Methods, apparatus, air conditioners, and storage media for detecting refrigerant leaks.

Abstract

This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, and discloses a method for detecting refrigerant leaks, applied to an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant storage device connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow circuit, which is controlled to open or close, and stores a portion of refrigerant in the closed state. The method includes: responding to a refrigerant leak detection command, controlling the air conditioner to start pre-operation; obtaining the refrigerant concentration at a set location; and determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on changes in the refrigerant concentration. During the pre-operation of the air conditioner, the refrigerant storage device remains closed. This application determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on changes in the refrigerant concentration. During this process, the refrigerant storage device remains closed. The amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow circuit is relatively small, which helps reduce the amount of refrigerant that may leak, improving the safety of the refrigerant leak detection process. This application also discloses a device, an air conditioner, and a storage medium for detecting refrigerant leaks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, such as a method, apparatus, air conditioner, and storage medium for detecting refrigerant leaks. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerant is a crucial component in air conditioners, enabling them to control ambient temperature. With the continuous development of air conditioning technology, the types of refrigerants are constantly evolving, and people are constantly searching for environmentally friendly, efficient, and energy-saving refrigerants. Due to its high GWP (Global Warming Potential), R410A (a mixture of difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane) refrigerant will be gradually phased out. Refrigerants such as R290 (propane) have become current research hotspots due to their low pollution and cost advantages from low-charge volumes. However, R290 refrigerant is flammable and explosive, and leaks pose a more serious safety hazard.

[0003] A method for refrigerant detection is disclosed in the related technology, comprising: obtaining the current refrigerant mass m after the air conditioning system enters a stable operating state; reading the last detection time T', the last detected refrigerant mass m' and the indoor refrigerant density rho', and obtaining the current time T; and obtaining the refrigerant leakage amount Δm based on the current refrigerant mass m and the last detected refrigerant mass m'.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0005] When the relevant technology detected the leak, some refrigerant had already leaked, posing a safety hazard to users. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0007] This disclosure provides a method, apparatus, air conditioner, and storage medium for detecting refrigerant leaks, thereby improving safety during the refrigerant leak detection process.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method is applied to an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a refrigerant storage device connected in parallel with a refrigerant flow circuit and configured to be controlled to open or close, storing a portion of refrigerant in the closed state; the method includes: controlling the air conditioner to start pre-operation in response to a refrigerant leak detection command; obtaining a refrigerant concentration at a set location; and determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on changes in the refrigerant concentration; wherein, during the pre-operation of the air conditioner, the refrigerant storage device remains in the closed state.

[0009] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute the method described above for detecting refrigerant leaks when the program instructions are executed.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: a refrigerant storage device connected in parallel with a refrigerant flow circuit, configured to be controlled to open or close, storing a portion of the refrigerant in the closed state; and the aforementioned device for detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0011] In some embodiments, the storage medium stores program instructions that, when executed, perform the method described above for detecting refrigerant leaks.

[0012] The method, apparatus, air conditioner, and storage medium for detecting refrigerant leakage provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0013] Upon receiving a refrigerant leak detection command, the air conditioner is pre-run. During this pre-run, the refrigerant concentration at a set location on the air conditioner is obtained, and changes in the refrigerant concentration are used to determine if a refrigerant leak has occurred. Throughout this process, the refrigerant storage device remains closed, storing a portion of the refrigerant. This reduces the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow circuit during leak detection compared to normal operation, thus minimizing the potential for leaks and reducing safety hazards, thereby enhancing safety during refrigerant leak detection.

[0014] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0015] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a method for detecting refrigerant leakage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another method for detecting refrigerant leakage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another method for detecting refrigerant leakage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another method for detecting refrigerant leakage provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a device for detecting refrigerant leaks provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 11: Compressor; 12: Four-way valve; 13: Outdoor heat exchanger; 14: Throttling device; 15: Outdoor air supply module; 16: Refrigerant storage device; 17: Third shut-off valve; 18: Fourth shut-off valve; 21: Indoor heat exchanger; 22: Indoor air supply module; 160: Refrigerant storage body; 161: First shut-off valve; 162: Second shut-off valve; 163: Check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0025] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure 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 for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0026] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0027] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0028] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0029] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0030] In this embodiment of the disclosure, smart home appliances refer to home appliances formed by introducing microprocessors, sensor technology and network communication technology into home appliances. They have the characteristics of intelligent control, intelligent sensing and intelligent application. The operation of smart home appliances often relies on the application and processing of modern technologies such as the Internet of Things, the Internet and electronic chips. For example, smart home appliances can be connected to electronic devices to enable users to remotely control and manage smart home appliances.

[0031] In the disclosed embodiments, the terminal device refers to an electronic device with wireless connectivity. The terminal device can communicate with the aforementioned smart home appliances via the internet, or directly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other methods. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be, for example, a mobile device, a computer, or an in-vehicle device built into a hovercraft, or any combination thereof. Mobile devices may include, for example, mobile phones, smart home devices, wearable devices, smart mobile devices, virtual reality devices, or any combination thereof. Wearable devices may include, for example, smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.

[0032] Combination Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner. The compressor 11, four-way valve 12, outdoor heat exchanger 13, throttling device 14, and indoor heat exchanger 21 in the air conditioner are connected in sequence by pipes and then return to the compressor 11 to form a closed refrigerant flow loop.

[0033] An air conditioner can be divided into two parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. For example, Figure 1 The area to the left of the dashed line represents the outdoor unit, and the area to the right represents the indoor unit. The outdoor unit includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an indoor heat exchanger 13, a throttling device 14, and an outdoor air supply module 15. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger 21 and an indoor air supply module 22.

[0034] The air conditioner also includes a refrigerant storage device 16. The refrigerant storage device 16 is connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow circuit and can be controlled to open or close. When closed, the refrigerant storage device 16 stores a portion of the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant storage device 16 is located in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. More specifically, the refrigerant storage device 16 is connected between the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the compressor 11. In this way, when the refrigerant storage device is closed, it ensures that there is no refrigerant in the indoor unit, thereby preventing refrigerant leakage into the indoor area and causing safety hazards.

[0035] The refrigerant storage device 16 includes a refrigerant storage body 160, a first shut-off valve 161, and a second shut-off valve 162. The refrigerant storage body 160 has a cavity capable of storing refrigerant. The first shut-off valve 161 is located at the inlet end of the refrigerant storage device 16, and the second shut-off valve 162 is located at the outlet end of the refrigerant storage device 16. The inlet and outlet ends are determined with reference to the refrigerant flow direction during refrigeration operation. When the first shut-off valve 161 is open, refrigerant can enter the refrigerant storage body 160 from the refrigerant flow circuit. When the second shut-off valve 162 is open, refrigerant can flow out of the refrigerant storage body 160.

[0036] The refrigerant storage device 16 also includes a one-way valve 163, which is located at the inlet of the refrigerant storage device 16. More specifically, it is located between the first shut-off valve 161 and the refrigerant storage body 160. This prevents refrigerant backflow.

[0037] The refrigerant storage device 16 is in the closed state, meaning that both the first shut-off valve 161 and the second shut-off valve 162 are closed. Even if the air conditioner is running, the refrigerant in the refrigerant storage device 16 will not enter the refrigerant flow circuit.

[0038] The air conditioner also includes a third shut-off valve 17 and a fourth shut-off valve 18, respectively located before and after the indoor heat exchanger 15. Specifically, the third shut-off valve 17 is located between the throttling device 14 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The fourth shut-off valve 18 is located between the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the compressor 11. Thus, by opening and closing the third and fourth shut-off valves, the direction of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger can be controlled. Specifically, in cooling mode, the third shut-off valve is closed while the fourth shut-off valve is open, preventing refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger flows to the compressor or the outdoor heat exchanger. In heating mode, the third shut-off valve is open while the fourth shut-off valve is closed, preventing refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger reaches the outdoor heat exchanger via the throttling device. This achieves control over the direction of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger through the opening and closing of the third and fourth shut-off valves.

[0039] When the air conditioner is running normally, both the third shut-off valve 17 and the fourth shut-off valve 18 are in the open state to ensure that the refrigerant circulation process proceeds normally.

[0040] Combination Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for detecting refrigerant leakage is provided, comprising:

[0041] S201, in response to the refrigerant leak detection command, the processor controls the air conditioner to begin pre-operation. During the pre-operation process, the refrigerant storage device remains closed.

[0042] That is, controlling the passages of the third and fourth shut-off valves allows other devices in the air conditioner to operate. It also controls the first and second shut-off valves to close. During the pre-operation of the air conditioner, it ensures that refrigerant in the refrigerant storage device does not enter the refrigerant circulation loop.

[0043] S202, the processor obtains the refrigerant concentration of the set part.

[0044] Specifically, sensors are installed at designated locations to detect refrigerant concentration, and the processor then acquires the sensor readings. The type of sensor is compatible with the type of refrigerant currently in the air conditioner.

[0045] The detection location is any pipe inside the refrigerant flow circuit, and the refrigerant concentration in the circuit is monitored. In a single refrigerant leak detection, the detection location remains unchanged.

[0046] S203, the processor determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on changes in refrigerant concentration.

[0047] The method for detecting refrigerant leaks provided in this embodiment of the invention involves receiving a refrigerant leak detection command and controlling the air conditioner to perform a pre-run. During the pre-run, the refrigerant concentration at a set location on the air conditioner is obtained, and the change in refrigerant concentration is used to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. Throughout this process, the refrigerant storage device remains closed, storing a portion of the refrigerant. This reduces the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow circuit during leak detection compared to normal operation, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant that may leak, thus minimizing safety hazards and improving safety during refrigerant leak detection.

[0048] Optionally, the refrigerant leak detection command can be directly input by the user. Specifically, the user sends the refrigerant leak detection command directly to the air conditioner's processor via a remote control or a smart device such as a smartphone. This ensures that the refrigerant leak detection is adapted to the user's actual needs.

[0049] Optionally, the refrigerant leak detection command can be the air conditioner's start-up command. That is, the refrigerant leak detection is run every time the air conditioner is turned on. This way, refrigerant leaks can be detected promptly, effectively preventing missed detections.

[0050] Alternatively, the processor controls the air conditioner to begin pre-operation by controlling it to operate at a low frequency. This way, a smaller amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow loop allows the air conditioner to remain operational.

[0051] Optionally, during the pre-operation of the air conditioner, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop is 30% to 50% of the total refrigerant amount. This avoids both insufficient refrigerant, which would prevent the air conditioner from operating properly, and excessive refrigerant, which could lead to increased refrigerant leakage.

[0052] Combination Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides another method for detecting refrigerant leakage, including:

[0053] S301, in response to a refrigerant leak detection command, the processor controls the air conditioner to begin pre-operation. During the pre-operation process, the refrigerant storage device remains closed.

[0054] S302, the processor obtains the refrigerant concentration of the set part.

[0055] S303, the processor obtains the first temperature T1 of the set part.

[0056] The first temperature is obtained by detecting a temperature sensor.

[0057] S304, after a preset time interval, the processor obtains the second temperature T2 of the set location.

[0058] S305, if the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are equal, and the change in the refrigerant concentration meets the first preset condition, the processor determines that there is a refrigerant leak.

[0059] In this way, after detecting the temperature of the set location, the refrigerant leak can be judged based on the change in refrigerant concentration under isothermal conditions. This avoids the interference of temperature on refrigerant concentration and helps to improve the accuracy of refrigerant leak detection.

[0060] Optionally, the preset time interval is preferably in the range of 1 second to 5 seconds, for example, 2 seconds. In this way, setting an appropriate time interval between two temperature detections can avoid the problem of too frequent detection due to too short a time interval, which would waste resources due to unnecessary detection; and it can also avoid the problem of not being able to make timely judgments on refrigerant leaks due to too long a time interval.

[0061] Optionally, the refrigerant concentration includes a first refrigerant concentration. The second refrigerant concentration after the preset time interval .

[0062] Optionally, the first preset condition includes:

[0063] ;

[0064] Where, 0 < m ≤1. This allows for timely detection of refrigerant leaks based on changes in concentration.

[0065] Understandably, the higher the value of m, the more stringent the judgment of refrigerant leakage, and the better able to detect minor refrigerant leaks.

[0066] Optionally, the m value can be adjusted based on the historical operating time of refrigerant leak detection. That is, if no refrigerant leak is detected for a long period of time, the m value can be appropriately reduced.

[0067] Optionally, the value of m can be adjusted according to a preset time interval. A larger time interval results in a larger value of m, while a smaller time interval results in a smaller value of m. This allows the first preset condition to be adjusted based on actual settings, minimizing false positives and false negatives.

[0068] Optionally, after determining a refrigerant leak, the processor further includes issuing a first alert message. This first alert message can be an audible alert, a text message sent to the user's smartphone, computer, or other smart terminal, or it can be linked with other terminal devices to alert the user. This allows the user to be promptly informed of the refrigerant detection results and take appropriate measures.

[0069] Optionally, after the processor obtains the first temperature T1 of the set location, it further includes: if the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are equal, and the change in refrigerant concentration meets the second preset condition, the processor determines that there is a serious refrigerant leak.

[0070] Optionally, the second preset condition includes:

[0071] ;

[0072] in, 0 < n < m In this way, based on the assessment of refrigerant leakage, it is possible to distinguish between serious refrigerant leaks, so as to promptly alert users and avoid safety accidents.

[0073] Optionally, n can be 0.4. Laboratory tests have shown that when the refrigerant level is below 40% of the normal level, it significantly impacts the normal operation of the air conditioner, causing component wear and affecting its lifespan. Furthermore, when the refrigerant level is below 40% of the normal level, refrigerant leakage is substantial, greatly increasing the likelihood of safety accidents and threatening user safety.

[0074] Optionally, after the processor determines that there is a serious refrigerant leak, it may also issue a second warning message. It is important to note that the second warning message should be distinguished from the first warning message so that the user can directly determine the current situation based on the warning message.

[0075] Combination Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides another method for detecting refrigerant leakage, including:

[0076] S401, in response to a refrigerant leak detection command, the processor controls the air conditioner to pre-run. During the pre-run of the air conditioner, the refrigerant storage device remains in a closed state.

[0077] S402, the processor obtains the refrigerant concentration of the set part.

[0078] S403, the processor determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on changes in refrigerant concentration.

[0079] S404 indicates that the processor sends a shutdown signal when a refrigerant leak is detected.

[0080] After the processor sends a shutdown signal, it controls at least one shut-off valve to open and close according to the air conditioner's operating mode. Simultaneously, it adjusts the operating parameters of the indoor fan and outdoor unit, discharging the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger into the compressor of the outdoor unit. During this process, the shut-off valves before and after the indoor heat exchanger remain closed.

[0081] Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the third shut-off valve is closed, and the fourth shut-off valve is open. Refrigerant from the outdoor unit cannot enter the indoor unit. Simultaneously, the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger continues to flow in its original direction, reaching the outdoor unit. A portion enters the compressor, and a portion enters the outdoor heat exchanger, leaving the indoor unit without refrigerant. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the third shut-off valve is open, and the fourth shut-off valve is closed. Refrigerant from the outdoor unit no longer flows to the indoor unit, and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger continues to flow in its original direction, reaching the compressor and / or outdoor heat exchanger in the outdoor unit. During this process, the indoor air supply module, compressor, and outdoor air supply module are all operating. After a specified time, the indoor air supply module, compressor, and outdoor air supply module are shut down. This ensures that no refrigerant remains in the indoor unit, preventing refrigerant leakage and potential safety hazards.

[0082] Optionally, after determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on changes in refrigerant concentration, the processor further includes: if no refrigerant leak is determined, the processor controls the refrigerant storage device to open until all the refrigerant in the storage device enters the refrigerant circulation circuit. It then controls the air conditioner to operate normally. Specifically, controlling the air conditioner to operate normally means stopping the pre-operation mode and determining the air conditioner's operating parameters based on the set mode and set temperature.

[0083] Combination Figure 5 As shown, this disclosure provides another method for detecting refrigerant leakage, including:

[0084] S501, in response to a refrigerant leak detection command, the processor controls the air conditioner to begin pre-operation. During the pre-operation process, the refrigerant storage device remains closed.

[0085] S502, the processor obtains the first temperature T1 of the set location and the first refrigerant concentration of the set location. ρ 1.

[0086] S503, after a preset time interval, the processor obtains the second temperature T2 of the set location and the second refrigerant concentration of the set location. ρ 2.

[0087] S504, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are equal, and the first refrigerant concentration and the second refrigerant concentration meet the following conditions: (0< m If the value is ≤1), the processor determines that there is a refrigerant leak.

[0088] S505, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are equal, and the first refrigerant concentration and the second refrigerant concentration meet the following conditions: ( 0 < n < m In the event of a refrigerant leak, the processor determines that there is a serious refrigerant leak.

[0089] S506: After the processor determines that there is a refrigerant leak or a serious refrigerant leak, the processor issues a shutdown signal.

[0090] In practical applications, steps S504 and S505 can be performed simultaneously. If the current situation is determined to meet both the criteria for refrigerant leakage and severe refrigerant leakage, the processor issues a second refrigerant warning message. This allows the user to have a more accurate understanding of the refrigerant leakage situation.

[0091] Alternatively, step S504 can be performed first, and after the processor determines that there is a refrigerant leak, step S505 can be performed to further determine the extent of the refrigerant leak.

[0092] In the event of a refrigerant leak that is not severe, the processor controls the indoor air supply module to operate at a low fan speed. In the event of a severe refrigerant leak, the processor controls the indoor air supply module to operate at a high fan speed. This disperses the small amount of leaked refrigerant into the air, preventing concentrated refrigerant buildup and potential safety hazards.

[0093] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides an apparatus for detecting refrigerant leaks, including a processor 60 and a memory 61. Optionally, the apparatus may further include a communication interface 62 and a bus 63. The processor 60, communication interface 62, and memory 61 can communicate with each other via the bus 63. The communication interface 62 can be used for information transmission. The processor 60 can call logical instructions in the memory 61 to execute the refrigerant leak detection method described in the above embodiment.

[0094] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 61 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0095] The memory 61, as a storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 60 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 61, thereby implementing the method for detecting refrigerant leakage in the above embodiments.

[0096] The memory 61 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 61 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0097] This disclosure provides an air conditioner that includes the above-described device for detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0098] This disclosure provides a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described method for detecting refrigerant leakage.

[0099] The aforementioned storage medium can be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0100] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0101] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] The methods and products disclosed in the embodiments herein (including but not limited to devices and equipment) can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0104] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage, applied to an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a refrigerant storage device connected in parallel with a refrigerant flow circuit and configured to be controlled to open or close, storing a portion of the refrigerant in the closed state; the method includes: In response to a refrigerant leak detection command, the air conditioner is controlled to begin pre-operation; Obtain the refrigerant concentration at the designated location; Determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the changes in the refrigerant concentration; During the pre-operation of the air conditioner, the refrigerant storage device remains closed. The step of determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the change in refrigerant concentration includes: obtaining a first temperature T1 at a set location; obtaining a second temperature T2 at the set location after a preset time interval; and determining a refrigerant leak when the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are equal and the change in refrigerant concentration meets a first preset condition. After determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the change in refrigerant concentration, the method further includes: if no refrigerant leak has occurred, controlling the refrigerant storage device to open until all the refrigerant in the refrigerant storage device enters the refrigerant circulation circuit; and controlling the air conditioner to operate normally.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant concentration includes: a first refrigerant concentration ρ1, and a second refrigerant concentration ρ2 after a preset time interval; The first preset conditions include: Where, 0 < m ≤1.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, After obtaining the second temperature T2 of the set location, the method further includes: If the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are equal, and the change in the refrigerant concentration meets the second preset condition, it is determined that there is a serious refrigerant leak.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second preset condition includes: in, 0 < n < m .

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, After determining whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the change in refrigerant concentration, the method further includes: If a refrigerant leak is detected, a shutdown signal will be issued.

6. A device for detecting refrigerant leaks, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to, when running the program instructions, perform the method for detecting refrigerant leakage as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: A refrigerant storage device, connected in parallel with the refrigerant flow circuit, is configured to be opened or closed in a controlled manner, and stores a portion of the refrigerant when closed. and, The apparatus for detecting refrigerant leaks as described in claim 6.

8. A storage medium storing program instructions, characterized in that, When the program instructions are executed, they perform the method for detecting refrigerant leakage as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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