Dehumidifier and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a dehumidifier and a control method thereof. The control method comprises the following steps: starting the dehumidifier; periodically acquiring the evaporator coil temperature, the condenser coil temperature and the operating environment temperature of the dehumidifier; judging whether the dehumidifier is in steady-state operation according to the evaporator coil temperature and the condenser coil temperature; if the dehumidifier is in steady-state operation, judging whether the dehumidifier meets the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage according to the evaporator coil temperature and the operating environment temperature; if it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage, shutting down the compressor of the dehumidifier and controlling the fan of the dehumidifier to continue operating. The application has the advantages that the actual operation condition of the system is combined, the reasonable first refrigerant leakage fault determination time after starting is selected, the double determination of the temperature difference and the ratio of the dehumidification amount is adopted, and the strategy of the environmental temperature and humidity fluctuation determination is increased, so that the fault misjudgment phenomenon caused by different operating conditions and refrigerant types is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drying and dehumidification technology, and in particular to a dehumidifier and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, dehumidifiers using vapor compression refrigeration may experience refrigerant leakage during actual operation due to various reasons. In dehumidifiers with refrigerant leakage, the amount of refrigerant circulating is reduced, resulting in a higher evaporator coil temperature after the system stabilizes compared to normal operation.

[0003] The existing solution for refrigerant leakage detection in dehumidifiers can be summarized as follows: After the dehumidifier has been running for a fixed preset time, it begins to monitor the evaporator coil temperature Tpan and the ambient dry-bulb temperature Tring. If the temperature is continuously monitored within the preset time and Tring - Tpan is less than or equal to the preset detection temperature, a refrigerant leak is detected, and the dehumidifier enters the normal refrigerant leakage protection mode, i.e., the compressor stops while the fan continues to run. After exiting the normal protection mode, the dehumidifier will perform a refrigerant leakage detection again. After entering the normal protection mode multiple times, it will enter the final protection mode, and will not automatically restart after shutdown.

[0004] However, the determination of refrigerant leakage in dehumidifiers needs to be carried out under stable system conditions. The time required for the system to go from startup to stable operation varies depending on the type of refrigerant and operating conditions. A fixed preset start time for determination is out of touch with the actual operating state of the system, which can easily lead to misjudgment of refrigerant leakage in unstable conditions, reduce dehumidification efficiency, and even affect normal startup. Although a longer preset time can ensure stable system operation, it will increase the operational risk of systems that have already experienced refrigerant leakage faults.

[0005] Secondly, using the evaporator coil temperature difference as the sole criterion makes it difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the judgment results when the sensor malfunctions.

[0006] Finally, the current startup-only detection strategy cannot monitor refrigerant leaks that occur during system operation, nor does it provide a publicly available control strategy that offers reasonable repair suggestions after a refrigerant leak is detected. Therefore, further improvement is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a dehumidifier that overcomes or partially solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to use a dual determination method based on temperature difference and dehumidification ratio to determine whether a dehumidifier has experienced a refrigerant leakage fault.

[0009] Another objective of this invention is to provide users with scientific and reasonable repair suggestions for dehumidifiers that have refrigerant leakage faults.

[0010] Specifically, the present invention provides a control method for a dehumidifier, comprising:

[0011] Turn on the dehumidifier;

[0012] The dehumidifier's evaporator coil temperature, condenser coil temperature, and operating ambient temperature are obtained at specified intervals.

[0013] Determine whether the dehumidifier is operating in a steady state based on the obtained temperatures of each evaporator coil and each condenser coil.

[0014] If the dehumidifier is operating in a steady state, determine whether the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage based on the obtained temperatures of each evaporator coil and the ambient temperature.

[0015] If it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, then the dehumidifier compressor is turned off, while the dehumidifier fan continues to run.

[0016] Optionally, the steps for determining whether the dehumidifier is in steady-state operation based on the obtained temperatures of each evaporator coil and each condenser coil include:

[0017] Calculate the difference between two consecutive evaporator coil temperatures and the difference between two consecutive condenser coil temperatures.

[0018] Determine whether the absolute value of each difference within a preset time period is less than or equal to the first judgment value;

[0019] If the judgment result is yes, then the dehumidifier is determined to be in steady-state operation.

[0020] Optionally, the steps for determining whether the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage based on the obtained temperatures of each evaporator coil and each operating ambient temperature include:

[0021] Calculate the average value of the evaporator coil temperature and the average value of the operating ambient temperature within the preset time period;

[0022] Determine whether the difference between the average operating ambient temperature and the average evaporator coil temperature is less than or equal to the second judgment value;

[0023] If the judgment result is yes, then the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage.

[0024] Optionally, after determining that the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, the method further includes:

[0025] Obtain the actual and standard dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifier;

[0026] Determine whether the dehumidifier meets the second criterion for refrigerant leakage based on the actual dehumidification capacity and the standard dehumidification capacity.

[0027] If it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the second criterion for refrigerant leakage, then the steps of shutting down the dehumidifier's compressor and keeping the dehumidifier's fan running are executed.

[0028] Optionally, the steps for determining whether a dehumidifier meets the second criterion for refrigerant leakage based on the actual dehumidification capacity and the standard dehumidification capacity include:

[0029] Determine whether the ratio of the actual dehumidification capacity to the standard dehumidification capacity is less than or equal to the preset percentage;

[0030] If the judgment result is yes, then the dehumidifier is determined to meet the second judgment condition for refrigerant leakage.

[0031] Optionally, when the dehumidifier fails to meet the first or second criterion for determining refrigerant leakage, the control method further includes:

[0032] The dehumidifier's evaporator coil temperature, ambient temperature, and ambient humidity are obtained at specified intervals.

[0033] Based on the obtained temperatures of each evaporator coil and each operating environment, re-determine whether the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage;

[0034] If it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, the operating status of the dehumidifier is determined based on the obtained ambient temperature and humidity of each operating environment.

[0035] If it is determined that the dehumidifier's operating status has not changed, then repeat the steps to obtain the actual dehumidification capacity and standard dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifier.

[0036] Optionally, the step of determining whether the dehumidifier's operating status has changed based on the acquired ambient temperature and humidity includes:

[0037] Calculate the temperature fluctuation value and humidity fluctuation value of the operating environment within the preset time period, respectively;

[0038] Determine whether the temperature fluctuation value is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold and whether the humidity fluctuation value is less than or equal to the preset humidity threshold.

[0039] If the judgment result is yes, then it is determined that the operating status of the dehumidifier has not changed.

[0040] Optionally, after the steps of turning off the dehumidifier's compressor and controlling the dehumidifier's fan to continue running, the method further includes:

[0041] Obtain the evaporator coil temperature, condenser coil temperature, and operating ambient temperature of the dehumidifier;

[0042] Determine whether the dehumidifier meets the shutdown conditions based on the evaporator coil temperature, condenser coil temperature, and ambient temperature.

[0043] If the dehumidifier meets the shutdown conditions, then turn off the dehumidifier's fan.

[0044] Optionally, the steps for determining whether the dehumidifier meets the shutdown conditions based on the evaporator coil temperature, condenser coil temperature, and ambient operating temperature include:

[0045] Within a preset time period, determine whether the difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporator coil temperature remains 0 and whether the difference between the condenser coil temperature and the ambient temperature remains 0.

[0046] If the judgment result is yes, then the dehumidifier meets the shutdown conditions.

[0047] Optionally, after the step of turning off the dehumidifier's fan, the following steps are also included:

[0048] Get the total runtime of the dehumidifier;

[0049] Based on the ratio of actual dehumidification capacity to standard dehumidification capacity and total operating time, a repair recommendation for the dehumidifier is provided.

[0050] The present invention also provides a dehumidifier, comprising:

[0051] The controller includes a processor and a memory, in which a machine-executable program is stored. When the machine-executable program is executed by the processor, it is used to implement any of the control methods described above.

[0052] The dehumidifier control method of the present invention, after the dehumidifier is started, periodically monitors the evaporator coil temperature and condenser coil temperature, which helps to select a reasonable time for refrigerant leakage fault determination, improves the speed and accuracy of fault determination, and solves the problem of fault misjudgment caused by the existing refrigerant leakage determination logic being out of touch with the actual operating state of the system.

[0053] Furthermore, the dehumidifier control method of the present invention uses the dehumidification amount as an auxiliary judgment condition. By combining the temperature difference with the ratio of dehumidification amount, the accuracy of the judgment can be ensured. In addition, the fluctuation judgment of the ambient temperature and humidity during operation is added to effectively avoid misjudgment of faults caused by changes in the operating environment.

[0054] Furthermore, the dehumidifier control method of the present invention obtains the total running time of the dehumidifier after the dehumidifier enters the protection mode, and combines the total running time with the ratio of the actual dehumidification amount to the standard dehumidification amount when the refrigerant leakage is determined, thereby providing users with scientific and reasonable repair suggestions and ensuring user safety.

[0055] 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

[0056] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a dehumidifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic overall flowchart of a dehumidifier control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural block diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0061] This invention provides a control method for a dehumidifier 10. Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 The control method includes at least the following steps S102 to S110.

[0062] Step S102: Start the dehumidifier 10.

[0063] Step S104: Obtain the evaporator coil temperature T of the dehumidifier 10 at specified intervals. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 ;

[0064] Step S106, based on the obtained evaporator coil temperature T 蒸 and the temperature T of each condenser coil 冷 Determine whether dehumidifier 10 is operating in a steady state;

[0065] Step S108: If the dehumidifier 10 is operating in a steady state, based on the obtained temperatures T of each evaporator coil... 蒸 and the operating environment temperature T 环 Determine whether dehumidifier 10 meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage;

[0066] In step S110, if it is determined that the dehumidifier 10 meets the first condition for refrigerant leakage, the compressor of the dehumidifier 10 is turned off, and the fan of the dehumidifier 10 is controlled to continue running.

[0067] Specifically, in step S104 of this embodiment, the specified period can be 5s, 8s, 10s, 15s, etc. Preferably, the specified period is 10s, that is, the evaporator coil temperature T of the dehumidifier 10 is acquired every 10s. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 Of course, in some other embodiments, the evaporator coil temperature T can also be adjusted. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 Real-time monitoring is conducted.

[0068] In step S106 of this embodiment, based on the obtained temperature T of each evaporator coil... 蒸 and the temperature T of each condenser coil 冷 To determine whether the dehumidifier 10 is operating in a steady state, the evaporator coil temperature T obtained in two consecutive measurements can be calculated. 蒸 The difference between the two adjacent condenser coil temperatures T 冷 The difference is then determined, and it is determined whether the absolute value of each difference within the preset time period is less than or equal to the first judgment value. If the judgment result is yes, it can be determined that the dehumidifier 10 has been in steady-state operation.

[0069] For example, the specified period is 10 seconds, the preset duration can be 60 to 90 seconds, here it is 60 seconds, and the first judgment value can be 0.5℃. The difference ΔT between two adjacent evaporator coil temperatures is... 蒸 =T 蒸n+1 -T 蒸n The difference ΔT between two consecutive condenser coil temperatures. 冷 =T 冷n+1 -T 冷n If |ΔT| is continuously monitored within 60 seconds 蒸 | and |ΔT冷 If all values ​​are less than or equal to 0.5℃, it indicates that the dehumidifier 10 is operating in a steady state and the refrigerant leak can be detected. Otherwise, continue to acquire pipe temperature and determine the absolute value of the temperature difference.

[0070] It is understandable that ΔT 蒸 and ΔT 冷 This reflects the temperature fluctuation level of the refrigerant within the system during actual circulation. After the dehumidifier 10 is turned on, the refrigerant undergoes multiple circulations, and the temperature within each component of the system automatically tends to stabilize. Therefore, |ΔT| 蒸 | and |ΔT 冷 When the value of | is less than or equal to the first judgment value within a preset time period, it can be proven that the system has reached a steady state.

[0071] In step S108 of this embodiment, based on the obtained temperature T of each evaporator coil... 蒸 and the operating environment temperature T 环 In determining whether the dehumidifier 10 meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, the average value T of the evaporator coil temperature within the aforementioned preset time period can be calculated. 蒸AVG The average operating ambient temperature T 环AVG Then determine the average operating ambient temperature T. 环AVG The average temperature T of the evaporator coil 蒸AVG If the difference is less than or equal to the second judgment value, and the judgment result is yes, then it can be determined that the dehumidifier 10 has met the first judgment condition for refrigerant leakage.

[0072] For example, the second determination value can be 4℃. If it is within the above-mentioned preset time period (60s), T 环AVG -T 蒸AVG If the temperature is ≤4℃, it can be proven that the dehumidifier 10 has met the first criterion for determining refrigerant leakage.

[0073] Under normal circumstances, if dehumidifier 10 has a refrigerant leak, the amount of refrigerant participating in the circulation will decrease, and its evaporator coil temperature T will rise. 蒸 The T value is higher than during normal operation after the system has stabilized, resulting in T 环AVG -T 蒸AVG At temperatures ≤4℃, dehumidifier 10 can be controlled to enter protection mode, i.e., the compressor of dehumidifier 10 is turned off, while the fan of dehumidifier 10 continues to run. However, only T 蒸AVG With T 环AVG Using the difference as the sole criterion for judgment makes it difficult to guarantee the accuracy of the judgment result when the temperature detection malfunctions.

[0074] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment of the invention incorporates auxiliary logic for detecting refrigerant leakage, ensuring the accuracy of the determination. After determining that the dehumidifier 10 meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, the actual dehumidification capacity (DC) of the dehumidifier 10 can also be obtained. 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 Then, based on the actual dehumidification capacity DC 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 Determine whether the dehumidifier 10 meets the second condition for refrigerant leakage. If it is determined that the dehumidifier 10 meets the second condition for refrigerant leakage, then execute the steps of shutting down the compressor of the dehumidifier 10 and controlling the fan of the dehumidifier 10 to continue running.

[0075] Specifically, based on the actual dehumidification capacity DC 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 In determining whether dehumidifier 10 meets the second criterion for refrigerant leakage, the actual dehumidification capacity (DC) can be determined. 实 Compared with standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 Is the ratio less than or equal to the preset percentage? Here, 60% can be used. If the actual dehumidification capacity DC... 实 Compared with standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 If the ratio is less than or equal to 60%, then the dehumidifier 10 meets the second criterion for refrigerant leakage, that is, the refrigerant of the dehumidifier 10 has leaked at this time.

[0076] It is understandable that the evaporator coil temperature T of the dehumidifier 10, which experienced a refrigerant leak, would be affected. 蒸 Operating ambient temperature T 环 When the temperature difference decreases, the heat exchange effect between the evaporator and the air deteriorates, and the dehumidification capacity is weakened. Therefore, the dehumidification capacity can be used as an auxiliary criterion for judging refrigerant leakage. Combining the temperature difference with the dehumidification capacity ratio can make a dual judgment and improve the accuracy of the judgment.

[0077] In practical applications, the actual dehumidification capacity (DC) is obtained. 实 The process can involve obtaining the dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity of the air entering and leaving the dehumidifier 10, thereby obtaining the moisture content of the air entering and leaving the dehumidifier 10, and then calculating the actual dehumidification capacity (DC) of the dehumidifier 10 within a preset time. 实 The specific calculation method is as follows:

[0078] By obtaining the dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity (RH) of the inlet and outlet air within a preset time t, the saturated moisture content (d) of the inlet and outlet air can be obtained. 饱 The actual intake air moisture content d 进 =d 进饱 ×RH 进 Actual air moisture content d 出 =d出饱 ×RH 出 The preset time t can be 3 minutes. Calculate the average value d of the moisture content of the inlet and outlet air within the preset time t. 进AVG d 出AVG The actual air volume V and the actual dehumidification capacity DC are obtained based on the air supply level under the current operating conditions. 实 =ρ×V×t×(d 进AVG -d 出AVG ), where ρ is the density of the supplied air.

[0079] The saturated moisture content and air supply density can be obtained by retrieving the pre-set correspondence between saturated moisture content and air supply density and the dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity of humid air in the dehumidifier 10's storage unit, or by calculation using relevant formulas. The method for obtaining the moisture content is not limited to a specific approach. The correspondence between the actual air supply volume and the air supply level can be pre-set by the developers in the dehumidifier 10's storage unit, with a standard dehumidification capacity DC... 标 This refers to the dehumidification capacity that dehumidifier 10 can achieve during normal operation under current environmental conditions, which is related to the operating ambient temperature T. 环 Operating environment humidity (RH) 环 The corresponding relationship can also be preset in the storage unit of the dehumidifier 10.

[0080] The calculated dehumidification capacity may vary slightly depending on the calculation period; therefore, the actual dehumidification capacity (DC) may differ slightly. 实 Compared with standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 The calculation time settings should be kept as consistent as possible, or the developers should reasonably optimize the preset percentage for determining the dehumidification amount when refrigerant leakage occurs, based on consideration of deviation patterns. In this embodiment, the preset percentage can be 60%.

[0081] If no leak is detected during the initial refrigerant leak detection process when the dehumidifier 10 is turned on, i.e., T 环AVG -T 蒸AVG >4℃ or DC 实 / DC 标 When the humidity is >60%, the dehumidifier 10 can be controlled to operate in normal dehumidification mode. Thereafter, the evaporator coil temperature T of the dehumidifier 10 is acquired at specified intervals. 蒸 Operating ambient temperature T 环 and operating environment humidity (RH) 环 Then, based on the obtained evaporator coil temperature T... 蒸 and the operating environment temperature T 环 Reassess whether dehumidifier 10 meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage. If it is determined that dehumidifier 10 meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, then based on the obtained ambient operating temperatures T... 环and the humidity (RH) of each operating environment 环 Determine if the operating status of dehumidifier 10 has changed. If it is determined that the operating status of dehumidifier 10 has not changed, then re-execute the process of obtaining the actual dehumidification capacity DC of dehumidifier 10. 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 The steps.

[0082] Specifically, based on the obtained evaporator coil temperature T... 蒸 and the operating environment temperature T 环 In the process of re-evaluating whether the dehumidifier 10 meets the first criterion for refrigerant leakage, the average value T of the evaporator coil temperature within the preset time period can be calculated. 环AVG The average operating ambient temperature T 蒸AVG Then determine the average operating ambient temperature T. 环AVG The average temperature T of the evaporator coil 蒸AVG Whether the difference is less than or equal to the second judgment value, the preset time here can still be 60s, and the second judgment value can still be 4℃. If the judgment result is yes, then it can be determined that the dehumidifier 10 has met the first judgment condition for refrigerant leakage.

[0083] Furthermore, based on the obtained operating environment temperature T... 环 and the humidity (RH) of each operating environment 环 In determining whether the operating status of the dehumidifier 10 has changed, the temperature fluctuation value ΔT of the ambient temperature during the preset operating time period can be calculated. 环 1. Humidity fluctuation value ΔRH of the operating environment 环 Then determine the temperature fluctuation value ΔT 环 Is the temperature less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold and the humidity fluctuation value ΔRH? 环 If the humidity level is less than or equal to the preset humidity threshold, then it can be determined that the operating status of the dehumidifier 10 has not changed.

[0084] Here, the preset duration can be 60 seconds, and the temperature fluctuation value ΔT 环 =T 环max -T 环min , among which, T 环max The highest operating ambient temperature within 60 seconds, T 环min The lowest operating ambient temperature within 60 seconds; the preset temperature threshold can be 1℃. Humidity fluctuation value ΔRH. 环 =RH 环max -RH 环min , of which RH 环max The highest operating ambient humidity within 60 seconds, RH 环minThe minimum ambient humidity within 60 seconds is set, with a preset humidity threshold of 5%. When all the above conditions are met, the actual dehumidification capacity (DC) of the dehumidifier 10 is then obtained. 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 If the dehumidification capacity is not determined, the above operating parameters will be collected again to determine whether there is a leak.

[0085] During dehumidification operation, the average temperature T of the evaporator coil within a preset time period of the dehumidifier 10 蒸AVG The average operating ambient temperature T 环AVG If the difference is less than the first judgment value, it can only indicate that the dehumidifier 10 may have a risk of refrigerant leakage. By adding the judgment of the temperature and humidity fluctuation value of the operating environment, the change of the operating status of the dehumidifier 10 caused by the fluctuation of the operating conditions can be ruled out, and the misjudgment of fault caused by the change of the operating environment can be avoided.

[0086] After turning off the compressor of dehumidifier 10 and continuing to operate the fan of dehumidifier 10, the evaporator coil temperature T of dehumidifier 10 can still be obtained. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 Then, based on the evaporator coil temperature T 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 Determine whether the dehumidifier 10 meets the shutdown conditions. Once the dehumidifier 10 meets the shutdown conditions, turn off the fan of the dehumidifier 10.

[0087] Specifically, for dehumidifier 10, which is determined to have a refrigerant leak fault, the compressor stops in protection mode while the fan continues to run, and the evaporator coil temperature T is acquired. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 Operating ambient temperature T 环 Until the condenser coil temperature T reaches the preset time period. 冷 Reduced to operating ambient temperature T 环 Evaporator coil temperature T 蒸 Rise to operating ambient temperature T 环 That is, T 环 -T 蒸 =0℃, T 冷 -T 环 =0℃, and continue for a preset time, which can be 20s, then control the fan to stop running.

[0088] It is understandable that the fan will only stop after the pipe temperatures of both heat exchangers and dehumidifiers have returned to the ambient temperature level. This is to allow the refrigerant pressure inside the system to decrease and the refrigerant leakage rate to slow down, preventing the accumulation of a large concentration of refrigerant gas inside the dehumidifier 10 and ensuring the user's safety.

[0089] After shutting down the fan of dehumidifier 10, the total operating time of dehumidifier 10 can be obtained. Then, based on the ratio of actual dehumidification capacity to standard dehumidification capacity and the total operating time, a repair recommendation for dehumidifier 10 is output. It should be noted that the ratio of actual dehumidification capacity to standard dehumidification capacity is obtained when a refrigerant leak is detected in dehumidifier 10, and the total operating time refers to the period up to the current usage of dehumidifier 10.

[0090] Specifically, the degree of refrigerant deficiency of dehumidifier 10 can be determined first based on the ratio of actual dehumidification capacity to standard dehumidification capacity and total operating time. Then, a repair recommendation for dehumidifier 10 can be output based on the degree of refrigerant deficiency and total operating time.

[0091] The dehumidification capacity ratio can be determined within a range of three preset percentages: the third preset percentage < the second preset percentage < the first preset percentage < the preset percentage for determining refrigerant leakage (which can be 60%). The corresponding refrigerant leakage levels are classified as minor, moderate, and severe. If a severe refrigerant leakage fault is detected in a short period of use, it may be due to a system quality issue caused by the manufacturing process or transportation, and the user should be advised to replace the product promptly. If a minor refrigerant leakage fault is detected after long-term use, it may be a normal phenomenon due to the extended service life of the dehumidifier, and the user should be advised to add or recharge the refrigerant according to the leakage situation.

[0092] It should be noted that in the above control method, the evaporator coil temperature T 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 The ambient temperature T can be obtained from the temperature sensors located at the two coils. 环 With operating ambient humidity RH 环 The temperature and humidity can be obtained by a temperature and humidity sensor located on the casing of the dehumidifier 10. The temperature and humidity of the inlet and outlet air can be obtained by temperature and humidity sensors located on the inlet and outlet sides. The usage time of the dehumidifier 10 can be obtained by a built-in rechargeable timer. After determining that the dehumidifier 10 has a refrigerant leakage fault, the repair suggestion can be fed back to the user through a fault code or through a terminal device connected to the dehumidifier 10.

[0093] Figure 2 This is a schematic overall flowchart of a control method for a dehumidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 2 The control method includes at least the following steps S202 to S238.

[0094] Step S202: Start the dehumidifier 10.

[0095] Step S204: Obtain the evaporator coil temperature T of dehumidifier 10 at specified intervals. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 .

[0096] Step S206: Calculate the difference ΔT between two consecutive evaporator coil temperatures. 蒸 The difference ΔT between two consecutive condenser coil temperatures. 冷 ; where ΔT 蒸 =T 蒸n+1 -T 蒸n ΔT 冷 =T 冷n+1 -T 冷n .

[0097] Step S208: Determine whether the absolute value of each difference within a preset time period is less than or equal to the first judgment value. Here, the preset time period can be 60s and the first judgment value can be 0.5℃. If yes, proceed to step S210; otherwise, return to step S204.

[0098] Step S210: Calculate the average value T of the evaporator coil temperature within the aforementioned preset time period. 蒸AVG The average operating ambient temperature T 环AVG .

[0099] Step S212: Determine the average value T of the operating environment temperature. 环AVG The average temperature T of the evaporator coil 蒸AVG If the difference is less than or equal to the second judgment value, which can be 4℃, then proceed to step S224; otherwise, proceed to step S214.

[0100] Step S214: Obtain the evaporator coil temperature T of dehumidifier 10 at specified intervals. 蒸 Operating ambient temperature T 环 and operating environment humidity (RH) 环 .

[0101] Step S216: Calculate the average value T of the evaporator coil temperature within the preset time period. 蒸AVG The average operating ambient temperature T 环AVG The preset duration here is 60 seconds.

[0102] Step S218: Determine the average value T of the operating environment temperature. 环AVG The average temperature T of the evaporator coil 蒸AVG Is the difference less than or equal to the second judgment value? Here, the second judgment value can be 4℃. If yes, proceed to step S220; otherwise, return to step S214.

[0103] Step S220: Calculate the temperature fluctuation value ΔT of the operating environment temperature within the aforementioned preset time period. 环 1. Humidity fluctuation value ΔRH of the operating environment 环 ; where ΔT 环 =T 环max -T 环min T 环max The highest operating ambient temperature within the preset time period, T 环min ΔRH is the lowest operating ambient temperature within a preset time period. 环 =RH 环max -RH 环min RH 环max The maximum operating ambient humidity within a preset time period, RH 环min The minimum ambient humidity for the preset operating time period.

[0104] Step S222: Determine the temperature fluctuation value ΔT 环 Is the temperature less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold and the humidity fluctuation value ΔRH? 环 Is it less than or equal to the preset humidity threshold? Here, the preset temperature threshold can be 1℃ and the preset humidity threshold can be 5%. If yes, proceed to step S224; otherwise, return to step S214.

[0105] Step S224: Obtain the actual dehumidification capacity DC of dehumidifier 10. 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 .

[0106] Step S226: Determine the actual dehumidification capacity DC 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 Is the ratio less than or equal to a preset percentage? Here, the preset percentage can be 60%. If yes, proceed to step S228; otherwise, return to step S214.

[0107] Step S228: Turn off the compressor of dehumidifier 10 and control the fan of dehumidifier 10 to continue running.

[0108] Step S230: Obtain the evaporator coil temperature T of the dehumidifier 10. 蒸 Condenser coil temperature T 冷 and operating ambient temperature T 环 .

[0109] Step S232: Within a preset time period, determine the ambient temperature T. 环 With evaporator coil temperature T 蒸 Does the difference remain at 0, and is the condenser coil temperature T... 冷 Operating ambient temperature T 环Is the difference between the two values ​​always 0? The preset duration here is 20 seconds. If yes, proceed to step S234. If no, return to step S230.

[0110] Step S234: Turn off the fan of dehumidifier 10.

[0111] Step S236: Obtain the total runtime of the dehumidifier 10.

[0112] Step S238, based on the actual dehumidification capacity DC 实 Compared with standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 The ratio and total runtime output dehumidifier 10 are used to recommend a repair. Here, the actual dehumidification capacity DC is... 实 and standard dehumidification capacity DC 标 This data was obtained when it was determined that the refrigerant in dehumidifier 10 was leaking.

[0113] It should be noted that the control method of the dehumidifier 10 of the present invention is for the dehumidification mode. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, any technical solution that applies it to any mode of operation of the dehumidifier 10 compressor and adjusts the parameters accordingly should still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0114] The present invention also provides a dehumidifier 10, Figure 3 This is a schematic structural block diagram of a dehumidifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 3 The dehumidifier 10 may include a controller, which may include a processor 210 and a memory 220. The memory 220 stores a machine-executable program 221. When the machine-executable program 221 is executed by the processor 210, it is used to implement any of the control methods in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] The controller can be connected to components such as compressors and fans to control the start and stop of the compressor and fan, as well as adjust their operating parameters. The controller can further be connected to the main control unit of the dehumidifier 10 to provide user feedback signals to the main control unit and receive control commands from the main control unit.

[0116] Processor 210 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital processing unit, etc. Processor 210 sends and receives data via a communication interface. Memory 220 is used to store machine-executable program 221. Memory 220 can be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures that is accessible by a computer, or it can be a combination of multiple memories 220. The aforementioned machine-executable program 221 can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the appropriate computing / processing device or downloaded and installed to the dehumidifier 10 via a network (e.g., the Internet, local area network, wide area network, and / or wireless network).

[0117] 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 determined 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 a dehumidifier, comprising: starting the dehumidifier; acquiring an evaporator coil temperature, a condenser coil temperature and an ambient temperature of the dehumidifier every specified period; judging whether the dehumidifier is in steady state operation according to each of the acquired evaporator coil temperatures and each of the acquired condenser coil temperatures; if the dehumidifier is in steady state operation, judging whether the dehumidifier meets a first determination condition of refrigerant leakage according to each of the acquired evaporator coil temperatures and each of the acquired ambient temperatures; if it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage, shutting down a compressor of the dehumidifier and controlling a fan of the dehumidifier to continue running; acquiring an evaporator coil temperature, a condenser coil temperature and an ambient temperature of the dehumidifier; judging whether the dehumidifier meets a shutdown condition according to the evaporator coil temperature, the condenser coil temperature and the ambient temperature; if it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the shutdown condition, shutting down the fan of the dehumidifier; wherein after the step of determining that the dehumidifier meets the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage, further comprising: acquiring an actual dehumidification amount and a standard dehumidification amount of the dehumidifier; judging whether the dehumidifier meets a second determination condition of refrigerant leakage according to the actual dehumidification amount and the standard dehumidification amount; if it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the second determination condition of refrigerant leakage, re-executing the step of shutting down the compressor of the dehumidifier and controlling the fan of the dehumidifier to continue running; the step of judging whether the dehumidifier meets the shutdown condition according to the evaporator coil temperature, the condenser coil temperature and the ambient temperature comprises: judging whether a difference between the ambient temperature and the evaporator coil temperature is continuously 0 and a difference between the condenser coil temperature and the ambient temperature is continuously 0 within a preset time length; if the result of the judgment is yes, it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the shutdown condition.

2. The control method of a dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein, the step of judging whether the dehumidifier is in steady state operation according to each of the acquired evaporator coil temperatures and each of the acquired condenser coil temperatures comprises: calculating a difference between the evaporator coil temperatures acquired at adjacent times and a difference between the condenser coil temperatures acquired at adjacent times, respectively; judging whether absolute values of each of the differences are less than or equal to a first determination value within a preset time length; if the result of the judgment is yes, it is determined that the dehumidifier is in steady state operation.

3. The control method of a dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein, the step of judging whether the dehumidifier meets the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage according to each of the acquired evaporator coil temperatures and each of the acquired ambient temperatures comprises: calculating an average value of the evaporator coil temperatures and an average value of the ambient temperatures within the preset time length, respectively; judging whether a difference between the average value of the ambient temperatures and the average value of the evaporator coil temperatures is less than or equal to a second determination value; if the result of the judgment is yes, it is determined that the dehumidifier meets the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage.

4. The control method of a dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein, the step of judging whether the dehumidifier meets the second determination condition of refrigerant leakage according to the actual dehumidification amount and the standard dehumidification amount comprises: determining whether the ratio of the actual dehumidification amount to the standard dehumidification amount is less than or equal to a preset percentage; if the determination result is yes, determining that the dehumidifier satisfies a second determination condition of refrigerant leakage.

5. The control method of a dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein, When the dehumidifier does not satisfy the first determination condition or the second determination condition of refrigerant leakage, the control method further comprises: acquiring the evaporator coil temperature, the operating environment temperature, and the operating environment humidity of the dehumidifier every specified period; re-determining whether the dehumidifier satisfies the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage according to each of the acquired evaporator coil temperatures and each of the acquired operating environment temperatures; if it is determined that the dehumidifier satisfies the first determination condition of refrigerant leakage, determining whether the operating state of the dehumidifier has changed according to each of the acquired operating environment temperatures and each of the acquired operating environment humidities; if it is determined that the operating state of the dehumidifier has not changed, re-executing the steps of acquiring the actual dehumidification amount and the standard dehumidification amount of the dehumidifier.

6. The control method of a dehumidifier according to claim 5, wherein, The step of determining whether the operating state of the dehumidifier has changed according to each of the acquired operating environment temperatures and each of the acquired operating environment humidities comprises: respectively calculating a temperature fluctuation value of the operating environment temperature and a humidity fluctuation value of the operating environment humidity within a preset time length; determining whether the temperature fluctuation value is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold value and the humidity fluctuation value is less than or equal to a preset humidity threshold value; if the determination result is yes, determining that the operating state of the dehumidifier has not changed.

7. The control method of a dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein, After the step of turning off the fan of the dehumidifier, the control method further comprises: acquiring the total operating time length of the dehumidifier; outputting a repair suggestion of the dehumidifier according to the ratio of the actual dehumidification amount to the standard dehumidification amount and the total operating time length.

8. A dehumidifier, comprising: a controller comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a machine executable program, the machine executable program being executed by the processor to implement the control method of any one of claims 1-7.

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