Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises a compressor. The control method of the air conditioner comprises the following steps: obtaining a minimum value of a voltage of the air conditioner in a first preset time period. A running frequency of the compressor and a current limit value of the air conditioner are determined according to the minimum value of the voltage of the air conditioner. The air conditioner and the control method of the air conditioner can avoid the shutdown of the air conditioner caused by the current of the air conditioner being greater than the current limit value of the air conditioner in the case of voltage fluctuation, and effectively guarantee the reliable and continuous operation of the air conditioner in a voltage fluctuation area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-split air conditioning units employ control systems that monitor the unit's current to prevent overload and other issues. When the current exceeds a certain limit, an alarm is triggered and the unit shuts down. After multiple alarms and shutdowns, the unit is locked and will not restart. Currently, multi-split air conditioning units installed in some regions, such as India, face problems such as large voltage fluctuations, unstable power grids, and insufficient power supply. In particular, when voltage fluctuations are significant in these areas, multi-split air conditioning units are prone to alarming and shutting down due to current exceeding a certain limit, and may even lock down and refuse to restart. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method that overcome or at least partially solve the above problems, and can solve the problem of air conditioner alarms or even shutdowns caused by large voltage fluctuations, so that the air conditioner can work even under conditions of large voltage fluctuations.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] Within a first preset time period, obtain the lowest value of the air conditioner's voltage;

[0006] The operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are then determined based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner.

[0007] Optionally, determining the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner includes: determining the operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner within a subsequent second preset time period based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner; the first preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

[0008] Optionally, the first preset time period is the first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on; the first preset time period is shorter than the second preset time period.

[0009] Optionally, the air conditioner control method further includes: obtaining the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within a second preset time period, and determining the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner.

[0010] Optionally, the process of obtaining the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within the first preset time period is performed within each second preset time period, and the process of obtaining the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within the first preset time period is performed cyclically. The operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are then determined based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner. The first preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

[0011] Optionally, the air conditioner is pre-set with a table showing the relationship between voltage range, compressor operating frequency, and current limit of the air conditioner;

[0012] The step of determining the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner includes:

[0013] Determine the voltage range in which the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner falls;

[0014] The operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are determined according to the relationship correspondence table.

[0015] Optionally, the operating frequency and current limit corresponding to the voltage range with a larger voltage value are greater than the operating frequency and current limit corresponding to the voltage range with a smaller voltage value.

[0016] Optionally, if the lowest value of the voltage of the air conditioner is found to be lower than a preset value, the compressor may be shut down.

[0017] Optionally, an alarm may be issued while controlling the compressor to shut down.

[0018] The present invention provides an air conditioner, including a memory, a processor, and a machine-executable program stored in the memory and running on the processor, wherein the processor executes the machine-executable program to implement the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0019] In the air conditioner and air conditioner control method of the present invention, the operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner can be adjusted according to the lowest voltage value. The adjustment of the operating frequency of the compressor causes the current of the air conditioner to be adjusted accordingly. The current of the air conditioner after adjustment will not exceed the current limit of the air conditioner after adjustment. Thus, in the case of large voltage fluctuations, the current of the air conditioner will not be exceeded due to the use of a single current limit, which would cause the air conditioner to shut down.

[0020] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the current fluctuation of an air conditioner over time in an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following reference Figures 1 to 6 This invention describes an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method according to embodiments of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0029] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part of a structure. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0032] Traditional air conditioning control systems detect the air conditioner's current to prevent overload and other problems, triggering an alarm and shutting down when the current exceeds a certain limit. Currently, air conditioners installed in some regions, such as India, face issues such as large voltage fluctuations, unstable power grids, and insufficient power supply. In particular, when voltage fluctuations are significant in these areas, the air conditioner is prone to alarming and shutting down due to current exceeding a certain limit, or even locking the unit and preventing restart. To address these problems, this invention provides an air conditioner and its control method that overcome or at least partially solve these problems, resolving the issue of air conditioner alarms or shutdowns caused by large voltage fluctuations, thus enabling the air conditioner to operate even under conditions of high voltage fluctuations.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, and refer to Figures 2 to 6 This invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a compressor. The method includes acquiring the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within a first preset time period. Based on the lowest voltage value, the method determines the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner.

[0034] The compressor operating frequency and air conditioner current limit of this control method can be adjusted according to the lowest voltage value within the first preset time period. The adjustment of the compressor operating frequency causes the air conditioner current to be adjusted accordingly. The adjusted air conditioner current will not exceed the adjusted air conditioner current limit. Therefore, in the case of large voltage fluctuations, it can avoid the situation where the air conditioner stops when the current exceeds the single current limit, which is currently used for air conditioners. This improves the continuity and reliability of air conditioner operation under fluctuating voltage.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit are determined based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner, including determining the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit within a second preset time period based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner. In other words, the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit are adjusted only within the second preset time period based on the lowest voltage value within the first preset time period.

[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first preset time period is shorter than the second preset time period.

[0037] Of course, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first preset time period may also be equal to the second preset time period.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first preset time period includes a first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on. In this case, the first preset time period is shorter than the second preset time period. Control is initiated as soon as the air conditioner is turned on to prevent large voltage fluctuations from causing it to fail to start, or to cause unstable operation after startup, such as the aforementioned problem of alarm shutdown after the current exceeds a certain limit.

[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioner control method further includes obtaining the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within a second preset time period, and determining the subsequent compressor operating frequency and air conditioner current limit based on the lowest voltage value. That is, within the second preset time period, the compressor operating frequency and air conditioner current limit are determined and operated based on the lowest voltage value within the first preset time period. Simultaneously, the lowest voltage value within the second preset time period is also obtained to determine the compressor operating frequency and air conditioner current limit after the second preset time period based on the lowest voltage value within the second preset time period.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner is obtained within the first preset time period, which is executed repeatedly within each second preset time period. The lowest voltage value of the air conditioner is then obtained within the first preset time period, and the subsequent compressor operating frequency and air conditioner current limit are determined based on the lowest voltage value. The first preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period. That is, every second preset time period, the next compressor operating frequency and air conditioner current limit are determined based on the lowest voltage value.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner has a preset table relating voltage ranges to the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limits. Determining the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limits based on the lowest voltage value involves identifying the voltage range containing that lowest voltage value. The table then determines the corresponding voltage range and the operating frequency. In other words, after determining the lowest voltage value, it's necessary to determine the corresponding voltage range, and then use the preset table to determine the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limits.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the operating frequency and current limit corresponding to the voltage range with a larger voltage value are greater than the operating frequency and current limit corresponding to the voltage range with a smaller voltage value.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the relationship between the preset voltage range and the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit is shown in the following table:

[0044] Greater than or equal to rated voltage A a ≥90% of rated voltage and <90% of rated voltage B b ≥80% and <90% of rated voltage C c ≥70% and <80% of rated voltage D d

[0045] In this sequence, A is greater than B, B is greater than C, and C is greater than D. Correspondingly, a is greater than b, b is greater than c, and c is greater than d.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the minimum voltage of the air conditioner is found to be lower than a preset value, the compressor is at least controlled to shut down. That is, when the minimum voltage of the air conditioner is lower than a preset value, the compressor is forcibly shut down to ensure the safe operation of the air conditioner. This preset value can be 70% of the rated voltage of the air conditioner.

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, an alarm is issued simultaneously with the control of the compressor shutting down.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner can be a commercial air conditioner, for example, a multi-split air conditioner.

[0049] In other embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner is also a household air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted household air conditioner or a floor-standing household air conditioner.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is located in the user space where temperature control is required, and the outdoor unit is located outside the user space. The air conditioner control method further includes controlling the outdoor unit to turn off after the indoor unit is turned off.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first preset time period includes a first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on. During the first preset time period, if the minimum voltage of the air conditioner is lower than a preset value, the minimum voltage of the air conditioner during each first preset time period is obtained. If the minimum voltage of the air conditioner is lower than the preset value for a preset number of first preset time periods, the air conditioner alarms, and the air conditioner is shut down after at least one alarm. If the minimum voltage of the air conditioner is not lower than the first preset voltage for at least a preset number of first preset time periods, a warning signal is issued. In other words, if the air conditioner has just started operating and the minimum voltage value falls below the preset value within the first preset time period, it will not be shut down immediately. After another first preset time period, if the minimum voltage value does not fall below the preset value, further control will be implemented. Similarly, if the minimum voltage value falls below the preset value, it will not be shut down immediately. After another first preset time period, if the minimum voltage value of the air conditioner is counted over multiple consecutive first preset time periods (e.g., three consecutive first preset time periods), and if the minimum voltage value in all three first preset time periods is lower than the preset value, then the voltage is unsuitable for turning on the air conditioner, and it will be shut down. Otherwise, if the minimum voltage value is higher than the preset value, then the voltage is suitable for turning on the air conditioner, and further control will be implemented.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the air conditioner's current value. The wavy line represents the air conditioner's current at different times, and the two dashed lines correspond to the air conditioner's current limits in different voltage ranges. Arrow 1 indicates that the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit are determined based on the lowest voltage value obtained during the first preset time period after startup. Subsequently, the air conditioner's current in Arrow 2 fluctuates with the air conditioner's voltage. In Arrow 1, the compressor may or may not start. Figure 5The diagram shows the compressor starting according to the startup procedure. Arrow 2 refers to the operating range of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value obtained from Arrow 1. The air conditioner's current fluctuates with the voltage, but cannot exceed the current limit determined based on Arrow 1. Simultaneously, Arrow 2 refers to the compressor's operating frequency and current limit within Arrow 3, determined by the lowest voltage value obtained from detection within a first preset time period (equal to a second preset time period). Subsequently, the air conditioner's current within Arrow 3 fluctuates with the voltage, but cannot exceed the current limit determined based on Arrow 2.

[0053] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, the control method flow of the air conditioner is as follows:

[0054] When the air conditioner is turned on, it first checks the lowest voltage value within two minutes (the first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on). If the lowest voltage value is lower than 70% of the air conditioner's rated voltage, it checks the lowest voltage value again within two minutes. If the lowest voltage value does not fall below 70% of the rated voltage, subsequent control is performed. Otherwise, it continues to check the lowest voltage value within two minutes until the lowest voltage value does not fall below 70% of the rated voltage, or until three consecutive two-minute periods show the lowest voltage value falling below 70% of the rated voltage.

[0055] If the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner falls below 70% of its rated voltage for three consecutive two-minute periods, the air conditioner will issue a low voltage shutdown alarm and shut down. If the lowest voltage value does not fall below 70% of the air conditioner's rated voltage, the air conditioner will issue a low voltage waiting warning signal and proceed with subsequent control.

[0056] Next, based on the voltage range within two minutes of the air conditioner's lowest voltage value falling below 70% of its rated voltage, the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit are determined for the following ten minutes (the second preset time period), and then executed. Simultaneously, within the next ten minutes (the first preset time period, different from the first preset time period after startup), the air conditioner's lowest voltage value is checked again. If the lowest voltage value remains within the current voltage range, the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit remain unchanged. If, after the next ten minutes, the lowest voltage value is higher than the current voltage range, the compressor's operating frequency and the air conditioner's current limit are adjusted according to the voltage range corresponding to the lowest voltage value obtained from a lookup table. This process is repeated cyclically. It is particularly important to note that if, at any time after two minutes of the air conditioner's rated voltage falling below 70% of its rated voltage, the air conditioner's lowest voltage value falls below the preset value, a low voltage shutdown alarm is issued, and the air conditioner shuts down. Furthermore, after the indoor unit shuts down, controlling the outdoor unit shuts down, which in turn controls the air conditioner's shutdown.

[0057] This invention provides an air conditioner, including a memory, a processor, and a machine-executable program stored in the memory and running on the processor, wherein the processor executes the machine-executable program to implement a control method for the air conditioner according to any of the above embodiments.

[0058] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly identified or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a compressor, characterized in that, The air conditioner control method includes: Within a first preset time period, obtain the lowest value of the air conditioner's voltage; The operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are determined based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner. The first preset time period includes the first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on; the air conditioner control method further includes: If the lowest voltage of the air conditioner is lower than a preset value during the first preset time period, the lowest voltage of the air conditioner during the first preset time period is obtained every time the first preset time period passes. If the lowest voltage of the air conditioner is lower than the preset value within a preset number of first preset time periods, the air conditioner will alarm, and will shut down after at least one alarm.

2. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner includes: The operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are determined based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner during the subsequent second preset time period; the first preset time period is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

3. The air conditioning control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first preset time period includes the first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on; the first preset time period after the air conditioner is turned on is shorter than the second preset time period.

4. The air conditioning control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within a second preset time period, and determine the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner.

5. The air conditioning control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Within each second preset time period, the process of obtaining the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner within the first preset time period is performed repeatedly. Based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner, the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are determined. The first preset time is less than or equal to the second preset time period.

6. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner has a pre-set table showing the relationship between voltage range, compressor operating frequency, and current limit of the air conditioner. The step of determining the subsequent operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner based on the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner includes: Determine the voltage range in which the lowest voltage value of the air conditioner falls; The operating frequency of the compressor and the current limit of the air conditioner are determined according to the relationship correspondence table.

7. The air conditioning control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The operating frequency and current limits corresponding to the voltage range with larger voltage values ​​are greater than those corresponding to the voltage range with smaller voltage values.

8. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and a machine-executable program stored in the memory and running on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the machine-executable program, implements the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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