Method for calculating outer ring temperature, control method, control device and air conditioner

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly relates to a calculation method of an outer ring temperature, a control method, a control device and an air conditioner. The calculation method comprises the following steps: using a calculation model to calculate the outer ring temperature by using real-time operation parameters of the air conditioner in stable operation, wherein the real-time operation parameters at least include an outer fan rotating speed, a whole machine current value and an outdoor unit coil temperature of the air conditioner in stable operation. According to the application, the outer ring temperature is calculated according to the operation parameters which have a greater correlation with the change of the outer ring temperature, so that the accuracy of the calculation result of the outer ring temperature can be improved, and the stable operation of the air conditioner can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a method for calculating and controlling the outer ring temperature, a control device, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Outdoor ambient temperature is a crucial parameter for air conditioner operation and control, primarily limiting the compressor's operating frequency range and ensuring system reliability. Current technologies calculate the outer loop temperature using compressor frequency and outdoor unit coil temperature, while also considering voltage values. However, the parameters used for calculating the outer loop temperature in these technologies have a low correlation with the actual outer loop temperature, resulting in low accuracy and reduced air conditioner reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problem of low accuracy in calculating the outer ring temperature in related technologies, the first aspect of this invention proposes a method for calculating the outer ring temperature for the operation control of an air conditioner, the calculation method comprising: The outer ring temperature is calculated using a calculation model based on the real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner during stable operation. The real-time operating parameters include at least the outdoor fan speed, the total current value, and the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner.

[0004] In some implementations, the outer ring temperature is calculated using the following model: T = f(R, I, T1, T2); In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T1 is the compressor discharge temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature when the air conditioner is running stably.

[0005] In some implementations, T = f(R, I, T1, T2) = C + a*R + b*I + c*T1 + d*T2; In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T1 is the compressor discharge temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; a, b, c, and d are correction coefficients related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode: the value range of a is -2 to 5, the value range of b is -5 to 10, the value range of c is 0 to 10, and the value range of d is 0 to 10. For heating mode: the value range of a is -5 to 2, the value range of b is -5 to 5, the value range of c is -5 to 8, and the value range of d is -1 to 10. C is an adjustment coefficient related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode, the value of C ranges from -20 to 20, and for heating mode, the value of C ranges from -40 to 40.

[0006] In some implementations, the outer ring temperature is calculated using the following model: T = f(R, I, T2); In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature when the air conditioner is running stably.

[0007] In some implementations, T = f(R, I, T2) = C + a*R + b*I + d*T2; In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; a, b, and d are correction coefficients related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode: the value range of a is 0 to 10, the value range of b is -10 to 5, and the value range of d is 0 to 5. For heating mode: the value range of a is -2 to 5, the value range of b is 0 to 5, and the value range of d is 1 to 12. C is an adjustment coefficient related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode, the value of C ranges from -10 to 10. For heating mode, the value of C ranges from 10 to 40.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the control method comprising: After the air conditioner has been running for a preset time, obtain the air conditioner's operating mode; Determine whether the air conditioner is operating stably in this operating mode; If it is determined that the air conditioner is operating stably, the real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner are obtained. The real-time operating parameters include the outdoor unit coil temperature, the outdoor fan speed, the air conditioner's overall current value, and the compressor exhaust temperature. The outer ring temperature is calculated using any of the calculation methods proposed in the first aspect of this invention; The outer ring temperature is used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner.

[0009] In some implementations, if it is determined that the air conditioner is not operating stably, the initial outdoor unit coil temperature obtained during startup is used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner.

[0010] In some implementations, if the air conditioner is determined to be operating stably, a new outer ring temperature is calculated based on real-time operating parameters at set intervals, and the new outer ring temperature is used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner.

[0011] In some implementations, the air conditioner is judged to be operating stably when the rate of change of the compressor frequency is less than a first set value and the rate of change of the compressor exhaust temperature is less than a second set value.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention provides a control device comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement any of the calculation methods proposed in the first aspect of the present invention, or to implement any of the control methods proposed in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0013] The fourth aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner that calculates the outer ring temperature according to any calculation method proposed in the first aspect of the present invention, or operates according to any control method proposed in the second aspect of the present invention, or includes the control device proposed in the third aspect of the present invention.

[0014] The technical solution of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: The present invention uses real-time operating parameters such as the speed of the outdoor fan, the current value of the whole unit and the temperature of the outdoor unit coil, which are closely related to the change of the outer ring temperature, to calculate the outer ring temperature using a calculation model. This can improve the accuracy of the outer ring temperature calculation results, reduce the number of temperature sensors, reduce the production cost of the air conditioner and reduce the overall maintenance rate while ensuring the stable operation of the air conditioner.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a control flowchart of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a control flowchart of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the connection relationship between an outdoor heat exchanger, a liquid cooling device, and an electrical box according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] The components include: 1. Outdoor heat exchanger; 11. First flow port pipe section; 12. Second flow port pipe section; 2. Liquid cooling device; 21. Heat exchange pipeline; 22. Pumping device; 23. Reversing valve; 24. Liquid storage tank; 211. First pipe section; 3. Electrical box. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes a method for calculating the outer loop temperature. This method is used for the operation control of an air conditioner. The calculation method includes: using a calculation model to calculate the outer loop temperature based on real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner during stable operation. The real-time operating parameters include at least the outdoor fan speed, the total current value, and the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner.

[0023] In this embodiment, during the operation of the air conditioner, after the air conditioner has stabilized, real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner are acquired, and a calculation model is used to calculate the outer loop temperature. The calculation model is pre-stored in the air conditioner's controller. The real-time operating parameters include at least the outdoor fan speed, the overall current value, and the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation. These real-time operating parameters involved in the outer loop temperature calculation are strongly correlated with changes in the outer loop temperature, therefore the accuracy of the outer loop temperature calculated by the calculation model is higher. The air conditioner can use the calculated outer loop temperature as at least one of the control factors to control its operation, thereby ensuring stable operation of the air conditioner.

[0024] In some embodiments, the outer ring temperature is calculated using the model: T = f(R, I, T1, T2), where: T is the calculated outer ring temperature; R is the outdoor fan speed during stable operation of the air conditioner; I is the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T1 is the compressor discharge temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; and T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner. For example, T = f(R, I, T1, T2) = C + a*R + b*I + c*T1 + d*T2; where: T is the calculated outer ring temperature; R is the outdoor fan speed during stable operation of the air conditioner; I is the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T1 is the compressor discharge temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; and a, b, c, and d are correction coefficients related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidification mode: a is taken as... The values ​​for a, b, c, and d range from -2 to 5, b from -5 to 10, c from 0 to 10, and d from 0 to 10. For heating mode, the values ​​for a range from -5 to 2, b from -5 to 5, c from -5 to 8, and d from -1 to 10. C is an adjustment coefficient related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode, C ranges from -20 to 20, and for heating mode, C ranges from -40 to 40. For example, in cooling or dehumidifying mode, a, b, c, d, and C are -0.005, -0.546, 0.131, 0.763, and 1.471, respectively; in heating mode, a, b, c, d, and C are -0.023, 0.215, 0.029, 1.01, and 20.4, respectively.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outer ring temperature is calculated using the model: T=f(R, I, T1, T2), where: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I is the total current value of the air conditioner when it is running stably; and T2 is the temperature of the outdoor unit coil when the air conditioner is running stably. For example, T = f(R, I, T2) = C + a*R + b*I + d*T2; where: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I is the total current value of the air conditioner when running stably; T2 is the temperature of the outdoor unit coil when the air conditioner is running stably; a, b, and d are correction coefficients related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode: the value range of a is 0 to 10, the value range of b is -10 to 5, and the value range of d is 0 to 5. For heating mode: the value range of a is -2 to 5, the value range of b is 0 to 5, and the value range of d is 1 to 12. C is the adjustment coefficient related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode: the value range of C is -10 to 10. For heating mode: the value range of C is 10 to 40. For example, in cooling or dehumidifying mode, a, b, d, and C are 0.005, -0.056, 0.818, and -1.5, respectively; in heating mode, a, b, d, and C are -0.025, 0.387, 1.007, and 23.739, respectively.

[0026] This invention utilizes real-time operating parameters that are highly correlated with changes in the outer ring temperature, such as the outdoor fan speed, the overall current value, and the outdoor unit coil temperature, to calculate the outer ring temperature. This improves the accuracy of the outer ring temperature calculation results. The calculation method is simple and does not require excessive memory. Under the premise of ensuring stable operation of the air conditioner, it reduces the number of temperature sensors, lowers the air conditioner production cost, and reduces the overall maintenance rate.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a control flowchart of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment, with reference to... Figure 1 The control methods include: S11. After the air conditioner has been running for a preset time, obtain the operating mode of the air conditioner; S12. Determine whether the air conditioner is operating stably in this operating mode; S13. If it is determined that the air conditioner is operating stably, obtain the real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner, including the outdoor unit coil temperature, the outdoor fan speed, the air conditioner's overall current value, and the compressor exhaust temperature. S14. Calculate the outer ring temperature; S15. Use the calculated outer ring temperature as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner.

[0028] In this embodiment, after receiving a power-on command from the user via remote control or smart terminal, the air conditioner responds to the command, controlling the air conditioner to start operation. The compressor and outdoor fan start, and the compressor's running time is recorded. When the compressor's running time reaches a preset time, it indicates that the air conditioner has entered or is about to enter a stable operating state. The preset time is, for example, 5 to 20 minutes. Then, the air conditioner's operating mode is obtained, and the correction and adjustment coefficients of the outer loop temperature calculation model are called according to the operating mode. Then, it is determined whether the air conditioner is operating stably in that operating mode. In one example, the compressor frequency and compressor exhaust temperature are monitored in real time, and the stability of the air conditioner is determined based on changes in the compressor's operating frequency and exhaust temperature. When the rate of change of the compressor frequency is less than a first set value, and the rate of change of the compressor exhaust temperature is less than a second set value, the air conditioner is considered to be operating stably. For example, if the compressor frequency remains at the same frequency for more than 1 minute, and the compressor exhaust temperature remains at the same temperature for more than 1 minute, the air conditioner is considered to be operating stably. After determining the operating temperature of the air conditioner, the outer loop temperature is calculated by acquiring the real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner. The outer loop temperature is calculated using any of the calculation methods proposed in the above-described embodiments. Finally, the calculated outer loop temperature is used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the calculated outer loop temperature is combined with the indoor ambient temperature to determine the required indoor cooling / heating load. Based on the indoor load demand, the compressor operating frequency, electronic expansion valve opening, outdoor fan speed, etc., are adjusted. Furthermore, the compressor frequency can be limited based on the calculated outer loop temperature, solving the problem of system instability and low reliability caused by the compressor frequently increasing or decreasing load to meet demand.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the rate of change of the compressor frequency is greater than or equal to a first set value, or when the rate of change of the compressor exhaust temperature is greater than or equal to a second set value, it is determined that the air conditioner is operating unstablely. In this case, the operating parameters are still adjusted based on the initial outer ring temperature determined when the air conditioner is started.

[0030] In some embodiments, if the air conditioner is determined to be operating stably, a new outer loop temperature is calculated based on real-time operating parameters at set intervals, and the new outer loop temperature is used as at least one control factor to control the air conditioner's operation. In cases of unstable air conditioner operation, to ensure that the calculated outer loop temperature is updated in real-time with the actual outer loop temperature, the outer loop temperature needs to be calculated at set intervals, and the operating parameters of the air conditioner are adjusted based on the real-time updated outer loop temperature to ensure reliable and stable system operation. The set interval is, for example, greater than 0 and less than or equal to 35 minutes; exemplarily, the second set interval is 30 minutes.

[0031] In one feasible embodiment, the air conditioner includes a refrigeration system, an electrical box 3, and a liquid cooling unit 2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the liquid cooling device 2 includes a liquid storage tank 24, a reversing valve 23, and a heat exchange pipeline 21. The liquid storage tank 24 stores a heat exchange medium, such as refrigerant or cooling water. The liquid storage tank 24 includes an outlet and a return port. The two ends of the heat exchange pipeline 21 are connected to the outlet and the return port respectively via the reversing valve 23. For example, the reversing valve 23 includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and a fourth interface. The two ends of the heat exchange pipeline 21 are connected to the first interface and the second interface respectively, and the outlet and the return port are connected to the third interface and the fourth interface respectively. The reversing valve 23 has a first connected state and a second connected state. In the first connected state, the outlet is connected to the first interface and the return port is connected to the second interface; in the second connected state, the outlet is connected to the second interface and the return port is connected to the first interface.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange pipeline 21 includes a first pipe section 211 and a second pipe section. The first pipe section 211 is thermally coupled to the pipeline of the refrigeration system located between the outdoor heat exchanger 1 and the throttling device. The second pipe section is thermally coupled to the electrical box 3. The heat exchange medium in the liquid storage tank 24 can be controlled to flow from the liquid outlet through the heat exchange pipeline 21, sequentially through the first pipe section 211 and the second pipe section, and then back to the liquid storage tank 24 through the liquid return port. At this time, the reversing valve 23 is in the first connected state, and the flow direction of the heat exchange medium is referenced. Figure 3 The direction is indicated by the dashed arrow. The heat exchange medium in the storage tank 24 can also be controlled to flow sequentially from the outlet through the heat exchange pipeline 21, through the second pipe section, the first pipe section 211, and back to the storage tank 24 via the return outlet. At this time, the reversing valve 23 is in the second connected state, and the flow direction of the heat exchange medium is as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 The direction indicated by the dashed arrow at the midpoint.

[0033] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a pumping device 22 is provided on the heat exchange pipeline 21. The pumping device 22 is, for example, a bidirectional pump. The pumping device 22 provides power for the heat exchange medium to flow in the heat exchange pipeline 21. The pumping device 22 has multiple flow control levels. The flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange pipeline 21 can be controlled by the pumping device 22.

[0034] In one feasible implementation, the outdoor heat exchanger 1 includes a first flow port pipe section 11 and a second flow port pipe section 12. The first flow port pipe section 11 is connected to the throttling device of the refrigeration system, and the second flow port pipe section 12 is connected to the compressor discharge port of the refrigeration system. The first pipe section 211 is wound around the first flow port pipe section 11 to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the first flow port pipe section 11. The air conditioner includes an aluminum finned radiator and a cooling fan. The aluminum finned radiator is disposed in the electrical box 3 to absorb heat from the electrical box 3. The cooling fan cooperates with the aluminum finned radiator to further assist in the heat dissipation of the electrical box 3. The second pipe section is disposed between the finned radiator and the electrical box 3 to improve the heat dissipation effect of the electrical box 3. For example, the second pipe section includes multiple straight pipe sections arranged side by side, and adjacent straight pipe sections are connected by bends.

[0035] Because electrical box 3 contains power devices such as a control board, the compressor operates at a high frequency during air conditioner operation to quickly reach the user-set indoor temperature. This results in a large operating current and generates significant heat from the power devices within electrical box 3, leading to a high temperature. To ensure stable and reliable unit operation, in cooling / dehumidification mode, the liquid cooling device 2 is activated. The heat exchange medium first flows from the outlet to the first pipe section 211 to cool the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 1, increasing the subcooling before entering the indoor heat exchanger and improving the cooling / dehumidification effect. Then, it flows from the first pipe section 211 to the second pipe section. Although the heat exchange medium absorbs heat from the refrigerant, its temperature is still lower than that of electrical box 3. After flowing through the second pipe section, the heat exchange medium is further cooled by an air-cooled aluminum finned radiator, finally returning to the liquid storage tank 24. The direction of heat exchange medium flow is as follows: Figure 3 The direction indicated by the dashed arrow; In heating mode, the liquid cooling device 2 is activated. The heat exchange medium first flows from the liquid outlet through the second pipe section, assisting the air-cooled aluminum finned radiator in dissipating heat from the electrical box 3. The heat exchange medium, having absorbed heat from the electrical box 3, flows to the first pipe section 211, heating the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 1, increasing the superheat of the refrigerant before it enters the outdoor heat exchanger 1, which can assist defrosting to some extent. Finally, it flows back to the liquid storage tank 24. The direction of heat exchange medium flow is as follows: Figure 3 The direction is indicated by the dashed arrow at the midpoint. The flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the liquid cooling unit 2 is switched by the reversing valve 23 in cooling, heating, and dehumidification modes.

[0036] Using the calculated outer ring temperature as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner includes the following steps: S21. Determine the operating mode of the air conditioner; S22. Control the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange pipe 21 according to the operating mode of the air conditioner; S23. Determine the absolute value of the temperature difference between the outer ring temperature and the inner ring temperature, and adjust the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange pipeline 21 according to the absolute value of the temperature difference.

[0037] In this embodiment, the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the liquid cooling device 2 differs depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner. In the cooling / dehumidifying mode, the cooling / dehumidifying effect needs to be improved by increasing the subcooling degree before the heat exchange medium enters the indoor heat exchanger. At this time, it is necessary to control the heat exchange medium in the liquid storage tank 24 to flow from the liquid outlet through the heat exchange pipeline 21 sequentially through the first pipe section 211 and the second pipe section, and then back to the liquid storage tank 24 through the return port. In the heating mode, the defrosting needs to be assisted by increasing the superheat degree before the heat exchange medium enters the outdoor heat exchanger 1. It is necessary to control the heat exchange medium in the liquid storage tank 24 to flow from the liquid outlet through the heat exchange pipeline 21 sequentially through the second pipe section and the first pipe section 211, and then back to the liquid storage tank 24 through the return port.

[0038] In one example, the air conditioner pre-sets multiple temperature difference judgment intervals related to the operating mode, and different temperature difference judgment intervals correspond to different heat exchange medium flow rate control strategies; the corresponding heat exchange medium flow rate adjustment strategy is determined according to the temperature difference judgment interval in which the absolute value of the temperature difference is located; in the multiple temperature difference judgment intervals corresponding to the cooling / dehumidification mode, the heat exchange medium flow rate and the absolute value of the temperature difference are negatively correlated; in the multiple temperature difference judgment intervals corresponding to the heating mode, the heat exchange medium flow rate and the absolute value of the temperature difference are positively correlated.

[0039] In a specific example, the pumping device 22 includes three flow control levels (low flow, medium flow, and high flow), which are specifically controlled as follows: When the air conditioner is running in cooling / dehumidification mode: 1) When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the inner ring and the outer ring is 1~3℃ (i.e. the inner and outer ring temperatures are relatively close), control the pumping device 22 to operate at level three, so that the heat exchange medium flows quickly through the first pipe section 211 and the second pipe section to enhance heat exchange. 2) When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the inner ring and the outer ring is 4~9℃, control the pumping device 22 to operate at the second level, the flow rate and velocity of the heat exchange medium are slightly reduced, and cooling and heat exchange continue. 3) When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the inner ring temperature and the outer ring temperature is 9~13℃, control the pumping device 22 to operate at the first level, reduce the flow rate and velocity of the heat exchange medium, and continue to cool and exchange heat. At this time, the heat exchange rate is relatively reduced. When the difference between the inner ring temperature and the target temperature set by the user is between 0 and 2°C, turn off the liquid cooling device 2 or control the pumping device 22 to operate at a low flow rate.

[0040] When the air conditioner is running in heating mode: 1) When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the inner ring temperature and the outer ring temperature is 1~3℃ (i.e., when the inner and outer ring temperatures are relatively close), control the pumping device 22 to operate at the first level, so that the heat exchange medium flows through the second pipe section at a low flow rate to exchange heat with the electrical box 3. 2) When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the inner ring temperature and the outer ring temperature is 4~9℃, the pumping device 22 is controlled to operate in the second gear, the flow rate and velocity of the heat exchange medium are slightly increased, the temperature of the coolant increases after heat exchange in the electrical box 3, and the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 1 is heated when it flows through the first pipe section 211. 3) When the absolute value of the temperature difference between the inner ring temperature and the outer ring temperature is 9~13℃, the pumping device 22 is controlled to operate in three gears, the flow rate and velocity of the heat exchange medium are increased, the cooling heat exchange of the heat exchange medium between the second pipe section and the electrical box 3 is enhanced, and then the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 1 is heated when it flows through the first pipe section 211, thereby increasing the superheat of the refrigerant to assist defrosting.

[0041] When the temperature difference between the inner ring and the set temperature is between 0 and 2℃, the pumping device 22 is controlled to operate at medium flow rate in the second gear.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes a control device, which includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used for any of the calculation methods proposed in the first aspect of the present invention, or for implementing the control method proposed in any of the above embodiments.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes an air conditioner that operates according to any calculation method of the above embodiments for the outer ring temperature, or according to the control method of the above embodiments, or includes the control device proposed in the above embodiments.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0045] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0046] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0047] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0048] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0050] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0051] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc. Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a refrigeration system, an electrical box, and a liquid cooling device. The liquid cooling device includes a liquid storage tank, a reversing valve, and a heat exchange pipeline. The two ends of the heat exchange pipeline are connected to the outlet and return port of the liquid storage tank respectively through the reversing valve. The heat exchange pipeline includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The first pipe section is thermally coupled to the pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger and the throttling device of the refrigeration system. The second pipe section is thermally coupled to the electrical box. The heat exchange medium in the liquid storage tank can be controlled to flow from the outlet through the heat exchange pipeline sequentially through the first pipe section and the second pipe section and return to the liquid storage tank through the return port, and can also be controlled to flow from the outlet through the heat exchange pipeline sequentially through the second pipe section and the first pipe section and return to the liquid storage tank through the return port. The control method includes: After the air conditioner has been running for a preset time, obtain the air conditioner's operating mode; Determine whether the air conditioner is operating stably in this operating mode; If it is determined that the air conditioner is operating stably, the real-time operating parameters of the air conditioner are obtained. The real-time operating parameters include the outdoor unit coil temperature, the outdoor fan speed, the air conditioner's overall current value, and the compressor exhaust temperature. At least the outdoor fan speed, total current value and outdoor unit coil temperature from the real-time operating parameters should be used to calculate the outer ring temperature using a calculation model; The outer ring temperature is used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner; Controlling the operation of the air conditioner by using the outer ring temperature as at least one of the control factors includes: Determine the operating mode of the air conditioner; The flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange pipeline is controlled according to the operating mode of the air conditioner; The absolute value of the temperature difference between the outer ring temperature and the inner ring temperature is determined, and the flow rate of the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange pipeline is adjusted according to the absolute value of the temperature difference. The air conditioner pre-sets multiple temperature difference judgment intervals related to the operating mode, and different temperature difference judgment intervals correspond to different heat exchange medium flow rate control strategies. The corresponding heat exchange medium flow rate adjustment strategy is determined based on the temperature difference judgment interval in which the absolute value of the temperature difference falls. In the multiple temperature difference judgment intervals corresponding to the cooling / dehumidification mode, the heat exchange medium flow rate and the absolute value of the temperature difference are negatively correlated; in the multiple temperature difference judgment intervals corresponding to the heating mode, the heat exchange medium flow rate and the absolute value of the temperature difference are positively correlated.

2. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring temperature is calculated using the following model: T = f(R, I, T1, T2); In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T1 is the compressor discharge temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature when the air conditioner is running stably.

3. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The T = f(R, I, T1, T2) = C + a*R + b*I + c*T1 + d*T2; In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T1 is the compressor discharge temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; a, b, c, and d are correction coefficients related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode: the value range of a is -2 to 5, the value range of b is -5 to 10, the value range of c is 0 to 10, and the value range of d is 0 to 10. For heating mode: the value range of a is -5 to 2, the value range of b is -5 to 5, the value range of c is -5 to 8, and the value range of d is -1 to 10. C is an adjustment coefficient related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode, the value of C ranges from -20 to 20, and for heating mode, the value of C ranges from -40 to 40.

4. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer ring temperature is calculated using the following model: T = f(R, I, T2); In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature when the air conditioner is running stably.

5. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The T=f(R, I, T2)=C+a*R+b*I+d*T2; In the formula: T is the calculated value of the outer ring temperature; R is the speed of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is running stably; I represents the total current value of the air conditioner during stable operation; T2 is the outdoor unit coil temperature during stable operation of the air conditioner; a, b, and d are correction coefficients related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode: the value range of a is 0 to 10, the value range of b is -10 to 5, and the value range of d is 0 to 5. For heating mode: the value range of a is -2 to 5, the value range of b is 0 to 5, and the value range of d is 1 to 12. C is an adjustment coefficient related to the air conditioner's operating mode. For cooling / dehumidifying mode, the value of C ranges from -10 to 10. For heating mode, the value of C ranges from 10 to 40.

6. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the air conditioner is determined to be operating unstable, the initial outdoor unit coil temperature obtained during startup will be used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner.

7. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the air conditioner is determined to be operating stably, a new outer loop temperature is calculated based on the real-time operating parameters at set intervals, and the new outer loop temperature is used as at least one of the control factors to control the operation of the air conditioner.

8. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the rate of change of compressor frequency is less than the first set value and the rate of change of compressor exhaust temperature is less than the second set value, the air conditioner is judged to be operating stably.

9. A control device, characterized in that, It includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein when the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner operates according to the control method according to any one of claims 1-8, or includes the control device according to claim 9.

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