Air conditioner and indoor fan speed control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner and a speed control method of an indoor fan thereof. The indoor fan is started with relatively conservative target parameters by controlling the highest wind stop, until the static pressure outside the machine is detected to be stable, and then the highest wind stop of the indoor fan is controlled to rise to optimal capacity parameters to run, so that the overall capacity of the machine can be optimally used. In addition, when the indoor fan runs at the highest wind stop, the running parameters of the fan are timely adjusted according to the static pressure outside the machine or the load of the fan, so that the advantages of the direct-current variable frequency fan are brought into play, and the fan is prevented from stopping due to overload or underload. The application starts with relatively conservative target parameters as a step, so that the static pressure fluctuation or inertia of the static pressure air tank is reduced, the fan runs more stably, the fan stall failure is greatly reduced, and the speed and other running parameters of the fan are timely adjusted according to the fluctuation of the static pressure outside the machine, so that the load of the fan is within a controllable and reasonable range.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the air conditioning technical field, and particularly to an air conditioner and an indoor fan rotating speed control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] The indoor fan in the air conditioner indoor unit is mainly used for blowing the air after heat exchange of the indoor heat exchanger to the indoor. The indoor fan in the existing fixed mode is often operated with fixed parameters. Although the fixed parameters can ensure the stability of the output capacity, the optimal cost performance of the corresponding model cannot be achieved. If another fixed parameter is directly used in the fixed mode, the best performance can be achieved, but the motor is prone to overload and shutdown due to the sudden change of static pressure and other external environmental influences, resulting in insufficient stability of the indoor fan. SUMMARY

[0003] The purpose of the embodiment of the present application is to provide an air conditioner and an indoor fan rotating speed control method thereof, which can prevent stall when the indoor fan runs at the highest wind stop in the static pressure wind box, so that the indoor fan runs more stably.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] An indoor unit for adjusting the temperature and / or humidity of the indoor;

[0006] An outdoor unit in communication with the indoor unit through a connection pipe, the outdoor unit being configured to provide a refrigeration cycle power;

[0007] An indoor fan provided in the indoor unit, the indoor fan being preconfigured with a plurality of wind stops, each wind stop having at least one corresponding rotating speed value;

[0008] A static pressure detection device provided in the air outlet of the indoor unit and configured to collect an external static pressure; wherein the external static pressure is a static pressure value required for overcoming the external impedance after the gas leaves the indoor unit;

[0009] A controller configured to:

[0010] When the indoor fan runs at the first rotating speed of the highest wind stop, the external static pressure collected by the static pressure detection device is obtained;

[0011] The rotating speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between the first rotating speed and the second rotating speed of the highest wind stop according to the external static pressure; wherein the second rotating speed is greater than the first rotating speed.

[0012] As an improvement of the above-mentioned scheme, the rotating speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between the first rotating speed and the second rotating speed of the highest wind stop according to the external static pressure, comprising:

[0013] when the outdoor static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to a second speed of the highest wind gear;

[0014] when the outdoor static pressure does not remain stable within the first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the first speed;

[0015] when the outdoor static pressure remains stable within a preset second time period after the indoor fan operates at the second speed of the highest wind gear, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second speed;

[0016] when the outdoor static pressure does not remain stable within the preset second time period after the indoor fan operates at the second speed of the highest wind gear, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind gear.

[0017] As an improvement of the above scheme, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between the first speed and the second speed of the highest wind gear according to the outdoor static pressure, and the method further comprises:

[0018] after the indoor fan stably operates at the second speed within the second time period, the outdoor static pressure and the maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained;

[0019] when the fluctuation value of the outdoor static pressure is greater than a preset static pressure fluctuation threshold value, or the maximum power is greater than a preset power threshold value, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind gear;

[0020] when the fluctuation value of the outdoor static pressure is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold value, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold value, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second speed.

[0021] As an improvement of the above scheme, the controller is further configured to:

[0022] when a highest wind gear entering instruction of the air conditioner is detected, the speed of the indoor fan is gradually increased from zero to the first speed corresponding to the highest wind gear.

[0023] As an improvement of the above scheme, the controller is further configured to:

[0024] when a highest wind gear entering instruction of the air conditioner is detected, the indoor fan is gradually increased from the current gear to the first speed corresponding to the highest wind gear.

[0025] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present application further provides an indoor fan speed control method of an air conditioner, comprising:

[0026] The static pressure detection device is arranged in the air outlet of the indoor unit, and the static pressure outside the machine is a static pressure value required for overcoming the impedance outside the machine after the gas leaves the indoor unit. The indoor fan is pre-set with a plurality of wind baffles, and each wind baffle has at least one corresponding speed value.

[0027] The speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between the first speed and the second speed of the highest wind baffle according to the static pressure outside the machine. The second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0028] As an improvement of the above scheme, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between the first speed and the second speed of the highest wind baffle according to the static pressure outside the machine, comprising:

[0029] When the static pressure outside the machine remains stable within a pre-set first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the second speed of the highest wind baffle;

[0030] When the static pressure outside the machine does not remain stable within the first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the first speed;

[0031] After the indoor fan operates at the second speed of the highest wind baffle, when the static pressure outside the machine remains stable within a pre-set second time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second speed;

[0032] After the indoor fan operates at the second speed of the highest wind baffle, when the static pressure outside the machine does not remain stable within a pre-set second time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind baffle.

[0033] As an improvement of the above scheme, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between the first speed and the second speed of the highest wind baffle according to the static pressure outside the machine, further comprising:

[0034] When the indoor fan stably operates at the second speed within the second time period, the static pressure outside the machine and the maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained;

[0035] When the fluctuation value of the static pressure outside the machine is greater than a pre-set static pressure fluctuation threshold value, or the maximum power is greater than a pre-set power threshold value, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind baffle;

[0036] When the fluctuation value of the static pressure outside the machine is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold value, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold value, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second speed.

[0037] As an improvement of the above-mentioned scheme, before the indoor fan of the air conditioner operates at the first rotating speed of the set highest wind stop, the method further comprises:

[0038] Upon detecting the highest wind stop entering instruction of the air conditioner, the rotating speed of the indoor fan is gradually increased from zero to the first rotating speed corresponding to the highest wind stop.

[0039] As an improvement of the above-mentioned scheme, before the indoor fan of the air conditioner operates at the first rotating speed of the set highest wind stop, the method further comprises:

[0040] Upon detecting the highest wind stop entering instruction of the air conditioner, the indoor fan is gradually increased from the current gear to the first rotating speed corresponding to the highest wind stop.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the air conditioner and the indoor fan rotating speed control method thereof disclosed by the application start the highest wind stop of the indoor fan with relatively conservative target parameters until detecting that the static pressure outside the machine is stable, and then control the highest wind stop of the indoor fan to run at the optimal capacity parameters, so that the overall capacity and energy efficiency of the machine can be optimally exerted. In addition, when the indoor fan runs at the highest wind stop, the running parameters of the fan are adjusted in a timely manner according to the static pressure outside the machine or the load of the fan, so that the advantages of the direct-current variable frequency fan are exerted, and the fan is prevented from stopping due to overload or underload. The application starts with the relatively conservative target parameters as a step, which can reduce the static pressure fluctuation or inertia of the static pressure wind box, so that the fan runs more stably, greatly reduces the failure of fan stall, and adjusts the rotating speed of the fan and other running parameters in a timely manner according to the fluctuation of the static pressure outside the machine, so that the load of the fan is within a controllable and reasonable range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0043] Figure 2 is a flow direction schematic diagram of refrigerant when the air conditioner runs in a cooling mode and provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow direction schematic diagram of refrigerant when the air conditioner runs in a heating mode and provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0045] Figure 4 is an internal structure schematic diagram of an indoor unit in the air conditioner and provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0046] Figure 5 is a first working flowchart of a controller in the air conditioner and provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0047] Figure 6 is a second working flowchart of the controller in the air conditioner and provided by an embodiment of the application;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a third working flowchart of the controller in an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is the fourth workflow diagram of the controller in the air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 9 This is the fifth workflow diagram of the controller in the air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of an indoor fan speed control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Among them, 100 is the indoor unit; 200 is the outdoor unit; 11 is the compressor; 12 is the four-way valve; 13 is the outdoor heat exchanger; 14 is the expansion valve; 15 is the indoor heat exchanger; 16 is the indoor fan; 17 is the outdoor fan; 18 is the outdoor coil temperature sensor; 19 is the voltage monitoring element; 20 is the indoor coil temperature sensor; 111 is the horizontal air guide plate; 112 is the vertical air guide plate; 10A is the air outlet; 10B is the air intake; 101 is the housing; 1031 is the coil; and 1032 is the heat sink. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0055] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit 200. The indoor unit 100 is used to regulate the temperature and humidity of the indoor air, and the outdoor unit 200 is connected to the indoor unit 100 through a connecting pipe. The outdoor unit 200 is installed outdoors, and the indoor unit 100 is installed indoors.

[0058] See Figure 2 The air conditioner includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a throttling device 14, an indoor heat exchanger 15, an indoor fan 16, an outdoor fan 17, an outdoor coil temperature sensor 18, a voltage monitoring element 19, and an indoor coil temperature sensor 20. The indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor fan 16, and the indoor coil temperature sensor 20 are located on the indoor unit 100, while the compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the throttling device 14, the outdoor fan 17, the outdoor coil temperature sensor 18, and the voltage monitoring element 19 are located on the outdoor unit. The outdoor coil temperature sensor 18 detects the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the voltage monitoring element 19 monitors the actual operating voltage of the compressor, and the indoor coil temperature sensor 20 detects the coil temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0059] The air conditioner described in this embodiment of the invention includes cooling and heating modes. The refrigerant flows differently during cooling and heating. In cooling mode, the refrigerant first flows through the outdoor unit's heat exchanger, where the outdoor unit acts as the condenser and the indoor unit as the evaporator. In heating mode, the refrigerant first flows through the indoor unit's heat exchanger, where the indoor unit acts as the condenser and the outdoor unit as the evaporator. The air conditioner uses a four-way valve to change the refrigerant flow direction during these different modes. Without the four-way valve, the air conditioner could only perform either cooling or heating, and could not switch between cooling and heating modes.

[0060] See Figure 2When the air conditioner is cooling, the refrigerant first passes through the compressor 11 to become a high-pressure gas, and then passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (condenser) to condense and release heat to become a high-pressure liquid. The high-pressure liquid passes through the throttling device 14 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. It then passes through the indoor heat exchanger 15 (evaporator) to evaporate and absorb heat to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and finally returns to the compressor 11.

[0061] See Figure 3 When the air conditioner is heating, the refrigerant first passes through the compressor 11 to become a high-pressure gas, and then passes through the indoor heat exchanger 15 (condenser) to condense and release heat to become a high-pressure liquid. The high-pressure liquid passes through the expansion valve and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (evaporator) to evaporate and absorb heat to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas, and finally returns to the compressor 11.

[0062] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the indoor unit 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The indoor unit 100 includes a housing 101, an indoor fan 16, and an indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0063] The housing 101 is a box-shaped structure extending elongatedly in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the left-right direction) and having multiple openings. Several air intakes 10B are provided on the top surface of the housing 101. Driven by the indoor fan 16, indoor air near the air intakes 10B is drawn into the interior of the housing 101 through these air intakes 10B. The indoor air drawn in from the air intakes 10B is then transported to the indoor fan 16 via an indoor heat exchanger 15. An air outlet 10A is formed on the bottom surface of the housing 101, and the air outlet 10A is connected to the interior of the housing 101 via a continuous vortex flow path from the indoor fan 16. After heat exchange by the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor air drawn in from the air intakes 10B is blown out into the room through the vortex flow path from the air outlet 10A.

[0064] The indoor heat exchanger 15 consists of multiple heat sinks and coils 1032 that pass through the multiple heat sinks 1031. The indoor heat exchanger 15 functions as an evaporator or a radiator depending on the operating state of the indoor unit 100, so that the refrigerant flowing in the coils can exchange heat with the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0065] The indoor fan 16 is an adjustable-speed DC inverter fan, and its operating parameters can be adjusted as needed. The air outlet 10A is equipped with a static pressure detection device (not shown in the figure) to detect the external static pressure value corresponding to the air outlet 10A. The indoor fan 16 is located approximately in the central part inside the housing 101, and is a slender, approximately cylindrical cross-flow fan along the length (left-right direction) of the indoor unit 100. By rotating the indoor fan 16, indoor air is drawn in from the air intake 10B, passes through the air filter, and then passes through the indoor heat exchanger 15 to generate conditioned air, which is then blown out of the room from the air outlet 10A. The higher the rotational speed of the indoor fan 16, the greater the volume of conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 10A.

[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, the indoor fan is started with a relatively conservative target parameter at its highest setting until the external static pressure is detected to be stable. Then, the indoor fan is controlled to operate at its highest setting with the optimal capacity parameter, so that the overall capacity and energy efficiency of the machine can be maximized.

[0067] The controller of the air conditioner is configured to: acquire the external static pressure collected by the static pressure detection device when the indoor fan is running at a first speed at the set highest fan speed; and control the speed of the indoor fan to switch between the first speed and the second speed at the highest fan speed according to the external static pressure; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed.

[0068] For example, see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a first workflow diagram of the controller in an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the controller is configured to execute steps S11 to S13:

[0069] S11. Determine whether the indoor fan is running at the first speed of the set highest wind speed. If yes, proceed to step S12; otherwise, continue to proceed to step S11.

[0070] For example, the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention has several preset fan speeds, each with at least one corresponding rotation speed value. Users can adjust the speed via a remote control, such as using a button on an existing remote control to adjust the fan speed, or, in the case of an air conditioner with voice recognition, by issuing a voice control command. Among the preset fan speeds in the air conditioner, there is a highest fan speed. When the user adjusts to the highest fan speed via a button or voice, the controller defaults to adjusting the indoor fan speed to the first rotation speed within the highest fan speed. The second rotation speed within the highest fan speed is automatically adjusted by the air conditioner based on the operating status of the indoor fan.

[0071] S12. When the indoor fan is running at the first speed of the set highest wind speed, the external static pressure collected by the static pressure detection device is obtained, and then the process proceeds to step S13.

[0072] For example, static pressure is a metric for measuring the air delivery capacity of a fan. The higher the static pressure, the stronger the fan's air delivery capacity. Static pressure is measured in Pascals (Pa). Specifically, static pressure is the pressure inside the fan housing when the fan is turned to its maximum setting and the air outlet is sealed. Different manufacturers have different technical standards, resulting in different static pressures for different machines, but the definition and function of static pressure are the same. The static pressure generated by the indoor fan of an air conditioner is divided into internal static pressure and external static pressure. Internal static pressure is the static pressure value required for airflow to overcome the internal resistance (such as coil resistance) of the air conditioner, while external static pressure is the static pressure value required for airflow to overcome external resistance after leaving the air conditioner. In this embodiment of the invention, the external static pressure can be detected by installing the static pressure detection device in the air outlet of the indoor unit.

[0073] S13. Based on the external static pressure, control the rotation speed of the indoor fan to switch between the first and second rotation speeds at the highest wind speed setting.

[0074] For example, since the external static pressure can reflect the air delivery capacity of the indoor fan, monitoring the external static pressure can determine whether the indoor fan can operate stably between the first speed and the second speed, and can adjust the operating parameters of the indoor fan in a timely manner to give full play to the advantages of the DC inverter fan, while also avoiding the phenomenon of overload or underload shutdown of the indoor fan.

[0075] Specifically, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch between a first speed and a second speed at the highest fan speed based on the external static pressure includes: when the external static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch to the second speed at the highest fan speed; when the external static pressure does not remain stable within the first time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to remain at the first speed; after the indoor fan is running at the second speed at the highest fan speed, when the external static pressure remains stable within a preset second time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to remain at the second speed; after the indoor fan is running at the second speed at the highest fan speed, when the external static pressure does not remain stable within the preset second time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch back to the first speed at the highest fan speed.

[0076] For example, see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a second working flowchart of the controller in an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Step S13 specifically includes steps S131 to S136:

[0077] S131. When the air conditioner is at the first speed, determine whether the external static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period. If yes, proceed to step S133; otherwise, proceed to step S132.

[0078] S132. When the external static pressure does not remain stable within the first time period, control the speed of the indoor fan to remain at the first speed, and then return to step S131.

[0079] S133. When the external static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period, control the speed of the indoor fan to switch to the second speed of the highest wind speed, and then proceed to step S134.

[0080] For example, the first time period is 3 minutes. When the air conditioner is at the first speed, the external static pressure is detected by the external static pressure acquisition device to see if the external static pressure has been stable for 3 minutes. If it has not been, it means that the indoor fan is not stable enough at the first speed of the highest fan setting and cannot be increased further. If it is increased further, it may stall. Therefore, the indoor fan needs to maintain its original operation (the reason for maintaining the original speed is that the first speed is the speed suitable for the air conditioner's default highest fan setting. Although the external static pressure is unstable at this time, the probability of stalling is low because this speed will not be too high). Conversely, if the external static pressure remains stable for 3 minutes, it means that the speed of the indoor fan still has room to be increased and stalling is unlikely. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the first speed to the second speed with the second speed as the target parameter.

[0081] Furthermore, to prevent the external static pressure from remaining unstable when the indoor fan is at the first speed (i.e., the process of steps S131 to S132 is repeated for too long), which would indicate that the first speed is not suitable for the current highest fan speed and prolonged operation may cause the indoor fan to malfunction, the first speed needs to be reduced. In this case, the controller is also configured to: when the external static pressure does not remain stable within a preset first time period, obtain the duration of this unstable operation; and when the indoor fan does not receive a speed reduction command, if the duration exceeds a set time threshold, reduce the first speed.

[0082] S134. After the indoor fan runs at the second speed of the highest wind speed, determine whether the external static pressure remains stable within the preset second time period. If yes, proceed to step S136; otherwise, proceed to step S135.

[0083] S135. When the external static pressure does not remain stable within the preset second time period, control the speed of the indoor fan to switch to the first speed of the highest windshield, and then return to step S131.

[0084] S136. When the external static pressure remains stable within a preset second time period, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second rotation speed.

[0085] For example, the second time period is 3 minutes. When the air conditioner is at the second speed, the external static pressure is detected by the external static pressure acquisition device to see if the external static pressure has been stable for 3 minutes. If it has not, it means that the indoor fan is not stable enough at the second speed at the highest fan speed and cannot maintain this high speed. If the current speed is maintained, a stall may occur. Therefore, the indoor fan speed is reduced to the first speed. Conversely, if the external static pressure remains stable for 3 minutes, it means that the indoor fan speed is very stable at the second speed and a stall is unlikely. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled to continue operating at the second speed as the target parameter.

[0086] It is worth noting that the above-mentioned process for determining whether the external static pressure is stable includes: when the external static pressure remains unchanged during the first time period / second time period, it indicates that the external static pressure remains stable during the first time period / second time period; or, when the fluctuation of the external static pressure during the first time period / second time period is very small (less than a certain minimum fluctuation threshold) and can be almost ignored, it indicates that the external static pressure remains stable during the first time period / second time period.

[0087] Specifically, the step of controlling the indoor fan speed to switch between the first speed and the second speed at the highest wind speed based on the external static pressure further includes: after the indoor fan has been running stably at the second speed during the second time period, obtaining the external static pressure and the maximum power of the indoor fan; when the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is greater than a preset static pressure fluctuation threshold, or the maximum power is greater than a preset power threshold, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch to the first speed at the highest wind speed; when the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold, controlling the indoor fan speed to remain at the second speed.

[0088] For example, see Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a third workflow diagram of the controller in the air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention. After executing step S136, the controller is further configured to execute steps S137 to S140:

[0089] S137. After the indoor fan has been running stably at the second speed during the second time period, the external static pressure and maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained, and then the process proceeds to step S138.

[0090] S138. Determine whether the external static pressure is greater than the set static pressure threshold, or whether the maximum power is greater than the set power threshold. If satisfied, proceed to step S139; if not satisfied, proceed to step S140.

[0091] S139. When the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is greater than the preset static pressure fluctuation threshold, or the maximum power is greater than the preset power threshold, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind speed.

[0092] S140. When the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to be maintained at the second speed.

[0093] For example, after the indoor fan maintains the second speed for more than 3 minutes, the external static pressure and maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained and used as a judgment. When the external static pressure fluctuation value is greater than the preset static pressure fluctuation threshold or the maximum power is greater than the power threshold, it indicates that the indoor fan is running unstable and needs to reduce the speed. At this time, the operating parameters of the indoor fan are controlled to be reduced from the second speed to the first speed, and the judgment is repeated. Otherwise, the second speed continues to be run and the next cycle begins.

[0094] Specifically, the controller is further configured to: when a command to enter the highest fan speed setting of the air conditioner is detected, control the indoor fan speed to gradually increase from zero to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed setting.

[0095] For example, see Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is the fourth workflow diagram of the controller in the air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Step S1 specifically includes steps S101 to S1021:

[0096] S101. Determine whether the highest fan speed command of the air conditioner has been detected. If yes, proceed to step S1021; otherwise, continue with step S101.

[0097] S1021. When the highest fan speed command of the air conditioner is detected, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from zero to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

[0098] For example, at this time, the user may have just turned on the air conditioner, and the air conditioner's fan speed is at the lowest setting. In this case, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from zero to the first speed, giving the indoor fan an appropriate buffer time to avoid directly and quickly adjusting the speed to the highest setting, thereby avoiding situations where the motor overloads and stops due to external environmental factors such as sudden changes in static pressure.

[0099] Specifically, the controller is further configured to: when a command to enter the highest fan speed of the air conditioner is detected, control the indoor fan to gradually increase from the current speed to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

[0100] For example, see Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is the fifth workflow diagram of the controller in the air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Step S1 specifically includes steps S101 to S1022:

[0101] S101. Determine whether the highest fan speed command of the air conditioner has been detected. If yes, proceed to step S1021; otherwise, continue with step S101.

[0102] S1022. When the command to enter the highest fan speed of the air conditioner is detected, the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the current speed to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

[0103] For example, at this time, the user may have just turned on the air conditioner, and the air conditioner's fan speed is at the lowest setting. In this case, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the current setting to the first speed, giving the indoor fan an appropriate buffer time to avoid directly and quickly adjusting the speed to the highest setting, thereby avoiding situations where the motor overloads and stops due to external environmental factors such as sudden changes in static pressure.

[0104] Compared to existing technologies, the air conditioner disclosed in this invention starts the indoor fan at its highest fan speed with relatively conservative target parameters. Once the external static pressure stabilizes, the indoor fan is then controlled to operate at its optimal capacity parameters, maximizing the overall energy efficiency of the machine. Furthermore, while the indoor fan is running at its highest fan speed, the operating parameters are adjusted promptly based on the external static pressure or fan load, leveraging the advantages of the DC inverter fan and preventing fan shutdown due to overload or underload. This invention uses relatively conservative target parameters as a starting step, reducing static pressure fluctuations or inertia in the static pressure box, resulting in more stable fan operation and significantly reducing fan stall failures. By adjusting operating parameters such as fan speed in a timely manner based on external static pressure fluctuations, the fan load remains within a controllable and reasonable range.

[0105] See Figure 10 , Figure 10This is a flowchart of an indoor fan speed control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The indoor fan speed control method is executed by a controller in the air conditioner, and a static pressure detection device for collecting external static pressure is provided in the air outlet of the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The indoor fan speed control method for the air conditioner includes:

[0106] S1. When the indoor fan of the air conditioner is running at the first speed of the set highest fan speed, the static pressure outside the unit is acquired by the static pressure detection device; wherein, the static pressure detection device is located in the air outlet of the indoor unit;

[0107] S2. The rotational speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch between a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed at the highest wind speed according to the external static pressure; wherein the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed.

[0108] For example, the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention has several preset fan speed levels. Users can adjust the fan speed via a remote control, such as using a fan speed button on an existing remote control, or, in the case of an air conditioner with voice recognition, by issuing a voice control command. Among the preset fan speed levels in the air conditioner, there is a highest fan speed. When the user adjusts to the highest fan speed via a button or voice, the controller defaults to adjusting the indoor fan speed to the first speed within the highest fan speed. The second speed within the highest fan speed is automatically adjusted by the air conditioner based on the operating status of the indoor fan. Since the external static pressure reflects the air delivery capacity of the indoor fan, monitoring the external static pressure can determine whether the indoor fan can operate stably between the first and second speeds. This allows for timely adjustment of the indoor fan's operating parameters, leveraging the advantages of the DC inverter fan, and preventing overload or underload shutdown of the indoor fan.

[0109] Specifically, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch between a first speed and a second speed at the highest fan speed based on the external static pressure includes: when the external static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch to the second speed at the highest fan speed; when the external static pressure does not remain stable within the first time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to remain at the first speed; after the indoor fan is running at the second speed at the highest fan speed, when the external static pressure remains stable within a preset second time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to remain at the second speed; after the indoor fan is running at the second speed at the highest fan speed, when the external static pressure does not remain stable within the preset second time period, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch back to the first speed at the highest fan speed.

[0110] For example, the first time period is 3 minutes. When the air conditioner is at the first speed, the external static pressure is detected by the external static pressure acquisition device to see if the external static pressure has been stable for 3 minutes. If it has not been, it means that the indoor fan is not stable enough at the first speed of the highest fan setting and cannot be increased further. If it is increased further, it may stall. Therefore, the indoor fan needs to maintain its original operation (the reason for maintaining the original speed is that the first speed is the speed suitable for the air conditioner's default highest fan setting. Although the external static pressure is unstable at this time, the probability of stalling is low because this speed will not be too high). Conversely, if the external static pressure remains stable for 3 minutes, it means that the speed of the indoor fan still has room to be increased and stalling is unlikely. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the first speed to the second speed with the second speed as the target parameter.

[0111] Furthermore, to prevent the external static pressure from remaining unstable when the indoor fan is at the first speed (i.e., the process of steps S131 to S132 is repeated for too long), which would indicate that the first speed is not suitable for the current highest fan speed and prolonged operation may cause the indoor fan to malfunction, the first speed needs to be reduced. In this case, the controller is also configured to: when the external static pressure does not remain stable within a preset first time period, obtain the duration of this unstable operation; and when the indoor fan does not receive a speed reduction command, if the duration exceeds a set time threshold, reduce the first speed.

[0112] For example, the second time period is 3 minutes. When the air conditioner is at the second speed, the external static pressure is detected by the external static pressure acquisition device to see if the external static pressure has been stable for 3 minutes. If it has not, it means that the indoor fan is not stable enough at the second speed at the highest fan speed and cannot maintain this high speed. If the current speed is maintained, a stall may occur. Therefore, the indoor fan speed is reduced to the first speed. Conversely, if the external static pressure remains stable for 3 minutes, it means that the indoor fan speed is very stable at the second speed and a stall is unlikely. At this time, the indoor fan is controlled to continue operating at the second speed as the target parameter.

[0113] It is worth noting that the above-mentioned process for determining whether the external static pressure is stable includes: when the external static pressure remains unchanged during the first time period / second time period, it indicates that the external static pressure remains stable during the first time period / second time period; or, when the fluctuation of the external static pressure during the first time period / second time period is very small (less than a certain minimum fluctuation threshold) and can be almost ignored, it indicates that the external static pressure remains stable during the first time period / second time period.

[0114] Specifically, the step of controlling the indoor fan speed to switch between the first speed and the second speed at the highest wind speed based on the external static pressure further includes: after the indoor fan has been running stably at the second speed during the second time period, obtaining the external static pressure and the maximum power of the indoor fan; when the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is greater than a preset static pressure fluctuation threshold, or the maximum power is greater than a preset power threshold, controlling the indoor fan speed to switch to the first speed at the highest wind speed; when the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold, controlling the indoor fan speed to remain at the second speed.

[0115] For example, after the indoor fan maintains the second speed for more than 3 minutes, the external static pressure and maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained and used as a judgment. When the external static pressure fluctuation value is greater than the preset static pressure fluctuation threshold or the maximum power is greater than the power threshold, it indicates that the indoor fan is running unstable and needs to reduce the speed. At this time, the operating parameters of the indoor fan are controlled to be reduced from the second speed to the first speed, and the judgment is repeated. Otherwise, the second speed continues to be run and the next cycle begins.

[0116] Specifically, before the indoor fan of the air conditioner operates at the first speed of the set highest fan speed, the method further includes: when the highest fan speed entry command of the air conditioner is detected, controlling the speed of the indoor fan to gradually increase from zero to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

[0117] For example, at this time, the user may have just turned on the air conditioner, and the air conditioner's fan speed is at the lowest setting. In this case, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from zero to the first speed, giving the indoor fan an appropriate buffer time to avoid directly and quickly adjusting the speed to the highest setting, thereby avoiding situations where the motor overloads and stops due to external environmental factors such as sudden changes in static pressure.

[0118] Specifically, before the indoor fan of the air conditioner operates at the first speed of the set highest fan speed, the method further includes: when the highest fan speed entry command of the air conditioner is detected, controlling the indoor fan to gradually increase from the current level to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

[0119] For example, at this time, the user may have just turned on the air conditioner, and the air conditioner's fan speed is at the lowest setting. In this case, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the current setting to the first speed, giving the indoor fan an appropriate buffer time to avoid directly and quickly adjusting the speed to the highest setting, thereby avoiding situations where the motor overloads and stops due to external environmental factors such as sudden changes in static pressure.

[0120] Compared to existing technologies, the indoor fan speed control method for air conditioners disclosed in this invention starts the indoor fan at its highest fan speed with relatively conservative target parameters. Once the external static pressure stabilizes, the method then raises the fan speed to its optimal capacity parameters, maximizing the overall energy efficiency of the machine. Furthermore, while the indoor fan is running at its highest fan speed, the operating parameters are adjusted promptly based on the external static pressure or fan load, leveraging the advantages of DC inverter fans and preventing fan shutdown due to overload or underload. This invention uses relatively conservative target parameters as a starting step, reducing static pressure fluctuations or inertia in the static pressure box, resulting in more stable fan operation and significantly reducing fan stall failures. By adjusting operating parameters such as fan speed in a timely manner based on external static pressure fluctuations, the fan load remains within a controllable and reasonable range.

[0121] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Indoor unit, used to regulate indoor temperature and / or humidity; The outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit via a connecting pipe, and the outdoor unit is used to provide power for the cooling cycle. An indoor fan is installed in the indoor unit and has several pre-set wind deflectors, each wind deflector having at least one corresponding speed value; A static pressure detection device is installed in the air outlet of the indoor unit to collect the external static pressure; wherein, the external static pressure is the static pressure value required for the gas to overcome the external resistance after leaving the indoor unit; The controller is configured as follows: When the indoor fan is running at the first speed of the set highest wind speed, the external static pressure collected by the static pressure detection device is obtained; The rotational speed of the indoor fan is controlled by the external static pressure and switched between a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed at the highest fan speed; wherein the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed. The step of controlling the indoor fan speed based on the external static pressure to switch between a first speed and a second speed at the highest fan speed includes: When the external static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the second speed of the highest wind speed. Once the indoor fan has been running stably at the second speed during the second time period, the external static pressure and maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained. When the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is greater than the preset static pressure fluctuation threshold, or when the maximum power is greater than the preset power threshold, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind speed. When the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to be maintained at the second speed.

2. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the indoor fan speed based on the external static pressure to switch between the first and second speeds at the highest fan speed includes: When the external static pressure does not remain stable within the first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the first speed. After the indoor fan operates at the second speed at the highest wind speed, when the external static pressure remains stable within a preset second time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second speed. After the indoor fan is running at the second speed of the highest wind setting, if the external static pressure does not remain stable within a preset second time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind setting.

3. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: When the highest fan speed command of the air conditioner is detected, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from zero to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

4. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also configured to: When the command to enter the highest fan speed of the air conditioner is detected, the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the current speed to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

5. A method for controlling the indoor fan speed of an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: When the indoor fan of the air conditioner is running at the first speed of the set highest fan speed, the static pressure outside the unit is collected by the static pressure detection device; wherein, the static pressure detection device is located in the air outlet of the indoor unit, and the static pressure outside the unit is the static pressure value required to overcome the external resistance after the gas leaves the indoor unit; the indoor fan is preset with several fan speeds, and each fan speed has at least one corresponding speed value. The rotational speed of the indoor fan is controlled by the external static pressure and switched between a first rotational speed and a second rotational speed at the highest fan speed; wherein the second rotational speed is greater than the first rotational speed. The step of controlling the indoor fan speed based on the external static pressure to switch between a first speed and a second speed at the highest fan speed includes: When the external static pressure remains stable within a preset first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the second speed of the highest wind speed. Once the indoor fan has been running stably at the second speed during the second time period, the external static pressure and maximum power of the indoor fan are obtained. When the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is greater than the preset static pressure fluctuation threshold, or when the maximum power is greater than the preset power threshold, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind speed. When the fluctuation value of the external static pressure is less than or equal to the static pressure fluctuation threshold, and the maximum power is less than or equal to the power threshold, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to be maintained at the second speed.

6. The indoor fan speed control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The step of controlling the indoor fan speed based on the external static pressure to switch between the first and second speeds at the highest fan speed includes: When the external static pressure does not remain stable within the first time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the first speed. After the indoor fan operates at the second speed at the highest wind speed, when the external static pressure remains stable within a preset second time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to remain at the second speed. After the indoor fan is running at the second speed of the highest wind setting, if the external static pressure does not remain stable within a preset second time period, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to switch to the first speed of the highest wind setting.

7. The indoor fan speed control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Before the indoor fan of the air conditioner operates at the first speed set to the highest fan speed, the method further includes: When the highest fan speed command of the air conditioner is detected, the speed of the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from zero to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

8. The indoor fan speed control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Before the indoor fan of the air conditioner operates at the first speed set to the highest fan speed, the method further includes: When the command to enter the highest fan speed of the air conditioner is detected, the indoor fan is controlled to gradually increase from the current speed to the first speed corresponding to the highest fan speed.

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