Surface condenser control method and device and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a surface cooler control method and device and an air conditioner. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining the running condition and running parameters of the air conditioner; the running condition comprises heating operation and refrigeration operation, and the running parameters comprise the surface cooler cold water inlet temperature, the surface cooler hot water inlet temperature, the surface cooler outlet water temperature, the outlet temperature of the drain pump, the outlet air temperature, the indoor environment temperature and the water level switch state parameter; judging whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault according to the running condition, the running parameters and the preset temperature threshold; and replacing the surface cooler if the surface cooler has the leakage fault. In the control method, multiple temperature values and the water level switch state parameter are detected, and whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault is accurately judged according to the running condition of the air conditioner, the multiple temperature values and the water level switch state parameter, so that the surface cooler can be replaced in time when the surface cooler has a leakage fault, and the excessive water flow of the air conditioner into the user's home is avoided, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, air conditioners achieve cooling and heating effects through heat exchange between air and the cooling / heating medium inside the cooling coil. Due to the temperature difference, condensation easily forms on the surface of the cooling coil, which is typically drained through a drainage system. While existing solutions mostly detect malfunctions in the drainage system to ensure effective drainage, they do not consider leaks in the cooling coil itself. Leaks in the cooling coil will cause excessive water to flow into the user's home, resulting in a poor user experience. Therefore, how to detect leaks in the cooling coil is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a surface cooler control method, device and air conditioner to alleviate the above problems. Based on the operating conditions of the air conditioner, multiple temperature values ​​and water level switch status parameters, it can accurately determine whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault, so that the surface cooler can be replaced in time when a leakage fault occurs, thereby avoiding excessive water flow from the air conditioner into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a surface cooler control method applied to an air conditioner. The method includes: acquiring the operating conditions and operating parameters of the air conditioner; wherein the operating conditions include heating operation and cooling operation, and the operating parameters include: the cold water inlet temperature of the surface cooler, the hot water inlet temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet temperature of the drain pump, the outlet air temperature, the indoor ambient temperature, and the status parameters of the water level switch; determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters, and a preset temperature threshold; if so, replacing the surface cooler.

[0005] The aforementioned surface cooler control method detects multiple temperature values ​​and water level switch status parameters, and accurately determines whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the air conditioner's operating conditions and these parameters. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler when a leakage fault occurs, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0006] Preferably, the temperature thresholds include a first temperature threshold, a second temperature threshold, and a third temperature threshold, wherein the first temperature threshold < the second temperature threshold < the third temperature threshold; the water level switch status parameters include an open state and a non-open state, wherein the open state indicates that the water in the receiving pan is full, and the non-open state indicates that the water in the receiving pan is not full; the step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters, and preset temperature thresholds includes: when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is non-open, determining whether the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the sum of the outlet air temperature and the second temperature threshold, and whether this continues for a first preset time; and whether the surface cooler outlet water temperature is not less than the sum of the surface cooler cold water inlet temperature and the second temperature threshold; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0007] Preferably, the fan coil unit of the air conditioner is equipped with a water inlet valve. The method further includes: when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the open state, controlling the water inlet valve to open, and determining whether the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold; if not, determining that the drain pump of the air conditioner has malfunctioned.

[0008] Preferably, the method further includes: if the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold, controlling the drain pump to continue operating; and if the water level switch status parameter is still in the off state when the continued operation time reaches the second preset time, determining that the inlet valve has malfunctioned.

[0009] Preferably, the step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds further includes: when the operating condition is heating, determining whether the indoor ambient temperature is less than the difference between the outlet air temperature and the third temperature threshold; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0010] Preferably, the step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds further includes: when the operating condition is heating operation, determining whether the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler is not greater than the difference between the hot water inlet temperature of the surface cooler and the second temperature threshold, and whether the duration reaches a third preset duration; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0011] Preferably, the step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds further includes: when the operating condition is heating operation, determining whether the water level switch status parameter is in the open state; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a surface cooler control device applied to an air conditioner. The device includes: an acquisition module for acquiring the operating conditions and operating parameters of the air conditioner; wherein the operating conditions include heating operation and cooling operation, and the operating parameters include: the surface cooler chilled water inlet temperature, the surface cooler hot water inlet temperature, the surface cooler outlet water temperature, the drain pump outlet temperature, the outlet air temperature, the indoor ambient temperature, and water level switch status parameters; a judgment module for determining whether a leakage fault has occurred in the surface cooler based on the operating conditions, operating parameters, and a preset temperature threshold; and a replacement module for replacing the surface cooler if a leakage fault occurs.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an air conditioner, 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 surface cooler control method of the first aspect described above.

[0014] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the surface cooler control method of the first aspect described above.

[0015] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects:

[0016] This invention provides a surface cooler control method, device, and air conditioner. By detecting multiple temperature values ​​and water level switch status parameters, and based on the air conditioner's operating conditions and these parameters, it accurately determines whether the surface cooler is leaking. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler when a leak occurs, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A flowchart of a surface cooler control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fan coil unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 A flowchart of another surface cooler control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 A flowchart of another surface cooler control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a surface cooler control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the surface cooler control method provided by this invention will first be described in detail below. This method is applied to air conditioners, such as… Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner includes, but is not limited to: a user hot water tank 111, a user cold water tank 112, a water-side heat exchanger 113, a water pump 114, a compressor 115, a four-way valve 116, an electronic expansion valve 117, a condenser 118, a gas-liquid separator 119, fan blades 120, and fan coil units 121. The number of fan coil units 121 is multiple; this example uses three, and the multiple fan coil units 121 are connected in parallel. In practical applications, the number of fan coil units 121 can be adapted to the actual situation. Furthermore, a water supply valve 122 is provided at each fan coil unit 121. The specific structure of the air conditioner can be referenced from existing air conditioners; the embodiments of this invention will not be described in detail here.

[0029] In addition, the aforementioned air conditioner also includes a controller (not shown) and a temperature detection device. The temperature detection device is used to detect multiple temperature values, including but not limited to the chilled water inlet temperature of the surface cooler, the hot water inlet temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet temperature of the drain pump, the outlet air temperature, and the indoor ambient temperature. The controller acquires the multiple temperature values ​​collected by the temperature detection device and accurately determines whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, the multiple temperature values, and the water level switch status parameters. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler when a leakage fault occurs, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0030] Example 1:

[0031] Based on the above-described air conditioner, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling the surface cooler, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0032] Step S202: Obtain the operating conditions and operating parameters of the air conditioner;

[0033] The operating conditions include heating and cooling operation, and the operating parameters include: the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler (Tcin), the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler (Thin), the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler (Tout), the outlet temperature of the drain pump (Tp), the outlet air temperature (Tc), the indoor ambient temperature (Tao), and the status parameters of the water level switch.

[0034] Specifically, for each fan coil unit 121, such as Figure 3 As shown, it includes, but is not limited to: a fan coil unit cold water inlet 31, a fan coil unit hot water inlet 32, a fan coil unit outlet 33, a water receiving tray 34, a drain pump 35, a water level switch 36, and a first inlet valve 371 installed at the fan coil unit cold water inlet 31 and a second inlet valve 372 installed at the fan coil unit hot water inlet 32; in addition, a surface cooler (not shown) is also installed in the fan coil unit 121, and the surface cooler is installed in the water receiving trough of the water receiving tray 34.

[0035] Therefore, in the aforementioned fan coil unit 121, the temperature detection device is preferably a temperature sensor or a temperature sensing bulb. For ease of explanation, a temperature sensor is used as an example here. Specifically, the temperature sensor includes, but is not limited to: a first temperature sensor 381, a second temperature sensor 382, ​​a third temperature sensor 383, a fourth temperature sensor 384, and a fifth temperature sensor 385; wherein, the first temperature sensor 381 is used to detect the cold water inlet temperature Tcin of the surface cooler, the second temperature sensor 382 is used to detect the hot water inlet temperature Thin of the surface cooler, the third temperature sensor 383 is used to detect the water outlet temperature Tout of the surface cooler, the fourth temperature sensor 384 is used to detect the air outlet temperature Tc, and the fifth temperature sensor 385 is used to detect the drain pump outlet temperature Tp.

[0036] In addition, the temperature sensor also includes a sixth temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the indoor ambient temperature Tao at the location of the air conditioner. The sixth temperature sensor can be set on the air conditioner or at any location in the room where the air conditioner is located, and it is connected in communication with the controller of the air conditioner. The specific location of the sixth temperature sensor can be set adaptively according to the actual situation.

[0037] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fan coil unit 121, the water level switch 36 is used to detect the condensate level in the drip tray 34. For example, when the drip tray 34 is full, the water level switch 36 is in the off state; conversely, when the drip tray 34 is not full, the water level switch 36 is in the on state. Therefore, the controller also acquires the water level switch status parameters of the water level switch 36 and determines whether the drip tray 34 is full based on the water level switch status parameters. At the same time, combined with the operating conditions of the air conditioner and multiple temperature values, it accurately determines whether the surface cooler has a water leakage fault, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home due to the air conditioner's surface cooler failure and improving the user experience.

[0038] Step S204: Determine whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature threshold.

[0039] Specifically, the controller accurately determines whether the surface cooler is leaking based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, operating parameters, and preset temperature thresholds, in order to prevent excessive water from flowing into the user's home due to a surface cooler malfunction, thus improving the user experience.

[0040] Step S206: If yes, replace the surface cooler.

[0041] Specifically, when the surface cooler leaks, the controller generates a prompt message to remind the user or maintenance personnel to replace the surface cooler in a timely manner, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home due to the air conditioner leaking water, and improving the user experience.

[0042] The surface cooler control method provided in this invention detects multiple temperature values ​​and water level switch status parameters, and accurately determines whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, multiple temperature values, and water level switch status parameters. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler when a leakage fault occurs, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0043] In one embodiment, the aforementioned temperature thresholds include a first temperature threshold, a second temperature threshold, and a third temperature threshold, wherein the first temperature threshold < the second temperature threshold < the third temperature threshold; preferably, the first temperature threshold is 2°C, the second temperature threshold is 5°C, and the third temperature threshold is 10°C. The specific values ​​of the first, second, and third temperature thresholds can be adaptively adjusted according to actual conditions. Furthermore, the water level switch status parameters include an open state and a non-open state, wherein the open state indicates that the water in the receiving tray is full, and the non-open state indicates that the water in the receiving tray is not full.

[0044] The process of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters, and preset temperature thresholds includes: when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the non-disconnected state, determining whether the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the sum of the outlet air temperature and the second temperature threshold, and whether it continues to reach the first preset duration; and whether the surface cooler outlet water temperature is not less than the sum of the surface cooler cold water inlet temperature and the second temperature threshold; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0045] Specifically, when the air conditioner is running in cooling mode, if the water level switch status parameter is in the non-disconnected state, it indicates that the water in the water tray is not full. At this time, if the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the sum of the outlet air temperature and the second temperature threshold, and continues to reach the first preset time, and if the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler is not less than the sum of the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the second temperature threshold, wherein the first preset time is preferably 10 minutes; that is, when Tao > Tc + 5℃ and continues for 10 minutes, and Tout ≥ Tcin + 5℃, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0046] Under normal cooling conditions, the difference between the indoor ambient temperature Tao and the outlet air temperature Tc is generally within 5℃. If Tao - Tc > 5℃, it indicates that the surface cooler has no heat exchange effect or a low heat exchange effect, and there is a risk of leakage. If the difference between Tao and Tc exceeds 5℃ for 10 minutes, it indicates that the air conditioner is abnormal and the surface cooler may have a leakage fault. Furthermore, under normal flow conditions, the temperature difference between the outlet water and the inlet water of the surface cooler is within 5°C. If it exceeds 5°C, it indicates that the water flow is too low and the surface cooler may be leaking. Therefore, when Tao > Tc + 5°C for 10 minutes and Tout ≥ Tcin + 5°C, the surface cooler is determined to have a leak. Compared with the method of judging whether the surface cooler has leaked based solely on the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the outlet air temperature or the temperature difference between the outlet water and the inlet water of the surface cooler, this embodiment of the invention uses the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the outlet air temperature, the temperature difference between the outlet water and the inlet water of the surface cooler, and a second temperature threshold to jointly judge whether the surface cooler has leaked, thus improving the accuracy of the surface cooler fault determination.

[0047] In one embodiment, the fan coil unit of the air conditioner is provided with a water inlet valve, which includes a first water inlet valve 371 and a second water inlet valve 372. The method further includes: when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the off state, controlling the water inlet valve to open, and determining whether the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold; if not, determining that the drain pump of the air conditioner has malfunctioned.

[0048] Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, if the water level switch is in the off state, that is, the water tray is full, in order to prevent the air conditioner from overflowing, the air conditioner controls the water inlet valve to open and determines whether the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold, that is, to determine that Tp < Tout + 2℃. If Tp ≥ Tout + 2℃, then the drain pump of the air conditioner is determined to be faulty.

[0049] In practical applications, the water in the drip tray is condensate generated on the surface of the surface cooler. When the low-temperature inlet water exchanges heat with the air and absorbs heat, the water vapor in the air turns into water droplets, which adhere to the pipe surface and drip down. Under normal circumstances, the temperature of the condensate is between the inlet water temperature Tcin and the outlet water temperature Tout of the surface cooler. It exchanges heat with the air in the drip tray and becomes hotter. Experiments have verified that when the drip tray is full of condensate, the outlet temperature of the drain pump Tp is less than the outlet water temperature Tout + 2℃. Therefore, when Tp ≥ Tout + 2℃, it indicates that the water in the drip tray has not been drained and continues to exchange heat with the air. This indicates that the drain pump of the air conditioner has malfunctioned. At this time, the controller will shut down the air conditioner and replace the drain pump.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method further includes: if the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and a first temperature threshold, controlling the drain pump to continue operating; and if the water level switch status parameter is still in the off state when the continued operation time reaches a second preset time, determining that the inlet valve has malfunctioned.

[0051] Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode and the water level switch status parameter is in the open state, if Tp < Tout + 2℃, the drain pump will continue to run. When the running time reaches a second preset duration (e.g., 30 minutes), the water level switch status parameter will be retrieved. If the water level switch status parameter is still in the open state, meaning the water level switch open fault has not been resolved, the controller will determine that the inlet valve has malfunctioned and generate overflow protection information to prompt the user to inspect the inlet valve. Furthermore, if the water level switch status parameter is in the non-open state after the second preset running time, meaning the water level switch open fault has been resolved, the air conditioner will restart.

[0052] Therefore, based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, multiple temperature values, and water level switch status parameters, the controller can not only accurately determine whether the cooling coil is leaking, allowing for timely replacement when a leak occurs, but also accurately determine whether other abnormal faults have occurred in the air conditioner, such as drain pump failure or inlet valve failure. This allows users or maintenance personnel to perform precise repairs based on the specific abnormal faults, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0053] In one embodiment, the process of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds further includes: when the operating condition is heating, determining whether the indoor ambient temperature is less than the difference between the outlet air temperature and the third temperature threshold; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0054] Specifically, under normal heating conditions, the difference between the air outlet temperature Tc and the indoor ambient temperature Tao of an air conditioner should be within 10℃. If the difference exceeds 10℃, it indicates that the surface cooler has no heat exchange effect or a low heat exchange effect, posing a risk of leakage. Therefore, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, if Tao < Tc - 10℃, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault and needs to be replaced in time. This avoids excessive water flowing into the user's home due to the surface cooler leakage fault during the air conditioner's heating operation, thus improving the user experience.

[0055] In one embodiment, the process of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds further includes: when the operating condition is heating operation, determining whether the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler is not greater than the difference between the hot water inlet temperature of the surface cooler and the second temperature threshold, and whether the duration reaches a third preset duration; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0056] Specifically, under normal flow conditions, the temperature difference between the outlet water and the inlet water of the surface cooler is within 5°C. If it exceeds 5°C, it indicates that the water flow is small and the surface cooler may be blocked or leaking. Based on this, the embodiment of the present invention also sets a third preset time, which is preferably 10 minutes. That is, when the water flow is small for 10 minutes, it indicates that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0057] Therefore, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, if Tout ≤ Thin - 5℃ and this temperature remains for 10 minutes, it is determined that the cooling coil has a leakage fault and needs to be replaced in time. This avoids excessive water flowing into the user's home due to the cooling coil leakage fault during the air conditioner's heating operation, thus improving the user experience.

[0058] In one embodiment, the process of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds further includes: when the operating condition is heating, determining whether the water level switch status parameter is in the open state; if so, determining that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0059] Specifically, during the heating operation of an air conditioner, since the surface cooler does not produce condensate, if the water level switch is in the open state, it indicates that the water tray is full, which means that the surface cooler is leaking. This indicates that the surface cooler has a leaking fault and needs to be replaced in time. This prevents excessive water from flowing into the user's home due to the surface cooler leaking fault during the heating operation of the air conditioner, thus improving the user experience.

[0060] In summary, the surface cooler control method provided in this embodiment of the invention can accurately determine whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, multiple temperature values, and water level switch status parameters. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler when a leakage fault occurs. Furthermore, it can accurately determine whether other abnormal faults have occurred in the air conditioner, such as drain pump failure or inlet valve failure. This enables users or maintenance personnel to perform precise repairs based on the specific abnormal fault, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0061] Example 2:

[0062] Based on the above method embodiments, this invention also provides another surface cooler control method, which focuses on accurately determining abnormal faults in the air conditioner during cooling operation. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0063] Step S402: The air conditioner begins cooling operation;

[0064] Step S404: Check if the water level switch is open; if not, it indicates that the water in the receiving tray is not full and proceed to step S406; if yes, it indicates that the water in the receiving tray is full and proceed to step S410.

[0065] Step S406: Determine whether the following conditions are met: Tao > Tc + 5℃ for 10 minutes and Tout ≥ Tcin + 5℃; if yes, proceed to step S408; if no, return to step S404.

[0066] Step S408: The surface cooler has a leakage fault and needs to be replaced.

[0067] Step S410: Control the water inlet valve to disconnect;

[0068] Step S412: Determine whether the following condition is met: Tp < Tout + 2℃; if not, proceed to step S414; if yes, proceed to step S416.

[0069] Step S414: The drain pump malfunctions and needs to be replaced.

[0070] Step S416: Control the drainage pump to continue running;

[0071] Step S418: After running for 30 minutes, determine whether the water level switch disconnection fault has not been resolved; if yes, proceed to step S420; if no, proceed to step S422.

[0072] Step S420: Report overflow protection and inspect the inlet valve;

[0073] Step S422: Control the air conditioner to restart.

[0074] It should be noted that the above steps can be referred to the foregoing embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention will not be described in detail here.

[0075] Therefore, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the controller can accurately determine whether the surface cooler is leaking based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, multiple temperature values, and the status of the water level switch. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler in case of a leak. The controller can also accurately determine whether other abnormal faults have occurred in the air conditioner, such as a drain pump malfunction or a water inlet valve malfunction. This allows users or maintenance personnel to perform precise repairs based on the specific abnormal faults, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0076] Example 3:

[0077] Based on the above method embodiments, this invention also provides another surface cooler control method, which focuses on accurately determining leakage faults in the surface cooler of the air conditioner during heating operation. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0078] Step S502: The air conditioner starts heating mode;

[0079] Step S504: Check if any of the following conditions are met: ① Tao < Tc - 10℃; ② Tout ≤ Thin - 5℃ and last for 10 minutes; ③ Water level switch is off; If yes, proceed to step S506; otherwise, return to step S502.

[0080] In step S506, the inlet valve is disconnected, the drain pump is started, and it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault and needs to be replaced.

[0081] It should be noted that the above steps can be referred to the foregoing embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention will not be described in detail here.

[0082] Therefore, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the controller can accurately determine whether the surface cooler is leaking based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, multiple temperature values, and the status of the water level switch. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler in case of a leak, thus preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home due to a surface cooler malfunction and improving the user experience.

[0083] Example 4:

[0084] Corresponding to the above method embodiments, this invention also provides a surface cooler control device, applied to an air conditioner, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the device includes: an acquisition module 61, a judgment module 62, and a replacement module 63; wherein the functions of each module are as follows:

[0085] The acquisition module 61 is used to acquire the operating conditions and operating parameters of the air conditioner; the operating conditions include heating operation and cooling operation, and the operating parameters include: the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet temperature of the drain pump, the outlet air temperature, the indoor ambient temperature, and the status parameters of the water level switch.

[0086] The judgment module 62 is used to determine whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, operating parameters and preset temperature thresholds.

[0087] Replace module 63, which is used to replace the surface cooler if necessary.

[0088] The surface cooler control device provided in this embodiment of the invention detects multiple temperature values ​​and water level switch status parameters, and accurately determines whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the air conditioner's operating conditions, multiple temperature values, and water level switch status parameters. This allows for timely replacement of the surface cooler when a leakage fault occurs, thereby preventing excessive water from flowing into the user's home and improving the user experience.

[0089] Preferably, the temperature thresholds include a first temperature threshold, a second temperature threshold, and a third temperature threshold, and the first temperature threshold < the second temperature threshold < the third temperature threshold; the water level switch status parameters include an open state and a non-open state, wherein the open state is used to indicate that the water in the water tray is full, and the non-open state is used to indicate that the water in the water tray is not full; the judgment module 62 is further used to: when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is non-open, determine whether the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the sum of the outlet air temperature and the second temperature threshold, and continues to reach a first preset time; and whether the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler is not less than the sum of the cold water inlet temperature of the surface cooler and the second temperature threshold; if so, determine that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0090] Preferably, the fan coil unit of the air conditioner is equipped with a water inlet valve. The device further includes: when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the open state, controlling the water inlet valve to open, and determining whether the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold; if not, determining that the drain pump of the air conditioner has malfunctioned.

[0091] Preferably, the device further includes: if the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold, controlling the drain pump to continue operating; and if the water level switch status parameter is still in the open state when the continued operation time reaches the second preset time, determining that the inlet valve has malfunctioned.

[0092] Preferably, the judgment module 62 is further configured to: when the operating condition is heating, determine whether the indoor ambient temperature is less than the difference between the outlet air temperature and the third temperature threshold; if so, determine that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0093] Preferably, the judgment module 62 is further configured to: when the operating condition is heating operation, determine whether the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler is not greater than the difference between the hot water inlet temperature of the surface cooler and the second temperature threshold, and whether the duration reaches a third preset duration; if so, determine that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0094] Preferably, the judgment module 62 is further used to: when the operating condition is heating, determine whether the water level switch status parameter is in the off state; if so, determine that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

[0095] The surface cooler control device provided in this embodiment of the invention has the same technical features as the surface cooler control method provided in the above embodiments, so it can also solve the same technical problems and achieve the same technical effects.

[0096] This invention also provides an air conditioner, including a processor and a memory. The memory stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor, and the processor executes the machine-executable instructions to implement the above-described surface cooler control method.

[0097] See Figure 7 As shown, the air conditioner includes a processor 100 and a memory 101. The memory 101 stores machine-executable instructions that can be executed by the processor 100. The processor 100 executes the machine-executable instructions to implement the above-described surface cooler control method.

[0098] Furthermore, Figure 7 The air conditioner shown also includes a bus 102 and a communication interface 103. The processor 100, the communication interface 103 and the memory 101 are connected via the bus 102.

[0099] The memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Communication between this system network element and at least one other network element is achieved through at least one communication interface 103 (which can be wired or wireless), such as the Internet, wide area network, local area network, or metropolitan area network. The bus 102 may be an ISA (Industrial Standard Architecture) bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, or an EISA (Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture) bus. These buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, and control buses. For ease of representation, Figure 7 The symbol is represented by a single double-headed arrow, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0100] Processor 100 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of processor 100 or by instructions in software form. Processor 100 may be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc.; it may also be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this invention. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this invention can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can reside in a readily available storage medium in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory 101, and the processor 100 reads the information from memory 101 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the method described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0101] This embodiment also provides a machine-readable storage medium storing machine-executable instructions. When the machine-executable instructions are called and executed by the processor, the machine-executable instructions cause the processor to implement the above-described surface cooler control method.

[0102] The computer program product for the surface cooler control method, apparatus, and air conditioner provided in the embodiments of the present invention includes a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. For specific implementation, please refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0103] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0104] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0105] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a processor-executable, non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0106] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0107] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, 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, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a surface cooler, characterized in that, Applied to air conditioners, the method includes: The operating conditions and operating parameters of the air conditioner are obtained; wherein, the operating conditions include heating operation and cooling operation, and the operating parameters include: the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet temperature of the drain pump, the outlet air temperature, the indoor ambient temperature, and the status parameters of the water level switch. Based on the operating conditions, operating parameters, and preset temperature thresholds, it is determined whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault; wherein, the temperature thresholds include a first temperature threshold, a second temperature threshold, and a third temperature threshold, and the first temperature threshold < the second temperature threshold < the third temperature threshold; the water level switch status parameters include an open state and a non-open state, wherein the open state indicates that the water in the water tray is full, and the non-open state indicates that the water in the water tray is not full; when the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the non-open state, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the sum of the outlet air temperature and the second temperature threshold, and continues to reach a first preset duration; and whether the surface cooler outlet water temperature is not less than the sum of the surface cooler cold water inlet temperature and the second temperature threshold; if so, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault; If so, replace the surface cooler.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner's fan coil unit is equipped with a water inlet valve, and the method further includes: When the operating condition is the refrigeration operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the open state, the inlet valve is controlled to open, and it is determined whether the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold. If not, the drain pump of the air conditioner is determined to be faulty.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the outlet temperature of the drain pump is less than the sum of the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler and the first temperature threshold, the drain pump is controlled to continue running; and if the water level switch status parameter is still in the open state when the running time reaches the second preset time, the water inlet valve is determined to have malfunctioned.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, the operating parameters, and the preset temperature threshold further includes: When the operating condition is heating operation, determine whether the indoor ambient temperature is less than the difference between the air outlet temperature and the third temperature threshold. If so, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, the operating parameters, and the preset temperature threshold further includes: When the operating condition is heating operation, it is determined whether the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler is not greater than the difference between the hot water inlet temperature of the surface cooler and the second temperature threshold, and the duration reaches the third preset duration. If so, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, the operating parameters, and the preset temperature threshold further includes: When the operating condition is heating operation, determine whether the water level switch status parameter is in the open state; If so, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault.

7. A surface cooler control device, characterized in that, The device, used in air conditioners, includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the operating conditions and operating parameters of the air conditioner; wherein, the operating conditions include heating operation and cooling operation, and the operating parameters include: the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the inlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet water temperature of the surface cooler, the outlet temperature of the drain pump, the outlet air temperature, the indoor ambient temperature, and the status parameters of the water level switch. The judgment module is used to determine whether the surface cooler has a leakage fault based on the operating conditions, the operating parameters, and the preset temperature thresholds. The temperature thresholds include a first temperature threshold, a second temperature threshold, and a third temperature threshold, where the first temperature threshold < the second temperature threshold < the third temperature threshold. The water level switch status parameters include an open state and a non-open state, where the open state indicates that the water in the receiving pan is full, and the non-open state indicates that the water in the receiving pan is not full. When the operating condition is cooling operation, if the water level switch status parameter is in the non-open state, it is determined whether the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the sum of the outlet air temperature and the second temperature threshold, and whether this continues for a first preset duration; and whether the surface cooler outlet water temperature is not less than the sum of the surface cooler chilled water inlet temperature and the second temperature threshold. If so, it is determined that the surface cooler has a leakage fault. The replacement module is used to replace the surface cooler if necessary.

8. An air conditioner, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the surface cooler control method according to any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the surface cooler control method according to any one of claims 1-6.

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