Defrosting method and device of air conditioner, computer program product and air conditioning system

Abstract

The invention provides a defrosting method and device of an air conditioner, a computer program product and an air conditioning system.The air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit comprises an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the method comprises the steps that obtaining is conducted, specifically, the thicknesses of a plurality of frost layers are obtained in real time, the thicknesses of the frost layers are the thicknesses of the frost layers on the corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger; in the first control step, under the condition that the thicknesses of all the frost layers are larger than or equal to a first threshold value, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrosting mode, and the defrosting mode is a mode that the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and a fan does not work; and a second control step, under the condition that the thickness of part of the frost layer is larger than or equal to the first threshold value, the target heater is controlled to conduct defrosting, the target heater is a heater on the area corresponding to the thickness of the frost layer larger than or equal to the first threshold value, and the problem that in the prior art, the user experience is affected due to the fact that a defrosting mode is frequently entered is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of defrosting technology, and in particular to a defrosting method, a defrosting device, a computer program product and an air conditioning system for an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In low temperature and high humidity environments, frost is easily formed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner, which will lead to reduced heat exchange efficiency, increased energy consumption, and even equipment failure. Traditional defrosting methods usually rely on fixed time or simple temperature judgment, resulting in high energy consumption, poor defrosting effect, and affecting user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present application is to provide an air-conditioning defrosting method, device, computer program product and air-conditioning system, so as to at least solve the problem in the prior art that frequent entry into the defrost mode affects the user experience.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present application, a defrosting method for an air conditioner is provided, wherein the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the method includes: an acquisition step, acquiring a plurality of frost layer thicknesses in real time, and the plurality of frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger; a first control step, when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, and the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and a fan does not work; a second control step, when some of the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to the first threshold value, controlling a target heater to perform defrosting, and the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0005] Optionally, after controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and the fan does not work, the method further includes: when all frost layer thicknesses are less than a second threshold, controlling the air conditioner to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0006] Optionally, after controlling the air conditioner to enter the defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and the fan does not work, the method further includes: in a case where at least one frost layer thickness is greater than or equal to a second threshold, repeating the first control step, the first control step and the second control step at least once in sequence until all the frost layer thicknesses are less than the second threshold, controlling the air conditioner to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0007] Optionally, after controlling the target heater to defrost, the method further includes: when the target heater continues to defrost for a predetermined period of time, obtaining the frost layer thickness and the outdoor ambient temperature of the area where the target heater is located, and obtaining the frost layer thickness after defrosting, wherein the outdoor ambient temperature is the temperature of the environment in which the outdoor unit is located; when the first condition and / or the second condition are met, controlling the target heater to continue defrosting, the first condition being that the frost layer thickness after defrosting is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the second condition being that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a temperature threshold, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold; when the first condition and the second condition are not met, controlling the target heater to stop defrosting.

[0008] Optionally, after controlling the target heater to continue defrosting, the method further includes: acquiring the thickness of the frost layer on multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger in real time to obtain multiple real-time frost layer thicknesses; determining the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses greater than or equal to the first threshold to obtain a first number; determining the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses less than the first threshold to obtain a second number; and when the first number is greater than the second number, controlling the air conditioner to enter the defrost mode.

[0009] Optionally, the outdoor unit also includes multiple ultrasonic sensors, which are used to detect the thickness of the frost layer on the multiple areas respectively, and obtain multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, including: obtaining the thickness of the frost layer detected by the multiple ultrasonic sensors in real time to obtain multiple frost layer thicknesses.

[0010] Optionally, the method also includes: establishing a threshold mapping relationship, wherein the threshold mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the first threshold, outdoor ambient temperature and outdoor ambient humidity; during each defrosting process, determining the first threshold corresponding to the current outdoor ambient temperature and the current outdoor ambient humidity according to the threshold mapping relationship, and recording the energy consumption of each defrosting; optimizing the first threshold corresponding to the current outdoor ambient temperature and the current outdoor ambient humidity according to the energy consumption to obtain an optimized threshold mapping relationship.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present application, a defrost device for an air conditioner is provided, the air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit comprising an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, the device comprising: a first acquisition unit, for executing an acquisition step, for acquiring a plurality of frost layer thicknesses in real time, the plurality of frost layer thicknesses being respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger; a first control unit, for executing a first control step, for controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode when all of the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, the defrost mode being a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and a fan does not work; a second control unit, for a second control step, for controlling a target heater to perform defrosting when some of the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to the first threshold value, the target heater being the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present application, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, any one of the methods described above is implemented.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present application, an air conditioning system is provided, comprising: an air conditioner, one or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit comprises an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, the one or more programs are stored in the memory and are configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more programs include methods for executing any one of the described methods.

[0014] By applying the technical solution of the present application, in the defrosting method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the thickness of the frost layer on multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger is monitored in real time to obtain multiple frost layer thicknesses, and all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, indicating that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted over a large area and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode for rapid defrosting, and only part of the frost layer thickness is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, indicating that only part of the area is frosted and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchanger in the area is controlled to defrost, thereby realizing zoned defrosting. There is no need to enter the defrost mode when defrosting is required locally, resulting in high energy consumption, and there is no need to frequently enter the defrost mode to affect the user experience. This solves the problem of frequently entering the defrost mode affecting the user experience in the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal for executing a defrosting method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0016] Figure 2A schematic flow chart of a defrosting method for an air conditioner provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of a defrosting method for an air conditioner provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0018] Figure 4 A structural block diagram of a defrosting device for an air conditioner provided according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0019] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0020] 102, processor; 104, memory; 106, transmission device; 108, input and output devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0022] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described here. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0024] As introduced in the background technology, frequently entering the defrost mode in the prior art affects the user experience. To solve this technical problem, the embodiments of the present application provide an air conditioner defrosting method, device, computer program product and air conditioning system.

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] The method embodiments provided in the embodiments of the present application can be executed in a mobile terminal, a computer terminal or a similar computing device. Taking running on a mobile terminal as an example, Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a mobile terminal of an air conditioner defrosting method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the mobile terminal may include one or more ( Figure 1 Only one is shown in the figure) a processor 102 (the processor 102 may include but is not limited to a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA) and a memory 104 for storing data, wherein the mobile terminal may also include a transmission device 106 and an input / output device 108 for communication functions. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 1 The structure shown is only for illustration and does not limit the structure of the mobile terminal. Figure 1 More or fewer components as shown, or with Figure 1 Different configurations are shown.

[0027] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, for example, software programs and modules of application software, such as the computer program corresponding to the defrosting method of the air conditioner in the embodiment of the present invention. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the computer program stored in the memory 104, that is, the above method is implemented. The memory 104 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some examples, the memory 104 may further include a memory remotely arranged relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the mobile terminal via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include but are not limited to the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and a combination thereof. The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. The above-mentioned specific examples of the network may include a wireless network provided by a communication provider of the mobile terminal. In one example, the transmission device 106 includes a network adapter (Network Interface Controller, referred to as NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station so as to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 106 may be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0028] In this embodiment, a defrosting method for an air conditioner running on a mobile terminal, a computer terminal or a similar computing device is provided, wherein the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a defrosting method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0030] Step S201, an acquisition step, acquiring multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger;

[0031] Step S202, a first control step, in which, when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work;

[0032] Step S203, the second control step, controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0033] In the defrosting method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the thickness of the frost layer on multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger is monitored in real time to obtain multiple frost layer thicknesses. All the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, indicating that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted over a large area and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode for rapid defrosting. Only part of the frost layer thickness is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, indicating that only part of the area is frosted and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchanger in the area is controlled to defrost, thereby realizing zoned defrosting. There is no need to enter the defrost mode when defrosting is needed locally, resulting in high energy consumption. There is no need to frequently enter the defrost mode to affect the user experience. This solves the problem of frequently entering the defrost mode affecting the user experience in the prior art.

[0034] It should be noted that a suitable first threshold is selected according to actual conditions, so that when the frost layer thickness exceeds the first threshold, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger is significantly affected, and when the frost layer thickness is lower than the first threshold, the heat exchange efficiency will not be significantly affected. Defrosting can be temporarily stopped to reduce the defrosting frequency.

[0035] In order to improve the defrosting efficiency, in an optional implementation manner, after controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrosting mode, wherein the defrosting mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and the fan does not work, the method further includes:

[0036] Step S301, when all the frost layer thicknesses are less than a second threshold, controlling the air conditioner to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0037] In the above embodiment, all the above frost layer thicknesses are less than the second threshold value, indicating that the frost layer has almost no effect on the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger. The above defrosting mode can be exited and defrosting is ended without waiting for the frost layer to be completely melted before exiting defrosting, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency.

[0038] Specifically, the system sets the optimal frost layer thickness within the range of 1-2 mm. Within this thickness range, the frost layer will not significantly affect the heat exchange efficiency, while avoiding energy loss caused by excessive defrosting. When the frost layer thickness reaches the critical value of 2 mm, it is considered that the frost layer has begun to affect the heat exchange efficiency, and the system starts the defrosting program to ensure the normal operation of the system. Therefore, the above first threshold is 2 mm, and the above second threshold is 1 mm. Of course, under different temperature and humidity environments, the above first threshold and the above second threshold may vary.

[0039] In order to avoid a long period of inability to heat, in an optional implementation, after controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, the defrost mode being a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work, the method further includes:

[0040] Step S401, when at least one of the frost layer thicknesses is greater than or equal to the second threshold, repeat the first control step, the first control step and the second control step at least once in sequence until the thicknesses of all the frost layers are less than the second threshold, control the air conditioner to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0041] In the above embodiment, after the air conditioner enters the defrost mode, the outdoor heat exchanger is fully defrosted. Some places may defrost quickly and some places may defrost slowly. After a period of defrosting, the defrost thickness is detected again. There may be at least one frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the second threshold value. The first control step, the first control step and the second control step are repeated in sequence. The defrost mode can be exited and the heater can be used for zoned defrosting when the conditions for zoned defrosting are met. That is, if all the frost layer thicknesses are not greater than or equal to the first threshold value, it is avoided to be in the defrost mode for a long time, resulting in the inability to enter the heating mode, affecting the user experience.

[0042] In order to ensure the defrosting effect, in an optional implementation manner, after controlling the target heater to perform defrosting, the method further includes:

[0043] Step S501, when the target heater is defrosted for a predetermined time, the frost layer thickness and the outdoor environment temperature of the area where the target heater is located are obtained to obtain the frost layer thickness after defrosting, and the outdoor environment temperature is the temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit is located;

[0044] Step S502, when the first condition and / or the second condition are met, controlling the target heater to continue defrosting, the first condition being that the thickness of the frost layer after defrosting is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the second condition being that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a temperature threshold, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold;

[0045] Step S503: When the first condition and the second condition are not met, the target heater is controlled to stop defrosting.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the use of a heater for zoned defrosting can reduce the energy consumption of the system during the defrosting process, while maintaining the normal heat exchange effect of other areas, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the system. After the above-mentioned target heater continues to defrost for a predetermined period of time, the frost layer thickness and the outdoor ambient temperature of the area where the above-mentioned target heater is located are obtained to obtain the frost layer thickness after defrosting. If the above-mentioned frost layer thickness after defrosting is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the frost layer thickness has not been significantly improved after local heating, or the ambient temperature is less than or equal to -2°C, resulting in continued accumulation of frost. In this case, the above-mentioned target heater is controlled to continue defrosting. Otherwise, the defrosting effect is good and the above-mentioned target heater can be controlled to stop defrosting.

[0047] In order to ensure the defrosting effect, in an optional implementation manner, after controlling the target heater to continue defrosting, the method further includes:

[0048] Step S601, obtaining the thickness of the frost layer on the plurality of regions of the outdoor heat exchanger in real time to obtain a plurality of real-time frost layer thicknesses;

[0049] Step S602, determining the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses that are greater than or equal to the first threshold, and obtaining a first number;

[0050] Step S603, determining the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses that are less than the first threshold value to obtain a second number;

[0051] Step S604, when the first number is greater than the second number, controlling the air conditioner to enter the defrost mode.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the target heater is controlled to continue defrosting, and the thickness of the frost layer on the multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger is monitored in real time to obtain multiple real-time frost layer thicknesses. If the real-time frost layer thickness in most areas of the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger reaches or approaches the first threshold, it indicates that the zone defrosting effect is not good, and the air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode to start full coverage defrosting.

[0053] In order to monitor the thickness of the frost layer in real time, in an optional implementation, the outdoor unit further includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors are respectively used to detect the thickness of the frost layer on the plurality of the regions. The step S201 includes:

[0054] Step S2011, acquiring the thickness of the frost layer detected by the plurality of ultrasonic sensors in real time to obtain the plurality of frost layer thicknesses.

[0055] In the above embodiment, ultrasonic sensors are arranged at multiple locations such as the air inlet end, the air outlet end, and the central area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, and the ultrasonic sensors measure the thickness of the frost layer on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger in real time.

[0056] In order to reduce the defrosting energy consumption, in an optional implementation manner, the method further includes:

[0057] Step S701, establishing a threshold mapping relationship, wherein the threshold mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the first threshold, outdoor environment temperature and outdoor environment humidity;

[0058] Step S702, during each defrosting process, determining the first threshold corresponding to the current outdoor ambient temperature and the current outdoor ambient humidity according to the threshold mapping relationship, and recording the energy consumption of each defrosting process;

[0059] Step S703: optimizing the first threshold corresponding to the current outdoor environment temperature and the current outdoor environment humidity according to the energy consumption to obtain an optimized threshold mapping relationship.

[0060] In the above embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor is provided in the outdoor unit, and the temperature and humidity sensor monitors the outdoor environment temperature and humidity in real time. Since the thickness of the frost layer has different effects on the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger under different temperature and humidity environments, a mapping relationship among the above-mentioned first threshold, outdoor environment temperature and outdoor environment humidity is established, that is, a threshold mapping relationship, that is, a different first threshold is selected under different temperature and humidity environments. A poor setting of the first threshold will lead to higher energy consumption for defrosting. The energy consumption of each defrosting is recorded, and the threshold mapping relationship is optimized to further reduce the defrosting energy consumption.

[0061] In order to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solution of the present application, the implementation process of the air conditioner defrosting method of the present application will be described in detail below in combination with specific embodiments.

[0062] This embodiment relates to a specific air conditioner defrosting method, such as Figure 3 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0063] The ultrasonic sensor is used to judge the thickness of the frost layer and the frosting area. When it is detected that the frost layer in a local area (such as the air inlet or low temperature area) on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger has reached a thickness of 2 mm, while the frost layer in other areas is relatively small and does not significantly affect the heat exchange. In this case, the system selects the partition defrost mode, only defrosts the area with thicker frost layer, activates the local heating element, and avoids heating the frost-free area. Partition defrosting can reduce the energy consumption of the system during the defrosting process, while maintaining the normal heat exchange effect in other areas, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the system. When the thickness of the frost layer does not improve significantly after local heating, or the ambient temperature is less than or equal to -2°C, causing the frost layer to continue to accumulate, and the frost layer in most areas of the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger reaches or approaches 2 mm, the system automatically starts the full coverage defrost mode. In the full coverage mode, the system performs overall reversing reverse cycle defrosting to ensure that the frost layer on the entire heat exchanger surface is completely melted. This mode is more efficient when the frost layer covers a wide area and can quickly restore the heat exchange capacity of the equipment.

[0064] When the frost thickness detected by all sensors is less than 1 mm, the frost is considered to be basically cleared and defrosting is ended. If a sensor feedback shows that the frost layer is not less than 1 mm, continue defrosting and select the defrost mode (partial or full coverage) according to the frosting area. After defrosting is completed, the system continuously monitors the changes in frost thickness and environmental conditions, and records the rate data of frost accumulation so that the control algorithm can be optimized later, and then dynamically adjust the set threshold of frost thickness and defrosting frequency according to the season, ambient temperature and humidity changes, so that the equipment can operate more efficiently under different climatic conditions.

[0065] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowcharts of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and that, although a logical order is shown in the flowcharts, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0066] The embodiment of the present application also provides a defrosting device for an air conditioner. It should be noted that the defrosting device for an air conditioner in the embodiment of the present application can be used to execute the defrosting method for an air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present application. The device is used to implement the above-mentioned embodiments and preferred implementation modes, and the descriptions that have been made will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can implement a combination of software and / or hardware for a predetermined function. Although the devices described in the following embodiments are preferably implemented in software, the implementation of hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and conceived.

[0067] The defrosting device of the air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0068] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of a defrosting device for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the device comprises:

[0069] A first acquisition unit 10 is used to execute the acquisition step to acquire multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, where the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger;

[0070] The first control unit 20 is used to execute the first control step, and when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to the first threshold value, control the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work;

[0071] The second control unit 30 is used for the second control step, and controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0072] In the defrost device of the above-mentioned air conditioner, by real-time monitoring the thickness of the frost layer on multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger, multiple frost layer thicknesses are obtained, and all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, indicating that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted over a large area and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode for rapid defrosting, and only part of the frost layer thickness is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, indicating that only part of the area is frosted and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchanger in the area is controlled to defrost, thereby realizing zoned defrosting. There is no need to enter the defrost mode when defrosting is needed locally, resulting in high energy consumption, and there is no need to frequently enter the defrost mode to affect the user experience. This solves the problem of frequently entering the defrost mode affecting the user experience in the prior art.

[0073] It should be noted that a suitable first threshold is selected according to actual conditions, so that when the frost layer thickness exceeds the first threshold, the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger is significantly affected, and when the frost layer thickness is lower than the first threshold, the heat exchange efficiency will not be significantly affected. Defrosting can be temporarily stopped to reduce the defrosting frequency.

[0074] In order to improve the defrosting efficiency, in an optional implementation manner, the above device further includes:

[0075] The third control unit is used to control the air conditioner to enter the defrost mode, which is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and the fan does not work, and when all the frost layer thicknesses are less than a second threshold, control the air conditioner to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0076] In the above embodiment, all the above frost layer thicknesses are less than the second threshold value, indicating that the frost layer has almost no effect on the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger. The above defrosting mode can be exited and defrosting is ended without waiting for the frost layer to be completely melted before exiting defrosting, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency.

[0077] Specifically, the system sets the optimal frost layer thickness within the range of 1-2 mm. Within this thickness range, the frost layer will not significantly affect the heat exchange efficiency, while avoiding energy loss caused by excessive defrosting. When the frost layer thickness reaches the critical value of 2 mm, it is considered that the frost layer has begun to affect the heat exchange efficiency, and the system starts the defrosting program to ensure the normal operation of the system. Therefore, the above first threshold is 2 mm, and the above second threshold is 1 mm. Of course, under different temperature and humidity environments, the above first threshold and the above second threshold may vary.

[0078] In order to avoid a long period of failure to heat, in an optional implementation, the device further includes:

[0079] A repeating unit is used to control the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and the fan does not work. When at least one of the frost layer thicknesses is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the repeating unit is used to sequentially repeat the first control step, the first control step and the second control step at least once until the thicknesses of all the frost layers are less than the second threshold, and the air conditioner is controlled to exit the defrost mode, wherein the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0080] In the above embodiment, after the air conditioner enters the defrost mode, the outdoor heat exchanger is fully defrosted. Some places may defrost quickly and some places may defrost slowly. After a period of defrosting, the defrost thickness is detected again. There may be at least one frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the second threshold value. The first control step, the first control step and the second control step are repeated in sequence. The defrost mode can be exited and the heater can be used for zoned defrosting when the conditions for zoned defrosting are met. That is, if all the frost layer thicknesses are not greater than or equal to the first threshold value, it is avoided to be in the defrost mode for a long time, resulting in the inability to enter the heating mode, affecting the user experience.

[0081] In order to ensure the defrosting effect, in an optional implementation manner, the device further includes:

[0082] A second acquisition unit is used to acquire the frost thickness and the outdoor environment temperature of the area where the target heater is located after controlling the target heater to defrost, and obtain the frost thickness after defrosting when the target heater continues to defrost for a predetermined time, wherein the outdoor environment temperature is the temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit is located;

[0083] A fourth control unit is used to control the target heater to continue defrosting when the first condition and / or the second condition are met, the first condition being that the thickness of the frost layer after defrosting is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the second condition being that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a temperature threshold, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold;

[0084] The fifth control unit is used to control the target heater to stop defrosting when the first condition and the second condition are not met.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the use of a heater for zoned defrosting can reduce the energy consumption of the system during the defrosting process, while maintaining the normal heat exchange effect of other areas, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the system. After the above-mentioned target heater continues to defrost for a predetermined period of time, the frost layer thickness and the outdoor ambient temperature of the area where the above-mentioned target heater is located are obtained to obtain the frost layer thickness after defrosting. If the above-mentioned frost layer thickness after defrosting is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it indicates that the frost layer thickness has not been significantly improved after local heating, or the ambient temperature is less than or equal to -2°C, resulting in continued accumulation of frost. In this case, the above-mentioned target heater is controlled to continue defrosting. Otherwise, the defrosting effect is good and the above-mentioned target heater can be controlled to stop defrosting.

[0086] In order to ensure the defrosting effect, in an optional implementation manner, the device further includes:

[0087] A third acquisition unit is used to acquire the thickness of the frost layer on the plurality of regions of the outdoor heat exchanger in real time after controlling the target heater to continue defrosting, so as to obtain a plurality of real-time frost layer thicknesses;

[0088] A first determining unit, configured to determine the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses greater than or equal to the first threshold value, to obtain a first number;

[0089] A second determining unit, configured to determine the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses that are less than the first threshold value, to obtain a second number;

[0090] The sixth control unit is used to control the air conditioner to enter the defrost mode when the first number is greater than the second number.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the target heater is controlled to continue defrosting, and the thickness of the frost layer on the multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger is monitored in real time to obtain multiple real-time frost layer thicknesses. If the real-time frost layer thickness in most areas of the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger reaches or approaches the first threshold, it indicates that the zone defrosting effect is not good, and the air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode to start full coverage defrosting.

[0092] In order to monitor the thickness of the frost layer in real time, in an optional implementation manner, the outdoor unit further includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, and the plurality of ultrasonic sensors are respectively used to detect the thickness of the frost layer on the plurality of the regions, and the first acquisition unit includes:

[0093] The acquisition module is used to acquire the thickness of the frost layer detected by the plurality of ultrasonic sensors in real time to obtain the plurality of frost layer thicknesses.

[0094] In the above embodiment, ultrasonic sensors are arranged at multiple locations such as the air inlet end, the air outlet end, and the central area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger, and the ultrasonic sensors measure the thickness of the frost layer on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger in real time.

[0095] In order to reduce the defrosting energy consumption, in an optional implementation manner, the above device further includes:

[0096] An establishing unit, configured to establish a threshold mapping relationship, wherein the threshold mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the first threshold, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the outdoor ambient humidity;

[0097] A recording unit, used for determining the first threshold value corresponding to the current outdoor ambient temperature and the current outdoor ambient humidity according to the threshold mapping relationship during each defrosting process, and recording the energy consumption of each defrosting process;

[0098] The optimization unit is used to optimize the first threshold corresponding to the current outdoor environment temperature and the current outdoor environment humidity according to the energy consumption to obtain an optimized threshold mapping relationship.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor is provided in the outdoor unit, and the temperature and humidity sensor monitors the outdoor environment temperature and humidity in real time. Since the thickness of the frost layer has different effects on the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger under different temperature and humidity environments, a mapping relationship among the above-mentioned first threshold, outdoor environment temperature and outdoor environment humidity is established, that is, a threshold mapping relationship, that is, a different first threshold is selected under different temperature and humidity environments. A poor setting of the first threshold will lead to higher energy consumption for defrosting. The energy consumption of each defrosting is recorded, and the threshold mapping relationship is optimized to further reduce the defrosting energy consumption.

[0100] The defrosting device of the air conditioner includes a processor and a memory, and the first acquisition unit, the first control unit, the second control unit, etc. are all stored in the memory as program units, and the processor executes the program units stored in the memory to implement corresponding functions. The modules are all located in the same processor; or, the modules are located in different processors in any combination.

[0101] The processor includes a kernel, which retrieves the corresponding program unit from the memory. One or more kernels can be set, and the problem of frequently entering the defrosting mode and affecting the user experience in the prior art can be solved by adjusting the kernel parameters.

[0102] The memory may include non-permanent memory in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM, and the memory includes at least one memory chip.

[0103] An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein when the program is executed, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located is controlled to execute the air conditioner defrosting method.

[0104] Specifically, the defrosting method of the air conditioner includes:

[0105] Step S201, an acquisition step, acquiring multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger;

[0106] Step S202, a first control step, in which, when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work;

[0107] Step S203, the second control step, controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0108] An embodiment of the present invention provides a processor, and the processor is used to run a program, wherein the defrosting method of the air conditioner is executed when the program is run.

[0109] Specifically, the defrosting method of the air conditioner includes:

[0110] Step S201, an acquisition step, acquiring multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger;

[0111] Step S202, a first control step, in which, when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work;

[0112] Step S203, the second control step, controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0113] An embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner, a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit comprising an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the processor implements at least the following steps when executing the program:

[0114] Step S201, an acquisition step, acquiring multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger;

[0115] Step S202, a first control step, in which, when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work;

[0116] Step S203, the second control step, controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0117] The present application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a data processing device, is suitable for executing a program for initializing at least the following method steps:

[0118] Step S201, an acquisition step, acquiring multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger;

[0119] Step S202, a first control step, in which, when all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and the fan does not work;

[0120] Step S203, the second control step, controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold value.

[0121] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the above modules or steps of the present invention can be implemented by a general computing device, they can be concentrated on a single computing device, or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices, they can be implemented by a program code executable by a computing device, so that they can be stored in a storage device and executed by the computing device, and in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order than here, or they can be made into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps therein can be made into a single integrated circuit module for implementation. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0122] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented in one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that include computer-usable program code.

[0123] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0124] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0125] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0126] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0127] The memory may include non-permanent memory in a computer-readable medium, random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. The memory is an example of a computer-readable medium.

[0128] Computer readable media include permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can be implemented by any method or technology to store information. Information can be computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape disk storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer readable media does not include temporary computer readable media (transitory media), such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0129] It should also be noted that the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, commodity or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity or device. In the absence of more restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, commodity or device including the elements.

[0130] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of the present application achieve the following technical effects:

[0131] 1) In the defrosting method of the air conditioner of the present application, the thickness of the frost layer on multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger is monitored in real time to obtain multiple frost layer thicknesses. All the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, indicating that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted over a large area and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode for rapid defrosting. Only part of the frost layer thickness is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, indicating that only part of the area is frosted and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchanger in the area is controlled to defrost, thereby realizing zoned defrosting. There is no need to enter the defrost mode when defrosting is required locally, resulting in high energy consumption. There is no need to frequently enter the defrost mode to affect the user experience. This solves the problem of frequently entering the defrost mode affecting the user experience in the prior art.

[0132] 2) In the defrosting device of the air conditioner of the present application, by real-time monitoring of the thickness of the frost layer on multiple areas of the outdoor heat exchanger, multiple frost layer thicknesses are obtained, and all the frost layer thicknesses are greater than or equal to a first threshold value, indicating that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted over a large area and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode for rapid defrosting, and only part of the frost layer thickness is greater than or equal to the first threshold value, indicating that only part of the area is frosted and has a great influence on the heat exchange efficiency. The heat exchanger in the area is controlled to defrost, thereby realizing zoned defrosting. There is no need to enter the defrost mode when defrosting is required locally, resulting in high energy consumption, and there is no need to frequently enter the defrost mode to affect the user experience. This solves the problem of frequently entering the defrost mode affecting the user experience in the prior art.

[0133] The above description is only the preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A defrosting method for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the method includes: An acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the plurality of frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger; A first control step, when the thickness of all the frost layers is greater than or equal to a first threshold, controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and a fan does not work; The second control step is to control the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold, wherein the target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and a fan does not work, the method further includes: In a case where the thickness of all the frost layers is less than a second threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After controlling the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a refrigeration state and a fan does not work, the method further includes: When at least one of the frost layer thicknesses is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the first control step, the first control step and the second control step are repeated in sequence at least once until the thicknesses of all the frost layers are less than the second threshold, and the air conditioner is controlled to exit the defrost mode, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After controlling the target heater to defrost, the method further includes: When the target heater is defrosted for a predetermined time, the frost layer thickness and the outdoor environment temperature of the area where the target heater is located are obtained to obtain the frost layer thickness after defrosting, wherein the outdoor environment temperature is the temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit is located; When the first condition and / or the second condition are met, the target heater is controlled to continue defrosting, the first condition being that the thickness of the frost layer after defrosting is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the second condition being that the outdoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to a temperature threshold, and the second threshold is less than the first threshold; When the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied, the target heater is controlled to stop defrosting.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that After controlling the target heater to continue defrosting, the method further includes: Acquire the thickness of the frost layer on the multiple regions of the outdoor heat exchanger in real time to obtain multiple real-time frost layer thicknesses; Determine the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses greater than or equal to the first threshold to obtain a first number; determining the number of the real-time frost layer thicknesses less than the first threshold value to obtain a second number; When the first number is greater than the second number, the air conditioner is controlled to enter the defrost mode.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The outdoor unit further includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, which are respectively used to detect the thickness of the frost layer on the plurality of areas, and obtain the thickness of the plurality of frost layers in real time, including: The thickness of the frost layer detected by the plurality of ultrasonic sensors is acquired in real time to obtain the plurality of frost layer thicknesses.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: Establishing a threshold mapping relationship, where the threshold mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the first threshold, outdoor environment temperature, and outdoor environment humidity; In each defrosting process, determining the first threshold value corresponding to the current outdoor ambient temperature and the current outdoor ambient humidity according to the threshold mapping relationship, and recording the energy consumption of each defrosting process; The first threshold corresponding to the current outdoor environment temperature and the current outdoor environment humidity is optimized according to the energy consumption to obtain an optimized threshold mapping relationship.

8. A defrosting device for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, and the device includes: A first acquisition unit, configured to execute the acquisition step, and acquire multiple frost layer thicknesses in real time, wherein the multiple frost layer thicknesses are respectively the thicknesses of the frost layers on corresponding areas of the outdoor heat exchanger; A first control unit is used to execute a first control step, and when the thickness of all the frost layers is greater than or equal to a first threshold value, control the air conditioner to enter a defrost mode, wherein the defrost mode is a mode in which the air conditioner enters a cooling state and a fan does not work; The second control unit is used for the second control step, and controls the target heater to defrost when the thickness of part of the frost layer is greater than or equal to the first threshold. The target heater is the heater on the area corresponding to the frost layer thickness greater than or equal to the first threshold.

9. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

10. An air conditioning system, characterized in that: include: An air conditioner, one or more processors, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of heaters located on the outdoor heat exchanger, the one or more programs are stored in the memory and are configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more programs include a method for executing any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images