Control device and air conditioning device

Abstract

The invention provides a control device and an air conditioner. A control device for controlling the operation of an air-conditioning device including a blowing unit for taking in and discharging air that exchanges heat with a refrigerant, the control device comprising: one or more electrical components for controlling the air-conditioning device; an electrical component box in which the one or more electrical components are accommodated, and which causes air to flow through the inside and the outside by means of the air blowing means; and a planar heating unit which is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the one or more electrical components and which heats by heating the interior of the electrical component box, the amount of heat generated by the heating unit being controlled in accordance with the temperature inside the electrical component box during a heating operation of the air conditioner, and the amount of heat generated by the heating unit being controlled in accordance with the temperature inside the electrical component box during a standby operation of the air conditioner. The heating value of the heating unit is controlled according to the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for controlling a heat exchange system and the heat exchange system. Background Art

[0002] Heat exchange systems, such as those used in air conditioners, include compressors, expansion valves, fans, and other components, along with a controller that controls these devices. The controller houses electrical components, such as a control board, in an electrical component box, which is then located within the housing of the heat exchange system's outdoor unit.

[0003] In outdoor units, as the outside air temperature drops, the temperature inside the electrical component box also drops, sometimes falling below the lower limit of the electrical component's permissible temperature. This can make it impossible to guarantee the operation of the electrical components, leading to a problem of reduced reliability.

[0004] Therefore, an air conditioning apparatus is known that includes a heater in an electrical component box (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-270732

[0006] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2017 / 077649 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, when the outside air temperature is low, even if the electrical components generate heat during operation, the temperature inside the electrical component box during operation is lower than during standby mode. The degree of temperature rise fluctuates greatly depending on whether the operation is in progress or not, making it difficult to maintain the temperature of the electrical components above a certain value.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a control device for controlling a heat exchange system including an air supply unit for taking in and discharging air for heat exchange with a refrigerant.

[0009] The control device includes:

[0010] one or more electrical components that control the heat exchange system;

[0011] An electrical component box that houses one or more electrical components and allows air to circulate inside and outside of the box through an air supply unit; and

[0012] A planar heating unit is arranged so as to cover at least a portion of one or more electrical components and heats the interior of the electrical component box.

[0013] The heating of the heating unit is controlled based on whether the heat exchange system is in operation and the temperature in the electrical component box or the ambient temperature of the heat exchange system.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is easy to maintain the temperature of the electrical component at a constant value or higher. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air-conditioning apparatus as an example of a heat exchange system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of components in an outdoor unit included in an air-conditioning apparatus.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of air in the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus during operation.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of electrical components in an electrical component box in an outdoor unit.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of air in the electrical component box during operation of the air conditioner.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a diagram illustrating a first shape and a first mounting position of the planar heater.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a structural example of a planar heater.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a diagram illustrating a second shape and a second mounting position of the planar heater.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of heating control of the planar heater. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 This diagram shows an example of the structure of an air conditioning unit, which is an example of a heat exchange system. A heat exchange system circulates a refrigerant, serving as a heat medium, within a closed system while compressing and expanding it, bringing the refrigerant and the fluid, such as air or water, into indirect contact. Furthermore, the heat exchange system also exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air, such as outside air, before or after the heat exchange between the fluid and the refrigerant. Therefore, any heat exchange system having this structure is not limited to an air conditioning unit and may also be a refrigerator, a cooler, a heat pump, or the like. The following description uses the heat exchange system as an example of an air conditioning unit.

[0025] The air conditioner 10 includes an indoor unit 11 installed in an air-conditioned space (indoors) and an outdoor unit 20 installed outdoors. The air conditioner 10 performs air conditioning by circulating a refrigerant between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 20 and exchanging heat with the indoor air.

[0026] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 20 may each be composed of two or more units, and two or more indoor units 11 may be connected to one outdoor unit 20. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) can be used as refrigerants. Examples of HFCs include R410A and R32. Examples of HFOs include R1234yf.

[0027] The indoor unit 11 communicates wirelessly with the remote control using infrared or other means to receive various signals, including start and stop commands, commands to change the set temperature, and commands to change the operating mode. Alternatively, the indoor unit 11 and the remote control can be connected via a communication line for wired communication. The indoor unit 11 is connected to the outdoor unit 20 via the communication line, and together with the outdoor unit 20, performs indoor air conditioning.

[0028] The indoor unit 11 starts up upon receiving an operation command from a remote controller, and instructs the outdoor unit 20 to start up. After starting up, the outdoor unit 20 adjusts the speed of the compressor, the opening of the expansion valve, and the like, and controls the circulation rate of the refrigerant so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature.

[0029] The indoor unit 11 includes an indoor heat exchanger 12, an indoor fan 13, and an indoor fan motor 14. The indoor fan 13, driven by the indoor fan motor 14, draws in indoor air and delivers it to the indoor heat exchanger 12. The indoor heat exchanger 12 includes heat transfer tubes through which refrigerant circulates. The air entering the heat exchanger contacts the surfaces of the heat transfer tubes, exchanging heat. The air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 12 is discharged into the room.

[0030] In addition, the indoor unit 11 may include various sensors for detecting indoor temperature, an indoor expansion valve, etc. The indoor unit 11 includes an indoor control device that controls the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 14, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve, and the like.

[0031] The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 21, an accumulator 22, a four-way valve 23, an expansion valve (outdoor expansion valve) 24, an outdoor heat exchanger 25, an outdoor fan 26 (air supply unit), and an outdoor fan motor 27. The compressor 21, for example, is a rotary compressor or a scroll compressor, driven by a compressor motor, compressing low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharging it as high-pressure gas refrigerant. The accumulator 22 is a container used to store liquid reflux during transients and adjusts the refrigerant to an appropriate dryness. Dryness is the proportion of steam in wet steam, which represents a mixture of steam and fine droplets.

[0032] The four-way valve 23 is a valve that switches the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operating state (operating mode) of the air conditioning unit 10. The operating modes include cooling mode, heating mode, and air supply mode. The expansion valve 24 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant and expands it. The outdoor fan 26 is driven by the outdoor fan motor 27, which draws in outdoor air and sends it to the outdoor heat exchanger 25. The outdoor heat exchanger 25 is similar to the indoor heat exchanger 12 and is constructed with a heat transfer pipe inside that allows the refrigerant to circulate. The air sent in contacts the surface of the heat transfer pipe to exchange heat. The air that has undergone heat exchange through the outdoor heat exchanger 25 is discharged to the outside.

[0033] The outdoor unit 20 also includes a control device (outdoor control device) 28. The control device 28 is connected to the compressor 21, the four-way valve 23, the expansion valve 24, and the outdoor fan motor 27 to control them. Specifically, the control device 28 controls the speed of the compressor motor, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, and the speed of the outdoor fan motor 27. To control these, the outdoor unit 20 is also equipped with various sensors, such as a sensor that detects the outside air temperature. The control device 28 performs these controls based on the information detected by these sensors.

[0034] During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 25 functions as an evaporator. Therefore, as indicated by the arrows, the control device 28 circulates the refrigerant enclosed in the system through the compressor 21, four-way valve 23, indoor heat exchanger 12, expansion valve 24, outdoor heat exchanger 25, four-way valve 23, accumulator 22, and compressor 21 in this order.

[0035] Compressor 21 compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant (refrigerant gas) and discharges it as high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. The indoor heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat with the indoor air, cooling and condensing the refrigerant gas. The expansion valve 24 decompresses the liquid refrigerant. The opening of expansion valve 24 is adjusted by control device 28 to maintain an appropriate amount of liquid. The outdoor heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the outdoor air, evaporating the refrigerant. The refrigerant is then transferred through the four-way valve 23 to the accumulator 22 and returned to the compressor 21.

[0036] Figure 2This figure shows an example of the arrangement of components within the outdoor unit 20 of the air conditioning system 10. The outdoor unit 20 has an outdoor fan 26 mounted on the top of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped casing 30. Inside the casing 30, there is a machine compartment 31 housing the compressor 21 and other components, an accumulator 22, and an electrical component box 32. The casing 30 has a bottom plate, a metal plate to which the electrical component box 32 is mounted, an upper opening communicating with the outdoor fan 26, and side openings for intake air. For example, the casing 30 may have a mesh member mounted on a frame member, with the mesh opening serving as the side opening, and the outdoor heat exchanger 25 positioned adjacent to the mesh member within the casing 30. Alternatively, the outdoor heat exchanger 25 may be formed as part of the casing 30, covering a portion of the side openings. If the outdoor heat exchanger 25 is formed as part of the casing 30, the side openings can be formed using the gaps between the heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 25 formed into a panel-shaped heat transfer tube.

[0037] The machine room 31 and the accumulator 22 are heavy objects and are therefore arranged in the lower part of the housing 30. Considering that they are operated manually, the electrical component box 32 is arranged in the upper part of the machine room 31 to facilitate the operation.

[0038] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the flow of air within the outdoor unit 20 during operation of the air conditioning apparatus 10. When the outdoor unit 20 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 25 within a casing 30, the outdoor heat exchanger 25 partitions the casing 30 into two spaces (a first space 33 and a second space 34). Because the outdoor heat exchanger 25 is positioned adjacent to a side opening of the casing 30, the second space 34 is smaller than the first space 33.

[0039] The outdoor unit 20 draws outside air into the second space 34 within the housing 30 through the side openings of the housing 30 using the outdoor fan 26. If one side surface formed of a metal plate of the housing 30 is the front surface, the side openings can be provided on the other three surfaces: the left and right side surfaces, and the back surface, and air can be drawn in through the side openings provided on these three surfaces. Furthermore, the side openings are not limited to the left and right side surfaces, and the back surface; they can also be provided on a portion of the front surface, and air can also be drawn in through a side opening provided on a portion of the front surface.

[0040] Air drawn into the second space 34 within the casing 30 contacts the heat transfer tubes while passing through the gaps between the heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 25, thereby exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes. The air that has undergone heat exchange through the outdoor heat exchanger 25 enters the first space 33 and is discharged to the outside through the top of the casing 30 (a hole provided in the top plate). If the outdoor heat exchanger 25 forms part of a side portion of the casing 30, there is no second space 34, and the air is drawn directly into the first space 33 through the gaps between the heat transfer tubes.

[0041] During cooling operation of the outdoor unit 20 , the outdoor heat exchanger 25 functions as a condenser. Therefore, the air taken into the second space 34 is heated by the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and discharged from the first space 33 to the outside at a higher temperature than when taken in.

[0042] On the other hand, during the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 25 functions as an evaporator. Therefore, the outdoor unit 20 cools the air taken into the second space 34 using the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and discharges the air from the first space 33 to the outside at a lower temperature than when it was taken in.

[0043] Figure 4 This figure shows an example of the arrangement of electrical components within the electrical component box 32 within the outdoor unit 20. The electrical component box 32 houses a control board 40, which serves as a control unit for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. The control board 40 includes a processor and memory, and performs functions such as starting and stopping the motor of the compressor 21, starting and stopping the outdoor fan motor 27, and controlling the valve opening of the expansion valve 24.

[0044] The electrical component box 32 houses an inverter power module assembly 41, which serves as a load adjustment unit. This inverter power module assembly 41 adjusts the speed and workload of the compressor 21's motor, etc., according to the target load. The inverter power module assembly 41 includes multiple semiconductor switching elements, and the speed and other parameters are adjusted by changing the timing of switching the semiconductor switching elements on and off. Examples of the semiconductor switching elements are field-effect transistors such as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors).

[0045] The inverter power module assembly 41 includes multiple semiconductor switching elements. Therefore, to prevent overcurrent from flowing due to output short circuits and other factors, which could degrade or damage the elements, an overcurrent protection unit is required. Therefore, an overcurrent protection device 42 is also housed within the electrical component box 32. The overcurrent protection device 42 stops output when the output current exceeds a threshold. The overcurrent protection device 42 can be comprised of, but is not limited to, transistors and resistors, for example.

[0046] In addition, the electrical component box 32 also contains various switches, wiring, and lights for manual operation. In the inverter power module assembly 41, a module for detecting inverter overheating is installed in the area where thermal grease is applied. A sensor incorporated into this module can detect the temperature within the electrical component box.

[0047] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, a control substrate 40, two inverter power module assemblies 41, and two overcurrent protection devices 42 are mounted on a substrate of a predetermined size made of plastic resin. Examples of the plastic resin include phenolic resin, epoxy resin, and polyimide resin.

[0048] The electrical component box 32 is mounted on a metal plate constituting the housing 30 of the outdoor unit 20. Figure 5 As shown, the interior of the electrical component box 32 is closed by a cover 43. In order to prevent the heat generated by the electrical components from accumulating in the electrical component box 32, there are vents on the bottom side and the upper side when it is installed in the housing 30. Air flows in from the vent 44 on the bottom side and is discharged from the vent 45 on the upper side through the interior. The vent 44 is not limited to the bottom, but can also be on the lower side. The vent 45 is not limited to the upper side, but can also be set at the top (top). The vents 44 and 45 are not limited to one each, and more than two can be set. In this case, air circulates both inside and outside the electrical component box 32, but it can also be configured so that air circulates only inside the electrical component box 32 through the vents 44 and 45.

[0049] The electrical component box 32 is not limited to such a structure in which air circulates, and may be completely sealed and cooled using a refrigerant in a heat exchange system. In this case, air circulates only outside the electrical component box 32 .

[0050] Electrical components such as the control board 40, inverter power module assembly 41, and overcurrent protection device 42 include semiconductor devices and wiring. These devices and wiring have electrical resistance, and therefore generate heat and temperature rise when supplied with power. However, air flowing from the bottom vents 44 to the upper vents 45 within the electrical component box 32 cools these components and suppresses their temperature rise.

[0051] The inverter power module assembly 41 is a power semiconductor that controls and converts electric power. Since a large current flows through it, it generates a large amount of heat. Therefore, ventilation through the vents 44 and 45 alone cannot fully suppress the temperature rise. A heat sink 46 with multiple fins is provided on the outer surface of the electrical component box 32 as a heat dissipation unit for releasing the heat generated by the inverter power module assembly 41. The heat sink 46 comes into contact with the air flowing from the bottom to the top on the outer surface of the electrical component box 32 to dissipate the heat generated by the inverter power module assembly 41. In addition, the heat sink 46 is not limited to the inverter power module assembly 41, and can also be provided on the overcurrent protection device 42 through which a large current flows. The heat sink 46 can also be provided on electrical components other than the inverter power module assembly 41 and the overcurrent protection device 42.

[0052] When the air conditioner 10 stops operating, it enters a standby state, and the outdoor fan 26 stops, thereby stopping the intake of air into the casing 30 and eliminating the air flow within the electrical component box 32. Since the electrical components within the electrical component box 32 are not powered and stop operating, they do not generate heat. However, since there is no air flow, they are indirectly cooled by the outside air, and their temperatures drop.

[0053] Each electrical component in the electrical component box 32 is set to a lower operating temperature limit. However, depending on the location where the air conditioner 10 is installed, the outside air temperature may fall below this lower operating temperature limit, and the temperature inside the electrical component box 32 may fall below this lower operating temperature limit during standby mode. This may result in the operation of each electrical component being unreliable, and reliability may be reduced.

[0054] Therefore, a heater is provided in the electrical component box 32 as a heating means to heat the interior of the electrical component box 32 and to adjust the temperature so as not to fall below the lower limit of the operating temperature.

[0055] During heating operation of the air conditioner 10, the electrical components in the electrical component box 32 are powered and operating, generating heat. However, air, which is cooler than the outside air cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 25, circulates inside or outside the electrical component box 32, or both, thereby maintaining cooling. Therefore, during heating operation, the temperature inside the electrical component box 32 is lower than during standby operation.

[0056] When heating a certain amount, the temperature inside the electrical component box 32 is lower during heating operation, so not much heat is needed for heating during standby mode. However, since a certain amount of heating is required, there may be an excess of heat. During heating operation, heat is required for heating, but since only a certain amount of heating is required, there may be an insufficient amount of heat. Thus, the temperature rise varies greatly depending on whether the operation is in progress, and the degree of temperature rise fluctuates greatly.

[0057] If the temperature difference in the electrical component box 32 during heating operation and standby can be reduced, excess heat during standby and insufficient heat during heating operation can be eliminated, and variations in the degree of temperature rise due to operation can be reduced.

[0058] The main reason for the temperature difference within the electrical component box 32 during heating operation and standby mode is that low-temperature air circulates inside, outside, or both of the electrical component box 32 via the outdoor fan 26 during heating operation, constantly cooling the electrical components. Therefore, if the cooling effect of air circulation on the electrical components can be reduced, the temperature difference within the electrical component box 32 during heating operation and standby mode can be reduced.

[0059] Therefore, the heater is arranged in a shape and position to cover part or all of the target electrical component so that the heat generated by the heater is diffused over the entire surface, and the heat can be well distributed and transferred to the target electrical component on the opposite side.

[0060] Here, the target electrical components to be heated are electrical components required for the operation control of the air conditioner 10 , and examples thereof include the control substrate 40 , the inverter power module assembly 41 , and the overcurrent protection device 42 .

[0061] Furthermore, by detecting the temperature inside the electrical component box 32 and the outside air temperature, and adjusting the heating amount based on the target temperature, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat required for heating during standby mode to eliminate excess heat, and increase the amount of heat required for heating during heating mode to eliminate insufficient heat. Furthermore, the heating amount can be adjusted using control logic and a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater with its own temperature control function. The control logic can be installed on the control board 40 or other control circuits.

[0062] Figure 6 This figure illustrates the first shape and first mounting position of a planar heater. The electrical component box 32 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, sized to accommodate a substrate 47 mounted with a control board 40, an inverter power module assembly 41, and an overcurrent protection device 42, as target electrical components. It includes a cover 43 having a surface (back surface) 48 facing the mounting surface of the substrate 47.

[0063] The heater 49 is a thin planar heater having a certain area, such as Figure 6 As shown by the dotted line in (a), when overlapped on the substrate 47, it is a shape and size that can cover part or all of the target electrical component. Figure 6As shown in (b), heater 49 is mounted on surface 48 of cover 43 so as to face the target electrical component. Furthermore, the arrangement is not limited to being mounted on surface 48 of cover 43, as long as it can cover a portion or all of the target electrical component. For example, multiple legs can be provided on substrate 47, and heater 49 can be mounted on the legs to cover a portion or all of the electrical component. This is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0064] The heater 49 can supply a constant amount of heat by on / off control, and a variable heat fin-shaped heater capable of adjusting the amount of heat can be used.

[0065] Figure 7 The figure shows an example of a heater 49. The heater 49 is a planar heater in which a heating wire 51 is sandwiched between two sheets 50 made of silicone rubber, polyimide resin, etc. The thickness of the heater 49 is several mm. The heating wire 51 is a linear component made of nickel-chromium alloy, iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, etc., which has a high resistance and generates heat. Figure 7 As shown, the heating wire 51 is formed into a corrugated shape between the two sheets 50 in a manner of going back and forth between both ends, and is formed into a structure that can generate heat uniformly regardless of the position of the surface of the sheet 50. Figure 7 In the example shown, the heating wires 51 are spaced farther apart, but for uniform heating, narrower spacing is preferred. This is merely an example, and as long as a constant amount of heat can be provided anywhere on the surface of the heater 49, the heater 49 is not limited to this configuration. The amount of heat generated by the heater 49 can be adjusted by varying the current supplied to the heating wires 51.

[0066] Refer again Figure 6 Heater 49 is formed in a shape and size to partially cover the two inverter power module assemblies 41 and the two overcurrent protection devices 42, which are the target electrical components, and is attached to surface 48 of cover 43 using an adhesive or the like. The lower operating limit temperature of the substrates of the two inverter power module assemblies 41 is higher than that of the control substrate 40. Therefore, heater 49 is required to heat the components, including the two overcurrent protection devices 42, to prevent overcurrent from flowing into the two inverter power module assemblies 41. Therefore, heater 49 is formed in a shape and size to partially cover the two inverter power module assemblies 41 and the two overcurrent protection devices 42, excluding the control substrate 40.

[0067] This is just an example, so the heater 49 may be formed into a shape and size that covers a total of five components, including the control board 40, the two inverter power module assemblies 41, and the two overcurrent protection devices 42, and attached to the surface 48 of the cover 43. As long as all five components, namely the control board 40, the two inverter power module assemblies 41, and the two overcurrent protection devices 42, can be maintained at a temperature above their lower operating limit, the shape and size are not limited to covering the entirety of the two inverter power module assemblies 41 and a portion of each of the two overcurrent protection devices 42; other shapes and sizes are also possible.

[0068] Here, the two inverter power module assemblies 41 have a higher lower operating temperature limit than other electrical components. Therefore, the heater 49 is formed to cover the two inverter power module assemblies 41 and attached to the cover 43, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therefore, if there are electrical components with a higher lower operating temperature limit than the two inverter power module assemblies 41, the heater 49 can be formed to cover the electrical component and attached to the cover 43 so as to face the electrical component.

[0069] This prevents insufficient heat during heating operation and excessive heat during standby mode, preventing significant temperature fluctuations depending on whether the unit is operating or not. Furthermore, since heater 49 is positioned so as to cover the target electrical component, heat from heater 49 is easily transferred to the target electrical component, minimizing cooling of the target electrical component. This makes it easier to maintain the temperature of the target electrical component above a certain level.

[0070] Furthermore, as long as heater 49 can be positioned so as to cover the target electrical component, sheet 50 of heater 49 may or may not be in contact with the target electrical component. Even when not in contact, heater 49 is positioned adjacent to the target electrical component, facing it. The adjacent position is, for example, approximately 0.1 cm to 10 cm away.

[0071] Figure 8 1 is a diagram illustrating the second shape and second mounting position of the planar heater. Figure 8 In the example shown, heater 49 is shaped and sized to cover only the two inverter power module assemblies 41. These two inverter power module assemblies 41 are essential for the operation of the air conditioner 10 to adjust the load. Meanwhile, the overcurrent protection device 42 is not required to protect the inverter power module assemblies 41 unless overcurrent occurs, and is therefore not essential for operation. Therefore, heater 49 is shaped and sized to cover only the two inverter power module assemblies 41.

[0072] exist Figure 8In the example shown, the shape and size are such that they cover the entirety of the two inverter power module assemblies 41. However, as long as the two inverter power module assemblies 41 can be maintained above the lower limit operating temperature, it is not necessary to cover the entirety of the two inverter power module assemblies 41. The shape and size may also be such that they cover only a portion of the two inverter power module assemblies 41. Therefore, if the temperature can be maintained above the lower limit operating temperature by covering half of each of the two inverter power module assemblies 41, then the temperature can be maintained above the lower limit operating temperature. Figure 8 The rectangular heater 49 in the example shown is a rectangular heater whose area is halved. This is just an example and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0073] By configuring heater 49 in the aforementioned shape and size, when cover 43 is installed, heater 49 can cover at least a portion of the target electrical component. This allows heat generated by heater 49 to be diffused across the entire surface, effectively distributing the heat to the target electrical component located opposite heater 49. Consequently, even without the need for a separate AC (alternating current) fan, the target electrical component can be efficiently heated.

[0074] Furthermore, the heater 49 can be controlled to maintain the temperature of the target electrical component at a constant value or above by on / off control or adjustment of the heating value. However, when performing on / off control or adjusting the heating value, the value (outside air temperature) from the sensor detecting the operating state of the outdoor unit 20 and the outside air temperature can be used. Since the outdoor unit 20 already has a sensor for detecting the outside air temperature, there is no need to provide an additional sensor.

[0075] The operating status of the outdoor unit 20 indicates whether the outdoor unit 20 is operating, indicating whether the outdoor fan 26 is activated and circulating air within the casing 30. During heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 25 of the outdoor unit 20 functions as an evaporator, cooling the air drawn in from the outside through heat exchange with the refrigerant. Consequently, the cooled air circulates outside and within the electrical component box 32. Even if the electrical components within the electrical component box 32 generate heat during operation, this air is further cooled, potentially lowering the lower operating temperature.

[0076] When the outdoor unit 20 stops operating, the outside air temperature cools the air inside the casing 30 through the casing 30, cools the air inside the electrical component box 32, and also cools the electrical components inside the electrical component box 32. Therefore, the electrical components inside the electrical component box 32 may fall below the lower limit temperature of use.

[0077] Thus, the heater 49 is controlled to be on / off using the values from the sensor that detects the operating state of the outdoor unit 20 and the outside air temperature, thereby adjusting the amount of heat generated. Figure 9, and explain the specific controls in detail.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of heating control of the heater 49. The outdoor unit 20 is connected to a power source, regardless of whether it is operating or stopped. Power is supplied to the control board 40, and control begins at step 100. While the control board 40 performs heating control in this description, heating control may also be performed by other control circuits.

[0079] In step 101, it is determined whether the outdoor unit 20 is operating and the outdoor fan 26 is on. If the outdoor unit 20 is operating and the outdoor fan 26 is on, the process proceeds to step 102, where it is determined whether the component temperature of the target electrical component meets the heater-on condition. The component temperature of the target electrical component is the temperature inside the electrical component box 32. If the heater-on condition is not met, the process returns to step 101.

[0080] If the outdoor unit 20 is not operating but is stopped in step 101, the process proceeds to step 103, where it is determined whether the value detected by the sensor detecting the outside air temperature meets the heater-on condition. If the value does not meet the heater-on condition, the process returns to step 101.

[0081] If it is determined in step 102 and step 103 that the heater-on condition is met, the process proceeds to step 104 to turn on the heater 49. That is, heating by the heater 49 is started.

[0082] After the heater 49 starts heating, the heating amount of the heater 49 can be adjusted. When the outdoor unit 20 is operating, the heating amount can be adjusted based on the temperature inside the electrical component box 32. When the outdoor unit 20 is not in operation (in standby mode), the heating amount can be adjusted based on the outside air temperature (the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit 20). During heating operation, the temperature inside the electrical component box 32 is lower than during standby mode. Therefore, the heating amount can be adjusted to increase during heating operation and decrease during standby mode.

[0083] In step 105, it is determined whether the component temperature meets the heater off condition. If it is determined that the heater off condition is not met, the determination in step 105 is repeated until the heater off condition is met. Before the heater off condition is met, the heater 49 remains on.

[0084] If it is determined in step 105 that the heater-off condition is met, the process proceeds to step 106, where heater 49 is turned off. The process then proceeds to step 107, where control ends. Control is temporarily terminated here, but control can be immediately resumed from step 100. This reassessment of whether the heater-on condition is met is repeated, and if so, heater 49 can be turned on. This control maintains the temperature of the target electrical component above a certain level.

[0085] Here, the heater-on condition and the heater-off condition are explained. Heater 49 can set the lower limit temperature of the electrical component with the highest lower limit temperature among the electrical components as the reference temperature for the condition (heater-on condition) for turning on heater 49. However, in actual control, the temperature fluctuates up and down, so there is a high possibility that it will be lower than its lower limit temperature. Therefore, considering that there are some temperature fluctuations, the lower limit temperature can be set as the reference temperature (lower limit temperature) for the heater-on condition by observing a margin of about 5°C. In addition, the margin is not limited to 5°C and can also be 10°C, etc.

[0086] Heater 49 can set the upper limit temperature of the electrical component with the lowest upper limit temperature among the electrical components as the reference temperature for the condition for turning off heater 49 (heater turning-off condition). However, since the upper limit temperature is a temperature exceeding 50°C, heater 49 will not be turned off unless a considerable amount of time has passed, wasting electricity. Therefore, a temperature that is 15°C to 20°C higher than the reference temperature (lower limit temperature) of the heater-on condition can be set as the reference temperature (upper limit temperature) of the heater-off condition. In addition, the temperature higher than the reference temperature of the heater-on condition is not limited to 15°C to 20°C, and can also be 20°C to 30°C, etc., as long as it does not exceed the range of the upper limit temperature.

[0087] As described above, the control device and heat exchange system of the present invention make it easier to maintain the temperature of at least specific electrical components above a certain value when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, even when it is unavoidable to adhere to the temperature range for an electrical component, or when a higher lower temperature limit is used for comprehensive cost reduction purposes, such as when selecting an electrical component, such an electrical component can still be selected. Furthermore, heat can be efficiently transferred to a specific electrical component, requiring only that component's temperature be maintained above a certain value, thereby reducing the energy required for heating.

[0088] So far, the control device and heat exchange system of the present invention have been described in detail through the above-mentioned embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. It can be changed in other embodiments, additions, changes, deletions, etc. within the scope that can be thought of by technical personnel in this field. In any way, as long as the function and effect of the present invention are achieved, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

[0089] Therefore, according to the present invention, (1) a control device can be provided, which controls a heat exchange system, wherein the heat exchange system includes an air supply unit that takes in and discharges air for heat exchange with a refrigerant, wherein the control device includes: one or more electrical components that control the heat exchange system; an electrical component box that accommodates the one or more electrical components and circulates air inside or outside or both of them through the air supply unit; and a planar heating unit that is configured to cover at least a portion of the one or more electrical components and heat the inside of the electrical component box, and the heating of the heating unit is controlled based on whether the heat exchange system is in operation and the temperature inside the electrical component box or the ambient temperature of the heat exchange system.

[0090] According to the present invention, (2) there can be provided the control device according to (1) above, wherein the electrical component box includes a cover having a surface facing the one or more electrical components, and the heating unit is mounted on the surface.

[0091] According to the present invention, (3) a control device according to (1) or (2) above can be provided, wherein the one or more electrical components include: a control unit that controls the operation of the heat exchange system; a load adjustment unit that adjusts the operating load of the heat exchange system; and an overcurrent protection unit that prevents overcurrent from flowing to the load adjustment unit, and the heating unit is formed to a size that covers part or all of the control unit, the load adjustment unit, and the overcurrent protection unit mounted on a substrate.

[0092] According to the present invention, (4) there can be provided the control device according to (3) above, wherein the heating unit is formed to have a size covering a part or the entirety of the load adjustment unit.

[0093] According to the present invention, (5) a control device according to the above-mentioned (3) or (4) can be provided, wherein when the temperature inside the electrical component box or the external air temperature detected by the external air temperature detection unit for detecting the external air temperature of the heat exchange system is below the set lower limit temperature, the control unit causes the heating unit to start heating.

[0094] According to the present invention, (6) a control device according to the above (5) can be provided, wherein, after the control unit starts heating the heating unit, when the temperature inside the electrical component box or the external air temperature reaches a set upper limit temperature or above, the control unit stops heating the heating unit.

[0095] According to the present invention, (7) there can be provided a heat exchange system including the control device according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0096] According to the present invention, (8) a heat exchange system according to (7) above can be provided, wherein the heat exchange system includes: an indoor unit that performs heat exchange between indoor air as a fluid and the refrigerant; and an outdoor unit that circulates the refrigerant to perform heat exchange between external gas and the refrigerant, and the outdoor unit includes the air supply unit and the control device.

[0097] Explanation of symbols

[0098] 10…Air conditioning unit

[0099] 11…Indoor unit

[0100] 12…Indoor heat exchanger

[0101] 13…Indoor fan

[0102] 14…Indoor fan motor

[0103] 20…Outdoor unit

[0104] 21…Compressor

[0105] 22…Accumulator

[0106] 23…Four-way valve

[0107] 24…Expansion valve

[0108] 25…Outdoor heat exchanger

[0109] 26…Outdoor fan

[0110] 27…Outdoor fan motor

[0111] 28…Control device

[0112] 30…housing

[0113] 31…Machinery room

[0114] 32…Electrical component box

[0115] 33…First Space

[0116] 34…Second Space

[0117] 40…Control board

[0118] 41…Inverter power module assembly

[0119] 42…Overcurrent protection device

[0120] 43…cover

[0121] 44, 45…vents

[0122] 45…noodles

[0123] 46…Radiator

[0124] 47…Substrate

[0125] 48... noodles

[0126] 49…Heater

[0127] 50…sheet

[0128] 51…hotline.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling the operation of an air-conditioning device, wherein the air-conditioning device includes an air supply unit for taking in and discharging air for heat exchange with a refrigerant, wherein: The control device comprises: one or more electrical components for controlling the air conditioning device; an electrical component box that accommodates the one or more electrical components and allows air to circulate inside and outside the box through the air supply unit; and A planar heating unit is arranged to cover at least a portion of the one or more electrical components and heats the electrical component box by generating heat. During heating operation of the air conditioner, the heating amount of the heating unit is controlled according to the temperature in the electrical component box. During standby operation of the air conditioner, the heating amount of the heating unit is controlled according to the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrical component box includes a cover having a surface facing the one or more electrical components, and the heating unit is mounted on the surface.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The one or more electrical components include: a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner; a load adjustment unit that adjusts the operating load of the air conditioner; and an overcurrent protection unit that prevents overcurrent from flowing to the load adjustment unit. The heating unit is formed to have a size that covers a part or all of the control unit, the load adjustment unit, and the overcurrent protection unit mounted on one substrate.

4. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that The heating unit is formed to have a size that covers a portion or the entirety of the load adjustment unit.

5. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that The control unit starts heating by the heating unit when the temperature in the electrical component box or the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature detection unit included in the air conditioner is equal to or lower than a set lower limit temperature.

6. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that The control unit stops heating by the heating unit when the temperature in the electrical component box or the outside air temperature reaches or exceeds a set upper limit temperature after the heating unit starts heating.

7. An air conditioning device, characterized in that: The air conditioning device includes a control device for controlling the air conditioning device, and the air conditioning device includes an air supply unit for taking in and discharging air for heat exchange with a refrigerant. The control device comprises: one or more electrical components for controlling the air conditioning device; an electrical component box that accommodates the one or more electrical components and allows air to circulate inside and outside the box through the air supply unit; and A planar heating unit is arranged to cover at least a portion of the one or more electrical components and heats the electrical component box by generating heat. During heating operation of the air conditioner, the heating amount of the heating unit is controlled according to the temperature in the electrical component box. During standby operation of the air conditioner, the heating amount of the heating unit is controlled according to the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

8. The air conditioning device according to claim 7, characterized in that The electrical component box includes a cover having a surface facing the one or more electrical components, and the heating unit is mounted on the surface.

9. The air conditioning device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The one or more electrical components include: a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner; a load adjustment unit that adjusts the operating load of the air conditioner; and an overcurrent protection unit that prevents overcurrent from flowing to the load adjustment unit. The heating unit is formed to have a size that covers a part or all of the control unit, the load adjustment unit, and the overcurrent protection unit mounted on one substrate.

10. The air conditioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that The heating unit is formed to have a size that covers the entire load adjustment unit.

11. The air conditioning device according to claim 9, characterized in that The control unit starts heating by the heating unit when the temperature in the electrical component box or the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature detection unit included in the air conditioner is equal to or lower than a set lower limit temperature.

12. The air conditioning device according to claim 11, characterized in that The control unit stops heating by the heating unit when the temperature in the electrical component box or the outside air temperature reaches or exceeds a set upper limit temperature after the heating unit starts heating.

13. The air conditioning device according to claim 11, wherein The air conditioner includes an indoor unit that performs heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant; and an outdoor unit that circulates the refrigerant to perform heat exchange between external air and the refrigerant. The outdoor unit includes the air supply unit and the control device.

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