, by judging whether the working environment temperature collected by the first temperature sensor 12 is in the normal temperature range. If the working environment temperature collected by the first temperature sensor 12 is in the normal temperature range, the working state of the first temperature sensor 12 is a normal working state, that is, the first temperature sensor 12 has no fault, and the first temperature sensor 12 can collect the working environment temperature; if the working environment temperature collected by the first temperature sensor 12 is not in the normal temperature range, when it is determined that the working state of the first temperature sensor 12 is an abnormal working state, the outlet temperature of the condenser collected by the second temperature sensor 13 replaces the working environment temperature, so as to ensure that the air conditioner 1 can still be used normally when the first temperature sensor 12 fails.

[0070] In addition, if the working states of the first temperature sensor 12 and the second temperature sensor 13 are both abnormal, that is, the first temperature sensor 12 and the second temperature sensor 13 are damaged, the fault information of the first temperature sensor 12 and the second temperature sensor 13 will be reported to the controller 50, and the controller 50 controls the air conditioner 1 to enter the air supply mode.

[0071] In some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the controller 50 is further configured to perform the following steps.

[0072] Step S3, obtaining the duration of the electronic expansion valve operating at the initial opening.

[0073] Step S4, after the duration reaches a preset duration, the air conditioner is controlled to exit the high temperature protection strategy.

[0074] Specifically, the duration t of the electronic expansion valve 14 running at the initial opening is too long, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is large, resulting in a poor throttling effect of the electronic expansion valve 14, thereby affecting the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1 and reducing the user experience. However, when the duration t is too short, the air conditioner 1 cannot be protected. Therefore, in the present application, the duration t of the electronic expansion valve 14 running at the initial opening is continuously judged to judge whether the air conditioner 1 needs a high temperature protection strategy. When the controller 50 obtains the duration t of the electronic expansion valve 14 running at the initial opening, Duration t, compare the duration t with the preset duration t0. If the duration t reaches the preset duration t0, as can be expressed as t≥t0, the air conditioner 1 is in a stable state at this time, then the air conditioner 1 is controlled to exit the high temperature protection strategy. If the duration t does not reach the preset duration t0, the electronic expansion valve is controlled to continue to operate at the initial opening. The preset duration can be understood as the optimal duration for the electronic expansion valve to operate at the initial opening. The preset duration can be adjusted according to actual conditions. For example, the preset duration can be 3 minutes, and there is no limit on this.

[0075] In some embodiments, Figure 7 As shown, the controller 50 is further configured to perform the following steps.

[0076] Step S5, obtaining the maximum allowable operating frequency of the compressor under the working environment temperature.

[0077] Step S6: If it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to increase the frequency, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to increase.

[0078] Step S7: If it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to reduce the frequency.

[0079] Specifically, when the air conditioner 1 exits the high-temperature protection strategy, the compressor 11 no longer operates at the preset startup frequency and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is no longer the initial opening. At this time, in order to improve the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1 in a high-temperature environment, the present application adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 by judging the size of the preset startup frequency f1, that is, when the preset startup frequency f1 is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency fmax, such as f1<fmax, it means that the pressure of the air-conditioning system is low. At this time, the compressor 11 can be controlled to increase the frequency, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 can be controlled to increase, thereby increasing the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1, that is, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is freely adjusted according to the preset operating rules, wherein the preset operating rules can be understood as rules set according to actual needs, such as obtaining the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 according to the exhaust temperature, operating frequency and ambient temperature. , there is no restriction on this; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency f1 is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency fmax, such as can be expressed as f1≥fmax, at this time, since the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is too high, if the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is lowered at this time, the exhaust temperature will rise rapidly, causing the air-conditioning system pressure to rise rapidly and affect the stability of the air-conditioning system. Therefore, the compressor 11 is controlled to reduce the frequency to a safe frequency range, and the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is recorded in real time, and the operating frequency fi of the compressor 11 is continuously detected until the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency fmax. At this time, the pressure of the air-conditioning system is stable, then the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 is lowered, such as freely adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve 14 according to the preset operating rules, so as to make the air conditioner 1 run stably and ensure the cooling effect of the air conditioner 1, and maintain the above-mentioned operating state until the user controls the air conditioner 1 to shut down.

[0080] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, such as Figure 8 As shown, the method includes: step S8 to step S12.

[0081] Step S8: detecting a start instruction of the cooling mode and obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner.

[0082] Specifically, when the user turns on the cooling mode through the remote control, the button on the air conditioner, or the air conditioner APP, the air conditioner controller detects the start instruction of the cooling mode, and the first temperature sensor starts to collect the working environment temperature of the air conditioner and sends the working environment temperature of the air conditioner to the controller.

[0083] Step S9, when it is determined that the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, the air conditioner is controlled to execute a high temperature protection strategy.

[0084] Specifically, the controller compares the working environment temperature with the preset environment temperature to determine whether the working environment temperature of the air conditioner is in the high temperature range. If the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, it means that the working environment temperature of the air conditioner is in the high temperature range. At this time, the air conditioner may be at risk of overpressure due to the high working environment temperature. Therefore, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the high temperature protection strategy to ensure that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment, thereby overcoming the problem that the air conditioner cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment due to overpressure, and improving the reliability and user experience of the air conditioner when operating in a high temperature environment. If the working environment temperature is not higher than the preset environment temperature, it means that the working environment temperature of the air conditioner is not in the high temperature range, and there is no need to control the air conditioner to execute the high temperature protection strategy.

[0085] Step S10, automatically obtaining a preset startup frequency of the compressor while controlling the air conditioner to execute a high temperature protection strategy.

[0086] Step S11, determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency.

[0087] Specifically, since the working environment temperature of the air conditioner and the preset startup frequency of the compressor affect the pressure of the air conditioning system, there is a great risk when the air conditioner is operated in a high temperature environment. Therefore, in this application, the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency are used to calculate the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve.

[0088] Step S12, controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve to be an initial opening, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value.

[0089] Specifically, since the compressor of the air conditioner must run to a preset startup frequency after being turned on, and the pressure of the air conditioning system of the air conditioner often exceeds the standard in an extremely high temperature environment such as 58°C, there is a great risk for the air conditioner to operate in a high temperature environment. Therefore, in order to solve the problem that the air conditioner cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment because the pressure of the air conditioning system exceeds the standard during the protection platform operation stage, in this application, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to be the initial opening to reduce the pressure of the air conditioning system when the air conditioner is running at the preset startup frequency. That is to say, when the air conditioner is turned on and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor to work at the preset startup frequency, when the controller calculates the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve through the working environment temperature and the preset startup frequency, and sends a corresponding instruction to the electronic expansion valve to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, to adjust the flow resistance of the refrigerant through the electronic expansion valve 14, thereby reducing the pressure difference of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is running at the preset startup frequency, so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value. Therefore, in the present application, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is adjusted to the initial opening to effectively reduce the pressure difference in the air conditioner, thereby avoiding the problem of the air conditioner exceeding the pressure limit and being unable to be used in an extremely high temperature environment, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment. Compared with the method of increasing the configuration of the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner to achieve operation in a high temperature environment, the present application reduces the cost of the air conditioner by controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve, and at the same time can improve the user experience of the air conditioner when operating in a high temperature environment.

[0090] According to the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, when the working environment temperature of the air conditioner is too high, the air conditioner is controlled to execute a high temperature protection strategy, that is, the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve is calculated by the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, and then the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to be the initial opening. Compared with the method of increasing the configuration of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to achieve the operation in a high temperature environment, in the present application, when the air conditioner is started and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor to work at the preset startup operation frequency, the pressure difference in the air conditioner is effectively reduced by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, thereby avoiding the problem that the air conditioner exceeds the pressure standard and cannot be used in an extremely high temperature environment, ensuring that the air conditioner can still operate stably in a high temperature environment and saving the cost of the air conditioner.

[0091] In some embodiments, when determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, the controller is specifically configured to calculate the initial opening by the following formula:

[0092] K=a1*T+a2*f+a3

[0093] Wherein, K is the initial opening, T is the working environment temperature, f is the preset startup frequency, and a1, a2 and a3 are adjustment coefficients.

[0094] Specifically, the controller substitutes the working environment temperature T of the air conditioner collected by the first temperature sensor, and the preset startup frequency and adjustment coefficients a1, a2 and a3 stored in the controller into the above formula to calculate the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve. Therefore, when the air conditioner is started and operated in a high temperature environment, while controlling the compressor to work at the preset startup frequency, the pressure difference in the air conditioner is effectively reduced by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening, thereby avoiding the problem of the air conditioner exceeding the pressure standard and being unable to be used in an extremely high temperature environment.

[0095] In some embodiments, it also includes: obtaining the duration of the electronic expansion valve running at the initial opening; after the duration reaches a preset duration, controlling the air conditioner to exit the high temperature protection strategy.

[0096] Specifically, the duration t of the electronic expansion valve running at the initial opening is too long, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve is large, resulting in a poor throttling effect of the electronic expansion valve, thereby affecting the cooling effect of the air conditioner and reducing the user experience. However, when the duration t is too short, the air conditioner cannot be protected. Therefore, in the present application, the duration t of the electronic expansion valve running at the initial opening is continuously judged to determine whether the air conditioner needs a high-temperature protection strategy. When the controller obtains the duration t of the electronic expansion valve running at the initial opening, the duration t is compared with the preset duration t0. If the duration t reaches the preset duration t0, as can be expressed as t≥t0, the air conditioner is in a stable state at this time, the air conditioner is controlled to exit the high-temperature protection strategy. If the duration t does not reach the preset duration t0, the electronic expansion valve is controlled to continue to operate at the initial opening.

[0097] In some embodiments, the maximum allowable operating frequency of the compressor under the working environment temperature is obtained; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to increase the frequency, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to increase; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to reduce the frequency.

[0098] Specifically, when the air conditioner exits the high-temperature protection strategy, the compressor no longer operates at the preset startup frequency and the opening of the electronic expansion valve is no longer the initial opening. At this time, in order to improve the cooling effect of the air conditioner in a high-temperature environment, the present application adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve by judging the size of the preset startup frequency f1. That is, when the preset startup frequency f1 is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency fmax, such as f1<fmax, it means that the pressure of the air-conditioning system is low. At this time, the compressor can be controlled to increase the frequency, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be controlled to increase, thereby increasing the cooling effect of the air conditioner, that is, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is freely adjusted according to the preset operating rules, wherein the preset operating rules can be understood as rules set according to actual needs, such as obtaining the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the exhaust temperature, operating frequency and ambient temperature. degree, there is no restriction on this; if it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency f1 is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency fmax, which can be expressed as f1≥fmax, at this time, since the operating frequency of the compressor is too high, if the opening of the electronic expansion valve is lowered at this time, the exhaust temperature will rise rapidly, causing the air-conditioning system pressure to rise rapidly and affecting the stability of the air-conditioning system. Therefore, the compressor is controlled to reduce the frequency to a safe frequency range, and the operating frequency of the compressor is recorded in real time, and the operating frequency fi of the compressor is continuously detected until the operating frequency of the compressor is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency fmax. At this time, the pressure of the air-conditioning system is stable, and the opening of the electronic expansion valve is lowered. For example, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be freely adjusted according to the preset operating rules to make the air conditioner run stably and ensure the cooling effect of the air conditioner. The above operating state is maintained until the user controls the air conditioner to shut down.

[0099] Reference below Fig. 9 The control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example, and the specific contents are as follows.

[0100] Step S13, turning on the air conditioner.

[0101] Step S14: the first temperature sensor collects the working environment temperature of the air conditioner, and the second temperature sensor collects the outlet temperature of the condenser.

[0102] Step S15, determining whether the working state of the first temperature sensor is a normal working state, if the working state of the first temperature sensor is a normal working state, executing step S16, if the working state of the first temperature sensor is an abnormal working state, executing step S17.

[0103] Step S16, collecting the working environment temperature of the air conditioner.

[0104] Step S17, determining whether the working state of the second temperature sensor is a normal working state, if the working state of the second temperature sensor is an abnormal working state, executing step S18, if the working state of the second temperature sensor is a normal working state, executing step S19.

[0105] In step S18, the air conditioner displays the temperature sensor abnormality fault code and automatically controls the air conditioner to enter the air supply mode.

[0106] Step S19, setting the working environment temperature of the air conditioner to be equal to the outlet temperature of the condenser.

[0107] Reference below Fig.10 The control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example, and the specific contents are as follows.

[0108] Step S16, collecting the working environment temperature of the air conditioner.

[0109] Step S20, determining whether the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, if yes, executing step S21, otherwise executing step S27.

[0110] Step S21, calculating the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve and sending a command to the electronic expansion valve to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening.

[0111] Step S22, determining whether the duration of the operation of the electronic expansion valve at the initial opening meets the preset duration, if yes, executing step S23, otherwise executing step S21.

[0112] Step S23, determining whether the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowed operating frequency, if yes, executing step S25, otherwise executing step S24.

[0113] Step S24, control the compressor to increase frequency, and control the opening of the electronic expansion valve to increase, and execute step S27.

[0114] Step S25, controlling the compressor to reduce frequency.

[0115] Step S26, determining whether the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, if yes, executing step S27, otherwise executing step S25.

[0116] Step S27, adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to a preset free-running rule.

[0117] Step S28: the air conditioner operates stably.

[0118] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0119] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: The refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a four-way valve; The compressor is used to compress the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharge it to the condenser; A first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, wherein one works as a condenser and the other works as an evaporator; A four-way valve, used to control the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are switched between serving as a condenser and an evaporator; an electronic expansion valve, the electronic expansion valve being arranged in the refrigerant flow path between the condenser and the evaporator, the electronic expansion valve being used to increase the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve when the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is reduced, and to reduce the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve when the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is increased; A first temperature sensor is used to collect the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; The controller is configured as: Detecting a start command of the cooling mode, and obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; When it is determined that the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, controlling the air conditioner to execute a high temperature protection strategy; Under the high temperature protection strategy, obtaining a preset startup frequency of the compressor; Determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency; Controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value; Wherein, when determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, the controller is specifically configured as follows: The initial opening is calculated by the following formula: in, is the initial opening, is the working environment temperature, is the preset startup operating frequency, , and is the adjustment coefficient.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: 40Hz≤the preset startup operating frequency≤55Hz.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a second temperature sensor for collecting the outlet temperature of the condenser; When obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner, the controller is further configured to: Determining a working state of the first temperature sensor; When it is determined that the working state is an abnormal working state, the working environment temperature is obtained according to the outlet temperature of the condenser.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: Obtaining a duration for which the electronic expansion valve operates at the initial opening degree; After the duration reaches a preset duration, the air conditioner is controlled to exit the high temperature protection strategy.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: Acquire the maximum allowable operating frequency of the compressor at the working ambient temperature; If it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, controlling the compressor to increase the frequency, and controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve to increase; If it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to reduce the frequency.

6. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: Detecting a start command of the cooling mode, and obtaining the working environment temperature of the air conditioner; When it is determined that the working environment temperature is higher than the preset environment temperature, controlling the air conditioner to execute a high temperature protection strategy; Under the high temperature protection strategy, obtaining a preset startup frequency of the compressor; Determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency; The opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to be the initial opening degree so that the high pressure of the air conditioner is lower than the maximum allowable pressure value.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: When determining the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the working environment temperature and the preset startup operation frequency, the controller is specifically configured as follows: The initial opening is calculated by the following formula: in, is the initial opening, is the working environment temperature, is the preset startup operating frequency, , and is the adjustment coefficient.

8. The air conditioner control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Obtaining a duration for which the electronic expansion valve operates at the initial opening degree; After the duration reaches a preset duration, the air conditioner is controlled to exit the high temperature protection strategy.

9. The air conditioner control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Acquire the maximum allowable operating frequency of the compressor at the working ambient temperature; If it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is lower than the maximum allowable operating frequency, controlling the compressor to increase the frequency, and controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve to increase; If it is determined that the preset startup operating frequency is higher than the maximum allowable operating frequency, the compressor is controlled to reduce the frequency.

Images