Electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of air conditioner intelligent control, in particular to an electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic, which comprises the following steps that a controller is arranged between indoor units and outdoor units of different brands, a logic control module and a protocol conversion module are arranged in the controller, and a state classification table and various air conditioner operation logics are preset in the logic control module; according to the air conditioner operation mode or the environment threshold condition, the current state is classified through logic judgment based on the state classification table, and corresponding air conditioner operation logic is matched according to the judged state category; the logic control module calls the matched air conditioner operation logic to control the electronic expansion valve to be adjusted to the preset target opening degree; according to the method, the electronic expansion valve opening adjusting strategy can be autonomously decided only through the preset air conditioner operation logic, fixed protocol parameter input is not needed, limitation of a communication protocol is avoided, and the control precision cannot be affected even if data is interrupted or delayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent control of air conditioners, and particularly to a control method for an electronic expansion valve based on a preset operation logic. Background Art

[0002] With the wide application of the multi-connected air conditioner technology, each brand has gradually formed its own independent communication protocol, covering between the indoor and outdoor units and between the outdoor unit and the electronic expansion valve. Therefore, for a multi-connected air conditioner system, if it is necessary to replace the outdoor unit of a different brand, many challenges will be faced.

[0003] The Chinese invention patent with the publication number CN113983669A discloses a control method for an air conditioner electronic expansion valve based on a protocol converter to convert the communication protocol. By obtaining the communication data of each brand's communication bus, analyzing and verifying the operating parameters of the air conditioner, and based on the actual operating needs of each brand, effective data exchange is carried out between the respective brand buses based on the protocol converter to achieve the purpose of perfect interconnection. This technical solution relies on algorithms and needs to obtain the operating parameters of the indoor and outdoor units in real time, such as values of temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc., and dynamically calculate the opening degree through a preset formula. Its core is closed-loop feedback control and relies on fixed protocol input parameters to maintain. Due to the need to frequently receive the operating parameters of the indoor and outdoor units, it is easily restricted by the communication protocol. For example, data interruption or delay will affect the control accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control method for an electronic expansion valve based on a preset operation logic to solve the problems existing in the prior art. To achieve the above purpose, the present invention is solved by the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for an electronic expansion valve based on a preset operation logic, including the following steps:

[0006] A controller is set between indoor and outdoor units of different brands, which has a built-in logic control module and a protocol conversion module. The logic control module presets a state classification table and various air conditioner operation logics; according to the air conditioner operation mode or environmental threshold conditions, the current state is classified through logical judgment based on the state classification table, and the corresponding air conditioner operation logic is matched according to the determined state category; the logic control module calls the matched air conditioner operation logic to control the electronic expansion valve to adjust to a preset target opening degree.

[0007] As a further technical solution, the environmental threshold conditions include the upper limit of the exhaust temperature, the upper limit of the exhaust superheat degree, the upper limit of the heating superheat degree, and the lower limit of the refrigeration condensation pressure.

[0008] As a further technical solution, when the state acquisition fails due to the failure of the outdoor unit pressure sensor, the logic control module can switch to the safe mode based on the built-in logic, and then control the electronic expansion valve to reach the set safe opening degree to avoid system shutdown.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the state classification table is divided into an operation mode state table and an alarm mode state table. The operation mode state table corresponds to the operation mode of the air conditioner, and the alarm mode state table corresponds to the environmental threshold conditions.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the operation mode state table includes a cooling state, a heating state, a sleep state, a dehumidification state, and a health state.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the preset opening degree adjustment method of the electronic expansion valve in the air conditioner operation logic is fixed opening degree adjustment or stepped opening degree adjustment.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a controller, which includes:

[0013] A protocol conversion module for communication protocol conversion between the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the wired controller;

[0014] A logic control module for presetting a state classification table and various air conditioner operation logics, including:

[0015] A communication interface for communicating with other electronic devices;

[0016] A memory for storing the state classification table and various air conditioner operation logics;

[0017] A processor for judging the operation state of the air conditioner and executing the air conditioner operation logic to support the logic control module to implement the method described in the first aspect.

[0018] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electronic expansion valve control system based on preset operation logic, and the electronic expansion valve control system is used to implement the method described in the first aspect; the electronic expansion valve control system includes: the controller described in the second aspect and the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, the wired controller, and the electronic expansion valve that establish communication with it.

[0019] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer program instructions are stored, and when the computer program instructions are executed by a processing circuit, the method described in the first aspect is implemented.

[0020] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product containing instructions, and when the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method described in the first aspect.

[0021] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] (1) By setting a controller between indoor and outdoor units of different brands, the present invention has a preset state classification table and various air-conditioning operation logics in its logic control module. According to the air-conditioning operation mode or environmental threshold conditions, the current state is classified based on the state classification table through logical judgment, and the corresponding air-conditioning operation logic is matched according to the judged state category, and then the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is directly controlled according to the air-conditioning operation logic. The present invention can independently determine the opening degree adjustment strategy of the electronic expansion valve only through the preset air-conditioning operation logic, which is an open-loop or semi-open-loop control method and does not rely on the input of fixed protocol parameters, and the control accuracy will not be affected even if the data is interrupted or delayed.

[0023] (2) The air-conditioning operation logic in the present invention is preset in the logic control module. Once matched, a certain air-conditioning operation logic can be directly executed, which is completely not restricted by the communication protocol between other devices of different brand air conditioners and the electronic expansion valve, and is applicable to the situation where even if a protocol conversion module is set, the electronic expansion valve cannot be controlled due to the lack of communication protocols of some brands.

[0024] (3) The present invention presets a safety mode in the logic control module. When the state acquisition fails due to the failure of the outdoor unit pressure sensor, that is, the operating state of the air conditioner cannot be obtained and the state classification cannot be completed through the logic control module, the logic control module can switch to the safety mode based on the built-in logic, and then control the electronic expansion valve to reach the set safety opening degree to avoid system shutdown. Description of the Drawings

[0025] The specification drawings forming a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation to the present invention. It should also be understood that these drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Now the present invention will be described and explained with additional features and details by using the drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 The flowchart of the control method of the electronic expansion valve based on the preset operation logic in the embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Embodiments

[0027] Next, the technical solutions in the typical embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Embodiment 1

[0029] As Figure 1 shown, this embodiment provides a control method of an electronic expansion valve based on a preset operation logic for a multi-connected air conditioner with indoor and outdoor units of different brands, including the following steps:

[0030] S101. Set a controller between the indoor and outdoor units of different brands. The controller has a built-in logic control module and a protocol conversion module. The logic control module presets a status classification table and multiple air conditioner operation logics. The protocol conversion module pre-stores multiple communication protocols for protocol conversion between the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and remote controller. The protocol conversion module belongs to the prior art, and its working principle will not be elaborated here.

[0031] In this embodiment, the status classification table is divided into two categories. One is the operation mode status table, and the other is the alarm mode status table, both of which are pre-stored in the logic control module in advance. The operation mode status table corresponds to the operation mode of the air conditioner, and the alarm mode status table corresponds to the environmental threshold conditions.

[0032] The operation mode status table includes the cooling mode, heating mode, sleep mode, dehumidification mode, and health mode. It can be understood that the types included in the operation mode of the air conditioner may be more than those listed above and can be specifically set according to the specific air conditioner brand. If more functional air conditioner equipment is replaced later, an interface can also be reserved on the controller for updating the operation mode status table.

[0033] The alarm mode status table includes the high-temperature alarm mode, low-temperature alarm mode, high exhaust temperature alarm mode, low exhaust temperature alarm mode, high evaporation pressure alarm mode, etc., which can be preset according to specific conditions. Similarly, an interface can also be reserved on the controller for updating the alarm mode status table.

[0034] S102. According to the air conditioner operation mode or environmental threshold conditions, classify the current status through logical judgment based on the status classification table, and match the corresponding air conditioner operation logic according to the status category obtained from the judgment.

[0035] It should be noted that the logic control module is based on the status classification table (operation mode status table, alarm mode status table. In normal operation, the operation mode status table takes precedence, and in the case of an alarm, the alarm mode status table takes precedence). In the status classification table, find the category corresponding to the current air conditioner operation status. In the status classification table, each category corresponds to an air conditioner operation logic. The essence of each air conditioner operation logic is the opening degree that the electronic expansion valve reaches and the way of using the reached opening degree.

[0036] The preset opening degree adjustment method of the air conditioner operation logic for the electronic expansion valve is fixed opening degree adjustment or stepped opening degree adjustment.

[0037] Among them, the fixed opening degree adjustment means that the final opening degree that the electronic expansion valve needs to reach is a fixed value, which is preset in this air conditioner operation logic. After matching this air conditioner operation logic, directly control the electronic expansion valve to reach this fixed preset value.

[0038] The stepped opening adjustment is a stepped adjustment. For example, after starting up, the user sets the heating temperature to 26°C. In the initial state, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is 0. After obtaining that the operating mode is the heating mode, the opening value is judged according to the matching air conditioner operating logic. During the operation, according to the temperature change situation, the number of steps is gradually adjusted to increase or decrease.

[0039] In this embodiment, the environmental threshold conditions include the upper limit of the exhaust temperature, the upper limit of the exhaust superheat, the upper limit of the heating superheat, and the lower limit of the refrigeration condensation pressure. It can be understood that in some other embodiments, it is not limited to the above-listed environmental threshold conditions, and more or other environmental threshold conditions can also be set according to actual needs.

[0040] S103. The logic control module calls the matching air conditioner operating logic to control the electronic expansion valve to adjust to the preset target opening.

[0041] The logic control module matches and obtains the air conditioner operating logic based on the state classification table and calls it. The PWM signal (Pulse Width Modulation) is output through the hardware interface of the logic control module, such as a 50% duty cycle, to directly control the rotation of the electronic expansion valve motor to the target position.

[0042] In this embodiment, by setting a controller between the indoor and outdoor units of different brands, the logic control module thereof presets a state classification table and a variety of air conditioner operating logics. According to the air conditioner operating mode or environmental threshold conditions, the current state is classified based on the state classification table through logical judgment, and the corresponding air conditioner operating logic is matched according to the judged state category, and then the opening of the electronic expansion valve is directly controlled according to the air conditioner operating logic. This embodiment can independently determine the opening adjustment strategy of the electronic expansion valve only through the preset air conditioner operating logic, without relying on the input of fixed protocol parameters, and even if the data is interrupted or delayed, it will not affect the control accuracy.

[0043] In addition, the air conditioner operating logic in this embodiment is preset in the logic control module. After matching, a certain air conditioner operating logic can be directly executed, which is completely not restricted by the communication protocol between other devices of different brands of air conditioners and the electronic expansion valve, and is applicable to the situation where even if a protocol conversion module is set, the electronic expansion valve cannot be controlled due to the lack of communication protocols of some brands.

[0044] It should be noted here that it is an ideal situation for the protocol conversion module to pre-store all brand communication protocols. In fact, due to the blockade of the protocol by some manufacturers, it is simply impossible to obtain. Therefore, in this case, the electronic expansion valve cannot be controlled, and the technical solution of this embodiment is applicable to this situation.

[0045] S104. When the failure of the outdoor unit pressure sensor causes the failure of status acquisition, that is, the operating status of the air conditioner cannot be obtained and the status classification cannot be completed by the logic control module, the logic control module can switch to the safe mode based on the built-in logic, and then control the electronic expansion valve to reach the set safe opening degree to avoid system shutdown. For example, in the safe mode, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve executed by the air conditioner operation logic is a fixed opening degree, which is 30%, and this opening degree is set according to the actual situation.

[0046] For a better intuitive comparison with the prior art, specific illustrations are given through examples as follows:

[0047] (1) The Chinese invention patent with the publication number CN113983669A provided in the background art discloses an air conditioner electronic expansion valve control method based on a protocol converter to convert communication protocols. Its specific working process is as follows:

[0048] 1. Real-time parameter collection: When the air conditioner is running, continuously obtain the parameters of the indoor and outdoor unit sensors (such as the evaporator temperature T 1 = 10 °C, the condenser pressure P 2 = 0.8 MPa).

[0049] 2. Algorithm for calculating the opening degree: According to the opening degree calculation formula, for example, the opening degree K = a*T 1 + b*P 2 + c (a and b are coefficients), calculate that the current opening degree of the electronic expansion valve should be 45%.

[0050] 3. Protocol-driven execution: Send the opening degree command of the electronic expansion valve to the electronic expansion valve controller through the protocol to adjust the valve position.

[0051] (2) Illustration of the technical solution of this embodiment:

[0052] 1. Air conditioner status judgment: The logic control module obtains the operating mode of the air conditioner, identifies that the current air conditioner is in the heating mode based on the operating mode status table, and the air conditioner operation logic matched according to the judged status category is the high-load operation logic.

[0053] 2. Execution of air conditioner operation logic: The logic control module directly calls the pre-stored high-load operation logic (such as the high-load operation logic → the opening degree is fixed at 50%), without real-time parameters.

[0054] 3. Directly drive the valve: Output a PWM signal (such as a 50% duty cycle) through the hardware interface of the logic control module to directly control the rotation of the electronic expansion valve motor to the target position.

[0055] Embodiment 2

[0056] This embodiment provides a controller, and the controller includes:

[0057] A protocol conversion module for converting communication protocols among the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and remote controller.

[0058] A logic control module for presetting a status classification table and various air conditioner operation logics, including:

[0059] A communication interface for communicating with other electronic devices, capable of establishing communication with an electronic expansion valve and also with the protocol conversion module.

[0060] A memory for storing the status classification table and various air conditioner operation logics.

[0061] A processor for judging the air conditioner operation status and executing the air conditioner operation logic to support the logic control module in implementing the method as in Embodiment 1.

[0062] Embodiment 3

[0063] This embodiment provides an electronic expansion valve control system based on a preset operation logic. The electronic expansion valve control system is used to implement the method as in Embodiment 1; the electronic expansion valve control system includes: the controller as described in Embodiment 2 and the outdoor unit, indoor unit, remote controller, and electronic expansion valve that establish communication with it.

[0064] Embodiment 4

[0065] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium with computer program instructions stored thereon. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processing circuit, the method as in Embodiment 1 is implemented.

[0066] Embodiment 5

[0067] This embodiment provides a computer program product containing instructions. When the computer program product runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method as in Embodiment 1.

[0068] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modification, equivalent change, and modification made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention all fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: A controller is installed between the indoor and outdoor units of different brands, which has a built-in logic control module and a protocol conversion module. The logic control module presets a state classification table and a variety of air-conditioning operation logics. According to the air-conditioning operation mode or environmental threshold conditions, the current state is classified through logical judgment based on the state classification table, and the corresponding air-conditioning operation logic is matched according to the state category obtained by judgment; The logic control module calls the matching air conditioning operation logic to control the electronic expansion valve to adjust to the preset target opening.

2. The electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic according to claim 1, characterized in that: The environmental threshold conditions include the upper limit of exhaust temperature, the upper limit of exhaust superheat, the upper limit of heating superheat, and the lower limit of cooling condensing pressure.

3. The electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the external unit pressure sensor fails and the status acquisition fails, the logic control module can switch to the safety mode based on the built-in logic, and then control the electronic expansion valve to reach the set safety opening to avoid system shutdown.

4. The electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic according to claim 1, characterized in that: The status classification table is divided into an operation mode status table and an alarm mode status table. The operation mode status table corresponds to the operation mode of the air conditioner, and the alarm mode status table corresponds to the environmental threshold conditions.

5. The electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic according to claim 4, characterized in that: The operation mode status table includes cooling status, heating status, sleeping status, dehumidification status and health status.

6. The electronic expansion valve control method based on preset operation logic according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electronic expansion valve opening adjustment mode preset in the air conditioning operation logic is fixed opening adjustment or step opening adjustment.

7. A controller, characterized in that: The controller comprises: Protocol conversion module, used for communication protocol conversion between outdoor unit, indoor unit and wired controller; Logic control module, used to preset status classification table and various air conditioning operation logic, including: A communication interface, used to communicate with other electronic devices; A memory for storing a state classification table and various air-conditioning operation logics; A processor is used to determine the operating state of the air conditioner and execute the air conditioner operating logic to support the logic control module to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. An electronic expansion valve control system based on preset operation logic, characterized in that: The electronic expansion valve control system is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6; the electronic expansion valve control system includes: the controller as described in claim 7 and the outdoor unit, indoor unit, wire controller and electronic expansion valve that establish communication therewith.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by a processing circuit, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is implemented.

10. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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