Air conditioner, control method and device thereof and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner, a control method and device of the air conditioner and a storage medium. The control method comprises the steps that a first temperature value and a first voltage value are obtained, the first temperature value represents the steady-state temperature of a shell of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage at the two ends of the energy storage unit; based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value, determining the predicted use duration of the energy storage unit; and based on the predicted use duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining use duration of the air conditioner, the running state of the air conditioner is controlled. On the basis of a comparison result of the predicted use duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining use duration of the air conditioner, when the predicted use duration of the energy storage unit does not meet the remaining use duration requirement of the air conditioner, the air conditioner adjusts the running state to improve the running working condition of the energy storage unit, the use duration of the energy storage unit is prolonged, and the energy storage efficiency of the air conditioner is improved. And the reliability of the power-off valve closing function of the air conditioner and the safety of the air conditioner are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of air conditioners, and in particular, to an air conditioner, a control method, a device, and a storage medium thereof. Background Art

[0002] An electric valve is usually used in an air conditioner. By sending a pulse signal or turning the power supply on and off, the opening degree of the electric valve, the truncation and opening of the flow path are controlled. Before the air conditioner stops running, the electric valve will be controlled to be in a set state. When the external power supply of the air conditioner suddenly cuts off, the controller of the air conditioner no longer controls the electric valve, and the electric valve remains in the opening state before power-off until the next power-on. If there is a leak in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, since the electric valve maintains the current opening state, the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline will leak into the surrounding environment of the air conditioner through the electric valve, and some types of refrigerants are flammable, posing a safety hazard.

[0003] In related technologies, an energy storage unit is usually set in the control device of the air conditioner to provide an emergency power supply when the external power supply cuts off, so that the controller can control the electric valve to close. However, the actual capacity of the energy storage unit will gradually decay with the aging of the energy storage unit. Therefore, there is a problem that the actual capacity of the energy storage unit cannot meet the emergency power supply requirements of the control device during the service life of the air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide an air conditioner, a control method, a device, and a storage medium thereof, aiming to improve the operating conditions of the energy storage unit, enhance the reliability of the power-off valve closing function of the air conditioner, and the safety of the air conditioner.

[0005] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The control method includes:

[0007] Obtain a first temperature value and a first voltage value. The first temperature value represents the steady-state temperature of the outer shell of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit;

[0008] Based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value, determine the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit;

[0009] Based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, control the operating state of the air conditioner.

[0010] In some embodiments, controlling the operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner includes:

[0011] If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, then control the voltage across the energy storage unit to be maintained at the first voltage value; or,

[0012] If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, then control the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate;

[0013] Wherein, the cooling fan is used to reduce the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit, and the discharge circuit is used to release the electric energy stored in the energy storage unit, so that the voltage across the energy storage unit is reduced.

[0014] In some embodiments, controlling the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate includes:

[0015] If the cooling fan is in a stopped state, then control the cooling fan to operate;

[0016] If the cooling fan is in an operating state and the discharge circuit is in an open state, then close the discharge circuit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the controlling the cooling fan to operate if the cooling fan is in a stopped state includes:

[0018] Turn on the cooling fan and operate for a first set duration.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0020] Obtain and update the first temperature value and the first voltage value;

[0021] Based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value, update the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit;

[0022] Based on the updated predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, control the operating state of the air conditioner.

[0023] In some embodiments, the closing the discharge circuit if the cooling fan is in an operating state and the discharge circuit is in an open state includes:

[0024] Close the discharge circuit for a second set duration so that the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches the target voltage value;

[0025] Among them, the target voltage value represents the lower limit threshold of the operating voltage across the energy storage unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0027] Disconnect the discharge circuit;

[0028] Obtain and update the first temperature value and the first voltage value;

[0029] Based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value, update the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit;

[0030] Based on the updated predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, control the operating state of the air conditioner.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0032] If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, and the cooling fan is in the operating state and the first voltage value is less than or equal to the target voltage value, generate a warning message, where the warning message is used to indicate that the energy storage unit needs to be replaced;

[0033] Among them, the target voltage value represents the lower limit threshold of the operating voltage across the energy storage unit.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0035] If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, obtain a second temperature value, where the second temperature value represents the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit;

[0036] Obtain the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value;

[0037] Based on the difference and a set temperature threshold, control the operation of the fan;

[0038] Among them, the first temperature value is greater than or equal to the second temperature value.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controlling the operation of the fan based on the difference and a set temperature threshold includes:

[0040] If it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the set temperature threshold and the cooling fan is in the operating state, turn off the cooling fan.

[0041] Second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a control device for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The control device includes:

[0042] An acquisition module, configured to acquire a first temperature value and a first voltage value. The first temperature value represents the steady-state outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit.

[0043] A determination module, configured to determine a predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value.

[0044] A control module, configured to control an operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and a remaining usage duration of the air conditioner.

[0045] Third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The air conditioner further includes: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program that can run on the processor. Among them,

[0046] The processor, when running the computer program, executes the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0047] In some implementation manners, the energy storage unit is configured to provide power for the air conditioner when an external power supply is powered off, so as to ensure that the at least one valve body is closed to a fully closed state.

[0048] Fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer storage medium. The storage medium stores a computer program, and is characterized in that when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented.

[0049] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application provides a control method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The control method includes: obtaining a first temperature value and a first voltage value, where the first temperature value represents the steady-state temperature of the energy storage unit housing, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit; determining the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value; and controlling the operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner. In this way, based on the comparison result of the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, if it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit does not meet the remaining usage duration requirement of the air conditioner, the air conditioner adjusts its operating state to improve the operating conditions of the energy storage unit, extend the usage duration of the energy storage unit, and enhance the reliability of the power-off valve closing function and the safety of the air conditioner. Description of the Drawings

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a control device of an air conditioner in an application example of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a control method of an air conditioner in an application example of the present application;

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a control device of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0056] The present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the technical field to which this application belongs. The terms used in the description of this application herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application.

[0058] The embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner, as Figure 1As shown in the figure, the air conditioner includes: an indoor unit 1, an outdoor unit 2, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2, and at least one valve body 3 is provided on the refrigerant pipeline.

[0059] Here, the refrigerant is used to transfer heat energy in the air conditioner to produce a cooling or heating effect; the refrigerant pipeline connects the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner for the circulation of the refrigerant; the valve body controls the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant pipeline by adjusting the opening degree to produce different cooling or heating effects.

[0060] Here, the outdoor unit 2 includes components such as an outdoor heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, a check valve, and a four-way valve.

[0061] Here, the valve body can be an electric valve. At least one valve body 3 includes a first electric valve 301, a second electric valve 302, and an electric valve group 303. The electric valve group 303 includes electric valves provided on each branch of the refrigerant pipeline, and the electric valve group 303 is used to control the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant pipeline branch; a first electric valve 301 and a second electric valve 302 are respectively provided on the inlet side and the outlet side of the main circuit of the refrigerant pipeline, and the first electric valve 301 and the second electric valve 302 are used to cut off the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant pipeline.

[0062] Preferably, the first electric valve 301 and the second electric valve 302 can be cut-off valves; the electric valves provided on each branch of the refrigerant pipeline in the electric valve group 303 can be electronic expansion valves.

[0063] It should be noted that in the related art, an energy storage unit is usually provided in the air conditioner to provide an emergency power supply when the external power supply of the air conditioner is cut off. If the air conditioner does not have an energy storage unit, when the external power supply of the air conditioner suddenly fails, the air conditioner loses the power supply, and the controller of the air conditioner no longer controls the opening degree of the valve body, and the valve body remains in the opening state before power-off until the next power-on. If there is a leak in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, since the valve body maintains the current opening state, the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline will leak through the leak point and the valve body into the surrounding environment where the air conditioner is located, posing a safety hazard; when the refrigerant is flammable, an explosion may even occur.

[0064] It can be understood that in the related art, based on the provision of an energy storage unit in the air conditioner, an emergency power supply can be provided when the external power supply is cut off, so that the controller of the air conditioner can control the electric valve to close.

[0065] In an application example of the present application, a structural schematic diagram of a control device for an air conditioner is provided, as Figure 2 shown. The control device includes: a controller 4, an energy storage unit 5, a power circuit 6, and a discharge circuit 7.

[0066] It can be understood that when the external power supply 8 supplies power normally, the power supply circuit 6 converts and processes the external power supply 8 and supplies power to the controller 4. After the controller 4 is powered on and starts up, it controls the opening degree of at least one valve body 3.

[0067] Here, when the external power supply 8 supplies power normally, the power supply circuit 6 is also used to charge the energy storage unit 5.

[0068] It can be understood that when the external power supply 8 is powered off, the power supply circuit 8 cannot supply power to the controller 4. At this time, the energy storage unit 5 supplies power to the controller 4 so that the controller 4 controls at least one valve body 3 to close to the fully closed state.

[0069] Here, the discharge circuit 7 is used to quickly release the electric energy stored in the energy storage unit 5 when the air conditioner is in the shutdown state.

[0070] It should be noted that as the usage time of the energy storage unit increases, the energy storage unit will age. Among them, the aging of the energy storage unit will affect the state of health (SOH) of the energy storage unit.

[0071] Here, the state of health of the energy storage unit is to compare the current state of the energy storage unit with the state when the energy storage unit leaves the factory, and characterize the current health life status of the energy storage unit. The state of health of the energy storage unit mainly includes two main indicators: capacity attenuation and equivalent DC internal resistance.

[0072] It can be understood that the capacity attenuation represents the ratio of the current actual capacity of the energy storage unit to the electricity storage capacity when leaving the factory. As the energy storage unit ages, the ratio of the current actual capacity of the energy storage unit to the electricity storage capacity when leaving the factory will gradually decrease; the equivalent DC internal resistance of the energy storage unit will gradually increase as the energy storage unit ages.

[0073] It should be noted that when the energy storage unit operates in a suitable working environment, the aging speed of the energy storage unit can be effectively inhibited; on the contrary, if the working environment conditions where the energy storage unit is located are harsh, the aging speed of the energy storage unit will also be accelerated.

[0074] It can be understood that the aging situation of the energy storage unit will directly affect the reliability and availability of the energy storage unit. Ensuring that the energy storage unit operates in a suitable working environment can improve the reliability and availability of the energy storage unit, and thus extend the usage time of the energy storage unit.

[0075] In the related art, when the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is much higher than the suitable operating temperature of the energy storage unit. The too high operating temperature will accelerate the aging of the energy storage unit, and then cause the actual capacity of the energy storage unit to rapidly decay. Therefore, there will be a problem that the actual capacity of the energy storage unit cannot meet the emergency power supply requirements of the air conditioner within the specified service life of the air conditioner, and the user cannot know the capacity decay situation of the energy storage unit, nor will the energy storage unit approaching the cycle life be replaced.

[0076] In summary, the embodiment of the present application provides a control method for an air conditioner, aiming to improve the operating conditions of the energy storage unit and enhance the reliability of the power-off valve closing function and the safety of the air conditioner. The method includes the following steps:

[0077] Step 301, obtain a first temperature value and a first voltage value.

[0078] Here, the first temperature value represents the steady-state temperature of the outer shell of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit.

[0079] Preferably, the energy storage unit can be a super capacitor, a lithium battery or a sodium ion battery.

[0080] It can be understood that preferably, a energy storage component with a large energy density is used as the energy storage unit in the embodiment of the present application. Selecting an energy storage component with a large energy density can reduce the requirements for the installation space of the air conditioner.

[0081] It should be noted that when the external power supply is normally powered, the energy storage unit is in the charging mode, and the voltage across the energy storage unit will gradually increase as the stored charge of the energy storage unit increases. When the energy storage unit is fully charged, the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches the steady-state value.

[0082] Here, the energy storage unit being fully charged can mean that the charging voltage across the energy storage unit reaches a preset charging voltage value, indicating that the state of charge of the energy storage unit reaches the critical value. At this time, the energy storage unit enters the trickle charging mode or the floating charging mode, and is charged with a small current to maintain the voltage across the energy storage unit.

[0083] In addition, due to the internal resistance of the energy storage unit, heat loss will occur during the charging process of the energy storage unit, and then the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit will be higher than the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit. When the energy storage unit is fully charged, the energy storage unit is charged with a small current to maintain the voltage across it. At this time, the energy storage unit reaches thermal steady state, and the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit reaches the steady-state value.

[0084] It can be understood that when the shell temperature and voltage of the energy storage unit both reach steady-state values, it indicates that the energy storage unit is fully charged. A small current is used for charging to maintain the voltage at both ends. At this time, the shell temperature of the energy storage unit is obtained as the first temperature value, and the voltage across the energy storage unit is obtained as the first voltage value.

[0085] Here, the first temperature value can be obtained through a thermistor or thermocouple arranged on the shell of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value can be obtained through a voltage detection circuit or voltage sensor arranged across the energy storage unit. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the methods for obtaining the first temperature value and the first voltage value.

[0086] Step 302: Determine the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value.

[0087] It should be noted that the operating temperature and operating voltage of the energy storage unit, as the main factors of the operating environment, directly affect the aging speed of the energy storage unit, and thus affect the usage duration of the energy storage unit.

[0088] Here, as the operating temperature and operating voltage of the energy storage unit increase, the severity of the operating environment conditions of the energy storage unit increases, that is, the higher the operating temperature, the shorter the usage duration of the energy storage unit; the higher the operating voltage, the shorter the usage duration of the energy storage unit.

[0089] It should be noted that since the usage duration of the energy storage unit cannot be directly detected, the embodiments of the present application predict the usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the long-term operating temperature (i.e., the first temperature value) and the long-term operating voltage (i.e., the first voltage value) of the energy storage unit, and use the obtained predicted value as the basis for judging the usage duration and health status of the energy storage unit.

[0090] In an application example of the present application, a calculation method for determining the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value is provided, as shown in the following formula:

[0091]

[0092] Among them, t1 is the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit; t0 is the usage duration of the energy storage unit when operating at the reference temperature and reference voltage; T1 is the first temperature value; T0 is the reference temperature; △T is the maximum allowable temperature rise of the energy storage unit; V1 is the first voltage value; V0 is the reference temperature; △V is the maximum allowable voltage jump of the energy storage unit; A is the temperature decay coefficient at △T; B is the voltage decay coefficient at △V.

[0093] Here, T0, △T, V0, △V, A and B are related to the type and model of the energy storage unit, and the above parameters can be obtained from the technical specification of the energy storage unit. For example, T0 is set to the reference temperature of 25°C, and V0 is set to the nominal voltage at the operating temperature of 25°C. The usage time of the energy storage unit under this working environment condition can be obtained from the technical specification of the energy storage unit based on 25°C and the nominal voltage at the operating temperature of 25°C.

[0094] It should be noted that the technical specification of the energy storage unit will also provide other calculation methods for the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the calculation method for the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit.

[0095] It is understandable that as the energy storage unit ages, in addition to the obvious attenuation of the capacity of the energy storage unit, the internal resistance of the energy storage unit will also increase significantly, that is, as the energy storage unit ages, the heat loss generated by the energy storage unit during the charging process will increase significantly. Under the same ambient temperature of the outdoor unit, the first temperature value will increase significantly as the energy storage unit ages, and the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit will be significantly shortened.

[0096] Step 303: Control the operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage time of the air conditioner.

[0097] Here, as the energy storage unit ages, the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit will be significantly shortened. When the aging of the energy storage unit reaches a certain level, the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit cannot meet the remaining usage time requirement of the air conditioner, that is, the actual capacity of the energy storage unit can no longer meet the emergency power supply demand of the air conditioner. At this time, the air conditioner can take corresponding technical measures to improve the operating conditions of the energy storage unit, so as to extend the actual usage time of the energy storage unit.

[0098] Here, the remaining usage time of the air conditioner can be obtained by the controller of the air conditioner. The controller records the operating time of each power-on of the air conditioner, and the remaining usage time of the air conditioner can be obtained by combining the prescribed usage time of the air conditioner.

[0099] Exemplarily, based on the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage time of the air conditioner, controlling the operating state of the air conditioner includes: if it is determined that the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage time of the air conditioner, controlling the voltage across the energy storage unit to maintain at a first voltage value; or, if it is determined that the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage time of the air conditioner, controlling the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate. The cooling fan is used to reduce the shell temperature of the energy storage unit, and the discharge circuit is used to release the electricity stored in the energy storage unit, so that the voltage across the energy storage unit is reduced.

[0100] It can be understood that after the energy storage unit is fully charged, the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is determined. If the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, it is considered that the current health state of the energy storage unit is good, and the air conditioner continues with the current operating mode, and the energy storage unit continues to charge with a small current to maintain the voltage at both ends.

[0101] It can be understood that after the energy storage unit is fully charged, the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is determined. If the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, it is considered that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit cannot meet the remaining usage duration requirement of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner controls the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit to operate.

[0102] Here, controlling the cooling fan to operate can reduce the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit, and controlling the discharge circuit to operate can quickly reduce the voltage at both ends of the energy storage unit. That is, by reducing the operating temperature and / or operating voltage of the energy storage unit, the operating conditions of the energy storage unit are improved, and the actual usage duration of the energy storage unit is extended.

[0103] Exemplarily, controlling the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate includes: if the cooling fan is in a stopped state, controlling the cooling fan to operate; if the cooling fan is in an operating state and the discharge circuit is in an open state, closing the discharge circuit.

[0104] Here, since it is necessary to ensure that the electric energy stored in the energy storage unit can meet the emergency power supply requirement of the air conditioner when the external power supply is cut off, when the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, the operating conditions of the energy storage unit are preferably improved by reducing the operating temperature of the energy storage unit.

[0105] It can be understood that if the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit still cannot meet the remaining usage duration requirement of the air conditioner after the cooling fan is turned on, the discharge circuit is closed to improve the operating conditions of the energy storage unit by reducing the operating voltage of the energy storage unit.

[0106] Exemplarily, if the cooling fan is in a stopped state, controlling the cooling fan to operate includes: turning on the cooling fan and operating for a first set duration.

[0107] It can be understood that by controlling the cooling fan to operate to reduce the outer shell temperature of the super capacitor, when the super capacitor reaches the thermal steady state again, the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit at this time is obtained as the first temperature value.

[0108] Here, the first set duration is the duration from turning on the cooling fan to the super capacitor reaching the thermal steady state again. The set duration can be calculated based on the power of the cooling fan, the heat loss of the energy storage unit, and the convective heat transfer coefficient, or can be obtained based on experimental test data.

[0109] Exemplarily, the control method also includes: acquiring and updating a first temperature value and a first voltage value; updating a predicted usage time of the energy storage unit based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value; and controlling an operating state of the air conditioner based on the updated predicted usage time of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage time of the air conditioner.

[0110] It can be understood that after the cooling fan is turned on and runs for the first set time, the shell temperature of the energy storage unit reaches the steady-state value again, the shell temperature of the energy storage unit at this time is obtained as the updated first temperature value, the voltage value at both ends of the energy storage unit at this time is obtained as the updated first voltage value, and the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit is recalculated based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value; if the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage time of the air conditioner, the energy storage unit continues to be charged with a small current to maintain the voltage at both ends; if the predicted usage time of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage time of the air conditioner, the discharge circuit is closed, and the operating condition of the energy storage unit is continued to be improved by reducing the working voltage of the energy storage unit.

[0111] Exemplarily, if the cooling fan is in operation and the discharge circuit is in an open state, closing the discharge circuit includes: closing the discharge circuit for a second set time so that the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches a target voltage value, wherein the target voltage value represents a lower limit threshold of the operating voltage across the energy storage unit.

[0112] Here, the target voltage value is a pre-set voltage value, which represents the lower limit threshold of the voltage across the energy storage unit that can meet the emergency power supply demand of the air conditioner. That is, when the voltage across the energy storage unit is less than the target voltage value, the amount of electricity stored in the energy storage unit cannot meet the emergency power supply demand of the air conditioner.

[0113] In an application example of the present application, the target voltage value can be obtained based on the following formula:

[0114]

[0115] Here, the predicted usage time t1 of the energy storage unit can be set as the remaining usage time of the air conditioner, the first temperature value T1 can be set as the maximum steady-state value of the energy storage unit shell temperature obtained, and the calculated first voltage value V1 can be set as the target voltage value.

[0116] In an application example of the present application, the target voltage value can also be calculated based on the amount of electricity required to close at least one valve body of the air conditioner to a fully closed state and the discharge characteristic curve of the energy storage unit, wherein the discharge characteristic curve of the energy storage unit can be obtained from the technical specification of the energy storage unit.

[0117] Here, the second set duration is related to the target voltage value, the preset charging voltage value of the energy storage unit, and the power of the discharge circuit, and can be obtained according to the test data.

[0118] Exemplarily, the control method further includes: disconnecting the discharge circuit; obtaining and updating the first temperature value and the first voltage value; updating the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value; and controlling the operating state of the air conditioner based on the updated predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner.

[0119] It can be understood that after disconnecting the discharge circuit, the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches the steady-state value again, and the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is recalculated based on the updated first voltage value; if the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, the energy storage unit continues to be charged with a small current to maintain the voltage across it, and at this time, the voltage across the energy storage unit is close to the target voltage value; if the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, it is determined that the aging condition of the energy storage unit has reached the critical state, and the user needs to replace the energy storage unit.

[0120] It can be understood that considering the control delay, after disconnecting the discharge circuit, the obtained first voltage value is equal to or slightly less than the target voltage value.

[0121] Exemplarily, the control method further includes: if it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, and the cooling fan is in the operating state and the first voltage value is less than or equal to the target voltage value, generating a warning message for indicating that the energy storage unit needs to be replaced.

[0122] It should be noted that when the cooling fan is in the operating state and the first voltage value is less than or equal to the target voltage value, it indicates that the air conditioner has improved the operating condition of the energy storage unit by reducing the working temperature and working voltage of the energy storage unit. If the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit calculated at this time still cannot meet the remaining usage duration requirement of the air conditioner, it indicates that the aging condition of the energy storage unit has reached the critical state, and the user needs to replace the energy storage unit to ensure the reliability of the power-off valve closing function of the air conditioner and the safety of the air conditioner.

[0123] Here, the reason for the aging condition of the energy storage unit reaching the critical state can be that the air conditioner has been in the high-temperature cooling mode for a long time, and the continuous high temperature inside the outdoor unit has caused the energy storage unit to age rapidly.

[0124] Exemplarily, the control method further includes: if it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, obtaining a second temperature value, where the second temperature value represents the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit. Obtaining the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value. Controlling the operation of the fan based on the difference and a set temperature threshold. Wherein, the first temperature value is greater than or equal to the second temperature value.

[0125] Exemplarily, controlling the operation of the fan based on the difference and a set temperature threshold includes: if it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the set temperature threshold and the cooling fan is in an operating state, turning off the cooling fan.

[0126] Here, the second temperature value represents the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit, and can be obtained through a thermistor, a thermocouple or a temperature sensor arranged inside the outdoor unit.

[0127] It can be understood that since heat loss is generated during the charging process of the energy storage unit, the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit is higher than the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit.

[0128] It can be understood that when the health state of the energy storage unit is good and the cooling fan is in a closed state, there is no need to control the operation of the cooling fan based on the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value; when the cooling fan is in an operating state, considering the energy saving problem of the air conditioner, when the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value is less than or equal to the set temperature threshold, turn off the cooling fan.

[0129] Here, the set temperature threshold can be determined based on the power of the cooling fan. The greater the power of the cooling fan, the stronger the heat exchange capacity, and the smaller the set temperature threshold.

[0130] In an application example of the present application, after turning off the cooling fan, the outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit will continue to increase and reach a steady state value. If at this time the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit cannot meet the remaining usage duration requirement of the air conditioner, then turn on the cooling fan and operate for a set duration.

[0131] In an application example of the present application, a control method for a control device is provided, as Figure 4 shown. The control method includes:

[0132] Step 401, power on the air conditioner.

[0133] Step 402, charge the energy storage unit.

[0134] Step 403, determine whether the energy storage unit is fully charged. If so, execute step 404; if not, execute step 402.

[0135] Here, to determine whether the energy storage unit is fully charged, it can be determined according to whether the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches a preset charging voltage value.

[0136] Here, after the energy storage unit is fully charged, the temperature of the outer shell of the energy storage unit and the voltage at both ends approach steady-state values.

[0137] Step 404: Obtain the first voltage value and the first temperature value.

[0138] Here, the first temperature value represents the steady-state temperature of the outer shell of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage at both ends of the energy storage unit.

[0139] Step 405: Determine the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit.

[0140] Step 406: Judge whether the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner. If so, execute Step 413; if not, execute Step 407.

[0141] Step 407: Judge whether the cooling fan is in an operating state. If so, execute Step 409; if not, execute Step 408.

[0142] Step 408: Turn on the cooling fan and run for a first set duration.

[0143] Here, after Step 408, execute Step 404, that is, re-obtain the first temperature value and the first voltage value, and update the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the updated first temperature value and first voltage value.

[0144] Step 409: Judge whether the first voltage value is less than or equal to the target voltage value. If so, execute Step 410; if not, execute Step 412.

[0145] It should be noted that the target voltage value represents the lower limit threshold of the voltage at both ends of the energy storage unit that can meet the emergency power supply requirements of the air conditioner. That is, when the voltage at both ends of the energy storage unit is less than the target voltage value, the electric energy stored in the energy storage unit cannot meet the emergency power supply requirements of the air conditioner.

[0146] Here, the target voltage value can be calculated based on the electric energy required for the air conditioner to close at least one valve body to the fully closed state and the discharge characteristic curve of the energy storage unit, or can be deduced inversely based on the calculation formula of the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit.

[0147] Step 410: Close the discharge circuit for a second set duration.

[0148] Here, after closing the discharge circuit for the second set duration, the voltage at both ends of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the target voltage value.

[0149] Step 411: Open the discharge circuit.

[0150] Here, after disconnecting the discharge circuit, the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches a steady-state value.

[0151] Here, after step 411, step 404 is executed, that is, the first temperature value and the first voltage value are obtained again, and based on the updated first temperature value and first voltage value, the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is updated.

[0152] Step 412, generate a warning message.

[0153] Here, the warning message indicates that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit cannot meet the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, and the user needs to replace the energy storage unit.

[0154] Step 413, obtain the second temperature value.

[0155] Here, the second temperature value represents the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0156] Step 414, determine whether the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value is less than or equal to a set temperature threshold. If so, execute step 415; if not, execute step 416.

[0157] It should be noted that if the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value is greater than the set temperature threshold, after step 414, in addition to executing step 416, step 404 is also executed, that is, based on the acquisition results of the first temperature value and the first voltage value, the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is continuously updated.

[0158] Step 415, turn off the cooling fan.

[0159] It should be noted that after step 415, in addition to executing step 416, step 404 is also executed, that is, based on the acquisition results of the first temperature value and the first voltage value, the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is continuously updated.

[0160] Step 416, control the voltage across the energy storage unit to be maintained at the first voltage value.

[0161] The embodiment of the present application provides a control device for an air conditioner, as Figure 5 shown, the control device 500 includes: an acquisition module 501, a determination module 502, and a control module 503. The acquisition module 501 is used to acquire a first temperature value and a first voltage value. The first temperature value represents the steady-state outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit. The determination module 502 is used to determine the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value. The control module 503 is used to control the operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner.

[0162] In an application example of the present application, the control module 503 is further configured to control the voltage across the energy storage unit to be maintained at a first voltage value based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit being greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner; and control the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit being less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner.

[0163] In an application example of the present application, the control module 503 is further configured to control the cooling fan to operate based on the cooling fan being in a stopped state; and close the discharge circuit based on the cooling fan being in an operating state and the discharge circuit being in an open state.

[0164] In an application example of the present application, the control module 503 is further configured to turn on the cooling fan and operate for a first set duration.

[0165] In an application example of the present application, the control module 503 is further configured to open the discharge circuit based on the discharge circuit being closed for a second set duration.

[0166] In an application example of the present application, the acquisition module 501 is further configured to acquire and update a first temperature value and a first voltage value; the determination module 502 is further configured to update the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the updated first temperature value and first voltage value; the control module 503 is further configured to control the operating state of the air conditioner based on the updated predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner.

[0167] In an application example of the present application, the control module 503 is further configured to generate a warning message based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit being less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, the cooling fan being in an operating state, and the first voltage value being less than or equal to a target voltage value.

[0168] In an application example of the present application, the acquisition module 501 is further configured to acquire a second temperature value; the determination module 502 is further configured to acquire the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value; the control module 503 is further configured to turn off the cooling fan based on the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value being less than or equal to a set temperature threshold and the cooling fan being in an operating state.

[0169] In actual application, the acquisition module 501, the determination module 502, and the control module 503 can be implemented by a processor (also known as a controller) in the control device of the air conditioner. Of course, the processor needs to run a computer program in the memory to implement its functions.

[0170] It should be noted that when the control device of the air conditioner provided in the above embodiment controls the air conditioner, only the division of the above program modules is used for illustration. In actual applications, the above processing can be allocated to different program modules according to needs, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the above-described processing. In addition, the control device of the air conditioner provided in the above embodiment and the embodiment of the control method of the air conditioner belong to the same concept. For the specific implementation process, please refer to the method embodiment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0171] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the embodiments of the present application, the embodiments of the present application also provide an air conditioner. Figure 6 Only the exemplary structure of the air conditioner is shown, rather than all structures, and the shown partial structure or all structures can be implemented according to needs. Figure 6 Shown partial structure or all structures.

[0172] Such as Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioner 600 provided in the embodiments of the present application includes: at least one processor 601, a memory 602, a user interface 603, and at least one network interface 604. Each component in the electronic device 600 is coupled together through a bus system 605. It can be understood that the bus system 605 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 605 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, in Figure 6 all kinds of buses are labeled as the bus system 605.

[0173] Among them, the user interface 603 may include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a click wheel, a button, a button, a touchpad, or a touch screen, etc.

[0174] The memory 602 in the embodiments of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the electronic device. Examples of these data include: any computer program for operating on the electronic device.

[0175] The control method of the air conditioner disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to or implemented by the processor 601. The processor 601 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the control method of the air conditioner can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor 601 or the instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor 601 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP, Digital Signal Processor), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor 601 can implement or execute each method, step and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. Combining the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, it can be directly embodied as being executed and completed by the hardware decoding processor, or executed and completed by the combination of the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in the storage medium, and this storage medium is located in the memory 602. The processor 601 reads the information in the memory 602 and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the control method of the air conditioner provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0176] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline.

[0177] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit of the air conditioner is used to provide power for the air conditioner when the external power supply is cut off, so as to ensure that at least one valve body is closed to the fully closed state.

[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, the air conditioner can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs, Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs, Programmable Logic Devices), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs, Complex Programmable Logic Devices), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs, Field Programmable Gate Arrays), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontroller units (MCUs, Micro Controller Units), microprocessors (Microprocessors), or other electronic components, and is used to execute the foregoing method.

[0179] It can be understood that the memory 602 can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disc, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface memory can be a disk memory or a tape memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), an enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), a sync link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), a direct rambus random access memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiments of this application also provide a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it includes a memory 602 storing a computer program, and the above computer program can be executed by a processor 601 of an electronic device to complete the steps of the method in the embodiments of this application. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0181] It should be noted that: "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence.

[0182] In addition, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict.

[0183] As described above, this is only the specific implementation manner of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered by the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The control method includes: Obtain a first temperature value and a first voltage value. The first temperature value represents the steady-state temperature of the outer shell of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit. Based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value, determine the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit. Based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, control the operating state of the air conditioner.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The controlling the operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner includes: If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, then control the voltage across the energy storage unit to be maintained at the first voltage value; or, If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, then control the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate. Wherein, the cooling fan is used to reduce the temperature of the outer shell of the energy storage unit, and the discharge circuit is used to release the electric energy stored in the energy storage unit, so that the voltage across the energy storage unit is reduced.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The controlling the cooling fan and / or the discharge circuit of the air conditioner to operate includes: If the cooling fan is in a stopped state, then control the cooling fan to operate. If the cooling fan is in an operating state and the discharge circuit is in an open state, then close the discharge circuit.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The if the cooling fan is in a stopped state, then control the cooling fan to operate includes: Turn on the cooling fan and operate for a first set duration.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, After turning on the cooling fan and operating for the first set duration, the method further includes: Obtain and update the first temperature value and the first voltage value. Based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value, update the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit. Based on the updated predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, control the operating state of the air conditioner.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The if the cooling fan is in an operating state and the discharge circuit is in an open state, then close the discharge circuit includes: Close the discharge circuit for a second set duration so that the voltage across the energy storage unit reaches a target voltage value. Wherein, the target voltage value represents the lower limit threshold of the operating voltage across the energy storage unit.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After closing the discharge circuit for the second set duration, the method further includes: Disconnect the discharge circuit. Obtain and update the first temperature value and the first voltage value. Based on the updated first temperature value and the first voltage value, update the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit. Based on the updated predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, control the operating state of the air conditioner.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further includes: If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is less than or equal to the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, and the cooling fan is in an operating state and the first voltage value is less than or equal to the target voltage value, then a warning message is generated, and the warning message is used to indicate that the energy storage unit needs to be replaced; Wherein, the target voltage value represents the lower limit threshold of the operating voltage across the energy storage unit.

9. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit is greater than the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner, a second temperature value is obtained, and the second temperature value represents the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit; Obtain the difference between the first temperature value and the second temperature value; Based on the difference and a set temperature threshold, control the operation of the fan; Wherein, the first temperature value is greater than or equal to the second temperature value.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The controlling the operation of the fan based on the difference and the set temperature threshold includes: If it is determined that the difference is less than or equal to the set temperature threshold and the cooling fan is in an operating state, then turn off the cooling fan.

11. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The control device includes: An acquisition module, configured to acquire a first temperature value and a first voltage value, where the first temperature value represents the steady-state outer shell temperature of the energy storage unit, and the first voltage value represents the steady-state voltage across the energy storage unit; A determination module, configured to determine the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit based on the first temperature value and the first voltage value; A control module, configured to control the operating state of the air conditioner based on the predicted usage duration of the energy storage unit and the remaining usage duration of the air conditioner.

12. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage unit. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and at least one valve body is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The air conditioner further includes: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor. Among them, The processor, when running the computer program, executes the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The energy storage unit is used to provide power for the air conditioner when the external power supply is cut off, so as to ensure that the at least one valve body is closed to a fully closed state.

14. A computer storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are implemented.

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