Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and is used for controlling operation parameters of the air conditioner within a better range so as to improve the overall operation energy efficiency of the air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises at least one refrigerant circulation loop and at least one refrigerant circulation loop, wherein the refrigerant circulation loop comprises at least one compressor; the controller is configured to obtain energy demand parameters of the air conditioner, actual control parameters of the compressor and normalized control parameters obtained after normalization processing is conducted on the actual control parameters; target operation parameters of the air conditioner are determined according to the energy demand parameters and the normalized control parameters; wherein the target operation parameters of the air conditioner comprise the number of target compressors needing to be operated and the target operation frequency of each target compressor; and each target compressor is controlled to operate at the respective target operation frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the economic society, air conditioners including multiple variable-frequency air-cooled modules or water-cooled modules are increasingly widely used in various places such as entertainment, home, and work.

[0003] In practical applications, since the cooling (heating) load of a single module is limited, multiple modules are usually combined to meet the air-conditioning load requirements. Also, since each module may include at least one refrigerant circulation loop, and each refrigerant circulation loop includes at least one component such as a compressor, when the load demand of the air conditioner changes, it is necessary to adjust the operating parameters of multiple compressors in the air conditioner in real time to adapt to the demand.

[0004] Currently, when adjusting the operating parameters of multiple compressors in an air conditioner, usually, directly based on the magnitude relationship between the current water temperature and the target water temperature, the number of operating compressors and the operating frequency are increased or decreased. However, this method cannot accurately determine the number of compressors that need to be increased or decreased, and the operating frequency that each compressor needs to run, resulting in inaccurate adjustment of energy demand, and the compressors cannot run at an optimal operating frequency, leading to low energy efficiency and poor energy-saving performance during the operation of the air conditioner. Therefore, how to control the operating parameters of the air conditioner within an optimal range to improve the overall operating energy efficiency of the air conditioner has become an urgent problem to be solved currently. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof, which are used to control the operating parameters of the air conditioner within an optimal range to improve the overall operating energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present application adopts the following technical solutions.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner, which includes: at least one refrigerant circulation loop, and one refrigerant circulation loop includes at least one compressor; a controller configured to: obtain the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner, the actual control parameter of the compressor, and the normalized control parameter obtained by normalizing the actual control parameter; determine the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameter and the normalized control parameter; wherein, the target operating parameter of the air conditioner includes the number of target compressors to be operated and the target operating frequency of each target compressor; and control each target compressor to run at its respective target operating frequency.

[0008] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application at least brings the following beneficial effects: The embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner, which can normalize the actual control parameters of the air conditioner to eliminate the difference in the parameter order of magnitude between different components in the air conditioner. For example, eliminate the difference in the order of magnitude between the capacities of different compressors in the air conditioner. Furthermore, the normalized control parameters and the energy demand parameters can be effectively compared and analyzed to obtain more appropriate operating parameters of the air conditioner. In this way, it can be ensured that each target compressor operates at a better operating frequency, avoiding overloading and energy waste of the compressors in the air conditioner, thereby improving the overall operating energy efficiency of the air conditioner and achieving better energy-saving effects.

[0009] In some embodiments, the normalized control parameter includes the normalized total rated frequency of the compressors in the air conditioner; the controller is configured to determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the heat exchange demand information and the normalized control parameter. Specifically, the controller is configured to: obtain the set mode of the air conditioner and the target determination strategy corresponding to the set mode; wherein, the target determination strategy is used to determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner; calculate the first normalized total operating frequency of the target compressor that the air conditioner needs to operate according to the normalized total rated frequency and the heat exchange demand information; determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy.

[0010] In some embodiments, the target determination strategy is a low-noise determination strategy; the normalized control parameter further includes the normalized total number of compressors in the air conditioner and the capacity coefficient of each compressor in the air conditioner; wherein, the capacity coefficient is the ratio of the actual capacity of the compressor to the capacity threshold; the controller is configured to determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy. Specifically, the controller is configured to: obtain the difference between the first normalized total number and the first capacity coefficient; wherein, the first capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating time; determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number, the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference, and the first frequency threshold.

[0011] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application at least bring the following beneficial effects: The embodiments of the present application provide an air conditioner, which can determine appropriate target operating parameters of the air conditioner based on a low-noise determination strategy and a normalized control parameter after eliminating the order-of-magnitude difference of parameters. In this way, the compressor in the air conditioner can operate at a better operating frequency, avoiding over-operation of the compressor, reducing noise and vibration generation, and thus improving the comfort experience of users. In addition, the appropriate adjustment of the operating frequency of the compressor can also improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioner and achieve better energy-saving effects. In some embodiments, the actual control parameter includes the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner; the controller is configured to determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number, the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference, and the first frequency threshold. Specifically, the controller is configured to: when the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, reduce the first actual total number to obtain the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after reduction; determine the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference as the target operating frequency of each target compressor; or, when the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is less than the first frequency threshold, reduce the first actual total number according to the cumulative operating duration of each compressor to obtain the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after reduction; determine the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference as the target operating frequency of each target compressor; or, when the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, determine the first actual total number as the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate; determine the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number as the target operating frequency of each target compressor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the target determination strategy is an energy-saving determination strategy; the actual control parameters include the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner; the normalized control parameters further include the second normalized total operating frequency of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner and the second normalized total number of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner; a controller configured to determine the normalized operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy, the controller being configured to: in the case where the first normalized total operating frequency is greater than the second normalized total operating frequency, determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total number and the second preset frequency threshold; or, in the case where the first normalized total operating frequency is less than the second normalized total operating frequency, determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number and the second frequency threshold; or, in the case where the first normalized total operating frequency is equal to the second normalized total operating frequency, keep the first actual total number unchanged and keep the operating frequencies of each compressor unchanged.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actual control parameters further include the second actual total number of compressors in the air conditioner; a controller configured to determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number and the second frequency threshold, the controller being specifically configured to: in the case where the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, determine the number of target compressors to be operated in the air conditioner as the second actual total number; determine the target operating frequency of each target compressor according to the second preset frequency threshold, the second normalized total number, the first normalized total operating frequency, and the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: in the case where the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency, the second difference between the second normalized total number and the first capacity coefficient, the third difference between the second normalized total number and the first capacity coefficient and the second capacity coefficient, and the second preset frequency threshold; wherein the second capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration.

[0015] Second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a control method for an air conditioner. This method is applied to the air conditioner and includes: obtaining the energy demand parameters of the air conditioner, the actual control parameters of the compressor, and the normalized control parameters after normalizing the actual control parameters; determining the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameters and the normalized control parameters; wherein, the target operating parameters of the air conditioner include the number of target compressors to be operated and the target operating frequencies of each target compressor; controlling each target compressor to operate at its respective target operating frequency.

[0016] Third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a controller, including: one or more processors; one or more memories; wherein, one or more memories are used to store computer program code, and the computer program code includes computer instructions. When one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the controller executes any one of the control methods for the air conditioner provided in the second aspect.

[0017] Fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which includes computer instructions. When the computer instructions run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute any one of the control methods for the air conditioner provided in the second aspect.

[0018] Fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product, which can be directly loaded into the memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by the computer, the computer program product can implement any one of the control methods for the air conditioner provided in the second aspect.

[0019] It should be noted that the above computer instructions can be stored in whole or in part on the computer-readable storage medium. Among them, the computer-readable storage medium can be packaged together with the processor of the controller or separately packaged with the processor of the controller. The present application does not make any limitation in this regard.

[0020] For the beneficial effects described in the second to fifth aspects of the present application, reference can be made to the analysis of the beneficial effects in the first aspect, and details will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0021] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of the present invention, and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they are used to explain the technical solutions of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the composition of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of a control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 9 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0034] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative position relationship and movement conditions between components in a specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances. In addition, when describing pipelines, the terms "connected" and "coupled" used in this application have the meaning of conducting. The specific meaning needs to be understood in combination with the context.

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0038] To improve the accuracy of determining the operating parameters of an air conditioner, an embodiment of this application provides a control method for an air conditioner, which can normalize the actual control parameters of the air conditioner to eliminate the difference in the parameter order of magnitude between different components in the air conditioner. For example, eliminate the difference in the order of magnitude between the capacities of different compressors in the air conditioner. Furthermore, the normalized control parameters and energy demand parameters can be effectively compared and analyzed to obtain more accurate and appropriate operating parameters of the air conditioner. In this way, it can be ensured that each target compressor operates at an accurate and appropriate operating frequency, avoiding overloading and energy waste of the compressors in the air conditioner, thereby improving the overall operating energy efficiency of the air conditioner and achieving better energy-saving effects. In addition, by avoiding overloading of the compressors, the service life of the equipment can be extended, the maintenance cost and failure rate are reduced, and the reliability and stability of the air conditioner are improved.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an air conditioner provided according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. As Figure 1 shown, the air conditioner 100 includes a host module 101 and a slave module 102. In some embodiments, the number of slave modules 102 may also be multiple.

[0040] Among them, the host module 101 can be connected to the slave module 102 through a communication line, and multiple slave modules 102 can also be connected to each other through a communication line.

[0041] In some embodiments, the host module 101 is used to control the operating state of the entire air conditioner 100, including the operating states of each slave module 102.

[0042] In some embodiments, the slave module 102 may include at least one refrigerant circulation loop, and a refrigerant circulation loop is composed of a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger. Thus, at least one compressor may be included in the slave module 102.

[0043] In this application, each slave module performs the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner by using a compressor, a condenser, an electronic expansion valve, an evaporator, and a four-way valve as the refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes, involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplying refrigerant to the air that has been conditioned and heat-exchanged.

[0044] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0045] The electronic expansion valve expands the liquid-phase refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the electronic expansion valve and returns the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state to the compressor. The evaporator can achieve the refrigeration effect by using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to perform heat exchange with the material to be cooled.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided by this application according to an exemplary embodiment. As Figure 2 shown, the air conditioner 200 includes a total water inlet pipe 201, a total water outlet pipe 202, a sub-water inlet pipe 203 and a sub-water outlet pipe 204 of each slave module, and a controller 205 ( Figure 2 not shown in the figure).

[0047] In some embodiments, the sub-water inlet pipe 203 of each slave module is connected to the total water inlet pipe 201, and the sub-water outlet pipe 204 of each slave module is connected to the total water outlet pipe 202. Both the sub-water inlet pipe 203 and the sub-water outlet pipe 204 are pipes for circulating water, used to introduce the water source and discharge the circulated water that has undergone heat exchange.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 205 refers to a device that can generate operation control signals according to instruction operation codes and timing signals to instruct the air conditioning system 10 to execute control instructions. Exemplarily, the controller can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The controller can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions thereon.

[0049] In addition, the controller 205 can be used to control the operation of each component inside the air conditioner 100, so that the operation of each component of the air conditioner 100 realizes each predetermined function of the air conditioner 100.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. As Figure 3 shown, the air conditioner 100 may further include: a first temperature sensor 301, a second temperature sensor 302, a communicator 303, and a memory 304.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor 301 is disposed on the total inlet water pipe 201 for detecting the total inlet water temperature of the total inlet water pipe.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor 302 is disposed on the total outlet water pipe 202 for detecting the total outlet water temperature of the total outlet water pipe.

[0053] In some embodiments, the communicator 303 is used to establish a communication connection with other network entities. The communicator 303 can include a radio frequency (RF) module, a cellular module, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) module, a GPS module, etc. Taking the RF module as an example, the RF module can be used for signal reception and transmission. In particular, the received information is sent to the controller 205 for processing; in addition, the signal generated by the controller 205 is sent out. Generally, the RF circuit can include, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, etc.

[0054] In some embodiments, the memory 304 can be used to store software programs and data, including data for configuring at least one new version of firmware for the electronic device. The processor 301 executes various functions and data processing of the air conditioner 100 by running the software programs or data stored in the memory 304. The memory 304 can include high-speed random access memory and can also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage devices. In this application, the memory 304 can store the operating system and various application programs, and can also store the code for executing the control method of the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0055] The embodiments provided in this application will be specifically introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the specification.

[0056] As Figure 4 shown, the embodiments of this application provide a control method for an air conditioner, and the method includes the following steps:

[0057] S101. The controller obtains the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner, the actual control parameter of the compressor, and the normalized control parameter obtained by normalizing the actual control parameter.

[0058] Optionally, the energy demand parameter is usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if the energy demand parameter is 50%, it means that the air conditioner needs to operate at 50% of its own rated capacity.

[0059] In some embodiments, the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner is determined based on one of the total inlet water temperature of the total inlet water pipe and the total outlet water temperature of the total outlet water pipe and the set target temperature.

[0060] Exemplarily, the determination steps of the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner can include the following steps a1-step a5.

[0061] Step a1. The controller obtains the set target temperature and the target temperature control method. Among them, the target temperature control method includes the inlet water temperature control method or the outlet water temperature control method.

[0062] Step a2. The controller determines the difference between the target total water pipe temperature at the current moment and the target temperature according to the target temperature control method.

[0063] In some embodiments, when the target temperature control method is the inlet water temperature control method, the target total water pipe temperature is the total inlet water temperature.

[0064] When the target temperature control method is the outlet water temperature control method, the target total water pipe temperature is the total outlet water temperature.

[0065] Step a3: The controller determines the temperature difference change rate based on the temperature difference between the target main water pipe temperature and the target temperature at the current moment and the temperature difference between the target main water pipe temperature and the target temperature at the previous moment.

[0066] Step a4: The controller determines the energy regulation change amount based on the temperature difference between the target main water pipe temperature and the target temperature at the current moment and the temperature difference change rate.

[0067] In a possible implementation manner, the controller can determine the energy regulation change amount by looking up a table based on the temperature difference between the target main water pipe temperature and the target temperature at the current moment and the temperature difference change rate.

[0068] In another possible implementation manner, the controller can determine the energy regulation change amount based on a fitting calculation formula between the temperature difference between the target main water pipe temperature and the target temperature at the current moment and the temperature difference change rate.

[0069] Step a5: The controller determines the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the current moment based on the energy regulation change amount and the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the previous moment.

[0070] In one example, the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the current moment can be obtained by the following formula (1).

[0071] P(n) = P(n - 1) + ΔP Formula (1)

[0072] Where, P(n) is the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the current moment; P(n - 1) is the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the previous moment; ΔP is the energy regulation change amount.

[0073] In another example, the controller can determine the energy regulation change amount by looking up a table based on the energy regulation change amount and the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the previous moment.

[0074] In some embodiments, the actual control parameters of the compressor may include the actual capacity of each compressor, the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner, and the second actual total number of compressors in the air conditioner.

[0075] In some embodiments, the controller can perform normalization processing on the actual control parameters of the compressor to obtain normalized control parameters to eliminate the differences brought by the order of magnitude of the parameters.

[0076] It can be understood that the normalized control parameter has a one-to-one correspondence with the actual control parameter. Exemplarily, the second normalized total number corresponding to the first actual total number of compressors, the first normalized total number corresponding to the second actual total number, etc.

[0077] Exemplarily, the normalization process steps of the actual control parameters may include the following steps b1 - b3.

[0078] Step b1: The controller determines the capacity coefficient of each compressor as the ratio between the actual capacity of each compressor and the capacity threshold.

[0079] Step b2: The controller adds up the capacity coefficients of all compressors to obtain the normalized total number of compressors.

[0080] Step b3: The controller determines the normalized total rated frequency of the compressors in the air conditioner as the product of the preset normalized frequency and the normalized total number of compressors.

[0081] Wherein, the preset normalized frequency is less than or equal to the maximum operating frequency allowed for the compressor of the air conditioner to operate.

[0082] S102: The controller determines the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameters and the normalized control parameters.

[0083] Wherein, the target operating parameters of the air conditioner include the number of target compressors to be operated and the target operating frequencies of each target compressor.

[0084] In one example, the controller may input the energy demand parameters and the normalized control parameters into a preset operating parameter prediction model, and the operating parameter prediction model outputs the target operating parameters of the air conditioner.

[0085] In another example, the controller may determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the energy demand parameters and the normalized control parameters by using a target determination strategy corresponding to the set mode of the air conditioner.

[0086] Exemplarily, as Figure 5 shown, this example can be implemented as the following steps.

[0087] S1021: The controller obtains the set mode of the air conditioner and the target determination strategy corresponding to the set mode.

[0088] Wherein, the set mode of the air conditioner includes a low - noise mode or an energy - saving mode, and the target determination strategy includes a low - noise determination strategy or an energy - saving determination strategy. The target determination strategy is used to determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner.

[0089] In some embodiments, there is a one - to - one correspondence between the set mode and the target determination strategy. For example, there is a one - to - one correspondence between the low - noise mode and the low - noise determination strategy, and there is a one - to - one correspondence between the energy - saving mode and the energy - saving determination strategy.

[0090] In some embodiments, a user may input a set mode of the air conditioner through a remote controller of the air conditioner, a terminal device communicatively connected to the air conditioner, etc. Further, the controller may obtain the set mode of the air conditioner and a target determination strategy corresponding to the set mode.

[0091] S1022. The controller calculates a first normalized total operating frequency of a target compressor that the air conditioner needs to operate according to the normalized total rated frequency and the energy demand parameter.

[0092] It can be understood that determining the first normalized total operating frequency of the target compressor to be operated according to the current energy demand parameter results in a more accurate result, avoiding energy waste. At the same time, it can better maintain the stability of the operating conditions and prevent the reduction of air-conditioning comfort caused by water temperature fluctuations.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first normalized total operating frequency of the target compressor that the air conditioner needs to operate can be obtained by the following formula (2).

[0094] M(n)=M×P(n) Formula (2)

[0095] Wherein, M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; M is the normalized total rated frequency;

[0096] P(n) is the energy demand parameter.

[0097] S1023. The controller determines target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the target determination strategy is a low-noise determination strategy, the controller may determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the first normalized total operating frequency, the normalized total number of compressors in the air conditioner, and the capacity factor of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0099] Exemplarily, reference may be made to the specific description of determining the target operating parameters of the air conditioner in the following Figure 6 illustrated embodiments, and the present application does not make a specific description herein.

[0100] In some embodiments, when the target determination strategy is an energy-saving determination strategy, the controller may determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the first normalized total operating frequency, the second normalized total operating frequency of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner, and the second normalized total number of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner.

[0101] Reference may be made to the following Figure 7 illustrated embodiments for the specific description of the target operating parameters of the air conditioner, and the present application does not make a specific description herein.

[0102] S103. The controller controls each target compressor to operate at its respective target operating frequency.

[0103] In some embodiments, when the number of target compressors to be operated is greater than the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner, the controller turns on additional compressors to increase the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner to the number of target compressors to be operated.

[0104] In some embodiments, when the number of target compressors to be operated is less than the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner, the controller turns off some of the currently operating compressors to reduce the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner to the number of target compressors to be operated.

[0105] In some embodiments, when the number of target compressors to be operated is equal to the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner, the controller keeps the first actual total number of compressors currently operating in the air conditioner unchanged.

[0106] The following combines with the Figure 6 illustrated embodiments to exemplarily introduce the complete process of the control method of the air conditioner.

[0107] As Figure 6 shown, the process starts.

[0108] Step c1. The controller obtains the target total water pipe temperature and the target temperature at the current moment.

[0109] Step c2. The controller obtains the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the current moment based on the target total water pipe temperature and the target temperature.

[0110] Step c3. The controller obtains the energy demand parameter of the air conditioner at the current moment based on the target total water pipe temperature and the target temperature.

[0111] Step c4. The controller obtains the target determination strategy.

[0112] Judge whether the target determination strategy is an energy-saving determination strategy.

[0113] If so, execute the following step c5.

[0114] If not, execute the following step c6.

[0115] Step c5. The controller determines the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total number, the second preset frequency threshold, the first normalized total operating frequency, and the second normalized total operating frequency.

[0116] Step c6: The controller determines based on the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity, the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference value, and the first frequency threshold.

[0117] Step c7: The controller controls each target compressor to operate at its respective target operating frequency.

[0118] Based on Figure 4 In the described embodiments, the present application provides a control method for an air conditioner, which can normalize the actual control parameters of the air conditioner to eliminate the parameter order-of-magnitude differences between different components in the air conditioner. For example, eliminate the order-of-magnitude differences between the capacities of different compressors in the air conditioner. Furthermore, the normalized control parameters and energy demand parameters can be effectively compared and analyzed to obtain more accurate and appropriate operating parameters of the air conditioner. In this way, it can be ensured that each target compressor operates at an accurate and appropriate operating frequency, avoiding overloading and energy waste of the compressors in the air conditioner, thereby improving the overall operating energy efficiency of the air conditioner and achieving better energy-saving effects. In addition, by avoiding overloading of the compressors, the service life of the equipment can be extended, the maintenance cost and failure rate are reduced, and the reliability and stability of the air conditioner are improved.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the target determination strategy is a low-noise determination strategy, the target operating frequencies of each target compressor need to be as low as possible. For example Figure 7 as shown, step S1023 can be implemented as the following steps:

[0120] S201: The controller obtains the difference between the first normalized total quantity and the first capacity coefficient.

[0121] Wherein, the first capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0122] In some embodiments, the difference between the first normalized total quantity and the first capacity coefficient is stored in the memory, and the controller can obtain the difference between the first normalized total quantity and the first capacity coefficient from the memory.

[0123] S202: The controller determines the target operating parameters of the air conditioner based on the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity, the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference value, and the first frequency threshold.

[0124] Wherein, the first frequency threshold is the lower limit value of the normalized rated operating frequency range of the compressor, that is, the normalized minimum operating frequency of the compressor.

[0125] In some embodiments, for example Figure 8 as shown, step S202 can be implemented as the following steps:

[0126] Step A11: When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, the controller reduces the actual operating quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner to obtain the quantity of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after reduction.

[0127] It can be understood that if the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is less than the first frequency threshold, it means that when all the compressors in the air conditioner are operating, the operating frequencies of each compressor are relatively low and cannot operate within the rated operating frequency range, which will affect the reliability of the air conditioner. Therefore, in this case, it is not appropriate to increase the actual operating quantity of the compressors.

[0128] If the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, it means that when the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration is turned off, the other compressors in the air conditioner can all operate at a more appropriate operating frequency, reducing the operating cost and operating noise and saving energy. Therefore, in this case, the actual operating quantity of the compressors can be reduced.

[0129] Exemplarily, the cumulative operating duration of compressor 1 is 120 minutes, the cumulative operating duration of compressor 2 is 90 minutes, the cumulative operating duration of compressor 3 is 100 minutes, and the cumulative operating duration of compressor 4 is 60 minutes. Among them, the quantity of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration is 1.

[0130] When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, the controller reduces the actual quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner by 1.

[0131] Step A12: The controller determines the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference as the target operating frequency of each target compressor.

[0132] Exemplarily, the target operating frequency of each target compressor can be obtained by the following formula (3):

[0133] M i = M(n) / (S - Ca(n)) Formula (3)

[0134] where, M i is the target operating frequency of each target compressor; M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; S is the first normalized total quantity; Ca(n) is the first capacity factor.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9As shown, step S202 can also be implemented as the following steps:

[0136] Step A21: When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is less than the first frequency threshold, the controller reduces the actual operating quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner according to the cumulative operating duration of each compressor, and obtains the quantity of the target compressors that the air conditioner is determined to operate after reduction.

[0137] It can be understood that if the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is less than the first frequency threshold, it means that after reducing the actual operating quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner by one, the other compressors still operate at a relatively low operating frequency. If the operating states of all compressors are still maintained at this time, not only will energy be wasted, but also the overall performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner will be reduced. Therefore, in order to improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, the actual operating quantity of the compressors can be continuously reduced until the other compressors can operate at a more appropriate operating frequency.

[0138] In addition, reducing the actual operating quantity of the compressors according to the cumulative operating duration of each compressor can achieve the balanced loss of the air conditioner, and avoid the situation where some compressors operate overtime while some compressors never operate.

[0139] In some embodiments, when the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is less than the first frequency threshold, the controller first reduces the actual operating quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner by one, and the reduced compressor is the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0140] Further, the controller determines the difference between the first normalized total quantity and the first capacity factor as the new first normalized total quantity. And determines the difference between the new first normalized total quantity and the second capacity factor as the new difference. Wherein, the second capacity factor is the capacity factor of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration.

[0141] Still further, the controller re-determines whether the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the new difference is less than the first frequency threshold.

[0142] If so, then reduce the actual operating quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner by one again, and the reduced compressor is the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration. If not, then no longer reduce the actual operating quantity of the compressors.

[0143] Thus, the controller can reduce the actual operating quantity of the compressors according to the cumulative operating duration of the compressors until the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold.

[0144] Step A22: The controller determines the target operating frequency of each target compressor as the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference value.

[0145] In some embodiments, the controller determines a new difference value according to the actual number of compressors reduced in step A21.

[0146] Exemplarily, the actual number of compressors reduced in step A21 is 3, namely the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration, the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration, and the compressor with the third longest cumulative operating duration.

[0147] Further, the controller determines the sum value among the first capacity factor of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration, the second capacity factor of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration, and the third capacity factor of the compressor with the third longest cumulative operating duration. And determines the difference between the first normalized total quantity and this sum value as the new difference value.

[0148] Still further, the target operating frequency of each target compressor can be obtained by the following formula (4):

[0149] M i = M(n) / (S - ∑Ca(n)) Formula (4)

[0150] Wherein, M i is the target operating frequency of each target compressor; M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; S is the first normalized total quantity; ∑Ca(n) is the above sum value.

[0151] In some embodiments, as Figure 10 shown, step S202 can also be implemented as the following steps:

[0152] Step A31: When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, the controller determines the second actual total quantity as the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate.

[0153] It can be understood that if the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, it means that when all the compressors in the air conditioner are operating, the operating frequencies of each compressor are more appropriate and can operate within the rated operating frequency range. Therefore, in this case, the second actual total quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner can be determined as the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate.

[0154] Step A32: The controller determines the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity as the target operating frequency of each target compressor.

[0155] Exemplarily, the target operating frequency of each target compressor can be obtained by the following formula (5):

[0156] M i = M(n) / S Formula (5)

[0157] where M i is the target operating frequency; M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; S is the first normalized total quantity.

[0158] Based on Figure 7 the embodiments shown, a control method for an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present application can determine appropriate target operating parameters of the air conditioner based on a low-noise determination strategy and a normalized control parameter after eliminating the order-of-magnitude difference of parameters. In this way, the compressor in the air conditioner can operate at a better operating frequency, avoiding excessive operation of the compressor, reducing noise and vibration generation, and thus improving the comfort experience of users. In addition, the appropriate adjustment of the compressor operating frequency can also improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioner and achieve better energy-saving effects.

[0159] In some embodiments, when the target determination strategy is an energy-saving determination strategy, the target operating frequency of each target compressor needs to be as optimal as possible. As Figure 11 shown, step S1023 can also be implemented as the following steps:

[0160] S301. When the first normalized total operating frequency is greater than the second normalized total operating frequency, the controller determines the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity and the second preset frequency threshold.

[0161] where the second preset frequency threshold is a preset optimal normalized operating frequency.

[0162] Optionally, the second preset frequency threshold can be determined based on the total inlet water temperature or the total outlet water temperature of the total inlet pipe, the ambient temperature, and the target temperature.

[0163] It can be understood that if the first normalized total operating frequency is greater than the second normalized total operating frequency, it means that the current total operating frequency of the air conditioner cannot meet the load demand of the air conditioner, and a higher total operating frequency is required to meet the load demand.

[0164] In some embodiments, the controller can determine whether to increase the first actual total quantity of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner or increase the operating frequency of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity and the second preset frequency threshold, so that the total operating frequency of the air conditioner meets the load requirements of the air conditioner.

[0165] In some embodiments, step S301 may be implemented as the following steps:

[0166] Step B11. When the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, the controller increases the first actual total quantity to obtain the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after the increase.

[0167] It can be understood that if the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, it indicates that the average operating frequency of each currently operating compressor exceeds the preset optimal normalized operating frequency. Therefore, in order to avoid problems such as resource waste caused by some compressors operating in a high-frequency band with low energy efficiency, it is necessary to increase the actual operating quantity of the compressors to achieve the purpose of load balancing. In this way, each compressor can operate evenly at a better operating frequency, thereby improving the system efficiency and performance.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, the controller increases the actual operating quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner by a preset quantity.

[0169] Optionally, the preset quantity is 1.

[0170] Exemplarily, the first actual total quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner is 3. In this case, the controller increases the first actual total quantity by 1, and the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after the increase is 4.

[0171] Step B12. The controller determines the target operating frequency of each target compressor according to one or more of the second preset frequency threshold, the second normalized total quantity, the first normalized total operating frequency, and the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0172] In some embodiments, the controller determines the second preset frequency threshold as the target operating frequency of each target compressor among the first actual total quantity of target compressors.

[0173] In some embodiments, the controller may determine the operating frequency obtained based on the following formula (6) as the target operating frequency of each target compressor among the preset quantity of increased target compressors.

[0174] M i =[M(n)-(N(0)×M(s))] / Ca(n) Formula (6)

[0175] Where M iis the target operating frequency; M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; N(0) is the second normalized total quantity; M(s) is the second preset frequency threshold; Ca(n) is the capacity factor of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0176] In some embodiments, when the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after the increase is the second actual total number of compressors in the air conditioner, the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is determined as the target operating frequency of each target compressor.

[0177] In some embodiments, step S301 can also be implemented as the following steps:

[0178] Step B21, when the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, the controller keeps the first actual total quantity unchanged.

[0179] It can be understood that if the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total quantity is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, it means that the operating frequencies of the currently operating compressors mostly do not reach the preset optimal normalized operating frequency. In this case, increasing the first actual total quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner may not produce obvious effects, but instead may make the operating frequencies of each compressor lower, wasting the resources of the air conditioner. Therefore, it is sufficient to keep the first actual total quantity unchanged.

[0180] Step B22, the controller determines the target operating frequency of each target compressor according to the second preset frequency threshold, the second normalized total quantity, the first normalized total operating frequency, and the capacity factor of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0181] In some embodiments, the controller can determine the operating frequency obtained based on the following formula (7) as the target operating frequency of each target compressor.

[0182] M i =[M(n)-((N(0)-Ca(n))×M(s))] / Ca(n) Formula (7)

[0183] where M i is the target operating frequency; M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; N(0) is the second normalized total quantity; M(s) is the second preset frequency threshold; Ca(n) is the capacity factor of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0184] S302. When the first normalized total operating frequency is less than the second normalized total operating frequency, the controller determines the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total quantity and the first normalized total operating frequency.

[0185] It can be understood that when the first normalized total operating frequency is less than the second normalized total operating frequency, it indicates that the current total operating frequency in the air conditioner not only meets the load demand of the air conditioner but also exceeds the load demand of the air conditioner.

[0186] In some embodiments, the controller can reduce the first actual total quantity of the compressors currently operating in the air conditioner or reduce the operating frequencies of the individual operating compressors to make the second normalized total operating frequency approach the first normalized operating frequency. Such adjustment can ensure that the operating frequency of the air conditioner more conforms to the load demand and avoid waste of resources caused by overoperation.

[0187] In some embodiments, step S302 can be implemented as the following steps:

[0188] Step C11. When the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total quantity is greater than the second frequency threshold, determine the second actual total quantity as the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate.

[0189] It can be understood that if the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total quantity is greater than the second frequency threshold, it means that when all the compressors in the air conditioner are operating, the average operating frequency of each compressor has been higher than the preset optimal operating frequency. In this case, if the first actual total quantity is reduced, it will only make the normalized operating frequency of each compressor larger. Therefore, in this case, it is only necessary to determine the second actual total quantity as the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate.

[0190] Step C12. Determine the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total quantity as the target operating frequency of each target compressor.

[0191] In some embodiments, step S302 can also be implemented as the following steps:

[0192] Step C21. When the difference between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total quantity is less than or equal to the second frequency threshold, determine the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency, the second difference between the second normalized total quantity and the first capacity coefficient, the third difference between the second normalized total quantity and the first capacity coefficient and the second capacity coefficient, and the second preset frequency threshold.

[0193] Wherein, the second capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operation duration.

[0194] It can be understood that if the ratio between the first normalized total operation frequency and the first normalized total quantity is less than or equal to the second frequency threshold, it indicates that when all the compressors in the air conditioner are operating, the normalized operation frequencies of each compressor are mostly less than the preset optimal normalized operation frequency. At this time, in order to implement load balancing to save energy, the first actual total quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner can be reduced, so that the normalized operation frequencies of the reduced compressors are close to the preset optimal normalized operation frequency.

[0195] In some embodiments, step C21 can be implemented as the following steps:

[0196] Step D11: When the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold and the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the third difference is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, the controller reduces the first actual total quantity to obtain the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after reduction.

[0197] It can be understood that if the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, it indicates that after reducing the first actual total quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner by one, the remaining compressors can operate at a frequency lower than the preset optimal normalized operation frequency. If the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the third difference is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, it indicates that after reducing the first actual total quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner by one again, the remaining compressors cannot operate at the optimal operation frequency. Therefore, it is only necessary to reduce the actual total quantity of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner by one.

[0198] In some embodiments, when the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold and the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the third difference is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, the controller reduces the first actual total quantity by one, and the reduced compressor is the compressor with the longest cumulative operation duration.

[0199] Step D12: The controller determines the target operation frequencies of each target compressor according to the first normalized total operation frequency, the third difference, the second capacity coefficient, and the second preset frequency threshold.

[0200] In some embodiments, the controller uses the operation frequency obtained based on the following formula (8) as the target operation frequency of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operation duration.

[0201] M i= [M(n) - ((N(0) - Ca(n) - Ca(n - 1)) × M(s))] / Ca(n - 1), Formula (8)

[0203] where M i is the target operating frequency; M(n) is the first normalized total operating frequency; N(0) is the second normalized total quantity; M(s) is the second preset frequency threshold; Ca(n) is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration; Ca(n - 1) is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration.

[0204] In some embodiments, the controller determines the second preset frequency as the target operating frequency of other target compressors except the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating duration.

[0205] In some embodiments, step C21 can also be implemented as the following steps:

[0206] Step D21: When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the third difference is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, reduce the first actual total quantity according to the cumulative operating duration of each compressor to obtain the number of target compressors that the air conditioner needs to operate after reduction.

[0207] It can be understood that if the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the third difference is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, it means that after reducing the actual operating number of compressors in the air conditioner by two, other compressors can still operate at a frequency lower than the preset optimal normalized operating frequency. Therefore, in order to improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, the actual operating number of compressors can be continuously reduced until other compressors can operate at a more appropriate frequency.

[0208] In addition, reducing the actual operating number of compressors according to the cumulative operating duration of each compressor can achieve the balanced loss of compressors in the air conditioner, avoiding the situation where some compressors run overtime while some compressors never run.

[0209] In some embodiments, when the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the third difference is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, the controller first reduces the actual operating number of compressors in the air conditioner by one, and the reduced compressor is the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0210] Further, the controller determines the difference between the second normalized total quantity and the first capacity factor as the new second normalized total quantity. And the difference between the new second normalized total quantity and the second capacity factor is determined as the new second difference, and the difference between the new second normalized total quantity and the third capacity factor is determined as the new third difference. Wherein, the third capacity factor is the capacity factor of the compressor with the third longest cumulative operation duration.

[0211] Still further, the controller re-determines whether the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the new second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, and whether the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the third difference is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold.

[0212] When the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the new second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the third difference is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, the actual operation quantity of the compressors in the air conditioner is further reduced by one, and the reduced compressor is the compressor with the second longest cumulative operation duration.

[0213] In other cases except the above, the actual operation quantity of the compressors is not reduced.

[0214] Thus, the controller can reduce the actual operation quantity of the compressors according to the cumulative operation duration of the compressors until the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the second difference is less than the second preset frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the third difference is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold.

[0215] Step D22: Determine the target operation frequencies of the respective target compressors according to the first normalized total operation frequency, the second difference, the second capacity factor, and the second preset frequency threshold.

[0216] In some embodiments, the controller may determine the operation frequencies obtained based on the following formula (9) as the target operation frequencies of the respective target compressors.

[0217] M i =[M(n)-((N(0)-Ca(n))×M(s))] / Ca(n) Formula (9)

[0218] In some embodiments, step C21 may also be implemented as the following steps:

[0219] Step D31: When the ratio of the first normalized total operation frequency to the second difference is greater than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, the controller keeps the first actual total quantity unchanged.

[0220] It can be understood that if the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the second difference is greater than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, it means that after reducing the first actual total number of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner by one, the average operating frequency of the remaining compressors will further increase, so as to be higher than the preset optimal normalized operating frequency. Therefore, it is not advisable to reduce the first actual total number.

[0221] Step D32: The controller determines the target operating frequencies of the respective target compressors according to the first normalized total operating frequency, the second difference, the second capacity factor, and the second preset frequency threshold.

[0222] In some embodiments, the controller may determine the operating frequency obtained based on the above formula (9) as the target operating frequency of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0223] In some embodiments, the controller may determine the second preset frequency threshold as the target operating frequencies of the other respective target compressors except the compressor with the longest cumulative operating duration.

[0224] S303: When the first normalized total operating frequency is equal to the second normalized total operating frequency, the controller keeps the number of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner unchanged and keeps the operating frequencies of the respective compressors unchanged.

[0225] It can be understood that if the first normalized total operating frequency is equal to the second normalized total operating frequency, it means that the total operating frequency of the currently operating compressors in the air conditioner can meet the current load demand of the air conditioner. Therefore, there is no need to operate additional compressors.

[0226] It should be further noted that in the above embodiments, when determining the target operating frequencies of the respective target compressors, if the respective target compressors operate at the same target operating frequency, the problem of uneven operating frequencies of the compressors in the air conditioner can be solved, and the overall service life of the air conditioner can be improved.

[0227] Those skilled in the art should be able to realize that in the above one or more examples, the functions described in the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes computer storage media and communication media, where the communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. The storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0228] From the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be allocated to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0229] As described above, the above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: at least one refrigerant circulation loop, one of the refrigerant circulation loops comprising at least one compressor; The controller is configured as: Acquiring an energy demand parameter of the air conditioner, an actual control parameter of the compressor, and a normalized control parameter after normalizing the actual control parameter; Determining the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameter and the normalized control parameter; wherein the target operating parameters of the air conditioner include the number of target compressors to be operated and the target operating frequency of each of the target compressors; The target compressors are respectively controlled to operate at their respective target operating frequencies.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The normalized control parameter includes a normalized total rated frequency of a compressor in the air conditioner; The controller is configured to determine the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameter and the normalized control parameter. The controller is specifically configured as follows: Acquire a setting mode of the air conditioner and a target determination strategy corresponding to the setting mode; wherein the target determination strategy is used to determine a target operating parameter of the air conditioner; Calculating a first normalized total operating frequency of a target compressor to be operated by the air conditioner according to the normalized total rated frequency and the heat exchange demand information; A target operating parameter of the air conditioner is determined according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The target determination strategy is a low noise determination strategy; the normalized control parameter also includes a first normalized total number of compressors in the air conditioner and a capacity coefficient of each compressor in the air conditioner; wherein the capacity coefficient is a ratio between an actual capacity of the compressor and a capacity threshold; The controller is configured to determine the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy, and the controller is configured to: Obtaining a first difference between the first normalized total number and a first capacity coefficient; wherein the first capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative running time; A target operating parameter of the air conditioner is determined according to a ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number, a ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the difference, and a first frequency threshold.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actual control parameter includes a first actual total number of compressors currently running in the air conditioner; The controller is configured to determine the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number, the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the difference, and the first frequency threshold. The controller is specifically configured as follows: When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, reducing the first actual total number to obtain the number of target compressors that need to be operated by the air conditioner after the reduction; determining a ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference as a target operating frequency of each of the target compressors; or, When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is less than the first frequency threshold, and the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference is less than the first frequency threshold, the first actual total number is reduced according to the accumulated operating time of each of the compressors to obtain the target number of compressors that need to be operated by the air conditioner after the reduction; determining a ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the difference as a target operating frequency of each of the target compressors; or, When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is greater than or equal to the first frequency threshold, determining the first actual total number as the number of target compressors to be operated by the air conditioner; The ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number is determined as the target operating frequency of each of the target compressors.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: The target determination strategy is an energy-saving determination strategy; the actual control parameter includes a first actual total number of compressors currently running in the air conditioner; The normalized control parameters also include a first normalized total number of compressors in the air conditioner, a capacity coefficient of each compressor in the air conditioner, a second normalized total operating frequency of the compressors currently running in the air conditioner, and a second normalized total number of compressors currently running in the air conditioner; wherein the capacity coefficient is a ratio between an actual capacity of the compressor and a capacity threshold; The controller is configured to determine the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy, and the controller is configured to: In the case where the first normalized total operating frequency is greater than the second normalized total operating frequency, determining the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the second normalized total frequency and a second preset frequency threshold; or In the case where the first normalized total operating frequency is less than the second normalized total operating frequency, determining the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number and a second frequency threshold; or When the first normalized total operating frequency is equal to the second normalized total operating frequency, the first actual total number is kept unchanged, and the operating frequencies of the respective compressors are kept unchanged.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that: The actual control parameter also includes a second actual total number of compressors in the air conditioner; The controller is configured to determine the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number and the second frequency threshold; the controller is specifically configured to: In the case where the ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the first normalized total number is greater than the second preset frequency threshold, determining the second actual total number as the number of target compressors to be operated by the air conditioner; The target operating frequency of each target compressor is determined according to the second preset frequency threshold, the second normalized total number, the first normalized total operating frequency and the first capacity coefficient; wherein the first capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative operating time.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller is further configured to: When the ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total quantity is less than or equal to the second preset frequency threshold, the target operating parameters of the air conditioner are determined according to the first normalized total operating frequency, the second normalized total quantity and the second difference between the first capacity coefficient, the third difference between the second normalized total quantity and the first capacity coefficient and the second capacity coefficient, and the second preset frequency threshold; wherein the second capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the second longest cumulative operating time.

8. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquiring an energy demand parameter of the air conditioner, an actual control parameter of the compressor, and a normalized control parameter after normalizing the actual control parameter; Determining the target operating parameters of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameter and the normalized control parameter; wherein the target operating parameters of the air conditioner include the number of target compressors to be operated and the target operating frequency of each of the target compressors; The target compressors are respectively controlled to operate at their respective target operating frequencies.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The normalized control parameter includes a normalized total rated frequency of a compressor in the air conditioner; Determining the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the energy demand parameter and the normalized control parameter includes: Acquire a setting mode of the air conditioner and a target determination strategy corresponding to the setting mode; wherein the target determination strategy is used to determine a target operating parameter of the air conditioner; Calculating a first normalized total operating frequency of a target compressor to be operated by the air conditioner according to the normalized total rated frequency and the energy demand parameter; A target operating parameter of the air conditioner is determined according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The target determination strategy is a low noise determination strategy; the normalized control parameter also includes a first normalized total number of compressors in the air conditioner and a capacity coefficient of each compressor in the air conditioner; wherein the capacity coefficient is a ratio between an actual capacity of the compressor and a capacity threshold; Determining the target operating parameter of the air conditioner according to the first normalized total operating frequency and the target determination strategy includes: Obtaining a first difference between the first normalized total number and a first capacity coefficient; wherein the first capacity coefficient is the capacity coefficient of the compressor with the longest cumulative running time; A target operating parameter of the air conditioner is determined according to a ratio of the first normalized total operating frequency to the first normalized total number, a ratio between the first normalized total operating frequency and the difference, and a first frequency threshold.

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