Control method and device for defrosting of air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of air conditioner defrosting, and discloses a control method for air conditioner defrosting, which comprises the following steps: determining a defrosting time length corresponding to a non-stop defrosting mode of an air conditioner during operation of the air conditioner in the non-stop defrosting mode; wherein the non-stop defrosting mode comprises that the air conditioner keeps circulating the refrigerant in a heating flow direction, and the throttling opening degree is increased from an initial opening degree to a defrosting opening degree, so as to utilize the low throttling degree of the refrigerant heat to warm up and defrost the outdoor heat exchanger; and in the case that the defrosting time length meets a set time length condition, a gas supplementing operation is controlled to be performed, so as to improve the gaseous refrigerant amount circulated by the air conditioner. According to the control method of the embodiment of the application, the gas supplementing operation is controlled to be performed according to the defrosting time length during the control of the air conditioner in the non-stop defrosting mode, the gaseous refrigerant amount circulated can be increased through the gas supplementing operation, and thus the adverse effects of the defrosting mode on the heating performance of the air conditioner and the defrosting speed of the air conditioner itself can be reduced. The application further discloses a control device for air conditioner defrosting and an air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning defrosting technology, such as a control method, device, and air conditioner for air conditioning defrosting. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, air conditioners, as a widely used household appliance, have become an indispensable part of modern residents' daily lives due to their excellent role in maintaining indoor temperature and creating a comfortable indoor environment. However, air conditioners inevitably have some problems during use. For example, when air conditioners are running in low-temperature areas or areas with heavy snow, the outdoor unit's condenser absorbs heat from the outside environment, and due to its own temperature, water vapor in the outside air will condense on the outer surface of the condenser, gradually forming an ice layer. This ice layer will reduce the air conditioner's heat exchange efficiency, causing a decrease in its heating performance.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issue of outdoor unit frosting, existing air conditioners are generally equipped with a defrosting function to defrost the outdoor unit. Common defrosting methods include electric heating defrosting and reverse circulation defrosting. Related technologies also include a non-stop defrosting mode. In this mode, the air conditioner's refrigerant circulation system maintains a heating flow direction for refrigerant delivery, and the throttling opening of the electronic expansion valve and other throttling devices is adjusted to the maximum. This ensures that the medium-temperature refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger is not throttled after passing through the throttling devices, retaining a significant amount of heat. This remaining heat is then used to heat the outdoor heat exchanger, thus defrosting the outdoor unit.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0005] During the operation of the above-mentioned defrosting mode, since the electronic expansion valve and other throttling devices do not throttle the refrigerant, and the refrigerant releases heat to the outside in both the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, a large portion of the refrigerant that eventually flows back to the compressor suction side is in liquid form. This portion of liquid refrigerant is trapped in the liquid tank, which results in less and less gaseous refrigerant eventually flowing back to the compressor and re-entering the refrigerant cycle, causing both the air conditioner's heating and defrosting performance to decline.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] This disclosure provides a control method, apparatus, and air conditioner for defrosting an air conditioner, in order to solve the technical problem in the related art that the refrigerant circulation volume is rapidly reduced and the heating and defrosting performance is affected when operating in the non-stop defrosting mode.

[0009] In a first aspect embodiment, the control method for air conditioner defrosting includes:

[0010] During the non-stop defrosting mode of the air conditioner, the defrosting duration corresponding to the non-stop defrosting mode is determined; wherein, the non-stop defrosting mode includes the air conditioner continuing to circulate and deliver refrigerant in the direction of heating, and increasing the throttling opening from the initial opening to the defrosting opening, so as to use the heat of the refrigerant with a low degree of throttling to heat up and defrost the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0011] If the defrosting time meets the set time condition, the system will control the gas replenishment operation to increase the amount of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the defrosting duration includes the current cumulative duration of the non-stop defrosting mode during this operation;

[0013] The duration setting conditions include: t 累计 ≥t1;

[0014] Among them, t 累计 t1 represents the current cumulative duration, and t1 represents the first duration threshold.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the defrosting duration includes the set total duration of the non-stop defrosting mode for this operation;

[0016] The duration setting conditions include: t 总 ≥t2;

[0017] Among them, t 累计 To set the total duration, t2 is the second duration threshold.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the air conditioner includes a heating device disposed in the compressor return air path;

[0019] Controlling the execution of the gas replenishment operation includes: controlling the activation of the heating operation to heat the refrigerant flowing through the return gas path.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, controlling the activation of the heating operation includes:

[0021] Get the defrost duration in non-stop defrost mode;

[0022] The heating level associated with the defrosting time is used as the working level for heating operation; wherein, the defrosting time includes the current cumulative time, and the current cumulative time is positively correlated with the heating level, or, the defrosting time includes the set total time, and the set total time is negatively correlated with the heating level.

[0023] In some alternative embodiments, the air conditioner includes a make-up gas branch for separately inputting at least a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the air conditioning refrigerant circuit into the compressor;

[0024] Controlling the execution of the gas replenishment operation includes: controlling the activation of the gas replenishment branch to replenish gas to the compressor.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, controlling the activation of the supplemental air branch includes:

[0026] Get the defrost opening degree corresponding to the non-stop defrost mode;

[0027] The refrigerant flow rate of the make-up air branch is determined based on the defrost opening degree; the defrost opening degree and the refrigerant flow rate are positively correlated.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the method further includes:

[0029] Obtain the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner's compressor;

[0030] Ensure that the compressor's discharge temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature threshold.

[0031] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the control device for air conditioner defrosting includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute, when running the program instructions, the control method for air conditioner defrosting as described in any of the embodiments of the first aspect above.

[0032] In a third embodiment, the air conditioner includes:

[0033] Air conditioner unit;

[0034] The control device for defrosting the air conditioner, as described in the second aspect embodiment above, is installed on the air conditioner body.

[0035] The control method, apparatus, and air conditioner for defrosting provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0036] In the process of controlling the air conditioner to operate in a non-stop defrosting mode, the control method of this disclosure controls the execution of a gas replenishment operation according to the defrosting duration. This gas replenishment operation can increase the amount of circulating gaseous refrigerant and reduce the amount of liquid refrigerant remaining in the liquid tank, thereby reducing the adverse effects of the defrosting mode on the air conditioner's heating performance and its own defrosting rate.

[0037] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0038] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a control method for air conditioner defrosting provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another control method for air conditioner defrosting provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another control method for air conditioner defrosting provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another control method for air conditioner defrosting provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another control method for air conditioner defrosting provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another control device for air conditioner defrosting provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0047] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0048] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0049] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0050] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0051] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0052] In this embodiment of the disclosure, smart home appliances refer to home appliances formed by introducing microprocessors, sensor technology and network communication technology into home appliances. They have the characteristics of intelligent control, intelligent sensing and intelligent application. The operation of smart home appliances often relies on the application and processing of modern technologies such as the Internet of Things, the Internet and electronic chips. For example, smart home appliances can be connected to electronic devices to enable users to remotely control and manage smart home appliances.

[0053] In the disclosed embodiments, the terminal device refers to an electronic device with wireless connectivity. The terminal device can communicate with the aforementioned smart home appliances via the internet, or directly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other methods. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be, for example, a mobile device, a computer, or an in-vehicle device built into a hovercraft, or any combination thereof. Mobile devices may include, for example, mobile phones, smart home devices, wearable devices, smart mobile devices, virtual reality devices, or any combination thereof. Wearable devices may include, for example, smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.

[0054] To address the issue of frost buildup on outdoor units of air conditioners during low-temperature heating, existing defrosting technologies commonly employ methods such as electric heating defrosting and reverse circulation defrosting. Electric heating defrosting involves installing an electric heating device on the outdoor unit. This device releases heat to the surrounding environment when energized, raising the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger and melting the frost. While this method offers advantages like rapid heating and defrosting, it also has drawbacks such as requiring additional heating components, increased manufacturing costs, and potential obstruction of airflow into the outdoor unit. Reverse circulation defrosting, on the other hand, controls the refrigerant flow according to the cooling direction. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows downwards first into the outdoor heat exchanger. This portion of refrigerant contains more heat, thus raising the temperature of the heat exchanger and achieving the same defrosting effect. While this method doesn't require additional heating components, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside in the indoor heat exchanger, potentially lowering the indoor temperature and causing discomfort for the user.

[0055] It is evident that while existing defrosting methods can defrost the outdoor unit, they still have many drawbacks in practical use. In this context, this application discloses a defrosting mode for air conditioners that can simultaneously defrost the outdoor unit without stopping indoor heating, and without requiring an electric heating device on the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, this application discloses a control method for air conditioner defrosting, the main steps of which include:

[0057] S110. During the operation of the air conditioner in heating mode, obtain the corresponding operating status parameters and environmental parameters of the air conditioner;

[0058] Generally, in heating mode, the air conditioner operates in heating mode. The refrigerant flow in this mode is as follows: the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor first flows through the indoor heat exchanger and releases heat to the indoor environment, then flows through the electronic expansion valve and other throttling devices for throttling. After throttling, most of the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger and absorbs heat from the outdoor environment. Some of the refrigerant changes from liquid to gas, and finally flows back to the compressor for heat compression.

[0059] Therefore, optionally, when the current operating mode of the air conditioner is heating mode, it can be determined that the air conditioner is in the "heating condition" operation process defined in step S110.

[0060] Optionally, operating status parameters include outdoor coil temperature, indoor coil temperature, and compressor operating frequency; another option is that environmental parameters include indoor ambient temperature.

[0061] In some embodiments, the air conditioner is also equipped with multiple sensors for detecting and acquiring at least some of the aforementioned operating status parameters and environmental parameters.

[0062] For example, an air conditioner has a temperature sensor installed at the coil location of the outdoor heat exchanger. The temperature sensor can detect the real-time temperature at the coil location as the aforementioned outdoor coil temperature.

[0063] Optionally, the air conditioner also has a temperature sensor installed at the coil location of the indoor heat exchanger. This temperature sensor can detect the real-time temperature at the coil location as the aforementioned indoor coil temperature.

[0064] Alternatively, the air conditioner may have a temperature sensor installed at the return air vent of the indoor unit. This temperature sensor can detect the real-time return air temperature at the vent and use it as the aforementioned indoor ambient temperature.

[0065] In this embodiment, the compressor's operating frequency is part of the air conditioner's own operating data, so the compressor's operating frequency can be obtained by calling this part of the operating data.

[0066] S120. After determining that the defrosting entry conditions are met based on the corresponding operating status parameters and environmental parameters of the air conditioner, control the air conditioner to enter the non-stop defrosting mode.

[0067] Optionally, based on the quantity and type of the obtained operating status parameters and environmental parameters, the defrosting initiation conditions are set as follows:

[0068] Indoor ambient temperature Tr≥TR1, indoor coil temperature Tp≥TP1, compressor frequency f≥F1, △t1≤Temi n-Te<△t2.

[0069] TR1 is a preset inner ambient temperature threshold, which represents the lower limit of the temperature value that satisfies user comfort. Since the indoor heating efficiency will decrease to some extent when the defrosting mode is running, in order to reduce the adverse impact of this defrosting mode on user comfort, the indoor ambient temperature needs to be higher than the lower limit of the user comfort temperature.

[0070] In some embodiments, the inner ring temperature threshold TR1 is a preset value, which can be selected from 17 to 19°C. In this embodiment, the value of the inner ring temperature threshold TR1 is set to 18°C.

[0071] In some alternative embodiments, the inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 is set based on the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0072] Here, the air conditioner has a preset correspondence between an inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 and an outdoor ambient temperature. By obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature and matching it in this correspondence, the inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 applicable to the current operating conditions can be obtained.

[0073] For example, Table 1 shows a correspondence between an inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 and an outdoor ambient temperature. In this correspondence, the inner ambient temperature TR1 and the outdoor ambient temperature are negatively correlated, as follows:

[0074] Table 1

[0075] Tao > 0 17 -2<Tao≤0 18 -5<Tao≤-2 19 ... ...

[0076] In this example, the outdoor ambient temperature can affect the efficiency of heat dissipation from the indoor environment to the outside. Therefore, when the outdoor ambient temperature is low, the inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 is set to a higher value, so that the non-stop defrosting mode can be started only when the indoor ambient temperature is high, which can effectively ensure the comfort of the indoor environment before and after defrosting.

[0077] In some alternative embodiments, the inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 is set based on a predetermined comfortable temperature. Here, the comfortable temperature can be a user-defined setting, or a preferred value set by the air conditioner manufacturer based on big data calculations or other methods.

[0078] Here, the air conditioner has a preset correspondence between an inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 and a perceived comfort temperature. By obtaining the perceived comfort temperature and matching it in this correspondence, the inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 that meets the current perceived comfort requirements can be obtained.

[0079] For example, Table 2 shows a correspondence between an inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 and a perceived comfort temperature. In this correspondence, the inner ambient temperature TR1 and the perceived comfort temperature are positively correlated, as follows:

[0080] Table 2

[0081] 18≤Ts<20 17 20≤Ts<24 18 24≤Ts<27 19 ... ...

[0082] In this example, when the perceived comfort temperature is set to a high value and the indoor comfort requirement is high, the inner ambient temperature threshold TR1 is set to a high value. This allows the non-stop defrosting mode to be activated only when the user's comfort requirements are met, reducing the discomfort caused by defrosting to the user.

[0083] TP1 is the preset inner tube temperature threshold, which represents the lower limit of the temperature value required to meet indoor heat exchange efficiency. Similarly, since the indoor heating efficiency and heat release of the indoor heat exchanger will decrease when operating in non-stop defrosting mode, in order to ensure the heat exchange and temperature rise efficiency of the indoor environment and avoid excessive drop in the temperature of the indoor unit's outlet airflow, the indoor coil temperature needs to be set to a value higher than the lower limit of the temperature required to meet indoor heat exchange efficiency.

[0084] In some embodiments, the inner tube temperature threshold TP1 is a preset value, which can be selected from 34℃ to 38℃. In this embodiment, the value of the inner tube temperature threshold TP1 is set to 36℃.

[0085] In some alternative embodiments, the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 is set based on the rate of change of the indoor ambient temperature. Here, the rate of change of the indoor ambient temperature refers to the amount of temperature change per unit time, or the time required for a unit temperature change, after the indoor temperature reaches the set heating temperature, when the air conditioner compressor operates at a low power frequency (e.g., in an inverter air conditioner) or is in sleep mode (e.g., in a fixed-frequency air conditioner). This rate of change of the indoor ambient temperature reflects how quickly the indoor temperature drops under the combined influence of various factors such as the current outdoor ambient temperature and the number of users indoors. Setting the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 based on this can, to some extent, prevent the indoor ambient temperature from dropping too quickly or becoming too low.

[0086] For example, if the unit time is set to 5 minutes, the air conditioner can detect the temperature change of the indoor environment within that unit time, represented by the symbol ΔT / t. The air conditioner has a preset mapping relationship between ΔT / t and TP1. After calculating ΔT / t, the corresponding inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 can be found and matched through this mapping relationship. In this mapping relationship, the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 and ΔT / t are positively correlated, that is, the greater the change in indoor ambient temperature within a unit time, the higher the value of the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 is set.

[0087] Alternatively, if the unit temperature change is set to 3°C, the air conditioner can detect the time required for the indoor environment to drop from the set heating temperature to reach that 3°C, denoted by the symbol t. The air conditioner has a preset mapping relationship between t and TP1. After obtaining the timing time t, the corresponding inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 can be found and matched through this mapping relationship. In this mapping relationship, the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 and t are negatively correlated. That is, the shorter the time it takes for the indoor environment to drop from the set heating temperature to reach that unit temperature change, the higher the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 should be set to.

[0088] Alternatively, the rate of change in indoor ambient temperature can be determined based on the frequency of compressor frequency adjustments during steady-state heating operation. Since changes in indoor ambient temperature cause adaptive adjustments to air conditioning operating parameters, such as dynamic changes in compressor frequency, the frequency of compressor frequency adjustments is used to determine the rate of indoor temperature fluctuation. For example, the compressor frequency adjustment frequency can be the number of times the compressor frequency is adjusted within a unit of time (e.g., 30 minutes), denoted by the symbol F. Furthermore, the air conditioner has a preset mapping relationship between F and TP1. After obtaining F, the corresponding inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 can be found and matched through this mapping relationship. In this mapping relationship, the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 is positively correlated with F; that is, the more times the compressor frequency is adjusted within a unit of time, the higher the value of the inner pipe temperature threshold TP1 is set.

[0089] In this embodiment, F1 is a preset frequency threshold for the compressor, and optionally, the value of F1 is in the range of 70-75 Hz.

[0090] In this embodiment, Te represents the outdoor coil temperature, and Temi n represents the minimum outdoor coil temperature detected by the air conditioner during this operation. It can reflect the lowest heating efficiency of the air conditioner in the non-frosting state. Since the outdoor coil temperature is greatly affected by the outdoor ambient temperature and the air conditioner's heating efficiency will decrease after the outdoor heat exchanger frosts, this embodiment calculates the difference between Temi n and Te to determine the decrease in heating efficiency before and after the air conditioner frosts, and thus obtains the result of whether or not frost has formed.

[0091] Optionally, △t1 is set to 1℃ and △t2 is set to 3℃. The setting of △t2 is to trigger the non-stop defrosting mode in time when the air conditioner is in a frosting state, so as to avoid excessive frost condensation on the outdoor unit.

[0092] In this embodiment, the non-stop defrosting mode includes the air conditioner continuing to circulate refrigerant in a heating direction, the four-way valve not operating, and increasing the throttling opening of the throttling device between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Here, the larger the opening of the throttling device, the lower the throttling effect. When the throttling opening of the throttling device is adjusted to a larger value, the medium-temperature refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger is slightly throttled (or not throttled), and its own temperature remains relatively high with less heat loss. Thus, after this part of the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger, the heat from the refrigerant with a low degree of throttling can be used to heat up and defrost the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0093] Optionally, in non-stop defrosting mode, the opening of the throttling device is set to the maximum throttling opening. For example, for an electronic expansion valve with an opening of 480 steps, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be set to 480 steps. This number of opening steps corresponds to the minimum throttling effect (or no throttling effect).

[0094] In some embodiments, increasing the throttling opening of the throttling device between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers may specifically include: adjusting the throttling opening of the throttling device from an initial opening to a defrost opening in steps; wherein, the step adjustment means switching from a previous opening value to a set step opening value, and continuously setting a plateau time. By controlling the change of the throttling opening in a step-by-step adjustment manner, the internal pressure change of the refrigerant circulation system during the switching to the non-stop defrost mode can be made more stable.

[0095] Optionally, the number of steps can be adjusted once or twice.

[0096] Taking a two-step adjustment as an example, the initial opening of the throttling device is the throttling opening corresponding to the heating mode before switching, and the defrost opening is set to the maximum opening of the throttling device. The first step adjustment involves adjusting the throttling device from the initial opening to the first-step opening value, and continuously setting a plateau time. The second step adjustment involves adjusting the throttling device from the first-step opening value to the second-step opening value, and continuously setting a plateau time. Finally, the throttling device is adjusted from the second-step opening value to the maximum opening. In this way, by making two step adjustments and continuously setting a plateau time after each adjustment, a certain buffer time can be provided for the refrigerant pressure in the system.

[0097] In some optional embodiments, the step opening value Se1 is determined according to at least one of the following calculation methods:

[0098] Formula 1: Se1 = (2*S1 + Smax) / 3;

[0099] Formula 2: Se1 = (S1 + 2 * Smax) / 3;

[0100] Where S1 is the initial opening degree before entering the non-stop defrosting mode, and Smax is the maximum opening degree of the throttling device. Here, the upper limit of Se1 is the maximum opening degree Smax.

[0101] Thus, when the step adjustment is performed once, the step opening value Se1 can be determined according to Formula 1 or Formula 2; when the step adjustment is performed twice, the step opening value Se1 calculated by Formula 1 and Formula 2 can be used as the opening setting value for the two adjustments respectively.

[0102] For example, the maximum opening Smax of the throttling device is 480, the initial opening S1 before entering the non-stop defrosting mode is 100, and the number of step adjustments is set to two; then the step opening value Se1 calculated according to Formula 1 above for the first step adjustment is 226, and the step opening value Se1 calculated according to Formula 2 above for the second step adjustment is 353. Thus, during the switching process of the non-stop defrosting mode, the opening of the throttling device changes sequentially from 100 to 226 to 353 to 480.

[0103] In some optional embodiments, the control method of this application further includes: determining the number of adjustments for the step-by-step adjustment based on the initial opening value before switching.

[0104] Specifically, when S1≤Sa, the number of step adjustments is two. The step opening value of the first step adjustment is determined according to Formula 1, and the step opening value of the second step adjustment is determined according to Formula 2. When S1>Sa, the number of step adjustments is one, and the step opening value of this step adjustment is determined according to Formula 2.

[0105] Optionally, the opening threshold Sa can be set to a value between 260 and 320.

[0106] In some alternative embodiments, the platform time is set to a preset fixed time, such as 15s, 30s, etc.

[0107] In some alternative embodiments, the control method of this application further includes: determining the set platform time based on the exhaust pressure. Here, the exhaust pressure is the exhaust pressure before each step adjustment action, such as the exhaust pressure corresponding to the first step adjustment in the previous embodiment, which is the exhaust pressure before the air conditioner switches to the non-stop defrosting mode.

[0108] For example, the air conditioner is preset with an exhaust pressure P. 排气 With t 平台 The correlation is that when the exhaust pressure P is detected... 排气 Then, by using this association, the corresponding t can be found and matched. 平台 In this mapping relationship, the exhaust pressure P 排气 With the set platform time t 平台 There is a positive correlation, meaning that the higher the exhaust pressure, the longer the set plateau time t. 平台 The larger the value, the better. In this embodiment, the platform time is adjusted according to the exhaust pressure so that the buffer time of the system refrigerant pressure can match the compressor status, thereby improving the stability of refrigerant pressure changes during the switching process.

[0109] In some embodiments, the control method of this application further includes: controlling the start-stop state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature before adjusting the throttling device to its maximum opening. Here, in a control process where the throttling device is adjusted in a stepped manner, the adjustment operation of the start-stop state of the outdoor fan is performed after the last stepped adjustment is completed.

[0110] Here, when the outdoor ambient temperature Tao < TA1, the outdoor fan is controlled to be stopped; when the outdoor ambient temperature Tao ≥ TA1, the outdoor fan is controlled to maintain operation.

[0111] In this embodiment, TA1 is a preset ambient temperature threshold, which is used to characterize the outdoor environment's effect on air conditioner defrosting. When the outdoor ambient temperature Tao < TA1, the outdoor environment is relatively harsh. If the fan continues to run, it will cause the outdoor unit to lose heat too quickly, which is not conducive to defrosting. Therefore, it is necessary to control the outdoor fan to stop. Conversely, when the outdoor ambient temperature Tao < TA1, the outdoor environment is relatively good, and the outdoor fan can be kept running.

[0112] Optionally, TA1 can be set to 0℃. Thus, in this embodiment, by coordinating and controlling the outdoor fan, the adverse effects of the outdoor environment on defrosting efficiency can be reduced.

[0113] like Figure 2 As shown, this application also discloses a control method for air conditioner defrosting, which can be used to increase the amount of gaseous refrigerant circulating during the defrosting process, so as to balance defrosting efficiency and heating performance; specifically, the control method includes:

[0114] S131. During the non-stop defrosting mode of the air conditioner, determine the defrosting duration corresponding to the non-stop defrosting mode;

[0115] In this embodiment, the non-stop defrosting mode includes the air conditioner continuing to circulate refrigerant in the heating direction, and increasing the throttling opening from the initial opening to the defrosting opening, so as to use the heat of the refrigerant with a low throttling degree to heat up and defrost the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0116] In some alternative embodiments, the air conditioner has a timing module that can be used to count the defrosting time corresponding to the non-stop defrosting mode.

[0117] Here, the defrosting duration includes the current cumulative duration of the non-stop defrosting mode during this operation. This current cumulative duration is the time between the initial moment of entering the non-stop defrosting mode and the current moment when executing step S131. Alternatively, the defrosting duration includes the set total duration of the non-stop defrosting mode during this operation. This set total duration is generally determined when or before entering the non-stop defrosting mode, such as 10 min, 15 min, etc.

[0118] S132. If the defrosting time meets the set time condition, control the execution of the gas replenishment operation to increase the amount of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner.

[0119] In the process of controlling the air conditioner to operate in a non-stop defrosting mode, the control method of this disclosure controls the execution of a gas replenishment operation according to the defrosting duration. This gas replenishment operation can increase the amount of circulating gaseous refrigerant and reduce the amount of liquid refrigerant remaining in the liquid tank, thereby reducing the adverse effects of the defrosting mode on the air conditioner's heating performance and its own defrosting rate.

[0120] In some optional embodiments, for cases where the current cumulative duration is used as the defrosting duration, the duration setting conditions include:

[0121] t 累计 ≥t1;

[0122] Among them, t 累计 t1 represents the current cumulative duration, and t1 represents the first duration threshold.

[0123] In this embodiment, the current cumulative duration can reflect the cumulative heat consumption of the air conditioner in the non-stop defrosting mode to a certain extent. The longer the cumulative duration, the more heat the air conditioner consumes for defrosting, and the less gaseous refrigerant participates in the refrigerant cycle. The first duration threshold t1 is a duration threshold used to characterize the amount of gaseous refrigerant required to maintain the normal operation of the air conditioner. If the air conditioner is still running in the defrosting mode in the current state and the current cumulative duration exceeds the duration threshold, the air conditioner cannot simultaneously handle indoor heating and outdoor unit defrosting. In this case, a gas replenishment operation needs to be performed to increase the amount of gaseous refrigerant participating in the cycle.

[0124] Optionally, t1 can take values ​​of 17, 19, 20 min, etc.

[0125] In some optional embodiments, for cases where a total set duration is used as the defrosting duration, the set duration conditions include:

[0126] t 总 ≥t2;

[0127] Among them, t 累计 To set the total duration, t2 is the second duration threshold.

[0128] In this embodiment, the set total duration can reflect the total heat consumption of the air conditioner in the non-stop defrosting mode to a certain extent. The shorter the set total duration, the more heat the air conditioner consumes for defrosting, and the less gaseous refrigerant participates in the refrigerant cycle. The second duration threshold t2 is used to characterize the duration threshold corresponding to the amount of gaseous refrigerant required to maintain the normal operation of the air conditioner. If the set total duration exceeds this duration threshold, a gas replenishment operation is performed to increase the amount of gaseous refrigerant participating in the cycle.

[0129] Optionally, t2 can take values ​​of 15, 20, 25 min, etc.

[0130] Compared to the previous embodiment, since the total duration is determined when or before entering the non-stop defrosting mode, the gas replenishment operation also begins when entering the non-stop defrosting mode, so that gas replenishment is continuously performed from beginning to end during the operation of the non-stop defrosting mode.

[0131] In some alternative embodiments, the air conditioner includes a heating device disposed in the compressor return air path, which can heat the refrigerant flowing through the return air path when it is in operation, so that a portion of the liquid refrigerant can vaporize into gaseous refrigerant after absorbing heat, thereby increasing the amount of gaseous refrigerant participating in the circulation.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the control of the gas replenishment operation includes step S1321, controlling the start of the heating operation to heat the refrigerant flowing through the return gas path.

[0133] Optionally, the control to activate the heating operation includes: obtaining the defrosting duration of the non-stop defrosting mode; and using the heating level associated with the defrosting duration as the working level of the heating operation.

[0134] In the case where the current cumulative time is used as the defrosting time, the current cumulative time is positively correlated with the heating level; that is, the longer the current cumulative time, the higher the heating level is set, so as to replenish the air conditioning refrigerant with electric heat energy as soon as possible when the amount of gaseous refrigerant is reduced too much.

[0135] Alternatively, if the total set time is used as the defrosting time, the total set time and the heating level are negatively correlated. As explained in the previous embodiments, in this case, gas replenishment is continuous from beginning to end. Therefore, when the total set time is long, the heating level of the electric auxiliary heating is set to a smaller value, so that heat is slowly and in small amounts released to the indoor side, which can meet the total heat release requirement of the electric auxiliary heating module to the indoor side.

[0136] In some alternative embodiments, the air conditioner includes a make-up gas branch for separately inputting at least a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the air conditioning refrigerant circuit into the compressor. Optionally, a flash evaporator is also provided on the refrigerant pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The gaseous refrigerant outlet of the flash evaporator is connected to the compressor's return / make-up gas port through the make-up gas branch. The flash evaporator can divert a portion of the refrigerant flowing through it and send it back to the compressor for make-up gas, so that the heat used for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger mainly comes from the liquefied medium-temperature liquid refrigerant, while the portion of the gaseous refrigerant with a higher heat content is input back to the compressor.

[0137] Therefore, in this embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the control of the gas replenishment operation includes step S1322, controlling the connection of the gas replenishment branch to replenish gas to the compressor.

[0138] Optionally, controlling the connection of the gas supply branch includes: obtaining the defrost opening degree corresponding to the non-stop defrost mode; and determining the gas supply refrigerant flow rate of the gas supply branch based on the defrost opening degree.

[0139] In this embodiment, the air conditioner establishes a correlation between the defrost opening degree and the refrigerant flow rate, and the two are positively correlated in the correlation. Thus, the larger the defrost opening degree, the lighter the throttling effect, and the more heat is retained by the liquid refrigerant. Therefore, more gaseous refrigerant can be diverted to the compressor, and the heat of the liquid refrigerant is mainly used to defrost the outdoor unit.

[0140] Here, an adjustable flow valve is installed on the gas supply branch. By controlling the opening and closing of the valve and the degree of opening, the on / off state of the gas supply branch and the flow rate of the gas supply refrigerant can be regulated.

[0141] In the previous embodiment, the method of using a gas replenishment branch for gas replenishment operation reduces the actual refrigerant flow into the outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, to ensure that the heat of this part of the refrigerant can meet the defrosting heat demand of the outdoor unit, before controlling the execution of the gas replenishment operation, the method further includes: obtaining the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner's compressor; and determining that the compressor's exhaust temperature is greater than or equal to a set temperature threshold.

[0142] In this embodiment, when the compressor's exhaust temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature threshold, the initial heat content of the exhaust temperature is relatively high. Thus, the exhaust refrigerant still has a lot of heat after flowing through the indoor heat exchanger and throttling device, which can be used for defrosting the outdoor unit.

[0143] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner completes defrosting of the outdoor unit, it can be controlled to exit the non-stop defrosting mode and return to heating mode or shut down. Here, the process for the air conditioner to exit defrosting mode is described as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the control method of this application further includes:

[0144] S210. During the non-stop defrosting mode of the air conditioner, obtain one or both of the outdoor coil temperature and the duration of the defrosting mode operation.

[0145] In this embodiment, the method for obtaining the outdoor coil temperature can refer to step S110 in the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] In this embodiment, the air conditioner control device also includes a timing module, which can be used to count the cumulative duration of the air conditioner's non-stop defrosting mode, as the defrosting mode running duration.

[0147] S220: After determining that the defrosting completion conditions are met based on one or both of the outdoor coil temperature and the defrosting mode running time, control the air conditioner to stop the non-stop defrosting mode.

[0148] In this embodiment, the defrosting completion conditions include at least one of the following conditions:

[0149] Te≥TE1, and te≥tE1; where Te is the outdoor coil temperature, TE1 is the preset outdoor coil temperature threshold and TE1>0℃; te is the duration for which the outdoor coil temperature satisfies Te≥TE1, tE1 is the duration threshold, and the duration threshold tE1 and the outdoor coil temperature threshold TE1 are negatively correlated.

[0150] For example, the outer plate temperature threshold tE1 is 3℃, and its corresponding duration threshold tE1 is 30s; the outer plate temperature threshold tE1 is 2℃, and its corresponding duration threshold tE1 is 60s.

[0151] Or, t 累计 ≥tmax; t 累计 tmax is the runtime of the defrost mode, which is the maximum runtime set and ranges from 23 to 25 minutes.

[0152] In this embodiment, after determining that the air conditioner has stopped defrosting mode without stopping, the air conditioner continues to circulate and deliver refrigerant in the direction of heating, the four-way valve does not operate, and the throttling opening of the throttling device between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is reduced to restore the throttling opening to the initial opening corresponding to the heating mode.

[0153] In some optional embodiments, controlling the reduction of the throttling opening of the throttling device between the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers may specifically include: adjusting the throttling opening of the throttling device from the defrost opening to the initial opening in a stepwise manner; wherein, the stepwise adjustment means switching from the previous opening value to the set step opening value, and continuously setting a plateau time. By controlling the change of the throttling opening in a stepwise adjustment manner, the internal pressure change of the refrigerant circulation system during the exit from the non-stop defrost mode can be made more stable.

[0154] Optionally, the step opening value Se2 during the exit from the non-stop defrosting mode is determined according to at least one of the following calculation methods:

[0155] Formula 1: Se2 = (2*S1 + Smax) / 3;

[0156] Formula 2: Se2 = (S1 + 2 * Smax) / 3;

[0157] Where S1 is the initial throttling opening before entering the non-stop defrosting mode, and Smax is the maximum opening of the throttling device.

[0158] Optionally, in this embodiment, the setting method for parameters such as the stepped opening value Se1, the number of adjustments, and the set platform time during the process of exiting the non-stop defrosting mode can refer to the stepped adjustment process during the process of entering the non-stop defrosting mode shown in the previous embodiment. The main difference is that the switching action changes from increasing the opening to decreasing the opening. The specific steps are not described here.

[0159] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a control device 300 for air conditioner defrosting, including a processor 100 and a memory 101. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 102 and a bus 103. The processor 100, communication interface 102, and memory 101 can communicate with each other via the bus 103. The communication interface 102 can be used for information transmission. The processor 100 can call logical instructions in the memory 101 to execute the control method for air conditioner defrosting described in the above embodiment.

[0160] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 101 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0161] The memory 101, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 100 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 101, thereby implementing the control method for air conditioner defrosting in the above embodiments.

[0162] The memory 101 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0163] Combination Figure 7As shown, this disclosure provides an air conditioner 100, including: an air conditioner body, and the aforementioned control device 200 (300) for defrosting the air conditioner. The control device 200 (300) for defrosting the air conditioner is installed on the product body. The installation relationship described herein is not limited to placement inside the product, but also includes installation connections with other components of the product, including but not limited to physical connections, electrical connections, or signal transmission connections. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control device 200 (300) for defrosting the air conditioner can be adapted to feasible air conditioner bodies to achieve other feasible embodiments.

[0164] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described control method for air conditioner defrosting.

[0165] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0166] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0167] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0169] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0170] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A control method for defrosting an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: During the non-stop defrosting mode of the air conditioner, the defrosting duration corresponding to the non-stop defrosting mode is determined; wherein, the non-stop defrosting mode includes the air conditioner maintaining the refrigerant in the heating direction and increasing the throttling opening from the initial opening to the defrosting opening, so as to use the heat of the refrigerant with a low throttling degree to heat up and defrost the outdoor heat exchanger. When the defrosting time meets the set time condition, the heating operation is activated to heat the refrigerant flowing through the return airflow path, thereby increasing the amount of gaseous refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner; the air conditioner includes a heating device located in the compressor return airflow path; The control to start the heating operation includes: obtaining the defrosting duration of the non-stop defrosting mode; and using the heating level associated with the defrosting duration as the working level of the heating operation; wherein the defrosting duration includes the current cumulative duration, and the current cumulative duration is positively correlated with the heating level, or the defrosting duration includes a set total duration, and the set total duration is negatively correlated with the heating level.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defrosting duration includes the current cumulative duration of the non-stop defrosting mode during this operation; The set duration conditions include: t 累计 ≥t1; Among them, t 累计 t1 is the current cumulative duration, and t1 is the first duration threshold.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defrosting duration includes the total set duration of the non-stop defrosting mode for this operation; The set duration conditions include: t 总 ≥t2; Among them, t 总 The total duration is set, and t2 is the second duration threshold.

4. A control method for defrosting an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: During the non-stop defrosting mode of the air conditioner, the defrosting duration corresponding to the non-stop defrosting mode is determined; wherein, the non-stop defrosting mode includes the air conditioner maintaining the refrigerant in the heating direction and increasing the throttling opening from the initial opening to the defrosting opening, so as to use the heat of the refrigerant with a low throttling degree to heat up and defrost the outdoor heat exchanger. When the defrosting time meets the set time condition, the gas supply branch is controlled to supply gas to the compressor to increase the amount of gaseous refrigerant in the air conditioning cycle; the air conditioner includes a gas supply branch for separately inputting at least a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the air conditioning refrigerant circuit into the compressor. The control of the gas supply branch includes: acquiring the defrost opening degree corresponding to the non-stop defrost mode; determining the gas supply refrigerant flow rate of the gas supply branch based on the defrost opening degree; wherein the defrost opening degree and the gas supply refrigerant flow rate are positively correlated.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before controlling the execution of the gas replenishment operation, the following are also included: Obtain the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner's compressor; The discharge temperature of the compressor is determined to be greater than or equal to a set temperature threshold.

6. A control device for defrosting an air conditioner, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute, when running the program instructions, the control method for air conditioner defrosting as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Air conditioner unit; The control device for defrosting an air conditioner as described in claim 6 is installed on the air conditioner body.

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