Refrigerant leakage detection method of air conditioner, control device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a refrigerant leakage detection method of an air conditioner, an operation control device, the air conditioner and a computer readable storage medium, after the air conditioner is powered on and receives a start control signal and before a compressor is started, the average value of air return pressure of the compressor within a period of time is obtained firstly; the first leakage judgment is firstly performed according to the average value of the return air pressure of the compressor, so that the refrigerant leakage condition causing the return air pressure reduction of the compressor can be quickly detected; when refrigerant leakage is not detected according to the first leakage judgment, the compressor is controlled to be started, and second leakage judgment is rapidly conducted according to the compressor operation current in the earlier stage of starting; namely, different detection parameters are adopted for multiple times of leakage judgment before the compressor is started and during the starting period, the refrigerant leakage risk can be rapidly detected, and high detection reliability is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner, an operation control device, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most inverter air conditioners are equipped with refrigerant leak detection functions. However, refrigerant detection often requires the compressor to run for 20 minutes before the system starts. It involves comparing the temperature values ​​detected at different locations with the temperature values ​​at the same locations a few minutes before the system was turned on to determine if there is a refrigerant leak.

[0003] In addition, some related refrigerant detection methods improve the accuracy and reliability of refrigerant leak detection by setting various different and complex judgment conditions. However, they still cannot achieve a balance between efficiency and reliability in refrigerant leak detection, that is, they cannot quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leaks in air conditioners while ensuring high detection reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a refrigerant leakage detection method, operation control device, air conditioner and computer-readable storage medium for air conditioners, which can quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage and has high detection reliability.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising a compressor, a four-way valve connected to the compressor, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the four-way valve, and an electronic expansion valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, the method comprising:

[0006] When a start control signal is received, the electronic expansion valve is controlled to reset to the initial preset opening degree;

[0007] Obtain the compressor return gas pressure within a first preset time period, and calculate the average value of the compressor return gas pressure;

[0008] The first leakage is determined based on the average return gas pressure of the compressor.

[0009] When the result of the first leakage determination is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred, the compressor is controlled to start, and the compressor operating current within the second preset time period is obtained;

[0010] A second leakage determination is made based on the compressor's operating current.

[0011] The refrigerant leakage detection method for air conditioners provided by the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: After the air conditioner is powered on and receives the start control signal, and before the compressor starts, the average value of the compressor return gas pressure over a certain period of time is first obtained, and a first leakage judgment is made based on the average value of the compressor return gas pressure, which can quickly detect refrigerant leakage that causes the compressor return gas pressure to drop; if the first leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, the compressor is then controlled to start, and a second leakage judgment is quickly made based on the compressor operating current in the early stage of startup; that is, multiple leakage judgments are made using different detection parameters before and during compressor startup, which can quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage and has high detection reliability.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, before performing the first leakage determination, the method further includes:

[0013] The indoor heat exchanger temperature and outdoor heat exchanger temperature within a first preset time period are obtained, and the average indoor heat exchanger temperature and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature are calculated.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, when the result of the second leakage determination is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred, the method further includes:

[0015] The indoor heat exchanger temperature and outdoor heat exchanger temperature are obtained within a third preset time period, and the average indoor heat exchanger temperature and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature are calculated.

[0016] A third leakage determination is made based on the average temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger, the average temperature of the first outdoor heat exchanger, the average temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger, and the average temperature of the second outdoor heat exchanger.

[0017] The refrigerant leakage detection method for air conditioners provided by the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: After the air conditioner is powered on and receives the start control signal, and before the compressor starts, the average value of the compressor return gas pressure, the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature, and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature over a certain period of time are first obtained. A first leakage judgment is made based on the average value of the compressor return gas pressure, which can quickly detect refrigerant leakage that causes a drop in compressor return gas pressure. If the first leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, the compressor is then controlled to start, and a second leakage judgment is quickly made based on the compressor operating current in the early stage of startup. Furthermore, if the second leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, a third leakage judgment is made based on the average value of the second indoor heat exchanger temperature and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature over a certain period of time after the compressor starts running, combined with the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature obtained before the compressor starts. That is, multiple leakage judgments are made using different detection parameters before, during, and after the compressor starts running, which can quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage and has high detection reliability.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, the compressor is controlled to remain shut down for the first preset time period.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, in the first leakage determination:

[0020] When the average return gas pressure of the compressor is less than the preset pressure value, the result is that refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0021] When the average return gas pressure of the compressor is greater than or equal to the preset pressure value, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, within the second preset time period, the operating frequency of the compressor is gradually increased to a preset frequency and then remains unchanged.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, in the second leakage determination:

[0024] When the compressor operating current is less than the preset current value, the result is determined to be refrigerant leakage.

[0025] When the compressor operating current is greater than or equal to the preset current value, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, in the third leakage determination:

[0027] If the difference between the average temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger is less than a first preset value, and the difference between the average temperature of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature of the second outdoor heat exchanger is less than a second preset value, the result is determined to be that refrigerant leakage has occurred; otherwise, the result is determined to be that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, both the first preset duration and the second preset duration are greater than 30 seconds and less than 60 seconds.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, the third preset duration is greater than 3 minutes and less than 5 minutes.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the determination result is that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the compressor is controlled to stop and a refrigerant leak indicator is displayed.

[0031] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an operation control device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The processor executes the program to implement the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner as described in the first aspect embodiment above.

[0032] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner, including the operation control device described in the second aspect of the embodiments above.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner as described in the first aspect embodiment above.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the logic of another refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the logic of another refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the operating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the number itself. "At least one" refers to one or more, and "at least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. If "first," "second," etc., are used in the description, they are only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.

[0045] It should be noted that the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" in the embodiments of this invention should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution. For example, the term "connection" can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for mutual communication; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium.

[0046] It should be noted that the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0047] Currently, most inverter air conditioners are equipped with refrigerant leak detection functions. However, refrigerant detection often requires the compressor to run for 20 minutes before the system starts. It involves comparing the temperature values ​​detected at different locations with those from the same locations a few minutes before startup to determine if a refrigerant leak exists. Other refrigerant detection methods improve accuracy and reliability by setting various complex judgment conditions, but these still cannot simultaneously achieve both efficiency and reliability in detecting refrigerant leaks; in other words, they cannot quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leaks while maintaining high reliability.

[0048] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a refrigerant leakage detection method, an operation control device, an air conditioner, and a computer-readable storage medium for an air conditioner. By performing multiple leakage judgments using different detection parameters before, during, and after compressor startup, the risk of refrigerant leakage can be detected quickly, and the detection reliability is also high.

[0049] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a system schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner includes a compressor 110, a four-way valve 120 connected to the compressor 110, an indoor heat exchanger 150 and an outdoor heat exchanger 130 connected to the four-way valve 120, an electronic expansion valve 140 disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 150 and the outdoor heat exchanger 130, a first sensor 160 for detecting the outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2, and a second sensor 170 for detecting the indoor heat exchanger temperature T1.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a system schematic diagram of an air conditioner provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Compared to Figure 1 In the embodiments shown, Figure 2The air conditioner also includes a hot gas bypass pipe 240, a flash evaporator 220, a capillary tube 210, and a control valve 230. The first refrigerant port of the flash evaporator 220 is connected to one end of the capillary tube 210, and the other end of the capillary tube 210 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 130. The second refrigerant port of the flash evaporator 220 is connected to one end of the electronic expansion valve 140, and the other end of the electronic expansion valve 140 is connected to one end of the hot gas bypass pipe 240. The other end of the hot gas bypass pipe 240 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 150. The gas outlet of the flash evaporator 220 is connected to one end of the control valve 230, and the other end of the control valve 230 is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor 110. It should be noted that in low-temperature environments, the condensate formed after defrosting the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 130 can easily condense into an ice layer at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger 130, thus affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger 130. Therefore, the de-icing operation at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger 130 can be achieved by adjusting the heat supply of the hot gas bypass pipe 240. It should be noted that the flash evaporator 220 can separate gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is delivered to the gas supply port through the gas outlet, while the liquid refrigerant flows out from the first refrigerant port and continues the refrigerant circulation.

[0052] It should be noted that the refrigerant leak detection methods provided in the following embodiments can be applied to... Figure 1 The air conditioning system shown can also be applied to Figure 2 The air conditioning system shown.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 One embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner, the method including but not limited to steps S310 to S350, specifically:

[0054] Step S310: When a start control signal is received, control the electronic expansion valve 140 to reset to the initial preset opening.

[0055] It is understandable that resetting the electronic expansion valve 140 to its initial preset opening before acquiring relevant parameters for leak detection ensures that the conditions for acquiring parameters are consistent each time. Normally, the air conditioner resets the electronic expansion valve 140 to its initial preset opening before each normal shutdown. However, in some special shutdown situations, such as shutdown due to a sudden power outage, the electronic expansion valve 140 may not reset to its initial preset opening, but instead remain at the opening it was at before the power outage.

[0056] Step S320: Obtain the compressor return pressure P1 within the first preset time period, and calculate the average compressor return pressure P1s.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first preset duration is set to be greater than 30 seconds and less than 60 seconds. It is understood that the pressure parameters obtained within the first preset duration are stored in the air conditioner's controller as relevant parameters for subsequent leak detection steps.

[0058] Step S330: Make the first leak judgment based on the average value of compressor return gas pressure P1s.

[0059] It is understandable that if an air conditioner leaks refrigerant, it is likely to cause a significant change in the compressor return pressure. Therefore, by first determining the leakage based on the average compressor return pressure P1s, partial refrigerant leakage can be quickly detected.

[0060] Step S340: When the result of the first leakage judgment is that there is no refrigerant leakage, control the compressor to start and obtain the compressor operating current within the second preset time period.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second preset duration is set to be greater than 30 seconds and less than 60 seconds.

[0062] Step S350: Perform a second leakage judgment based on the compressor operating current.

[0063] It is understandable that if a refrigerant leak occurs in an air conditioner, it will cause changes in the load on the compressor during operation. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the compressor's operating current.

[0064] According to the refrigerant leakage detection method for air conditioners provided in this embodiment of the invention, after the air conditioner is powered on and receives a start control signal, and before the compressor starts, the average value of the compressor return gas pressure over a certain period of time is first obtained, and a first leakage judgment is made based on the average value of the compressor return gas pressure, which can quickly detect refrigerant leakage that causes a drop in compressor return gas pressure; if the first leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, the compressor is then controlled to start, and a second leakage judgment is quickly made based on the compressor operating current in the early stage of startup; that is, multiple leakage judgments are made using different detection parameters before and during compressor startup, which can quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage and has high detection reliability.

[0065] In another embodiment of the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided by the present invention, before performing the first leakage judgment in step S330, the method further includes the following steps: obtaining the indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 within a first preset time period, and calculating the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average value of the first outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s. That is, while obtaining the compressor return gas pressure P1 within the first preset time period, the indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 within the first preset time period are also obtained; similarly, while calculating the average value of the compressor return gas pressure P1s, the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average value of the first outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s are also calculated. Therefore, referring to... Figure 4 , Figure 3 Step S320 becomes step S321: Obtain the compressor return gas pressure P1, indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 within the first preset time period, and calculate the average compressor return gas pressure P1s, the average indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s.

[0066] In addition, continue to refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection method further includes steps S360 and S370 after step S350:

[0067] Step S360: When the result of the second leakage judgment is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred, obtain the indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 within a third preset time period, and calculate the average value of the second indoor heat exchanger temperature T1n and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2n. In some embodiments, the third preset time period is set to be greater than 3 minutes and less than 5 minutes.

[0068] Step S370: Perform a third leakage judgment based on the average temperature T1s of the first indoor heat exchanger, the average temperature T2s of the first outdoor heat exchanger, the average temperature T1n of the second indoor heat exchanger, and the average temperature T2n of the second outdoor heat exchanger.

[0069] According to the refrigerant leakage detection method for air conditioners provided in this embodiment of the invention, after the air conditioner is powered on and receives a start control signal, and before the compressor starts, the average value of the compressor return gas pressure P1s, the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s, and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s over a certain period of time are first acquired. Based on the average value of the compressor return gas pressure P1s, a first leakage judgment is made, which can quickly detect refrigerant leakage that causes a drop in compressor return gas pressure. If the first leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, the compressor is then controlled to start, and a second leakage judgment is quickly made based on the compressor operating current in the early stage of startup. Furthermore, if the second leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, a third leakage judgment is made based on the average value of the second indoor heat exchanger temperature T1n and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2n over a certain period of time after the compressor starts running, combined with the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s acquired before the compressor starts. That is, multiple leakage judgments are made using different detection parameters before, during, and after the compressor starts running, which can quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage and has high detection reliability.

[0070] Understandably, determining the first power-on of an air conditioner helps to quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage during transportation and identify problems more quickly.

[0071] It should be noted that resetting the electronic expansion valve 140 to its initial preset opening can eliminate the influence of the previous operating state on the system, bringing the system back to a standard and comparable state. In addition, by controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve 140, the flow of refrigerant in the system can be better controlled, thereby more accurately detecting the location and extent of refrigerant leaks. In this way, maintenance personnel can more effectively locate and repair leak problems, ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioning system.

[0072] It should be noted that the compressor return gas pressure P1, indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 are acquired multiple times within the first preset time period, and the average values ​​of the acquired compressor return gas pressure P1, indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 are calculated to obtain the average value of compressor return gas pressure P1s, the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average value of the first outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s.

[0073] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, the compressor 110 is controlled to remain stopped for a first preset time period.

[0074] It should be noted that keeping the compressor 110 off can improve the accuracy of the test results. When the compressor 110 is running, pressure and temperature changes will occur in the system. On the one hand, this can easily affect the test results of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and the first outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2. On the other hand, at this time, the air conditioner's electronic expansion valve 140 has not been reset to the initial preset opening, and the influence of the previous operating state on the system has not been eliminated, making it impossible to achieve correct control of the compressor 110.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, in the first leakage determination of step S330:

[0076] When the average return pressure of the compressor, P1s, is less than the preset pressure value, Pset, the result is that refrigerant leakage has occurred; when the average return pressure of the compressor, P1s, is greater than or equal to the preset pressure value, Pset, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0077] It is understandable that if an air conditioner leaks refrigerant, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop will decrease. Therefore, the compressor return pressure will be lower than when there is no refrigerant leak. By calibrating the pressure under conditions where there is no refrigerant leak, a reasonable preset pressure value Pset can be set. If the average compressor return pressure P1s detected within the first preset time before the compressor starts is less than the preset pressure value Pset, it can be determined that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner's refrigerant circulation loop. Otherwise, it can be determined that there is no refrigerant leak.

[0078] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, within a second preset time period, the operating frequency of the compressor is gradually increased to a preset frequency and then remains unchanged.

[0079] It should be noted that the operating current of compressor 110 is acquired after the operating frequency of compressor 110 gradually increases to the preset frequency. Understandably, after compressor 110 starts, it needs time to reach a stable operating state. In the initial stage, the current of compressor 110 may be affected by the starting current, which is usually high and unstable. Therefore, directly detecting it at this stage may lead to inaccurate results. Waiting for compressor 110 to run to the preset frequency and stabilize for a period of time eliminates the influence of the starting current, making the current value more stable. Acquiring the operating current of compressor 110 at this time can more effectively improve the accuracy of the detection.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, in the second leakage determination of step S350:

[0081] If the compressor operating current is less than the preset current value, the result is that refrigerant leakage has occurred; if the compressor operating current is greater than or equal to the preset current value, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0082] It should be noted that the preset current value can be set by referring to the current value obtained after the compressor 110 starts and runs to the preset frequency within the second preset time period.

[0083] It should be noted that the compressor 110 is started and the compressor operating current within the second preset time period is obtained. When the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, the operating current of the compressor 110 will usually decrease. This is because the refrigerant leak will reduce the cooling effect, reduce the workload of the compressor 110, and thus reduce the operating current. Therefore, when the compressor operating current is less than the preset current value, the result is that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0084] It should be noted that for air conditioners with little or no refrigerant leakage, the compressor operating current may be greater than or equal to the preset current value. The second leakage judgment is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred. In order to obtain more accurate detection results, it is necessary to further obtain the average temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger T1n and the average temperature of the second outdoor heat exchanger T2n to prepare for the third leakage judgment.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the refrigerant leakage detection method provided by the present invention, in the third leakage determination of step S370:

[0086] If the difference between the average temperature T1s of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T1n of the second indoor heat exchanger is less than the first preset value, and the difference between the average temperature T2s of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T2n of the second outdoor heat exchanger is less than the second preset value, the result is that refrigerant leakage has occurred; otherwise, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

[0087] It is understandable that if the difference between the average temperature T1s of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T1n of the second indoor heat exchanger is less than the first preset value, it indicates that the heat exchange effect of the indoor heat exchanger is poor during the period after the compressor starts running. Similarly, if the difference between the average temperature T2s of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T2n of the second outdoor heat exchanger is less than the second preset value, it indicates that the heat exchange effect of the outdoor heat exchanger is poor during the period after the compressor starts running. When it is determined that the heat exchange effect of both the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers is poor, it is determined that it is due to refrigerant leakage.

[0088] It should be noted that the indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 are acquired multiple times within the third preset time period, and the average values ​​of the acquired indoor heat exchanger temperatures T1 and outdoor heat exchanger temperatures T2 are calculated to obtain the second average indoor heat exchanger temperature T1n and the second average outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2n.

[0089] It should be noted that when the difference between the average temperature T1s of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T1n of the second indoor heat exchanger is negative, the absolute value of the difference between the average temperature T1s of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T1n of the second indoor heat exchanger is obtained and then compared with the first preset value; when the difference between the average temperature T2s of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T2n of the second outdoor heat exchanger is negative, the absolute value of the difference between the average temperature T2s of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T2n of the second outdoor heat exchanger is obtained and then compared with the second preset value.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the determination result is that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the compressor is controlled to stop and a refrigerant leak indicator is displayed.

[0091] Understandably, after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred and controlling the compressor 110 to stop, displaying a refrigerant leak indicator can visually show the customer the air conditioner's malfunction, facilitating appropriate repairs. Preferably, the refrigerant leak indicator is a graphic or a code indicating a refrigerant leak fault.

[0092] Below, in order to more clearly illustrate the refrigerant leakage detection method of the present invention, a specific embodiment will be described in full detail.

[0093] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method includes steps S501-S509:

[0094] Step S501: When the air conditioner receives the start control signal, it controls the electronic expansion valve 140 to reset to the initial preset opening degree; at this time, the compressor 110 is in the non-start state; then jump to step S502;

[0095] Step S502: Obtain the compressor return gas pressure P1, indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 within the first preset time period, and calculate the average compressor return gas pressure P1s, the average indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s; then jump to step S503.

[0096] Step S503: Determine whether the average return gas pressure P1s of the compressor is less than the preset pressure value Pset; if yes, proceed to step S509, otherwise proceed to step S504.

[0097] Step S504: Control the compressor 110 to start. After the compressor 110 starts, it first runs the first platform. The first platform will set an operating frequency Fr. The whole machine will run continuously at the compressor frequency Fr corresponding to the first platform for a second preset time. At this time, obtain the compressor operating current Ir within the second preset time. Then jump to step S505.

[0098] Step S505: Determine whether the compressor operating current Ir is less than the preset current value Iset; if yes, proceed to step S509, otherwise proceed to step S506.

[0099] Step S506: Obtain the indoor heat exchanger temperature T1 and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2 within the third preset time period, and calculate the average indoor heat exchanger temperature T1n and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2n; then proceed to step S507.

[0100] Step S507: Determine whether the difference between the average temperature T1s of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T1n of the second indoor heat exchanger is less than the first preset value △T1, and the difference between the average temperature T2s of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature T2n of the second outdoor heat exchanger is less than the second preset value △T2; if yes, proceed to step S509, otherwise proceed to step S508.

[0101] Step S508: The result indicates that there is no refrigerant leak and the air conditioner is operating normally;

[0102] Step S509: If the result indicates a refrigerant leak, shut down the compressor and other motors of the air conditioner, and display the refrigerant leak indicator.

[0103] In this embodiment, after the air conditioner is powered on and receives the start control signal, and before the compressor starts, the average value of the compressor return gas pressure P1s, the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s, and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s over a certain period of time are first acquired. Based on the average value of the compressor return gas pressure P1s, a first leakage judgment is made, which can quickly detect refrigerant leakage that causes the compressor return gas pressure to drop. If the first leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, the compressor is then controlled to start, and a second leakage judgment is quickly made based on the compressor operating current in the early stage of startup. Furthermore, if the second leakage judgment does not detect refrigerant leakage, a third leakage judgment is made based on the average value of the second indoor heat exchanger temperature T1n and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2n over a certain period of time after the compressor starts running, combined with the average value of the first indoor heat exchanger temperature T1s and the average value of the second outdoor heat exchanger temperature T2s acquired before the compressor starts. That is, multiple leakage judgments are made using different detection parameters before, during, and after the compressor starts running, which can quickly detect the risk of refrigerant leakage and has high detection reliability.

[0104] Secondly, referring to Figure 6 This invention provides an operation control device 600, including a memory 610, a processor 620, and a computer program stored in the memory 610 and executable on the processor 620. The processor executes the program to implement the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner as described in the first aspect embodiment above, for example, by executing... Figure 3 Method steps S310 to S350, or execution Figure 4 Method steps S310 to S370, or execution Figure 5 The method steps S501 to S509.

[0105] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner, including the operation control device 600 described in the second aspect of the embodiments above.

[0106] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which are used to cause a computer to perform the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner as described in the first aspect embodiment above, for example, executing... Figure 3 Method steps S310 to S350, or execution Figure 4 Method steps S310 to S370, or execution Figure 5 The method steps S501 to S509.

[0107] 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 may 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 contain 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.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve connected to the compressor, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger connected to the four-way valve, and an electronic expansion valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The method includes: When a start control signal is received, the electronic expansion valve is controlled to reset to the initial preset opening degree; Obtain the compressor return gas pressure within a first preset time period, and calculate the average value of the compressor return gas pressure; The first leakage is determined based on the average return gas pressure of the compressor. When the result of the first leakage determination is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred, the compressor is controlled to start, and the compressor operating current within the second preset time period is obtained; A second leakage determination is made based on the compressor's operating current.

2. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before performing the first leakage determination, the method further includes: The indoor heat exchanger temperature and outdoor heat exchanger temperature within a first preset time period are obtained, and the average indoor heat exchanger temperature and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature are calculated.

3. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the result of the second leakage determination is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred, the method further includes: The indoor heat exchanger temperature and outdoor heat exchanger temperature are obtained within a third preset time period, and the average indoor heat exchanger temperature and the average outdoor heat exchanger temperature are calculated. A third leakage determination is made based on the average temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger, the average temperature of the first outdoor heat exchanger, the average temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger, and the average temperature of the second outdoor heat exchanger.

4. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the first preset time period, the compressor is controlled to remain stopped.

5. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first leakage determination: When the average return gas pressure of the compressor is less than the preset pressure value, the result is that refrigerant leakage has occurred. When the average return gas pressure of the compressor is greater than or equal to the preset pressure value, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

6. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Within the second preset time period, the operating frequency of the compressor gradually increases to the preset frequency and then remains unchanged.

7. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, In the second leakage determination: When the compressor operating current is less than the preset current value, the result is determined to be refrigerant leakage. When the compressor operating current is greater than or equal to the preset current value, the result is that no refrigerant leakage has occurred.

8. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the third leakage judgment: When the difference between the average temperature of the first indoor heat exchanger and the average temperature of the second indoor heat exchanger is less than a first preset value, and the difference between the average temperature of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the average temperature of the second outdoor heat exchanger is less than a second preset value, the result is that refrigerant leakage has occurred. Otherwise, the structure is judged to have no refrigerant leakage.

9. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first preset duration and the second preset duration are greater than 30 seconds and less than 60 seconds.

10. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third preset duration is greater than 3 minutes and less than 5 minutes.

11. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the judgment result indicates that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the compressor is controlled to stop and a refrigerant leak sign is displayed.

12. An operation control device, characterized in that, The device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the processor executing the program to implement the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the operation control device as described in claim 12.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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