Method, device, electronic device and storage medium for controlling air conditioner

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of air conditioning technology and discloses a method for controlling an air conditioner, applicable to a multi-split air conditioner, wherein the multi-split air conditioner includes multiple indoor units, each of which includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator. The method comprises: in response to a temperature reduction instruction, determining a first indoor unit to be operated among the multiple indoor units; controlling the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate; after a preset time period, controlling the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate; obtaining a first temperature and a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; and the second temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; and controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures. This method can reduce compressor damage caused by excessive oil return time. The present application also discloses a device, electronic device, and storage medium for controlling an air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioning, for example, to a method, device, electronic device and storage medium for controlling an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Multi-split air conditioners consist of an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units. To ensure long-term, reliable operation of the compressors, compressor oil dissolved in the refrigerant is controlled and returned to the compressors. Existing technologies typically implement a timed oil return system, allowing the refrigerant in the indoor units to return to the outdoor units.

[0003] During the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it was found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0004] Since the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner often changes, if the multi-split air conditioner is always controlled to return oil at a scheduled time, the oil return time interval may be too long, which will affect the heat exchange efficiency of the indoor unit and even cause the compressor to be damaged due to lack of lubrication.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section 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 ordinary technicians in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. The summary is not an extensive review, nor is it intended to identify key / critical elements or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather serves as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, apparatus, electronic device, and storage medium for controlling an air conditioner, so as to reduce compressor damage caused by an excessively long oil return time.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method for controlling an air conditioner is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, which includes multiple indoor units; each of the multiple indoor units includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and the method includes: in response to a temperature reduction instruction, determining a first indoor unit to be operated among multiple indoor units; controlling the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate; after a preset time period, controlling the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate; obtaining a first temperature and a second temperature; the first temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; the second temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; and controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner according to the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the indoor units also includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline, and each of the first evaporators is respectively arranged on the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline; controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit includes: triggering the cooling operation of the multi-split air conditioner, so that the refrigerant flows along the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit through the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, each second evaporator is respectively arranged on a corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline, and an unloading valve is also provided on the refrigerant circulation pipeline for conducting the connection between the second evaporator and the pipe in the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline; controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit includes: triggering the unloading valve of the first standby indoor unit to open, so that the refrigerant flows along the pipe in the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit and passes through the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit includes: obtaining the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner; and controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit when the startup load is greater than a first preset threshold.

[0012] In some embodiments, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled according to the first temperature and the second temperature, including: obtaining a third temperature, the third temperature being the temperature before the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a first absolute difference between the first temperature and the third temperature, and obtaining a second absolute difference between the second temperature and the third temperature; and controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is greater than a second preset threshold.

[0013] In some embodiments, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled according to the first temperature and the second temperature, including: when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, determining the second indoor unit to be operated among the indoor units other than the first indoor unit to be operated; controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a fourth temperature and a fifth temperature; the fourth temperature is the temperature before the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated; the fifth temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a third absolute difference between the fourth temperature and the fifth temperature; when the difference between the second absolute difference and the third absolute difference is greater than the third preset threshold, controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner.

[0014] In some embodiments, after controlling the multi-split air conditioner to return oil to operate, the method further includes: controlling the second standby indoor unit to stop operating.

[0015] In some embodiments, the device for controlling an air conditioner is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, which includes multiple indoor units; each of the multiple indoor units includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and the device includes: a determination module, configured to determine a first indoor unit to be operated among multiple indoor units in response to a temperature reduction instruction; a first control module, configured to control the operation of the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; a second control module, configured to control the operation of the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated after a preset time period; an acquisition module, configured to acquire a first temperature and a second temperature; the first temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; the second temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; a third control module, configured to control the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner according to the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the above-mentioned method for controlling the air conditioner when running the program instructions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the storage medium stores program instructions, and when the program instructions are run, the above-mentioned method for controlling the air conditioner is executed.

[0018] The method, device, electronic device, and storage medium for controlling an air conditioner provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects: by obtaining a first temperature and a second temperature, and controlling the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures, compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit after a preset period of time. At this time, the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has just been started and is not yet adhered to the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. Furthermore, since the degree of compressor oil adhesion affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator, it is possible to determine whether the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has decreased based on the first and second temperatures, thereby determining whether compressor oil is adhered to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. If compressor oil is adhered to the indoor unit, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled. This ensures that the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is not restricted by the oil return time interval, thereby reducing compressor damage caused by excessively long oil return time intervals.

[0019] The above general description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by corresponding drawings. These exemplary descriptions and drawings do not limit the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation. In addition,

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the connection between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to be able to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference only and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided through multiple details. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, to simplify the drawings, well-known structures and devices can be simplified for display.

[0028] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying drawings, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0030] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The term "correspondence" may refer to an association relationship or a binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association relationship or a binding relationship between A and B.

[0033] Combine Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, which is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, wherein the multi-split air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units; each of the plurality of indoor units includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and the method includes:

[0034] In step S101 , the electronic device determines a first indoor unit to be operated among a plurality of indoor units in response to a temperature reduction instruction.

[0035] In step S102, the electronic device controls the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate.

[0036] In step S103, the electronic device controls the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate after a preset time period.

[0037] In step S104, the electronic device obtains a first temperature and a second temperature. The first temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated, and the second temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated.

[0038] In step S105 , the electronic device controls the multi-split air conditioner to return oil to operate according to the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0039] The method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure obtains a first temperature and a second temperature, and controls the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures. After a preset period of time, compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. At this time, the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has just been started and is not yet adhered to by compressor oil. Furthermore, since the degree of compressor oil adhesion affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator, it is possible to determine whether the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has decreased based on the first and second temperatures, thereby determining whether compressor oil adheres to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. If compressor oil adheres to the first evaporator, the multi-split air conditioner is controlled to operate in oil return mode. This ensures that the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is not restricted by the oil return time interval, thereby reducing compressor damage caused by an excessively long oil return time interval and reducing frequent shutdowns caused by an excessively short oil return time interval.

[0040] The first evaporator and the second evaporator are both used to exchange heat with the air flowing through them.

[0041] Optionally, each indoor unit also includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline, and each first evaporator is respectively arranged on the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline; controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated includes: triggering the cooling operation of the multi-split air conditioner, so that the refrigerant flows along the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first indoor unit to be operated through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated.

[0042] Optionally, the multi-split air conditioner further includes an outdoor unit, and the refrigerant circulation pipeline of each indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via a corresponding electronic expansion valve. Controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit includes triggering the electronic expansion valve of the first standby indoor unit to open, allowing the refrigerant to flow from the outdoor unit along the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit and through the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit.

[0043] Optionally, each second evaporator is disposed on a corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline, and the refrigerant circulation pipeline is further provided with an unloading valve for connecting the second evaporator to a pipeline in the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline. Controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit includes triggering the unloading valve of the first standby indoor unit to open, allowing the refrigerant to flow through the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit along the pipeline in the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit.

[0044] Optionally, controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated includes: obtaining the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner, and controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated when the startup load is greater than a first preset threshold. Since the size of the startup load affects the possibility of compressor oil adhering to the running indoor unit, when the startup load is large, the compressor oil is more likely to adhere to the evaporator of the running indoor unit. When the startup load is small, the compressor oil is more likely to adhere to the evaporator of the indoor unit that is not running. Therefore, by obtaining the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner and controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated only when the startup load is greater than a first preset threshold, unnecessary judgment steps can be reduced and it can be quickly determined whether compressor oil is adhering to the indoor unit.

[0045] Optionally, the temperature reduction instruction includes a serial number of at least one indoor unit, and determining a first indoor unit to be operated among the multiple indoor units includes: determining the indoor units corresponding to the respective serial numbers as the first indoor units to be operated.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first temperature and the second temperature can be obtained on the same first standby indoor unit, or on different first standby indoor units.

[0047] Optionally, obtaining the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner includes: obtaining the horsepower of the first indoor unit to be operated, and dividing the horsepower of the first operating indoor unit by the total horsepower of the multi-split air conditioner to obtain the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner.

[0048] Optionally, controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures includes: obtaining a third temperature, the third temperature being the temperature of the refrigerant before it passes through the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit; obtaining a first absolute difference between the first and third temperatures; and obtaining a second absolute difference between the second and third temperatures. If the difference between the first and second absolute differences is greater than a second preset threshold, controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner. This is because compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit after a preset period of time. Meanwhile, the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has just been started and is not yet adhered to the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. Furthermore, since the degree of compressor oil adherence affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator, if the difference between the first and second absolute differences is greater than the second preset threshold, it can be determined that the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator has been significantly reduced, thereby confirming that compressor oil adheres to the first evaporator.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first temperature is Tc, the second temperature is To, the third temperature is Ti, and the second preset threshold is C. The first absolute difference ΔT1 = |Ti-Tc|, the second absolute difference ΔT2 = |Ti-To|, and when ΔT2-ΔT1>C, the multi-split air conditioner is controlled to operate with oil return.

[0050] Optionally, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled according to the first temperature and the second temperature, including: when the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is greater than a fourth preset threshold value, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled. Since the compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit after the preset time period of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. At this time, the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has just been started, and the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has not yet adhered to the compressor oil. At the same time, since the degree of compressor oil adhesion will affect the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator. Therefore, when the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is greater than the fourth preset threshold value, it can be determined that the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator is greatly reduced, thereby determining that compressor oil is adhered to the first evaporator.

[0051] Combine Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, which is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, wherein the multi-split air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units; each of the plurality of indoor units includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and the method includes:

[0052] In step S201, the electronic device determines a first indoor unit to be operated among a plurality of indoor units in response to a temperature reduction instruction.

[0053] In step S202, the electronic device controls the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate.

[0054] In step S203, the electronic device controls the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate after a preset time period.

[0055] In step S204, the electronic device obtains a first temperature and a second temperature. The first temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; the second temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated.

[0056] In step S205 , when the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is greater than a fourth preset threshold, the electronic device controls the multi-split air conditioner to operate with oil return.

[0057] The method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure obtains a first temperature and a second temperature, and controls the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures. After a preset period of time, compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. At this time, the second evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation has just been started and is not yet adhered to the second evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. Furthermore, the degree of compressor oil adhesion affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator. Therefore, if the difference between the first and second temperatures is greater than a fourth preset threshold, it can be determined that the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator has been significantly reduced, thereby confirming that compressor oil is adhered to the first evaporator. If compressor oil is adhered to the indoor unit, the multi-split air conditioner is controlled to operate in oil return mode, ensuring that the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is not restricted by the oil return interval. This reduces compressor damage caused by an excessively long oil return interval and reduces frequent shutdowns caused by an excessively short oil return interval.

[0058] Optionally, controlling the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner based on a first temperature and a second temperature includes: if the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold, determining a second indoor unit in standby operation among indoor units other than the first indoor unit in standby operation; controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the second indoor unit in standby operation; obtaining a fourth temperature and a fifth temperature, where the fourth temperature is the temperature before the refrigerant passes through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit in standby operation; and obtaining a third absolute difference between the fourth and fifth temperatures. If the difference between the second absolute difference and the third absolute difference is greater than a third preset threshold, controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner. Determining that compressor oil is not adhered to the first indoor unit in standby operation when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is less than or equal to the second preset threshold is a determination that compressor oil is not adhered to the first indoor unit in standby operation. Compressor oil may also adhere to indoor units that are not in operation. Therefore, if it is determined that compressor oil is not adhered to the first standby indoor unit, a second standby indoor unit is identified among the indoor units other than the first standby indoor unit. The fourth and fifth temperatures are then acquired, along with a third absolute difference between the fourth and fifth temperatures. Since the degree of compressor oil adhesion affects the evaporator's heat exchange efficiency, and the evaporator's heat exchange efficiency is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator, if the difference between the second and third absolute differences is greater than a third preset threshold, it can be determined that compressor oil is adhered to the first evaporator of the second standby indoor unit, i.e., it is determined that compressor oil is adhered to an indoor unit other than the first standby indoor unit.

[0059] Optionally, determining the second indoor unit to be operated among the indoor units except the first indoor unit to be operated includes: determining one or more indoor units except the first indoor unit to be operated as the second indoor unit to be operated.

[0060] Optionally, after controlling the multi-split air conditioner to return to oil operation, the method further includes: controlling the second indoor unit to be operated to stop operating. In this way, the indoor unit that is not in operation during the cooling process of the multi-split air conditioner can remain in an inoperative state.

[0061] Combine Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, which is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, wherein the multi-split air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units; each of the plurality of indoor units includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and the method includes:

[0062] In step S301, the electronic device determines a first indoor unit to be operated among a plurality of indoor units in response to a temperature reduction instruction.

[0063] In step S302, the electronic device controls the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate.

[0064] In step S303, the electronic device controls the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate after a preset time period.

[0065] In step S304, the electronic device obtains a first temperature, a second temperature, and a third temperature. The first temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after it passes through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. The second temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after it passes through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. The third temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant before it passes through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation.

[0066] In step S305 , the electronic device obtains a first absolute difference between the first temperature and the third temperature, and obtains a second absolute difference between the second temperature and the third temperature.

[0067] Step S306: When the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is greater than a second threshold, the electronic device determines a second ready-to-operate indoor unit among the indoor units other than the first ready-to-operate indoor unit.

[0068] In step S307, the electronic device controls the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated to operate.

[0069] In step S308, the electronic device obtains a fourth temperature and a fifth temperature. The fourth temperature is the temperature before the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated, and the fifth temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated.

[0070] In step S309 , the electronic device obtains a third absolute difference between the fourth temperature and the fifth temperature.

[0071] In step S310, the electronic device determines whether the difference between the second absolute difference and the third absolute difference is greater than a third preset threshold. If so, step S311 is executed. Otherwise, step S312 is executed.

[0072] In step S311, the electronic device controls the multi-split air conditioner to return oil to operate, and then executes step S312.

[0073] In step S312, the electronic device controls the second indoor unit to be operated to stop operating.

[0074] The method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure obtains a first temperature and a second temperature, and controls the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures. After a preset period of time, compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. At this time, the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has just been started and is not yet adhered to the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. Furthermore, since the degree of compressor oil adherence affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator, it is possible to determine whether the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has decreased based on the first and second temperatures, thereby determining whether compressor oil adheres to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. If compressor oil adheres to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled. This ensures that the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is not restricted by the oil return interval, thereby reducing compressor damage caused by an excessively long oil return interval and reducing frequent shutdowns caused by an excessively short oil return interval. Furthermore, since compressor oil may adhere to non-operating indoor units, if it is determined that compressor oil is not adhered to the first standby indoor unit, a second standby indoor unit is identified among the indoor units other than the first standby indoor unit. The fourth and fifth temperatures are then acquired, along with a third absolute difference between the fourth and fifth temperatures. If the difference between the second and third absolute differences is greater than a third preset threshold, it can be determined that compressor oil is adhered to the first evaporator of the second standby indoor unit, i.e., that compressor oil is adhered to an indoor unit other than the first standby indoor unit. This allows timely control of the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner based on the presence of compressor oil in the indoor units.

[0075] Combine Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4A structural connection diagram of any indoor unit and outdoor unit in the multi-split air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure. The indoor unit includes a first evaporator 2, a second evaporator 3, an electronic expansion valve 8, a first filter 1, a second filter 4, a third filter 7 and an unloading valve 5. The input end of the first evaporator 2 is connected to one end of the first filter 1 through a pipe, and the other end of the first filter 1 is connected to the output end of the electronic expansion valve 8 through a pipe. The output ends of the first evaporator 2 and the second evaporator 3 are both connected to the outdoor unit 6 through a pipe. The input end of the second evaporator 3 is connected to one end of the second filter 4 through a pipe, and the other end of the second filter 4 is connected to one end of the unloading valve 5 through a pipe, and the other end of the unloading valve 5 is connected to the output end of the electronic expansion valve 8 through a pipe, the input end of the electronic expansion valve 8 is connected to one end of the third filter 7 through a pipe, and the other end of the third filter 7 is connected to the outdoor unit 6 through a pipe.

[0076] Combine Figure 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, which is applied to a multi-split air conditioner. The multi-split air conditioner includes multiple indoor units, each of which includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator. The apparatus includes a determination module 501, a first control module 502, a second control module 503, an acquisition module 504, and a third control module 505. The determination module 501 is configured to determine a first standby indoor unit among the multiple indoor units in response to a temperature reduction instruction. The first control module 502 is configured to control the operation of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. The second control module 503 is configured to control the operation of the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit after a preset time period. The acquisition module 504 is configured to obtain a first temperature and a second temperature. The first temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit, and the second temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. The third control module 505 is configured to control the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures.

[0077] The device for controlling an air conditioner provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure obtains a first temperature and a second temperature, and controls the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner based on the first and second temperatures. After a preset period of time, compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. At this time, the second evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation has just started, and compressor oil has not yet adhered to the second evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. At the same time, the degree of compressor oil adhesion affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator. Therefore, based on the first and second temperatures, it is possible to determine whether the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation has decreased, thereby determining whether compressor oil has adhered to the first evaporator of the first indoor unit in standby operation. If compressor oil has adhered to the indoor unit, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled, ensuring that the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is not restricted by the oil return time interval, thereby reducing compressor damage caused by an excessively long oil return time interval and reducing frequent shutdowns caused by an excessively short oil return time interval.

[0078] Optionally, each indoor unit further includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline, and each first evaporator is disposed on a corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline. The first control module is configured to control the operation of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit by triggering a cooling operation of the multi-split air conditioner so that the refrigerant flows along the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit and through the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit.

[0079] Optionally, each second evaporator is disposed on a corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline, and an unloading valve is further disposed on the refrigerant circulation pipeline for connecting the second evaporator to a pipe in the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline. The second control module is configured to control the operation of the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit by triggering the unloading valve of the first standby indoor unit to open, thereby allowing the refrigerant to flow through the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit along the pipe in the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit.

[0080] Optionally, the second control module is configured to obtain the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner, and control the operation of the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated when the startup load is greater than a first preset threshold.

[0081] Optionally, the third control module is configured to control the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner based on the first temperature and the second temperature in the following manner: obtaining a third temperature, where the third temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a first absolute difference between the first temperature and the third temperature; and obtaining a second absolute difference between the second temperature and the third temperature. If the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is greater than a second preset threshold, controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner.

[0082] The third control module is configured to control the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner based on the first temperature and the second temperature in the following manner, including: when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold, determining a second indoor unit to be operated among the indoor units other than the first indoor unit to be operated. Controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated, and obtaining a fourth temperature and a fifth temperature. The fourth temperature is the temperature before the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated, and the fifth temperature is the temperature after the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated. Obtaining a third absolute difference between the fourth temperature and the fifth temperature, and when the difference between the second absolute difference and the third absolute difference is greater than a third preset threshold, controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner.

[0083] Optionally, the apparatus for controlling an air conditioner further includes a fourth control module configured to control the second indoor unit to be operated to stop operating.

[0084] Combine Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device 600, including a processor 601 and a memory 602. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 603 and a bus 604. The processor 601, the communication interface 603, and the memory 602 may communicate with each other via the bus 604. The communication interface 603 may be used for information transmission. The processor 601 may call the logic instructions in the memory 602 to execute the method for controlling the air conditioner of the above embodiment.

[0085] Using the electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, a first temperature and a second temperature are obtained, and the oil return operation of a multi-split air conditioner is controlled based on the first and second temperatures. After a preset time period of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit, compressor oil may adhere to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. At this time, the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has just been started, and compressor oil has not yet adhered to the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. At the same time, the degree of compressor oil adhesion affects the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, and the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator is negatively correlated with the temperature of the refrigerant after passing through the evaporator. Therefore, based on the first and second temperatures, it is possible to determine whether the heat exchange efficiency of the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit has decreased, thereby determining whether compressor oil has adhered to the first evaporator of the first standby indoor unit. If compressor oil has adhered to the indoor unit, the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled, ensuring that the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is not restricted by the oil return time interval, thereby reducing compressor damage caused by an excessively long oil return time interval and reducing frequent shutdowns caused by an excessively short oil return time interval.

[0086] The electronic device is, for example, a master controller of a multi-split air conditioner.

[0087] In addition, the logic instructions in the memory 602 can be implemented in the form of software functional units and can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium when sold or used as an independent product.

[0088] Memory 602, 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 the present disclosure. Processor 601 executes the program instructions / modules stored in memory 602 to execute functional applications and process data, thereby implementing the air conditioner control method in the above-described embodiments.

[0089] The memory 602 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store an operating system and at least one application required for a function; the data storage area may store data generated based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 602 may include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory.

[0090] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium storing program instructions, which, when executed, execute the above-mentioned method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0091] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0092] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and other media that can store program code, or a transient storage medium.

[0093] The above description and the accompanying drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art can practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, process and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Unless explicitly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the words used in this application are only used to describe the embodiments and are not used to limit the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. Similarly, the term "and / or" as used in this application refers to any and all possible combinations of one or more associated listings. In addition, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or comprising refer to the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups of these. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprising a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method or device that includes the element. In this article, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and the same and similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. For the methods, products, etc. disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method part disclosed in the embodiments, then the relevant parts can be found in the description of the method part.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example 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 performed in hardware or software may depend on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. The technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The technicians will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0095] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the disclosed methods and products (including but not limited to devices, equipment, etc.) can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units can be merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0096] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings show the possible implementation architectures, functions and operations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, program segment or part of the code, and the module, program segment or part of the code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in an order different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive boxes can actually be executed substantially in parallel, or they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, which can depend 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 boxes can also occur in an order different from that disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps can actually be executed substantially in parallel, or they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, which can depend on the functions involved. Each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or may be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: Applied to a multi-split air conditioner, the multi-split air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units; each of the plurality of indoor units includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator, the method includes: In response to a temperature reduction instruction, determining a first indoor unit to be operated among the plurality of indoor units; controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; After a preset time period, controlling the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate; Obtaining a first temperature and a second temperature; the first temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after flowing through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; the second temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after flowing through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner according to the first temperature and the second temperature; The oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner is controlled according to the first temperature and the second temperature, including: obtaining a third temperature, the third temperature being the temperature before the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a first absolute difference between the first temperature and the third temperature, and obtaining a second absolute difference between the second temperature and the third temperature; and controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is greater than a second preset threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the indoor units further includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline, and each of the first evaporators is respectively arranged on the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline; controlling the operation of the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated includes: The multi-split air conditioner is triggered to start cooling operation, so that the refrigerant flows along the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first indoor unit to be operated and passes through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Each second evaporator is respectively provided on a corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline, and an unloading valve is further provided on the refrigerant circulation pipeline for conducting connection between the second evaporator and a pipeline in the corresponding refrigerant circulation pipeline; controlling the operation of the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated includes: The unloading valve of the first standby indoor unit is triggered to open, so that the refrigerant flows along the pipe in the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the first standby indoor unit and passes through the second evaporator of the first standby indoor unit.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Controlling the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate includes: Obtaining the startup load of the multi-split air conditioner; When the startup load is greater than a first preset threshold, the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated is controlled to operate.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein Controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner according to the first temperature and the second temperature includes: determining a second indoor unit to be operated among indoor units other than the first indoor unit to be operated when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is less than or equal to a second preset threshold; controlling the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated to operate; Obtaining a fourth temperature and a fifth temperature; the fourth temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant before it flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated; the fifth temperature is the temperature of the refrigerant after it flows through the first evaporator of the second indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a third absolute difference between the fourth temperature and the fifth temperature; When the difference between the second absolute difference and the third absolute difference is greater than a third preset threshold, the multi-split air conditioner is controlled to operate in oil return mode.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that After controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner, the method further includes: The second standby indoor unit is controlled to stop operating.

7. A device for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: Applicable to a multi-split air conditioner, the multi-split air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units; the plurality of indoor units each include a first evaporator and a second evaporator, the device includes: a determining module configured to determine a first indoor unit to be operated among the plurality of indoor units in response to a temperature reduction instruction; a first control module configured to control the operation of the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; a second control module configured to control the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated to operate after a preset time period; an acquisition module configured to acquire a first temperature and a second temperature; the first temperature being the temperature of the refrigerant after flowing through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; and the second temperature being the temperature of the refrigerant after flowing through the second evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; a third control module, configured to control the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner according to the first temperature and the second temperature; The third control module is configured to control the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner according to the first temperature and the second temperature in the following manner: obtaining a third temperature, where the third temperature is the temperature before the refrigerant flows through the first evaporator of the first indoor unit to be operated; obtaining a first absolute difference between the first temperature and the third temperature, and obtaining a second absolute difference between the second temperature and the third temperature; and controlling the oil return operation of the multi-split air conditioner when the difference between the first absolute difference and the second absolute difference is greater than a second preset threshold.

8. An electronic device comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that: The processor is configured to execute the method for controlling an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when running the program instructions.

9. A storage medium storing program instructions, characterized in that: When the program instructions are executed, the method for controlling an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is executed.

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