Method for detecting refrigerant leakage, air conditioner, and storage medium

Abstract

A method for detecting refrigerant leakage, the method comprising: after the air conditioner receives a cooling or dehumidification instruction, the controller controls the air conditioner to cool or dehumidify, and during the cooling or dehumidification process, controls the air conditioner to execute a preset first control strategy for the first time to determine whether the air conditioner meets a preset condition, wherein the preset condition includes multiple sub-preset conditions; if the air conditioner meets the multiple sub-preset conditions at the same time for the first time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute a preset second control strategy for the first time; after the second control strategy is executed for the first time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute the first control strategy for the second time to determine whether the air conditioner meets the multiple sub-preset conditions at the same time for the second time; if the air conditioner meets the multiple sub-preset conditions at the same time for the second time, the controller controls the air conditioner to issue an alarm message indicating possible refrigerant leakage.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202110741119.4, filed on June 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air treatment, and in particular to a method for detecting refrigerant leakage, an air conditioner, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of technology and the improvement of people's living standards, air conditioners have gradually entered people's lives and become an indispensable item in people's work and life.

[0004] An air conditioner's refrigeration cycle utilizes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. This cycle involves a series of processes, including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. The air conditioner's refrigeration cycle relies on the refrigerant, which releases heat as it condenses and liquefies, and absorbs heat as it evaporates, thereby enabling heat exchange and transfer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] On the one hand, a method for detecting refrigerant leakage is provided, the method comprising: after the air conditioner receives a cooling or dehumidification instruction, the controller controls the air conditioner to cool or dehumidify, and during the cooling or dehumidification process, controls the air conditioner to execute a preset first control strategy for the first time to determine whether the air conditioner meets a preset condition, the preset condition including multiple sub-preset conditions; if the air conditioner meets the multiple sub-preset conditions at the same time for the first time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute a preset second control strategy for the first time; after the second control strategy is executed for the first time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute the first control strategy for the second time to determine whether the air conditioner meets the multiple sub-preset conditions at the same time for the second time; if the air conditioner meets the multiple sub-preset conditions at the same time for the second time, the controller controls the air conditioner to issue an alarm message of possible refrigerant leakage.

[0006] In another aspect, an air conditioner is provided, comprising a memory and a controller, wherein the memory stores one or more computer programs, the one or more computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to perform the method for detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0007] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer program instructions are stored. When the computer program instructions are executed on a controller, the controller executes the method for detecting refrigerant leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings. In addition, the drawings described below can be regarded as schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual size of the products involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the actual process of the method, the actual timing of the signals, etc.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0010] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0011] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to some embodiments;

[0012] Figure 4 is another flow chart of a method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to some embodiments;

[0013] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an apparatus for detecting refrigerant leakage according to some embodiments;

[0014] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0015] Figure 7 is another block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0017] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", are to be interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0018] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0019] “At least one of A, B and C” has the same meaning as “at least one of A, B or C” and both include the following combinations of A, B and C: A only, B only, C only, the combination of A and B, the combination of A and C, the combination of B and C, and the combination of A, B and C.

[0020] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0021] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined that" or "if [stated condition or event] is detected" are optionally interpreted to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [stated condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0022] The use of "adapted to" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0023] Additionally, the use of “based on” is meant to be open and inclusive, as a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more stated conditions or values ​​may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0024] As used herein, "about," "substantially," or "approximately" includes the stated value and an average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0025] Provided is an air conditioner. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 1 is a split-type air conditioner consisting of an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by a pipeline to transmit refrigerant. The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a second fan 14 (such as an outdoor fan) and an expansion valve 15. The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21 and a first fan 22 (such as an indoor fan). The compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the expansion valve 15 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 connected in sequence form a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with the air through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 respectively, so as to realize the cooling mode or heating mode of the air conditioner 1.

[0026] The compressor 11 is configured to compress the refrigerant so that the low-pressure refrigerant is compressed to form a high-pressure refrigerant.

[0027] The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is configured to exchange heat between outdoor air and the refrigerant transmitted through the outdoor heat exchanger 13. For example, in the cooling mode of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 operates as a condenser, so that the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 dissipates heat to the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and condenses. In the heating mode of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 operates as an evaporator, so that the decompressed refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and evaporates.

[0028] In some embodiments, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 further includes heat exchange fins to expand the contact area between the outdoor air and the refrigerant transmitted in the outdoor heat exchanger 13, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0029] The second fan 14 is configured to draw outdoor air into the outdoor unit 10 through the outdoor air inlet of the outdoor unit 10 and send the outdoor air after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger 13 out through the outdoor air outlet of the outdoor unit 10. The second fan 14 provides power for the flow of outdoor air.

[0030] The expansion valve 15 is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The opening of the expansion valve 15 regulates the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 21, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow rate between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 will affect the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The expansion valve 15 can be an electronic valve. The opening of the expansion valve 15 is adjustable to control the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve 15.

[0031] The four-way valve 12 is connected to the refrigerant circuit. The four-way valve 12 is controlled by the controller 32 to switch the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit so that the air conditioner 1 can perform the cooling mode or the heating mode.

[0032] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is configured to exchange heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant transmitted through the indoor heat exchanger 21. For example, in the cooling mode of the air conditioner 1, the indoor heat exchanger 21 operates as an evaporator, so that the refrigerant, after dissipating heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 13, absorbs heat from the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and evaporates. In the heating mode of the air conditioner 1, the indoor heat exchanger 21 operates as a condenser, so that the refrigerant, after absorbing heat through the outdoor heat exchanger 13, dissipates heat to the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and condenses.

[0033] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 21 further includes heat exchange fins to expand the contact area between the indoor air and the refrigerant transmitted in the indoor heat exchanger 21, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0034] The first fan 22 is configured to draw indoor air into the indoor unit 20 through the indoor air inlet of the indoor unit 20 and send the indoor air, after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 21, out through the indoor air outlet of the indoor unit 20. The first fan 22 provides power for the flow of indoor air.

[0035] The controller 32 is configured to control the operating frequency of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 15, the speed of the outdoor fan 14, and the speed of the indoor fan 22. The controller 32 is connected to the compressor 11, the expansion valve 15, the outdoor fan 14, and the first fan 22 via data lines to transmit communication information.

[0036] The controller 32 includes a processor 50. The processor 50 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and may be configured to perform the corresponding operations described in the controller 32 when the processor 50 executes a program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to the controller 32. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magnetic tape), a smart card, or a flash memory device (e.g., an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a card, a stick, or a keyboard drive).

[0037] The above description takes the air conditioner 1 as a split-type air conditioner, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1 may also be an integrated air conditioner (eg, a mobile air conditioner).

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 1 is an integrated air conditioner, including a box body 1001 , a first fan 22 , a second fan 14 and a display device 24 .

[0039] The first fan 22 is provided at the upper portion of the housing 1001 and is configured to discharge the air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 21 .

[0040] The second fan 14 is disposed at the lower portion of the housing 1001 and is configured to reduce the temperature of the compressor 11 in the housing 1001 to prevent overheating.

[0041] The display device 24 is configured to display information such as the operating mode and operating temperature of the air conditioner 1. The refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner is inseparable from the refrigerant, which releases heat when condensing and liquefying and absorbs heat when evaporating and gasifying, thereby achieving heat exchange and transfer.

[0042] During the operation of the air conditioner 1, if the refrigerant leaks while the compressor 11 continues to operate, it is easy to cause damage to the compressor 11 or cause a fire.

[0043] In some embodiments, a method for detecting refrigerant leaks is provided. This method, based on an ambient temperature sensor 41 and a temperature sensor 42 for the indoor heat exchanger 21, collects ambient temperature values ​​and the temperature values ​​of the indoor heat exchanger 21. Based on the ambient temperature values ​​and the temperature values ​​of the indoor heat exchanger 21, the refrigerant leakage status of the compressor 11 is detected. When a refrigerant leak occurs in the compressor 11, the air conditioner 1 issues an alarm indicating a possible refrigerant leak; for example, a fault code is displayed on the display device of the air conditioner 1. This ensures the reliable operation of the compressor 11 while alerting the user that the compressor 11 has a refrigerant leak. This prevents damage to the compressor 11 or a fire hazard caused by continued operation of the compressor 11 despite a refrigerant leak, thereby improving the safety of the compressor 11 operation.

[0044] The following describes methods for detecting refrigerant leakage according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the method for detecting refrigerant leakage in some embodiments of the present disclosure includes steps 1 to 4.

[0046] In step 1, after receiving the cooling or dehumidification instruction, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to cool or dehumidify, and during the cooling or dehumidification process, controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the preset first control strategy for the first time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the preset conditions.

[0047] The preset condition includes multiple sub-preset conditions. Figure 4 As shown, some embodiments of the present disclosure are mainly described by taking the preset condition including the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition as an example. However, this cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the preset first control strategy for the first time, and the first control strategy is mainly used to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition.

[0049] Exemplarily, the controller 32 determines whether the air conditioner 1 satisfies a first sub-preset condition. For example, the controller 32 determines whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 has reached a second preset time (e.g., 20 minutes). Furthermore, after determining that the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 has reached the second preset time, the controller 32 determines whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 satisfies a preset temperature difference (e.g., 2° C.).

[0050] In some embodiments, the controller 32 includes a timer 321, which can time the operating state of the compressor 11, thereby obtaining the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11. The ambient temperature sensor 41 sends the detected ambient temperature to the controller 32, and the temperature sensor 42 of the indoor heat exchanger 21 sends the detected temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 to the controller 32. The controller 32 calculates a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0051] The method by which the controller 32 determines whether the air conditioner 1 satisfies the second sub-preset condition or the third sub-preset condition is substantially the same as the above-mentioned method for determining whether the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, with the difference being that: under the second sub-preset condition, it is determined whether the accumulated running time of the compressor 11 reaches the fourth preset time (for example, 15 minutes); under the third sub-preset condition, it is determined whether the accumulated running time of the compressor 11 reaches the sixth preset time (for example, 10 minutes).

[0052] When the controller 32 determines whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition, the second preset time, the fourth preset time and the sixth preset time meet the following requirements: the second preset time is greater than the fourth preset time, and the fourth preset time is greater than the sixth preset time, so as to reduce the total accumulated running time of the compressor 11, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition.

[0053] For example, the total accumulated running time of the compressor 11 under the preset conditions is usually no more than 2 hours.

[0054] It can be understood that if the air conditioner 1 does not meet any of the above-mentioned preset conditions, it is considered that the compressor 11 does not have the risk of refrigerant leakage; if the air conditioner 1 meets the above-mentioned preset conditions, it is considered that the compressor 11 may have the risk of refrigerant leakage. At this time, the controller 32 is required to control the air conditioner 1 to continue to execute the corresponding control strategy to further detect the refrigerant leakage problem of the compressor 11.

[0055] It should be noted that, in the above preset conditions, in the process of determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches the second preset time, the fourth preset time and the sixth preset time, the operating status of the compressor 11 needs to be detected at regular intervals.

[0056] For example, the operating status of the compressor 11 is detected every 5 minutes so that the timer 321 stops timing when the compressor 11 stops, and starts timing or keeps timing when the compressor 11 starts, thereby increasing the cycle logic judgment of the compressor 11 and facilitating improving the accuracy of the judgment of the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11.

[0057] For example, the user can issue a cooling or dehumidification command through the air conditioner remote control. Alternatively, the user can also issue a cooling or dehumidification command through the relevant buttons on the operation interface of the air conditioner 1, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0058] After the air conditioner 1 receives the cooling or dehumidification instruction, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to run the cooling mode or dehumidification mode, and during the cooling or dehumidification process, controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the above-mentioned preset conditions, thereby performing corresponding control on the process of detecting refrigerant leakage of the compressor 11.

[0059] In step 2, if the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first, second, and third sub-preset conditions, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the preset second control strategy for the first time. In some embodiments, if during the determination process of the first, second, and third sub-preset conditions, the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches the second preset time, the fourth preset time, and the sixth preset time, respectively, and after the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches the second, fourth, and sixth preset times, the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference (e.g., 2° C.), then the air conditioner 1 is considered to meet the first, second, and third sub-preset conditions.

[0060] At this point, it is believed that there may be a risk of refrigerant leakage in air conditioner 1. Therefore, the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is no longer detected. Instead, air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the preset second control strategy for the first time, so that air conditioner 1 operates normally in cooling mode or dehumidification mode for an eighth preset time (e.g., 90 minutes). This increases the stability of air conditioner 1's operation and reduces the impact of temperature difference detection results when air conditioner 1 operates under special operating conditions (e.g., an ambient temperature greater than 30°C), which helps improve the accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection.

[0061] In step 3, after executing the second control strategy for the first time, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the second time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition for the second time.

[0062] In some embodiments, after executing the first control strategy and the second control strategy, the controller 32 believes that the compressor 11 may have a risk of refrigerant leakage. At this time, in order to reduce the probability of false alarms, the air conditioner 1 may not immediately issue a fault alarm signal indicating possible refrigerant leakage (such as one that can be issued by the alarm of the air conditioner 1). The controller 32 may control the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the second time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition.

[0063] The method for the controller 32 to determine whether the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition is the same as described above and will not be described again.

[0064] In step 4, if the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first, second, and third sub-preset conditions for the second time, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to issue an alarm indicating a possible refrigerant leak. For example, the controller 32 controls the display device 24 to flash a fault code corresponding to a refrigerant leak.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1 executes the first control strategy for the second time, if the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 under the corresponding sub-preset conditions reaches the preset time, and after determining that the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches the corresponding preset time, the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 satisfies the preset temperature difference, then it is considered that the air conditioner 1 meets the above-mentioned preset conditions again.

[0066] At this point, it is considered that there is a high probability of a refrigerant leak in the compressor 11. In this case, the display device 24 of the air conditioner 1 can be controlled to flash a fault code (such as E9) to alert the user that there is a high probability of a refrigerant leak in the compressor 11, so that the user can take timely countermeasures (for example, shut down the air conditioner 1).

[0067] According to the method for detecting refrigerant leakage in some embodiments of the present disclosure, when controlling the air conditioner 1 to operate cooling or dehumidification, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the first time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition, and when it is determined that the air conditioner 1 meets the above-mentioned preset conditions, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the second control strategy for the first time, thereby increasing the loop logic judgment and the operating time of the air conditioner 1, improving the operating stability of the air conditioner 1, and reducing the impact of the air conditioner 1 on the temperature difference detection result when working under special working conditions (for example, the ambient temperature is greater than 30°C), which is conducive to improving the accuracy of detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0068] After the first execution of the second control strategy, controller 32 controls air conditioner 1 to re-execute the first control strategy to again determine whether air conditioner 1 meets the aforementioned pre-set conditions. If the pre-set conditions are again met, controller 32 controls air conditioner 1 to issue an alarm indicating a possible refrigerant leak. For example, controller 32 controls display device 24 to flash a fault code corresponding to a refrigerant leak, alerting the user to the high risk of a refrigerant leak in compressor 11 and enabling the user to take timely countermeasures. This effectively reduces the false alarm rate and improves the accuracy of refrigerant leak detection.

[0069] In some embodiments, after the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to issue an alarm message indicating possible refrigerant leakage, the method for detecting refrigerant leakage also includes: the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the third time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition for the third time.

[0070] If the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition for the third time, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the second control strategy for the second time.

[0071] After executing the second control strategy for the second time, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the fourth time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition for the fourth time.

[0072] If the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition for the fourth time, the controller 32 may determine that a refrigerant leak occurs.

[0073] At this point, the air conditioner 1 will enter the final fault protection mode, and the controller 32 will control the air conditioner 1 to shut down. For example, the controller 32 will control the compressor 11 to force a shutdown, control the display device 24 to constantly display a fault code, and control the first fan 22 of the air conditioner 1 to shut down. The second fan 14 of the air conditioner 1 will operate at the rated minimum wind speed for a first preset time (e.g., 5 minutes) and then shut down.

[0074] After determining that a refrigerant leak occurs in the compressor 11, the controller 32 can quickly reduce the heat inside the cabinet 1001 of the air conditioner 1 by controlling the second fan 14 to continue running for a period of time, thereby avoiding damage to the compressor 11 due to excessive temperature and improving the safety of the operation of the compressor 11.

[0075] In addition, after flashing the fault code corresponding to the refrigerant leakage on the display device 24 of the air conditioner 1, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy and the second control strategy again, thereby increasing the loop logic judgment and the operation time of the air conditioner 1, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting refrigerant leakage of the compressor 11.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first control strategy includes: the controller 32 determines whether the compressor 11 is turned on. If the compressor 11 is turned on, after the compressor 11 has accumulated a second preset time of operation, the controller 32 determines whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition.

[0077] If air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, controller 32 controls compressor 11 to forcibly shut down for a third preset time. After the third preset time, controller 32 determines whether compressor 11 is on. If compressor 11 is on, after compressor 11 has accumulated a fourth preset time, controller 32 determines whether air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition.

[0078] If air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition, controller 32 controls compressor 11 to be forced to shut down for a fifth preset time. After the fifth preset time, controller 32 determines whether compressor 11 is on. If compressor 11 is on, after compressor 11 has accumulated a sixth preset time, controller 32 determines whether air conditioner 1 meets the third sub-preset condition.

[0079] If the air conditioner 1 meets the third sub-preset condition, the controller 32 controls the compressor 11 to be forced to stop for a seventh preset time.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy, it is necessary to determine whether the compressor 11 is turned on. If the compressor 11 is turned on, the timer 321 starts to count the running time of the compressor 11 after the compressor 11 starts, and during the period of operation of the compressor 11, the running status of the compressor 11 is detected at intervals of a period of time (for example, every 5 minutes) to determine the current running status of the compressor 11, and after the compressor 11 has accumulated the second preset time (for example, 20 minutes), it is determined whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition.

[0081] If the first sub-preset condition is met, the controller 32 controls the compressor 11 to be forced to shut down for the third preset time (e.g., the compressor 11 is shut down for 3 minutes). After the compressor 11 is forced to shut down for the third preset time, the controller 32 determines the operating status of the compressor 11. Specifically, the controller 32 determines whether the compressor 11 is on. If the compressor 11 is on, the controller 32 starts counting time and, while the compressor 11 is running, checks the operating status of the compressor 11 at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) to determine the current operating status of the compressor 11. After the compressor 11 has accumulated a fourth preset time (e.g., 15 minutes), the controller 32 determines whether the air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition.

[0082] If the second sub-preset condition is satisfied, the controller 32 controls the compressor 11 to be forcibly shut down for the fifth preset time (e.g., 3 minutes). After the compressor 11 is forcibly shut down for the fifth preset time, the controller 32 determines whether the compressor 11 is on. If the compressor 11 is on, the timer 321 begins timing after the compressor 11 is started. While the compressor 11 is running, the controller 32 checks the operating status of the compressor 11 at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes) to determine the current operating status of the compressor 11. After the compressor 11 has accumulated a sixth preset time (e.g., 10 minutes), the controller 32 determines whether the air conditioner 1 meets the third sub-preset condition.

[0083] If the third sub-preset condition is met, the controller 32 controls the compressor 11 to be forced to shut down for the seventh preset time (eg, 3 minutes).

[0084] It should be noted that the third preset time, the fifth preset time, and the seventh preset time may be equal or unequal. For example, the third preset time, the fifth preset time, and the seventh preset time may all be 3 minutes. Alternatively, the third preset time may be 3 minutes, the fifth preset time may be 4 minutes, and the seventh preset time may be 5 minutes, etc.

[0085] It is understood that the compressor 11 does not need to run continuously during the period in which the compressor 11 has cumulatively run for the second preset time, the fourth preset time, and the sixth preset time. That is, the compressor 11 can be stopped and does not need to be always on. When the compressor 11 is stopped, the timer 321 stops timing. During the period in which the compressor 11 is running, the compressor 11 only needs to be on when the operating status of the compressor 11 is checked every 5 minutes.

[0086] In some embodiments, after the compressor 11 has accumulated a second preset operation time (e.g., 20 minutes), the controller 32 obtains a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 at preset intervals (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or 90 seconds). If the first temperature difference obtained a preset number of times (e.g., 3, 4, or 5 times) is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference (e.g., 2° C.), the air conditioner 1 is determined to meet the first sub-preset condition.

[0087] Determining whether the air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition or the third sub-preset condition is roughly the same as the above-mentioned method for determining whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, with the difference that: under the second sub-preset condition, it is determined whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches the fourth preset time (for example, 15 minutes); under the third sub-preset condition, it is determined whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches the sixth preset time (for example, 10 minutes).

[0088] It should be noted that by detecting the indoor ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 multiple times in a row, calculating the temperature difference between the two, and judging the size relationship between the temperature difference and the preset temperature difference multiple times in a row, it is possible to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the preset conditions, thereby improving the accuracy of the above-mentioned preset condition judgment.

[0089] It can be understood that the second preset time, the fourth preset time and the sixth preset time are gradually reduced to reduce the total accumulated running time of the compressor 11, thereby improving the accuracy of judging whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second control strategy includes: controlling the air conditioner 1 to operate normally for an eighth preset time, wherein the eighth preset time is greater than any one of the first preset time to the seventh preset time.

[0091] It is understood that when the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to operate in the second control strategy, it can control the air conditioner 1 to operate normally for the eighth preset time. For example, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to operate in cooling or dehumidification mode for 90 minutes. This improves the operational stability of the air conditioner 1 and reduces the impact of temperature difference detection results when the air conditioner 1 operates under special operating conditions (e.g., an ambient temperature greater than 30°C), thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant leak detection.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first control strategy further includes: if it is determined that the air conditioner 1 does not meet at least one of the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, or the third sub-preset condition, re-executing the first control strategy.

[0093] For example, during the process of the air conditioner 1 executing the first control strategy, when the temperature difference between the acquired ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 (for example, 3°C, 4°C or 5°C, etc.) is greater than the preset temperature difference (for example, 2°C), the controller 32 will control the air conditioner 1 to re-execute the first control strategy to avoid continuing to execute according to the previous control strategy, thereby improving the accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first control strategy further includes: re-executing the first control strategy after the air conditioner 1 receives a power-off instruction, a shutdown instruction, or a preset mode switching instruction.

[0095] For example, after the controller 32 receives the air supply command or the heating mode command, it controls the air conditioner 1 to re-execute the first control strategy. This can avoid false alarms of refrigerant leakage caused by continuing to execute the previous control strategy, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0096] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are based on Figure 4 The flowchart of the method for detecting refrigerant leakage is shown to detect refrigerant leakage. The method includes steps 101 to 245 .

[0097] In step 101 , the air conditioner 1 operates in a cooling or dehumidification mode.

[0098] Step 102, determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 103, if not, not timing.

[0099] Step 103: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0100] Step 104 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 105 ; if not, execute step 113 .

[0101] Step 105, continue timing.

[0102] Step 106 , determining whether the cumulative running time of the compressor 11 reaches 20 minutes, if so, executing step 107 , if not, executing step 104 .

[0103] Step 107 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 108 ; otherwise, executing step 102 again.

[0104] Step 108, delay 30 seconds.

[0105] Step 109 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 110 ; otherwise, executing step 102 again.

[0106] Step 110, delay 30 seconds.

[0107] Step 111 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 112 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0108] Step 112: Control the compressor 11 to be forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0109] Step 113, pause timing.

[0110] Step 114, determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 115, if not, not timing.

[0111] Step 115: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0112] Step 116: Check every 5 minutes whether the compressor 11 is running. If yes, go to step 117; if not, go to step 125.

[0113] Step 117, continue timing.

[0114] Step 118 , determining whether the cumulative running time of the compressor 11 reaches 15 minutes, if so, executing step 119 , if not, executing step 116 .

[0115] Step 119 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 120 ; otherwise, executing step 102 again.

[0116] Step 120, delay 30 seconds.

[0117] Step 121 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 122 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0118] Step 122, delay 30 seconds.

[0119] Step 123 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 124 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0120] Step 124: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0121] Step 125, pause timing.

[0122] Step 126, determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 127, if not, not timing.

[0123] Step 127: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0124] Step 128 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 129 ; if not, execute step 138 .

[0125] Step 129, continue timing.

[0126] Step 130 , determining whether the cumulative running time of the compressor 11 reaches 10 minutes, if so, executing step 131 , if not, executing step 128 .

[0127] Step 131 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 132 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0128] Step 132, delay 30 seconds.

[0129] Step 133 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 134 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0130] Step 134, delay 30 seconds.

[0131] Step 135 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 136 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0132] Step 136: The compressor 11 is forced to shut down for 3 minutes.

[0133] Step 137 , the air conditioner 1 operates normally for 90 minutes.

[0134] Step 138, pause the timing.

[0135] Step 139, determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 140, if not, not timing.

[0136] Step 140: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0137] Step 141 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 142 ; if not, execute step 150 ′.

[0138] Step 142, continue timing.

[0139] Step 143 , determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 20 minutes, if so, executing step 144 , if not, executing step 141 .

[0140] Step 144 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 145 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0141] Step 145, delay 30 seconds.

[0142] Step 146 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 147 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0143] Step 147, delay 30 seconds.

[0144] Step 148 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 149 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0145] Step 149: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0146] Step 150', pause timing.

[0147] Step 150, determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 151, if not, not timing.

[0148] Step 151: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0149] Step 152 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 153 ; if not, execute step 161 .

[0150] Step 153, continue timing.

[0151] Step 154 ​​, determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 15 minutes, if so, executing step 155 , if not, executing step 152 .

[0152] Step 155 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 156 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0153] Step 156, delay 30 seconds.

[0154] Step 157 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 158 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0155] Step 158, delay 30 seconds.

[0156] Step 159 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 160 ; otherwise, executing step 102 again.

[0157] Step 160: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0158] Step 161, pause timing.

[0159] Step 162, determine whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, execute step 163, if not, do not count.

[0160] Step 163: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0161] Step 164 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 165 ; if not, execute step 174 .

[0162] Step 165, continue timing.

[0163] Step 166 , determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 10 minutes, if so, executing step 167 , if not, executing step 164 .

[0164] Step 167 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 168 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0165] Step 168, delay 30 seconds.

[0166] Step 169 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 170 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0167] Step 170, delay 30 seconds.

[0168] Step 171 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 172 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0169] Step 172: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0170] Step 173 , the display device 24 flashes and displays the fault code.

[0171] Step 174, pause the timing.

[0172] Step 175 , determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 176 , if not, not timing.

[0173] Step 176: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0174] Step 177: Check every 5 minutes whether the compressor 11 is running. If yes, go to step 178; if not, go to step 186.

[0175] Step 178, continue timing.

[0176] Step 179 , determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 20 minutes, if so, executing step 180 , if not, executing step 177 .

[0177] Step 180 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 181 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0178] Step 181, delay 30 seconds.

[0179] Step 182 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 183 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0180] Step 183, delay 30 seconds.

[0181] Step 184 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 185 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0182] Step 185: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0183] Step 186, pause timing.

[0184] Step 187, determine whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, execute step 188, if not, do not count.

[0185] Step 188: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0186] Step 189 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 190 ; if not, execute step 198 .

[0187] Step 190, continue timing.

[0188] Step 191 , determining whether the cumulative running time of the compressor 11 reaches 15 minutes, if so, executing step 192 , if not, executing step 189 .

[0189] Step 192 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 193 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0190] Step 193, delay 30 seconds.

[0191] Step 194 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 195 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0192] Step 195, delay 30 seconds.

[0193] Step 196 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 197 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0194] Step 197: The compressor 11 is forced to shut down for 3 minutes.

[0195] Step 198, pause timing.

[0196] Step 199, determine whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, execute step 200, if not, do not count.

[0197] In step 200, the compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0198] Step 201 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 202 ; if not, execute step 211 .

[0199] Step 202, continue timing.

[0200] Step 203 , determining whether the cumulative running time of the compressor 11 reaches 10 minutes, if so, executing step 204 , if not, executing step 201 .

[0201] Step 204 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 205 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0202] Step 205, delay 30 seconds.

[0203] Step 206 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 207 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0204] Step 207, delay 30 seconds.

[0205] Step 208 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 209 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0206] Step 209: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0207] Step 210 : The air conditioner 1 operates normally for 90 minutes.

[0208] Step 211, pause timing.

[0209] Step 212, determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 213, if not, not timing.

[0210] Step 213: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0211] Step 214 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 215 ; if not, execute step 222 ′.

[0212] Step 215, continue timing.

[0213] Step 216 , determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 20 minutes, if so, executing step 217 , if not, executing step 214 .

[0214] Step 217 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 218 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0215] Step 218, delay 30 seconds.

[0216] Step 219 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 220 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0217] Step 220, delay 30 seconds.

[0218] Step 221 , determining whether a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 222 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0219] Step 222: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0220] Step 222', pause timing.

[0221] Step 223, determine whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, execute step 224, if not, do not count.

[0222] Step 224: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0223] Step 225 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 226 ; if not, execute step 234 .

[0224] Step 226, continue timing.

[0225] Step 227 , determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 15 minutes, if so, executing step 228 , if not, executing step 225 .

[0226] Step 228 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 229 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0227] Step 229, delay 30 seconds.

[0228] Step 230 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 231 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0229] Step 231, delay 30 seconds.

[0230] Step 232 , determining whether a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 233 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0231] Step 233: The compressor 11 is forced to stop for 3 minutes.

[0232] Step 234, pause timing.

[0233] Step 235 , determining whether the compressor 11 is turned on, if so, executing step 236 , if not, not timing.

[0234] Step 236: The compressor 11 is turned on and timing begins.

[0235] Step 237 , every 5 minutes, check whether the compressor 11 is running. If so, execute step 238 ; if not, execute step 246 .

[0236] Step 238, continue timing.

[0237] Step 239 , determining whether the cumulative operating time of the compressor 11 reaches 10 minutes, if so, executing step 240 , if not, executing step 237 .

[0238] Step 240 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 241 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0239] Step 241, delay 30 seconds.

[0240] Step 242 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 243 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0241] Step 243, delay 30 seconds.

[0242] Step 244 , determining whether a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference; if so, executing step 245 ; otherwise, re-executing step 102 .

[0243] Step 245, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the controller 32 controls the compressor 11 to be forced to shut down, controls the display device 24 to constantly display the fault code, and controls the first fan 22 to shut down. At this time, the second fan 14 runs at the rated minimum wind speed for the first preset time and then shuts down.

[0244] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the refrigerant leak detection method, during the cooling or dehumidification operation of air conditioner 1, air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the first control strategy for the first time to determine whether air conditioner 1 meets the first, second, and third sub-preset conditions. If air conditioner 1 is determined to meet the above-mentioned pre-set conditions, air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the second control strategy for the first time. This increases the loop logic judgment and the operating time of air conditioner 1, thereby improving the operational stability of air conditioner 1.

[0245] After the second control strategy is executed for the first time, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the first control strategy again to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the above-mentioned preset conditions again. When the air conditioner 1 meets the above-mentioned preset conditions again, the control display device 24 is controlled to display the fault code corresponding to the refrigerant leakage to remind the user that the compressor 11 may have the risk of refrigerant leakage, so that the user can take countermeasures in time, thereby effectively reducing the probability of false alarms and improving the accuracy of detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0246] Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a device for detecting refrigerant leakage, such as Figure 5 As shown, the device 30 for detecting refrigerant leakage includes a receiver 31 and a controller 32 .

[0247] The receiver 31 is configured to receive a cooling instruction or a dehumidification instruction issued by a user. For example, the receiver 31 is an infrared receiver to receive the cooling instruction or the dehumidification instruction issued by the user via a remote controller.

[0248] The controller 32, for example, an MCU (Micro Control Unit) controller, is configured to control the air conditioner 1 to cool or dehumidify according to the cooling or dehumidification instruction, and during the cooling or dehumidification process of the air conditioner 1, control the air conditioner 1 to execute the preset first control strategy for the first time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition; and when the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition, control the air conditioner 1 to execute the preset second control strategy for the first time; and after the second control strategy is executed for the first time, control the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the second time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition for the second time; and when the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition for the second time, control the display device 24 to flash and display the fault code corresponding to the refrigerant leakage.

[0249] In some embodiments, the controller 32 is further configured to control the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the third time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition for the third time. If the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition for the third time, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the second control strategy for the second time. After the second control strategy is executed for the second time, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the first control strategy for the fourth time to determine whether the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition for the fourth time. If the air conditioner 1 satisfies the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition for the fourth time, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred, and the controller 32 will control the compressor 11 to force a shutdown, control the display device 24 to constantly display a fault code, and control the first fan 22 to shut down, and the second fan 14 will shut down after running at the rated minimum wind speed for the first preset time.

[0250] In some embodiments, after the display device 24 of the air conditioner 1 displays a fault code corresponding to a refrigerant leak, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the first control strategy for the third time to judge the above-mentioned preset conditions, and after the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition for the third time, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to execute the second control strategy for the second time.

[0251] After executing the second control strategy for the second time, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to enter the first control strategy for the fourth time, and the above preset conditions are judged again. If the above preset conditions are met, it is determined that the compressor 11 has a refrigerant leak.

[0252] At this time, the controller 32 controls the air conditioner 1 to execute the final fault protection mode. For example, the controller 32 controls the compressor 11 to be forced to stop, and the display device 24 constantly displays the fault code.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first control strategy includes: determining whether the compressor 11 of the air conditioner 1 is turned on; if the compressor 11 is turned on, determining whether the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition after the compressor 11 has accumulated a second preset time of operation.

[0254] If the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition, the compressor 11 is controlled to be forced to shut down for the third preset time; after the third preset time, it is determined whether the compressor 11 is turned on. If the compressor 11 is turned on, after the compressor 11 has accumulated running time of the fourth preset time, it is determined whether the air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition.

[0255] If the air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition, the compressor 11 is controlled to be forced to shut down for the fifth preset time; after the fifth preset time, it is determined whether the compressor 11 is turned on. If the compressor 11 is turned on, after the compressor 11 has accumulated running time of the sixth preset time, it is determined whether the air conditioner 1 meets the third sub-preset condition.

[0256] If the air conditioner 1 meets the third sub-preset condition, the compressor 11 is controlled to be forced to stop for a seventh preset time. The second preset time is greater than the fourth preset time, and the fourth preset time is greater than the sixth preset time.

[0257] In some embodiments, after the compressor 11 has accumulated a second preset time of operation (for example, 20 minutes), the ambient temperature value and the temperature value of the indoor heat exchanger 21 are obtained through the ambient temperature sensor and the indoor heat exchanger 21 temperature sensor respectively, and the temperature difference between the two, for example, the first temperature difference, is calculated; then, the relationship between the first temperature difference and the preset temperature difference is judged once every preset time (for example, every 30 seconds). If the first temperature difference is determined to be less than or equal to the preset temperature difference (for example, 2°C) for a consecutive preset number of times (for example, 3 consecutive times), it is judged that the air conditioner 1 meets the first sub-preset condition.

[0258] After the compressor 11 has accumulated a fourth preset time of operation (for example, 15 minutes), the ambient temperature value and the temperature value of the indoor heat exchanger 21 are obtained through the ambient temperature sensor and the indoor heat exchanger 21 temperature sensor respectively, and the temperature difference between the two, for example, the second temperature difference, is calculated; then, the relationship between the second temperature difference and the preset temperature difference is judged once every preset time (for example, every 30 seconds); if the second temperature difference is determined to be less than or equal to the preset temperature difference for a consecutive preset number of times (for example, 3 consecutive times), it is judged that the air conditioner 1 meets the second sub-preset condition.

[0259] After the compressor 11 has accumulated a sixth preset time of operation (for example, 10 minutes), the ambient temperature value and the temperature value of the indoor heat exchanger 21 are obtained respectively through the ambient temperature sensor and the temperature sensor of the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the temperature difference between the two, for example, the third temperature difference, is calculated; then, the relationship between the third temperature difference and the preset temperature difference is judged once every preset time (for example, every 30 seconds). If the third temperature difference is determined to be less than or equal to the preset temperature difference for a consecutive preset number of times (for example, 3 consecutive times), it is judged that the air conditioner 1 meets the third sub-preset condition.

[0260] The first temperature difference, the second temperature difference and the third temperature difference may be equal or unequal. In some embodiments, the second control strategy further comprises: controlling the air conditioner 1 to operate normally for an eighth preset time, the eighth preset time being greater than any one of the first to seventh preset times.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first control strategy further includes: if it is determined that the air conditioner 1 does not meet at least one of the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition and the third sub-preset condition, re-executing the first control strategy.

[0262] In some embodiments, the first control strategy further includes: after the receiver 31 receives a power-off instruction, a shutdown instruction, or a preset mode switching instruction, the controller 32 controls the re-execution of the first control strategy.

[0263] It should be noted that the implementation of the device 30 for detecting refrigerant leakage in some embodiments of the present disclosure is similar to the implementation of the method for detecting refrigerant leakage in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0264] Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an air conditioner 1, such as Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes: a device 30 for detecting refrigerant leakage according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0265] like Figure 7 As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes a processor 50, a memory 40, and a program for detecting refrigerant leakage stored in the memory 40 and executable on the processor 50. When the program for detecting refrigerant leakage is executed by the processor 50, the method for detecting refrigerant leakage as described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0266] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1 detects refrigerant leakage, its implementation method is similar to the implementation method of the device 30 for detecting refrigerant leakage in any of the above embodiments of the present disclosure, and will not be repeated here.

[0267] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) having computer program instructions stored thereon. When the computer program instructions are executed on the controller 32, the controller 32 executes the above-mentioned method for detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0268] For example, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes, etc.), optical disks (e.g., CDs (Compact Disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable storage media for storing information. The term "machine-readable storage medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0269] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer program instructions (such as those stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described method for detecting a refrigerant leak.

[0270] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer program that, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to execute the above-mentioned method for detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0271] Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure involved in this disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combination of the above technical features, but also includes other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalents without departing from the disclosed concept. For example, the above features can be replaced with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in some embodiments to form a technical solution.

Claims

1. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage for an air conditioner, the method comprising: After the air conditioner receives the cooling or dehumidification instruction, the controller controls the air conditioner to cool or dehumidify, and during the cooling or dehumidification process, controls the air conditioner to execute a preset first control strategy for the first time to determine whether the air conditioner meets a preset condition, wherein the preset condition includes a plurality of sub-preset conditions; If the air conditioner satisfies the plurality of sub-preset conditions simultaneously for the first time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute the preset second control strategy for the first time; After the second control strategy is executed for the first time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute the first control strategy for the second time to determine whether the air conditioner satisfies the multiple sub-preset conditions simultaneously for the second time; If the air conditioner satisfies the plurality of sub-preset conditions simultaneously for the second time, the controller controls the air conditioner to issue an alarm message indicating a possible refrigerant leakage; Wherein, the first control strategy includes: The controller determines whether the compressor is turned on; if the compressor is turned on, the controller determines whether the air conditioner meets the first sub-preset condition after the compressor has accumulated running for a second preset time; if the first sub-preset condition is met, the controller controls the compressor to be forced to stop for a third preset time, and after the third preset time, the controller determines whether the compressor is turned on; if the compressor is turned on, the controller determines whether the air conditioner meets the second sub-preset condition after the compressor has accumulated running for a fourth preset time; if the second sub-preset condition is met, the controller controls the compressor to be forced to stop for a fifth preset time, and after the fifth preset time, the controller determines whether the compressor is turned on; if the compressor is turned on, the controller determines whether the air conditioner meets the third sub-preset condition after the compressor has accumulated running for a sixth preset time; if the third sub-preset condition is met, the controller controls the compressor to be forced to stop for a seventh preset time; The second control strategy includes: controlling the air conditioner to operate normally for an eighth preset time; The air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger; When the compressor has accumulated the second preset time, the controller obtains a first temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at every preset interval, and when the first temperature difference obtained for a consecutive preset number of times is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference, the controller determines that the air conditioner meets the first sub-preset condition; When the compressor has accumulated the fourth preset time, the controller obtains a second temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at every preset interval, and when the second temperature difference obtained for a consecutive preset number of times is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference, the controller determines that the air conditioner meets the second sub-preset condition; When the compressor has accumulated a sixth preset running time, the controller obtains a third temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger at every preset interval. When the third temperature difference obtained for a consecutive preset number of times is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference, the controller determines that the air conditioner meets the third sub-preset condition.

2. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: In the said; After the controller controls the air conditioner to issue an alarm message indicating a possible refrigerant leak, the method further includes: The controller controls the air conditioner to execute the first control strategy for the third time to determine whether the air conditioner satisfies the multiple preset conditions simultaneously for the third time; If the air conditioner satisfies the plurality of sub-preset conditions simultaneously for a third time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute the second control strategy for a second time; After executing the second control strategy for the second time, the controller controls the air conditioner to execute the first control strategy for the fourth time to determine whether the air conditioner satisfies the multiple sub-preset conditions simultaneously for the fourth time; If the air conditioner satisfies the plurality of sub-preset conditions simultaneously for the fourth time, it is determined that a refrigerant leak occurs, and the controller controls the air conditioner to shut down.

3. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 2, wherein: The air conditioner includes a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, a first fan, a second fan, and a display device; the first fan is configured to discharge air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger; The second blower is configured to reduce the temperature of the compressor; The controller controls the air conditioner to issue an alarm message indicating that there may be a refrigerant leak, including: The controller controls the display device to flash and display a fault code corresponding to a refrigerant leak; The controller controls the air conditioner to stop, comprising: The controller controls the compressor to be forced to stop, controls the display device to constantly display the fault code, and controls the first fan to stop, and the second fan to stop after running at the rated minimum wind speed for a first preset time.

4. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The third preset time, the fifth preset time, and the seventh preset time are equal to or unequal to each other.

5. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 4, wherein: The third preset time, the fifth preset time, and the seventh preset time are all 3 minutes.

6. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 4, wherein: The third preset time is 3 minutes, the fifth preset time is 4 minutes, and the seventh preset time is 5 minutes.

7. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The second preset time is greater than the fourth preset time, and the fourth preset time is greater than the sixth preset time.

8. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 7, wherein: The second preset time is 20 minutes, the fourth preset time is 15 minutes, and the sixth preset time is 10 minutes.

9. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The preset interval is 5 minutes, and the continuous preset number of times is 3 times, 4 times or 5 times.

10. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The preset temperature difference is 2°C.

11. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The first temperature difference, the second temperature difference, and the third temperature difference are all equal.

12. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: Any one of the first to seventh preset times is shorter than the eighth preset time.

13. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The eighth preset time is 90 minutes.

14. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The first control strategy also includes: If the controller determines that the air conditioner does not meet at least one of the first sub-preset condition, the second sub-preset condition, and the third sub-preset condition, the controller controls the air conditioner to re-execute the first control strategy.

15. The method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to claim 1, wherein: The first control strategy also includes: After receiving a power-off instruction, a shutdown instruction, or a preset mode switching instruction, the controller controls the air conditioner to re-execute the first control strategy.

16. An air conditioner comprising: Memory; Controller; Wherein, one or more computer programs are stored in the memory, and the one or more computer programs include instructions. When the instructions are executed by the controller, the controller executes the method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein computer program instructions are stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program instructions are executed on a controller, the controller executes the method for detecting refrigerant leakage according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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