Air conditioner control method, controller, air conditioner and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an air conditioner control method, a controller, an air conditioner and a computer readable storage medium, and the method comprises the steps that under the condition that the air conditioner is powered on again after being powered off, first energy storage voltage of an energy storage circuit is obtained; and when the first energy storage voltage is larger than or equal to the preset voltage, the on-off state of the target valve is controlled according to the refrigerant leakage protection condition of the air conditioner. According to the embodiment of the invention, the target valve is not directly opened when the air conditioner is powered on again after being powered off, but the target valve used for opening or closing the refrigerant channel is opened or closed based on the refrigerant leakage protection condition of the air conditioner; therefore, the condition of refrigerant leakage caused by directly opening the target valve after electrification is reduced; in addition, the air conditioner is further provided with the main power supply circuit and the energy storage circuit at the same time to supply power to the target valve, when the main power supply circuit is powered off during operation of the air conditioner, power can be supplied to the target valve through the energy storage circuit, and therefore cutting off of the refrigerant is smoothly completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner control method, controller, air conditioner, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, when an air conditioner is charged with flammable refrigerant, the valve is usually directly driven to reset when the air conditioner is powered on, without taking into account the state of the refrigerant. Therefore, there is a risk of refrigerant leakage. In addition, current air conditioners only supply power to the valve through a single power supply circuit. Therefore, if there is a power supply failure in the power supply circuit, the valve cannot be controlled to stop the refrigerant leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes an air conditioner control method, controller, air conditioner, and computer-readable storage medium, designed to reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage during the power-on startup of the air conditioner.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner control method. The air conditioner includes a main power supply circuit, an energy storage circuit, and a target valve. The voltage output terminals of both the main power supply circuit and the energy storage circuit are connected to the target valve. The energy storage circuit provides electrical energy for the target valve to operate when the main power supply circuit is de-energized. The target valve is used to open or close the refrigerant passage of the air conditioner. The air conditioner control method includes:

[0005] When the air conditioner is powered off and then powered on again, the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit is obtained;

[0006] When the first energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, the opening and closing state of the target valve is controlled according to the refrigerant leakage situation of the air conditioner.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, after obtaining the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0008] When the first energy storage voltage is less than the preset voltage, the second energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit after receiving charging from the main power supply circuit is obtained;

[0009] Once the second energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, the opening and closing status of the target valve is controlled according to the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, controlling the opening and closing state of the target valve based on the refrigerant leakage situation of the air conditioner includes:

[0011] Obtain the first refrigerant concentration value and feedback time fed back by the refrigerant sensor in the air conditioner;

[0012] The refrigerant leakage status of the air conditioner is determined based on the first refrigerant concentration value and the feedback time.

[0013] The on / off state of the target valve is controlled based on the refrigerant leakage situation.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the refrigerant leakage status of the air conditioner based on the first refrigerant concentration value and the feedback time includes one of the following:

[0015] When the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the historical feedback time, it is determined that the air conditioner had a refrigerant leak before being powered on again after a power outage.

[0016] When the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the historical feedback time, it is determined that there is no refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner before it is powered on again after a power outage.

[0017] When the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the current feedback time, it is determined that the air conditioner currently has a refrigerant leak.

[0018] When the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the current feedback time, it is determined that the air conditioner does not currently have a refrigerant leak.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this application, controlling the on / off state of the target valve based on the refrigerant leakage situation includes one of the following:

[0020] Before the air conditioner is powered on again after a power outage or if there is a refrigerant leak, the target valve is controlled to remain closed.

[0021] If there is no refrigerant leakage before and during the power-on process of the air conditioner after a power outage, the target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, after the target valve is kept closed, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0023] Obtain the second refrigerant concentration value currently fed back by the refrigerant sensor;

[0024] When the second refrigerant concentration value remains lower than the preset concentration value for a preset duration, the target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this application, after the target valve is kept closed, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0026] Receive protection forced cancellation command;

[0027] The target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation according to the protection forced cancellation command.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner further includes a power detection circuit for detecting the power status of the main power supply circuit; after controlling the target valve to perform a reset operation, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0029] The power status of the main power supply circuit is obtained through the power detection circuit.

[0030] When the power supply is in a power-off state, the target valve is closed;

[0031] When the power supply is in the power supply state, the target valve remains unchanged.

[0032] According to some embodiments of this application, it also includes:

[0033] During the reset operation of the target valve, a drive signal is sent to the target valve;

[0034] The system receives valve information from the target valve based on the drive signal and determines the operating status of the target valve based on the valve information.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a controller, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the air conditioner control method as described in the first aspect above when running the computer program.

[0036] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, including the controller described in the second aspect above.

[0037] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the air conditioner control method as described in the first aspect above.

[0038] According to the technical solution of this application embodiment, at least the following beneficial effects are achieved: First, when the air conditioner is powered on again after a power outage, this application embodiment acquires the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit; then, when the first energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to a preset voltage, this application embodiment controls the opening and closing state of the target valve according to the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner, wherein the target valve is used to open or close the refrigerant passage between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Since this application embodiment considers the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner when it is powered on again after a power outage, instead of directly opening the target valve, it opens or closes the target valve used to open or close the refrigerant passage of the air conditioner based on the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the occurrence of refrigerant leakage caused by directly opening the target valve after power-on; in addition, the air conditioner of this application embodiment is also equipped with a main power supply circuit and an energy storage circuit to supply power to the target valve respectively. When the main power supply circuit fails during the operation of the air conditioner, this application embodiment can also supply power to the target valve through the energy storage circuit, thereby successfully completing the refrigerant cutoff.

[0039] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of this application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this application.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control circuit in an air conditioner provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 7This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 9 This is an overall flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a controller for performing an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0053] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0054] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0055] In some situations, when an air conditioner, such as a multi-pipe multi-split unit, experiences a refrigerant leak in its outdoor unit, it may not shut off the refrigerant supply. Furthermore, during a power outage while the refrigerant is leaking, the electronic expansion valve remains in a free state and continues to operate freely upon power restoration. Multi-pipe multi-split units are charged with flammable refrigerant, and in the event of a refrigerant leak or power outage, the system's operating status before or after the power outage cannot be effectively determined, thus posing a potential risk of refrigerant leakage. Additionally, current air conditioners supply power to the valves via a single power circuit; therefore, if a power supply failure occurs, the valves cannot be controlled to stop the refrigerant leak.

[0056] Based on the above, this application proposes an air conditioner control method, controller, air conditioner, and computer-readable storage medium, aiming to reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage during the power-on startup of the air conditioner, and also to cut off the continued flow of refrigerant into the indoor unit after power failure.

[0057] The various embodiments of the implementation environment of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0059] In one embodiment, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected by a refrigerant passage, and a target valve for opening or closing the refrigerant passage is provided on the refrigerant passage.

[0060] It should be noted that, regarding the air conditioners mentioned above, in addition to being able to be such... Figure 1 The multi-split air conditioner structure shown can be either a one-to-many structure or a one-to-one structure. This application does not specifically limit the structure of the air conditioner in the embodiments.

[0061] The indoor unit includes, but is not limited to, an indoor heat exchanger 210 and an indoor fan 220, which are arranged opposite to each other.

[0062] In addition, the outdoor unit includes, but is not limited to, a compressor 110, an outdoor heat exchanger 120, an outdoor fan 130, and a four-way valve 140. The outdoor heat exchanger 120 and the outdoor fan 130 are arranged opposite to each other. The four-way valve 140 has four ports. The first port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 110, the second port is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 210 through the outdoor heat exchanger 120, the third port is connected to the return port of the compressor 110, and the fourth port is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 210.

[0063] In addition, the outdoor unit also includes, but is not limited to, a gas-liquid separator 150, which is provided with a liquid phase inlet end and a gas phase outlet end. The liquid phase inlet end is connected to the third port of the four-way valve 140, and the gas phase outlet end is connected to the return gas port of the compressor 110.

[0064] In one embodiment, Figure 1 The air conditioner shown has three refrigerant passages connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The first passage is between the outdoor heat exchanger 120 and the indoor unit. The second passage is between the compressor 110 and the indoor unit. The third passage is the refrigerant passage corresponding to the enthalpy-increasing port of the compressor 110.

[0065] In addition, it should be noted that, except Figure 1 In addition to the air conditioner shown, if the compressor 110 in the outdoor unit does not have a gas replenishment and enthalpy increase function, then there are two refrigerant passages connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit in the air conditioner. The first passage is the refrigerant passage between the outdoor heat exchanger 120 and the indoor unit, and the second passage is the refrigerant passage between the compressor 110 and the indoor unit.

[0066] In one embodiment, when the air conditioner includes Figure 1 The three refrigerant passages shown require the following valves: First, valves on the refrigerant passage between the outdoor heat exchanger 120 and the indoor unit, such as the main electronic expansion valve 310 on the main passage, or the branch electronic expansion valve 320 or shut-off valve 330 on the branch passage. Second, valves on the refrigerant passage between the compressor 110 and the indoor unit, such as the shut-off valve 340 on the main passage, or the shut-off valve 330 on the branch passage. Third, valves on the refrigerant passage corresponding to the enthalpy-increasing port of the compressor 110, such as the injection enthalpy valve 350 on the enthalpy-increasing passage.

[0067] In another embodiment, when the air conditioner includes only two refrigerant passages, the target valves mentioned above need to include valves on the refrigerant passage between the outdoor heat exchanger 120 and the indoor unit, such as the main electronic expansion valve 310 on the main passage, or the sub-electronic expansion valve 320 or shut-off valve 330 on the sub-passage; secondly, valves on the refrigerant passage between the compressor 110 and the indoor unit also need to be included, such as the shut-off valve 340 on the main passage, or the shut-off valve 330 on the sub-passage.

[0068] In one embodiment, the air conditioner also includes, but is not limited to, a refrigerant sensor, which can detect the refrigerant concentration value in the space.

[0069] In one embodiment, the refrigerant sensor can be a photoelectric type refrigerant leak sensor, wherein the photoelectric type refrigerant leak sensor is a sensor that measures based on the photoelectric principle, specifically including but not limited to the following types of sensors:

[0070] The first type of sensor is the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor. NDIR sensors detect refrigerant concentration by measuring the attenuation of infrared light of a specific wavelength as it passes through air containing refrigerant gas. The refrigerant gas absorbs infrared light of a specific wavelength, and the photosensitive element inside the sensor detects this attenuation, thus calculating the refrigerant concentration. For example, NDIR refrigerant leak sensors can detect R32 gas, which is widely used in air conditioning refrigerants.

[0071] The second type of sensor, the AM4207 model refrigerant leak sensor on the market, uses infrared dual-beam technology, which can improve product lifespan while better addressing the impact of temperature, humidity and device aging on measurement accuracy. It has better long-term stability and higher reliability, and is suitable for real-time monitoring of refrigerant R290 leaks.

[0072] The third type of sensor, the WL10 series liquid leak sensor on the market, although mainly used for liquid leak detection, also involves optical technology in its working principle. The light emitted by the LED in the sensor is reflected to the detector through a prism. When the liquid reaches the position of the prism, causing the light to decrease, the detector will detect this change and send a signal.

[0073] In addition, it is understood that the refrigerant sensor mentioned above can also be a metal oxide semiconductor sensor, a semiconductor gas sensor, an MP510C sensor, or other types of sensors. This application does not specifically limit the type of refrigerant sensor.

[0074] Metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) sensors operate on the principle of varying resistivity in certain semiconductor materials as the gas reacts on the semiconductor surface. By measuring the resistance of the MOS, the concentration of refrigerant gas and vapor in the air can be determined. For example, the TGS2630 sensor exhibits high sensitivity to various refrigerants such as R-404a and R-410a, as well as non-flammable refrigerants like R-32 and R-1234yf. Furthermore, semiconductor gas sensors, such as the TGS3830 and TGS832-A00 models, are highly sensitive to specific refrigerants like R134a, R404a, R407c, and R410, and possess fast response and good anti-interference capabilities. They are typically compact, facilitating integration into air conditioning systems. In addition, the MP510C sensor is a gas sensor based on a multilayer thick film manufacturing process. It fabricates heating and measuring electrodes and a metal oxide semiconductor gas-sensitive layer on a ceramic substrate and encapsulates them in a metal housing. When the gas to be detected is present in the environment, the conductivity of the sensor will change, and this change can be converted into an output signal corresponding to the gas concentration through a circuit.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control circuit in an air conditioner provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control circuit includes at least a main power supply circuit 410, a control chip 420, and a valve body drive circuit 430. The power supply terminal of the control chip 420 is connected to the main power supply circuit 410, and the control terminal of the control chip 420 is connected to the valve body drive circuit 430, and the target valve 440 is controlled to move through the valve body drive circuit 430.

[0077] Additionally, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the control circuit also includes, but is not limited to, an energy storage circuit 450, which provides electrical energy for the operation of the target valve 440 and serves as a backup power source. Specifically, when the main power supply circuit 410 is operating normally, it can supply power to the control chip 420, which in turn supplies power to the valve body drive circuit 430 and the target valve 440, and can also charge the energy storage circuit 450. When the main power supply circuit 410 is de-energized, the energy storage circuit 450 can supply power to the control chip 420, which in turn supplies power to the valve body drive circuit 430 and the target valve 440.

[0078] The energy storage circuit 450 can include a charging capacitor or other energy storage devices to achieve energy storage. Furthermore, the charging capacitor can be a supercapacitor, a traditional capacitor, a battery, or other devices; this application embodiment does not specifically limit its application in this regard.

[0079] It should be noted that, in order to improve the energy storage effect, supercapacitors can be used as charging capacitors. Supercapacitors are high-performance energy storage devices that fall between traditional capacitors and batteries.

[0080] Supercapacitors primarily store energy through two mechanisms: electrostatic double-layer and electrochemical pseudocapacitance. In electrostatic double-layer supercapacitors, energy storage is achieved through the interfacial double layer formed on the electrode surface, while electrochemical pseudocapacitance is achieved through rapid, reversible Faraday reactions on the electrode surface. Additionally, supercapacitors typically exhibit the following characteristics:

[0081] First, high energy density: Supercapacitors have a higher energy density than traditional capacitors, thus enabling them to store more energy in a smaller volume.

[0082] Second, rapid charging and discharging: Supercapacitors can be charged and discharged quickly, making them suitable for applications requiring large amounts of energy in a short period of time.

[0083] Third, long lifespan: Compared to traditional batteries, supercapacitors do not rely on chemical reactions, reducing energy loss during the energy storage process, and therefore supercapacitors typically have a longer lifespan.

[0084] Fourth, low voltage limitation: Supercapacitors typically operate in a lower voltage range, making them safer in certain applications.

[0085] Additionally, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the control circuit also includes, but is not limited to, a power detection circuit 460, which is used to detect the power status of the main power supply circuit 410. Specifically, one end of the power detection circuit 460 is connected to the main power supply circuit 410, and the other end is connected to the detection terminal of the control chip 420. In this way, the control chip 420 can detect whether the main power supply circuit 410 is in a powered-on state or a powered-off state through the power detection circuit 460.

[0086] Additionally, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main power supply circuit 410 may include, but is not limited to, a power supply, a rectifier circuit 412, a filter circuit 413, a switching power supply circuit 414, and a voltage regulator circuit 415. The power supply 411 is connected to the control chip 420 in sequence through the rectifier circuit 412, the filter circuit 413, the switching power supply circuit 414, and the voltage regulator circuit 415.

[0087] Among them, the rectifier circuit 412 is capable of converting AC power into DC power; the filter circuit 413 is capable of removing or reducing unwanted frequency components, i.e., noise and interference, in the power supply or signal; the switching power supply circuit 414 is a power electronic device capable of converting the input voltage into one or more stable output voltages to supply electronic equipment; and the voltage regulator circuit 415 is capable of providing a stable output voltage that is unaffected by input voltage fluctuations, load changes, or temperature changes.

[0088] Based on the hardware structure of the above embodiments, several embodiments of the air conditioner control method of this application are proposed below.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in one embodiment of this application. The air conditioner control method may include, but is not limited to, steps S310 and S320.

[0090] Step S310: When the air conditioner is powered off and then powered on again, obtain the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit;

[0091] Step S320: When the first energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, control the opening and closing status of the target valve according to the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner.

[0092] In one embodiment, when the air conditioner is powered off and then powered on again, the control chip can obtain the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit and then compare the first energy storage voltage with a preset voltage. If the first energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, this embodiment will determine whether to open or keep the target valve closed based on the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner, thereby opening or closing the refrigerant passage of the air conditioner, such as the refrigerant passage between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0093] Based on the above Figure 2 The control circuit shown will keep the target valve closed when the main power supply circuit is de-energized. If the control chip detects that the main power supply circuit has been restored through the power detection circuit, that is, when the air conditioner is powered on again after a power outage, it can control the target valve to open or keep it closed based on the refrigerant leakage protection status through the valve body drive circuit.

[0094] It should be noted that the situation of the air conditioner being powered on again after a power outage can refer to the situation where the air conditioner is normally turned off and powered on again, or it can refer to the situation where the air conditioner is abnormally powered off and powered on again. This application embodiment does not make a specific limitation on this.

[0095] It is worth noting that, in this embodiment of the application, when the air conditioner is restarted after a power outage, the refrigerant leakage protection of the air conditioner is taken into account, rather than directly opening the target valve. Instead, the target valve used to connect or disconnect the refrigerant passage between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is opened or closed based on the refrigerant leakage protection of the air conditioner, thereby reducing the occurrence of refrigerant leakage caused by directly opening the target valve after power outage and restart.

[0096] It is understood that the value of the aforementioned preset voltage can be preset, for example, it can be 2V, 3V, or other voltage values. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0097] In one embodiment, since the energy storage devices in the energy storage circuit, such as supercapacitors, will lose a certain amount of electricity when the valve is closed due to a power outage, or will also lose a certain amount of electricity under natural conditions, it is necessary to detect the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit in order to ensure the normal operation of the target valve.

[0098] In another embodiment, when the first energy storage voltage is less than the preset voltage, the main power supply circuit will charge the energy storage circuit. At the same time, the control chip will obtain the second energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit after it has been charged by the main power supply circuit in real time. After the second energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, the opening and closing state of the target valve will be controlled according to the refrigerant leakage protection status.

[0099] Specifically, if the first energy storage voltage is less than the preset voltage, the energy storage circuit needs to be charged before the subsequent circuit is turned on to avoid the supercapacitor running out of power and failing to close the target valve properly after another power outage, which would cause secondary leakage. If the first energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, it indicates that the energy storage circuit has sufficient energy storage. Even if the power is cut off again, the energy storage circuit still has enough power to ensure that the target valve closes properly.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application; regarding the control of the target valve's on / off state based on the air conditioner's refrigerant leakage protection status in step S320 above, it may include, but is not limited to, steps S410, S420 and S430.

[0101] Step S410: Obtain the first refrigerant concentration value and feedback time fed back by the refrigerant sensor in the air conditioner;

[0102] Step S420: Determine the refrigerant leakage status of the air conditioner based on the first refrigerant concentration value and the feedback time;

[0103] Step S430: Control the on / off state of the target valve according to the refrigerant leakage situation.

[0104] In one embodiment, the present invention receives a first refrigerant concentration value fed back by a refrigerant sensor and determines the feedback time of the first refrigerant concentration value. Then, the present invention determines the historical refrigerant leakage situation or the current refrigerant leakage situation of the air conditioner based on the magnitude of the first refrigerant concentration value and the feedback time. Finally, the present invention controls the target valve to open or close based on the refrigerant leakage situation.

[0105] In one embodiment, regarding step S420 above, the refrigerant leakage situation may include, but is not limited to, the following four:

[0106] The first scenario: When the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the historical feedback time, it is determined that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner before it is powered on again after a power outage.

[0107] The second scenario: When the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the historical feedback time, it is determined that there is no refrigerant leakage before the air conditioner is powered on again after a power outage.

[0108] Based on the first and second scenarios described above, in one embodiment, this application embodiment can acquire the air conditioner's memory storage information and determine the air conditioner's historical refrigerant leakage protection status based on the memory storage information. Specifically, the control chip can read the memory storage information stored in the storage unit and use this memory storage information to know the air conditioner's historical refrigerant leakage status before power is restored after a power outage. Then, based on the historical refrigerant leakage status, it can decide whether to open or keep the target valve closed.

[0109] It is worth noting that this solution determines whether to execute the target valve reset action after power failure and power restoration by reading the memory stored information of the storage unit. If there is a refrigerant leakage protection in the memory, the target valve will remain closed until the recovery conditions are met before the target valve is allowed to be reset, so that the system can return to normal operation and prevent secondary leakage.

[0110] The aforementioned historical refrigerant leakage situation can refer to whether the air conditioner experienced a refrigerant leakage after the last power outage, or whether the air conditioner experienced a refrigerant leakage before the power was restored after the current power outage, or refrigerant leakage that occurred at other times. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0111] In addition, the aforementioned memory storage information can be displayed in the form of numbers or letters. For example, when displayed in the form of numbers, if the memory storage information is 1, it can be considered that the air conditioner has experienced a refrigerant leak in the past, and if the memory storage information is 0, it can be considered that the air conditioner has not experienced a refrigerant leak in the past. Alternatively, for example, when displayed in the form of letters, if the memory storage information is 'a', it can be considered that the air conditioner has experienced a refrigerant leak in the past, and if the fault flag information is 'b', it can be considered that the air conditioner has not experienced a refrigerant leak in the past.

[0112] The third scenario: When the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the current feedback time, it is determined that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner.

[0113] The fourth scenario: When the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the current feedback time, it is determined that there is no refrigerant leak in the air conditioner.

[0114] Based on the third and fourth scenarios mentioned above, the control chip can receive the first refrigerant concentration value currently fed back by the refrigerant sensor. If the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value, it indicates that the air conditioner is currently leaking refrigerant. If the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value, it indicates that the air conditioner is not currently leaking refrigerant. In this way, the embodiments of this application can know the current refrigerant leakage situation, and then decide whether to open or keep the target valve closed based on the current refrigerant leakage situation.

[0115] It is worth noting that this solution determines whether to execute the target valve reset action after power failure and power restoration by reading the first refrigerant concentration value currently fed back by the refrigerant sensor. If there is a refrigerant leak, the target valve will remain closed until the recovery conditions are met before the target valve is allowed to be reset, so that the system can return to normal operation and prevent secondary leakage.

[0116] In one embodiment, the above step S430, which controls the on / off state of the target valve based on the refrigerant leakage situation, may include, but is not limited to, the following implementations:

[0117] The first implementation scenario: When the air conditioner is powered off and then powered on again, or when there is a refrigerant leak, the target valve is kept closed.

[0118] The second implementation scenario: When there is no refrigerant leakage before and during the power-on process after the air conditioner is powered off, the target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation.

[0119] In one embodiment, if the historical refrigerant leakage protection status indicates that the air conditioner performed refrigerant leakage protection before power was restored after a power outage, then in order to prevent secondary leakage, this embodiment will control the target valve to remain closed; if the historical refrigerant leakage protection status indicates that the air conditioner did not perform refrigerant leakage protection before power was restored after a power outage, then this embodiment can control the target valve to perform a reset operation.

[0120] In one embodiment, if the current refrigerant leak protection status indicates that the air conditioner is currently leaking refrigerant, then in order to prevent secondary leakage, this embodiment will control the target valve to remain closed; if the current refrigerant leak protection status indicates that the air conditioner is not currently leaking refrigerant, then this embodiment can control the target valve to perform a reset operation.

[0121] It is worth noting that the embodiments of this application can also simultaneously obtain historical refrigerant leakage protection status and current refrigerant leakage protection status, and simultaneously control the opening and closing state of the target valve based on the historical refrigerant leakage protection status and the current refrigerant leakage protection status, specifically including the following situations:

[0122] The first scenario: If the historical refrigerant leakage protection status indicates that the air conditioner performed refrigerant leakage protection before power was restored after a power outage, but the current refrigerant leakage protection status indicates that the air conditioner is not currently leaking refrigerant, in order to prevent secondary leakage, this application embodiment can control the target valve to remain closed.

[0123] The second scenario: If the historical refrigerant leak protection status indicates that the air conditioner did not perform refrigerant leak protection before being powered on again after a power outage, but the current refrigerant leak protection status indicates that the air conditioner is currently leaking refrigerant, in order to prevent secondary leakage, this embodiment of the application can control the target valve to remain closed.

[0124] The third scenario: If the historical refrigerant leakage protection status indicates that the air conditioner performed refrigerant leakage protection before power was restored after a power outage, and the current refrigerant leakage protection status indicates that the air conditioner is currently experiencing refrigerant leakage, in order to prevent secondary leakage, this embodiment of the application can control the target valve to remain closed.

[0125] The fourth scenario: If the historical refrigerant leak protection status indicates that the air conditioner has not performed refrigerant leak protection before being powered on again after a power outage, and the current refrigerant leak protection status indicates that the air conditioner is not currently experiencing refrigerant leakage, then this embodiment of the application can control the target valve to perform a reset operation.

[0126] Additionally, it should be noted that after the target valve is kept closed, the air conditioner control method may also include... Figure 5 or Figure 6 The two implementation methods for controlling the target valve to perform a reset operation are as follows:

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application; after the target valve is kept closed, the air conditioner control method further includes, but is not limited to, steps S910 and S920.

[0128] Step S510: Obtain the second refrigerant concentration value currently fed back by the refrigerant sensor;

[0129] Step S520: When the second refrigerant concentration value is continuously less than the preset concentration value for a preset time, control the target valve to perform a reset operation.

[0130] In one embodiment, when the target valve remains closed after power is restored following a power outage, the control chip receives a second refrigerant concentration value from the refrigerant sensor. If the second refrigerant concentration value remains below a preset concentration value for a preset period of time, it indicates that there is no refrigerant leakage. In this embodiment, the target valve will be reset.

[0131] It is understood that the aforementioned preset concentration value can be pre-set, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0132] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application; after the target valve is kept closed, the air conditioner control method further includes, but is not limited to, steps S610 and S620.

[0133] Step S610: Receive protection forced cancellation command;

[0134] Step S620: Control the target valve to perform a reset operation according to the protection forced cancellation command.

[0135] In one embodiment, if the target valve remains closed after a power outage and subsequent power restoration, and the control chip receives a protection forced cancellation command sent by the user, the target valve will be reset in this embodiment.

[0136] Users can send protection cancellation commands via remote control buttons, mobile terminal control, or other methods. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the methods used.

[0137] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application; after the target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation, the air conditioner control method further includes, but is not limited to, steps S710, S720 and S730.

[0138] Step S710: Obtain the power status of the main power supply circuit through the power detection circuit;

[0139] Step S720: When the power supply is off, close the target valve;

[0140] Step S730: When the power supply is in the power supply state, keep the target valve unchanged.

[0141] In one embodiment, after power is restored and the target valve is reset, i.e., when the air conditioner is running normally, if the control chip detects through the power detection circuit that the main power supply circuit is in a power-off state, the control chip will control the target valve to close when the energy storage power supply is on, so as to avoid the risk of leakage in the event of a subsequent leak; if the control chip detects through the power detection circuit that the main power supply circuit is on, the control chip will keep the target valve unchanged.

[0142] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in another embodiment of this application; the air conditioner control method also includes, but is not limited to, steps S810 and S820.

[0143] Step S810: During the reset operation of the target valve, a drive signal is sent to the target valve;

[0144] Step S820: Receive valve information from the target valve based on the drive signal feedback, and determine the operating status of the target valve based on the valve information.

[0145] In one embodiment, when there is no refrigerant leakage, the target valve is reset before resuming normal control. The reset operation typically involves opening the target valve to its maximum opening and then returning it to a preset initial opening. The entire reset time is approximately 15 seconds. Therefore, this embodiment can utilize this reset time to determine and calibrate whether the target valve's drive signal is functioning correctly.

[0146] Based on the air conditioner control methods of the above embodiments, the overall embodiments of the air conditioner control method of this application are presented below.

[0147] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is an overall flowchart of an air conditioner control method provided in one embodiment of this application. The overall process includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0148] Step S901, First power-on;

[0149] Step S902: Read the supercapacitor voltage;

[0150] Step S903: Determine whether the supercapacitor voltage is greater than or equal to 2V. If yes, proceed to step S904; otherwise, return to step S902.

[0151] Step S904: Read the memory leak address;

[0152] Step S905: Determine if there is a memory leak or current leak. If yes, proceed to step S906; otherwise, return to step S908.

[0153] Step S906: Keep the main valve, injection enthalpy valve, and shut-off valve closed;

[0154] Step S907: Determine whether there is no leakage for 2 hours or whether the protection is canceled by pressing the button. If yes, proceed to step S908; otherwise, return to step S904.

[0155] Step S908: Start valve reset;

[0156] Step S909: Detect whether the mains power of the system is cut off. If the power is cut off, proceed to step S912; otherwise, proceed to step S911.

[0157] Step S910: Normal operation;

[0158] Step S911: Stop the current valve operation and close the main valve, injection enthalpy valve, and shut-off valve;

[0159] Step S912, End.

[0160] Specifically, in this embodiment, the storage unit reads the memory or current indoor refrigerant concentration leakage alarm information to determine whether there is a refrigerant leak after power-on and whether to perform the target valve reset action. If there is a leak, the main valve (i.e., the aforementioned main electronic expansion valve), enthalpy injection valve, and electric ball valve (i.e., the aforementioned shut-off valve) remain closed until the recovery conditions are met before reset is allowed, so that the system can return to normal operation and prevent secondary leakage. At the same time, since the control chip cannot obtain the system's operating status when the power is off, the main valve, enthalpy injection valve, and electric ball valve are closed after the mains power is off to prevent leakage when the system is powered off.

[0161] In one embodiment, after the outdoor unit is powered on, the main valve, enthalpy injection valve, and electric ball valve remain closed. If any of the following conditions are met: ① there is a refrigerant leakage protection in the memory address; ② there is a refrigerant leakage protection in the indoor unit; then the following action is executed: the system enters the protection state, keeps the main valve, enthalpy injection valve, and electric ball valve closed, does not allow refrigerant to flow into the indoor unit, and prevents secondary refrigerant leakage.

[0162] In one embodiment, when the outdoor unit is powered off, the main valve, the enthalpy injection valve, and the electric ball valve are closed. The condition for entering the power outage is: ① Power outage detected; then the following action is performed: the system enters the power outage protection state, closes the main valve, the enthalpy injection valve, and the electric ball valve, and does not allow refrigerant to flow into the indoor unit. This is because the control chip cannot obtain the system's operating status when the power is off, thus preventing refrigerant leakage during the power outage.

[0163] Specifically, to address the potential for secondary leaks after the air conditioner is powered on again, this solution can determine whether to reset the target valve by accessing the memory stored in the storage unit or the current refrigerant concentration leak alarm information of the indoor unit, effectively preventing secondary refrigerant leaks. Furthermore, since the control chip cannot obtain the system's operating status during a power outage, closing the main valve, enthalpy injection valve, and electric ball valve via a supercapacitor after a power outage can effectively prevent refrigerant leakage during power failure.

[0164] Based on the air conditioner control methods described in the above embodiments, the following presents various embodiments of the controller, air conditioner, and computer-readable storage medium of this application.

[0165] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller for performing an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application. The controller 500 implemented in this application includes: a processor 510, a memory 520, and a computer program stored in the memory 520 and executable on the processor 510, wherein... Figure 10 Taking a processor 510 and a memory 520 as an example, the controller 500 can correspond to... Figure 2 The control chip shown.

[0166] The processor 510 and the memory 520 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 10 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0167] Memory 520, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory 520 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory 520 may optionally include remotely located memories 520 relative to processor 510, which can be connected to controller 500 via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0168] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 10 The device structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the controller 500 and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0169] exist Figure 10 In the controller 500 shown, the processor 510 can be used to call the air conditioner control program stored in the memory 520, thereby implementing the air conditioner control method described above. Specifically, the non-transitory software program and instructions required to implement the air conditioner control method of the above embodiment are stored in the memory 520, and when executed by the processor 510, the air conditioner control method of the above embodiment is executed.

[0170] It is worth noting that, since the controller 500 of this application embodiment can execute the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation method and technical effects of the controller 500 of this application embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation method and technical effects of the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0171] In addition, one embodiment of this application also provides an air conditioner, including the controller described in the above embodiment.

[0172] It is worth noting that, since the air conditioner of this application embodiment includes the controller of the above embodiments, and the controller of the above embodiments can execute the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation method and technical effect of the air conditioner of this application embodiment can refer to the specific implementation method and technical effect of the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0173] Furthermore, one embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the aforementioned air conditioner control method. Exemplarily, the above-described method is executed... Figures 3 to 9 The methods and steps in the text.

[0174] It is worth noting that, since the computer-readable storage medium of this application embodiment can execute the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation and technical effects of the computer-readable storage medium of this application embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation and technical effects of the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0175] Furthermore, one embodiment of this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or computer instructions, which are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer program or computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer program or computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the aforementioned air conditioner control method. Exemplarily, the above-described method is executed... Figures 3 to 9 The methods and steps in the text.

[0176] It is worth noting that, since the computer program product of this application embodiment can execute the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation method and technical effect of the computer program product of this application embodiment can refer to the specific implementation method and technical effect of the air conditioner control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0177] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0178] The above provides a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application. However, this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner control method, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a main power supply circuit, an energy storage circuit, and a target valve. The voltage output terminals of the main power supply circuit and the energy storage circuit are both connected to the target valve. The energy storage circuit is used to provide electrical energy for the operation of the target valve when the main power supply circuit is de-energized. The target valve is used to open or close the refrigerant passage of the air conditioner. The air conditioner control method includes: When the air conditioner is powered off and then powered on again, the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit is obtained; When the first energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, the opening and closing state of the target valve is controlled according to the refrigerant leakage situation of the air conditioner.

2. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After obtaining the first energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit, the air conditioner control method further includes: When the first energy storage voltage is less than the preset voltage, the second energy storage voltage of the energy storage circuit after receiving charging from the main power supply circuit is obtained; Once the second energy storage voltage is greater than or equal to the preset voltage, the opening and closing status of the target valve is controlled according to the refrigerant leakage protection status of the air conditioner.

3. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of controlling the opening and closing state of the target valve based on the refrigerant leakage situation of the air conditioner includes: Obtain the first refrigerant concentration value and feedback time fed back by the refrigerant sensor in the air conditioner; The refrigerant leakage status of the air conditioner is determined based on the first refrigerant concentration value and the feedback time. The on / off state of the target valve is controlled based on the refrigerant leakage situation.

4. The air conditioner control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the refrigerant leakage status of the air conditioner based on the first refrigerant concentration value and the feedback time includes one of the following: When the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the historical feedback time, it is determined that the air conditioner had a refrigerant leak before being powered on again after a power outage. When the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the historical feedback time, it is determined that there is no refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner before it is powered on again after a power outage. When the first refrigerant concentration value is greater than or equal to the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the current feedback time, it is determined that the air conditioner currently has a refrigerant leak. When the first refrigerant concentration value is less than the preset concentration value and the feedback time is the current feedback time, it is determined that the air conditioner does not currently have a refrigerant leak.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control of the target valve's on / off state based on the refrigerant leakage situation includes one of the following: Before the air conditioner is powered on again after a power outage or if there is a refrigerant leak, the target valve is controlled to remain closed. If there is no refrigerant leakage before and during the power-on process of the air conditioner after a power outage, the target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation.

6. The air conditioner control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After controlling the target valve to remain closed, the air conditioner control method further includes: Obtain the second refrigerant concentration value currently fed back by the refrigerant sensor; When the second refrigerant concentration value remains lower than the preset concentration value for a preset duration, the target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After controlling the target valve to remain closed, the air conditioner control method further includes: Receive protection forced cancellation command; The target valve is controlled to perform a reset operation according to the protection forced cancellation command.

8. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a power detection circuit, which is used to detect the power status of the main power supply circuit. After the target valve is reset, the air conditioner control method further includes: The power status of the main power supply circuit is obtained through the power detection circuit. When the power supply is in a power-off state, the target valve is closed; When the power supply is in the power supply state, the target valve remains unchanged.

9. The air conditioner control method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, Also includes: During the reset operation of the target valve, a drive signal is sent to the target valve; The system receives valve information from the target valve based on the drive signal and determines the operating status of the target valve based on the valve information.

10. A controller, characterized in that, include: The device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the air conditioner control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 when running the computer program.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the controller as described in claim 10.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The device stores computer-executable instructions for performing the air conditioner control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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