Control methods and devices for modular multi-split air conditioning systems and modular multi-split air conditioning systems

Abstract

This invention discloses a control method, device, and modular multi-split air conditioning system. The modular multi-split system includes photovoltaic (PV) units and non-PV units. The method includes: when a mains power outage is detected, only the PV units operate and are powered solely by photovoltaics; upon receiving a power curtailment command, power curtailment is applied to the already activated non-PV units according to the command, and the power supply mode of the activated PV units is controlled. This invention, targeting modular multi-split air conditioning systems including PV units, ensures reliable operation of the units during power outages or power curtailment, maximizing indoor temperature stability and improving user experience through unit control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to a control method, device, and modular multi-split air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] A multi-split air conditioning system, also known as a multi-split unit or multi-split system, refers to a system in which one or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units via piping. Based on the number of outdoor units, multi-split systems can be divided into single-unit systems and modular systems. A single-unit system contains only one outdoor unit, while a modular system contains at least two outdoor units.

[0003] Modular multi-split air conditioning systems typically rely on the power grid for power. In emergency situations, such as regional smart power rationing or emergency power outages, these systems will shut down, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problem of poor user experience caused by shutdown of modular multi-split air conditioning systems in emergency situations such as power rationing or power outages. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a control method, device, and modular multi-split air conditioning system, which at least solves the problem of poor user experience caused by shutdown of modular multi-split air conditioning systems in emergency situations such as power rationing or power outages in the prior art.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for a modular multi-split air conditioning system, wherein the modular multi-split air conditioning system includes photovoltaic units and non-photovoltaic units, and the method includes:

[0007] When a mains power outage is detected, only the photovoltaic (PV) unit operates and is powered solely by photovoltaics.

[0008] Upon receiving a power curtailment command, the power supply to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on is curtailed according to the power curtailment command, and the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on is controlled.

[0009] Optionally, the method of limiting power to non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on and controlling the power supply to photovoltaic units that have been turned on, according to the power curtailment command, includes:

[0010] The required change in mains power consumption is determined based on the power rationing order;

[0011] When the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, power is limited to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on, and the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on remains unchanged.

[0012] When the required change in mains power consumption is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, power is restricted for the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on, and the photovoltaic units that have been turned on are controlled to be powered only by photovoltaic power.

[0013] When the required change in mains power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the non-photovoltaic units do not operate, only the photovoltaic units operate, and the photovoltaic units are powered solely by photovoltaics.

[0014] Optionally, power curtailment may be implemented on the non-photovoltaic units that have already been activated, including:

[0015] Reduce the power consumption of the non-photovoltaic units that are already in operation;

[0016] After a preset time, calculate the current mains power consumption of the modular multi-split air conditioning system;

[0017] Based on the current mains power consumption and the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received, determine whether the required change value of mains power consumption is met or the target value of mains power consumption is reached.

[0018] If not, then return to continue reducing the power consumption of the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on;

[0019] If so, the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be controlled to operate according to the parameters corresponding to the current power consumption.

[0020] Optionally, when the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, if the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on have reached their minimum output after power curtailment, but still do not meet the required change in mains power consumption or have not reached the target value of mains power consumption, then the photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be controlled to be powered only by photovoltaic power.

[0021] When the required change in mains power consumption is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, if the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on have reached their minimum output after power curtailment, but still do not meet the required change in mains power consumption or have not reached the target value for mains power consumption, then the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be shut down.

[0022] Optionally, during the power curtailment of the non-photovoltaic units that have already been activated and during the process of non-photovoltaic units not operating, the non-photovoltaic units do not participate in the outdoor unit rotation control of the entire system.

[0023] Optionally, after detecting a mains power outage and / or receiving a power rationing command, the following steps are also included:

[0024] With all photovoltaic units turned on, calculate the ratio of the total capacity of the currently activated indoor units to the total capacity of the currently activated outdoor units in the modular multi-split system to obtain the current activation ratio;

[0025] If the power-on ratio is greater than a preset ratio, the indoor units with lower priority are shut down until the power-on ratio is less than or equal to the preset ratio.

[0026] Optionally, if the modular multi-split system only includes photovoltaic units, when a mains power outage is detected, the system directly controls the photovoltaic units that are already turned on to be powered only by photovoltaic power; when a power curtailment command is received, the system directly controls the photovoltaic units that are already turned on to be powered only by photovoltaic power or reduces the mains power consumption of the photovoltaic units that are already turned on according to the power curtailment command.

[0027] This invention also provides a control device for a modular multi-split air conditioning system, the modular multi-split air conditioning system including photovoltaic units and non-photovoltaic units, the device comprising:

[0028] The first control module is used to detect a mains power outage and operate only the photovoltaic unit, which is powered solely by photovoltaics.

[0029] The second control module is used to, upon receiving a power curtailment command, curtail power to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on and control the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on, in accordance with the power curtailment command.

[0030] This invention also provides a modular multi-unit air conditioning system, including: a control device for the modular multi-unit air conditioning system described in this invention.

[0031] This invention also provides a computer device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method described in this invention.

[0032] This invention also provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in this invention.

[0033] By applying the technical solution of this invention, when a mains power outage is detected, non-photovoltaic units are shielded, and only photovoltaic units operate, powered solely by photovoltaics. This ensures reliable operation of the units during power outages, maximizing indoor temperature stability and improving user experience. Upon receiving a power curtailment command, power is curtailed to the already activated non-photovoltaic units, reducing mains power consumption. Furthermore, controlling the power supply mode of the activated photovoltaic units according to the power curtailment command also reduces mains power consumption. Thus, under power curtailment conditions, while meeting power curtailment requirements, reliable unit operation is ensured, maximizing indoor temperature stability and improving user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1This is a flowchart of the control method for the modular multi-unit air conditioning system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a control flowchart provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention under the condition of mains power failure;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart under regional power rationing conditions provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of the control device for the modular multi-unit system provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0040] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0041] The optional embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] This embodiment provides a control method for a modular multi-split air conditioning system. The modular multi-split system includes photovoltaic (PV) units and non-PV units, or it may only include PV units. Non-PV units, also known as conventional units, must rely on the power grid for power. PV units can be powered in three ways: single grid power, single PV power, and grid power + PV power. In this application, the terms "PV units" and "non-PV units" refer to the outdoor unit.

[0044] Conventional modular multi-split air conditioning systems consist of purely conventional units and can only rely on the power grid for power. In case of emergencies, such as regional smart power rationing or emergency power outages, these systems will shut down, resulting in a very poor user experience.

[0045] To address this issue, modular multi-split photovoltaic (PV) systems and hybrid systems have emerged. Modular PV systems consist entirely of PV units, while hybrid systems combine PV units with conventional units. This embodiment focuses on a modular PV system that includes PV units. When mains power is interrupted or restricted, only the PV units operate, or the operation of non-PV units is limited, maximizing indoor temperature stability and improving the user experience.

[0046] If the modular multi-split system includes photovoltaic units and non-photovoltaic units, such as Figure 1 As shown, the control method for a modular multi-unit air conditioning system includes the following steps:

[0047] S101, when a mains power outage is detected, only the photovoltaic unit operates and the photovoltaic unit is powered solely by photovoltaic power;

[0048] S102, upon receiving a power curtailment command, power curtailment is applied to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on, and the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on is controlled according to the power curtailment command.

[0049] If no mains power is detected for a set period of time, the system considers the system to be in a mains power outage state. Non-PV units require mains power to start. When the mains power is off, non-PV units are power-off and cannot operate. In this case, the system will automatically exclude non-PV units from the system and automatically re-adjust. In other words, when a mains power outage is detected, non-PV units are disabled, and only PV units operate, powered solely by photovoltaics. This ensures reliable operation of the units during power outages, maximizes indoor temperature stability, and improves the user experience.

[0050] Power curtailment orders are used to indicate the target or demand for power curtailment, such as specifying the required change in mains power consumption or a target mains power consumption value. Upon receiving a power curtailment order, power is curtailed to non-PV units that are already in operation, reducing mains power consumption. Furthermore, the power supply method for PV units can be selected based on the order, for example, switching from mains power only or a combination of mains and PV power to PV power only, further reducing mains power consumption. Thus, under power curtailment conditions, while meeting the curtailment demand, the reliable operation of the units is ensured, maximizing the stability of indoor temperature and improving the user experience.

[0051] This embodiment is for a modular multi-split system that includes photovoltaic units. In the event of a power outage or power restriction, the reliable operation of the units can be ensured by controlling the units, maximizing the stability of the indoor temperature and improving the user experience.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method of limiting power to non-PV units that are already in operation and controlling the power supply mode of the PV units that are already in operation according to the power limiting command includes: determining the required change value of mains power consumption according to the power limiting command; when the required change value of mains power consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold, limiting power to the non-PV units that are already in operation, and controlling the power supply mode of the PV units that are already in operation to remain unchanged; when the required change value of mains power consumption is greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold, limiting power to the non-PV units that are already in operation, and controlling the PV units that are already in operation to be powered only by photovoltaic power; when the required change value of mains power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the non-PV units do not operate, only the PV units operate, and the PV units are powered only by photovoltaic power.

[0053] Among them, the power rationing order can directly indicate the required change in mains power consumption (i.e., the amount of power that needs to be reduced); or it can indicate the required target value of mains power consumption. In this case, the required change in mains power consumption can be calculated based on the mains power consumption at the time the power rationing order is received and the target value of mains power consumption.

[0054] The required change in mains power consumption can be represented by a ratio (also known as a percentage) or a difference. For example, the change in mains power consumption is ab, where a represents the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received, and b represents the target value of mains power consumption. Another example is the change in mains power consumption as (ab) / a.

[0055] The change in required mains electricity consumption can characterize the extent of power rationing (i.e., the degree of power rationing). The smaller the change in required mains electricity consumption, the less power rationing there is; the larger the change in required mains electricity consumption, the more power rationing there is.

[0056] The first and second thresholds can be preset according to actual needs. These thresholds can be used to define different power rationing levels, allowing for different rationing measures to be implemented to meet power demand without affecting user experience. The first and second thresholds can also be in the form of a ratio or difference, consistent with the required change in mains power consumption. For example, using a ratio, the first threshold could be 10%, and the second threshold 40%.

[0057] When the change in required grid power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, it indicates minimal power curtailment, and power curtailment can be applied only to non-PV units. PV units, regardless of their current power supply method (grid-only, PV-only, or a combination of grid and PV power), remain unchanged. When the change in required grid power consumption is greater than the first threshold but less than the second threshold, power curtailment is applied to non-PV units, and PV units are powered solely by PV power. This reduces grid power consumption through the combined efforts of non-PV and PV units. When the change in required grid power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates significant power curtailment. In this case, non-PV units are not operating, only PV units are operating, and these PV units are powered solely by PV power, i.e., grid power is not used.

[0058] This implementation determines the required change in mains power consumption based on the power rationing order, judges the power rationing level range where the required change in mains power consumption falls based on the first threshold and the second threshold, and takes power rationing measures corresponding to the power rationing level range to meet the power rationing demand, reduce the impact on users, and not affect the user experience.

[0059] Specifically, power curtailment is applied to the non-PV units that are already in operation, including: reducing the power consumption of the non-PV units; calculating the current mains power consumption of the modular multi-split system after a preset time; determining whether the required mains power consumption change value or the target mains power consumption value is met based on the current mains power consumption and the mains power consumption at the time the power curtailment command is received; if not, it means that the current mains power consumption is still too high, and the power consumption of the non-PV units that are already in operation will continue to be reduced; if yes, it means that the power curtailment requirements have been met, and the non-PV units that are already in operation will be controlled to operate according to the parameters corresponding to the current power consumption.

[0060] One way to reduce power consumption is to decrease the operating capacity of the generating units, for example, by reducing compressor frequency or fan speed. The preset time can be set according to actual needs. For example, the total target operating capacity of non-photovoltaic units can be reduced by p% every preset time interval.

[0061] This implementation method periodically reduces the power consumption of non-photovoltaic units, thereby enabling simple, fast, and reliable power curtailment to meet power curtailment requirements.

[0062] Specifically, the following steps can be used to determine whether the required change in mains electricity consumption is met:

[0063] (1) Difference. Calculate the difference between the current mains power consumption and the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received, and denote it as c. If c is less than the required change in mains power consumption, it is determined that the required change in mains power consumption has not been met; if c is greater than or equal to the required change in mains power consumption, it is determined that the required change in mains power consumption has been met.

[0064] (2) Ratio. Calculate the difference between the current mains power consumption and the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received. Then calculate the ratio of this difference to the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received, and denot it as d. If d is less than the required change in mains power consumption, it is determined that the required change in mains power consumption has not been met. If d is greater than or equal to the required change in mains power consumption, it is determined that the required change in mains power consumption has been met.

[0065] Specifically, the following steps can be used to determine whether the target value for mains electricity consumption has been reached: compare the current mains electricity consumption with the target value; if the current mains electricity consumption is greater than the target value, then it is determined that the target value has not been reached; if the current mains electricity consumption is less than or equal to the required change in mains electricity consumption, then it is determined that the target value has been reached.

[0066] In one implementation, when the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold, if the non-PV units that have been activated have reached their minimum output after power curtailment but still do not meet the required change in mains power consumption or have not reached the target value for mains power consumption, then the activated PV units will be controlled to be powered solely by PV. This implementation, when the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, controls the units based on their actual operating conditions to further reduce mains power consumption, thereby ensuring that power curtailment requirements are met.

[0067] In one implementation, when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than a first threshold but less than a second threshold, if the non-PV units that have been activated have reached their minimum output after power curtailment but still do not meet the required change in mains power consumption or have not reached the target value for mains power consumption, then the activated non-PV units are shut down; that is, the non-PV units are forcibly stopped from operating. This implementation, when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than the first threshold but less than the second threshold, controls the units based on their actual operating conditions to further reduce mains power consumption, thereby ensuring that power curtailment requirements are met.

[0068] In actual operation, some outdoor units of a modular multi-split air conditioning system may be in standby mode. After a certain period of operation, the standby outdoor units will restart, while the outdoor units that are turned on will stop operating. For example, a modular multi-split air conditioning system includes two units, A and B. A is turned on and B is turned off. After a period of time, B is turned on and A is turned off. This process is called module rotation.

[0069] During power curtailment of non-PV units that are already in operation, and during periods when non-PV units are not running, the non-PV units do not participate in the overall system's outdoor unit rotation control. During power curtailment, the rotation of non-PV units must be restricted; otherwise, increased power consumption will occur when a non-PV unit is rotated to operation. Therefore, during power curtailment of non-PV units, they do not participate in the overall system's rotation, thus avoiding increased grid power consumption.

[0070] To avoid system overload, priorities can be pre-set for all indoor units. Upon detecting a mains power outage and / or receiving a power curtailment command, the following steps are also taken: assuming all photovoltaic units are already running, calculate the ratio of the total capacity of currently active indoor units to the total capacity of active outdoor units in the modular multi-split system, obtaining the current operating ratio. If the operating ratio is less than or equal to a preset ratio, no restrictions are placed on active indoor units; if the operating ratio is greater than the preset ratio, lower-priority indoor units are shut down until the operating ratio is less than or equal to the preset ratio. The preset ratio can be pre-set according to actual needs; for example, a preset ratio of 1.35.

[0071] In the event of a power outage or power restriction, if all photovoltaic units are turned on and the operating ratio is greater than the preset ratio, it indicates that the current system load is too high. Since the power outage or power restriction cannot increase the capacity of non-photovoltaic units, the indoor units can be turned off to avoid system overload operation and ensure the reliability of system operation.

[0072] If the modular multi-split system only includes photovoltaic (PV) units, the control methods for the modular multi-split system include: when a mains power outage is detected, directly controlling the PV units that are already turned on to be powered only by PV; when a power curtailment command is received, directly controlling the PV units that are already turned on to be powered only by PV or reducing the mains power consumption of the PV units that are already turned on according to the power curtailment command.

[0073] This embodiment is for a modular multi-split air conditioning system that only contains photovoltaic units. In the event of a power outage or power restriction, the reliable operation of the photovoltaic units can be ensured by controlling the photovoltaic units, thereby maximizing the stability of the indoor temperature and improving the user experience.

[0074] In this case, the power grid electricity consumption of the photovoltaic (PV) units that have been turned on is reduced in accordance with the power curtailment order. Similar to the aforementioned power curtailment operation for non-PV units, the corresponding power curtailment measures are implemented according to the power curtailment level range. For example, when the required change in the amount of PV electricity consumption is less than the third threshold, the PV units’ PV electricity consumption is reduced; when the required change in the amount of PV electricity consumption is greater than the third threshold, the PV units are powered only by photovoltaic power, that is, they do not use PV electricity.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] This embodiment illustrates the control method of the modular multi-unit air conditioning system described above with a specific example. However, it is worth noting that this specific example is only for better illustration of this application and does not constitute an undue limitation of this application. The same or corresponding terminology as in the above embodiments will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0077] This embodiment applies to modular multi-split air conditioning systems that include photovoltaic (PV) units, specifically either PV modular multi-split systems or hybrid systems. After the modular multi-split system is installed, it can be determined whether there are PV units in the system, and VIP levels (i.e., priority) can be set for all indoor units in the system.

[0078] For hybrid systems, such as Figure 2 As shown, the following steps are included in the case of a mains power outage:

[0079] S201, Begin.

[0080] S202, determine whether the system contains photovoltaic units. If yes, proceed to S203; otherwise, proceed to S205.

[0081] S203, determine whether there has been no mains power for X consecutive minutes. If so, it is considered that the mains power is out and proceeds to S204. If not, continue to check whether the mains power is out.

[0082] S204, non-photovoltaic units are shielded, only photovoltaic units are operated, and the photovoltaic units are powered by photovoltaic electricity.

[0083] S205 operates according to the control logic of a conventional modular multi-unit system.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the following steps are included in response to regional power rationing:

[0085] S301, Begin.

[0086] S302, determine whether the system contains photovoltaic units. If yes, proceed to S303; otherwise, proceed to S305.

[0087] S303, the system received a power rationing command.

[0088] S304, in accordance with the power curtailment order, implements power curtailment for non-photovoltaic units and selects the power supply method for photovoltaic units.

[0089] S305 operates according to the control logic of a conventional modular multi-unit system.

[0090] For example, when the system receives a power curtailment command (power curtailment Y%), if Y ≤ Y1, only conventional generating units are subject to power curtailment, while the power supply mode of photovoltaic (PV) units remains unchanged; if Y1 < Y ​​< Y2, while conventional generating units are subject to power curtailment, PV units only use photovoltaic power; if Y ≥ Y2, conventional generating units do not operate, only PV units operate, and PV units only use photovoltaic power. Y1 is equivalent to the first threshold mentioned above, and Y2 is equivalent to the second threshold mentioned above.

[0091] The specific operation for power rationing of conventional generating units is as follows: the total target operating capacity of conventional generating units is reduced by p% every t minutes. At the end of each cycle, the current mains power consumption is calculated and compared with the mains power consumption when the power rationing instruction was received (i.e., the mains power consumption of the units before the power rationing), to obtain the change in mains power consumption value y. If y < Y, it means that the current mains power consumption is still too high, and the total target operating capacity of conventional generating units continues to decrease; if y ≥ Y, the conventional generating units operate according to the current parameters.

[0092] During power curtailment periods for conventional generating units, if reaching the unit's minimum output still fails to meet the current curtailment target, then photovoltaic (PV) generating units will be forced to use photovoltaic power (without grid power), or conventional generating units will be forced to shut down. For example: under the condition Y≤Y1, if a conventional generating unit reaches its minimum output, then the PV generating unit will be forced to use photovoltaic power; under the condition Y1<Y<Y2, if a conventional generating unit reaches its minimum output, then the conventional generating unit will be forced to shut down.

[0093] During power outages and power rationing operations, the system calculates the current operating ratio m (the ratio of the total capacity of indoor units to the total capacity of outdoor units). When m ≤ M1, no restrictions are placed on indoor units; when m > M1, indoor units with lower VIP levels are shut down until m ≤ M1. M1 is equivalent to the aforementioned preset ratio. This prevents the system from operating under overload and ensures system reliability.

[0094] During periods of power curtailment for non-photovoltaic units, it does not participate in the rotation control of the entire system.

[0095] For modular multi-split photovoltaic (PV) systems, when a mains power outage is detected, the system directly controls the already-operated PV units to operate solely on photovoltaic power. Upon receiving a power curtailment command, the system either directly controls the already-operated PV units to operate solely on photovoltaic power or reduces the mains power consumption of the already-operated PV units according to the power curtailment command. For example, when the required mains power consumption change is less than a third threshold, the mains power consumption of the PV units is reduced; when the required mains power consumption change is greater than the third threshold, the PV units operate solely on photovoltaic power, i.e., they do not use mains power.

[0096] This embodiment addresses a modular multi-split air conditioning system that includes photovoltaic units. In the event of a power outage or power restriction, the system can ensure reliable operation of the units through control, maximize the stability of indoor temperature, and improve the user experience. This solves the problem of poor user experience caused by shutdown of modular multi-split air conditioning systems in emergency situations such as power restrictions or outages in the prior art.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a control device for a modular multi-split air conditioning system, which can be used to implement the control method for the modular multi-split air conditioning system described in the above embodiments. This device can be implemented through software and / or hardware. The modular multi-split air conditioning system includes photovoltaic (PV) units and non-PV units, or the modular multi-split air conditioning system includes only PV units.

[0099] If the modular multi-split system includes photovoltaic units and non-photovoltaic units, such as Figure 4 As shown, the control device of this modular multi-unit system includes:

[0100] The first control module 41 is used to detect a mains power outage and operate only the photovoltaic unit, which is powered solely by photovoltaic power.

[0101] The second control module 42 is used to, upon receiving a power limiting command, limit the power supply to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on and control the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on.

[0102] Optionally, the second control module 42 includes:

[0103] The determining unit is used to determine the required change in mains power consumption based on the power restriction order;

[0104] The first control unit is used to limit the power supply to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on when the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold, and to control the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on to remain unchanged.

[0105] The second control unit is used to limit the power supply to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and to control the photovoltaic units that have been turned on to be powered only by photovoltaic power.

[0106] The third control unit is used to prevent the non-photovoltaic units from operating and to operate only the photovoltaic units when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the photovoltaic units are powered solely by photovoltaics.

[0107] Optionally, the first control unit and the second control unit are specifically used for:

[0108] Reduce the power consumption of the non-photovoltaic units that are already in operation;

[0109] After a preset time, calculate the current mains power consumption of the modular multi-split air conditioning system;

[0110] Based on the current mains power consumption and the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received, determine whether the required change value of mains power consumption is met or the target value of mains power consumption is reached.

[0111] If not, then return to continue reducing the power consumption of the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on;

[0112] If so, the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be controlled to operate according to the parameters corresponding to the current power consumption.

[0113] Optionally, the first control unit is further configured to: when the required change value of mains power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, if the non-photovoltaic unit that has been turned on has reached its minimum output after power curtailment, but still does not meet the required change value of mains power consumption or still has not reached the target value of mains power consumption, then control the photovoltaic unit that has been turned on to be powered only by photovoltaic power.

[0114] The second control unit is further configured to: when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, if the non-photovoltaic unit that has been turned on has reached its minimum output after power curtailment, but still does not meet the required change in mains power consumption or has not reached the target value of mains power consumption, then shut down the non-photovoltaic unit that has been turned on.

[0115] Optionally, during the power curtailment of the non-photovoltaic units that have already been activated and during the process of non-photovoltaic units not operating, the non-photovoltaic units do not participate in the outdoor unit rotation control of the entire system.

[0116] Optionally, the above-mentioned device further includes:

[0117] The calculation module is used to calculate the ratio of the total capacity of the currently operating indoor units to the total capacity of the currently operating outdoor units of the modular multi-split system after detecting a mains power outage and / or receiving a power curtailment command, assuming all photovoltaic units are already turned on, to obtain the current operating ratio.

[0118] The processing module is used to shut down the indoor units with lower priority if the power-on ratio is greater than a preset ratio, until the power-on ratio is less than or equal to the preset ratio.

[0119] If the modular multi-split air conditioning system only includes photovoltaic units, the control device for the modular multi-split air conditioning system includes:

[0120] The third control module is used to directly control the already turned-on photovoltaic units to be powered only by photovoltaic power when the mains power is detected to be out of service.

[0121] The fourth control module is used to, upon receiving a power curtailment command, directly control the already activated photovoltaic units to be powered solely by photovoltaic power, or reduce the mains power consumption of the already activated photovoltaic units according to the power curtailment command.

[0122] The control device for the modular multi-split air conditioning system described above can execute the control method for the modular multi-split air conditioning system provided in the embodiments of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the method. Technical details not described in detail in this embodiment can be found in the control method for the modular multi-split air conditioning system provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0123] Example 4

[0124] This embodiment provides a modular multi-unit air conditioning system, including: the control device for the modular multi-unit air conditioning system described in the above embodiment.

[0125] Example 5

[0126] This embodiment provides a computer device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method described in the above embodiment.

[0127] Example 6

[0128] This embodiment provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in the above embodiment.

[0129] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0130] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0131] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a modular multi-unit air conditioning system, characterized in that, The modular multi-split air conditioning system includes photovoltaic units and non-photovoltaic units, and the method includes: When a mains power outage is detected, only the photovoltaic (PV) unit operates and is powered solely by photovoltaics. Upon receiving a power curtailment order, power curtailment is applied to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on, and the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on is controlled in accordance with the power curtailment order. According to the power curtailment order, power curtailment is applied to non-PV units that are already in operation, and the power supply mode of the PV units that are already in operation is controlled, including: The required change in mains power consumption is determined based on the power rationing order; When the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, power is limited to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on, and the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on remains unchanged. When the required change in mains power consumption is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, power is restricted for the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on, and the photovoltaic units that have been turned on are controlled to be powered only by photovoltaic power. When the required change in mains power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the non-photovoltaic units do not operate, only the photovoltaic units operate, and the photovoltaic units are powered solely by photovoltaics.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Power curtailment of the non-photovoltaic units that have already been turned on includes: Reduce the power consumption of the non-photovoltaic units that are already in operation; After a preset time, calculate the current mains power consumption of the modular multi-split air conditioning system; Based on the current mains power consumption and the mains power consumption when the power restriction order is received, determine whether the required change value of mains power consumption is met or the target value of mains power consumption is reached. If not, then return to continue reducing the power consumption of the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on; If so, the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be controlled to operate according to the parameters corresponding to the current power consumption.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to the first threshold, if the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on have reached their minimum output after power curtailment, but still do not meet the required change in mains power consumption or have not reached the target value of mains power consumption, then the photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be controlled to be powered only by photovoltaic power. When the required change in mains power consumption is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, if the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on have reached their minimum output after power curtailment, but still do not meet the required change in mains power consumption or have not reached the target value for mains power consumption, then the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on will be shut down.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the power curtailment and shutdown of the non-photovoltaic units that have already been activated, the non-photovoltaic units do not participate in the outdoor unit rotation control of the entire system.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, After detecting a mains power outage and / or receiving a power rationing command, the following is also included: With all photovoltaic units turned on, calculate the ratio of the total capacity of the currently activated indoor units to the total capacity of the currently activated outdoor units in the modular multi-split system to obtain the current activation ratio; If the power-on ratio is greater than a preset ratio, the indoor units with lower priority are shut down until the power-on ratio is less than or equal to the preset ratio.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, If the modular multi-split system only includes photovoltaic (PV) units, when a mains power outage is detected, the system directly controls the already activated PV units to be powered solely by PV power; when a power curtailment command is received, the system directly controls the already activated PV units to be powered solely by PV power or reduces the mains power consumption of the already activated PV units according to the power curtailment command.

7. A control device for a modular multi-unit air conditioning system, characterized in that, The modular multi-split air conditioning system includes photovoltaic units and non-photovoltaic units, and the device includes: The first control module is used to detect a mains power outage and operate only the photovoltaic unit, which is powered solely by photovoltaics. The second control module is used to, upon receiving a power curtailment command, curtail power to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on and control the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on, according to the power curtailment command. The second control module includes: The determining unit is used to determine the required change in mains power consumption based on the power restriction order; The first control unit is used to limit the power supply to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on when the required change in mains power consumption is less than or equal to a first threshold, and to control the power supply mode of the photovoltaic units that have been turned on to remain unchanged. The second control unit is used to limit the power supply to the non-photovoltaic units that have been turned on when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, and to control the photovoltaic units that have been turned on to be powered only by photovoltaic power. The third control unit is used to prevent the non-photovoltaic units from operating and to operate only the photovoltaic units when the required change in mains power consumption is greater than or equal to the second threshold, and the photovoltaic units are powered solely by photovoltaics.

8. A modular multi-unit system, characterized in that, include: The control device for the modular multi-unit system as described in claim 7.

9. A computer device, comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images