Control method of air conditioner, air conditioner and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of an air conditioner, the air conditioner and a computer readable storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a current state parameter of a second heat exchanger, the state parameter comprising at least one of an inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger and an evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger; determining a difference between a parameter value corresponding to an initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and a parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter; acquiring a running time length of a compressor; when the parameter value of the current state parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold value, or the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or the running time length is greater than or equal to a first preset time length, controlling the compressor to perform a shutdown operation. The method of the application can avoid the inaccurate problem of determining whether the air conditioner is cooled down by detecting the temperature of the cold storage tank or the temperature of the medium in the cold storage tank through a temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner control method, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the process of cold storage air conditioners, the temperature of the cold storage box or the temperature of the refrigerant (such as water) inside the cold storage box is often collected by a temperature sensor to determine whether the cold storage of the air conditioner has been completed. However, due to the large volume of the cold storage box or the possibility of uneven temperature of the refrigerant (i.e., medium) inside the cold storage box during the cold storage process, this method of determining whether the cold storage of the air conditioner has been completed is not accurate.

[0003] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solution of the present invention and does not represent an admission that the above content is related technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a control method for an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium, aiming to solve the problem that determining the completion of cold storage in an air conditioner by detecting the temperature of the cold storage box or the temperature of the medium inside the cold storage box using a temperature sensor is inaccurate.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a throttling device, a second heat exchanger, and a cold storage tank, wherein the second heat exchanger is disposed within the cold storage tank, and the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the throttling device, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected to form a refrigeration cycle loop; the control method for the air conditioner includes:

[0006] Obtain the current status parameters of the second heat exchanger, the status parameters including at least one of the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger and the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger;

[0007] Determine the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter;

[0008] Obtain the operating time of the compressor;

[0009] When the parameter value of the current state parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or when the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or when the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset duration, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation.

[0010] Optionally, the control method for the air conditioner also includes:

[0011] Determine whether the compressor needs to be shut down;

[0012] If it is determined that the compressor will perform a shutdown operation, the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration;

[0013] If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, the first preset duration is determined according to the third preset duration, wherein the second preset duration is greater than the third preset duration;

[0014] The step of controlling the compressor to perform a shutdown operation when the parameter value of the current state parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

[0015] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor is to perform a shutdown operation, after or simultaneously with the step of determining the first preset duration based on the second preset duration, the method further includes:

[0016] Obtain the cumulative downtime of the compressor;

[0017] The actual ice-making time is determined based on the running time and the cumulative downtime, wherein the running time is the cumulative running time of the compressor;

[0018] If the actual ice-making time is greater than or equal to the preset ice-making time, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation.

[0019] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor is to perform a shutdown operation, the step of determining the first preset duration based on the second preset duration includes:

[0020] If it is determined that the compressor performs a shutdown operation, obtain the duration of the compressor's operation;

[0021] When the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration, the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger are recorded, and the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration.

[0022] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor has performed a shutdown operation, after obtaining the step of the duration of compressor operation, the method further includes:

[0023] When the duration is less than the preset duration and the compressor start-up operation is detected, the runtime of the compressor is recorded, and the process returns to the step of determining whether the compressor should perform a shutdown operation.

[0024] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, the step of determining the first preset time based on the third preset time includes:

[0025] If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, determine whether the running time is greater than or equal to the fourth preset time.

[0026] When the runtime is greater than or equal to the fourth preset runtime, the first preset runtime is determined according to the third preset runtime, wherein the fourth preset runtime is less than the first preset runtime and the fourth preset runtime is less than the third preset runtime.

[0027] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, after determining whether the running time is greater than or equal to a fourth preset time, the method further includes:

[0028] The compressor continues to operate when the running time is less than the fourth preset time.

[0029] Optionally, the control method for the air conditioner also includes:

[0030] Get the current indoor ambient temperature;

[0031] When the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, the step of obtaining the current state parameters of the second heat exchanger is executed.

[0032] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: a memory, a processor, and a control program for the air conditioner stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the control program for the air conditioner is executed by the processor, it implements the various steps of the control method for the air conditioner as described above.

[0033] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for an air conditioner, wherein the control program for the air conditioner, when executed by the processor, implements the various steps of the control method for the air conditioner as described above.

[0034] The present invention proposes an air conditioner control method, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium. By determining the difference between the initial state parameters and the current state parameters of the second heat exchanger, the method determines whether the air conditioner has started heat exchange with the medium in the cold storage tank through the second heat exchanger since the compressor began operation, until the medium is completely frozen. The method also determines the range of change in the state parameters of the second heat exchanger, such as inlet temperature and / or evaporation pressure. This range is used to determine whether the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice formation and achieved cold storage through heat exchange. By limiting the difference to a preset value, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice formation, i.e., the medium in the cold storage tank is completely frozen, and the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice formation in the cold storage tank. Alternatively...

[0035] Based on the compressor's runtime, the system determines the time elapsed from compressor startup until the second heat exchanger exchanges heat with the medium in the cold storage tank, causing the medium to freeze. Based on this runtime, it determines whether the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange. If the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset time, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making, meaning all the medium in the cold storage tank has frozen. The compressor is then controlled to shut down to stop ice-making in the cold storage tank. Alternatively...

[0036] Based on the current state parameters of the second heat exchanger, such as the inlet temperature, the heat exchange capacity between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage box is determined. Since the freezing threshold of the medium remains unchanged, the lower the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the stronger the heat exchange capacity between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage box, and the faster the medium in the cold storage box completes complete freezing. By limiting the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger to less than or equal to a preset threshold, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage box has completed ice making, that is, the medium in the cold storage box has completed complete freezing. The compressor is then controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice making for the medium in the cold storage box.

[0037] The principle of determining the compressor's shutdown operation by using the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger in the state parameters is similar to the principle of determining the compressor's shutdown operation by using the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger in the state parameters, and will not be elaborated here.

[0038] Furthermore, by using the current state parameters to determine whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange, or by using the difference to determine whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange, or by using the running time to determine whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange, the inaccuracy of determining the completion of cold storage by detecting the temperature of the cold storage box or the temperature of the medium in the cold storage box can be avoided when the volume of the cold storage box is large or the temperature of the medium in the cold storage box is uneven. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner in the hardware operating environment of various embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a system diagram of an air conditioner;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an air conditioner;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sub-unit of an air conditioner;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the control method for an air conditioner according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the control method for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0046] label name label name 1 compressor 2 First heat exchanger 3 Throttling device 4 Second heat exchanger 5 Cold storage box 6 Circulating water pump 7 Third heat exchanger 8 Temperature sensor 9 Evaporation pressure sensor 100 Mother machine 200 Submachine 210 air inlet 220 Top air vent 230 Front air vent

[0047] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0048] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner in the hardware operating environment of various embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention.

[0050] The entity executing the air conditioner control method of the present invention can be an air conditioner.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner may include: a processor 101, a communication bus 102, and a memory 103. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 The structural block diagram of the air conditioner shown does not constitute a limitation on the terminal. The terminal may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements. The processor 101 is the control center of the air conditioner, the communication bus 102 is used to realize communication between the various components of the air conditioner, and the memory 103 stores the central control system and the control program of the air conditioner. The processor 101 executes the control program of the air conditioner stored in the memory 103 to implement the steps of the various embodiments of the air conditioner control method of the present invention.

[0052] Optionally, the air conditioner is a cold storage air conditioner.

[0053] It should be noted that, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a system diagram of an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a refrigeration cycle loop and a cold release cycle loop. The air conditioner includes a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 2, a throttling device 3, a second heat exchanger 4, and a cold storage tank 5. The second heat exchanger 4 is disposed inside the cold storage tank 5. The compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the throttling device 3, and the second heat exchanger 4 are connected in sequence to form the refrigeration cycle loop. The air conditioner also includes a circulating water pump 6 and a third heat exchanger 7. The cold storage tank 5, the circulating water pump 6, and the third heat exchanger 7 are connected in sequence to form the cold release cycle loop.

[0054] When cooling is needed, the compressor 1 in the refrigeration cycle loop is turned on, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the first heat exchanger 2. Since the temperature of the outside environment is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant transfers heat to the outside environment and its temperature decreases. The refrigerant with the lower temperature flows into the cold storage tank 5 through the throttling device 3, and then passes through the second heat exchanger 4 set in the cold storage tank 5 to store energy for ice making of the cold storage agent or medium such as water in the cold storage tank 5. When cooling is needed, the circulating water pump 6 drives the cold storage agent such as ice water in the cold storage tank 5 to circulate, and exchanges heat with the outside environment such as the indoor environment through the third heat exchanger 7, so that the air temperature is reduced and cooling is achieved.

[0055] Optionally, a temperature sensor 8 is installed in the pipeline between the capillary tube of the throttling device 3 and the second heat exchanger 4 (i.e., the ice-making heat exchanger).

[0056] Optionally, an evaporation pressure sensor 9 is installed in the pipeline between the second heat exchanger 4 and the compressor 1.

[0057] Optionally, the throttling device 3 may be an expansion valve.

[0058] Alternatively, a floor-standing air conditioner can be used; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an air conditioner. The air conditioner also includes a main unit 100 and a sub-unit 200, which are separately installed and detachably connected. The compressor 1 and the first heat exchanger 2 are installed in the main unit 100, while the second heat exchanger 4, the cold storage tank 5, the circulating water pump 6, and the third heat exchanger 7 are installed in the sub-unit 200. When cooling is required, the compressor 1 is turned on, and high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the first heat exchanger 2. Since the temperature of the outside environment is lower than that of the refrigerant, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant transfers heat to the outside environment and its temperature decreases. The cooled refrigerant flows into the cold storage tank 5 through the throttling device 3 and stores energy to make ice through the second heat exchanger 4 installed in the cold storage tank 5, which stores the refrigerant or medium such as water in the cold storage tank 5. When cooling is required, cooling is performed through the sub-unit 200. The circulating water pump 6 drives the refrigerant such as ice water in the cold storage tank 5 to circulate and exchange heat with the outside environment such as the indoor environment through the third heat exchanger 7, thereby cooling the air.

[0059] Optionally, in another embodiment, the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the throttling device 3, the second heat exchanger 4, the cold storage box 5, the circulating water pump 6, and the third heat exchanger 7 can all be installed in the sub-machine 200.

[0060] Optionally, the mother unit 100 can be used to supply power to the daughter unit 200.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sub-unit of an air conditioner. The sub-unit 200 includes an air inlet 210 and an air outlet. The air outlet includes an upper air outlet 221 and a front air outlet 222.

[0062] Based on the above structural block diagram of the air conditioner, various embodiments of the control method for the air conditioner of the present invention are proposed.

[0063] This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner; please refer to [the relevant documentation]. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention. In this embodiment, the air conditioner control method includes the following steps:

[0064] Step S10: Obtain the current status parameters of the second heat exchanger, the status parameters including at least one of the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger and the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger;

[0065] The status parameters include at least one of the inlet temperature and evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger. The inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger refers to the coil temperature between the capillary tube of the throttling device and the ice-making heat exchanger (i.e., the second heat exchanger). The evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger refers to the refrigerant pressure within the second heat exchanger. The current status parameters of the second heat exchanger refer to the status parameters of the second heat exchanger acquired in real time.

[0066] The status parameters of the second heat exchanger are obtained. The inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, a status parameter, can be acquired by a temperature sensor installed in the pipeline between the capillary tube of the throttling device and the ice-making heat exchanger (i.e., the second heat exchanger). For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, 8 is a temperature sensor installed in the pipeline between the capillary tube of the throttling device and the ice-making heat exchanger (i.e., the second heat exchanger); when the state parameter is the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger, it can be acquired by an evaporation pressure sensor installed in the pipeline between the second heat exchanger and the compressor, for example, as shown in... Figure 2 As shown, 9 is an evaporation pressure sensor installed in the pipeline between the second heat exchanger and the compressor.

[0067] Optionally, the number of temperature sensors installed in the pipeline between the capillary tube of the throttling device and the ice-making heat exchanger (i.e., the second heat exchanger) can be one or at least two. When at least two temperature sensors are installed, they can be placed at different positions in the pipeline between the capillary tube of the throttling device and the ice-making heat exchanger (i.e., the second heat exchanger). The temperature values ​​collected by the at least two temperature sensors are then summed and averaged to obtain the average temperature value as the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, thereby improving the accuracy of obtaining the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger.

[0068] Step S20: Determine the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter;

[0069] Step S30: Obtain the operating time of the compressor;

[0070] The initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger include at least one of the initial inlet temperature and the initial evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger.

[0071] Optionally, the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger can be determined based on the state parameters of the second heat exchanger within a preset time period of compressor start-up and operation. For example, the minimum state parameter of the second heat exchanger within the preset time period of compressor start-up and operation can be obtained as the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger. Alternatively, the state parameters of multiple second heat exchangers at preset time intervals within the preset time period of compressor start-up and operation can be obtained, and the average value of the state parameters of multiple second heat exchangers can be summed as the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger. This step is not limited.

[0072] Optionally, the preset duration can be 5 to 10 minutes.

[0073] Optionally, the preset time interval can be 10 seconds.

[0074] It should be noted that the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter is determined as follows: when the state parameter is the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the determined difference is the difference between the initial inlet temperature and the current inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger; when the state parameter is the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger, the determined difference is the difference between the initial evaporation pressure and the current inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger.

[0075] Optionally, the runtime can be the compressor runtime recorded starting from the successful acquisition of the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger, or it can be the compressor runtime recorded starting from the detection of compressor startup; there is no limitation on this. Based on the recorded compressor runtime, the compressor runtime can be directly obtained.

[0076] Step S40: When the parameter value of the current state parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset duration, control the compressor to perform a shutdown operation.

[0077] The current status parameters refer to the inlet temperature and / or evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger acquired in real time. Based on the current status parameters of the second heat exchanger, such as the inlet temperature, the heat exchange capacity between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage tank is determined. Assuming the freezing threshold of the medium remains constant, the lower the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the stronger the heat exchange capacity between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage tank, and the faster the medium in the cold storage tank completes complete freezing. By limiting the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger to less than or equal to a preset threshold, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice making, that is, the medium in the cold storage tank has completed complete freezing. The compressor is then controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice making for the medium in the cold storage tank.

[0078] The principle of determining the compressor's shutdown operation by using the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger in the state parameters is similar to the principle of determining the compressor's shutdown operation by using the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger in the state parameters, and will not be elaborated here.

[0079] By determining the difference between the initial state parameters and the current state parameters of the second heat exchanger, the system determines the range of change in the state parameters of the second heat exchanger, such as inlet temperature and / or evaporating pressure, from the compressor's startup to the point where the air conditioner begins heat exchange with the medium in the cold storage tank through the second heat exchanger until the medium is completely frozen. This range of change is used to determine whether the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making and cold storage through heat exchange. If the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making, meaning the medium in the cold storage tank is completely frozen, and the compressor is controlled to shut down to stop ice-making in the cold storage tank; or...

[0080] Based on the compressor's running time, the time from compressor startup to the point where the second heat exchanger exchanges heat with the medium in the cold storage tank to achieve freezing of the medium is known. Based on the running time, it is determined whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage tank has completed ice making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange. When the running time is limited to be greater than or equal to the first preset time, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice making, that is, the medium in the cold storage tank has completed all freezing. The compressor is then controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice making of the medium in the cold storage tank.

[0081] Optionally, when the current state parameter is the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the preset threshold can be -10℃; when the current state parameter is the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the preset threshold can be Pe(-10), where Pe(-10) is the refrigerant saturated evaporation pressure corresponding to an evaporation temperature of -10℃.

[0082] Optionally, the preset difference can be 12℃ or 0.4MPa. The preset difference can be determined through experimental data. When the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter is greater than or equal to the preset difference, it indicates that the medium in the cold storage box has completely frozen, and the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop the ice making of the medium in the cold storage box.

[0083] Optionally, when the state parameter is the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the medium in the cold storage box is determined to be completely frozen by the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter. This can be combined with another determination condition to determine that the difference between the initial indoor ambient temperature and the parameter value of the current state parameter is greater than or equal to a preset parameter difference, such as 34°C, so as to improve the accuracy of the air conditioner's determination of ice making.

[0084] Optionally, the first preset duration can be 150 minutes or 210 minutes. For the specific determination of the first preset duration, please refer to the second embodiment. It will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0085] As an optional implementation method, the control method for the air conditioner further includes:

[0086] Get the current indoor ambient temperature;

[0087] When the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, step S10 is executed.

[0088] In practical applications, the ambient temperature varies depending on the geographical location. Before executing step S10 and subsequent steps S20 to S40, the medium in the cold storage box is iced through the second heat exchanger to achieve pre-storage or storage of cold energy. The current indoor ambient temperature can be obtained. If the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, it indicates that the current indoor ambient temperature is too high, and step S10 can be triggered.

[0089] It is easy to understand that when the current indoor ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, it indicates that the current indoor ambient temperature is too low, which may trigger the execution of heating operation or not execute any operation. This embodiment does not specifically limit this step.

[0090] Optionally, the preset temperature can be set as needed; for example, the preset temperature can be set to 22°C.

[0091] Optionally, in one embodiment, when the air conditioner includes a main unit and a sub-unit, when the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, the sub-unit of the air conditioner is controlled to perform a preset operation and execute step S10, wherein the preset operation includes:

[0092] The operations include opening the front air outlet grille of the air conditioner unit, closing the upper air outlet grille, turning on the fan, and turning on the compressor.

[0093] Optionally, when the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, the step of controlling the sub-unit of the air conditioner to perform a preset operation includes:

[0094] When the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, determine whether the status of the sub-unit meets the preset status;

[0095] When the status of the sub-unit meets the preset state, control the sub-unit of the air conditioner to perform the preset operation.

[0096] The preset states include the slave unit being in the preset position of the mother unit and the slave unit being powered on. Specifically, when the slave unit is in the preset position of the mother unit and powered on, when cooling is needed, the mother unit's compressor is turned on, and high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is introduced into the first heat exchanger. Because the ambient temperature is lower than the refrigerant's temperature, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant transfers heat to the ambient environment, causing its temperature to drop. The cooled refrigerant then flows through a throttling device into the slave unit's cold storage tank, and through a second heat exchanger located within the cold storage tank, it stores energy to produce ice using a refrigerant or medium such as water. When cooling is needed, the slave unit releases the cooling.

[0097] Optionally, a Hall effect switch can be used to determine whether the slave unit is in the preset position of the mother unit. If the slave unit is not in the preset position of the mother unit, a prompt message is output to prompt the user or a signal is triggered to return the slave unit to the preset position of the mother unit.

[0098] Optionally, if the slave unit is located in the preset position of the mother unit, it is further determined whether the slave unit is powered on. If the slave unit is not powered on, a prompt message is output to prompt the user to power on the slave unit.

[0099] In the technical solution disclosed in this embodiment, the difference between the parameter values ​​corresponding to the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger and the parameter values ​​corresponding to the current state parameters is determined. This difference is used to determine the change range of the state parameters of the second heat exchanger, such as the inlet temperature and / or evaporation pressure, from the time the air conditioner starts to exchange heat with the medium in the cold storage tank through the second heat exchanger until the medium is completely frozen. The change range is used to determine whether the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making and cold storage through heat exchange. By limiting the difference to a preset value, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making, that is, the medium in the cold storage tank has completely frozen, and the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice-making for the medium in the cold storage tank; or...

[0100] Based on the compressor's runtime, the system determines the time elapsed from compressor startup until the second heat exchanger exchanges heat with the medium in the cold storage tank, causing the medium to freeze. Based on this runtime, it determines whether the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange. If the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset time, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making, meaning all the medium in the cold storage tank has frozen. The compressor is then controlled to shut down to stop ice-making in the cold storage tank. Alternatively...

[0101] Based on the current state parameters of the second heat exchanger, such as the inlet temperature, the heat exchange capacity between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage box is determined. Since the freezing threshold of the medium remains unchanged, the lower the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger, the stronger the heat exchange capacity between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage box, and the faster the medium in the cold storage box completes complete freezing. By limiting the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger to less than or equal to a preset threshold, it is determined that the medium in the cold storage box has completed ice making, that is, the medium in the cold storage box has completed complete freezing. The compressor is then controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice making for the medium in the cold storage box.

[0102] The principle of determining the compressor's shutdown operation by using the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger in the state parameters is similar to the principle of determining the compressor's shutdown operation by using the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger in the state parameters, and will not be elaborated here.

[0103] Furthermore, by using the current state parameters to determine whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange, or by using the difference to determine whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange, or by using the running time to determine whether the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has completed ice-making and achieved cold storage through heat exchange, the inaccuracy of determining the completion of cold storage by detecting the temperature of the cold storage box or the temperature of the medium in the cold storage box can be avoided when the volume of the cold storage box is large or the temperature of the medium in the cold storage box is uneven.

[0104] A second embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention based on the first embodiment described above is provided below. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a second embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention. In this embodiment, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0105] Step S50: Determine whether the compressor needs to be shut down;

[0106] Step S60: If it is determined that the compressor is to perform a shutdown operation, the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration;

[0107] Step S70: If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, determine the first preset duration according to the third preset duration, wherein the second preset duration is longer than the third preset duration; proceed to step S40.

[0108] In practical applications, during the ice storage process of an air conditioner, power outages or other situations can cause the compressor to stop, interrupting the ice storage process. It is understandable that, compared to the case where the air conditioner's compressor runs continuously to store ice, it takes longer for the air conditioner to complete ice storage due to a power outage causing the compressor to stop and thus interrupting the ice storage process.

[0109] If it is determined that the compressor will perform a shutdown operation, the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration. Alternatively, the second preset duration can be directly used as the first preset duration. The second preset duration can be preset and can be 210 minutes.

[0110] If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, the first preset time is determined based on the third preset time, and the third preset time is directly used as the first preset time. Optionally, the third preset time can be preset, and the third preset time can be 150 minutes. The second preset time is longer than the third preset time, so that if the compressor's shutdown operation causes the air conditioner's ice storage to be interrupted, the air conditioner can complete ice storage by extending the compressor's running time.

[0111] It should be noted that regardless of whether the compressor performs a shutdown operation, it can be determined that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice making, that is, the medium in the cold storage tank has completely frozen, by determining that the current state parameter value is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or the running time is greater than or equal to a first preset time. Then, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation to stop ice making for the medium in the cold storage tank.

[0112] Optionally, step S50 may determine whether the compressor performs a shutdown operation in real time, or it may determine whether the compressor performs a shutdown operation according to a preset time interval or a preset time period. There is no limitation on this.

[0113] As an optional implementation, step S60 includes:

[0114] If it is determined that the compressor performs a shutdown operation, obtain the duration of the compressor's operation;

[0115] When the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration, the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger are recorded, and the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration.

[0116] If it is determined that the compressor will perform a shutdown operation, the duration of compressor operation can be obtained to determine whether the air conditioner is operating stably. If the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration, it indicates that the air conditioner has entered a stable operating state. The initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger are recorded, and the recorded initial state parameters are used in step S20 to determine the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameters.

[0117] Optionally, the preset duration can be 10 minutes.

[0118] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor has performed a shutdown operation, after obtaining the step of the compressor's operating duration, the method further includes:

[0119] When the duration is less than the preset duration and the compressor start-up operation is detected, the runtime of the compressor is recorded, and the process returns to the step of determining whether the compressor should be stopped.

[0120] If the duration is less than the preset duration, it indicates that the air conditioner is not yet in a stable operating state. When the compressor start-up operation is detected, the compressor's running time is recorded. The recorded running time is used in step S30 to obtain the compressor's running time, and the process returns to determine whether the compressor should perform a shutdown operation.

[0121] As an optional implementation, after or simultaneously with step S60, the method further includes:

[0122] Obtain the cumulative downtime of the compressor;

[0123] The actual ice-making time is determined based on the running time and the cumulative downtime, wherein the running time is the cumulative running time of the compressor;

[0124] If the actual ice-making time is greater than or equal to the preset ice-making time, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation.

[0125] In practical applications, the compressor may shut down multiple times. To avoid the melting of the frozen medium in the cold storage tank due to prolonged or frequent shutdowns, which could lead to inaccurate judgments about the freezing of the medium, the actual ice-making time can be determined based on the running time and the cumulative shutdown time. A compensation running time can be determined based on the cumulative shutdown time and the melting coefficient. The difference between the running time and the compensation running time is then used to determine the actual ice-making time. The compressor's compensation running time compensates for the amount of ice melted during the cumulative shutdown time. When the actual ice-making time is greater than or equal to the preset ice-making time, it indicates that the medium in the cold storage tank has completed ice-making, meaning all the medium in the cold storage tank has frozen. The compressor is then shut down to stop ice-making in the cold storage tank, improving the accuracy of the ice-making completion judgment.

[0126] For example, when the compressor stops multiple times, assume that the cumulative runtime between the compressor stops and starts is t1, t2, t3...tn, where n is a positive integer, and the cumulative shutdown runtime is τ1, τ2, τ3...τn, where n is a positive integer.

[0127] The cumulative downtime of the compressor is sum(τ1, τ2, τ3, ..., tn);

[0128] The cumulative runtime of the compressor is sum(τ1, τ2, τ3, ..., tn);

[0129] The actual ice-making time is determined based on the compressor's cumulative running time and cumulative downtime. Assuming the actual ice-making time is R, R can be determined by sum(t1, t2, t3···tn)-sum(τ1, τ2, τ3···tn) / 10; where the melting coefficient is 10.

[0130] When R≥150min, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation.

[0131] As an optional implementation, step S70 includes:

[0132] If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, determine whether the running time is greater than or equal to the fourth preset time.

[0133] When the runtime is greater than or equal to the fourth preset runtime, the first preset runtime is determined according to the third preset runtime, wherein the fourth preset runtime is less than the first preset runtime and the fourth preset runtime is less than the third preset runtime.

[0134] If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, and the running time is determined to be greater than or equal to the fourth preset time, it indicates that the medium in the second heat exchanger and the cold storage box has started to freeze or is in a state of gradual freezing due to heat exchange. The first preset time is determined according to the third preset time, and step S40 is executed to monitor whether the medium in the cold storage box has completely frozen, which can save energy consumption.

[0135] Optionally, the fourth preset duration can be 45 minutes. For example, based on experimental data, assuming the indoor ambient temperature is typically between 15℃ and 35℃, the lower the indoor ambient temperature, the lower the condensation temperature during heat exchange between the first heat exchanger and the external environment, resulting in better cooling performance during heat exchange between the second heat exchanger and the medium in the cold storage tank. When the indoor ambient temperature is 15℃, i.e., under conditions of good cooling performance, the time for the medium in the second heat exchanger to freeze due to heat exchange is typically greater than 45 minutes. Therefore, the fourth preset duration is determined to be 45 minutes. When the runtime is greater than or equal to the fourth preset duration, the first preset duration is determined based on the third preset duration, and step S40 is executed to detect whether the medium in the cold storage tank has completely frozen.

[0136] Optionally, if it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, after determining whether the running time is greater than or equal to a fourth preset time, the method further includes:

[0137] The compressor continues to operate when the running time is less than the fourth preset time.

[0138] When the running time is less than the fourth preset time, it indicates that the medium in the cold storage box has not yet frozen. The compressor can continue to operate so that the second heat exchanger can continuously exchange heat with the medium in the cold storage box to cool the medium and achieve ice storage.

[0139] In the technical solution disclosed in this embodiment, the interruption of ice storage in the air conditioner is determined by whether the compressor performs a shutdown operation. If it is determined that the compressor performs a shutdown operation, a first preset time is determined according to a second preset time. If it is determined that the compressor does not perform a shutdown operation, a first preset time is determined according to a third preset time. The second preset time is longer than the third preset time. This is so that if the compressor's shutdown operation causes the air conditioner's ice storage to be interrupted, the air conditioner can complete ice storage by extending the compressor's running time, thereby improving the accuracy of the ice storage completion judgment.

[0140] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: a memory, a processor, and a control program for the air conditioner stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the control program for the air conditioner is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner in any of the above embodiments.

[0141] The present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program for an air conditioner, wherein the control program for the air conditioner, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0142] The embodiments of the air conditioner and computer-readable storage medium provided by the present invention include all the technical features of the various embodiments of the control method of the air conditioner described above. The extended and explanatory contents of the specification are basically the same as those of the various embodiments of the control method of the air conditioner described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0143] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the patent. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a throttling device, a second heat exchanger, and a cold storage tank. The second heat exchanger is disposed within the cold storage tank. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the throttling device, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected to form a refrigeration cycle loop. The control method of the air conditioner includes: Obtain the current status parameters of the second heat exchanger, the status parameters including at least one of the inlet temperature of the second heat exchanger and the evaporation pressure of the second heat exchanger; Determine the difference between the parameter value corresponding to the initial state parameter of the second heat exchanger and the parameter value corresponding to the current state parameter; Obtain the operating time of the compressor; When the parameter value of the current state parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or when the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or when the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset duration, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation. The control method for the air conditioner further includes: Determine whether the compressor needs to be shut down; If it is determined that the compressor will perform a shutdown operation, the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration.

2. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control method for the air conditioner also includes: If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, the first preset duration is determined according to the third preset duration, wherein the second preset duration is greater than the third preset duration; The step of controlling the compressor to perform a shutdown operation when the parameter value of the current state parameter is less than or equal to a preset threshold, or the difference is greater than or equal to a preset difference, or the runtime is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

3. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After or simultaneously with the step of determining the first preset duration based on the second preset duration if it is determined that the compressor is to perform a shutdown operation, the method further includes: Obtain the cumulative downtime of the compressor; The actual ice-making time is determined based on the running time and the cumulative downtime, wherein the running time is the cumulative running time of the compressor; If the actual ice-making time is greater than or equal to the preset ice-making time, the compressor is controlled to perform a shutdown operation.

4. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the first preset duration based on the second preset duration if it is determined that the compressor is to perform a shutdown operation includes: If it is determined that the compressor performs a shutdown operation, obtain the duration of the compressor's operation; When the duration is greater than or equal to the preset duration, the initial state parameters of the second heat exchanger are recorded, and the first preset duration is determined according to the second preset duration.

5. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 4, characterized in that, After determining that the compressor has performed a shutdown operation and obtaining the duration of compressor operation, the method further includes: When the duration is less than the preset duration and the compressor start-up operation is detected, the runtime of the compressor is recorded, and the process returns to the step of determining whether the compressor should be stopped.

6. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the first preset time based on the third preset time if it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation includes: If it is determined that the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation, determine whether the running time is greater than or equal to the fourth preset time. When the runtime is greater than or equal to the fourth preset runtime, the first preset runtime is determined according to the third preset runtime, wherein the fourth preset runtime is less than the first preset runtime and the fourth preset runtime is less than the third preset runtime.

7. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, After determining whether the compressor has not performed a shutdown operation and determining whether the running time is greater than or equal to the fourth preset time, the method further includes: The compressor continues to operate when the running time is less than the fourth preset time.

8. The control method for an air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control method for the air conditioner also includes: Get the current indoor ambient temperature; When the current indoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, the step of obtaining the current state parameters of the second heat exchanger is executed.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: a memory, a processor, and a control program for the air conditioner stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the control program for the air conditioner is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a control program for an air conditioner, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images