Air conditioner control methods, devices, multi-split air conditioners and storage media

Abstract

This invention discloses an air conditioner control method, device, multi-split air conditioner, and storage medium, belonging to the field of air conditioner technology. By acquiring the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner and adjusting the connection state of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the operating mode, this invention adjusts the conduction state of various components and devices inside the multi-split air conditioner according to different operating modes. This ensures that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water supply do not conflict, meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added liquid return path prevents refrigerant accumulation, ensuring that the water tank temperature and the ambient air conditioning temperature do not interfere with each other, further improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner control method, device, multi-split air conditioner, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, multi-split air conditioners are increasingly being paired with terminal units. User scenarios include using indoor air conditioning units and a water tank. This heat pump system can provide not only air conditioning to different rooms but also domestic hot water. Specifically, one outdoor unit is paired with multiple indoor air conditioning units and a hot water terminal, such as an outdoor water tank. The system provides air conditioning through the indoor units and hot water through the tank. However, because air conditioning and hot water share a single heat pump system, current technologies may use electric auxiliary heating when the air conditioner is cooling in summer. Current integrated units suffer from mutual interference between heating and hot water operation. Furthermore, when operating only for heating or hot water, refrigerant may accumulate in the indoor heat exchanger and water tank piping, affecting the cooling and heating performance of the multi-split air conditioner and reducing the user experience.

[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 prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner control method, device, multi-split air conditioner, and storage medium, aiming to solve the technical problems of existing integrated air conditioners where heating and hot water production interfere with each other, and where refrigerant accumulates in the indoor heat exchanger and water tank piping when operating only for heating or hot water production, affecting the cooling and heating effect of the multi-split air conditioner and reducing the user experience.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an air conditioner control method applied to a multi-split air conditioner. The multi-split air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and a hot water module. The outdoor unit is connected to each indoor unit and the hot water module. A throttling element is provided between the outdoor unit, each indoor unit, and the hot water module. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing device. Each indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger. The hot water module includes a hot water tank. The reversing device is connected to the compressor to control the refrigerant flow direction. The compressor's suction pipe is connected to a return liquid path. The return liquid path is connected to each indoor unit and the hot water module. The return liquid path is equipped with a return liquid device for drawing refrigerant from the hot water tank and the indoor heat exchanger back to the compressor. The air conditioner control method includes:

[0006] Obtain the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner; and

[0007] The connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, are adjusted according to the operating mode.

[0008] Optionally, the liquid return device includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve; the liquid return flow path includes a liquid return capillary concentrator; the compressor's suction line is sequentially connected to the liquid return capillary concentrator and the third solenoid valve; the first solenoid valve is connected to each indoor air conditioning unit; and the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water module. Adjusting the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the compressor's operating frequency, according to the operating mode includes:

[0009] When the operating mode is cooling mode, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and turned on, and the second solenoid valve is de-energized and turned off.

[0010] Connect the first gate terminal and the second gate terminal of the reversing device, and connect the third gate terminal and the fourth gate terminal;

[0011] After closing the throttling element connected to the hot water module, and initializing the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit with the initial opening control, adjust the opening of the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit to the target opening; and

[0012] After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

[0013] Optionally, adjusting the connection state of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes:

[0014] When the operating mode is heating mode, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and turned on, and the second solenoid valve is de-energized and turned off.

[0015] Connect the first and third gate terminals of the commutation device and connect the second and fourth gate terminals;

[0016] After closing the throttling element connected to the hot water module, and initializing the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit with the initial opening control, adjust the opening of the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit to the target opening; and

[0017] After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

[0018] Optionally, adjusting the connection state of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes:

[0019] When the operating mode is hot water production mode, the first solenoid valve is energized and closed, and the second solenoid valve is energized and turned on.

[0020] Connect the first and third gate terminals of the commutation device and connect the second and fourth gate terminals;

[0021] After initial startup using the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit and the hot water module, the opening degree of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit is adjusted to the target opening degree; and

[0022] After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

[0023] Optionally, adjusting the connection state of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes:

[0024] When the operating mode is heating and hot water production mode, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and the second solenoid valve is energized and turned on.

[0025] Connect the first and third gate terminals of the commutation device and connect the second and fourth gate terminals;

[0026] After initial startup using the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit and the hot water module, the opening degree of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit is adjusted to the target opening degree; and

[0027] After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

[0028] Optionally, after initializing the compressor by controlling it at the initial frequency and adjusting its operating frequency to the target frequency, the method further includes:

[0029] Record the start-up time of the compressor;

[0030] When the startup duration reaches a first preset duration, the third solenoid valve is energized and turned on, and the duration of the third solenoid valve being energized and turned on is recorded; and

[0031] When the duration reaches the second preset duration, the third solenoid valve is closed, wherein the first preset duration is less than the second preset duration.

[0032] Optionally, the liquid return device includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to each indoor air conditioning unit, the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water module, the first check valve is connected in parallel with the first solenoid valve, and the second check valve is connected in parallel with the second solenoid valve.

[0033] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes an air conditioner control device, which is applied to a multi-split air conditioner. The multi-split air conditioner includes: an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and a hot water module. The outdoor unit is connected to each indoor unit and the hot water module. A throttling element is provided between the outdoor unit, each indoor unit, and the hot water module. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing device. The indoor units include an indoor heat exchanger. The hot water module includes a hot water tank. The reversing device is connected to the compressor and is used to control the refrigerant flow direction. The compressor's suction pipe is connected to a return liquid flow path. The return liquid flow path is connected to each indoor unit and the hot water module. The return liquid flow path is equipped with a return liquid device for drawing refrigerant from the hot water tank and the indoor heat exchanger back to the compressor. The air conditioner control device includes:

[0034] The acquisition module is used to acquire the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner; and

[0035] The control module is used to adjust the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode.

[0036] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a multi-split air conditioner, the multi-split air conditioner comprising: a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner control program stored in the memory and running on the processor, the air conditioner control program being configured to implement the air conditioner control method as described above.

[0037] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a storage medium storing an air conditioner control program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the air conditioner control method as described above.

[0038] This invention obtains the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner and adjusts the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the operating mode. This adjusts the conduction status of various components and devices within the multi-split air conditioner according to different operating modes, ensuring that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water supply do not conflict, thus meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added liquid return path prevents refrigerant accumulation, ensuring that the water tank temperature and the ambient air conditioning temperature do not interfere with each other, further enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-split air conditioner in the hardware operating environment involved in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioner in one embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the second embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioner in one embodiment of the air conditioner control method of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of the first embodiment of the air conditioner control device of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0046] 1 air conditioner indoor unit 6 Second solenoid valve 2 air conditioner outdoor unit 7 Third solenoid valve 3 hot water module 8 First check valve 4 compressor 9 Second check valve 5 First solenoid valve

[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 for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-split air conditioner in the hardware operating environment involved in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the multi-split air conditioner may include: a processor 1001, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a communication bus 1002, a user interface 1003, a network interface 1004, and a memory 1005. The communication bus 1002 is used to enable communication between these components. The user interface 1003 may include a display screen and an input unit such as a keyboard; optionally, the user interface 1003 may also include a standard wired interface or a wireless interface. The network interface 1004 may optionally include a standard wired interface or a wireless interface (such as a Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) interface). The memory 1005 may be a high-speed random access memory (RAM) or a stable non-volatile memory (NVM), such as a disk drive. The memory 1005 may also optionally be a storage device independent of the aforementioned processor 1001.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 1 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on multi-split air conditioners and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the memory 1005, which serves as a storage medium, may include an operating system, a network communication module, a user interface module, and an air conditioner control program.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the multi-split air conditioner shown, the network interface 1004 is mainly used for data communication with the network server; the user interface 1003 is mainly used for data interaction with the user; the processor 1001 and the memory 1005 in the multi-split air conditioner of the present invention can be set in the multi-split air conditioner, and the multi-split air conditioner calls the air conditioner control program stored in the memory 1005 through the processor 1001 and executes the air conditioner control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] This invention provides an air conditioner control method, referring to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of an air conditioner control method according to the present invention.

[0055] In this embodiment, the air conditioner control method includes the following steps:

[0056] Step S10: Obtain the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner.

[0057] In this embodiment, the executing entity can be the multi-split air conditioner, which has functions such as data processing, data communication, and program execution. The multi-split air conditioner can be a controller within the unit. Of course, other devices with similar functions can also be used, and this embodiment does not limit this. For ease of explanation, this embodiment uses a multi-split air conditioner as an example.

[0058] It's important to note that multi-split air conditioners are increasingly being paired with terminal units. User scenarios can involve combining indoor air conditioning units with a water tank. This heat pump system can provide not only air conditioning to different rooms but also domestic hot water. Specifically, one outdoor unit is paired with multiple indoor air conditioning units and a hot water terminal, such as an outdoor water tank. The system provides air conditioning through the indoor units and hot water through the tank. Because air conditioning and hot water share a single heat pump system, current technologies may use electric auxiliary heating when the air conditioner is cooling in summer. Current integrated units suffer from mutual interference between heating and hot water operation. Furthermore, when operating only for heating or hot water, refrigerant may accumulate in the indoor heat exchanger and water tank piping, affecting the cooling and heating performance of the multi-split air conditioner and reducing the user experience.

[0059] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this embodiment obtains the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner and adjusts the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the operating mode. This adjusts the conduction status of various components and devices within the multi-split air conditioner according to different operating modes, ensuring that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water supply do not conflict, thus meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added liquid return path prevents refrigerant accumulation, ensuring that the water tank temperature and the air conditioning ambient temperature do not interfere with each other, further enhancing the user experience. Specifically, this can be achieved as follows.

[0060] In its specific implementation, this embodiment first proposes a multi-split air conditioner, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 3In this embodiment, the multi-split air conditioner includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 1, and a hot water module 3. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to each indoor unit 1 and the hot water module 3. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 4 and an outdoor heat exchanger reversing device. Each indoor unit includes at least one indoor heat exchanger. The hot water module 3 has a hot water tank at its end. Each reversing device is connected to the compressor and is mainly used to control the refrigerant flow direction in the multi-split air conditioner. The reversing device can be a four-way valve or a three-way valve; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. In addition, throttling elements are provided between the outdoor unit and each indoor unit and the hot water module. Throttling elements include electronic expansion valves and capillary tubes, etc. In this embodiment, the electronic expansion valve is mainly used as an example. The throttling elements between the outdoor unit and each indoor unit and the hot water module can include a main electronic expansion valve and corresponding branch electronic expansion valves for each indoor unit or hot water module; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0061] It should be understood that, for ease of explanation, a four-way valve is used as an example to illustrate the reversing mechanism. Figure 3 The four-way valve shown has four selector terminals: D, C, E, and S. Compared to existing air conditioner structures, this embodiment adds three solenoid valves, for example... Figure 3 The first solenoid valve 5, the second solenoid valve 6, and the third solenoid valve 7 shown are connected in series with a high-pressure sensor and a four-way valve D on the compressor discharge pipe. The four-way valve C is connected to the condenser. S is connected to the compressor suction line and the return capillary manifold, as well as the SV3 solenoid valve. Pipe E splits into two lines leading to the indoor unit and the water tank, with solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 on each line. After the condenser, an electronic expansion valve connects the indoor unit and the water tank, and the electronic expansion valve connects the liquid lines of the indoor unit and the water tank. The capillary assembly consists of a throttling capillary tube, a one-way valve, and a solenoid valve, which unloads the refrigerant in the closed system. This design effectively prevents refrigerant from accumulating in the indoor unit and water tank piping.

[0062] In specific implementation, this embodiment requires first obtaining the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner. The operating modes of the multi-split air conditioner include at least the following modes, such as cooling mode, heating mode, hot water mode, and simultaneous operation of heating and hot water modes.

[0063] Step S20: Adjust the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode.

[0064] In specific implementation, after obtaining the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner, the refrigerant flow direction is different under different operating modes. At the same time, in order to ensure that there is no refrigerant accumulation and that heating and hot water production do not affect each other, this embodiment has a corresponding control method for each operating mode. The control method can control the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, and can also adjust the operating frequency of the compressor accordingly.

[0065] This embodiment obtains the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner and adjusts the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the operating mode. This adjusts the conduction status of various components and devices within the multi-split air conditioner according to different operating modes, ensuring that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water supply do not conflict, meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added liquid return path prevents refrigerant accumulation, ensuring that the water tank temperature and the ambient air conditioning temperature do not interfere with each other, further enhancing the user experience.

[0066] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of an air conditioner control method according to the present invention.

[0067] Based on the first embodiment described above, in the air conditioner control method of this embodiment, step S20 specifically includes:

[0068] Step S201: When the operating mode is cooling mode, control the first solenoid valve to turn on and the second solenoid valve to turn off and close.

[0069] Step S202: Connect the first and second selection terminals of the commutation device and connect the third and fourth selection terminals.

[0070] Step S203: Close the throttling element connected to the hot water module, and after initializing the throttling element connected to each air conditioner indoor unit with the initial opening degree control, adjust the opening degree of the throttling element connected to each air conditioner indoor unit to the target opening degree.

[0071] Step S204: After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

[0072] This embodiment further combines each mode with Figure 3A detailed explanation follows. When the multi-split air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, meaning there is only cooling demand, in this embodiment, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and the second solenoid valve is de-energized and closed. This connects the first and second selection terminals of the reversing device, as well as the third and fourth selection terminals. Next, the throttling element connected to the hot water module is closed, and the throttling elements connected to each indoor unit are initialized with an initial opening. Then, the opening of the throttling elements connected to each indoor unit is adjusted to the target opening, which can be set to 250P. Finally, the compressor is initialized with an initial frequency, and the compressor's operating frequency is also adjusted to the target frequency, which can be set to 60Hz. Figure 3 For example, in this embodiment, the first strobe terminal refers to Figure 3 In the diagram, D, the second strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, C, the third strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, E, the fourth strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, S and SV1 represent the first solenoid valve, SV2 the second, and SV3 the third. In cooling mode, SV1 is de-energized and conducts, SV2 is de-energized and closes, the four-way valve DC is de-energized and conducts, the electronic expansion valve EXV-AB is open, and the electronic expansion valve EXV-C is closed. The system cycle involves the compressor exhaust passing through the high-pressure sensor and the four-way valve DC to the condenser for condensation. Then, the exhaust is diverted and passes through the already running indoor unit's electronic expansion valve for throttling and pressure reduction before entering the evaporator for evaporative cooling. Finally, the exhaust is collected through a gas pipe and passes through the four-way valve ES to the compressor for suction, completing the cycle. The electronic expansion valve EXV-AB is the throttling element connected to the indoor unit, and the electronic expansion valve C is the throttling element connected to the water tank.

[0073] Furthermore, when the operating mode is heating mode, that is, when the system only has heating demand, in this embodiment, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and the second solenoid valve is de-energized and closed. The first and third selection terminals of the reversing device are connected, as are the second and fourth selection terminals. Then, the throttling element connected to the hot water module is closed, and the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioner unit are initialized with an initial opening. The opening of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioner unit is then adjusted to the target opening, which can be set to 250P. Finally, the compressor is initialized with an initial frequency, and then the compressor's operating frequency is adjusted to the target frequency, which can be set to 60Hz. Figure 3 For example, in this embodiment, the first strobe terminal refers to Figure 3 In the diagram, D, the second strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3In the diagram, C, the third strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, E, the fourth strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, S and SV1 represent the first solenoid valve, SV2 the second solenoid valve, and SV3 the third solenoid valve. In heating mode, when the system only requires heating, SV1 is de-energized and conducts, SV2 is de-energized and closes, the four-way valve DE is energized and conducts, the electronic expansion valve EXV-AB opens, and the electronic expansion valve EXV-C closes. The system cycle involves the compressor exhaust passing through the high-pressure sensor and the four-way valve DE to be diverted into the evaporator of the heating unit for condensation and heating. Then, the exhaust flows through the already running heating unit's electronic expansion valve for throttling and pressure reduction before entering the condenser for evaporation. Finally, it passes through the four-way valve CS to enter the compressor's suction, completing the cycle.

[0074] Furthermore, when the operating mode is hot water production mode, in this embodiment, the first solenoid valve is energized and closed, and the second solenoid valve is energized and opened. This connects the first and third selection terminals of the reversing device, and the second and fourth selection terminals. Then, the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioner unit and the hot water module are initialized and started according to the initial opening degree. The opening degree of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioner unit is then adjusted to the target opening degree, which can be set to 250P. Finally, the compressor is initialized and started according to the initial frequency, and the compressor's operating frequency is also adjusted to the target frequency, which can be set to 60Hz. Figure 3 For example, in this embodiment, the first strobe terminal refers to Figure 3 In the diagram, D, the second strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, C, the third strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, E, the fourth strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, S and SV1 represent the first solenoid valve, SV2 the second solenoid valve, and SV3 the third solenoid valve. In hot water mode, SV1 is powered on and closed, SV2 is powered on and open, the four-way valve DE is powered on and open, the electronic expansion valve EXV-AB is closed, and the electronic expansion valve EXV-C is open. The system cycle involves the compressor exhaust passing through the high-pressure sensor and the solenoid three-way valve EXV-AC to the water tank condenser for condensation and hot water production. Then, the exhaust passes through the water tank's electronic expansion valve for throttling and pressure reduction before entering the condenser for evaporation. Finally, the exhaust passes through the four-way valve CS to the compressor intake, completing the cycle.

[0075] Furthermore, when the operating mode is heating and hot water production, in this embodiment, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and the second solenoid valve is energized and conducted, connecting the first and third selection terminals of the reversing device, and connecting the second and fourth selection terminals. Then, the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioner unit and the hot water module are initialized and started with an initial opening degree. The opening degree of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioner unit is then adjusted to the target opening degree, which can be set to 250P. Finally, the compressor is initialized and started with an initial frequency, and the compressor's operating frequency is similarly adjusted to the target frequency, which can be set to 60Hz. Figure 3 For example, in this embodiment, the first strobe terminal refers to Figure 3 In the diagram, D, the second strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, C, the third strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, E, the fourth strobe terminal, refers to... Figure 3 In the diagram, S and SV1 represent the first solenoid valve, SV2 the second solenoid valve, and SV3 the third solenoid valve. When both heating and hot water modes are activated simultaneously, SV1 is de-energized and energized, SV2 is energized and energized, the four-way valve DE is energized and energized, and the electronic expansion valve EXV-ABC opens. The system circulation is as follows: the compressor exhaust passes through the high-pressure sensor, one path goes through the solenoid three-way valve EXV-AB and the four-way valve DE to split the flow into the evaporator of the indoor unit for condensation and heating; the other path goes through the solenoid three-way valve EXV-AC to the condenser of the water tank, then through the electronic expansion valve C to merge with the refrigerant from the first path, and then into the condenser of the outdoor unit for evaporation. Finally, it passes through the four-way valve CS to enter the compressor intake, completing the cycle.

[0076] It is important to emphasize that in the heating, cooling, and hot water modes described above, the compressor startup time needs to be continuously monitored after the compressor starts. When the compressor startup time reaches the first preset time, in this embodiment, the third solenoid valve is energized and turned on, allowing the refrigerant sealed in the water system to return to the system circulation through the compressor's suction force. Then, the third solenoid valve is turned off after the energization time reaches the second preset time. The energization state of the solenoid valve can be interrupted when switching modes or turning off the heating mode. The first preset time can be set to 5 minutes, and the second preset time can be set to 15 minutes. Of course, it can also be set according to actual needs. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0077] In an optional embodiment, the return flow path and return device in this embodiment have other implementation methods. Specifically, refer to... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 5 The first solenoid valve 5 and the second solenoid valve 6 are still used, but the difference is that a first check valve 8 and a second check valve 9 are added to replace them. Figure 3 The return capillary manifold and the third solenoid valve are included; the rest of the structure is as described above. Figure 3 As mentioned above, since there is no third solenoid valve, the control logic does not control the third solenoid valve. Other control methods for different operating modes are similar to those described above and will not be repeated here. Specifically, the first check valve is connected in parallel with the first solenoid valve, and the second check valve is connected in parallel with the second solenoid valve.

[0078] This embodiment adjusts the connection status of the throttling element, the return liquid device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to different control logics for different operating modes. This ensures that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water do not conflict, meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added return liquid flow path ensures that there is no refrigerant accumulation, guaranteeing that the water tank temperature and the air conditioning ambient temperature do not interfere with each other, further enhancing the user experience.

[0079] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention also proposes a storage medium storing an air conditioner control program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the air conditioner control method described above.

[0080] Since this storage medium adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0081] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of the first embodiment of the air conditioner control device of the present invention.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioner control device proposed in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0083] The acquisition module 10 is used to acquire the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner.

[0084] In this embodiment, the executing entity can be the multi-split air conditioner, which has functions such as data processing, data communication, and program execution. The multi-split air conditioner can be a controller within the unit. Of course, other devices with similar functions can also be used, and this embodiment does not limit this. For ease of explanation, this embodiment uses a multi-split air conditioner as an example.

[0085] It's important to note that multi-split air conditioners are increasingly being paired with terminal units. User scenarios can involve combining indoor air conditioning units with a water tank. This heat pump system can provide not only air conditioning to different rooms but also domestic hot water. Specifically, one outdoor unit is paired with multiple indoor air conditioning units and a hot water terminal, such as an outdoor water tank. The system provides air conditioning through the indoor units and hot water through the tank. Because air conditioning and hot water share a single heat pump system, current technologies may use electric auxiliary heating when the air conditioner is cooling in summer. Current integrated units suffer from mutual interference between heating and hot water operation. Furthermore, when operating only for heating or hot water, refrigerant may accumulate in the indoor heat exchanger and water tank piping, affecting the cooling and heating performance of the multi-split air conditioner and reducing the user experience.

[0086] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this embodiment obtains the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner and adjusts the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the operating mode. This adjusts the conduction status of various components and devices within the multi-split air conditioner according to different operating modes, ensuring that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water supply do not conflict, thus meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added liquid return path prevents refrigerant accumulation, ensuring that the water tank temperature and the air conditioning ambient temperature do not interfere with each other, further enhancing the user experience. Specifically, this can be achieved as follows.

[0087] In its specific implementation, this embodiment first proposes a multi-split air conditioner, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. (Refer to...) Figure 3 In this embodiment, the multi-split air conditioner includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 1, and a hot water module 3. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to each indoor unit 1 and the hot water module 3. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 4 and an outdoor heat exchanger reversing device. Each indoor unit includes at least one indoor heat exchanger. The hot water module 3 has a hot water tank at its end. Each reversing device is connected to the compressor and is mainly used to control the refrigerant flow direction in the multi-split air conditioner. The reversing device can be a four-way valve or a three-way valve; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. In addition, throttling elements are provided between the outdoor unit and each indoor unit and the hot water module. Throttling elements include electronic expansion valves and capillary tubes, etc. In this embodiment, the electronic expansion valve is mainly used as an example. The throttling elements between the outdoor unit and each indoor unit and the hot water module can include a main electronic expansion valve and corresponding branch electronic expansion valves for each indoor unit or hot water module; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0088] It should be understood that, for ease of explanation, a four-way valve is used as an example to illustrate the reversing mechanism. Figure 3 The four-way valve shown has four selector terminals: D, C, E, and S. Compared to existing air conditioner structures, this embodiment adds three solenoid valves, for example... Figure 3 The first solenoid valve 5, the second solenoid valve 6, and the third solenoid valve 7 shown are connected in series with a high-pressure sensor and a four-way valve D on the compressor discharge pipe. The four-way valve C is connected to the condenser. S is connected to the compressor suction line and the return capillary manifold, as well as the SV3 solenoid valve. Pipe E splits into two lines leading to the indoor unit and the water tank, with solenoid valves SV1 and SV2 on each line. After the condenser, an electronic expansion valve connects the indoor unit and the water tank, and the electronic expansion valve connects the liquid lines of the indoor unit and the water tank. The capillary assembly consists of a throttling capillary tube, a one-way valve, and a solenoid valve, which unloads the refrigerant in the closed system. This design effectively prevents refrigerant from accumulating in the indoor unit and water tank piping.

[0089] In specific implementation, this embodiment requires first obtaining the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner. The operating modes of the multi-split air conditioner include at least the following modes, such as cooling mode, heating mode, hot water mode, and simultaneous operation of heating and hot water modes.

[0090] The control module 20 is used to adjust the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode.

[0091] In specific implementation, after obtaining the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner, the refrigerant flow direction is different under different operating modes. At the same time, in order to ensure that there is no refrigerant accumulation and that heating and hot water production do not affect each other, this embodiment has a corresponding control method for each operating mode. The control method can control the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, and can also adjust the operating frequency of the compressor accordingly.

[0092] This embodiment obtains the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner and adjusts the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the operating mode. This adjusts the conduction status of various components and devices within the multi-split air conditioner according to different operating modes, ensuring that air conditioning cooling and domestic hot water supply do not conflict, meeting diverse user needs. Furthermore, the newly added liquid return path prevents refrigerant accumulation, ensuring that the water tank temperature and the ambient air conditioning temperature do not interfere with each other, further enhancing the user experience.

[0093] It should be understood that the above are merely illustrative examples and do not constitute any limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention. In specific applications, those skilled in the art can make settings as needed, and the present invention does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0094] It should be noted that the workflow described above is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of protection of this invention. In practical applications, those skilled in the art can select some or all of the workflow to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs, and no restrictions are imposed here.

[0095] In addition, for technical details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the air conditioner control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or system. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes that element.

[0097] The sequence numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0098] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as read-only memory (ROM) / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] 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.

[0100] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of this application's embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some of the steps in the figures may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times, and their execution order is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least a portion of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

Claims

1. An air conditioner control method, characterized in that, The air conditioner control method is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, which includes an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and a hot water module. The outdoor unit is connected to each indoor unit and the hot water module. A throttling element is provided between the outdoor unit, each indoor unit, and the hot water module. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing device. The indoor units include an indoor heat exchanger. The hot water module includes a hot water tank. The reversing device is connected to the compressor and is used to control the refrigerant flow direction. The compressor has a suction pipe and a liquid return pipe. The air conditioner is connected to each indoor unit of the air conditioner and the hot water module. The return flow path is equipped with a return device for drawing refrigerant from the hot water tank and the indoor heat exchanger back to the compressor. The return device includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve. The return flow path includes a return capillary manifold. The compressor's suction line is sequentially connected to the return capillary manifold and the third solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to each indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water module. The air conditioner control method includes: Obtain the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner; and The connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, are adjusted according to the operating mode.

2. The air conditioner control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes: When the operating mode is cooling mode, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and turned on, and the second solenoid valve is de-energized and turned off. Connect the first gate terminal and the second gate terminal of the reversing device, and connect the third gate terminal and the fourth gate terminal; After closing the throttling element connected to the hot water module, and initializing the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit with the initial opening control, adjust the opening of the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit to the target opening; and After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

3. The air conditioner control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes: When the operating mode is heating mode, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and turned on, and the second solenoid valve is de-energized and turned off. Connect the first and third gate terminals of the commutation device and connect the second and fourth gate terminals; After closing the throttling element connected to the hot water module, and initializing the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit with the initial opening control, adjust the opening of the throttling element connected to each indoor air conditioner unit to the target opening; and After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

4. The air conditioner control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes: When the operating mode is hot water production mode, the first solenoid valve is energized and closed, and the second solenoid valve is energized and turned on. Connect the first and third gate terminals of the commutation device and connect the second and fourth gate terminals; After initial startup using the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit and the hot water module, the opening degree of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit is adjusted to the target opening degree; and After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

5. The air conditioner control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device, and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode includes: When the operating mode is heating and hot water production mode, the first solenoid valve is de-energized and the second solenoid valve is energized and turned on. Connect the first and third gate terminals of the commutation device and connect the second and fourth gate terminals; After initial startup using the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit and the hot water module, the opening degree of the throttling elements connected to each indoor air conditioning unit is adjusted to the target opening degree; and After the compressor is initialized and started at the initial frequency, the operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to the target frequency.

6. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, After initializing the compressor by controlling it at the initial frequency and then adjusting the compressor's operating frequency to the target frequency, the method further includes: Record the start-up time of the compressor; When the startup duration reaches a first preset duration, the third solenoid valve is energized and turned on, and the duration of the third solenoid valve being energized and turned on is recorded; and When the duration reaches the second preset duration, the third solenoid valve is closed, wherein the first preset duration is less than the second preset duration.

7. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The liquid return device includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to each indoor air conditioning unit, the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water module, the first check valve is connected in parallel with the first solenoid valve, and the second check valve is connected in parallel with the second solenoid valve.

8. An air conditioner control device, characterized in that, The air conditioner control device is applied to a multi-split air conditioner, which includes an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and a hot water module. The outdoor unit is connected to each indoor unit and the hot water module. A throttling element is provided between the outdoor unit, each indoor unit, and the hot water module. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing device. The indoor units include an indoor heat exchanger. The hot water module includes a hot water tank. The reversing device is connected to the compressor and controls the refrigerant flow direction. The compressor has a suction pipe and a liquid return pipe. The air conditioner is connected to each indoor unit of the air conditioner and the hot water module. The return flow path is equipped with a return device for drawing refrigerant from the hot water tank and the indoor heat exchanger back to the compressor. The return device includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve. The return flow path includes a return capillary manifold. The compressor's suction line is sequentially connected to the return capillary manifold and the third solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve is connected to each indoor unit of the air conditioner, and the second solenoid valve is connected to the hot water module. The air conditioner control device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner; and The control module is used to adjust the connection status of the throttling element, the liquid return device and the reversing device, as well as the operating frequency of the compressor, according to the operating mode.

9. A multi-split air conditioner, characterized in that, The multi-split air conditioner includes: a memory, a processor, and an air conditioner control program stored in the memory and running on the processor, the multi-split air conditioner control program being configured to implement the air conditioner control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores an air conditioner control program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the air conditioner control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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