Heat pump unit abnormality detection method, device and readable storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of heat pump unit anomaly detection method, device and readable storage medium, it is related to heat pump unit field, to improve the reliability of heat pump unit operation. Heat pump unit anomaly detection method includes the following steps: when heat pump unit is in heating mode and ambient temperature is lower than first set value, the noise signal of heat pump unit is collected;If the first signal is contained in noise signal, the working mode of heat pump unit is switched to defrosting mode. The heat pump unit anomaly detection method provided in the above technical solution can realize effective defrosting of heat pump unit when temperature sensing bulb is abnormal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump units, and more specifically to a method, apparatus, and readable storage medium for detecting abnormalities in heat pump units. Background Technology

[0002] Heat pump units have been widely used due to their excellent heating and cooling performance. However, in actual deployment, some reliability issues have been exposed in areas with harsh environmental conditions. For example, frosting is prone to occur in high humidity environments, while icing may occur in low temperature environments.

[0003] The inventors have discovered that the prior art has at least the following problems: although R&D personnel will develop solutions to address these problems during the product design phase, these solutions may fail and ultimately lead to a shortened lifespan of the heat pump unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes a method, device, and readable storage medium for detecting abnormalities in heat pump units, in order to improve the reliability of heat pump unit operation.

[0005] This invention provides a method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit, comprising the following steps:

[0006] When the heat pump unit is in heating mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the noise signal of the heat pump unit is collected.

[0007] If the noise signal contains the first signal, then the operating mode of the heat pump unit is switched to defrost mode.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0009] After the heat pump unit has been running in defrosting mode for a first set period of time, the heat pump unit will be switched back to heating mode.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first set duration is 8-10 minutes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0012] After switching the heat pump unit from defrosting mode back to heating mode, the noise signal generated during the operation of the heat pump unit is continuously collected.

[0013] If the first signal is detected to disappear from the noise signal within a preset second set time period, it is determined that the cause of the first signal is frost formation in the heat pump unit during operation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second set duration is 3-5 minutes.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0016] If the cause of the first signal is frost formation on the heat pump unit during operation, then the ambient temperature will continue to be collected.

[0017] If the ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the heat pump unit's operating mode will be switched from heating mode to defrosting mode according to the set cycle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0019] If the cause of the first signal is that the heat pump unit is frosting during operation, then after the heat pump unit switches from defrosting mode to heating mode, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor installed on the fins of the heat pump unit is obtained.

[0020] If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor changes with the operating mode of the heat pump unit, it is determined that the temperature sensor is not frozen and the operating state of the temperature sensor is normal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first setting value is 0°C-5°C.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0023] If the noise signal contains a second signal, the operating mode of the heat pump unit is switched to defrost mode;

[0024] After the heat pump unit has been running in defrosting mode for a third set period of time, the fan of the heat pump unit is started.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0026] After the fan of the heat pump unit has been running for a set period of time, the noise signal of the heat pump unit will continue to be collected.

[0027] If the noise signal still includes the second signal, the heat pump unit issues a fan malfunction signal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fourth set duration is 3-7 minutes.

[0029] In some embodiments, a noise sensor is used to collect the noise signal.

[0030] In some embodiments, the noise sensor is installed near the finned heat exchanger of the heat pump unit.

[0031] This invention also provides a heat pump unit anomaly detection system, comprising:

[0032] Memory; and

[0033] A processor coupled to the memory is configured to execute, based on instructions stored in the memory, a heat pump unit anomaly detection method as provided in any of the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0034] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the heat pump unit anomaly detection method provided by any of the technical solutions of this invention.

[0035] The above-mentioned technical solution provides a method for detecting abnormalities in heat pump units, enabling effective defrosting of the heat pump unit when the temperature sensor malfunctions. Frost formation occurs in low-temperature, high-humidity environments, where the heat pump unit is in heating mode. When the frost layer becomes thick enough, it comes into contact with the unit's fan blades, causing an abnormal "pop, pop, pop" noise during fan operation—this is the first signal. A noise sensor installed on the heat pump unit monitors the abnormal sound in real time. When the first signal is detected, combined with whether the ambient temperature is below a first set value, it can be determined whether the heat pump unit needs to be forcibly switched to defrosting mode. If all the above conditions are met—heating mode, ambient temperature below the first set value, and the first signal present—the heat pump unit will trigger forced defrosting mode. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circulation of a heat pump unit in heating mode, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circulation of a heat pump unit in cooling mode, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation location of the noise sensor for a heat pump unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a heat pump unit anomaly detection method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure label:

[0042] 1. Compressor; 2. Four-way valve; 3. First heat exchanger; 4. Flow divider; 5. Electronic expansion valve; 6. Second heat exchanger; 7. Gas-liquid separator; 8. Noise sensor; 9. Temperature sensor; 10. Motor; 11. Fan blades. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The description of exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or its application or use. This disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0044] The terms “first,” “second,” and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as “including” or “contains” mean that the element preceding the word covers the element listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of covering other elements as well.

[0045] In this disclosure, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, an intermediary device may or may not be present between the specific device and the first or second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other devices without an intermediary device, or it may be not directly connected to the other devices but have an intermediary device.

[0046] All terms used in this disclosure, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0047] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment shall be considered part of the specification.

[0048] The dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Common structural elements or elements of the same kind are given the same reference numerals in the various drawings, and repeated descriptions of them are omitted where appropriate.

[0049] See Figures 1 to 3Before introducing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the structure and working principle of the heat pump unit will be introduced first.

[0050] The heat pump unit includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, a first heat exchanger 3 (specifically, a finned heat exchanger), a distributor 4, an electronic expansion valve 5, a second heat exchanger 6 (specifically, a plate heat exchanger), and a gas-liquid separator 7. The compressor 1 provides power for the refrigerant circulation and can be adapted to different operating conditions via frequency conversion. The four-way valve 2 serves as the core for mode switching, controlling the refrigerant flow to achieve heating and cooling function conversion. The finned heat exchanger enhances air-side heat exchange through its fins and is a key component for heat exchange. The electronic expansion valve 5 precisely regulates the refrigerant flow rate and pressure drop, ensuring heat exchange efficiency. The plate heat exchanger is used for heat exchange on the water side or other heat-carrying fluids, transferring heat to the user end. The gas-liquid separator 7 is installed at the suction end of the compressor 1 and separates the liquid components in the refrigerant, preventing liquid slugging risk in the compressor 1 and ensuring safe operation of the unit.

[0051] To monitor the fin temperature of the finned heat exchanger, finned temperature sensors 9 are installed on the finned surface using clips or high-temperature adhesive tape. One sensor 9 can be installed on both the inlet and outlet sides of the finned heat exchanger to comprehensively monitor temperature changes in different areas of the fins, ensuring the accuracy and representativeness of the temperature data. Alternatively, one sensor 9 can be installed only in the core heat exchange area of ​​the finned heat exchanger, i.e., in the middle of the fin near the refrigerant piping.

[0052] The finned temperature sensor 9, acting as a temperature signal acquisition element, can monitor the surface temperature of the finned heat exchanger in real time. In heating mode, the finned temperature sensor 9 determines whether frost has formed by monitoring the fin temperature, providing a temperature basis for triggering the defrosting mode. In both cooling and heating modes, the finned temperature sensor 9 can acquire the fin temperature. The heat pump unit's control system can adjust the compressor 1's operating frequency (to avoid overload or inefficient operation) and the electronic expansion valve 5's opening (to optimize refrigerant flow) based on this temperature signal. It can also assist in determining whether there are faults such as dirt blockage or refrigerant leakage in the heat exchanger, ensuring the unit always operates in a highly efficient and stable state.

[0053] Heat pump units include heating mode, defrosting mode, and cooling mode.

[0054] (a) Heating mode

[0055] like Figure 1As indicated by the red arrow, ports a and b of the four-way valve 2 are connected, as are ports c and d. In heating mode, the refrigerant circulation path is as follows: The refrigerant is converted into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant within the compressor 1. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is guided through the four-way valve 2 into the plate heat exchanger (which acts as a condenser at this time), where it exchanges heat with the water-side heat transfer fluid. After releasing heat, it condenses into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The water-side heat transfer fluid absorbs heat, its temperature rises, and it is then transported indoors for heating or hot water production. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant then flows into the electronic expansion valve 5, where it is throttled and depressurized, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant. The refrigerant then enters the finned heat exchanger (which acts as an evaporator at this time), absorbs low-temperature heat from the outdoor air, and evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Finally, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant re-enters the gas-liquid separator 7 and then returns to the compressor 1. This completes one heating cycle, and the cycle repeats continuously to achieve continuous heating.

[0056] (ii) Cooling mode

[0057] like Figure 2 As indicated by the blue arrows, ports a and d of the four-way valve 2 are connected, as are ports b and c. In cooling mode, the refrigerant circulation path is as follows: Low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters compressor 1 via gas-liquid separator 7, where it is compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant then enters the finned heat exchanger (acting as a condenser) via four-way valve 2, exchanging heat with the outdoor air and releasing heat, condensing into medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through distributor 4 into electronic expansion valve 5, where it is throttled and depressurized into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant. Subsequently, this low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the plate heat exchanger (acting as an evaporator), absorbing heat from the water-side heat transfer fluid and evaporating into low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant then enters gas-liquid separator 7, completing the refrigeration cycle. The water-side heat transfer fluid, after its temperature decreases, is then transported indoors, achieving cooling.

[0058] (III) Defrosting Mode

[0059] In defrost mode, the refrigerant flows through the same path as in cooling mode.

[0060] When a heat pump unit is in heating mode, the finned heat exchanger (which acts as an evaporator) absorbs heat from the outdoor air. If the heat pump unit is in a low-temperature, high-humidity environment, specifically when the outdoor temperature is low (usually below 5°C) and the relative humidity is high (usually above 70%), the finned heat exchanger absorbs heat, causing frost to easily form on the fins. This leads to a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the plate heat exchanger, thus triggering the defrosting mode.

[0061] When the heat pump unit is functioning normally without any abnormalities, the defrosting mode of the heat pump unit is triggered by temperature conditions. If the fin temperature sensor 9 detects that the fin surface temperature is below 0℃ (e.g., -2℃) and remains so for a certain period of time (e.g., 3-5 minutes), it confirms that frost has formed and is affecting heat exchange, and defrosting is required.

[0062] After research, the inventors found that the defrosting triggering methods of existing heat pump units are relatively simple. The core reason is that heat pump units cannot directly monitor the frost formation on the finned heat exchanger fins. Therefore, it is necessary to use the temperature data collected by the temperature sensor 9 to determine whether the fins need to be defrosted.

[0063] The logic for determining whether a heat pump unit needs defrosting is as follows: During heating operation, the finned heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, requiring it to absorb heat from the outside. If the fin surface is covered with frost, it will significantly reduce heat exchange efficiency, leading to a decrease in the evaporator's ability to absorb heat. This causes the fin temperature to drop, and the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor 9 attached to the fins also decreases accordingly.

[0064] When the temperature detected by temperature sensor 9 drops to the set threshold, the heat pump unit determines that defrosting needs to be initiated. It controls the four-way valve 2 to reverse the flow direction of the refrigerant, switching the fins from their evaporator function to that of a condenser, using the heat from the high-temperature refrigerant to melt the frost. The heat pump unit's decision to exit defrosting is also based on the detection results of temperature sensor 9. When temperature sensor 9 detects that the fin temperature has risen to the set value, confirming that the frost has melted, the heat pump unit ends defrosting and resumes normal heating.

[0065] After analyzing numerous real-world cases, the inventors discovered that the sole cause of defrosting mechanism failure was a malfunction in the temperature sensor 9 on the fins. The inventors analyzed and categorized the collected failure types into two types: First, the temperature sensor 9 itself might be damaged, such as detaching from its fixed position on the fin and failing to accurately reflect the actual fin temperature. Alternatively, the connecting wire of the temperature sensor 9 might be cut by a sharp object, causing an interruption in temperature signal transmission. Second, the temperature sensor 9 might freeze. Due to abnormal operating conditions (such as condensation in a high-humidity, low-temperature environment), ice forms on the surface of the temperature sensor 9, preventing it from detecting temperatures as low as 0°C. Even if the actual fin temperature is below 0°C, because the temperature sensor 9 can only detect 0°C, it cannot reflect the even lower actual fin temperature, leading to defrosting judgment errors.

[0066] When a heat pump unit fails to defrost due to a malfunction of the temperature sensor 9, it enters a vicious cycle where the inability to defrost leads to increased frost accumulation, further hindering heat exchange. When the frost layer reaches a certain thickness, it comes into contact with the unit's fan blades 11, causing abnormally intermittent "pop, pop, pop" noises when the fan blades 11 operate. At this point, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method provided in this embodiment can effectively identify this abnormal phenomenon and allow the heat pump unit to enter the normal defrosting process. Details are as follows.

[0067] See Figure 4 This invention provides a method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit, comprising the following steps:

[0068] Step S100: When the heat pump unit is in heating mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the noise signal of the heat pump unit is collected.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first setting value is 0°C-5°C.

[0070] When the ambient temperature is below the first set value, it indicates that the heat pump unit is in a high-risk area for frosting. At this time, actively collecting noise signals allows for a more accurate judgment using temperature and noise levels. If the temperature sensor 9 fails, causing the heat pump unit's original defrosting logic to malfunction, and the noise sensor 8 detects abnormal noise from the fan blades 11 striking the frost layer, it can be determined that the frosting of the heat pump unit has affected its normal operation. This provides a trigger condition for subsequent forced defrosting, ensuring that the heat pump unit can still operate reliably even when the temperature sensor 9 fails.

[0071] Step S200: If the noise signal contains the first signal, then switch the operating mode of the heat pump unit to defrost mode.

[0072] As described above, frost forms in low-temperature, high-humidity environments, where the heat pump unit is in heating mode. When the frost layer becomes thick enough, it comes into contact with the fan blades 11, causing an abnormal "pop, pop, pop" noise when the fan blades 11 operate—this is the first signal. The noise sensor 8 installed on the heat pump unit monitors the abnormal sound in real time. When the first signal is detected, combined with whether the ambient temperature is lower than a first set value, it can be determined whether the heat pump unit needs to be forcibly switched to defrost mode. If all the above conditions are met—heating mode, ambient temperature lower than the first set value, and the first signal present—the heat pump unit will trigger the forced defrost mode.

[0073] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0074] Step S300: After the heat pump unit has been running in defrost mode for a first set time, switch the heat pump unit back to heating mode.

[0075] In heating scenarios (such as winter heating and hot water production), the core function of a heat pump unit is to continuously provide heat. If there is no time limit for the defrosting mode, the heat pump unit may continue to operate in defrosting mode even after the frost has melted. This could cause the high-temperature refrigerant to continuously release heat to the finned heat exchanger instead of being delivered to the plate heat exchanger to heat the water-side heat transfer fluid, resulting in wasted heat supply and even problems such as interruption of indoor heating and reduced hot water production efficiency. Setting a first duration and then forcibly switching back to heating mode allows for precise control of the defrosting time. This ensures that the frost has basically melted and quickly restores the heating function, balancing defrosting demand with the heat supply to the user.

[0076] In defrost mode, the compressor 1 of the heat pump unit needs to run continuously to generate high-temperature refrigerant, and the electronic expansion valve 5 and four-way valve 2 are in specific operating states. If the defrost time is too long, the compressor 1 will be operating under high load for an extended period, which may lead to excessively high exhaust temperatures, exceeding the tolerance range of the components. At the same time, the system high pressure may also rise due to continuous refrigerant circulation, approaching or even exceeding the protection threshold. Setting a first preset time as the exit condition for defrost mode can effectively reduce or even avoid problems such as accelerated wear and performance degradation of core components such as compressor 1 and four-way valve 2 due to prolonged defrost operation, extending the service life of the unit and reducing the risk of failure.

[0077] Furthermore, in actual operation, outdoor ambient temperature and humidity will dynamically change, and the thickness of frost on the fins and the defrosting speed will also vary. Since the temperature sensor 9 has already exhibited the aforementioned anomaly, using the temperature signal from the finned temperature sensor 9 as the criterion for exiting defrosting mode may be inaccurate. The heat pump unit may exit defrosting mode prematurely before the frost layer is completely melted, or continue defrosting even after the frost layer has melted. Using a first set duration as the exit condition for defrosting mode allows control of the defrosting process even when the temperature sensor 9 signal is abnormal. This prevents defrosting failure or over-defrosting, ensuring stable operation of the heat pump unit under complex conditions.

[0078] Furthermore, from the perspective of heat pump unit control, using a first set duration as the exit condition for defrosting mode eliminates the need for coordinated detection by multiple sensors, reducing potential judgment failures caused by multiple signal interactions. Simultaneously, the above technical solution boasts strong adaptability, reducing debugging costs during R&D and production processes and enhancing the standardization of the unit.

[0079] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0080] Step S400: After switching the heat pump unit from defrosting mode back to heating mode, continuously collect the noise signals generated during the operation of the heat pump unit. The noise signals include the first signal.

[0081] In step S500, if the first signal is detected to disappear from the noise signal within a preset second set time period, it is determined that the cause of the first signal is frost formation on the heat pump unit during operation. During forced defrosting, the heat pump unit will continuously monitor noise changes; if the first signal disappears, it can be confirmed that the noise is caused by frost formation on the fins.

[0082] The above technical solution uses a first signal as one of the conditions for forced defrosting. However, other noise sources may exist during the operation of the heat pump unit, such as wear of the fan bearings or deformation of the fan blades 11, which are not related to frost formation. If forced defrosting is triggered solely by the first signal and ambient temperature, there is a risk of misjudging the cause of the noise. By using steps S400 and S500, it can be determined that the abnormal noise is indeed caused by frost on the fins. Therefore, after defrosting and removing the frost layer, the impact between the fan blades 11 and the frost layer disappears, and the first signal also disappears. If the first signal does not disappear, it indicates that the first signal is not caused by frost. The above solution avoids misjudging non-frost noise as a frost problem, ensures the reliability of forced defrosting, reduces the waste of heating efficiency caused by ineffective defrosting, and simultaneously enables the detection of other faults in the heat pump unit.

[0083] Furthermore, forced defrosting is predicated on a malfunction of the temperature sensor 9 on the fins, such as detachment or icing. The judgment results of steps S400 and S500 serve as the basis for subsequent defrosting strategy adjustments. Confirming that the first signal is caused by frost and that the first signal disappears after defrosting effectively proves that the judgment logic of temperature sensor 9 malfunction leading to defrosting failure and frost accumulation causing noise is reliable, thereby triggering subsequent steps S600 and S700 to simplify the control conditions for forced defrosting. Without the above verification steps, the source of noise may be misjudged, leading to frequent ineffective defrosting. Therefore, the above technical solution effectively compensates for the judgment blind spot after temperature sensor 9 malfunctions, improving the operational stability of the heat pump unit when temperature sensor 9 fails.

[0084] If the first signal does not disappear within the second set time period, it indicates that the first signal is not caused by frost. At this time, the heat pump unit will transmit an alarm signal to the handheld device, prompting the user to check the status of the temperature sensor 9. It is evident that the judgment results of steps S400 and S500 are crucial for determining the fault of the temperature sensor 9: if the judgment result indicates that the first signal is caused by frost, it means that the current defrosting failure is due to the temperature sensor 9's inability to detect frost properly, and the staff can directly repair the temperature sensor 9 without checking other components such as the fan and motor 10. If the judgment result indicates that the first signal is not caused by frost, the staff can check for faults in the fan system. The above technical solution can shorten fault location time, reduce maintenance costs, and improve user maintenance efficiency.

[0085] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0086] In step S600, if the cause of the first signal is frost formation during the operation of the heat pump unit, the ambient temperature continues to be collected.

[0087] In step S700, if the ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the heat pump unit's operating mode is switched from heating mode to defrosting mode according to the set cycle.

[0088] The above technical solution does not rely on the failed temperature sensor 9. Instead, it continuously collects ambient temperature data as a criterion for determining whether to defrost. When the ambient temperature is lower than a first set value, the heat pump unit is switched to defrost mode periodically, which can effectively improve the operational reliability of the heat pump unit under abnormal environments. Even if the temperature sensor 9 completely fails, as long as the low-temperature environment persists, the heat pump unit can still avoid excessive frost accumulation through periodic defrosting.

[0089] Furthermore, if the frost layer is not removed in time after the defrosting mode is turned off, it will gradually thicken and come into contact with the fan blade 11, causing abnormal noise. In the long run, it will also lead to wear on the fan blade 11, increased load on the motor 10, and even affect the heat exchange efficiency of the finned heat exchanger. The above solution uses periodic forced defrosting, which can effectively reduce the accumulation of frost and ensure the reliable operation of the heat pump unit.

[0090] Furthermore, the above-mentioned technical solution can balance defrosting and heating requirements, preventing frost from rapidly rebounding after each defrost cycle and avoiding excessively long heating interruptions and wasted heat due to frequent defrosting. This achieves a balance between defrosting and heating needs. Through periodic forced defrosting, the heat pump unit can maintain basic operation, preventing direct shutdown due to temperature sensor malfunction, while continuously reminding users to perform maintenance. This ensures both the user's basic heating needs and improves the unit's reliability.

[0091] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0092] Step S800: If the cause of the first signal is frost formation during the operation of the heat pump unit, then after the heat pump unit switches from defrosting mode to heating mode, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 installed on the fins of the heat pump unit is obtained.

[0093] In step S900, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 9 changes with the working mode of the heat pump unit, it is determined that the temperature sensor 9 is not frozen and the working state of the temperature sensor 9 is normal.

[0094] The criterion for determining the failure of temperature sensor 9 is that "icing causes it to only be able to report a minimum temperature of 0°C, which prevents the heat pump unit from detecting the actual low temperature of the fins and thus from triggering defrost." The judgment logic in steps S800 and S900 can determine whether temperature sensor 9 has returned to normal. If the temperature detected by temperature sensor 9 changes with the mode, such as switching from defrost to heating after defrost, and the fin temperature gradually decreases from the high temperature after defrost to the low temperature, and the data from temperature sensor 9 decreases synchronously, it indicates that temperature sensor 9 is not iced and its temperature acquisition is not affected by freezing. Conversely, if the temperature of temperature sensor 9 remains fixed at 0°C or does not change at a certain value, it can be determined that temperature sensor 9 is iced. After temperature sensor 9 returns to normal operation, the heat pump unit can switch back to its original operating mode and use the original defrost mode for defrosting.

[0095] Icing at the fan blades is relatively rare during heat pump unit operation, but it does occasionally occur. For example, when the ambient temperature is extremely low (usually close to or below 0°C) and there is sunlight, the frost on the fan blade surface melts into water under sunlight. However, because the ambient temperature is still low, the melted water quickly refreezes into ice, eventually forming an ice layer on the fan blade 11. This icing phenomenon leads to uneven weight distribution on the fan blade 11, also known as blade weightlessness. If the heat pump unit operates under blade weightlessness for a long period, it will increase the load on the motor 10, affecting its rotational life. However, short-term operation of the heat pump unit will not directly cause the failure of its core functions such as heating and defrosting. Therefore, in existing technologies, this type of icing is usually not actively addressed. The main challenge lies in the lack of effective monitoring methods to accurately determine icing on the fan blade 11.

[0096] The technical solution of this invention includes a heat pump unit equipped with a noise sensor 8, which can detect and handle icing of the fan blades 11 through the following logic. Specifically, in some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0097] Step S1000: If the noise signal contains a second signal, then switch the operating mode of the heat pump unit to defrost mode.

[0098] Step S1100: After the heat pump unit has been running in defrost mode for a third set time, start the fan of the heat pump unit. The third set time can be set as needed.

[0099] In some embodiments, the heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps:

[0100] Step S1200: After the fan of the heat pump unit has been running for the fourth set time, the noise signal of the heat pump unit continues to be collected.

[0101] In some embodiments, the fourth set duration is 3-7 minutes.

[0102] In step S1300, if the noise signal still includes the second signal, the heat pump unit issues a fan malfunction signal.

[0103] Noise sensor 8 monitors the fan's operating sound in real time. If it detects a "humming" or whistling sound from the fan blades 11 due to weight loss caused by icing (i.e., a second signal), and considers whether the current ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the unit will add a third set duration after the defrosting mode ends, such as 5 minutes of fan operation time. It should be noted that during normal defrosting, the fan is usually stopped to prevent cold air from interfering with the fins' heat absorption and defrosting, ensuring that the frost layer is fully removed.

[0104] After the fan runs for an additional 5 minutes, noise sensor 8 checks again for any abnormal sounds. If the abnormal sounds disappear, it indicates that the ice on the surface of the fan blade 11 has melted in the residual heat of the defrosting process, and the defrosting operation is successful. If the abnormal sounds persist, it is determined that there may be other faults in the fan blade 11 (such as incomplete melting of the ice, deformation of the fan blade 11, etc.). At this time, the unit will transmit an alarm signal for fan malfunction to the handheld controller, prompting the user to check the actual condition of the fan blade 11.

[0105] The above-mentioned technical solution can effectively defrost even under icing conditions, further improving the reliability of the unit's defrosting function under low-temperature operating conditions.

[0106] This invention provides a heat pump unit anomaly detection system, including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute the heat pump unit anomaly detection method of any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0107] Memory may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. System memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, and other programs.

[0108] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When executed by a processor, this program implements the heat pump unit anomaly detection method of any of the above embodiments.

[0109] The processors described herein may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternatives, it may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors cooperating with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0110] Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Any connection is also properly referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then such coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of media. As used herein, disk and disc include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital multi-purpose discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, and discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will understand that the method embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0112] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0113] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0114] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0115] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 limiting the scope of protection of this invention. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0116] In the description of this invention, each technical feature may be combined with other technical features where feasible.

[0117] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. However, these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the heat pump unit is in heating mode and the ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the noise signal of the heat pump unit is collected. If the noise signal contains a first sound signal, then the operating mode of the heat pump unit is switched to defrost mode; The heat pump unit anomaly detection method further includes the following steps: After the heat pump unit has been running in the defrosting mode for a first set period of time, the heat pump unit will be switched back to the heating mode. After switching the heat pump unit from defrosting mode back to heating mode, the noise signal generated during the operation of the heat pump unit is continuously collected. If the first sound signal is detected to disappear from the noise signal within a preset second set time period, it is determined that the cause of the first sound signal is that the heat pump unit is frosting during operation.

2. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first set duration is 8-10 minutes.

3. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second set duration is 3-5 minutes.

4. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: If the cause of the first sound signal is frost formation during the operation of the heat pump unit, then the ambient temperature will continue to be collected. If the ambient temperature is lower than the first set value, the heat pump unit's operating mode will be switched from heating mode to defrosting mode according to the set cycle.

5. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: If the cause of the first sound signal is that the heat pump unit is frosting during operation, then after the heat pump unit switches from defrosting mode to heating mode, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor installed on the fins of the heat pump unit is obtained. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor changes with the operating mode of the heat pump unit, it is determined that the temperature sensor is not frozen and the operating state of the temperature sensor is normal.

6. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first setting is 0℃-5℃.

7. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: If the noise signal contains a second sound signal, then the operating mode of the heat pump unit is switched to defrost mode; After the heat pump unit has been running in defrosting mode for a third set period of time, the fan of the heat pump unit is started.

8. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: After the fan of the heat pump unit has been running for a set period of time, the noise signal of the heat pump unit will continue to be collected. If the noise signal still includes the second sound signal, the heat pump unit issues a fan malfunction signal.

9. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fourth set duration is 3-7 minutes.

10. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The noise signal is collected using a noise sensor.

11. The method for detecting abnormalities in a heat pump unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The noise sensor is installed near the finned heat exchanger of the heat pump unit.

12. A heat pump unit malfunction detection device, characterized in that, include: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the heat pump unit anomaly detection method as described in any one of claims 1-11 based on instructions stored in the memory.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the heat pump unit anomaly detection method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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