Control method and control device of air conditioner, and air conditioner

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and provides an air conditioner control method, an air conditioner control device and an air conditioner. The air conditioner control method comprises the following steps: in response to a signal of running a liquid-proof sealing shutdown mode, a first signal of controlling the frequency of a compressor to uniformly decrease to a first target frequency in a first preset time length is sent, and a second signal of controlling the opening degree of a liquid-proof sealing valve to uniformly decrease to a target opening degree in the first preset time length is sent; after the first preset time length, a third signal of controlling the frequency of the compressor to adjust to a second target frequency in a second preset time length is sent, and a fourth signal of controlling the opening degree of the liquid-proof sealing valve to adjust to zero opening degree in the second preset time length is sent. When the air conditioner runs the liquid-proof sealing shutdown mode, the opening degree of the liquid-proof sealing valve is adjusted to zero opening degree in stages, and the air conditioner is shut down after the adjustment; the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit does not backflow to the outdoor heat exchanger after the air conditioner is shut down, the pressure of the compressor is smaller when the air conditioner is started again, and high-pressure alarm or failure is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner control method, control device, and air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread use of household appliances, air conditioners are now commonly installed in office buildings and commercial plazas. To extend the coverage area, multi-split systems are often used to increase system power. In some technologies, top-discharge multi-split air conditioning systems are installed with the indoor unit positioned higher than the outdoor unit. Because single-cooling systems lack electronic expansion valves and four-way valves, when the air conditioner is turned off, refrigerant in the indoor unit and long piping flows back to the outdoor unit, eventually returning to the condenser and causing excessive pressure. Upon the next startup, the refrigerant will trigger a high-pressure fault, affecting user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a control method for an air conditioner. When the air conditioner is operating in anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve is adjusted to zero in stages before shutting down. After shutdown, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit will not flow back into the outdoor heat exchanger. Upon restarting, the compressor load is relatively small, allowing for normal startup and avoiding high-pressure alarms or malfunctions, thus ensuring smooth operation of the air conditioner.

[0004] The present invention also provides a control device for an air conditioner.

[0005] The present invention also provides an air conditioner.

[0006] A control method for an air conditioner according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0007] In response to a signal indicating the operation of the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, the system acquires a pre-stored first target frequency, a second target frequency, and a target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode.

[0008] Send a first signal to control the compressor frequency to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency within a first preset time period, and send a second signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening to decrease uniformly to a target opening within a first preset time period;

[0009] After the first preset duration, a third signal is issued to adjust the frequency of the compressor to the second target frequency for a second preset duration, and a fourth signal is issued to adjust the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to zero for a second preset duration.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of obtaining the pre-stored first target frequency, second target frequency, and target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode further includes:

[0011] Obtain the real-time operating frequency of the compressor and the real-time operating opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve;

[0012] The frequency adjustment speed during uniform adjustment is determined based on the real-time operating frequency, the first target frequency, and the first preset duration, and the opening adjustment speed during uniform adjustment is determined based on the real-time operating opening, the target opening, and the first preset duration.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the opening adjustment speed to the frequency adjustment speed is a preset ratio.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0015] In response to a signal indicating operation of the anti-liquid seal start-up mode, a fifth signal is issued to control the compressor frequency to be adjusted to the first target frequency for a second preset duration, and a sixth signal is issued to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to be adjusted to the target opening degree for a second preset duration.

[0016] After the second preset duration, a seventh signal is issued to adjust the frequency of the compressor to the target operating frequency for the first preset duration, and an eighth signal is issued to adjust the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve to the target operating opening for the first preset duration.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operation anti-liquid seal start-up mode includes controlling one or more operation anti-liquid seal start-up modes of the multi-split outdoor unit.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of outdoor units in operation is obtained through the following steps:

[0019] Obtain the total power and compensation value of the indoor unit to be operated;

[0020] The minimum number of outdoor units and the target units to be operated are determined based on the total power and the pre-acquired rated power of a single outdoor unit; wherein, the anti-liquid seal start-up mode includes a pre-start-up phase and a stable operation phase;

[0021] During the pre-start-up phase, the number of outdoor units to be operated is determined based on the minimum number of units to be operated and the compensation value.

[0022] During the stable operation phase, the number of outdoor units in operation is the minimum number required.

[0023] According to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, a control device for an air conditioner includes:

[0024] The acquisition module is used to acquire, in response to a signal indicating that the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode is running, a pre-stored first target frequency, a second target frequency, and a target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode;

[0025] The signal transmitting module is used to send a first signal to control the compressor frequency to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency for a first preset duration, and to send a second signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening to decrease uniformly to a target opening for a first preset duration; and after the first preset duration, to send a third signal to control the compressor frequency to adjust to a second target frequency for a second preset duration, and to send a fourth signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening to adjust to zero opening for a second preset duration.

[0026] An air conditioner according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0027] A refrigerant circulation loop consisting of at least a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger connected sequentially by refrigerant piping;

[0028] An anti-liquid seal valve is installed on the refrigerant pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger;

[0029] A controller, electrically connected to the compressor and the anti-liquid seal valve, is configured to, in response to a signal indicating the operation of an anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, acquire pre-stored first target frequency, second target frequency, and target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode; and issue a first signal to control the compressor frequency to uniformly decrease to the first target frequency for a first preset duration, and issue a second signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening degree to uniformly decrease to the target opening degree for a first preset duration; and after the first preset duration, issue a third signal to control the compressor frequency to adjust to the second target frequency for a second preset duration, and issue a fourth signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening degree to adjust to zero opening degree for a second preset duration.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-liquid seal valve includes an electronic expansion valve.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gas-liquid separator is further included, which is installed on the refrigerant line between the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor.

[0032] The above-described one or more technical solutions of this invention have at least one of the following technical effects:

[0033] According to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioner includes: in response to a signal indicating operation of an anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, acquiring pre-stored first target frequency, second target frequency, and target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode; issuing a first signal to control the compressor frequency to uniformly decrease to the first target frequency for a first preset duration, and issuing a second signal to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to uniformly decrease to the target opening degree for a first preset duration; after the first preset duration, issuing a third signal to control the compressor frequency to adjust to the second target frequency for a second preset duration, and issuing a fourth signal to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to adjust to zero opening degree for a second preset duration. When the air conditioner operates in the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve is adjusted to zero opening degree in stages before shutdown. After shutdown, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit will not flow back to the outdoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner restarts, the compressor pressure is relatively low, allowing normal startup and avoiding high-pressure alarms or malfunctions, thus enabling the air conditioner to operate smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is one of the flowcharts for the control method of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 A second flowchart of the air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of the control device for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 10. Compressor; 11. Outdoor heat exchanger; 12. Indoor heat exchanger; 13. Anti-liquid seal valve; 14. Gas-liquid separator;

[0042] 401. Acquisition module; 402. Signal transmission module. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the invention clearer, the technical solutions of the invention will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0045] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0046] In embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0047] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0048] In related technologies, during the installation of top-discharge multi-split air conditioning systems, the indoor unit may be positioned higher than the outdoor unit. Because single-cooling air conditioning systems lack electronic expansion valves and four-way valves, when the air conditioner is turned off, refrigerant in the indoor unit and long piping can flow back to the outdoor unit, returning to the condenser and causing excessive pressure within the condenser. Upon the next startup, the air conditioning system will report a high-pressure fault due to the refrigerant, thus affecting user experience.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention includes at least a compressor 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11, and an indoor heat exchanger 12. The compressor 10, the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and the indoor heat exchanger 12 are sequentially connected through refrigerant pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop. In this embodiment, if there is a heating demand, a four-way valve can be installed; if there is no heating demand, a four-way valve is not required. This reduces the resistance in the refrigerant circulation loop, reduces the pressure loss in the refrigerant circulation loop, and improves the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0050] Please see Figure 1 An anti-liquid seal valve 13 is installed on the refrigerant pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 12. The opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve 13 can be adjusted, and it can be adjusted to zero opening, that is, the anti-liquid seal valve 13 is in a completely closed state.

[0051] The air conditioner also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the compressor 10 and the anti-liquid seal valve 13. The controller is used to control the operating frequency of the compressor 10 and the operating opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve 13. It can also control the opening and closing of the air conditioner.

[0052] The controller is configured to, in response to a signal indicating that the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode is to be operated, acquire a pre-stored first target frequency, a second target frequency, and a target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode; and issue a first signal to control the compressor frequency to uniformly decrease to the first target frequency for a first preset duration, and issue a second signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening to uniformly decrease to the target opening degree for a first preset duration; and after the first preset duration, issue a third signal to control the compressor frequency to adjust to the second target frequency for a second preset duration, and issue a fourth signal to control the anti-liquid seal valve opening to adjust to zero opening degree for a second preset duration.

[0053] When the air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention is running in anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve is adjusted to zero in stages before shutting down. After shutdown, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit will not flow back to the outdoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioner is restarted, the compressor pressure is low, and it can start normally, avoiding high pressure alarms or malfunctions, and enabling the air conditioner to operate smoothly.

[0054] In some embodiments, the anti-liquid seal valve 13 is an electronic expansion valve, which combines the electronic expansion valve that controls the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop with the anti-liquid seal valve 13, reducing the number of components in the system, lowering the cost of the air conditioning system, and reducing the difficulty of control.

[0055] Understandably, when the air conditioner is turned off, the electronic expansion valve on the refrigerant circuit is closed. The refrigerant in the long piping between the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers is blocked by the anti-liquid seal valve 13 and will not flow back into the outdoor heat exchanger 11 under gravity. When the air conditioner restarts, there is not much refrigerant accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, so the compressor 10 can start normally, avoiding high-pressure alarms or failure to start due to heavy load.

[0056] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a gas-liquid separator 14, which is installed on the refrigerant line between the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the compressor 10.

[0057] Please see Figure 1 A gas-liquid separator 14 is installed on the refrigerant line between the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the compressor 10. The indoor heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat with the air in the working area. After heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 12, the refrigerant enters the compressor 10 and then begins the next cycle. The gas-liquid separator 14 can prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 10, thus preventing liquid slugging in the compressor 10 and reducing the likelihood of compressor malfunctions.

[0058] In the air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention, there can be multiple indoor units and multiple outdoor units, forming a multi-split air conditioning system. Multiple indoor units are connected in parallel, multiple outdoor units are connected in parallel, and then connected through refrigerant pipelines.

[0059] When the air conditioning system is running, it can control the operation of some of the indoor units. At this time, the number of outdoor units to operate can also be determined based on the number of indoor units. It should be noted that when multiple outdoor units are started and running in parallel, due to the function of the anti-liquid seal valve 13, the start-up process of each outdoor unit is independent and is not affected by the refrigerant already running in the refrigerant system.

[0060] The air conditioner control method provided by the present invention includes the following steps:

[0061] In response to a signal indicating that the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode is in operation, the system acquires a pre-stored first target frequency, a second target frequency, and a target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode.

[0062] A first signal is issued to control the frequency of the compressor to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency within a first preset time period, and a second signal is issued to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to decrease uniformly to a target opening degree within a first preset time period.

[0063] After a first preset duration, a third signal is issued to adjust the frequency of the compressor to a second target frequency after a second preset duration, and a fourth signal is issued to adjust the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to zero after a second preset duration.

[0064] Understandably, in centralized cooling systems such as those in shopping malls or office buildings, the shutdown mode can be preset to an anti-liquid seal shutdown mode to prevent refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop from flowing back to the lower outdoor unit under gravity.

[0065] When in use, users can manually operate the remote control or the control panel of the air conditioner to enter the shutdown mode as needed, thereby generating the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode; or they can preset the shutdown time in the system, and actively generate a signal to run the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode when the preset time is reached.

[0066] The storage module pre-stores data corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, such as the first target frequency, the second target frequency, and the target opening degree. After receiving the command to run the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, the controller directly reads the first target frequency, the second target frequency, and the target opening degree, and then controls the air conditioner to shut down in stages.

[0067] In the first stage, a first signal is issued to control the frequency of the compressor to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency within a first preset time period, and a second signal is issued to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to decrease uniformly to a target opening degree within a first preset time period.

[0068] In the first stage, the compressor frequency decreases, the compressor discharge temperature decreases, and the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve decreases. At this time, the pressure in the refrigerant circulation loop increases, and the refrigerant temperature rises. The effects of these two changes can offset each other, preventing a rapid change in the refrigerant state. The synchronous adjustment of the compressor frequency and the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve allows the refrigerant circulation system to stably reduce its frequency in the first stage. For example, reducing the compressor operating frequency from 105Hz to 50Hz and closing the anti-liquid seal valve from step 410 to step 190.

[0069] In the second stage, the compressor frequency is gradually reduced to the second target frequency, such as 15Hz. At this low frequency, the compressor can be shut down directly with less impact. At the same time, the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve is adjusted from the target opening to zero opening within a second preset time. At this time, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop will not flow, and then the machine can be shut down directly.

[0070] According to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode provided in this embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant system can maintain stable frequency reduction in the first stage, and then shut down after reducing the compressor frequency to a lower frequency in the second stage. This results in less impact and reduces the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve to zero, preventing refrigerant in the long piping between the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers from flowing back to the outdoor heat exchanger under gravity. When the air conditioner restarts, there is not much refrigerant inside the outdoor heat exchanger, resulting in lower startup pressure and preventing high-pressure alarms, allowing for smooth startup and operation.

[0071] Please see Figure 2 The air conditioner control method provided in this embodiment of the invention includes the following process:

[0072] S100. Obtain the current time and obtain the pre-stored first target frequency, second target frequency, and target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode.

[0073] S110. Determine if there is a recorded time.

[0074] If not, proceed to step S120; if yes, proceed to step S130.

[0075] S120. Record the current time and send out the first and second signals.

[0076] S130. Determine whether the duration between the current time and the recorded time is greater than the first preset duration.

[0077] If not, proceed to step S140; if yes, proceed to step S150.

[0078] S140, issue the first signal and the second signal.

[0079] S150. Determine whether the duration between the current time and the recorded time is less than or equal to the sum of the first preset duration and the second preset duration.

[0080] If not, proceed to step S170; if yes, proceed to step S160.

[0081] S160, issue the third and fourth signals.

[0082] S170, Issue a shutdown signal.

[0083] It is understood that the above process is only one implementation method for the air conditioner to respond to the signal of operating the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, and other similar processes that can realize the operation of the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode are all within the protection scope of this invention.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of obtaining a pre-stored first target frequency, a second target frequency, and a target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode further includes:

[0085] Obtain the real-time operating frequency of the compressor and the real-time operating opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve.

[0086] The frequency adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment is determined based on the real-time operating frequency, the first target frequency, and the first preset duration, and the opening adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment is determined based on the real-time operating opening, the target opening, and the first preset duration.

[0087] Understandably, during normal operation of the air conditioning system, the real-time operating opening of the electronic expansion valve and the real-time operating frequency of the compressor are determined as needed. When the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode is activated, the compressor frequency and the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve are adjusted synchronously to achieve stable frequency reduction of the system. Therefore, the frequency adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment can be determined based on the real-time operating frequency, the first target frequency, and the first preset duration, and the opening adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment can be determined based on the real-time operating opening, the target opening, and the first preset duration. Then, the controller sends a signal to reduce the compressor frequency according to the frequency adjustment speed and a signal to reduce the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve according to the opening adjustment speed.

[0088] Please see Figure 3 The air conditioner control method provided in this embodiment of the invention includes the following process:

[0089] S200: Obtain the current time and obtain the pre-stored first target frequency, second target frequency, and target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode.

[0090] S201. Obtain the real-time operating frequency of the compressor and the real-time operating opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve.

[0091] S202. Determine the frequency adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment based on the real-time operating frequency, the first target frequency, and the first preset duration, and determine the opening adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment based on the real-time operating opening, the target opening, and the first preset duration.

[0092] S210. Determine if there is a recorded time.

[0093] If not, proceed to step S220; if yes, proceed to step S230.

[0094] S220: Record the current time and send a signal to reduce the compressor frequency by adjusting the speed according to the frequency, and send a signal to reduce the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve by adjusting the speed according to the opening degree.

[0095] S230. Determine whether the duration between the current time and the recorded time is greater than the first preset duration.

[0096] If not, proceed to step S240; if yes, proceed to step S250.

[0097] S240 sends a signal to reduce the compressor frequency by adjusting the speed according to the frequency, and sends a signal to reduce the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve by adjusting the speed according to the opening degree.

[0098] S250. Determine whether the duration between the current time and the recorded time is less than or equal to the sum of the first preset duration and the second preset duration.

[0099] If not, proceed to step S270; if yes, proceed to step S260.

[0100] S260, issue the third and fourth signals.

[0101] S270, sends a shutdown signal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the ratio of the opening adjustment speed to the frequency adjustment speed is a preset ratio.

[0103] Understandably, for example, if the real-time operating frequency is 105Hz and the first target frequency is 50Hz, then within the first preset time period, such as 2-3 minutes, the frequency is uniformly reduced by 55Hz. If the real-time operating opening speed is 410 steps, and it is adjusted to 190 steps within the first preset time period, uniformly reducing by 220 steps, then for every 1Hz adjustment, the opening speed decreases by 4 steps. This means the ratio of the opening speed adjustment rate to the frequency adjustment rate is a preset ratio. When this ratio is within the preset range, the refrigerant system operates relatively stably. The preset ratio can be a certain range, such as between 3 and 5. When the ratio of the opening speed adjustment rate to the frequency adjustment rate exceeds this range, it needs to be corrected to ensure that the corrected ratio meets the preset ratio.

[0104] The air conditioner control method provided in this embodiment of the invention, after running the anti-liquid seal mode, the refrigerant in the long piping between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger is blocked by the anti-liquid seal valve, which will not affect the start-up of the compressor and avoids high pressure alarm when the compressor starts.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0106] In response to a signal indicating operation of the anti-liquid seal start-up mode, a fifth signal is issued to adjust the compressor frequency to a first target frequency for a second preset duration, and a sixth signal is issued to adjust the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to a target opening degree for a second preset duration.

[0107] After a second preset duration, a seventh signal is issued to adjust the frequency of the compressor to the target operating frequency after a first preset duration, and an eighth signal is issued to adjust the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to the target operating opening degree after a first preset duration.

[0108] It is understandable that after the air conditioner has been running in anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, the issue of refrigerant backflow or the impact of the refrigerant system on the newly started outdoor unit still needs to be considered before restarting. Therefore, it is necessary to run in anti-liquid seal startup mode when starting the air conditioner.

[0109] When the air conditioner operates in anti-liquid seal mode, it also has two stages:

[0110] In the first stage, the compressor frequency is adjusted to the first target frequency within a second preset time period, for example, from 15Hz to 50Hz within 1 minute. A lower frequency at startup reduces the load during startup, facilitating a smooth start-up. Simultaneously, the anti-liquid seal valve opening is adjusted from zero to the target opening, for example, from 0 steps to 190 steps. The slow opening of the anti-liquid seal valve prevents refrigerant pressure from being transmitted to the compressor during startup, further promoting a smooth start-up.

[0111] In the second stage, the compressor frequency is steadily increased to the operating frequency, for example, adjusted to 105Hz, and the anti-liquid seal valve opening is steadily opened to the operating opening, for example, in 410 steps. The ratio of the opening adjustment speed to the frequency adjustment speed is a preset ratio.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the present invention, operating the anti-liquid seal start-up mode includes controlling one or more of the outdoor units of a multi-split air conditioning system to operate the anti-liquid seal start-up mode.

[0113] It is understandable that an air conditioning system includes multiple indoor units and multiple outdoor units. Different indoor units cover different working areas. When working, some of the multiple indoor units can be started as needed. At this time, the number of outdoor units started can be determined according to the number of indoor units. Therefore, operating the anti-liquid seal start-up mode includes controlling one or more of the outdoor units of the multi-split system to operate in the anti-liquid seal start-up mode.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of outdoor units in operation is obtained through the following steps:

[0115] Obtain the total power and compensation value of the indoor unit to be operated.

[0116] The minimum number of outdoor units and the target units to be operated are determined based on the total power and the pre-acquired rated power of each individual outdoor unit; among them, the anti-liquid seal start-up mode includes a pre-start phase and a stable operation phase.

[0117] During the pre-start-up phase, the number of outdoor units to be operated is determined based on the minimum number of units to be operated and the compensation value.

[0118] During the stable operation phase, the number of outdoor units in operation is the minimum required.

[0119] Understandably, in shopping malls or office buildings, the number of indoor units and the total power of multiple indoor units can be determined according to needs. In order for the outdoor unit to meet the needs of the indoor units and to overcome pressure loss in long piping, the power of the outdoor unit needs to be greater than the total power of the indoor units.

[0120] The minimum number of outdoor units to operate is determined based on the total power and the pre-obtained rated power of each individual outdoor unit. For example, if the total power of the indoor units is 5 kW and the power of a single outdoor unit is 3 kW, then at least two outdoor units are required. When there are many outdoor units, they can be numbered so that different outdoor units can work in rotation according to their operating hours. For example, if outdoor units 1 and 2 were working last time, then outdoor units 3 and 4 can be selected to work this time.

[0121] To ensure smooth operation of the air conditioner during the pre-start phase, the number of outdoor units can be increased. For example, one more outdoor unit can be added on top of the minimum number of units required for operation. This additional outdoor unit helps to overcome system pressure and height differences. The compensation value is determined based on the system pressure and the height difference between the outdoor and indoor units, and can be 1, 2, 3, etc.

[0122] During the stable operation phase, a minimum number of outdoor units can be operated to achieve energy-saving effects.

[0123] For the control device of the air conditioner provided according to the second aspect embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 4 ,include:

[0124] The acquisition module 401 is used to acquire, in response to a signal indicating that the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode is running, a pre-stored first target frequency, a second target frequency, and a target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode.

[0125] The signal transmitting module 402 is used to send a first signal to control the frequency of the compressor to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency for a first preset duration, and to send a second signal to control the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve to decrease uniformly to a target opening for a first preset duration; and after the first preset duration, to send a third signal to control the frequency of the compressor to adjust to a second target frequency for a second preset duration, and to send a fourth signal to control the opening of the anti-liquid seal valve to adjust to zero opening for a second preset duration.

[0126] It should be noted that steps S100 to S170 and other steps are for ease of description only and do not constitute a temporal limitation on the steps in the air conditioner control method. Furthermore, some content is described in detail in the air conditioner control method provided in the first aspect embodiment, and all content in the air conditioner control method is also applicable to the air conditioner control device provided in the second aspect embodiment. Therefore, to avoid repetition, the air conditioner control device provided in the second aspect embodiment is not described in detail. Similarly, the content in the above two aspects embodiments can be used to explain the content of all subsequent aspects embodiments; therefore, repeated content will not be described in the following embodiments. The technical effects of the air conditioner control device provided according to the embodiments of the present invention correspond to the technical effects of the above-described air conditioner control method, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] An air conditioner according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the control method for the air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0128] Figure 5A schematic diagram of the physical structure of an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner may include a processor 810, a communication interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840. The processor 810, communication interface 820, and memory 830 communicate with each other via the communication bus 840. The processor 810 can call logical instructions stored in the memory 830 to execute a control method for the air conditioner. This method includes: in response to a signal indicating the operation of an anti-liquid seal shutdown mode, acquiring pre-stored first target frequency, second target frequency, and target opening degree corresponding to the anti-liquid seal shutdown mode; issuing a first signal to control the compressor frequency to uniformly decrease to the first target frequency for a first preset duration, and issuing a second signal to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to uniformly decrease to the target opening degree for a first preset duration; and after the first preset duration, issuing a third signal to control the compressor frequency to adjust to the second target frequency for a second preset duration, and issuing a fourth signal to control the opening degree of the anti-liquid seal valve to adjust to zero opening degree for a second preset duration.

[0129] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 830 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0130] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0131] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0132] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method of an air conditioner, characterized by, The method comprises: in response to a signal for running a liquid seal-off shutdown mode, obtaining a first target frequency, a second target frequency and a target opening degree corresponding to the liquid seal-off shutdown mode and pre-stored; controlling the air conditioner to shut down in stages: in a first stage, issuing a first signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to uniformly decrease to the first target frequency in a first preset time length, and issuing a second signal for controlling the opening degree of the liquid seal-off valve to uniformly decrease to the target opening degree in the first preset time length; the frequency of the compressor and the opening degree of the liquid seal-off valve are synchronously adjusted, so that the refrigerant circulation system stably decreases in frequency in the first stage; in a second stage, after the first preset time length, issuing a third signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to decrease to the second target frequency in a second preset time length, and issuing a fourth signal for controlling the opening degree of the liquid seal-off valve to adjust to zero opening degree in the second preset time length.

2. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized by, The step of obtaining the first target frequency, the second target frequency and the target opening degree corresponding to the liquid seal-off shutdown mode and pre-stored further comprises: obtaining a real-time running frequency of the compressor and a real-time running opening degree of the liquid seal-off valve; determining a frequency adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment according to the real-time running frequency, the first target frequency and the first preset time length, and determining an opening degree adjustment speed during uniform speed adjustment according to the real-time running opening degree, the target opening degree and the first preset time length.

3. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized by, The ratio of the opening degree adjustment speed to the frequency adjustment speed is a preset ratio.

4. The control method of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by The method further comprises: in response to a signal for running a liquid seal-off startup mode, issuing a fifth signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to adjust to the first target frequency in the second preset time length, and issuing a sixth signal for controlling the opening degree of the liquid seal-off valve to adjust to the target opening degree in the second preset time length; after the second preset time length, issuing a seventh signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to adjust to a target running frequency in a first preset time length, and issuing an eighth signal for controlling the opening degree of the liquid seal-off valve to adjust to a target running opening degree in the first preset time length.

5. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized by, The liquid seal-off startup mode comprises controlling one or more of the outdoor units of the multi-connected air conditioner to run the liquid seal-off startup mode.

6. The control method of the air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein The number of the outdoor units to run is obtained by the following steps: obtaining a total power of the indoor units to run and a compensation value; determining a minimum number of the outdoor units to run and a running object according to the total power and a pre-obtained rated power of a single outdoor unit; wherein the liquid seal-off startup mode comprises a pre-start stage and a stable running stage; in the pre-start stage, determining the number of the outdoor units to run according to the minimum number of the outdoor units to run and the compensation value; in the stable running stage, the number of the outdoor units to run is the minimum number of the outdoor units to run.

7. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized by comprising: The method comprises: an obtaining module, configured to obtain a first target frequency, a second target frequency and a target opening degree corresponding to the liquid seal-off shutdown mode and pre-stored in response to a signal for running a liquid seal-off shutdown mode; controlling the air conditioner to shut down in stages: The signal sending module sends a first signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency in a first preset time length and a second signal for controlling the opening of the liquid seal prevention valve to decrease uniformly to a target opening in the first preset time length; the frequency of the compressor and the opening of the liquid seal prevention valve are adjusted synchronously, so that the refrigerant circulation system is stably reduced in frequency in the first stage. The second stage, and after the first preset time length, the signal sending module sends a third signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to decrease to a second target frequency in a second preset time length and a fourth signal for controlling the opening of the liquid seal prevention valve to adjust to zero opening in the second preset time length.

8. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner comprises: a refrigerant circulation loop formed by at least a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger connected in sequence through refrigerant pipelines; a liquid seal prevention valve arranged on the refrigerant pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; a controller electrically connected with the compressor and the liquid seal prevention valve, the controller being configured to acquire a first target frequency, a second target frequency and a target opening corresponding to the liquid seal prevention shutdown mode stored in advance in response to a signal for running the liquid seal prevention shutdown mode; The air conditioner is controlled to be turned off in stages as follows: In the first stage, the controller sends a first signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to decrease uniformly to a first target frequency in a first preset time length and a second signal for controlling the opening of the liquid seal prevention valve to decrease uniformly to a target opening in the first preset time length. In the second stage, after the first preset time length, the controller sends a third signal for controlling the frequency of the compressor to decrease to a second target frequency in a second preset time length and a fourth signal for controlling the opening of the liquid seal prevention valve to adjust to zero opening in the second preset time length.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein The liquid seal prevention valve comprises an electronic expansion valve.

10. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a gas-liquid separator mounted on the refrigerant pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor.

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