Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof.The air conditioner comprises a controller, and the controller is configured to obtain the filth blockage rate of an outdoor heat exchanger after the air conditioner is started and when the accumulative refrigeration operation time of the air conditioner is longer than the preset refrigeration time; when the filth blockage rate is within the preset filth blockage rate range, the outdoor environment temperature is obtained; and when the outdoor environment temperature reaches the first preset temperature threshold value and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold value, the operation frequency of the compressor or the indoor environment temperature is obtained, and the operation state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor environment temperature and the operation frequency or the indoor environment temperature. The filth blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained, when the filth blockage rate meets the condition, the operation state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor environment temperature and the operation frequency of the compressor or the indoor environment temperature, and the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger is improved on the premise that reliable operation of the air conditioner is guaranteed; therefore, the power consumption of the air conditioner during actual operation is reduced, and the energy-saving effect is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The outdoor fan of a split air conditioner is usually installed on the outdoor side. To improve the heat exchange capacity, the operating air volume is relatively large. In addition, the split outdoor heat exchanger generally uses a finned-tube heat exchanger with a fin pitch of only about 1.2 - 1.6 mm, which makes it easy to adsorb dust and block the air inlet channel. When the air inlet channel is blocked, the air volume decreases, affecting the heat exchange effect of the outdoor condenser, reducing the heat exchange capacity of the condenser, and then consuming more electric energy to maintain the established refrigeration effect, thus increasing the operating power of the air conditioner, resulting in a relative reduction in refrigeration capacity and a significant increase in the overall operating power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can control the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature when the dirt blockage rate meets the conditions, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger on the premise of reliable operation of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the power consumption during the actual operation of the air conditioner and achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0005] To this end, a second object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an air conditioner.

[0006] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner, which includes: a refrigerant circulation circuit that enables the refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle in a circuit composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a four-way valve, where one of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger and the other is an indoor heat exchanger; an electronic expansion valve disposed between the condenser and the evaporator, and the electronic expansion valve is configured to increase the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve when its opening degree decreases, and decrease the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve when its opening degree increases; an indoor fan configured to drive indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger by rotation, so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air; an outdoor fan configured to drive outdoor air to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger by rotation, so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air; an outdoor temperature sensor configured to detect the outdoor ambient temperature; an outdoor condenser coil temperature sensor configured to detect the outdoor condenser coil temperature; a controller, and the controller is configured to: after the air conditioner is started, when the cumulative refrigeration operation time of the air conditioner is greater than a preset refrigeration time, obtain the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger; when the fouling rate is within a preset fouling rate range, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature; when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed a second preset temperature threshold, obtain the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature, and control the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature.

[0007] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained, and when the fouling rate meets the conditions, the operating state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger on the premise of ensuring the reliable operation of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the power consumption during the actual operation of the air conditioner and achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0008] In some embodiments, when obtaining the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller is configured to: obtain the first current of the outdoor fan or the outdoor condenser coil temperature; and determine the fouling rate according to the first current or the outdoor condenser coil temperature.

[0009] In some embodiments, when obtaining the first current of the outdoor fan, the controller is configured to: control the outdoor fan to reverse at a first preset speed for a first preset time, and then rotate forward at the first preset speed for a second preset time, and use the average value of the outdoor fan current during the second preset time as the first current.

[0010] In some embodiments, when determining the fouling rate based on the first current of the outdoor fan or the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil, the controller is configured to: calculate the fouling rate corresponding to the first current and the preset current threshold based on the first current and the preset current threshold through a preset fouling rate algorithm; or, based on the difference between the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil and a preset temperature threshold of the outdoor condenser coil, obtain the fouling rate corresponding to the difference through a pre-calibrated correspondence between the difference and the fouling rate.

[0011] In some embodiments, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature, and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature, the controller is configured to: when the operating frequency of the compressor reaches a preset frequency threshold, or the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and a preset indoor ambient temperature reaches a preset difference threshold, control the outdoor fan to increase its rotational speed; when the operating frequency of the compressor does not reach the preset frequency threshold and the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature does not reach the preset difference threshold, control the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0012] In some embodiments, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature, the controller is configured to: when the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds a third preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, control the outdoor fan to increase its rotational speed; when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold and does not exceed the third preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, control the outdoor fan to decrease its rotational speed, where the second preset temperature threshold is greater than the third preset temperature threshold, and the third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold.

[0013] In some embodiments, when controlling the outdoor fan to increase or decrease its rotational speed, the controller is configured to: obtain the rotational speed adjustment amount corresponding to the outdoor ambient temperature and the fouling rate according to a pre-calibrated correspondence between the outdoor ambient temperature - fouling rate and the rotational speed adjustment amount; control the outdoor fan to increase or decrease its rotational speed according to the rotational speed adjustment amount.

[0014] In some embodiments, after obtaining the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller is further configured to: when the fouling rate is less than the lower limit of a preset fouling rate range, control the outdoor fan to maintain its current operating state; when the fouling rate is greater than the upper limit of the preset fouling rate range, control the outdoor fan to stop operating and control the air conditioner to output a preset warning prompt.

[0015] In some embodiments, after obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature, the controller is further configured to: when the outdoor ambient temperature does not reach the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold or exceeds the second preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, control the outdoor fan to maintain its current operating state.

[0016] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, the method comprising the following steps: after the air conditioner is started, when the cumulative refrigeration operating time of the air conditioner is greater than a preset refrigeration time, obtain the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger; when the fouling rate is within a preset fouling rate range, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature at which the air conditioner is located; when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches the first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, obtain the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature, and control the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature.

[0017] According to the control method of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained. When the fouling rate meets the conditions, the operating state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger on the premise of ensuring the reliable operation of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the power consumption during the actual operation of the air conditioner and achieving the energy-saving effect.

[0018] The additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partially given in the following description, partially become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and be readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle system of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a schematic flowchart of controlling the operating state of an outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature, operating frequency, or indoor ambient temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of controlling the operating state of an outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0027] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0028] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the air conditioner 1 in the present invention performs the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 1 by using a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a four-way valve. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes, involving compression, condensation, and evaporation, and supplying refrigerant to the air that has been conditioned and heat-exchanged.

[0032] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas in a high-temperature and high-pressure state entering from the suction pipe and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas through the discharge pipe. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser from the condenser inlet pipe. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0033] The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the refrigerant gas in a low-temperature and low-pressure state to the compressor. The evaporator can achieve a refrigeration effect by using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to exchange heat with the material to be cooled. During the entire cycle, the air conditioner 1 can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0034] Combined Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 in the present application includes an indoor fan 12 and an outdoor fan 13. The indoor fan 12 and the outdoor fan 13 can be set as an integrated unit or a split unit. The indoor fan 12 can be set as a wall-mounted type, a ceiling type, a duct type, etc., and the indoor fan 12 is installed on the top or upper part of the indoor room.

[0035] Taking the indoor wall-mounted unit as an example, the indoor wall-mounted unit is usually installed at positions such as the indoor wall surface. Again, for example, the indoor cabinet unit (not shown in the figure) is also a form of the indoor fan 12 of the indoor fan 12.

[0036] Taking the split unit as an example, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor fan 12 and an outdoor fan 13. Among them, the outdoor fan 13 is usually set outdoors and is used for heat exchange with the indoor environment.

[0037] In addition, the air conditioner 1 is equipped with a controller 71 to control the operation of each component in the internal air conditioner 1, so that each component of the air conditioner 1 operates to achieve each predetermined function of the air conditioner 1. Among them, a control device 200 is also attached to the air conditioner 1. Exemplarily, the control device 200 is specifically set as a remote controller, and the remote controller has a function of communicating with the controller 71 using, for example, infrared rays or other communication methods. The remote controller is used for users to perform various controls on the air conditioner 1 to realize the interaction between the user and the air conditioner 1.

[0038] The indoor fan 12 of the air conditioner 1 in the embodiment of the present application is set at the top or upper part of the indoor. Generally speaking, the installation height of the indoor fan 12 is higher than the user's activity area. The indoor fan 12 includes an air return opening 17 and an air outlet 16 communicating with the indoor. The indoor air passes through the air return opening 17 into the indoor fan 12 and flows back into the indoor through the air outlet 16.

[0039] At the position of the air outlet 16, a wind deflector 2 is provided. The wind deflector 2 adjusts the outflow direction of the air flowing through the air outlet 12 by changing its relative rotation angle with the air outlet 16, thereby affecting the air temperature stratification in the indoor.

[0040] An embodiment of the present application further provides a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a controller 71, as Figure 3 shown. The controller 71 includes a processor 83. Optionally, it further includes a memory 82 and a communication interface 84 connected to the processor 83. The processor 83, the memory 82, and the communication interface 84 are connected through a bus 81.

[0041] The processor 83 may be a central processing unit 83 (CPU), a general-purpose processor 83, a network processor 83 (NP), a digital signal processor 83 (DSP), a microprocessor 83, a microcontroller 83, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 83 may also be any other device with processing capabilities, such as a circuit, a device, or a software module. The processor 83 may also include multiple CPUs, and the processor 83 may be a single-core (single CPU) processor 83 or a multi-core (multi CPU) processor 83. Here, the processor 83 may refer to one or more devices, circuits, or processing cores for processing data (such as computer program instructions).

[0042] The memory 82 may be a read-only memory 82 (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory 82 (RAM), or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions. It may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory 82 (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions on this. The memory 82 may exist independently or be integrated with the processor 83. Among them, the memory 82 may contain computer program code. The processor 83 is used to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 82, thereby implementing the control method of the air conditioner 1 provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0043] The communication interface 84 can be used to communicate with other devices or communication networks (such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.). The communication interface 84 can be a module, a circuit, a transceiver, or any device capable of implementing communication.

[0044] The bus 81 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus 81 or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus 81, etc. The bus 81 can be divided into an address bus 81, a data bus 81, a control bus 81, etc.

[0045] The following will be combined with Figures 4 - 7 Describe the air conditioner 1 and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes: a refrigerant circulation circuit 10. The refrigerant circulation circuit enables the refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle in a circuit composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. One of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger, and the other is an indoor heat exchanger.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 may include: an electronic expansion valve 11, provided between the condenser and the evaporator. The electronic expansion valve 11 is configured to increase the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve 11 when its opening degree decreases, and to decrease the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve 11 when its opening degree increases.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 may include: an indoor fan 12, configured to drive the indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger by rotation, so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 may include: an outdoor fan 13, configured to drive the outdoor air to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger by rotation, so that the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 1 may include: an outdoor temperature sensor 14, configured to detect the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0051] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor condenser coil temperature sensor 15 for detecting the outdoor condenser coil temperature.

[0052] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the air conditioner 1 may include a controller 71 configured to, after the air conditioner 1 starts up, when the cumulative cooling operation time of the air conditioner 1 is greater than a preset cooling time, obtain the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0053] When the fouling rate is within a preset fouling rate range, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature; when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed a second preset temperature threshold, obtain the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature, and control the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature.

[0054] Specifically, after the air conditioner 1 starts up, the controller 71 may monitor and record in real time the cumulative operation time of the air conditioner 1 in the cooling mode. When the cumulative cooling operation time of the air conditioner 1 is greater than the preset cooling time, the fouling rate detection mechanism of the air conditioner 1 may be triggered to obtain the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger in the air conditioner.

[0055] Furthermore, when it is determined that the fouling rate is within the preset fouling rate range, it indicates that there is a certain degree of fouling in the current outdoor heat exchanger, but it does not seriously affect the heat exchange effect of the outdoor heat exchanger. At this time, the current outdoor ambient temperature may be obtained through the outdoor temperature sensor 14. When the outdoor ambient temperature reaches the first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature may be obtained, and the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 may be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, or the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 may be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the indoor ambient temperature, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger on the premise of ensuring the reliable operation of the air conditioner, and further reduce the power consumption during the actual operation of the air conditioner 1, achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0056] In a specific embodiment, the preset cooling time, the first preset temperature threshold, and the second preset temperature threshold may be set according to actual conditions. Among them, the preset cooling time may be 1136 hours, the first preset temperature threshold may be 18 degrees Celsius, and the second preset temperature threshold may be 35 degrees Celsius.

[0057] According to the air conditioner 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the dirt blockage rate is within the preset dirt blockage rate range, the outdoor ambient temperature where the current air conditioner 1 is located can be obtained. When the outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset conditions, the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, or the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the indoor ambient temperature, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger on the premise of ensuring the reliable operation of the air conditioner 1, and further reduce the power consumption during the actual operation of the air conditioner 1, achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, when obtaining the dirt blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller 71 is configured to: obtain the first current of the outdoor fan 13 or the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil; determine the dirt blockage rate according to the first current or the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil.

[0059] Specifically, when the outdoor heat exchanger is blocked due to dust or dirt accumulating on the fin surface of the outdoor heat exchanger, it will hinder the air flow, resulting in the outdoor fan 13 consuming more current to drive the air through the heat exchanger. Therefore, the first current of the outdoor fan 13 can be obtained by setting a current sensor, and the dirt blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger can be determined according to the first current. Similarly, when the outdoor heat exchanger is blocked due to dust or dirt accumulating on the fin surface of the outdoor heat exchanger, it will hinder the air flow, reduce the condensation effect of the refrigerant in the outdoor condenser coil, and thus cause the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil to rise. Therefore, the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil can be obtained by setting the outdoor condenser coil temperature sensor 15, and the dirt blockage rate can be determined according to the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, when obtaining the first current of the outdoor fan 13, the controller 71 is configured to: control the outdoor fan 13 to reverse at a first preset speed for a first preset time, and then rotate forward at the first preset speed for a second preset time, and take the average value of the current of the outdoor fan 13 within the second preset time as the first current.

[0061] Specifically, when obtaining the first current of the outdoor fan 13, the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to rotate reversely at a first preset speed for a first preset time to remove dust, debris, water droplets, etc. accumulated on the blades of the outdoor fan 13. Subsequently, the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to continue rotating forward at the first preset speed for a second preset time, and the average value of the operating current of the outdoor fan 13 within the second preset time can be obtained as the first current of the outdoor fan 13, so as to reduce the influence of current fluctuation.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, when determining the fouling rate based on the first current of the outdoor fan 13 or the outdoor condenser coil temperature, the controller 71 is configured to: based on the first current and a preset current threshold, calculate the fouling rate corresponding to the first current and the preset current threshold through a preset fouling rate algorithm;

[0063] Alternatively, based on the difference between the outdoor condenser coil temperature and a preset outdoor condenser coil temperature threshold, obtain the fouling rate corresponding to the difference through a pre-calibrated correspondence between the difference and the fouling rate.

[0064] Specifically, when determining the fouling rate based on the first current of the outdoor fan 13, the fouling rate corresponding to the first current and the preset current threshold can be calculated through a preset fouling rate algorithm based on the first current and the preset current threshold. The specific formula is as follows:

[0065]

[0066] where A represents the fouling rate, I represents the first current, and I 0 represents the preset current threshold.

[0067] In a specific embodiment, the preset current threshold can be set according to the actual situation.

[0068] Furthermore, when determining the fouling rate based on the outdoor condenser coil temperature of the outdoor fan 13, the difference between the outdoor condenser coil temperature and the preset outdoor condenser coil temperature threshold can be obtained through a preset algorithm, and then the fouling rate corresponding to the difference can be obtained by querying a pre-calibrated correspondence table between the difference and the fouling rate. The pre-calibrated correspondence table between the difference and the fouling rate can be set according to experimental data, including but not limited to a mathematical graph or a table, which includes multiple groups of difference-fouling rate correspondences.

[0069] In an embodiment of the present invention, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 according to the outdoor ambient temperature, and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature, the controller 71 is configured to: when the operating frequency of the compressor reaches a preset frequency threshold, or the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature reaches a preset difference threshold, control the outdoor fan 13 to increase its speed;

[0070] When the operating frequency of the compressor does not reach the preset frequency threshold, and the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature does not reach the preset difference threshold, control the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 according to the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0071] Specifically, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 according to the outdoor ambient temperature, the operating frequency, or the indoor ambient temperature, if the operating frequency of the compressor reaches the preset frequency threshold, or the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature reaches the preset difference threshold, it indicates that the heat exchange demand of the current air conditioner 1 is relatively large. At this time, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to increase, enhancing the heat exchange effect of the air conditioner 1. While meeting the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced, achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0072] Furthermore, if the operating frequency of the compressor does not reach the preset frequency threshold, and the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature does not reach the preset difference threshold, it indicates that the heat exchange demand of the current air conditioner 1 is relatively small. At this time, the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature, making the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 match the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1, avoiding the problem of ineffective heat exchange of the air conditioner 1, and thus achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 according to the outdoor ambient temperature, the controller 71 is configured to: when the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds the third preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, control the outdoor fan 13 to increase its rotational speed;

[0074] when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold and does not exceed the third preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, control the outdoor fan 13 to decrease its rotational speed, where the second preset temperature threshold is greater than the third preset temperature threshold, and the third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold.

[0075] Specifically, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 according to the outdoor ambient temperature, if the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds the third preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, it indicates that the current outdoor ambient temperature is at a relatively high level, the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large, and the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1 is relatively large. At this time, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to increase, enhancing the heat exchange effect of the air conditioner 1. While meeting the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced, achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0076] Furthermore, if the outdoor ambient temperature reaches the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold and does not exceed the third preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, it indicates that the current outdoor ambient temperature is relatively low, and the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1 is small. At this time, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to decrease, making the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 match the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1, avoiding the problem of ineffective heat exchange of the air conditioner 1, and thus achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, when controlling the outdoor fan 13 to increase or decrease its speed, the controller 71 is configured to: obtain the speed adjustment amount corresponding to the outdoor ambient temperature and the fouling rate according to the pre-calibrated correspondence between the outdoor ambient temperature - fouling rate and the speed adjustment amount; control the outdoor fan 13 to increase or decrease its speed according to the speed adjustment amount.

[0078] Specifically, when controlling the outdoor fan 13 to increase or decrease its speed, the speed adjustment amount corresponding to the outdoor ambient temperature and the fouling rate can be obtained by querying the pre-calibrated correspondence table between the outdoor ambient temperature - fouling rate and the speed adjustment amount according to the acquired outdoor ambient temperature and fouling rate. Here, the speed adjustment amount can be a positive value or a negative value, that is, the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to increase or decrease its speed according to the speed adjustment amount.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2, the fouling level of the fouling rate can be set according to the magnitude of the fouling rate. As the fouling rate increases, the fouling level gradually increases, such as A1 to A6. Similarly, the temperature range of the outdoor ambient temperature can be determined according to the magnitude of the outdoor ambient temperature. For example, the current outdoor ambient temperature can be between the first preset temperature threshold and the fourth preset temperature threshold, or between the fourth preset temperature threshold and the third preset temperature threshold, or between the third preset temperature threshold and the second preset temperature threshold. Further, the speed adjustment amount of the outdoor fan 13 can be determined according to the fouling level of the fouling rate and the temperature range of the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, after obtaining the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller 71 is further configured to: when the fouling rate is less than the lower limit of the preset fouling rate range, control the outdoor fan 13 to maintain its current operating state; when the fouling rate is greater than the upper limit of the preset fouling rate range, control the outdoor fan 13 to stop operating and control the air conditioner 1 to output a preset warning prompt.

[0081] Specifically, after obtaining the fouling rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, if the fouling rate is less than the lower limit of the preset fouling rate range, it indicates that the outdoor heat exchanger is in a relatively clean state and has little impact on the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner 1. At this time, the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to maintain its current operating state, that is, the speed of the outdoor fan 13 is not adjusted to maintain the stable operation of the air conditioner 1.

[0082] Further, if the dirt blockage rate is greater than the upper limit of the preset dirt blockage rate range, it indicates that the dirt blockage condition of the outdoor heat exchanger is relatively serious, which has a greater impact on the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner 1. At this time, the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to stop running to prevent energy loss caused by the continuous operation of the outdoor fan 13 and damage problems caused by excessive temperature. At the same time, the air conditioner 1 can be controlled to output a preset warning prompt to remind the user to perform a deep cleaning or maintenance of the outdoor heat exchanger in time to ensure the stable operation of the air conditioner 1, thereby improving the reliability of the air conditioner 1.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention, after obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature, the controller 71 is further configured to: when the outdoor ambient temperature does not reach the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold or exceeds the second preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, control the outdoor fan 13 to maintain its current operating state.

[0084] Specifically, after obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature, if the outdoor ambient temperature does not reach the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, it indicates that the current outdoor ambient temperature is relatively low and the heat exchange demand of the air conditioner 1 is small. At this time, the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled to maintain its current operating state to maintain the stability of the air conditioner 1; further, if the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds the second preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, it indicates that even if the outdoor fan 13 operates at the maximum speed, the cooling effect is difficult to further improve, and it may be close to or reach the limit of the safe operation of the outdoor fan 13. At this time, the outdoor fan 13 can also be controlled to maintain its current operating state to avoid overloading of the outdoor motor, thereby improving the reliability of the air conditioner 1.

[0085] According to the air conditioner 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the dirt blockage rate is within the preset dirt blockage rate range, the outdoor ambient temperature where the current air conditioner 1 is located can be obtained. When the outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset conditions, the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, or the operating state of the outdoor fan 13 can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the indoor ambient temperature, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger on the premise of ensuring the reliable operation of the air conditioner 1, and further reduce the power consumption during the actual operation of the air conditioner 1, achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 5 Describe the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] As Figure 5 shown, the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention at least includes steps S1 - step S3.

[0088] Step S1, after the air conditioner is started, when the cumulative cooling operation time of the air conditioner is greater than the preset cooling time, obtain the dirt blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0089] Step S2: When the dirt blockage rate is within the preset dirt blockage rate range, obtain the outdoor ambient temperature of the air conditioner.

[0090] Step S3: When the outdoor ambient temperature reaches the first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, obtain the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature, and control the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature.

[0091] In some embodiments, when obtaining the dirt blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, it specifically includes: obtaining the first current of the outdoor fan or the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil; determining the dirt blockage rate according to the first current or the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil.

[0092] In some embodiments, when obtaining the first current of the outdoor fan, it specifically includes: controlling the outdoor fan to reverse at the first preset speed for the first preset time, and then rotate forward at the first preset speed for the second preset time, and taking the average value of the outdoor fan current within the second preset time as the first current.

[0093] In some embodiments, when determining the dirt blockage rate according to the first current of the outdoor fan or the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil, it specifically includes: based on the first current and the preset current threshold, calculating the dirt blockage rate corresponding to the first current and the preset current threshold through a preset dirt blockage rate algorithm; or, based on the difference between the temperature of the outdoor condenser coil and the preset outdoor condenser coil temperature threshold, obtaining the dirt blockage rate corresponding to the difference through the pre-calibrated correspondence between the difference and the dirt blockage rate.

[0094] In some embodiments, in combination with Figure 6 As shown, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature, it specifically includes: when the operating frequency of the compressor reaches the preset frequency threshold, or the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature reaches the preset difference threshold, controlling the outdoor fan to increase the speed; when the operating frequency of the compressor does not reach the preset frequency threshold and the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature does not reach the preset difference threshold, controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0095] In some embodiments, in combination with Figure 7 As shown, when controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature, it specifically includes: when the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds the third preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, controlling the outdoor fan to increase the speed; when the outdoor ambient temperature reaches the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold and does not exceed the third preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, controlling the outdoor fan to decrease the speed, where the second preset temperature threshold is greater than the third preset temperature threshold, and the third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold.

[0096] In some embodiments, when controlling the outdoor fan to increase or decrease the speed, it specifically includes: obtaining the speed adjustment amount corresponding to the outdoor ambient temperature and the dirtiness and blockage rate according to the pre-calibrated correspondence between the outdoor ambient temperature-dirty blockage rate and the speed adjustment amount; and controlling the outdoor fan to increase or decrease the speed according to the speed adjustment amount.

[0097] In some embodiments, after obtaining the dirtiness and blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, it specifically includes: when the dirtiness and blockage rate is less than the lower limit of the preset dirtiness and blockage rate range, controlling the outdoor fan to maintain the current operating state; when the dirtiness and blockage rate is greater than the upper limit of the preset dirtiness and blockage rate range, controlling the outdoor fan to stop running, and controlling the air conditioner to output a preset early warning prompt.

[0098] In some embodiments, after obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature, the method further includes: when the outdoor ambient temperature does not reach a first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold or exceeds a second preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, controlling the outdoor fan to maintain a current operating state.

[0099] It should be noted that when controlling the air conditioner, its specific implementation method is similar to the specific implementation method of the air conditioner in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, for a detailed exemplary description of the control process of the air conditioner, please refer to the aforementioned relevant description part about the air conditioner. In order to reduce redundancy, it will not be repeated here.

[0100] According to the control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the dirtiness and blockage rate is within the preset dirtiness and blockage rate range, the outdoor ambient temperature of the current air conditioner can be obtained. When the outdoor ambient temperature meets the preset conditions, the operating state of the outdoor fan can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, or the operating state of the outdoor fan can be controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the indoor ambient temperature, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger under the premise of reliable operation of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 during actual operation and achieving energy saving effect.

[0101] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A refrigerant circulation loop, wherein the refrigerant performs a refrigeration cycle in a loop composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a four-way valve, wherein one of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger and the other is an indoor heat exchanger; an electronic expansion valve, disposed between the condenser and the evaporator, the electronic expansion valve being used to increase the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve when the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is reduced, and to reduce the flow resistance of the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve when the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is increased; An indoor fan, used to drive the indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger by rotating, so that the refrigerant and the indoor air can exchange heat; An outdoor fan is used to drive outdoor air to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger by rotating so that the refrigerant and the outdoor air can exchange heat; Outdoor temperature sensor, used to detect outdoor ambient temperature; Outdoor condenser coil temperature sensor, used to detect the outdoor condenser coil temperature; A controller, the controller being configured to: After the air conditioner is started, when the accumulated cooling operation time of the air conditioner is greater than the preset cooling time, the dirty blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger is obtained; When the dirt and blockage rate is within a preset dirt and blockage rate range, obtaining the outdoor environment temperature; When the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed a second preset temperature threshold, the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature is obtained, and the operating state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: When obtaining the dirty and blocked rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller is configured as follows: Obtaining a first current of the outdoor fan or a coil temperature of the outdoor condenser; The dirtiness and blockage rate is determined according to the first current or the outdoor condenser coil temperature.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: When obtaining the first current of the outdoor fan, the controller is configured to: The outdoor fan is controlled to reverse at a first preset speed for a first preset time, and then forward at the first preset speed for a second preset time, and the average current of the outdoor fan within the second preset time is used as the first current.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: When determining the dirtiness and blockage rate according to the first current of the outdoor fan or the outdoor condenser coil temperature, the controller is configured as follows: Based on the first current and the preset current threshold, the dirty blockage rate corresponding to the first current and the preset current threshold is calculated by a preset dirty blockage rate algorithm; or, Based on the difference between the outdoor condenser coil temperature and a preset outdoor condenser coil temperature threshold, the dirty blockage rate corresponding to the difference is obtained through a pre-calibrated correspondence relationship between the difference and the dirty blockage rate.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: When controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature, and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature, the controller is configured as follows: When the operating frequency of the compressor reaches a preset frequency threshold, or the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and a preset indoor ambient temperature reaches a preset difference threshold, controlling the outdoor fan to increase the speed; When the operating frequency of the compressor does not reach a preset frequency threshold, and the difference between the indoor ambient temperature and the preset indoor ambient temperature does not reach the preset difference threshold, the operating state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that: When controlling the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the outdoor ambient temperature, the controller is configured as follows: When the outdoor ambient temperature exceeds a third preset temperature threshold and does not exceed the second preset temperature threshold, controlling the outdoor fan to increase the rotation speed; When the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold and does not exceed the third preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, the outdoor fan is controlled to reduce the speed, wherein the second preset temperature threshold is greater than the third preset temperature threshold, and the third preset temperature threshold is greater than the first preset temperature threshold.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: When controlling the outdoor fan to increase or decrease the speed, the controller is configured as follows: According to the pre-calibrated correspondence between the outdoor environment temperature, the dirtiness and blockage rate, and the speed adjustment amount, the speed adjustment amount corresponding to the outdoor environment temperature and the dirtiness and blockage rate is obtained; The outdoor fan is controlled to increase or decrease its speed according to the speed adjustment amount.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: After obtaining the dirtiness and blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger, the controller is further configured to: When the dirt and blockage rate is less than the lower limit of the preset dirt and blockage rate range, controlling the outdoor fan to maintain the current operating state; When the dirtiness and blockage rate is greater than an upper limit of a preset dirtiness and blockage rate range, the outdoor fan is controlled to stop running, and the air conditioner is controlled to output a preset early warning prompt.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: After obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature, the controller is further configured to: When the outdoor ambient temperature does not reach the first preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold or exceeds the second preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, the outdoor fan is controlled to maintain a current operating state.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: For the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprises the following steps: After the air conditioner is started, when the accumulated cooling operation time of the air conditioner is greater than the preset cooling time, the dirty blockage rate of the outdoor heat exchanger is obtained; When the dirtiness and blockage rate is within a preset dirtiness and blockage rate range, obtaining the outdoor environment temperature of the air conditioner; When the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a first preset temperature threshold and does not exceed a second preset temperature threshold, the operating frequency of the compressor or the indoor ambient temperature is obtained, and the operating state of the outdoor fan is controlled according to the outdoor ambient temperature and the operating frequency or the indoor ambient temperature.

Images