Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, in particular to a control method for the air conditioner to enter a demand response state in response to power supply shortage of a power grid, which comprises the following steps: after a demand response instruction is received, acquiring the running state of a compressor; if the compressor works, the set temperature of the air conditioner and / or the air conditioner operation mode are / is obtained; and judging whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state or not according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode. On one hand, the problem of power supply shortage can be relieved, and the effect of saving electricity is achieved; and on the other hand, under the condition that the compressor works, whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state or not is determined according to the set temperature of the air conditioner and the air conditioner operation mode, and therefore accurate power limiting can be conducted on the air conditioner, and negative influences are reduced to the minimum extent. Furthermore, different air conditioner operation modes correspond to different demand response states, electricity is saved, and meanwhile the functions corresponding to the air conditioner operation modes are kept.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to a control method of an air conditioner and the air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] The large-scale use of air conditioners during hot summer weather is the main reason for power shortages in summer. There are also some problems with the current way to deal with power shortages in summer. For example, during peak electricity consumption, the existing means of alleviating power shortages are usually concentrated on the supply side, which is reflected in the artificial control of power distribution by the transmission system, such as artificial power outages, limited power consumption, and peak-shifting power consumption. This control method is neither flexible nor humane. Even when the demand response mechanism is introduced, it is still not possible to accurately control the specific electrical appliances and control key electrical appliances. For example, during the peak electricity consumption period in summer, if home appliances such as air conditioners can be accurately controlled to perform demand response without affecting the normal use of other home appliances such as refrigerators in the home, the power shortage can be alleviated to the minimum extent and the key electrical appliances can be accurately controlled. Moreover, when the demand response mechanism is introduced for air conditioners, there is still a lack of control logic for special processing of personalized functions of different air conditioners. For example, how to handle demand response when the air conditioner is in sleep mode. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems, so as to alleviate the problem of power shortage and achieve the purpose of saving electricity.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] After receiving the demand response instruction, obtain the operating status of the compressor;

[0006] If the compressor is working, obtaining a set temperature of the air conditioner and / or an operating mode of the air conditioner;

[0007] According to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode, it is determined whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state.

[0008] Optionally, judging whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode includes:

[0009] In response to the air conditioner operating mode being a normal mode or a special mode, determining whether the set temperature meets a preset condition;

[0010] If the preset conditions are met, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a demand response state.

[0011] Optionally, the preset condition includes a first preset condition, and the demand response state includes a first demand response state;

[0012] If the preset condition is met, controlling the air conditioner to enter a demand response state includes:

[0013] If the set temperature is lower than the first preset temperature and greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, the first preset condition is met, and the air conditioner is controlled to enter a first demand response state;

[0014] The first demand response state includes:

[0015] Assigning the set temperature to a first set value;

[0016] Controlling the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in a first mode and repeating a plurality of cycles, wherein the first mode includes: after the compressor and the outdoor fan are stopped for a first preset time, the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a second preset time;

[0017] When the accumulated duration of the cyclic operation of the first mode reaches a first set duration, the air conditioner exits the first demand response state.

[0018] Optionally, the preset condition includes a second preset condition, and the demand response state includes a second demand response state;

[0019] If the preset condition is met, controlling the air conditioner to enter a demand response state includes:

[0020] When the set temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the second preset condition is met and the air conditioner enters the second demand response state;

[0021] The second demand response state includes:

[0022] Assigning the set temperature to a second set value;

[0023] Controlling the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in a second mode and repeating a plurality of cycles, wherein the second mode is: after the compressor and the outdoor fan are stopped for a third preset time, the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a fourth preset time;

[0024] When the accumulated duration of the cyclic operation of the second mode reaches a second set duration, the air conditioner exits the second demand response state.

[0025] Optionally, the special mode includes a sleep mode and a timer off mode, and the normal mode includes a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode.

[0026] Optionally, judging whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode includes:

[0027] When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the set temperature meets the preset condition, obtaining the set duration of the demand response state, the operation duration and the remaining duration of the sleep mode;

[0028] When the remaining time is less than the set time, the demand response state is entered; and during the operation of the demand response state, when the operation time of the demand response state is less than or equal to the remaining time, the prompt operation is not performed, and when the operation time of the demand response state is greater than the remaining time, the special mark display operation is performed;

[0029] When the remaining time is greater than or equal to the set time, the demand response state is entered, and no prompt operation is performed; the prompt operation includes the special mark display operation.

[0030] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0031] When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the air conditioner enters a demand response state, the temperature change determination of the sleep mode is canceled.

[0032] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0033] When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the timed shutdown mode and the set temperature meets the preset conditions, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the demand response state;

[0034] Obtaining the timing duration of the timed shutdown mode and the set duration of the demand response state;

[0035] When the timing duration is less than the set duration, the air conditioner exits the demand response state when it is turned off.

[0036] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0037] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner performs a prompting operation; and / or

[0038] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner only responds to a shutdown instruction and a cancel demand response instruction; and / or

[0039] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner memorizes the current demand response state when it is shut down, and continues to execute the demand response state after restarting.

[0040] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, which includes a controller, the controller includes a memory, a processor and a machine executable program stored in the memory and running on the processor, and the processor implements any of the control methods described above when executing the machine executable program.

[0041] In the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention, a control method for the air conditioner to enter a demand response state in response to power shortage of the power grid is proposed. After the air conditioner receives the demand response instruction, when the compressor of the air conditioner is working, it is determined whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state according to the set temperature of the air conditioner and the air conditioner operation mode; or it is determined whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state according to the set temperature of the air conditioner; or it is determined whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state according to the air conditioner operation mode. On the one hand, the present invention can alleviate the problem of power shortage and achieve the effect of saving electricity; on the other hand, when the compressor is working, it is determined whether to enter the demand response state according to the set temperature of the air conditioner and the air conditioner operation mode, so that the air conditioner can be accurately limited in power to minimize the negative impact.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention can correspond different demand response states according to different air conditioner operation modes, thereby saving electricity while maintaining the functions corresponding to the air conditioner operation modes.

[0043] Based on the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will become more aware of the above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Hereinafter, some specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail in an exemplary and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the same or similar components or parts. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of a first demand response state of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a second demand response state of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of a timed shutdown mode of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a controller in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 5 To describe the air conditioner and the control method thereof of the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features, that is, include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. When a feature "includes or contains" one or some of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may further include other features.

[0051] In the description of this embodiment, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. The term "and / or" is a description of the association relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B. The term "corresponding" may refer to an association relationship or a binding relationship, and the correspondence between A and B means that there is an association relationship or a binding relationship between A and B.

[0052] In the description of the present embodiment, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, reference Figures 2 to 4 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising the following steps:

[0054] Step S1: After receiving the demand response instruction, the operating status of the compressor is obtained.

[0055] Step S2: If the compressor is working, obtain the set temperature of the air conditioner and / or the operating mode of the air conditioner.

[0056] Step S3: judging whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode.

[0057] Specifically, demand response refers to the behavior of users temporarily changing their inherent habitual electricity consumption patterns to adjust their electricity consumption when there is a risk to the safety and reliability of the power system, thereby promoting the balance of power supply and demand and ensuring the stable operation of the system. By implementing demand response, users can be guided to improve the level of load management refinement, achieve peak load shaving and valley filling, and effectively alleviate the contradiction between power supply and demand.

[0058] The demand response instruction refers to the demand response instruction sent by the host computer to the air conditioner. After the air conditioner receives the demand response instruction, the air conditioner will determine whether the air conditioner responds to the demand response instruction and enters the demand response state according to the set temperature and air conditioner operation mode of the air conditioner when the compressor is working.

[0059] For example, the host computer issues a mandatory demand response instruction to the air conditioner. The air conditioner is usually equipped with a WiFi module to connect to the home network and access the whole house smart appliance system; in apartment-style residential buildings, there is usually a home appliance centralized control system, such as the hotel's background monitoring system for guest room electrical equipment. Such a system can be used as a host computer to implement the host computer's issuance of demand response instructions to the lower computer. During periods of tight electricity demand, the host computer issues demand response instructions to the controlled lower computer based on the host demand. As a lower computer, after receiving the instruction, the air conditioner determines whether to enter the demand response state based on the set temperature and air conditioner operation mode.

[0060] In this embodiment, "set temperature" and "air conditioner operation mode" are used as the judgment conditions for whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state. Using "air conditioner operation mode" as one of the judgment conditions for whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state can allow the air conditioner to enter different demand response states according to different air conditioner operation modes.

[0061] Alternatively, the "set temperature" is used as a judgment condition for whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state, so that the air conditioner enters different demand response states according to different set temperatures.

[0062] Alternatively, the "air conditioner operation mode" is used as a judgment condition for whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state, so that the air conditioner enters different demand response states according to different air conditioner operation modes.

[0063] On the one hand, the present invention can alleviate the problem of power supply shortage and achieve the effect of saving electricity; on the other hand, when the compressor is working, it determines whether to enter the demand response state according to the set temperature of the air conditioner and the air conditioner operation mode, so that the air conditioner can be accurately limited in power to minimize the negative impact.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention can correspond different demand response states according to different air conditioner operation modes, thereby saving electricity while maintaining the functions corresponding to the air conditioner operation modes.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, judging whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode includes: judging whether the set temperature meets a preset condition in response to the air conditioner operation mode being a normal mode or a special mode. If the preset condition is met, controlling the air conditioner to enter the demand response state.

[0066] In this embodiment, the air conditioner operation mode includes a normal mode and a special mode. When the air conditioner operation mode is a normal mode or a special mode, the air conditioner will determine the relationship between the set temperature of the air conditioner and the preset condition; if the set temperature meets the preset condition, the air conditioner will enter a demand response state. When the operation mode or set temperature of the air conditioner is different, the air conditioner will enter a different demand response state.

[0067] The present invention allows "air conditioner operating mode" as one of the judgment conditions, so that the air conditioner can enter different demand response states under different air conditioner operating modes. While saving electricity, the functions corresponding to the air conditioner operating mode are maintained, such as no sound corresponding to the sleep mode, thereby avoiding reducing the user experience.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference Figure 2 , the preset condition includes a first preset condition, and the demand response state includes a first demand response state.

[0069] If the preset conditions are met, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the demand response state, including:

[0070] If the set temperature is lower than the first preset temperature and greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, the first preset condition is met and the air conditioner is controlled to enter the first demand response state.

[0071] The first demand response state includes the following steps:

[0072] Step S11: assigning the set temperature to a first set value.

[0073] Step S12: Control the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in a first mode and repeat multiple cycles. The first mode includes: after the compressor and the outdoor fan are shut down for a first preset time, the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a second preset time.

[0074] Step S13: When the accumulated duration of the first mode cyclic operation reaches a first set duration, the air conditioner exits the first demand response state.

[0075] In this embodiment, "the set temperature is less than the first preset temperature and greater than or equal to the second preset temperature" is used as the judgment condition that the set temperature meets the first preset condition. Among them, the first preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, and the first preset temperature and the second preset temperature can be set according to actual conditions. The first set value, the first preset time, the second preset time, and the cumulative time can be set according to actual conditions, and the cumulative time is greater than the first preset time and the second preset time.

[0076] Specifically, the first demand response state is: the air conditioner forcibly assigns the set temperature to the first set value; then the air conditioner controls the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in the first mode and repeats it multiple times until the cumulative duration of the first mode repetition reaches the first set duration, and the air conditioner exits the first demand response state. The first mode means that the compressor and the outdoor fan are shut down for the first preset duration, and then the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for the second preset duration. That is, the compressor and the outdoor fan are shut down for a period of time, and then start to run for a period of time. During the period when the compressor and the outdoor fan are cyclically operated in the first mode, the set wind speed of the indoor fan remains unchanged, and the wind speed of the outdoor fan remains unchanged when it is running.

[0077] In this embodiment, the air conditioner forcibly assigns the set temperature to a first set value, and shuts down the compressor and the outdoor fan for a first preset time as a measure to alleviate power shortage, thereby saving electricity; and restarting the compressor and the outdoor fan and running for a second preset time allows the air conditioner to continue cooling, maintain the indoor cooling effect, and avoid reducing the user experience.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference Figure 3 , the preset condition includes a second preset condition, and the demand response state includes a second demand response state.

[0079] If the preset conditions are met, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a demand response state, including when the set temperature is less than a second preset temperature, the second preset conditions are met, and the air conditioner enters a second demand response state.

[0080] The second demand response state includes the following steps:

[0081] Step S21: assigning the set temperature to a second set value.

[0082] Step S22: Control the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in a second mode and repeat multiple cycles, the second mode being: after the compressor and the outdoor fan are shut down for a third preset time, the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a fourth preset time.

[0083] Step S23: When the accumulated duration of the second mode cyclic operation reaches the second set duration, the air conditioner exits the second demand response state.

[0084] In this embodiment, "the set temperature is less than the second preset temperature" is used as the judgment condition for satisfying the second preset condition. The second preset temperature, the second set value, the third preset time, the fourth preset time and the second set time can be set according to actual conditions. The accumulated time of the second mode cyclic operation is greater than the third preset time and the fourth preset time.

[0085] Specifically, the second demand response state is: the air conditioner forcibly assigns the set temperature to the second set value; then the air conditioner controls the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in the second mode and repeats it multiple times. When the cumulative duration of the second mode repeated multiple times reaches the second set duration, the air conditioner exits the second demand response state. The second mode is: the compressor and the outdoor fan are shut down for a third preset duration, and then the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a fourth preset duration. During the period when the compressor and the outdoor fan are cyclically operated in the second mode, the set wind speed of the indoor fan remains unchanged, and the wind speed of the outdoor fan remains unchanged when it is running.

[0086] Correspondingly, the first preset time length and the second preset time length in step S12 may be the same as or different from the third preset time length and the fourth preset time length in this embodiment, and may be set according to actual conditions.

[0087] In this embodiment, the air conditioner forcibly assigns the set temperature to the second set value, and shuts down the compressor and the outdoor fan for the third preset time as a measure to alleviate power shortage, thereby achieving the effect of saving electricity; and restarting the compressor and the outdoor fan and running for the fourth preset time allows the air conditioner to continue cooling, maintain the indoor cooling effect, and avoid reducing the user experience.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the set temperature of the air conditioner is greater than the first preset temperature, the demand response instruction issued by the host computer is ignored, and the demand response state is not entered. When the set temperature of the air conditioner is greater than the first preset temperature, the power saving requirement set by the air conditioner is met, and the air conditioner does not enter the demand response state.

[0089] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in the air supply mode, the compressor does not work, the air conditioner ignores the demand response instruction sent by the host computer, and does not enter the demand response state. The current state of the air conditioner meets the power saving demand set by the air conditioner, and there is no need to enter the demand response state.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, the special mode includes a sleep mode and a timer off mode, and the normal mode includes a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode.

[0091] In this embodiment, the special mode includes but is not limited to the sleep mode and the timer shutdown mode, and the normal mode includes but is not limited to the cooling mode and the dehumidification mode. Both the special mode and the normal mode in this embodiment require the compressor to work.

[0092] Because the special mode has special functions, such as no sound and no light in the sleep mode, and the timed shutdown mode shuts down at the set time. When the air conditioner is in a special mode, the air conditioner will select different demand response states according to the special mode and adopt different measures.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present invention, judging whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode includes the following steps:

[0094] When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the set temperature meets the preset conditions, the set time of the demand response state, the operation time and the remaining time of the sleep mode are obtained.

[0095] When the remaining time is less than the set time, the demand response state is entered; and during the operation of the demand response state, when the operation time of the demand response state is less than or equal to the remaining time, no prompt operation is performed; when the operation time of the demand response state is greater than the remaining time, the special identification operation is displayed.

[0096] When the remaining time is greater than or equal to the set time, the demand response state is entered and no prompt operation is performed. The prompt operation includes displaying a special mark operation.

[0097] In this embodiment, the prompt operation includes but is not limited to displaying a special logo operation, voice prompt, and LED flashing prompt. The display of a special logo operation includes intelligent screen display and remote control display, which is determined by the actual function combination of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner operation mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the set temperature meets the preset conditions, the air conditioner will perform different operations after entering the demand response state according to the relationship between the set duration of the demand response state, the operation duration, and the remaining duration of the sleep mode.

[0098] When the remaining time is less than the set time, the air conditioner enters the demand response state. During the operation in the demand response state, when the operating time of the demand response state is less than or equal to the remaining time, the air conditioner does not perform the prompt operation to avoid disturbing the user's sleep; when the operating time of the demand response state is greater than the remaining time, a special logo operation is displayed to prompt that the air conditioner is in the demand response state, but no other prompt operations are performed to avoid disturbing the user's sleep.

[0099] When the remaining time of the sleep mode is greater than or equal to the set time of the demand response state, the air conditioner enters the demand response state and does not perform prompt operations. The air conditioner does not disturb the user during the entire process of being in the sleep mode and the demand response state.

[0100] Accordingly, when the air conditioner is in sleep mode, the air conditioner enters the first demand response state or the second demand response state according to the preset conditions satisfied by the set temperature; the set duration of the demand response state in this embodiment includes the first set duration in the above step S13 and the second set duration in the above step S23.

[0101] When the air conditioner of the present invention is in the sleep mode, it is determined whether the air conditioner enters the demand response state according to the relationship between the set temperature and the preset condition, and enters the first demand response state after the set temperature meets the first preset condition or enters the second demand response state after the set temperature meets the second preset condition; then the first demand response state or the second demand response state is executed. During the execution of the demand response state, the air conditioner determines whether to perform the display of the special identification operation according to the relationship between the set duration of the demand response state, the operating duration and the remaining duration of the sleep mode, and does not perform other prompt operations.

[0102] When the air conditioner of the present invention is in sleep mode and in demand response operation, the air conditioner will not emit sound prompts or light prompts to avoid disturbing the user's sleep. While alleviating the problem of power shortage, the functional setting of the sleep mode is guaranteed to enhance the user's experience.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes: when the operating mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the air conditioner enters a demand response state, canceling the temperature change determination in the sleep mode.

[0104] In this embodiment, the temperature change determination is the temperature change determination in the sleep curve corresponding to the sleep mode. For example, the sleep mode of the air conditioner stipulates that during the eight-hour sleep mode operation, the target temperature T is set to be divided into two-hour stages, and each stage rises by 2°C, that is, the value T=T+2°C is assigned. After reaching the set temperature upper limit, the set temperature upper limit is used to operate for the remaining time until the sleep mode is exited.

[0105] When the air conditioner operating mode of the present invention is the sleep mode and the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the temperature change judgment of the sleep mode is cancelled to avoid conflicts between the demand response state and the temperature change judgment of the sleep mode, thereby ensuring the effect of the demand response state in alleviating power shortages.

[0106] In some embodiments of the present invention, reference Figure 4 , the control method further comprises the following steps:

[0107] Step S31: When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the timed shutdown mode and the set temperature meets the preset conditions, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the demand response state.

[0108] Step S32: Obtain the timing duration of the timed shutdown mode and the set duration of the demand response state.

[0109] Step S33: When the timing duration is less than the set duration, the air conditioner is turned off to exit the demand response state.

[0110] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner operation mode of the air conditioner is the timed shutdown mode and the set temperature meets the first preset condition, the air conditioner enters the first demand response state; when the set temperature meets the second preset condition, the air conditioner enters the second demand response state. When the timed duration of the timed shutdown mode is less than the set duration of the demand response state, the air conditioner exits the demand response state when it is turned off. The set duration of the demand response state in this embodiment includes the first set duration in the above step S13 and the second set duration in the above step S23.

[0111] In the timed shutdown mode, when the air conditioner is restarted after the scheduled shutdown, the air conditioner will no longer continue to execute the demand response state, but will operate in the mode after the air conditioner is restarted.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the air conditioner is executing the timed start mode when receiving the demand response instruction, the demand response instruction is ignored and the response state is not entered. In the timed start mode, the air conditioner is actually turned off and does not need to execute the demand response.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further comprises:

[0114] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner performs a prompt operation. And / or

[0115] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner only responds to the shutdown command and the cancellation demand response command. And / or

[0116] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner memorizes the current demand response state when it is shut down, and continues to execute the demand response state after restarting.

[0117] In this embodiment, after the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the prompt operation of the air conditioner includes but is not limited to displaying special identification operations, voice prompts, and LED flashing prompts. The display of special identification operations includes smart screen display and remote control display, which is determined by the actual function combination of the air conditioner to prompt the user that the air conditioner is currently in the demand response state.

[0118] After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, it will no longer accept other regular instructions unless the instruction is a shutdown instruction or a "cancel demand response" instruction issued by the host computer; at the same time, the air conditioner that has entered the response state will no longer accept new demand response instructions issued by the host computer.

[0119] After the air conditioner enters the response state and before the set time is reached, the user manually turns off the air conditioner. The air conditioner memorizes the current demand response state and enters the demand response state again after restarting it until the set time is reached to exit the demand response state.

[0120] The demand response state will be automatically exited after the default operating time is reached; whether it is exited automatically or through the "cancel demand response" command issued by the host computer, after exiting, if the air conditioner is turned off, it will remain turned off; if the air conditioner is turned on, it will return to the operating state before entering the demand response state.

[0121] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the user can manually exit the demand response state, for example, by adding a demand response state function button on the remote control corresponding to the air conditioner, or by adding a demand response state control switch on the APP end.

[0122] The user can manually choose whether to enter the demand response state, instead of the air conditioner being forced to enter the demand response state after receiving the demand response instruction sent by the host computer, and the user cannot control it.

[0123] In this embodiment, the user can manually choose whether to enter the demand response state to adjust the operation of the air conditioner, thereby improving the user experience.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, for air conditioners with a power accumulation function, the demand response state of the present invention includes the compressor and the outdoor fan being shut down for a period of time, the compressor and the outdoor fan being restarted and running for a period of time, and the above-mentioned compressor and outdoor fan shutdown and operation process being cycled. The power accumulation function means that the air conditioner can detect the current operating power in real time and calculate the power of the air conditioner through the operating power. The present invention can add a control logic for the cycle time. When it is detected that the current operating power is less than or equal to the preset operating power, it operates normally; when it is detected that the current operating power is greater than the preset operating power, the downtime of the compressor and the outdoor fan is appropriately adjusted, that is, the first preset time length or the third preset time length. The first preset time length or the third preset time length can be flexibly set according to demand.

[0125] The control method of the present invention can actively respond to the tight power supply situation during high temperature weather in summer, further enhance the power grid regulation capability, promote the consumption of clean energy, and effectively alleviate the contradiction between power supply and demand.

[0126] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, referring to Figure 5 The air conditioner includes a controller 500, which includes a memory 520, a processor 510, and a machine executable program 41 stored in the memory 520 and running on the processor 510, and the processor 510 implements the control method of any of the above embodiments when executing the machine executable program 41.

[0127] In this embodiment, the air conditioner includes a controller 500, so that the controller 500 controls various parameters of the air conditioner, including compressor frequency, outdoor fan wind speed, air conditioner operation mode, and demand response status. At the same time, the controller 500 can control the timer to count, and the speed measuring device to measure the speed of the outdoor fan to ensure the normal operation of the air conditioner and enhance the user experience; the controller 500 includes a memory 520 and a processor 510, and the memory 520 stores the compressor operating frequency, demand response status, air conditioner operating mode, the remaining time of the sleep mode, the speed of the outdoor fan, and the machine executable program 41 corresponding to the control method in the above-mentioned embodiments. The machine executable program 41 running on the processor 510 can implement the control method of any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0128] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or described in other ways herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, device or equipment (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or equipment and execute instructions), or used in combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or equipment.

[0129] For the purposes of the description of this embodiment, a "computer-readable medium" may be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit a program for use with an instruction execution system, device or apparatus or in conjunction with such instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. More specific examples of computer-readable media (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wirings (electronic device), a portable computer disk case (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber device, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, a computer-readable medium may even be paper or other suitable medium on which the program may be printed, since the program may be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting or, if necessary, processing in another suitable manner, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0130] It should be understood that the various parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or their combination: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function for a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0131] At this point, those skilled in the art should recognize that, although multiple exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications that conform to the principles of the present invention can still be directly determined or derived based on the content disclosed in the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all these other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: include: After receiving the demand response instruction, obtain the operating status of the compressor; If the compressor is working, obtaining a set temperature of the air conditioner and / or an operating mode of the air conditioner; According to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode, it is determined whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of judging whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode includes: In response to the air conditioner operating mode being a normal mode or a special mode, determining whether the set temperature meets a preset condition; If the preset conditions are met, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a demand response state.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preset condition includes a first preset condition, and the demand response state includes a first demand response state; If the preset condition is met, controlling the air conditioner to enter a demand response state includes: If the set temperature is lower than the first preset temperature and greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, the first preset condition is met, and the air conditioner is controlled to enter a first demand response state; The first demand response state includes: Assigning the set temperature to a first set value; Controlling the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in a first mode and repeating a plurality of cycles, wherein the first mode includes: after the compressor and the outdoor fan are stopped for a first preset time, the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a second preset time; When the accumulated duration of the cyclic operation of the first mode reaches a first set duration, the air conditioner exits the first demand response state.

4. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preset condition includes a second preset condition, and the demand response state includes a second demand response state; If the preset condition is met, controlling the air conditioner to enter a demand response state includes: When the set temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the second preset condition is met and the air conditioner enters the second demand response state; The second demand response state includes: Assigning the set temperature to a second set value; Controlling the compressor and the outdoor fan to operate in a second mode and repeating a plurality of cycles, wherein the second mode is: after the compressor and the outdoor fan are stopped for a third preset time, the compressor and the outdoor fan are restarted and run for a fourth preset time; When the accumulated duration of the cyclic operation of the second mode reaches a second set duration, the air conditioner exits the second demand response state.

5. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The special modes include a sleep mode and a timer off mode, and the normal modes include a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of judging whether the air conditioner enters a demand response state according to the set temperature and / or the air conditioner operation mode includes: When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the set temperature meets the preset condition, obtaining the set duration of the demand response state, the operation duration and the remaining duration of the sleep mode; When the remaining time is less than the set time, the demand response state is entered; and during the operation of the demand response state, when the operation time of the demand response state is less than or equal to the remaining time, the prompt operation is not performed, and when the operation time of the demand response state is greater than the remaining time, the special mark display operation is performed; When the remaining time is greater than or equal to the set time, the demand response state is entered, and no prompt operation is performed; The prompt operation includes the display special mark operation.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the sleep mode and the air conditioner enters a demand response state, the temperature change determination of the sleep mode is canceled.

8. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also includes: When the operation mode of the air conditioner is the timed shutdown mode and the set temperature meets the preset conditions, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the demand response state; Obtaining the timing duration of the timed shutdown mode and the set duration of the demand response state; When the timing duration is less than the set duration, the air conditioner exits the demand response state when it is turned off.

9. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner performs a prompting operation; and / or After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner only responds to the shutdown command and the cancellation demand response command; and / or After the air conditioner enters the demand response state, the air conditioner memorizes the current demand response state when it is shut down, and continues to execute the demand response state after restarting.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A controller, the controller comprising a memory, a processor and a machine executable program stored in the memory and running on the processor, and the processor implements the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when executing the machine executable program.

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