Outdoor unit structure, air conditioner and control method

Abstract

The application provides an outdoor unit structure, an air conditioner and a control method, and the outdoor unit structure comprises a compressor, a condenser connected with the compressor, a fan component, an air outlet of the fan component faces the condenser, a temperature sensing module for detecting the temperature T of the outdoor, and a control module connected with the temperature sensing module, the compressor and the fan component, and the control module is provided with a threshold T1; when T is less than or equal to T1, the control module controls the compressor to increase the operating frequency, and the control module controls the fan component to blow air to the temperature sensing module, and the application solves the technical problem that the efficiency of the air conditioner is easily affected by the temperature at low temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically to an outdoor unit structure, an air conditioner, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] When an air conditioner operates in low-temperature conditions, it typically enters a low-temperature cooling mode, where the compressor and outdoor fan adjust according to changes in the outdoor ambient temperature. Because it's in low-temperature cooling mode, the compressor and outdoor fan operate at lower power.

[0003] However, when an air conditioner is operating in low-temperature conditions, its condition is easily affected by the ambient temperature, resulting in insufficient cooling and heat dissipation, which in turn affects the performance of the air conditioner.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies need further development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide an outdoor unit structure, an air conditioner, and a control method to solve the technical problem that the performance of air conditioners at low temperatures is easily affected by temperature in related technologies.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An outdoor unit structure is provided, comprising: a compressor; a condenser connected to the compressor; a fan component with its air outlet facing the condenser; a temperature sensing module for detecting the outdoor temperature T; and a control module that is signal-connected to the temperature sensing module, the compressor, and the fan component, wherein the control module is set with a threshold T1; when T≤T1, the control module controls the compressor to increase its operating frequency, and the control module controls the fan component to blow airflow towards the temperature sensing module.

[0007] Furthermore, the temperature sensing module includes a temperature sensing element for detecting temperature, which is disposed between the condenser and the fan component.

[0008] An air conditioner is provided, including an outdoor unit structure, wherein the outdoor unit structure is the outdoor unit structure described above.

[0009] A control method is provided, applicable to the above-mentioned outdoor unit structure. The control method includes: when T≤T1, during the process of the outdoor ambient temperature T decreasing, the control module of the outdoor unit structure gradually increases the operating frequency of the compressor.

[0010] Furthermore, the control method also includes: when T≤T1, during the process of the outdoor ambient temperature T rising, the control module of the outdoor unit structure gradually reduces the operating frequency of the compressor.

[0011] Furthermore, the control method includes: setting a threshold T2 within the control module; when T < T2, the control module controls the fan component to stop working; wherein, T2 < T1.

[0012] Furthermore, the control method includes: setting a threshold T3 in the control module; when the control module controls the fan component to stop working, and T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component to operate, so as to blow airflow to the temperature sensing bulb of the outdoor unit structure; wherein, T3>T2.

[0013] Furthermore, the control method includes: setting a threshold t0 in the control module; when T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component to operate; the operating time of the fan component is t; when t≥t0, the control module controls the fan component to stop operating.

[0014] Furthermore, when T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component to operate, and the control module controls the temperature sensing module to stop working; when t≥t0, the control module controls the fan component to stop operating, and the control module controls the temperature sensing module to measure the temperature.

[0015] Furthermore, the control method includes: detecting the air pressure inside the outdoor unit structure to obtain the maximum value P of the air pressure inside the outdoor unit structure; setting a threshold P1 in the control module; when P > P1, the control module controls the fan component to operate at the highest speed; when P ≤ P1, the control module controls the fan component to reduce its speed.

[0016] Beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. The control method of the present invention solves the problem of poor cooling effect under low temperature conditions.

[0018] 2. The control method of the present invention solves the problem of inaccurate outdoor ambient temperature detection under low temperature conditions, avoids frequent start-stop of the unit fan, and thus improves the stability of air conditioning operation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method used in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit structure used in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of some components of the outdoor unit structure used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0023] 1. Compressor; 2. Condenser; 3. Temperature sensing module; 31. Temperature sensing bulb; 4. Fan components. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] See Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, an outdoor unit structure is provided, including: a compressor 1; a condenser 2 connected to the compressor 1; a fan component 4 with its air outlet facing the condenser 2; a temperature sensing module 3 for detecting the outdoor temperature T; and a control module that is signal-connected to the temperature sensing module 3, the compressor 1, and the fan component 4. The control module is set with a threshold T1. When T≤T1, the control module controls the compressor 1 to increase its operating frequency, and controls the fan component 4 to blow airflow towards the temperature sensing module 3. With the above configuration, when the outdoor unit operates at a low temperature, the operating frequencies of the compressor 1 and the fan component 4 are relatively low, resulting in low cooling efficiency due to the system's composition. However, this embodiment, by setting a control module, improves the operating efficiency of the compressor 1 and the fan component 4 when the outdoor unit is in a low-temperature cooling state, ensuring the cooling effect and solving the technical problem that the efficiency of air conditioners at low temperatures is easily affected by temperature.

[0026] Specifically, as shown in the attached document Figure 2 The diagram shown is of an air conditioning system. The outdoor unit of this system includes components such as compressor 1, four-way valve, condenser, and electronic expansion valve.

[0027] When an air conditioning unit with low-temperature cooling function is operating in outdoor low-temperature conditions T1 (e.g., 0℃) or below, the unit will enter the low-temperature cooling operation state, and the operating frequency of the unit's compressor 1 and fan will be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0028] Firstly, the compressor 1 is controlled and adjusted according to changes in the outdoor ambient temperature. Under low-temperature cooling conditions, as the outdoor ambient temperature decreases, the operating frequency of compressor 1 is gradually increased based on the original demand. Conversely, as the outdoor ambient temperature rises, the operating frequency of compressor 1 is decreased based on the original demand. This is because the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the lower the system operating pressure, the slower the refrigerant flow, the higher the lubricating oil viscosity, and the lower the heat exchange efficiency of the indoor unit. Increasing the frequency of compressor 1 in this situation helps ensure the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

[0029] Secondly, there's the fan control. The maximum fan speed is limited to different ranges depending on the outdoor ambient temperature. The maximum fan speed decreases as the outdoor ambient temperature gradually drops. This is because, in cooling mode, the lower the ambient temperature, the better the heat exchange effect on the condenser side, and the smaller the air volume required for heat exchange. Therefore, the lower the ambient temperature, the lower the maximum fan speed can be set.

[0030] See Figure 3 In the outdoor unit structure of this embodiment, the temperature sensing module 3 includes a temperature sensing element 31 for detecting temperature, and the temperature sensing element 31 is disposed between the condenser 2 and the fan component 4.

[0031] Specifically, because the outdoor ambient temperature sensor is generally placed near the air inlet side of the condenser, when the outdoor fan stops running, the sensor is affected by the heat radiation from the condenser, causing it to detect an outdoor ambient temperature that is higher than the actual temperature. Therefore, placing the temperature sensor 31 between the condenser 2 and the fan component 4 allows the airflow from the fan component 4 to dissipate the heat released by the condenser 2, thus making the detection value of the temperature sensor 31 more accurate.

[0032] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 The air conditioner in this embodiment includes an outdoor unit structure, which is the outdoor unit structure described above.

[0033] See Figure 1 The control method of this embodiment is applicable to the outdoor unit structure described above. The control method includes: when T≤T1, during the process of the outdoor ambient temperature T decreasing, the control module of the outdoor unit structure gradually increases the operating frequency of the compressor 1.

[0034] In the control method of this embodiment, the control method further includes: when T≤T1, during the process of the outdoor ambient temperature T rising, the control module of the outdoor unit structure gradually reduces the operating frequency of the compressor 1.

[0035] See Figure 1The control method in this embodiment includes: setting a threshold T2 in the control module; when T < T2, the control module controls the fan component 4 to stop working; wherein, T2 < T1.

[0036] Specifically, when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a certain critical value T2 (e.g., -10℃), the fan can stop operating, and the heat exchange requirements can be met solely through radiative heat exchange from the condenser. This reduces the energy consumption of the equipment.

[0037] See Figure 1 In the control method of this embodiment, the control method includes: setting a threshold T3 in the control module; when the control module controls the fan component 4 to stop working and T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component 4 to operate so as to blow airflow to the temperature sensing bulb 31 of the outdoor unit structure; wherein, T3>T2.

[0038] Specifically, if the detected outdoor ambient temperature exceeds a certain set value, the fan will start running. Because the outdoor ambient temperature sensor is located on the condenser's air inlet side, airflow causes the sensor to detect an actual ambient temperature lower than the set value T2, at which point the fan will stop running. This results in frequent fan starts and stops, causing fluctuations in air conditioning operation, which is detrimental to reliability and comfort. The control method provided in this patent can avoid frequent fan starts and stops. First, after the unit enters low-temperature cooling operation, if the outdoor ambient temperature sensor detects an ambient temperature lower than the set value T2, the outdoor fan will stop running, and the condensing pressure and condensing temperature will rise. The outdoor ambient temperature sensor, due to heat radiation from the condenser, will detect an outdoor ambient temperature greater than a certain set value T3. At this point, the control module determines that the heat generated by the condenser 1 is affecting the measurement accuracy of the temperature sensor 31, and the control module controls the fan component 4 to start, dispersing the heat around the temperature sensor 31.

[0039] See Figure 1 In the control method of this embodiment, the control method includes: setting a threshold t0 in the control module; when T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component 4 to operate; the operating time of the fan component 4 is t; when t≥t0, the control module controls the fan component 4 to stop operating.

[0040] With the above settings, the operating time of the fan component 4 is set to t. When t ≥ t0, the control module controls the fan component 4 to stop operating. This makes the system more energy-efficient.

[0041] In the control method of this embodiment, when T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component 4 to operate, and the control module controls the temperature sensing module 3 to stop working; when t≥t0, the control module controls the fan component 4 to stop operating, and the control module controls the temperature sensing module 3 to measure the temperature.

[0042] Specifically, after waiting for a period of time Δt, the outdoor fan is turned on. After the fan runs for a short time t0, the outdoor ambient temperature is detected. Because the fan component 4 is turned on, airflow is generated, which greatly reduces the impact of radiant heat. At this time, the detected temperature is close to the actual value, making the temperature measured by the temperature sensing module 3 more accurate.

[0043] In the control method of this embodiment, the control method includes: detecting the air pressure inside the outdoor unit structure to obtain the maximum value P of the air pressure inside the outdoor unit structure; setting a threshold P1 in the control module; when P>P1, the control module controls the fan component 4 to operate at the highest speed; when P≤P1, the control module controls the fan component 4 to reduce the speed.

[0044] Specifically, in the control method of this embodiment, the control module can adjust the frequency within the fan operating range according to the system's high voltage. If the high voltage is too high, the fan can operate at the highest speed within the range; if the high voltage is too low, the fan frequency can be appropriately reduced. Range control of the fan operating frequency ensures stable operation of the unit.

[0045] The control method of this embodiment is described as follows:

[0046] First, when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a certain critical value T2 (e.g., -10℃), the fan can stop operating, and the heat exchange requirements can be met solely through radiative heat exchange from the condenser. This reduces the equipment's energy consumption. Second, the fan frequency is adjusted within the operating range based on the system high pressure. If the high pressure is too high, the fan can operate at the highest speed within that range; if the high pressure is too low, the fan frequency can be appropriately reduced. This range-based control of the fan operating frequency ensures stable operation of the unit.

[0047] Regarding outdoor ambient temperature detection, since the outdoor ambient temperature sensor is typically placed near the condenser's air inlet side, when the outdoor fan is off, the sensor is affected by the condenser's heat radiation, causing it to detect an outdoor ambient temperature that is higher than the actual temperature. If the detected outdoor ambient temperature exceeds a certain set value, the fan will start running. However, because the sensor is located on the condenser's air inlet side, airflow causes the sensor to detect an actual ambient temperature lower than the set value T2, causing the fan to stop running again. This results in frequent fan on / off cycles, causing fluctuations in air conditioning operation, which is detrimental to reliability and comfort. The control method provided in this patent can avoid frequent fan on / off cycles. First, after the unit enters low-temperature cooling operation, if the outdoor ambient temperature sensor detects an ambient temperature lower than the set value T2, the outdoor fan will stop running, the condensing pressure and condensing temperature will rise, and the outdoor ambient temperature sensor, affected by the condenser's heat radiation, will detect an outdoor ambient temperature higher than a certain set value. After waiting for a period of time Δt, turn on the outdoor fan. After the fan runs for a short time, start monitoring the outdoor ambient temperature. Because the fan's operation creates airflow, it greatly reduces the impact of radiant heat, and the monitored temperature at this point is close to the actual value. Use this temperature to determine whether to continue running the fan. (Reference) Figure 2 If the actual temperature remains below the critical value, the fan will shut off; if the actual temperature is above the critical value, the fan will remain on. This control method ensures a stable low-temperature cooling state for the unit by detecting the accurate outdoor ambient temperature through fan operation.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0049] Optionally, specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0051] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an outdoor unit structure, characterized in that, The outdoor unit structure includes: Compressor (1); The condenser (2) is connected to the compressor (1); Fan component (4), the air outlet of the fan component (4) faces the condenser (2); Temperature sensing module (3), the temperature sensing module (3) is used to detect the outdoor temperature T; The control module is signal-connected to the temperature sensing module (3), the compressor (1), and the fan component (4). The control module is set with a threshold T1. When T≤T1, the control module controls the compressor (1) to increase its operating frequency, and the control module controls the fan component (4) to blow airflow to the temperature sensing module (3). The control method further includes: When T≤T1, as the outdoor ambient temperature T rises, the control module of the outdoor unit gradually reduces the operating frequency of the compressor (1). A threshold T2 is set in the control module; when T < T2, the control module controls the fan component (4) to stop working; wherein, T2 < T1; A threshold T3 is set in the control module. When the control module controls the fan component (4) to stop working and T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component (4) to operate to blow airflow to the temperature sensing module (3); wherein, T3>T2; When T≥T3, the control module controls the temperature sensing module (3) to operate. After a short period of operation, the temperature sensing module (3) starts to detect the actual outdoor ambient temperature and determines whether to continue to keep the fan running based on the actual outdoor ambient temperature. Determine whether the actual outdoor ambient temperature is less than T2. ​​If so, the temperature sensing module (3) stops working. If not, the temperature sensing module (3) remains on.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensing module (3) includes a temperature sensing element (31) for detecting temperature, which is disposed between the condenser (2) and the fan component (4).

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: When T≤T1, as the outdoor ambient temperature T decreases, the control module of the outdoor unit gradually increases the operating frequency of the compressor (1).

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: A threshold T2 is set in the control module; when T < T2, the control module controls the fan component (4) to stop working; wherein, T2 < T1.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control method includes: A threshold T3 is set in the control module. When the control module controls the fan component (4) to stop working and T≥T3, the control module controls the fan component (4) to operate so as to blow airflow to the temperature sensing bulb (31) of the outdoor unit structure; wherein, T3>T2.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control method includes: A threshold t0 is set in the control module. When T≥T3, the control module controls the operation of the fan component (4). The running time of the fan component (4) is t. When t≥t0, the control module controls the fan component (4) to stop operating.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control method further includes: when T≥T3, when the control module controls the fan component (4) to operate, the control module controls the temperature sensing module (3) to stop working; when t≥t0, when the control module controls the fan component (4) to stop operating, the control module controls the temperature sensing module (3) to measure the temperature.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes: The air pressure inside the outdoor unit structure is detected to obtain the maximum value P of the air pressure inside the outdoor unit structure; a threshold P1 is set in the control module; when P>P1, the control module controls the fan component (4) to run at the highest speed; when P≤P1, the control module controls the fan component (4) to reduce the speed.

9. An air conditioner, comprising an outdoor unit structure, characterized in that, The outdoor unit structure includes: Compressor (1); The condenser (2) is connected to the compressor (1); Fan component (4), the air outlet of the fan component (4) faces the condenser (2); Temperature sensing module (3), the temperature sensing module (3) is used to detect the outdoor temperature T; The control module is connected to the temperature sensing module (3), the compressor (1) and the fan component (4) by signal. The control module is set with a threshold T1. When T≤T1, the control module controls the compressor (1) to increase the operating frequency and controls the fan component (4) to blow airflow to the temperature sensing module (3). The control module is used to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1-8.

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