Air conditioner and its control method, apparatus and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

This application provides an air conditioner and its control method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium. The air conditioner includes a chassis, a compressor, an oil separator, an oil return pipe, a gas-liquid separator, and an electric heating device. The compressor's exhaust port is connected to the oil separator's inlet port, and the oil return pipe is connected to the oil separator's drain port and the gas-liquid separator's inlet port. The oil return pipe is at least partially disposed on the chassis, and the electric heating device is disposed on the chassis. The air conditioner control method includes: in response to the air conditioner being in heating mode, determining whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature; in response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, controlling the electric heating device to turn on and operate at a preset heating power; after the electric heating device operates at the preset heating power for a first preset time, correcting the heating power of the electric heating device according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, specifically to an air conditioner and its control method, device, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] When an air conditioner is heating in a low-temperature environment, condensate and defrost water can easily freeze on the chassis, clogging the drain holes. This causes the water level on the chassis to gradually rise, leading to ice formation on the outdoor heat exchanger and reducing the air conditioner's heating efficiency. In related technologies, air conditioners are equipped with electric heating devices on the chassis for defrosting, but the defrosting effect is poor and the power consumption is high. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an air conditioner and its control method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium, which can improve the defrosting effect of the air conditioner and reduce the operating power consumption of the air conditioner.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner control method. The air conditioner includes a chassis, a compressor, an oil separator, an oil return pipe, a gas-liquid separator, and an electric heating device. The exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the air inlet of the oil separator, and the oil return pipe is connected to the oil outlet of the oil separator and the oil inlet of the gas-liquid separator. The oil return pipe is at least partially disposed on the chassis, and the electric heating device is disposed on the chassis. The air conditioner control method includes: in response to the air conditioner being in heating mode, determining whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature; in response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, controlling the electric heating device to turn on and operate at a preset heating power; after the electric heating device operates at the preset heating power for a first preset time, correcting the heating power of the electric heating device according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe.

[0005] In some embodiments, the heating power of the electric heating device is corrected and controlled according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe, including: determining the temperature range in which the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe is located; determining a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device according to the temperature range in which the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe is located; and correcting the heating power of the electric heating device according to the correction strategy.

[0006] In some embodiments, a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device is determined based on the temperature range in which the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is located, including: in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than a first threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually decrease; in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to the first threshold temperature and greater than a second threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to remain unchanged; and in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to the second threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually increase.

[0007] In some embodiments, in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than a first threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually decrease includes: in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than the first threshold temperature and less than or equal to a third threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually decrease at a first power reduction rate; in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than the third threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually decrease at a second power reduction rate; wherein the first power reduction rate is less than the second power reduction rate.

[0008] In some embodiments, in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a second threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually increase includes: in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to the second threshold temperature and greater than a fourth threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually increase at a first power increase rate; in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually increase at a second power increase rate; wherein the first power increase rate is less than the second power increase rate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating power of the electric heating device is corrected and controlled based on the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe, including: determining the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe and the temperature difference range of the inlet and outlet temperature difference of the oil return pipe, wherein the inlet and outlet temperature difference of the oil return pipe is the difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe; determining a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe and the temperature difference range of the inlet and outlet temperature difference of the oil return pipe; and correcting the heating power of the electric heating device according to the correction strategy.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air conditioner control method includes: after the heating power of the electric heating device reaches the upper limit of the power, determining whether the duration of the oil return pipe being in a preset state exceeds a second preset duration, wherein the preset state is that the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe is less than or equal to the first preset temperature; and controlling the air conditioner to stop in response to determining whether the duration of the oil return pipe being in the preset state exceeds the second preset duration.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air conditioner control method includes: controlling the electric heating device to shut down in response to determining that an exit condition is met; the exit condition includes at least one of the following conditions: the duration of outdoor ambient temperature being greater than a second preset temperature is greater than a third preset duration; and the air conditioner is shut down.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner control device. The air conditioner includes a chassis, a compressor, an oil separator, an oil return pipe, a gas-liquid separator, and an electric heating device. The exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the air inlet of the oil separator. The oil return pipe is connected to the oil outlet of the oil separator and the oil inlet of the gas-liquid separator. The oil return pipe is at least partially disposed on the chassis. The electric heating device is disposed on the chassis. The air conditioner control device includes: a comparison circuit configured to determine whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature in response to the air conditioner being in heating mode; a start control circuit configured to control the electric heating device to turn on and operate at a preset heating power in response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature; and a correction control circuit configured to correct the heating power of the electric heating device according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe after the electric heating device has operated at the preset heating power for a first preset time.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, comprising: a chassis; a compressor, an oil separator, an oil return pipe, and a gas-liquid separator, wherein the exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the air inlet of the oil separator, the oil return pipe is connected to the oil outlet of the oil separator and the oil inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the oil return pipe is at least partially disposed on the chassis; an electric heating device disposed on the chassis; a memory storing a computer program; and a processor, wherein when the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the air conditioner control method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0014] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being loaded by a processor to execute the steps in the air conditioner control method described above.

[0015] The air conditioner control method provided in this application embodiment can simultaneously utilize the heat provided by the electric heating device and the waste heat of the refrigerant oil to heat and defrost the chassis. After running for a first preset time, the heating power of the electric heating device is adaptively adjusted and controlled according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe. When the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe is low, the heating power of the electric heating device is increased in time to improve the defrosting effect of the air conditioner. When the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe is low, the heating power of the electric heating device is reduced in time or even the electric heating device is turned off, thereby reducing the operating power consumption of the air conditioner and exhibiting significant environmental performance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is another partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is another partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is another partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is another partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is another partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is another partial flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in some embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a connection structure diagram of an air conditioner provided in some embodiments of this application when it is operating in heating mode.

[0026] Description of main component symbols:

[0027] 1-Air conditioner, 10-Chassis, 20-Compressor, 30-Oil separator, 40-Oil return pipe, 50-Gas-liquid separator, 60-Electric heating device, 70-Outdoor heat exchanger, 80-Throttling element, 90-Indoor heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] "A and / or B" includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0031] The use of "applies to" or "configured to" in this application implies open and inclusive language, which does not exclude the applicability to or configuration to devices performing additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of "based on" implies openness and inclusivity, because processes, steps, calculations, or other actions "based on" one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0032] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this application. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, in a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner control method, which includes S10 to S30, and can improve the defrosting effect of the air conditioner and reduce the operating power consumption of the air conditioner.

[0034] like Figure 9 As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes a chassis 10, a compressor 20, an oil separator 30, an oil return pipe 40, a gas-liquid separator 50, and an electric heating device 60. The exhaust port of the compressor 20 is connected to the air inlet of the oil separator 30. The oil return pipe 40 connects the oil outlet of the oil separator 30 to the oil inlet of the gas-liquid separator 50. The oil return pipe 40 is at least partially located on the chassis 10, and the electric heating device 60 is located on the chassis 10. When the air conditioner 1 is running, the oil separator 30 can separate the refrigerant oil in the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 20. The separated refrigerant oil can flow back to the gas-liquid separator 50 along the oil return pipe 40. Because the temperature of the refrigerant oil is high, the refrigerant oil can heat the chassis 10 when it flows through the section of the oil return pipe 40 located on the chassis 10. The residual heat of the refrigerant oil can melt any frost that may exist on the chassis 10 into water, achieving a defrosting and anti-clogging effect.

[0035] Here, the type of air conditioner 1 can be determined according to actual needs, and can be, for example, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a cabinet air conditioner, a window air conditioner, etc. This application embodiment does not limit this. When the air conditioner 1 is a split air conditioner, the chassis 10 can be the outdoor unit chassis 10; when the air conditioner 1 is an integrated air conditioner, the chassis 10 can be the part of the air conditioner 1 chassis 10 located on the outdoor side.

[0036] S10: In response to the air conditioner 1 being in heating mode, determine whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature.

[0037] Here, the outdoor ambient temperature can be determined by measuring the temperature sensor installed on the outdoor side of the air conditioner 1, and is the air temperature in the outdoor environment. The first preset temperature can be preset in the control system of the air conditioner 1 and can be used as the critical temperature value for controlling the electric heating device 60 to turn on. The specific value of the first preset temperature can be determined according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit it; for example, the first preset temperature can be set to 0°C.

[0038] S20: In response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, control the electric heating device 60 to turn on and operate at the preset heating power.

[0039] Here, the preset heating power can be pre-set in the control system of the air conditioner 1, and can be used as the default heating power when the electric heating device 60 is turned on. When the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, it indicates that the outdoor ambient temperature is low and there is a risk of ice formation and ice blockage on the chassis 10; at this time, the electric heating device 60 can be turned on to heat and melt the frost layer that may exist on the chassis 10, so as to achieve the purpose of defrosting.

[0040] S30: After the electric heating device 60 has been running at the preset heating power for the first preset time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is corrected and controlled according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40.

[0041] Here, the first preset duration can be pre-set in the control system of the air conditioner 1. The specific value of the first preset duration can be determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it; in some embodiments, the value range of the first preset duration can be 8 to 12 minutes, and the value of the first preset duration can be, for example, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 10.5 minutes, 11 minutes, or 12 minutes. Here, the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40, that is, the temperature of the end of the oil return pipe 40 connected to the gas-liquid separator 50, can be determined by measuring the temperature sensor installed at that end of the oil return pipe 40.

[0042] When there is a risk of icing or ice blockage on the chassis 10, the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to operate at a preset heating power for a first preset time. During this process, the refrigerant oil separated by the oil separator 30 continuously passes through the chassis 10 along the return oil pipe 40. Therefore, the heat provided by the electric heating device 60 and the waste heat of the refrigerant oil can be used simultaneously for defrosting. After stable operation for the first preset time, the defrosting effect of using the waste heat of the refrigerant oil on the frost layer on the chassis 10 can be determined based on the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40. Then, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be adjusted and controlled according to the defrosting effect of the refrigerant oil. When the defrosting effect of the refrigerant oil is poor, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be increased to completely eliminate the risk of ice blockage on the chassis 10. When the defrosting effect of the refrigerant oil is good, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be reduced or even turned off to reduce the overall power consumption of the air conditioner 1 and achieve energy saving.

[0043] Compared with related technologies, the air conditioner control method provided in this application embodiment can simultaneously utilize the heat provided by the electric heating device 60 and the waste heat of the refrigerant oil to heat and defrost the chassis 10. After running for a first preset time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is adaptively adjusted and controlled according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40. When the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 is low, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is increased in time to improve the defrosting effect of the air conditioner 1. When the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 is low, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is reduced in time or even turned off, thereby reducing the operating power consumption of the air conditioner 1 and exhibiting significant environmental performance.

[0044] The specific method for adjusting and controlling the heating power of the electric heating device 60 based on the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 can be determined according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit this. Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, S30 may include S31 to S33. Here, S31 to S33 may be executed after the electric heating device 60 has been running at a preset heating power for a first preset time.

[0045] S31: Determine the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40.

[0046] Here, several continuously distributed temperature ranges can be pre-set in the air conditioner 1, and a corresponding correction strategy can be set for each temperature range. The specific form of the correction strategy can be determined according to actual needs, and can be, for example, discrete correction values, correction curves that change with time, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment. For example, at least one temperature range can be set with a fixed power correction value, so that the heating power of the electric heating device 60 increases or decreases by the power correction value at one time; or, at least one temperature range can be set with a correction curve that changes with time, which is a straight line segment with time as the independent variable and a fixed slope, so that the heating power of the electric heating device 60 increases or decreases at a constant rate.

[0047] The number of temperature ranges and the length of each temperature range can be determined according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit this. Generally, if there are more temperature ranges, there are more correction strategies set, the matching degree between each correction strategy and the temperature range is higher, and the correction operation accuracy based on the correction strategy is higher; similarly, if the length of each temperature range is shorter, the temperature range corresponding to each correction strategy is smaller, the matching degree between each correction strategy and the temperature range is higher, and the correction operation accuracy based on the correction strategy is higher. In this way, after determining the temperature range in which the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is located, the correction strategy corresponding to the temperature range can be determined, and then the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be corrected according to the correction strategy.

[0048] S32: Determine the correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device 60 based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40. After determining the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40, the correction strategy corresponding to that temperature range can be determined.

[0049] S33: The heating power of the electric heating device 60 is corrected according to the above correction strategy.

[0050] For example, when the corresponding correction strategy is to adjust the power by a fixed value in one go, the current value of the heating power of the electric heating device 60 and the above-mentioned power correction value can be added or subtracted to obtain the updated value of the heating power of the electric heating device 60. Then, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is updated according to the updated value, and the electric heating device 60 is controlled to operate at the updated heating power.

[0051] For example, when the corresponding correction strategy is to correct according to a straight line with time as the independent variable and a fixed slope, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to increase at a preset rate until it reaches the upper limit of power, or the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to decrease at a preset rate until it drops to zero, at which point the electric heating device 60 stops heating.

[0052] By setting S31 to S33, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be more accurately corrected according to the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40, thereby improving the heat utilization rate of the electric heating device 60 and achieving better energy-saving control effect.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, in some examples, S33 may include S331 to S333.

[0054] S331: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is greater than the first threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is gradually reduced.

[0055] Here, the first threshold temperature can be preset in the control system of the air conditioner 1; the specific value of the first threshold temperature can be determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it. When it is determined that the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 is greater than the first threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is better. At this time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be gradually reduced to gradually reduce the heat consumption of the electric heating device 60. Under the premise of ensuring that the risk of ice blockage in the chassis 10 is completely eliminated, the overall power consumption of the air conditioner 1 is reduced to achieve a better energy-saving effect. Furthermore, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be gradually reduced to zero so that the electric heating device 60 is turned off when the heating power is zero, thereby achieving both energy-saving effect and shutdown control of the electric heating device 60 to stop defrosting.

[0056] S332: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is less than or equal to the first threshold temperature and greater than the second threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is controlled to remain unchanged.

[0057] Here, the second threshold temperature can be preset in the control system of the air conditioner 1, and the first threshold temperature is greater than the second threshold temperature; the specific value of the second threshold temperature can be determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it. When it is determined that the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 is less than or equal to the first threshold temperature and greater than the second threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is relatively moderate and the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is relatively matched. At this time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to remain unchanged to ensure the defrosting effect.

[0058] S333: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is less than or equal to the second threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is gradually increased.

[0059] When the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is determined to be less than or equal to the second threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is poor. At this time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be gradually increased to match and meet the heat demand for defrosting, thereby fully melting the frost layer on the chassis 10 and completely eliminating the risk of ice blockage in the chassis 10. Furthermore, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be gradually increased to its upper power limit to reliably eliminate the risk of ice blockage in the chassis 10 and avoid the energy waste that may be caused by immediately increasing the heating power of the electric heating device 60 to its upper power limit. This increases the matching degree between the heating power of the electric heating device 60 and the heat demand for defrosting, achieving better energy-saving effect.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, S331 may include S3311 to S3312.

[0061] S3311: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is greater than the first threshold temperature and less than or equal to the third threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is controlled to gradually decrease at the first power reduction rate.

[0062] Here, the third threshold temperature can be preset in the control system of the air conditioner 1, and the third threshold temperature is greater than the first threshold temperature; the specific value of the third threshold temperature can be determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it. When it is determined that the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 is greater than the first threshold temperature and less than or equal to the third threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is better, but the defrosting is still required by the electric heating device 60 for a relatively long time. At this time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to decrease slowly at a first power reduction rate, i.e., a smaller reduction rate, to provide the necessary electric heating auxiliary heat for a relatively long time and ensure the defrosting effect. For example, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to gradually decrease to zero at a first power reduction rate.

[0063] S3312: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is greater than the third threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is gradually reduced at a second power reduction rate. Here, the first power reduction rate is less than the second power reduction rate.

[0064] When the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is determined to be greater than the third threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is relatively good, and the electric heating device 60 is still needed for defrosting in a short period of time. At this time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to decrease rapidly at the second power reduction rate, i.e., a larger reduction rate. On the one hand, this ensures the electric heating auxiliary heat and defrosting effect in a short period of time, and on the other hand, it achieves better energy-saving effect through the rapid reduction of the heating power of the electric heating device 60. For example, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to gradually decrease to zero at the second power reduction rate.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, S333 may include S3331 to S3332.

[0066] S3331: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is less than or equal to the second threshold temperature and greater than the fourth threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is controlled to gradually increase at a first power increase rate.

[0067] Here, the fourth threshold temperature can be preset in the control system of the air conditioner 1, and the fourth threshold temperature is less than the second threshold temperature; the specific value of the fourth threshold temperature can be determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it. When it is determined that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is less than or equal to the second threshold temperature and greater than the fourth threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is poor, but the residual heat of the refrigeration oil and the heat demand for complete defrosting are still acceptable. At this time, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to slowly increase at a first power increase rate, i.e., a smaller increase rate, to match and meet the heat demand for defrosting, completely eliminate the risk of ice blockage in the chassis 10, and avoid the heating power of the electric heating device 60 increasing too quickly and the resulting energy waste, thus ensuring energy saving effect. For example, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be controlled to gradually increase to the upper limit of the power at a first power increase rate.

[0068] S3332: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is less than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 is controlled to gradually increase at a second power increase rate. Here, the first power increase rate is less than the second power increase rate.

[0069] When the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is determined to be less than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature, it can be determined that the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil is poor, and the residual heat of the refrigeration oil differs significantly from the heat requirement for complete defrosting. In this case, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be rapidly increased at a second power increase rate (i.e., a larger increase rate) to quickly match and meet the heat requirement for defrosting and promptly eliminate the risk of ice blockage in the chassis 10. For example, the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be gradually increased to the upper power limit at the second power increase rate.

[0070] For example, the first threshold temperature can be in the range of 22 to 28°C, such as 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, 27°C, or 28°C; the second threshold temperature can be in the range of 12 to 18°C, such as 11°C, 13°C, 14°C, 15°C, 16°C, 17°C, or 18°C; the third threshold temperature can be in the range of 32 to 38°C, such as 33°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, or 38°C; and the fourth threshold temperature can be in the range of 2 to 8°C, such as 3°C, 4°C, 5°C, 6°C, 7°C, or 8°C.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, in some other embodiments, S30 may include S31' to S33'.

[0072] S31': Determine the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 and the temperature difference range of the inlet and outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40. The inlet and outlet temperature difference of the return oil pipe 40 is the difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40. Here, the inlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 refers to the temperature of the end of the return oil pipe 40 connected to the oil separator 30, which can be measured by a temperature sensor installed at that end.

[0073] S32': Determine the correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device 60 based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 and the temperature difference range of the inlet and outlet temperature difference of the return oil pipe 40.

[0074] Here, several continuously distributed temperature ranges and temperature difference ranges can be pre-set in the air conditioner 1. Any temperature range and any temperature difference range form a correction range, and a corresponding correction strategy is set for each correction range. The specific form of the correction strategy can be determined according to actual needs, and can be, for example, discrete correction values, correction curves that change with time, etc. This application embodiment does not limit this. For example, at least one correction range can be set with a fixed power correction value, so that the heating power of the electric heating device 60 increases or decreases by the power correction value at one time; or, at least one correction range can be set with a correction curve that changes with time, which is a straight line segment with time as the independent variable and a fixed slope, so that the heating power of the electric heating device 60 increases or decreases at a constant rate.

[0075] The number of temperature ranges / temperature difference ranges and the length of each temperature range / temperature difference range can be determined according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit this. Generally, if there are more temperature ranges / temperature difference ranges, there will be more correction ranges and more correction strategies set. The matching degree between each correction strategy and the temperature range / temperature difference range will be higher, and the correction operation accuracy based on the correction strategy will be higher. Similarly, if the length of each temperature range / temperature difference range is shorter, the length of the correction range will be shorter, the correction range corresponding to each correction strategy will be smaller, the matching degree between each correction strategy and the temperature range / temperature difference range will be higher, and the correction operation accuracy based on the correction strategy will be higher. In this way, after determining the temperature range / temperature difference range in which the temperature difference is located, the correction range corresponding to the temperature range / temperature difference range and the correction strategy corresponding to the correction range can be determined, and then the heating power of the electric heating device 60 can be corrected according to the correction strategy.

[0076] S33': The heating power of the electric heating device 60 is corrected according to the above correction strategy.

[0077] By setting S31' to S33' and taking into account the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the return oil pipe 40, the defrosting effect of the refrigeration oil and the thickness of the frost layer on the chassis 10 can be determined more accurately. This allows for a more accurate determination of the heating amount required by the electric heating device 60, thereby more accurately correcting the heating power of the electric heating device 60 and ensuring that the heating power consumption of the electric heating device 60 matches the actual heat demand. This guarantees the defrosting effect, completely eliminates the risk of ice blockage in the chassis 10, and achieves better energy-saving effects.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the air conditioner control method may include S34 to S35.

[0079] S34: After the heating power of the electric heating device 60 reaches the upper limit of the power, determine whether the duration of the return oil pipe 40 in the preset state exceeds the second preset duration. The preset state is that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe 40 is less than or equal to the first preset temperature.

[0080] Here, the second preset duration can be preset in the control system of the air conditioner 1. The specific value of the second preset duration can be determined according to actual needs, and this application embodiment does not limit it; in some embodiments, the value range of the second preset duration can be 8 to 12 minutes, and the value of the second preset duration can be, for example, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 10.5 minutes, 11 minutes or 12 minutes.

[0081] S35: In response to determining whether the duration of the return oil pipe 40 being in a preset state exceeds a second preset duration, the air conditioner 1 is controlled to stop. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 can also be controlled to issue an alarm message.

[0082] After the heating power of the electric heating device 60 reaches its upper limit, the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 can continue to be monitored. When the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 is less than or equal to a first preset temperature, the duration for which the oil return pipe 40 remains in this preset state is recorded. If the duration for which the oil return pipe 40 remains in the preset state exceeds a second preset duration, then the duration for which the electric heating device 60 operates continuously at its upper power limit also exceeds the second preset duration. It can be determined that neither the oil return pipe 40 nor the electric heating device 60 is sufficient to achieve the defrosting effect. Therefore, it can be determined that the air conditioner 1 has experienced a fault that cannot be resolved on its own, such as severe ice blockage in the chassis 10 or freezing of the outdoor heat exchanger 70. In this case, it is necessary to shut down the air conditioner 1 to prevent damage. An alarm message can also be issued to allow the user or maintenance personnel to troubleshoot the fault. In some examples, S34 to S35 can be executed after S3332.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the air conditioner control method may include S40.

[0084] S40: In response to determining that the exit condition is met, the electric heating device 60 is controlled to shut down. Here, the exit condition may include at least one of the following conditions: the duration for which the outdoor ambient temperature is higher than the second preset temperature is greater than the third preset duration; or the air conditioner 1 is shut down. The specific value of the second preset temperature can be determined according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not limit it; for example, the second preset temperature can be set to 2°C.

[0085] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner control device, which includes: a comparison circuit configured to determine whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature in response to the air conditioner 1 being in heating mode; a start control circuit configured to control the electric heating device 60 to turn on and operate at a preset heating power in response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature; and a correction control circuit configured to correct the heating power of the electric heating device 60 according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe 40 after the electric heating device 60 has been operating at the preset heating power for a first preset time.

[0086] like Figure 9 As shown, in a third aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner 1, which includes a chassis 10, a compressor 20, an oil separator 30, an oil return pipe 40, a gas-liquid separator 50, an electric heating device 60, a memory, and a processor. The exhaust port of the compressor 20 is connected to the air inlet of the oil separator 30, and the oil return pipe 40 is connected to the oil outlet of the oil separator 30 and the oil inlet of the gas-liquid separator 50. The oil return pipe 40 is at least partially disposed on the chassis 10, and the electric heating device 60 is disposed on the chassis 10. The memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the air conditioner control method provided in any of the above embodiments. The type of air conditioner 1 can be determined according to actual needs, and can be, for example, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a cabinet air conditioner, a window air conditioner, etc., and embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0087] The processor is connected to the memory and can perform various actions and processes according to the programs stored in the memory. Specifically, the processor can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. The aforementioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, and can be based on an x86 architecture or an ARM architecture.

[0088] The memory can be volatile or non-volatile, or may include both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM) used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct memory bus random access memory (DRRAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0089] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 70, a throttling element 80 and an indoor heat exchanger 90 connected in sequence, with the outdoor heat exchanger 70 connected to the exhaust port of the oil separator 30 and the indoor heat exchanger 90 connected to the gas-liquid separator 50.

[0090] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being loaded by a processor to execute the steps in the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0091] For example, the aforementioned computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., CDs (Compact Disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in the embodiments of this application may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable storage media for storing information. The term "machine-readable storage medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0092] The above provides a detailed description of an air conditioner and its control method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner control method, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a chassis, a compressor, an oil separator, an oil return pipe, a gas-liquid separator, and an electric heating device. The compressor's exhaust port is connected to the oil separator's inlet port. The oil return pipe connects the oil separator's drain port and the gas-liquid separator's inlet port. The oil return pipe is at least partially mounted on the chassis. The electric heating device is mounted on the chassis. The air conditioner control method includes: In response to the air conditioner being in heating mode, determine whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature; In response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature, the electric heating device is controlled to turn on and operate at a preset heating power. After the electric heating device operates at a preset heating power for a first preset time, the heating power of the electric heating device is adjusted and controlled according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe. The heating power of the electric heating device is adjusted and controlled based on the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, including: Determine the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe; Based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device is determined. The heating power of the electric heating device is corrected according to the correction strategy. Based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device is determined, including: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than a first threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually decrease; In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a first threshold temperature and greater than a second threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to remain constant. In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a second threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually increase.

2. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than a first threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is gradually reduced, including: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than the first threshold temperature and less than or equal to the third threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually decrease at a first power reduction rate. In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than the third threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually decrease at a second power reduction rate; The first power reduction rate is less than the second power reduction rate; And / or, in response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a second threshold temperature, controlling the heating power of the electric heating device to gradually increase, including: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a second threshold temperature and greater than a fourth threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually increase at a first power increase rate. In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to the fourth threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually increase at a second power increase rate; The first power increase rate is less than the second power increase rate.

3. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating power of the electric heating device is adjusted and controlled based on the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, including: The temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe and the temperature difference range of the inlet and outlet temperature of the return oil pipe are determined. The inlet and outlet temperature difference of the return oil pipe is the difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe. Based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe and the temperature difference range of the inlet and outlet temperature difference of the return oil pipe, the correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device is determined. The heating power of the electric heating device is corrected according to the correction strategy.

4. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The air conditioner control method includes: After the heating power of the electric heating device reaches the upper limit of the power, it is determined whether the duration of the oil return pipe in the preset state exceeds the second preset duration. The preset state is that the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe is less than or equal to the first preset temperature. In response to determining whether the duration of the oil return pipe being in a preset state exceeds a second preset duration, the air conditioner is controlled to stop.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner control method includes: In response to determining that the exit condition is met, the electric heating device is controlled to shut down; The exit conditions include at least one of the following: the duration when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than the second preset temperature is greater than the third preset duration; the air conditioner stops.

6. An air conditioner control device, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a chassis, a compressor, an oil separator, an oil return pipe, a gas-liquid separator, and an electric heating device. The compressor's exhaust port is connected to the oil separator's inlet port. The oil return pipe connects the oil separator's drain port and the gas-liquid separator's inlet port. The oil return pipe is at least partially mounted on the chassis. The electric heating device is mounted on the chassis. The air conditioner control device includes: A comparison circuit is configured to determine whether the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature in response to the air conditioner being in heating mode. The start-up control circuit is configured to control the electric heating device to turn on and operate at a preset heating power in response to determining that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature. The correction control circuit is configured to correct the heating power of the electric heating device according to the outlet temperature of the oil return pipe after the electric heating device has been running at a preset heating power for a first preset time. The heating power of the electric heating device is adjusted and controlled based on the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, including: Determine the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe; Based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device is determined. The heating power of the electric heating device is corrected according to the correction strategy. Based on the temperature range of the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe, a correction strategy for the heating power of the electric heating device is determined, including: In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is greater than a first threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually decrease; In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a first threshold temperature and greater than a second threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to remain constant. In response to determining that the outlet temperature of the return oil pipe is less than or equal to a second threshold temperature, the heating power of the electric heating device is controlled to gradually increase.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Chassis; The compressor, oil separator, oil return pipe, and gas-liquid separator are provided. The exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the air inlet of the oil separator. The oil return pipe is connected to the oil outlet of the oil separator and the oil inlet of the gas-liquid separator. The oil return pipe is at least partially provided on the chassis. An electric heating device is mounted on the chassis; Memory, which stores computer programs; A processor, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements the air conditioner control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program, which is loaded by a processor to execute the steps of the air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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