Method and apparatus for controlling air conditioner, air conditioner, computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising an evaporator, a plurality of compressors and a plurality of cut-in valves, the number of the compressors being the same as that of the cut-in valves, each cut-in valve being arranged between the exhaust pipeline of the corresponding compressor and the cylinder body of the evaporator; the method comprising: in response to a to-be-shut-down compressor shutdown instruction, calculating the number n of to-be-opened cut-in valves according to the exhaust capacity Q of the to-be-shut-down cut-in valve and the highest refrigerant flow capacity Q1 required by the to-be-shut-down compressor for shutdown; under the condition that a cut-in valve opening condition is met, controlling n to-be-opened cut-in valves to be opened, the opened cut-in valves comprising the to-be-shut-down cut-in valve; under the condition that a cut-in valve closing condition is met, controlling the opened cut-in valves to be closed; wherein the to-be-shut-down cut-in valve corresponds to the to-be-shut-down compressor and is arranged between the exhaust pipeline of the to-be-shut-down compressor and the cylinder body of the evaporator. The control logic of compressor unloading is changed without changing the structural design, so that the compressor unloading is sufficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, such as a method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the improvement of people's living standards, people are also placing higher demands on their living environment. To maintain a comfortable ambient temperature, air conditioners have become an indispensable appliance in people's lives. However, multi-compressor centrifugal air conditioners have difficulties in controlling the shutdown of a single compressor during shutdown processes.

[0003] The related technology discloses a multi-compressor centrifugal common system air conditioner, in which each compressor is equipped with a cut-off valve to assist in shutdown. The cut-off valve is generally selected as an electronic expansion valve or an electric ball valve, and is a pipeline control component located between the compressor discharge pipe and the evaporator shell.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0005] Centrifugal shared-system air conditioners have a larger single-cylinder load compared to independent-system air conditioners. During the shutdown of a single compressor, a corresponding single inlet valve opens. Because the refrigerant flow rate through the inlet valve is much smaller than that through the exhaust pipe, excess refrigerant at the compressor's exhaust port is discharged into the evaporator. Due to the communicating vessel principle, the pressure at the compressor's exhaust end cannot be reduced while other compressors are running, resulting in insufficient unloading of the compressor.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium, to modify the control logic for compressor unloading without changing the structural design, so as to fully unload the compressor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an evaporator, multiple compressors, and multiple cut-in valves, with the number of compressors and cut-in valves being the same. Each cut-in valve is disposed between the exhaust pipe of the corresponding compressor and the evaporator shell. The method includes: in response to a shutdown command of a compressor to be shut down, calculating the number n of cut-in valves to be opened based on the exhaust volume Q of the cut-in valve to be shut down and the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required to shut down the compressor to be shut down; controlling n cut-in valves to be opened to open when the cut-in valve opening conditions are met, including the shut-down cut-in valve; and controlling the opened cut-in valves to close when the cut-in valve closing conditions are met. The shut-down cut-in valve corresponds to the compressor to be shut down and is disposed between the exhaust pipe of the compressor to be shut down and the evaporator shell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an evaporator, multiple compressors, and multiple cut-in valves, the number of compressors being equal to the number of cut-in valves, and each cut-in valve being disposed between the exhaust pipe of the corresponding compressor and the evaporator shell; the device includes: a calculation module configured to, in response to a shutdown command of a compressor to be shut down, calculate the number n of cut-in valves to be opened based on the exhaust volume Q of the cut-in valve to be shut down and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required to shut down the compressor to be shut down; a valve opening control module configured to control the opening of n cut-in valves to be opened when the valve opening conditions are met, the opened cut-in valves including the shut-down cut-in valves; and a valve closing control module configured to control the closed cut-in valves to be opened to be closed when the valve closing conditions are met; wherein, the shut-down cut-in valves correspond to the compressors to be shut down and are disposed between the exhaust pipe of the compressors to be shut down and the evaporator shell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute the method for controlling an air conditioner when the program instructions are executed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: an air conditioner body including an evaporator, a plurality of compressors and a plurality of cut-in valves, wherein the number of compressors and cut-in valves is the same, and each cut-in valve is disposed between the exhaust pipe of the corresponding compressor and the evaporator cylinder; and the device for controlling the air conditioner is installed on the air conditioner body.

[0013] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium stores program instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0014] The method and apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner, and the computer-readable storage medium provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0015] When a compressor awaiting shutdown receives a shutdown command, not only does the shutdown initiation valve corresponding to that compressor need to be opened, but also the other n-1 initiation valves need to be opened to reduce the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors, thus helping to decrease the pressure at the compressor's discharge end. The number of 'n' is determined by the discharge capacity of the shutdown initiation valves and the maximum refrigerant flow required to shut down the compressor, allowing for more precise selection of the number of initiation valves opened and more accurate reduction of the compressor's discharge pressure. These n initiation valves open when the valve opening conditions are met and close when the valve closing conditions are met. Without altering the structural design, the switching logic of the initiation valves is modified, thereby changing the compressor unloading control logic to ensure complete compressor unloading.

[0016] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a method for controlling an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another method for controlling an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another method for controlling an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another device for controlling an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1: Evaporator; 2: Compressor; 21: Exhaust line; 22: Cut-in line; 23: Liquid injection line; 24: Suction line; 3: Cut-in valve; 4: Evaporator; 41: Liquid line; 5: Bypass electronic expansion valve; 6: Main circuit dryer filter; 7: Bypass dryer filter; 8: Main circuit ball valve; 9: Evaporator bypass ball valve; 10: Condensation bypass ball valve; 11: Check valve; 12: Butterfly valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0028] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0029] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0030] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0031] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0032] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0033] In this embodiment of the disclosure, smart home appliances refer to home appliances formed by introducing microprocessors, sensor technology and network communication technology into home appliances. They have the characteristics of intelligent control, intelligent sensing and intelligent application. The operation of smart home appliances often relies on the application and processing of modern technologies such as the Internet of Things, the Internet and electronic chips. For example, smart home appliances can be connected to electronic devices to enable users to remotely control and manage smart home appliances.

[0034] In the disclosed embodiments, the terminal device refers to an electronic device with wireless connectivity. The terminal device can communicate with the aforementioned smart home appliances via the internet, or directly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other methods. In some embodiments, the terminal device may be, for example, a mobile device, a computer, or an in-vehicle device built into a hovercraft, or any combination thereof. Mobile devices may include, for example, mobile phones, smart home devices, wearable devices, smart mobile devices, virtual reality devices, or any combination thereof. Wearable devices may include, for example, smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, etc.

[0035] Combination Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner, including: an evaporator 1, a plurality of compressors 2 and a plurality of cut-in valves 3, wherein the number of compressors 2 and cut-in valves 3 are the same, and each cut-in valve 3 is disposed between the exhaust pipe 21 of the corresponding compressor 2 and the cylinder of the evaporator 1.

[0036] Optionally, each cut-in valve 3 is installed on the cut-in pipe 22 between the exhaust pipe 21 of the corresponding compressor 2 and the shell of the evaporator 1. One end of the cut-in pipe 22 is connected to the exhaust pipe 21 of the compressor 2, and the other end is connected to the shell of the evaporator 1.

[0037] Optionally, the cut-in valve 3 may be an electronic expansion valve, and / or an electric ball valve, and / or a solenoid valve.

[0038] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes a condenser 4 and a bypass electronic expansion valve 5. The compressor 2 is connected to the condenser 4 via a discharge pipe 21. The bypass electronic expansion valve 5 is located on the liquid pipe 41 between the evaporator 1 and the condenser 4.

[0039] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes multiple main circuit dryer filters 6. Each main circuit dryer filter 6 is disposed on the liquid injection line 23 between the compressor 2 and the condenser 4.

[0040] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes multiple bypass dryer filters 7. Each bypass dryer filter 7 is disposed on the liquid line 41 between the bypass electronic expansion valve 5 and the condenser 4.

[0041] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes multiple main circuit ball valves 8. Each main circuit ball valve 8 is located on the inlet pipe 22 between the inlet valve 3 and the compressor's exhaust pipe 21.

[0042] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes multiple evaporator bypass ball valves 9. Each evaporator bypass ball valve 9 is disposed on the liquid line 41 between the bypass electronic expansion valve 5 and the evaporator 1.

[0043] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes a plurality of condenser bypass ball valves 10. Each condenser bypass ball valve 10 is disposed on the liquid line 41 between the bypass electronic expansion valve 5 and the condenser 4.

[0044] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes multiple one-way valves 11. Each one-way valve 11 is disposed on the exhaust pipe 21 between the compressor 2 and the condenser 4.

[0045] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes multiple butterfly valves 12. Each butterfly valve 12 is disposed on the suction line 24 between the compressor 2 and the evaporator 1.

[0046] Using the air conditioner provided in this embodiment, the shutdown of a single compressor 2 can be achieved by controlling the cut-in valve 3 corresponding to the compressor 2 during the shutdown process.

[0047] Combination Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided, comprising:

[0048] S201, in response to the shutdown command of the compressor to be shut down, the air conditioner calculates the number n of the shut-down valves to be opened based on the discharge volume Q of the shut-down valve and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required to shut down the compressor to be shut down.

[0049] S202, when the conditions for opening the cut-in valve are met, the air conditioner controls n cut-in valves to be opened, including the cut-in valve to be shut down.

[0050] S203, if the conditions for closing the cut-in valve are met, the air conditioner controls the already opened cut-in valve to close.

[0051] The shutdown cut-in valve corresponds to the compressor to be shut down and is located between the exhaust pipe of the compressor to be shut down and the evaporator shell.

[0052] The method for controlling an air conditioner provided in this disclosure, when a compressor awaiting shutdown receives a shutdown command, not only does the shutdown initiation valve corresponding to the compressor awaiting shutdown need to be opened, but also the other n-1 initiation valves need to be opened to reduce the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors, which helps to reduce the pressure at the compressor discharge end. The number of 'n' is determined by the discharge capacity of the shutdown initiation valve and the maximum refrigerant flow required to shut down the compressor awaiting shutdown, allowing for more precise control of the number of initiation valves opened and more accurate reduction of the compressor discharge end pressure. These n initiation valves are opened when the valve opening conditions are met, and closed when the valve closing conditions are met. Without changing the structural design, the switching logic of the initiation valves is modified, thereby changing the compressor unloading control logic to ensure sufficient compressor unloading.

[0053] Optionally, the air conditioner calculates the number n of valves to be opened based on the discharge volume Q of the valve to be shut down and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required for the compressor to be shut down. This includes: the air conditioner calculating the discharge volume Q of the valve to be shut down; the air conditioner calculating the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required for the compressor to be shut down; and the air conditioner determining the number n of valves to be opened based on the ratio of Q1 to Q.

[0054] In this way, the number n of valves to be opened is determined based on the ratio of the discharge volume Q of the valve to be shut down to the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required to shut down the compressor. This allows for a more precise determination of the number of valves opened, resulting in a more accurate reduction of the pressure at the compressor discharge end.

[0055] Optionally, the air conditioner calculates the exhaust volume Q of the shut-off valve, including: the air conditioner calculates the exhaust volume Q of the shut-off valve based on the inlet pressure P1 and the outlet pressure P2 of the shut-off valve.

[0056] This allows for a more accurate calculation of the discharge volume Q of the shut-off valve based on its inlet pressure P1 and outlet pressure P2, thus more precisely determining the number n of valves to be opened. This results in a more precise number of valves being opened and a more accurate reduction in the compressor's discharge pressure.

[0057] Optionally, the air conditioner calculates the discharge volume Q of the shut-off valve based on the inlet pressure P1 and the outlet pressure P2 of the shut-off valve, including:

[0058] Air conditioner calculation Q = a1 * P1 2 +a2*P1*P2+a3*P2 2 +a. Where Q is the exhaust volume of the shut-down inlet valve, P1 is the inlet pressure of the shut-down inlet valve, P2 is the outlet pressure of the shut-down inlet valve, a1 is the first constant, a2 is the second constant, a3 is the third constant, and a is the fourth constant.

[0059] This allows for a more accurate calculation of the discharge volume Q of the shut-off valve based on its inlet pressure P1 and outlet pressure P2, thus more precisely determining the number n of valves to be opened. This results in a more precise number of valves being opened and a more accurate reduction in the compressor's discharge pressure.

[0060] Optionally, the air conditioner calculates the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required for the compressor to be shut down, including: the air conditioner based on the suction pressure P of the compressor to be shut down. e Calculate the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required to shut down the compressor based on the inlet pressure P1 of the shut-down valve and the compressor current A.

[0061] This allows for more accurate calculation based on the suction pressure P of the compressor to be shut down. e The system calculates the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required to shut down the compressor by taking the inlet pressure P1 of the shut-off valve and the compressor current A, thereby more accurately determining the number n of valves to be opened. This allows for a more precise determination of the number of valves opened and a more accurate reduction of the compressor discharge pressure.

[0062] Optionally, the air conditioner adjusts the suction pressure P of the compressor to be stopped. e Calculate the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required to shut down the compressor based on the inlet pressure P1 of the shut-down inlet valve and the compressor current A. This includes:

[0063] The air conditioner's Q1 is calculated using the following formula:

[0064] Q1 = b1 * P e +b2*P e +b3*A+b4*P e 2 +b5*P e *P1+b6*P1 2 +b7*P1*A+b8*A 2 +b9*Pe 3 +

[0065] b 10 *P e 2 *P1+b 11 *P e 2 *A+b 12 *P e *P1 2 +b 13 *P e *P1*A+b 14 *P e *A 2 +b 15 *P1 3 +b 16 *P1 2 *A+b 17 *P1*A 2 +b 18 *A 3 +b.

[0066] Where Q1 is the maximum refrigerant flow required to shut down the compressor to be stopped, and P eP1 is the suction pressure of the compressor to be shut down, P2 is the inlet pressure of the shut-down inlet valve, A is the current of the compressor to be shut down, b1 is the fifth constant, b2 is the sixth constant, b3 is the seventh constant, b4 is the eighth constant, b5 is the ninth constant, b6 is the tenth constant, b7 is the eleventh constant, b8 is the twelfth constant, b9 is the thirteenth constant, and b... 10 b is the fourteenth constant. 11 b is the fifteenth constant. 12 b is the sixteenth constant. 13 b is the seventeenth constant. 14 b is the eighteenth constant. 15 b is the nineteenth constant. 16 b is the twentieth constant. 17 b is the twenty-first constant. 18 b is the twenty-second constant, and b is the twenty-third constant.

[0067] This allows for more accurate calculation based on the suction pressure P of the compressor to be shut down. e The system calculates the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required to shut down the compressor by taking the inlet pressure P1 of the shut-off valve and the compressor current A, thereby more accurately determining the number n of valves to be opened. This allows for a more precise determination of the number of valves opened and a more accurate reduction of the compressor discharge pressure.

[0068] Optionally, the air conditioner determines the number n of valves to be opened based on the ratio of Q1 to Q, including: the air conditioner calculates n = Q1 / Q. The air conditioner rounds n up. Here, n is the number of valves to be opened.

[0069] In this way, the number of valves to be opened is determined based on the ratio of the discharge volume Q of the valve to be shut down to the maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required to shut down the compressor, and then rounded up to obtain n. This makes the number of valves opened more precise, and the pressure at the compressor discharge end is reduced more accurately.

[0070] Optionally, the air conditioner controls n pre-opening valves to open, including pre-shutdown valves. This involves the air conditioner determining that a pre-shutdown valve is a pre-opening valve, and determining n-1 pre-opening valves based on the pressure ratio of the operating compressors (excluding the pre-shutdown compressor). The air conditioner then controls the n pre-opening valves to open.

[0071] In this way, besides the compressor waiting to be shut down, the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors can be reduced according to the pressure ratio, thus giving the compressors better operating conditions and helping to reduce the pressure at the discharge end of the compressor waiting to be shut down. Without changing the structural design, the switching logic of the cut-in valve is changed, thereby changing the control logic of compressor unloading and ensuring that the compressor is fully unloaded.

[0072] Optionally, the air conditioner determines n-1 inlet valves to be opened based on the pressure ratio of the operating compressors (excluding the compressor to be shut down). This includes: the pressure ratios of the operating compressors (excluding the compressor to be shut down) are sorted in descending order. The air conditioner selects the n-1 inlet valves corresponding to the compressors with the highest pressure ratios as the inlet valves to be opened.

[0073] In this way, in addition to the compressor waiting to be shut down, the discharge pressure of the n-1 compressors with excessively high pressure ratios can also be reduced, thereby giving the compressors better operating conditions and helping to reduce the pressure at the discharge end of the compressor waiting to be shut down. Without changing the structural design, the switching logic of the inlet valve is modified, thereby changing the control logic of compressor unloading and ensuring that the compressor is fully unloaded.

[0074] Optionally, the conditions for opening the cut-off valve are met, including: the air conditioner reaches normal shutdown conditions; and, the pressure ratio of all compressors is greater than or equal to the shutdown pressure ratio set value for a continuous first duration; and, the bypass electronic expansion valve maintains its maximum opening value for a continuous second duration.

[0075] Specifically, the first duration ranges from [30s to 300s]. The shutdown pressure ratio setting ranges from [2 to 5]. The second duration ranges from [30s to 300s]. The maximum opening ranges from [0% to 100%].

[0076] In this way, when the air conditioner reaches the normal shutdown condition, the pressure ratio of all compressors is greater than or equal to the shutdown pressure ratio setting value for the first duration, and the bypass electronic expansion valve maintains the maximum opening value for the second duration. This can effectively prevent the compressor from being unstable due to excessive pressure fluctuations at the compressor discharge port caused by large valve body movements.

[0077] Optionally, before the air conditioner controls the opening of the n pending initiation valves, the method further includes: the air conditioner controlling the bypass electronic expansion valve to continuously open at a set valve opening speed. Specifically, the set valve opening speed includes increasing the set opening degree change value every third time interval. More specifically, the value range of the third time interval is [1s, 60s]. The value range of the set opening degree change value is [0%, 30%].

[0078] In this way, the slow opening of the valve can effectively prevent excessive pressure fluctuations at the compressor discharge port caused by large valve body movements, thus avoiding unstable compressor operation control.

[0079] Optionally, the shut-off conditions of the cut-off valve are met, including: the compressor to be shut down is stopped.

[0080] In this way, after the compressor stops, the cut-in valve closes. The valve closing action can prevent the low-temperature gas in the evaporator from flowing back into the cut-in line and avoid condensation on the surface of the cut-in line.

[0081] Combination Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, another method for controlling an air conditioner is provided, including:

[0082] S301, in response to the shutdown command of the compressor to be shut down, the air conditioner calculates the number n of the shut-down valves to be opened based on the discharge volume Q of the shut-down valve and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required to shut down the compressor to be shut down.

[0083] S302, when the conditions for opening the inlet valve are met, the air conditioner controls the bypass electronic expansion valve to continuously open the valve at a set opening speed.

[0084] S303, the air conditioner controls n pre-opening valves to open, including the pre-shutdown valve.

[0085] S304, when the conditions for closing the cut-in valve are met, the air conditioner controls the already opened cut-in valve to close.

[0086] The shutdown cut-in valve corresponds to the compressor to be shut down and is located between the exhaust pipe of the compressor to be shut down and the evaporator shell.

[0087] The method for controlling an air conditioner provided in this disclosure, when a compressor awaiting shutdown receives a shutdown command, not only does the shutdown initiation valve corresponding to the compressor awaiting shutdown need to be opened, but also the other n-1 initiation valves need to be opened to reduce the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors, which helps to reduce the pressure at the compressor discharge end. The number of 'n' is determined by the discharge capacity of the shutdown initiation valve and the maximum refrigerant flow required to shut down the compressor, allowing for more precise control of the number of initiation valves opened and more accurate reduction of the compressor discharge end pressure. These n initiation valves are opened when the valve opening conditions are met, and closed when the valve closing conditions are met. Slow valve opening effectively prevents excessive pressure fluctuations at the compressor discharge port due to large valve body movements, thus preventing unstable compressor operation control. By modifying the switching logic of the initiation valves without changing the structural design, the compressor unloading control logic is altered, ensuring sufficient compressor unloading.

[0088] Combination Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, another method for controlling an air conditioner is provided, including:

[0089] S401, in response to the shutdown command of the compressor to be shut down, the air conditioner calculates the number n of the shut-down valves to be opened based on the discharge volume Q of the shut-down valve and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required to shut down the compressor to be shut down.

[0090] S402, when the conditions for opening the inlet valve are met, the air conditioner controls the bypass electronic expansion valve to continuously open the valve at a set opening speed.

[0091] S403, the air conditioner determines the shut-off cut-off valve as the open cut-off valve, and determines n-1 open cut-off valves based on the pressure ratio of the operating compressors other than the shut-off compressor.

[0092] S404, the air conditioner controls n pending inlet valves to open.

[0093] S405, if the conditions for closing the cut-in valve are met, the air conditioner controls the already opened cut-in valve to close.

[0094] The shutdown cut-in valve corresponds to the compressor to be shut down and is located between the exhaust pipe of the compressor to be shut down and the evaporator shell.

[0095] The method for controlling an air conditioner provided in this disclosure, when a compressor awaiting shutdown receives a shutdown command, not only does the shutdown initiation valve corresponding to the compressor awaiting shutdown need to be opened, but also the other n-1 initiation valves need to be opened to reduce the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors, which helps to reduce the pressure at the compressor discharge end. The number of 'n' is determined by the discharge capacity of the shutdown initiation valve and the maximum refrigerant flow required to shut down the compressor awaiting shutdown, allowing for more precise control of the number of initiation valves opened and more accurate reduction of the compressor discharge end pressure. In addition to the compressor awaiting shutdown, the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors can also be reduced according to the pressure ratio, thereby ensuring better operating conditions for the compressors and further reducing the pressure at the discharge end of the compressor awaiting shutdown. These n initiation valves are opened when the valve opening conditions are met, and closed when the valve closing conditions are met. Slow valve opening effectively prevents excessive pressure fluctuations at the compressor discharge port due to large valve body movements, which could lead to unstable compressor operation control. Without altering the structural design, the switching logic of the inlet valve is changed, thereby changing the control logic for compressor unloading, so that the compressor is fully unloaded.

[0096] Combination Figure 5As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides a device 200 for controlling an air conditioner, including a calculation module 501, a valve opening control module 502, and a valve closing control module 503. The calculation module 501 is configured to, in response to a shutdown command of a compressor awaiting shutdown, calculate the number n of valves to be opened based on the discharge volume Q of the valve awaiting shutdown and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required to shut down the compressor. The valve opening control module 502 is configured to control the opening of n valves to be opened, including the shutdown valve, when the valve opening conditions are met. The valve closing control module 503 is configured to control the closed valves to be closed when the valve closing conditions are met. The shutdown valve corresponds to the compressor awaiting shutdown and is disposed between the discharge pipe of the compressor and the evaporator shell.

[0097] Using the device 200 for controlling an air conditioner provided in this embodiment, when the compressor to be stopped receives a stop command, it is necessary not only to open the stop-start valve corresponding to the compressor to be stopped, but also to open the other n-1 stop valves to reduce the discharge pressure of the other n-1 compressors, which helps to reduce the pressure at the compressor discharge end. The number of 'n' is determined by the discharge capacity of the stop-start valve and the maximum refrigerant flow required to stop the compressor to be stopped, allowing for more precise control over the number of valves opened and more accurate reduction of the compressor discharge end pressure. These n stop valves are opened when the valve opening conditions are met, and closed when the valve closing conditions are met. Without changing the structural design, the switching logic of the stop valves is modified, thereby changing the compressor unloading control logic to ensure sufficient compressor unloading.

[0098] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a device 300 for controlling an air conditioner, including a processor 600 and a memory 601. Optionally, the device 300 may further include a communication interface 602 and a bus 603. The processor 600, communication interface 602, and memory 601 can communicate with each other via the bus 603. The communication interface 602 can be used for information transmission. The processor 600 can call logical instructions in the memory 601 to execute the method for controlling the air conditioner described in the above embodiment.

[0099] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 601 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0100] The memory 601, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 600 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 601, thereby implementing the method for controlling the air conditioner described in the above embodiments.

[0101] The memory 601 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 601 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0102] Combination Figure 7 As shown, this disclosure provides an air conditioner 100, including: an air conditioner body, and the aforementioned device 200 (300) for controlling the air conditioner. The device 200 (300) for controlling the air conditioner is installed on the air conditioner body. The installation relationship described herein is not limited to placement inside the air conditioner body, but also includes installation and connection with other components of the air conditioner 100, including but not limited to physical connections, electrical connections, or signal transmission connections. Those skilled in the art will understand that the device 200 (300) for controlling the air conditioner can be adapted to feasible air conditioner bodies to achieve other feasible embodiments.

[0103] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0104] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more 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 method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, such as a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk, etc., and other media capable of storing program code.

[0105] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. 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 units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0108] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized by, The air conditioner comprises an evaporator, a plurality of compressors and a plurality of cut-in valves, the number of the compressors is the same as that of the cut-in valves, each cut-in valve is arranged between the exhaust pipe of the corresponding compressor and the cylinder of the evaporator; the method comprises: In response to a stop instruction of the to-be-stopped compressor, calculating the exhaust amount Q of the to-be-stopped cut-in valve and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required for the to-be-stopped compressor to stop, determining the number n of to-be-opened cut-in valves according to the ratio of Q1 to Q; In the case of satisfying the cut-in valve opening condition, controlling n to-be-opened cut-in valves to open, and the opened cut-in valves including the to-be-stopped cut-in valve; In the case of satisfying the cut-in valve closing condition, controlling the opened cut-in valves to close; The to-be-stopped cut-in valve corresponds to the to-be-stopped compressor and is arranged between the exhaust pipe of the to-be-stopped compressor and the cylinder of the evaporator.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The exhaust amount Q of the to-be-stopped cut-in valve comprises: The exhaust amount Q of the to-be-stopped cut-in valve is calculated according to the pre-valve pressure P1 of the to-be-stopped cut-in valve and the post-valve pressure P2 of the to-be-stopped cut-in valve.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required for the to-be-stopped compressor to stop comprises: According to the suction pressure P of the compressor to be stopped e The maximum refrigerant flow rate Q1 required for the stop of the compressor to be stopped is calculated from the valve front pressure P1 of the cut-in valve to be stopped and the current A of the compressor to be stopped.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Controlling n to-be-opened cut-in valves to open, and the opened cut-in valves including the to-be-stopped cut-in valve, comprises: Determining the to-be-stopped cut-in valve as a to-be-opened cut-in valve, and determining n-1 to-be-opened cut-in valves according to the pressure ratio of the running compressors except the to-be-stopped compressor; Controlling n to-be-opened cut-in valves to open.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The air conditioner further comprises a condenser and a bypass electronic expansion valve arranged on the liquid pipe between the evaporator and the condenser; the cut-in valve opening condition comprises: The air conditioner reaches a normal stop condition; and, All compressor pressure ratios are greater than or equal to a stop pressure ratio set value for a first duration; and, The opening degree of the bypass electronic expansion valve is kept at a maximum opening degree value for a second duration.

6. An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, characterized by comprising: The air conditioner comprises an evaporator, a plurality of compressors and a plurality of cut-in valves, the number of the compressors is the same as that of the cut-in valves, each cut-in valve is arranged between the exhaust pipe of the corresponding compressor and the cylinder of the evaporator; the device comprises: A calculation module configured to, in response to a stop instruction of a to-be-stopped compressor, calculate the exhaust amount Q of a to-be-stopped cut-in valve and the maximum refrigerant flow Q1 required for the to-be-stopped compressor to stop, and determine the number n of to-be-opened cut-in valves according to the ratio of Q1 to Q; A valve opening control module configured to, in the case of satisfying a cut-in valve opening condition, control n to-be-opened cut-in valves to open, and the opened cut-in valves including the to-be-stopped cut-in valve; A valve closing control module configured to, in the case of satisfying a cut-in valve closing condition, control the opened cut-in valves to close; The to-be-stopped cut-in valve corresponds to the to-be-stopped compressor and is arranged between the exhaust pipe of the to-be-stopped compressor and the cylinder of the evaporator.

7. An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, comprising a processor and a memory having stored program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute the method for controlling the air conditioner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 when the program instructions are executed.

8. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: Comprise: An air conditioner body comprising an evaporator, a plurality of compressors and a plurality of cut-in valves, the number of the compressors is the same as that of the cut-in valves, each cut-in valve is arranged between the exhaust pipe of the corresponding compressor and the cylinder of the evaporator; The device for controlling the air conditioner as claimed in claim 6 or 7 is installed in the air conditioner body.

9. A computer readable storage medium storing program instructions, characterized in that, The program instructions, when executed, cause the computer to perform the method for controlling an air conditioner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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