Method and device for controlling a multi-split air conditioner, and multi-split air conditioner

Abstract

This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and discloses a method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner, comprising: when a target indoor unit needs to be turned on, calculating the ratio of the compressor's current current value to its current limiting value; when the ratio is greater than a set threshold, controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one, depending on the range of the ratio. When a multi-split air conditioner needs to turn on one or more new indoor units, the current load of the multi-split air conditioner is monitored by the ratio of the current current value to the current limiting value. By intervening in the multi-split air conditioner before a sudden load change, the start-up of one or more indoor units that need to be turned on is delayed, thereby avoiding overcurrent problems and improving the reliability of the multi-split air conditioner operation. This application also discloses a device for controlling a multi-split air conditioner and a multi-split air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, such as a method and apparatus for controlling a multi-split air conditioner, and a multi-split air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the control systems of existing multi-split units mainly adopt a single constant value limit method when facing load changes. This control does not take into account factors such as changes in indoor unit models and operating environment. It is a passive control and is prone to untimely control and overcurrent shutdown. It also has high requirements and costs for module board hardware.

[0003] The related technology discloses a method for controlling the expansion valve of a vapor injection enthalpy enhancement system, comprising: detecting changes in superheat at the compressor injection port; when the superheat is not within a preset range, increasing or decreasing the preset opening value of the auxiliary electronic expansion valve; when the auxiliary electronic expansion valve is increased by the preset opening value, detecting the current of the outdoor unit; when the current is less than a preset current value, increasing the preset opening value of the auxiliary electronic expansion valve again; when the current is greater than a preset current value, decreasing the current frequency until the current is lower than the preset current value, and increasing the preset opening value of the auxiliary electronic expansion valve again; repeating the above operations until the superheat is within the preset range. Through the above technical solution, the superheat at the compressor injection port can be kept within the preset range, avoiding excessive current in the outdoor unit.

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

[0005] By employing relevant technologies to control superheat within a preset range, overcurrent problems caused by sudden load changes can be avoided to some extent. However, this technology is still a passive control method. When multiple indoor units of a multi-split air conditioner need to be started simultaneously, and the load changes suddenly, adjustments are only made when the superheat falls outside the preset range. This can easily lead to untimely control and overcurrent problems, resulting in poor reliability.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] 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.

[0008] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for controlling a multi-split air conditioner, which, when one or more new indoor units need to be turned on, prevents overcurrent problems and improves the reliability of the multi-split air conditioner operation by intervening in the load change of the multi-split air conditioner in advance.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes: when it is necessary to turn on the target indoor unit, calculating the ratio of the current current value of the compressor to the current limiting value; when the ratio is greater than a set threshold, controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one, depending on the range of the ratio.

[0010] Optionally, controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one according to the range of the ratio includes: controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously when the ratio is less than or equal to a first ratio threshold; and controlling the target indoor units to turn on one by one when the ratio is greater than the first ratio threshold.

[0011] Optionally, controlling the target indoor units to turn on one by one includes: starting the target indoor units one by one in descending order of their horsepower.

[0012] Optionally, the step of starting the target indoor units one by one in descending order of their horsepower includes: starting the first indoor unit; calculating the difference between the target superheat of the second indoor unit and the average superheat of all indoor units; and starting the second indoor unit when the difference is less than a first difference threshold. The first indoor unit is the target indoor unit with the larger horsepower to be started, and the second indoor unit is the target indoor unit with a horsepower only smaller than that of the first indoor unit.

[0013] Optionally, when the ratio is greater than a first ratio threshold, the method further includes: when the ratio is greater than a second ratio threshold and the compressor's operating frequency is greater than a set frequency threshold, calculating the difference between the average superheat of all indoor units and the average superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started; when the difference is less than a second difference threshold, initializing the maximum number of control steps for a single opening adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the target indoor unit that has been started and the set frequency threshold.

[0014] Optionally, after controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one according to the range of the ratio, the method further includes: obtaining the air outlet temperature of the activated target indoor unit and the indoor temperature of the surrounding environment; when the air outlet temperature is less than a first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature has not reached the set temperature, calculating the target superheat of the activated target indoor unit and the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve opening; adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the maximum number of control steps so that the superheat of the activated target indoor unit reaches the target superheat.

[0015] Optionally, the target superheat of the activated target indoor unit is calculated, including: calculating e = x - k1 × (T1 - T2); where e is the target superheat of the activated target indoor unit, x is the control superheat, k1 is a proportional constant, T1 is the ambient temperature, and T2 is the set temperature.

[0016] Optionally, the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the activated target indoor unit is calculated, including: calculating c1 = k2 × b × c / a; where c1 is the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the activated target indoor unit, k2 is a proportional constant, a is the current value, b is the current limiting value, and c is the initial maximum number of control steps.

[0017] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner when executing the program instructions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the multi-split air conditioner includes:

[0019] Multi-split air conditioner unit;

[0020] The aforementioned device for controlling the multi-split air conditioner is installed on the multi-split air conditioner body.

[0021] The method and apparatus for controlling multi-split air conditioners, and the multi-split air conditioner provided in this disclosure, can achieve the following technical effects:

[0022] When a target indoor unit needs to be turned on, the ratio of the compressor's current current value to the current limit value is calculated. If the ratio exceeds a set threshold, the target indoor units are controlled to turn on simultaneously or one by one, depending on the range of the ratio. In the case of a multi-split air conditioner needing to turn on one or more new indoor units, the current load of the multi-split air conditioner is monitored by using the ratio of the current current value to the current limit value. By intervening in the multi-split air conditioner before a sudden load change, the start-up of one or more necessary indoor units is delayed, thereby avoiding overcurrent problems and improving the reliability of the multi-split air conditioner operation.

[0023] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1: Outdoor unit; 2: Indoor unit; 3: Compressor; 4: Gas-liquid separator; 5: Four-way valve; 6: Outdoor heat exchanger; 7: Outdoor fan; 8: Liquid pipe shut-off valve; 9: Gas pipe shut-off valve; 10: Temperature sensor; 11: Indoor heat exchanger; 12: Indoor fan; 13: Electronic expansion valve; 14: Filter;

[0033] 800: Device for controlling chillers; 801: Processor; 802: Memory; 803: Communication interface; 804: Bus; 900: Multi-split air conditioner. Detailed Implementation

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Currently, existing multi-split air conditioning unit control systems primarily employ a single constant-value limiting method when facing load fluctuations. This control method does not consider factors such as changes in indoor unit model and operating environment, and is therefore passive, prone to untimely control and overcurrent shutdown. It also places high demands on the module board hardware and incurs high costs. Related technology discloses a method for controlling the expansion valve of a vapor chamber enthalpy-increasing system, including: detecting changes in superheat at the compressor injection port; when the superheat is outside a preset range, increasing or decreasing the preset opening value of the auxiliary electronic expansion valve; when the auxiliary electronic expansion valve is increased by the preset opening value, detecting the current of the outdoor unit; when the current is less than a preset current value, increasing the preset opening value of the auxiliary electronic expansion valve again; when the current is greater than the preset current value, reducing the current frequency until the current is lower than the preset current value, and then increasing the preset opening value of the auxiliary electronic expansion valve again; repeating the above operations until the superheat is within the preset range. This technical solution ensures that the superheat at the compressor injection port is within the preset range, preventing excessive current in the outdoor unit. By employing relevant technologies to control superheat within a preset range, overcurrent problems caused by sudden load changes can be avoided to some extent. However, this technology is still a passive control method. When multiple indoor units of a multi-split air conditioner need to be started simultaneously, and the load changes suddenly, adjustments are only made when the superheat falls outside the preset range. This can easily lead to untimely control and overcurrent problems, resulting in poor reliability.

[0041] Combination Figure 1As shown in the figure, this disclosure presents a multi-split air conditioner, including a processor, several indoor units 2, and an outdoor unit 1. The outdoor unit 1 includes a compressor 3, a four-way valve 5, and an outdoor heat exchanger 6 connected in sequence, as well as an outdoor fan 7 corresponding to the outdoor heat exchanger 6. The compressor 3 is also connected to a gas-liquid separator 4, which is connected to the four-way valve 5. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 11, an indoor fan 12 corresponding to the indoor heat exchanger 11, and an electronic expansion valve 13. The indoor heat exchanger 11 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 6 in sequence via the electronic expansion valve 13 and a liquid pipe shut-off valve 8, and to the four-way valve 5 via a filter 14 and a gas pipe shut-off valve 9. Temperature sensors 10 are installed at both the inlet and outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 11 to detect the temperatures at the inlet and outlet. The processor is electrically connected to the aforementioned electrical components and controls their operation.

[0042] Based on the structure of the multi-split air conditioner described above, such as Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner is provided, comprising:

[0043] S21, when the target indoor unit needs to be turned on, the processor calculates the ratio of the compressor's current current value to the current limit value.

[0044] S22, when the ratio is greater than the set threshold, the processor controls the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one, depending on the range of the ratio.

[0045] The method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in this disclosure calculates the ratio of the compressor's current current value to its current limiting value when a target indoor unit needs to be turned on. If the ratio exceeds a set threshold, the target indoor units are controlled to turn on simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the range of the ratio. When one or more new indoor units need to be turned on in a multi-split air conditioner, the current load of the multi-split air conditioner is monitored using the ratio of the current current value to the current limiting value. By intervening in the multi-split air conditioner before a sudden load change, the start-up of one or more required indoor units is delayed, thereby avoiding overcurrent problems and improving the reliability of the multi-split air conditioner's operation.

[0046] Based on the structure of the multi-split air conditioner described above, such as Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner is provided, comprising:

[0047] S21, when the target indoor unit needs to be turned on, the processor calculates the ratio of the compressor's current current value to the current limit value.

[0048] S31, when the ratio is greater than the set threshold and the ratio is less than or equal to the first ratio threshold, the processor controls the target indoor unit to turn on simultaneously.

[0049] S32, when the ratio is greater than the first ratio threshold, the processor controls the target indoor units to turn on one by one.

[0050] Among them, the first ratio threshold is greater than the set threshold.

[0051] Using the method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in this disclosure, when the ratio is greater than a set threshold and less than or equal to a first ratio threshold, the compressor load is within a controllable range. Even if a new indoor unit is started, overcurrent problems are unlikely to occur. Therefore, the processor controls the target indoor units to start simultaneously. When the ratio is greater than the first ratio threshold, the compressor load is within a critical range. The load is too large, and if a new indoor unit is started, overcurrent problems are likely to occur. Therefore, the processor controls the target indoor units to start one by one to slow down the increase in compressor load.

[0052] Optionally, the processor controls the target indoor units to be turned on one by one, including: the processor starts the target indoor units one by one in descending order of their horsepower.

[0053] Therefore, starting the smaller indoor unit first might cause a mismatch between the load on the indoor unit and the capacity of the outdoor unit, leading to compressor overload. To prevent this, the processor starts the target indoor units one by one in descending order of their horsepower. This avoids the situation where a smaller indoor unit tries to drive a larger outdoor unit, thus preventing compressor overload and damage.

[0054] Optionally, the processor starts up the target indoor units one by one in descending order of their horsepower, including: the processor starts up the first indoor unit; the processor calculates the difference between the target overheat of the second indoor unit and the average overheat of all indoor units; when the difference is less than a first difference threshold, the processor starts up the second indoor unit; wherein, the first indoor unit is the target indoor unit with the larger horsepower to be started, and the second indoor unit is the target indoor unit with the smaller horsepower than the first indoor unit to be started.

[0055] The superheat of the indoor unit is the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the indoor unit.

[0056] In this way, the processor starts the first indoor unit and calculates the difference between the target superheat of the second indoor unit and the average superheat of all indoor units. When the difference is less than a first difference threshold, the processor starts the second indoor unit, and so on, until all target indoor units have been started. When starting a new indoor unit, if the difference between the target superheat of the indoor unit to be started and the average superheat of all indoor units is less than the first difference threshold, it means that the system can balance the load of the existing indoor units. Therefore, determining whether to start the next indoor unit based on the difference between the target superheat of the indoor unit to be started and the average superheat of all indoor units can further avoid the problem of compressor overcurrent.

[0057] Based on the structure of the multi-split air conditioner described above, such as Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner is provided, comprising:

[0058] S21, when the target indoor unit needs to be turned on, the processor calculates the ratio of the compressor's current current value to the current limit value.

[0059] S31, when the ratio is greater than the set threshold and the ratio is less than or equal to the first ratio threshold, the processor controls the target indoor unit to turn on simultaneously.

[0060] S32, when the ratio is greater than the first ratio threshold, the processor controls the target indoor units to turn on one by one.

[0061] S41, when the ratio is greater than the second ratio threshold and the compressor's operating frequency is greater than the set frequency threshold, the processor calculates the difference between the average superheat of all indoor units and the average superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started.

[0062] S42, when the difference is less than the second difference threshold, the processor controls the maximum number of control steps for a single opening adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the target indoor unit that has been started, and initializes the set frequency threshold.

[0063] Among them, the threshold is set to be less than the first ratio threshold, and the first ratio threshold is less than the second ratio threshold.

[0064] Using the method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner provided in this disclosure, when the ratio is greater than a second ratio threshold and the compressor's operating frequency is greater than a set frequency threshold, the compressor's current value is close to the current limit value, and the compressor's operating frequency is close to the set frequency. At this point, the system is close to its maximum load capacity. Therefore, the processor calculates the difference between the average superheat of all indoor units and the average superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started. When the difference is less than a second difference threshold, it indicates that not all target indoor units are turned on, and the demand of the indoor units is still increasing. To ensure system stability and avoid overload, the electronic expansion valve and compressor need to be initialized. Therefore, the processor controls the maximum number of control steps for a single opening adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the started target indoor unit and initializes the set frequency threshold to enable the system to adapt to new load demands more quickly and avoid overload due to untimely adjustment.

[0065] Optionally, after the processor controls the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one according to the range of the ratio, the processor further includes: obtaining the air outlet temperature of the target indoor unit that has been started and the indoor temperature of the environment; when the air outlet temperature is less than a first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature has not reached the set temperature, the processor calculates the target superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started and the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the opening of the electronic expansion valve; the processor adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the maximum number of control steps so that the superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started reaches the target superheat.

[0066] Specifically, when the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature is less than the third difference threshold 1, the processor controls the target overheat to recover to the initial overheat.

[0067] Thus, based on the range of the ratio, the processor controls the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one. When the outlet air temperature of the already started target indoor unit is lower than the first temperature threshold, and the indoor temperature has not reached the set temperature, it indicates that the target indoor unit needs further cooling or heating. Therefore, the processor calculates the target superheat of the already started target indoor unit and the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve's opening. It then adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the maximum number of control steps, ensuring that the superheat of the already started target indoor unit reaches the target superheat. By adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve, the refrigerant flow rate is changed, thereby enhancing the cooling or heating effect of the target indoor unit and meeting the user's temperature requirements.

[0068] Optionally, the processor calculates the target overheat of the activated target indoor unit, including: the processor calculates e = x - k1 × (T1 - T2); where e is the target overheat of the activated target indoor unit, x is the control overheat, k1 is a proportional constant, T1 is the ambient temperature, and T2 is the set temperature.

[0069] In this way, the processor determines the target overheat of the indoor unit based on environmental conditions and the control overheat, thereby enabling the target overheat to match the user's indoor temperature requirements and improving the accuracy of the target overheat.

[0070] Optionally, the processor calculates the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the activated target indoor unit, including: the processor calculates c1 = k2 × b × c / a; where c1 is the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the activated target indoor unit, k2 is a proportional constant, a is the current value, b is the current limiting value, and c is the initial maximum number of control steps.

[0071] In this way, by determining the maximum number of control steps for the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the compressor's current value to the current limiting value, the maximum number of control steps can be matched with the compressor's load condition, thus avoiding overcurrent when adjusting the electronic expansion valve according to the maximum number of control steps.

[0072] In practical applications, when a new indoor unit needs to be turned on, the processor calculates the ratio of the compressor's current value 'a' to its current limit value 'b'. When 'a / b' ≤ 80%, normal operation is sufficient. When '80% < a / b ≤ 90%,' the processor controls the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one, and calculates the maximum control steps of the electronic expansion valve of the started indoor unit: c1 = k2 × b × c / a. It also calculates the target superheat e of the started target indoor unit: e = x - k1 × (T1 - T2). Then, the processor adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the maximum control steps c1, ensuring that the superheat of the started target indoor unit reaches the target superheat e. When 90% < a / b ≤ 100%, the processor controls the target indoor units to start one by one according to their horsepower from largest to smallest. When starting the next indoor unit, it determines whether the difference between the target superheat e of the indoor unit to be started and the average superheat d of all indoor units is less than the first difference threshold 3. If (e-d) < 3, then the next unit is started, until all target indoor units are started. In addition, the processor also detects the current current a of the compressor. When a / b > 95% and the current frequency g1 of the compressor > 90%g, that is, when the ratio is greater than the second ratio threshold and the current frequency is greater than the set frequency threshold g, the processor detects the average superheat d of all indoor units and the average superheat f of the target indoor units that have been started. When (d-f) < 1, the processor initializes the maximum number of control steps c for the single opening adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the target indoor unit that has been started and the set frequency threshold g of the compressor.

[0073] Combination Figure 5As shown, this disclosure provides an apparatus 800 for controlling a multi-split air conditioner, including a processor 801 and a memory 802. Optionally, the apparatus may further include a communication interface 803 and a bus 804. The processor 801, communication interface 803, and memory 802 can communicate with each other via the bus 804. The communication interface 803 can be used for information transmission. The processor 801 can call logical instructions in the memory 802 to execute the method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner described in the above embodiment.

[0074] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 802 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0075] The memory 802, as a computer-readable 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 801 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 802, thereby implementing the method for controlling multi-split air conditioners in the above embodiments.

[0076] The memory 802 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and application programs 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 802 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0077] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a multi-split air conditioner 900, including: a multi-split air conditioner body, and the aforementioned device 700 (800) for controlling the multi-split air conditioner. The device 700 (800) for controlling the multi-split air conditioner is installed in the multi-split air conditioner body. The installation relationship described herein is not limited to placement inside the multi-split air conditioner, but also includes installation connections with other components of the multi-split air conditioner, including but not limited to physical connections, electrical connections, or signal transmission connections. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device 700 (800) for controlling the multi-split air conditioner can be adapted to feasible multi-split air conditioner bodies, thereby realizing other feasible embodiments.

[0078] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein 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 coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between 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 may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, 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.

[0083] 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 controlling a multi-split air conditioner, characterized in that, include: When the target indoor unit needs to be turned on, calculate the ratio of the compressor's current current value to the current limit value; When the ratio is greater than the set threshold, the target indoor units will be turned on simultaneously or one by one, depending on the range of the ratio. The step of controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one according to the range of the ratio includes: When the ratio is less than or equal to the first ratio threshold, the target indoor unit is turned on simultaneously. When the ratio is greater than the first ratio threshold, the target indoor units are turned on one by one.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of turning on the indoor units one by one includes: Based on the horsepower of the target indoor units, start the target indoor units one by one in descending order.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of starting up the target indoor units one by one in descending order of their horsepower capacity includes: Start the first indoor unit; Calculate the difference between the target superheat of the second indoor unit and the average superheat of all indoor units; When the difference is less than the first difference threshold, the second indoor unit is activated; Among them, the first indoor unit is the target indoor unit with a larger horsepower that is to be started, and the second indoor unit is the target indoor unit with a horsepower that is only smaller than the first indoor unit that is to be started.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the ratio is greater than a first ratio threshold, the method further includes: When the ratio is greater than the second ratio threshold and the compressor's operating frequency is greater than the set frequency threshold, calculate the difference between the average superheat of all indoor units and the average superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started. When the difference is less than the second difference threshold, the maximum number of control steps and the set frequency threshold for the single opening adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the target indoor unit that has been started are initialized.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, After controlling the target indoor units to turn on simultaneously or one by one according to the range of the ratio, the method further includes: Obtain the air outlet temperature of the target indoor unit that has been started and the indoor temperature of the surrounding environment; When the outlet air temperature is less than the first temperature threshold and the indoor temperature has not reached the set temperature, calculate the target superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started and the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve opening. Adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the maximum number of control steps to make the superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started reach the target superheat.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Calculate the target superheat of the activated target indoor unit, including: Calculate e = x - k1 × (T1 - T2); Where e is the target superheat of the target indoor unit that has been started, x is the control superheat, k1 is the proportional constant, T1 is the ambient temperature, and T2 is the set temperature.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Calculate the maximum number of control steps for a single opening adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the activated target indoor unit, including: Calculate c1 = k2 × b × c / a; Where c1 is the maximum number of control steps for a single adjustment of the electronic expansion valve of the target indoor unit that has been started, k2 is the proportional constant, a is the current value, b is the current limit value, and c is the initial maximum number of control steps.

8. A device for controlling a multi-split air conditioner, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to, when executing the program instructions, perform the method for controlling a multi-split air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A multi-split air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Multi-split air conditioner unit; The device for controlling a multi-split air conditioner as described in claim 8 is installed on the multi-split air conditioner body.

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