Air conditioner and refrigerant leakage detection method of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner and a refrigerant leakage detection method of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner comprises a refrigerant circulation loop which enables a refrigerant to circulate in a loop composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator; the first pressure sensor is used for collecting the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor; the second pressure sensor is used for collecting the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor; the controller is used for obtaining first high-pressure side pressure and first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor is started in response to refrigerant detection operation after the air conditioner is installed and powered on to be started; after the air conditioner starts the refrigeration mode to operate for the first preset time and stops for the second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained; and according to the first high-pressure-side pressure, the first low-pressure-side pressure, the second high-pressure-side pressure and the second low-pressure-side pressure, whether refrigerant leakage happens to the air conditioner or not is detected. According to the invention, the accuracy and sensitivity of refrigerant leakage detection can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, refrigerant leak detection in air conditioners mainly relies on temperature sensors to detect the temperature difference between the coil and the ambient temperature. However, this detection method is difficult to identify minor leaks. Furthermore, this method has little impact on air conditioners using non-flammable refrigerant R410A and low-flammability refrigerant R32. However, according to national policies and international refrigerant usage trends, R290 refrigerant will be the main refrigerant to be switched to in the future. R290 is a flammable and explosive refrigerant. Therefore, a more sensitive detection method is needed during use to prevent refrigerant leaks on the indoor side from causing fires and other safety accidents. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air conditioner and a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner, which can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of refrigerant leakage detection, thereby avoiding safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leakage on the indoor side.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising:

[0005] The refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. One of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger, and the other is an indoor heat exchanger.

[0006] The first pressure sensor is located at the exhaust port of the compressor and is used to collect the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor.

[0007] The second pressure sensor is located at the return port of the compressor and is used to collect the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor.

[0008] Controller, used for:

[0009] After the air conditioner is installed and powered on, in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts are obtained;

[0010] After the air conditioner has been running in cooling mode for a first preset time and then stopped for a second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0011] The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure.

[0012] Furthermore, the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0013] Calculate the first high-pressure difference between the first high-pressure side pressure and the second high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the first low-pressure difference between the first low-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure;

[0014] Determine whether the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceed the first preset pressure;

[0015] When at least one of the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0016] Furthermore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe; the controller is also used for:

[0017] After a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code to remind the installer to check the connection pipe;

[0018] After the connection pipe check is completed, the refrigerant detection operation is re-responded to re-detect whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0019] Furthermore, the air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve; the connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve; the controller is also used for:

[0020] After refrigerant leakage is detected again in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the third high-pressure side pressure and the third low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0021] After a third preset time, the fourth high-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained;

[0022] The location of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner is detected based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure.

[0023] Furthermore, the controller detects the refrigerant leak location of the air conditioner based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0024] Calculate the second high-pressure difference between the third high-pressure side pressure and the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the second low-pressure difference between the third low-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure;

[0025] Determine whether the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure;

[0026] A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the outdoor unit only if the second high pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure.

[0027] A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the indoor unit only if the second low pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure.

[0028] When both the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure, it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred at both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0029] Furthermore, the controller is also used for:

[0030] After the compressor has been running smoothly at a fixed frequency, the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the fifth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0031] After a fourth preset time, the sixth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained;

[0032] The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure.

[0033] Furthermore, the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0034] Calculate the third high-pressure difference between the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the third low-pressure difference between the fifth low-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure;

[0035] Determine whether the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceed the third preset pressure;

[0036] When at least one of the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0037] Furthermore, the controller is also used for:

[0038] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the air conditioner is controlled to lock its frequency, and the seventh high-pressure side pressure and the seventh low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0039] The eighth high-pressure side pressure and the eighth low-pressure side pressure, as well as the ninth high-pressure side pressure and the ninth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, are obtained twice at a fifth preset time interval.

[0040] The air conditioner is tested for refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure.

[0041] Furthermore, the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0042] The seventh high-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth high-pressure side pressure are compared; the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure are also compared.

[0043] When the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor decreases and the low-pressure side pressure decreases, it is determined that the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

[0044] Furthermore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is also used for:

[0045] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code and determines whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode.

[0046] If not, the air conditioner is first turned off, and then the air conditioner is turned on in cooling mode; if yes, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined at a sixth preset time interval to see if it is less than the fourth preset pressure.

[0047] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the fourth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned off.

[0048] Furthermore, the controller is also used for:

[0049] When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained at a seventh preset time interval.

[0050] Calculate the current high pressure difference between the currently acquired high pressure side pressure and the preset initial high pressure side pressure, and calculate the current low pressure difference between the currently acquired low pressure side pressure and the preset initial low pressure side pressure.

[0051] Determine whether the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceed the fifth preset pressure;

[0052] When at least one of the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceeds the fifth preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0053] Furthermore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is also used for:

[0054] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned on to run in cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is checked at an eighth preset time interval to see if it is less than the sixth preset pressure.

[0055] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the sixth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned off, and the air conditioner panel displays a fault code.

[0056] Furthermore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is also used for:

[0057] When the current high-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous high-pressure side pressure or the current low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous low-pressure side pressure for N consecutive times, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak; where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0058] Upon detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the system controls the low-pressure shut-off valve to close, shuts down the air conditioner, and displays a fault code on the air conditioner's panel.

[0059] Furthermore, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor located at the air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger for collecting indoor ambient temperature data. The controller is also used for:

[0060] When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close, the air conditioner is controlled to start the cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the seventh preset pressure at a ninth preset time interval.

[0061] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the seventh preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

[0062] Furthermore, the controller is also used for:

[0063] When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned on to operate in cooling mode.

[0064] When the air conditioner is detected to automatically shut down or lose power, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

[0065] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner, applicable to any of the air conditioners described above, wherein the method is executed by the controller, and the method includes:

[0066] After the air conditioner is installed and powered on, in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts are obtained;

[0067] After the air conditioner has been running in cooling mode for a first preset time and then stopped for a second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0068] The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure.

[0069] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an air conditioner and a refrigerant leakage detection method for the air conditioner. The air conditioner includes: a refrigerant circulation loop, in which the refrigerant circulates in a loop composed of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, wherein one of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger and the other is an indoor heat exchanger; a first pressure sensor located at the compressor's exhaust port for collecting the compressor's high-pressure side pressure; a second pressure sensor located at the compressor's return port for collecting the compressor's low-pressure side pressure; and a controller for: after the air conditioner is installed and powered on, responding to a refrigerant detection operation, acquiring the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts; after the air conditioner operates in cooling mode for a first preset time and stops for a second preset time, acquiring the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor; and detecting whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure. This invention, by detecting changes in the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the compressor, can identify minute refrigerant leaks, thereby improving the accuracy and sensitivity of refrigerant leak detection and preventing safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leaks on the indoor side. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioner controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0082] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, where, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 100, an outdoor unit 200, and a connecting pipe 300. The indoor unit 100 is connected to the outdoor unit 200 through the connecting pipe 300. The indoor unit 100 is used to regulate the temperature and humidity of the indoor air. The indoor unit 100 is generally installed indoors, and the outdoor unit 200 is generally installed outdoors.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner includes a refrigerant circulation loop inside, so that the refrigerant circulates in the loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. One of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger, and the other is an indoor heat exchanger.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner includes at least an indoor heat exchanger, which achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with indoor air. Furthermore, the indoor unit 100 also includes an indoor fan and an indoor fan motor; the indoor fan, driven by the indoor fan motor, generates an airflow through the indoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer tubes and the indoor air.

[0085] like Figure 2As shown, the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner includes at least a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The compressor compresses low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas, while the outdoor heat exchanger facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outdoor air. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 200 also includes a four-way valve, an expansion valve, an outdoor fan, and an outdoor fan motor. The four-way valve controls the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, allowing the outdoor heat exchanger and indoor heat exchanger to switch between condenser and evaporator. The expansion valve throttles the flowing refrigerant. The outdoor fan, driven by the outdoor fan motor, generates airflow through the outdoor heat exchanger, promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer tubes and the outdoor air.

[0086] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner further includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor; wherein, the first pressure sensor is generally located at the exhaust port of the compressor and is used to collect the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor in real time; the second pressure sensor is generally located at the return port of the compressor and is used to collect the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor in real time.

[0087] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner also includes a controller (i.e., an outdoor controller). The outdoor controller is used to connect to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to obtain the high-pressure side pressure data collected by the first pressure sensor and the low-pressure side pressure data collected by the second pressure sensor, and to use the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present invention to control the air conditioner accordingly, so as to solve the technical problems to be solved in the embodiments of the present invention and achieve the technical effects that the embodiments of the present invention can achieve.

[0088] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe 300 includes two pipes, one of which is connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other is connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve.

[0089] It should be noted that the high-pressure shut-off valve and the low-pressure shut-off valve can be automatically closed and opened by the controller according to the air conditioner's operating control logic.

[0090] Combination Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes a temperature sensor, which is generally located at the air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger to collect the indoor ambient temperature in real time.

[0091] It should be noted that the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner also includes an indoor controller. The indoor controller is used to connect to a temperature sensor to obtain indoor ambient temperature data collected by the temperature sensor and send it to the controller (i.e., the outdoor controller). The controller (i.e., the outdoor controller) uses the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present invention to control the air conditioner according to the received indoor ambient temperature data, so as to solve the technical problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention and achieve the technical effect that the embodiment of the present invention can achieve.

[0092] Understandably, the air conditioner controller (i.e., the outdoor controller) and the indoor controller are used to control the operation of various components in the air conditioner, so that the various components of the air conditioner can operate to realize the various functions of the air conditioner.

[0093] As one optional embodiment, the controller is used for:

[0094] After the air conditioner is installed and powered on, in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts are obtained;

[0095] After the air conditioner has been running in cooling mode for a first preset time and then stopped for a second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0096] The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure.

[0097] Combination Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a specific implementation of this embodiment, for refrigerant leakage detection after the air conditioner is installed, the specific operation process of the controller is as follows: After the air conditioner is installed (at this time, the air conditioner is not powered on, and the high-pressure shut-off valve and the low-pressure shut-off valve are opened), the air conditioner is powered on to enable it to start running. Figure 3 As shown in step S10), in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the refrigerant detection function is activated. Figure 3 In step S11), the compressor is not running (the motor, fan, etc. are running). The first high-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts is obtained through the first pressure sensor (denoted as P1.1), and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts is obtained through the second pressure sensor (denoted as P2.1). Figure 3Step S12 (as shown): The air conditioner turns on the cooling mode, and after the air conditioner runs in cooling mode for a first preset time (e.g., first preset time = 5 minutes), it stops. After the air conditioner stops for a second preset time (e.g., second preset time = 2 minutes), the second high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.2) is obtained again through the first pressure sensor, and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.2) is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 3 (See step S13); then, the obtained first high-pressure side pressure P1.1 is compared with the second high-pressure side pressure P1.2, and the obtained first low-pressure side pressure P2.1 is compared with the second low-pressure side pressure P2.2. Based on the first high-pressure side pressure P1.1, the first low-pressure side pressure P2.1, the second high-pressure side pressure P1.2, and the second low-pressure side pressure P2.2, it is possible to detect whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage. Figure 3 Step S14 is shown.

[0098] It should be noted that when actually activating the refrigerant detection function, the one-button refrigerant detection can be activated using the air conditioner's remote control. There is no need to add a corresponding button to the remote control. The refrigerant detection function can be activated directly by modifying the remote control software. For example, it can be achieved by using a combination of two buttons on the remote control and modifying the remote control software. When the installer performs the refrigerant detection operation, they can press the two buttons on the remote control at the same time.

[0099] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention uses a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor to detect the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, respectively. By comparing the continuously detected high-pressure side pressure and the continuously detected low-pressure side pressure, the air conditioner can detect refrigerant leaks after installation and identify minor refrigerant leaks. This prevents refrigerant leaks caused by the installation process, thereby improving the accuracy and sensitivity of refrigerant leak detection and preventing safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leaks on the indoor side.

[0100] As one optional embodiment, the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0101] Calculate the first high-pressure difference between the first high-pressure side pressure and the second high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the first low-pressure difference between the first low-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure;

[0102] Determine whether the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceed the first preset pressure;

[0103] When at least one of the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0104] Combination Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the controller for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, when the controller detects whether refrigerant leakage has occurred in the air conditioner according to the first high-pressure side pressure P1.1, the first low-pressure side pressure P2.1, the second high-pressure side pressure P1.2, and the second low-pressure side pressure P2.2, it can first calculate the first high-pressure difference between the first high-pressure side pressure P1.1 and the second high-pressure side pressure P1.2 (e.g., first high-pressure difference = |P1.2 - P1.1|), and calculate the first low-pressure difference between the first low-pressure side pressure P2.1 and the second low-pressure side pressure P2.2 (e.g., first low-pressure difference = |P2.2 - P2.1|). Figure 4 (See step S141); then determine whether the calculated first high pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure (e.g., first preset pressure = 0.02 MPa), and determine whether the calculated first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure. Figure 4 Step S142 (as shown); if at least one of the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure, then it is determined that the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage. Figure 4 (Step S143 shown).

[0105] Understandably, the controller is executing... Figure 4 After step S142, if it is determined that neither the first high pressure difference nor the first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has not leaked refrigerant, and the air conditioner panel displays E0.

[0106] For example, if |P1.2-P1.1|>0.02MPa or |P2.2-P2.1|>0.02MPa, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak; otherwise, it is determined that the air conditioner has no refrigerant leak, and the panel displays E0.

[0107] For example, if |P1.2-P1.1|=0 and |P2.2-P2.1|=0, then it is determined that the air conditioner has not leaked refrigerant, and the panel displays E0.

[0108] As one optional embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connection pipe; the controller is also used for:

[0109] After a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code to remind the installer to check the connection pipe;

[0110] After the connection pipe check is completed, the refrigerant detection operation is re-responded to re-detect whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0111] Combination Figure 5 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, after the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the first high-pressure side pressure P1.1, the first low-pressure side pressure P2.1, the second high-pressure side pressure P1.2, and the second low-pressure side pressure P2.2, it is further configured to: upon detecting a refrigerant leakage, control the air conditioner panel to display a fault code (for example, displaying fault code E9, indicating a refrigerant leakage). Figure 5 As shown in step S15), the installer should be reminded to carefully check the connection pipes to ensure there is no refrigerant leakage. After the connection pipes are checked, the refrigerant detection operation should be restarted (i.e., the refrigerant detection function should be restarted) to re-detect whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Figure 5 Step S16 is shown.

[0112] It should be noted that after the refrigerant detection function is restarted, the specific working process of the controller is similar to that in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] As one optional embodiment, the air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve, and the connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve; the controller is also used for:

[0114] After refrigerant leakage is detected again in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the third high-pressure side pressure and the third low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0115] After a third preset time, the fourth high-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained;

[0116] The location of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner is detected based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure.

[0117] Combination Figure 5The diagram shown is a flowchart of the controller for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, after re-detecting whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage, the controller is further configured to: if refrigerant leakage is detected again, control the high-pressure shut-off valve to close. At this time, the third high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.3) is obtained through the first pressure sensor, and the third low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.3) is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 5 As shown in step S17); after a third preset time (e.g., the third preset time = 10 minutes), the fourth high-pressure side pressure of the compressor is obtained again through the first pressure sensor (denoted as P1.4), and the fourth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is obtained through the second pressure sensor (denoted as P2.4). Figure 5 (See step S18); then, the obtained third high-pressure side pressure P1.3 is compared with the fourth high-pressure side pressure P1.4, and the obtained third low-pressure side pressure P2.3 is compared with the fourth low-pressure side pressure P2.4. Based on the third high-pressure side pressure P1.3, the third low-pressure side pressure P2.3, the fourth high-pressure side pressure P1.4, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure P2.4, the location of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner can be detected. Figure 5 (Step S19 shown).

[0118] It should be noted that if the panel still displays the E9 fault code after the second refrigerant leak test is performed after the connection pipe test, it means that the refrigerant leak is not in the air conditioner's connection pipe, but in another part of the air conditioner. In this case, the location of the refrigerant leak can be further determined by comparing the third high-pressure side pressure P1.3 with the fourth high-pressure side pressure P1.4, and the third low-pressure side pressure P2.3 with the fourth low-pressure side pressure P2.4.

[0119] As one optional embodiment, the controller detects the refrigerant leak location of the air conditioner based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0120] Calculate the second high-pressure difference between the third high-pressure side pressure and the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the second low-pressure difference between the third low-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure;

[0121] Determine whether the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure;

[0122] A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the outdoor unit only if the second high pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure.

[0123] A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the indoor unit only if the second low pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure.

[0124] When both the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure, it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred at both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0125] Combination Figure 6 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the controller for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, when the controller detects the location of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner according to the third high-pressure side pressure P1.3, the third low-pressure side pressure P2.3, the fourth high-pressure side pressure P1.4, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure P2.4, it can first calculate the second high-pressure difference between the third high-pressure side pressure P1.3 and the fourth high-pressure side pressure P1.4 (e.g., second high-pressure difference = |P1.4 - P1.3|), and calculate the second low-pressure difference between the third low-pressure side pressure P2.3 and the fourth low-pressure side pressure P2.4 (e.g., first low-pressure difference = |P2.4 - P2.3|). Figure 6 (See step S191); then determine whether the calculated second high pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure (e.g., second preset pressure = 0.02 MPa), and determine whether the calculated second low pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure. Figure 6 (See step S192); If it is determined that only the second high pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure, then it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred at the outdoor unit. Figure 6 Step S193 (as shown); if it is determined that only the second low pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure, then it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred at the indoor unit. Figure 6 (See step S194); If it is determined that both the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure, then it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred at both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Figure 6 (Step S195 shown).

[0126] For example, if only |P1.4-P1.3|>0.02MPa is satisfied, then it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the outdoor unit; if only |P2.4-P2.3|>0.02MPa is satisfied, then it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the indoor unit and its connecting pipes; if both |P1.4-P1.3|>0.02MPa and |P2.4-P2.3|>0.02MPa are satisfied, then it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred in both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and its connecting pipes.

[0127] As one optional embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0128] After the compressor has been running smoothly at a fixed frequency, the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the fifth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0129] After a fourth preset time, the sixth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained;

[0130] The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure.

[0131] Combination Figure 7 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the controller for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, for the detection of refrigerant leakage during the operation of the air conditioner, the specific working process of the controller is as follows: After detecting that the compressor is running smoothly at a fixed frequency, the fifth high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.5) is obtained through the first pressure sensor, and the fifth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.5) is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 7 (See step S20); The air conditioner's operating mode remains unchanged, the compressor frequency remains unchanged, and after a fourth preset time (e.g., fourth preset time = 1 minute), the sixth high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.6) is obtained again through the first pressure sensor, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.6) is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 7 (See step S21); then, the obtained fifth high-pressure side pressure P1.5 is compared with the sixth high-pressure side pressure P1.6, and the obtained fifth low-pressure side pressure P2.5 is compared with the sixth low-pressure side pressure P2.6. Based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure P1.5, the fifth low-pressure side pressure P2.5, the sixth high-pressure side pressure P1.6, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure P2.6, it is possible to detect whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage. Figure 7 Step S22 (as shown).

[0132] It should be noted that during the operation of the air conditioner, if the compressor is detected to maintain a fixed frequency for 1 minute, it indicates that both the air conditioner and the compressor are operating smoothly. Pressure data (i.e., high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure) is acquired before and after the 1 minute when the frequency remains unchanged. If the compressor frequency when the pressure data is acquired later is inconsistent with the compressor frequency when the pressure data is acquired earlier, the pressure data acquired earlier is discarded, and the pressure data acquired later is used as the new current pressure data. Pressure data is then acquired again after an interval of 1 minute.

[0133] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention uses a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor to detect the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor respectively, and compares the continuously detected high-pressure side pressure and the continuously detected low-pressure side pressure. This allows for refrigerant leakage detection during operation and identification of minor refrigerant leaks, thereby improving the accuracy and sensitivity of refrigerant leakage detection and preventing safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leakage on the indoor side.

[0134] As one optional embodiment, the controller detects whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0135] Calculate the third high-pressure difference between the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the third low-pressure difference between the fifth low-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure;

[0136] Determine whether the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceed the third preset pressure;

[0137] When at least one of the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0138] Specifically, in conjunction with the above embodiments, when the controller detects whether the air conditioner has refrigerant leakage based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure P1.5, the fifth low-pressure side pressure P2.5, the sixth high-pressure side pressure P1.6, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure P2.6, it can first calculate the third high-pressure difference between the fifth high-pressure side pressure P1.5 and the sixth high-pressure side pressure P1.6 (e.g., third high-pressure difference = |P1.6 - P1.5|), and calculate the third low-pressure difference between the fifth low-pressure side pressure P2.5 and the sixth low-pressure side pressure P2.6 (e.g., third low-pressure difference = |P2.6 - P2.5|); then determine whether the calculated third high-pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure (e.g., third preset pressure = 0.02 MPa), and determine whether the calculated third low-pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure; if it is determined that at least one of the third high-pressure difference and the third low-pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure, it is preliminarily determined that the air conditioner has refrigerant leakage.

[0139] Understandably, if it is determined that neither the third high pressure difference nor the third low pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure, then it is determined that the air conditioner has not leaked refrigerant, and the air conditioner panel displays E0.

[0140] For example, if |P1.6-P1.5|>0.02MPa or |P2.6-P2.5|>0.02MPa, it is preliminarily determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak; otherwise, it is determined that the air conditioner has no refrigerant leak, and the panel displays E0.

[0141] As one optional embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0142] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the air conditioner is controlled to lock its frequency, and the seventh high-pressure side pressure and the seventh low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0143] The eighth high-pressure side pressure and the eighth low-pressure side pressure, as well as the ninth high-pressure side pressure and the ninth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, are obtained twice at a fifth preset time interval.

[0144] The air conditioner is tested for refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure.

[0145] Combination Figure 7 As shown, based on the above embodiments, in specific implementation of this embodiment, after the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure P1.5, the fifth low-pressure side pressure P2.5, the sixth high-pressure side pressure P1.6, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure P2.6, it is further configured to: after detecting refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner, control the air conditioner to lock its frequency; after the air conditioner locks its frequency, obtain the seventh high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.7) through the first pressure sensor, and obtain the seventh low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.7) through the second pressure sensor. Figure 7 Step S23 (as shown): After the air conditioner locks its frequency for a fifth preset time interval (e.g., fifth preset time = 20 seconds), the eighth high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.8) is obtained through the first pressure sensor, and the eighth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.8) is obtained through the second pressure sensor. After the fifth preset time interval, the ninth high-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P1.9) is obtained again through the first pressure sensor, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor (denoted as P2.9) is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 7(See step S24); then, the obtained seventh high-pressure side pressure P1.7, eighth high-pressure side pressure P1.8, and ninth high-pressure side pressure P1.9 are compared, and the obtained seventh low-pressure side pressure P2.7, eighth low-pressure side pressure P2.8, and ninth low-pressure side pressure P2.9 are also compared. Based on these pressures, it is possible to further detect whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage. Figure 7 (Step S25 shown).

[0146] It should be noted that after the air conditioner enters frequency lock mode, the air conditioner's operating mode remains unchanged, and the compressor frequency remains unchanged.

[0147] As one optional embodiment, the controller detects whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including:

[0148] The seventh high-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth high-pressure side pressure are compared; the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure are also compared.

[0149] When the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor decreases and the low-pressure side pressure decreases, it is determined that the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

[0150] Specifically, in conjunction with the above embodiments, when the controller further detects whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure P1.7, the seventh low-pressure side pressure P2.7, the eighth high-pressure side pressure P1.8, the eighth low-pressure side pressure P2.8, the ninth high-pressure side pressure P1.9, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure P2.9, it can compare the magnitudes of the obtained seventh high-pressure side pressure P1.7, the eighth high-pressure side pressure P1.8, and the ninth high-pressure side pressure P1.9, and compare the magnitudes of the obtained seventh low-pressure side pressure P2.7, the eighth low-pressure side pressure P2.8, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure P2.9; if it is determined that the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor is decreasing and the low-pressure side pressure is decreasing, then it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0151] For example, if P1.7 > P1.8 > P1.9 and P2.7 > P2.8 > P2.9, then it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0152] As one optional embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is further configured to:

[0153] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code and determines whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode.

[0154] If not, the air conditioner is first turned off, and then the air conditioner is turned on in cooling mode; if yes, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined at a sixth preset time interval to see if it is less than the fourth preset pressure.

[0155] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the fourth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned off.

[0156] Combination Figure 8 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the operation of an air conditioner controller according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, after the controller detects whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure P1.7, the seventh low-pressure side pressure P2.7, the eighth high-pressure side pressure P1.8, the eighth low-pressure side pressure P2.8, the ninth high-pressure side pressure P1.9, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure P2.9, it is further configured to: upon detecting a refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner, control the air conditioner panel to display a fault code (e.g., displaying fault code E9 on the panel). Figure 8 Step S26 (as shown) is performed, and it is further determined whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode. Figure 8 Step S27 (as shown); If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in non-cooling mode, then first control the air conditioner to turn off, and then control the air conditioner to turn on cooling mode. Figure 8 The process is shown in step S281), and then jumps to the execution step. Figure 8 Step S282 as shown: If it is determined that the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is obtained through the second pressure sensor at intervals of a sixth preset time (e.g., the sixth preset time = 10 seconds). Figure 8 Step S282 (shown); After each acquisition of the compressor's low-pressure side pressure, determine whether the currently acquired compressor low-pressure side pressure is less than the fourth preset pressure (e.g., the fourth preset pressure = 0.1 MPa). Figure 8 As shown in step S29); if it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is not less than the fourth preset pressure, then return to execution. Figure 8As shown in step S282, wait for the next acquisition of the compressor's low-pressure side pressure and re-determine it until the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor acquired before the determination is less than the fourth preset pressure; if it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the fourth preset pressure, then control the low-pressure shut-off valve to close and control the air conditioner to shut down. Figure 8 As shown in step S30), at this time, the refrigerant in the indoor unit and the connecting pipe has been recovered to the outdoor unit.

[0157] It should be noted that if P1.8 < P1.7, or P1.9 < P1.8, or P2.8 < P2.7, or P2.9 < P2.8, the indoor unit panel will display fault code E9, and the air conditioner will not stop running, indicating that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner. Furthermore, if the high-pressure side pressure or low-pressure side pressure is detected to be lower than the previous pressure value twice consecutively (i.e., P1.7 > P1.8 > P1.9 and P2.7 > P2.8 > P2.9), the technical solution provided in this embodiment will be used for subsequent processing. Apart from the above pressure relationship, the air conditioner will operate normally, and the indoor unit panel will not display fault codes.

[0158] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention can not only detect refrigerant leaks during operation and identify minor refrigerant leaks, but also, after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred, automatically close the high-pressure shut-off valve and the low-pressure shut-off valve to recover the refrigerant in the indoor unit and the connecting pipe to the outdoor unit, thereby further effectively preventing safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leaks on the indoor side.

[0159] As one optional embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0160] When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained at a seventh preset time interval.

[0161] Calculate the current high pressure difference between the currently acquired high pressure side pressure and the preset initial high pressure side pressure, and calculate the current low pressure difference between the currently acquired low pressure side pressure and the preset initial low pressure side pressure.

[0162] Determine whether the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceed the fifth preset pressure;

[0163] When at least one of the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceeds the fifth preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0164] Combination Figure 9The diagram shown is a flowchart of the controller for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiment, in specific implementation of this embodiment, for refrigerant leakage detection in the standby state of the air conditioner, the specific working process of the controller is as follows: When the air conditioner is in standby state, at a seventh preset time interval (for example, the seventh preset time = 1 minute), the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor is obtained through the first pressure sensor, and the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 9 (See step S40); After each acquisition of the compressor's high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure, calculate the current high-pressure difference between the currently acquired high-pressure side pressure and the preset initial high-pressure side pressure (e.g., current high-pressure difference = |currently acquired high-pressure side pressure - preset initial high-pressure side pressure|), and calculate the current low-pressure difference between the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure and the preset initial low-pressure side pressure (e.g., current low-pressure difference = |currently acquired low-pressure side pressure - preset initial low-pressure side pressure|). Figure 9 Step S41 is shown); and after each calculation, it is further determined whether the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceed the fifth preset pressure (for example, the fifth preset pressure = 0.1 MPa). Figure 9 Step S42) is shown; if it is determined that neither the current high pressure difference nor the current low pressure difference exceeds the fifth preset pressure, then it is determined that the air conditioner has not experienced refrigerant leakage, and the process returns to execution. Figure 9 As shown in step S41, wait for the next acquisition of the compressor's high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure, and recalculate and judge; if it is determined that at least one of the current high-pressure difference and the current low-pressure difference exceeds the fifth preset pressure, then it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak. Figure 9 Step S43 is shown.

[0165] It should be noted that if at least one of the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference is determined to be greater than 0.1 MPa, it indicates that the real-time detected current high pressure side pressure and / or current low pressure side pressure is smaller than the corresponding preset initial high pressure side pressure and / or preset initial low pressure side pressure, and the difference exceeds 0.1 MPa. In this case, it is further determined that the air conditioner is currently in a state of large refrigerant leakage.

[0166] For example, if the air conditioner detects that the currently acquired pressure data (including high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure) is consistent with the previously acquired pressure data when it is in standby mode, it is determined that the air conditioner has not leaked refrigerant and is in normal condition, and the panel displays E0.

[0167] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention uses a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor to detect the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, respectively. It compares the continuously detected high-pressure side pressure with a preset initial high-pressure side pressure and the continuously detected low-pressure side pressure with a preset initial low-pressure side pressure. This allows for refrigerant leakage detection in standby mode, solving the problem of difficulty in identifying refrigerant leakage due to small amounts in standby mode. This improves the accuracy and sensitivity of refrigerant leakage detection, thereby preventing safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leakage on the indoor side.

[0168] As one optional embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is further configured to:

[0169] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned on to run in cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is checked at an eighth preset time interval to see if it is less than the sixth preset pressure.

[0170] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the sixth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned off, and the air conditioner panel displays a fault code.

[0171] Combination Figure 9 As shown, based on the above embodiments, in specific implementations of this invention, the controller executes... Figure 9 Following step S43, the system is further configured to: if a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner, control the high-pressure shut-off valve to close and control the air conditioner to start operating in cooling mode. Figure 9 Step S44 (as shown) is used to recover the remaining refrigerant in the indoor unit and connecting pipes to the outdoor unit side; then, at an interval of an eighth preset time (e.g., the eighth preset time = 10 seconds), the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is obtained through the second pressure sensor. Figure 9 Step S45 (as shown); After each acquisition of the compressor's low-pressure side pressure, determine whether the currently acquired compressor low-pressure side pressure is less than the sixth preset pressure (e.g., the sixth preset pressure = 0.1 MPa). Figure 9 Step S46 (as shown); if it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is not less than the sixth preset pressure, then return to execution. Figure 9As shown in step S45, wait for the next acquisition of the compressor's low-pressure side pressure and re-determine it until the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor acquired before the determination is less than the sixth preset pressure; if it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the sixth preset pressure, then control the low-pressure shut-off valve to close, control the air conditioner to turn off, and control the air conditioner panel to display a fault code ( Figure 9 As shown in step S47), the refrigerant is then recovered to the outdoor unit side.

[0172] It should be noted that during the process of detecting and judging the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor at the eighth preset time interval, if the compressor stops running, the low-pressure shut-off valve can be directly controlled to close, the air conditioner can be stopped, and the fault code can be displayed on the air conditioner panel.

[0173] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention can, in addition to detecting refrigerant leaks and identifying minor refrigerant leaks in the standby state, also automatically close the high-pressure shut-off valve and the low-pressure shut-off valve after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred, recovering the refrigerant in the indoor unit and the connecting pipe to the outdoor unit, thereby further effectively preventing safety accidents such as fires caused by refrigerant leaks on the indoor side.

[0174] As one optional embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is further configured to:

[0175] When the current high-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous high-pressure side pressure or the current low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous low-pressure side pressure for N consecutive times, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak; where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0176] Upon detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the system controls the low-pressure shut-off valve to close, shuts down the air conditioner, and displays a fault code on the air conditioner's panel.

[0177] Specifically, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the controller acquires the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor through the first pressure sensor and the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor through the second pressure sensor at intervals of a seventh preset time (e.g., the seventh preset time = 1 minute). During each acquisition of the high-pressure side pressure and the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, the controller is also used to: determine that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak when it is determined that the currently acquired high-pressure side pressure is less than the previously acquired high-pressure side pressure for N consecutive times, or when it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure is less than the previously acquired low-pressure side pressure for N consecutive times; and after detecting that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, control the low-pressure shut-off valve to close, control the air conditioner to shut down, and control the air conditioner panel to display a fault code.

[0178] For example, assuming N=10, the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor obtained 10 times consecutively through the first pressure sensor is recorded as P1.1, P1.2, P1.3, P1.4, P1.5, P1.6, P1.7, P1.8, P1.9, and P1.10, respectively. The low-pressure side pressure of the compressor obtained 10 times consecutively through the second pressure sensor is recorded as P2.1, P2.2, P2.3, P2.4, P2.5, P1.6, P1.7, P1.8, P1.9, and P1.10, respectively. 2.6, P2.7, P2.8, P2.9, and P2.10: If the following conditions are met: P1.1 > P1.2 > P1.3 > P1.4 > P1.5 > P1.6 > P1.7 > P1.8 > P1.9 > P1.10, or P2.1 > P2.2 > P2.3 > P2.4 > P2.5 > P2.6 > P2.7 > P2.8 > P2.9 > P2.10, then the air conditioner is determined to have a refrigerant leak.

[0179] It should be noted that after a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner, in addition to displaying a fault code on the control panel of the indoor unit, an audible alert can also be given, for example, by making the buzzer sound for 1 minute.

[0180] As one optional embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor located at the air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger for collecting the indoor ambient temperature. The controller is further used for:

[0181] When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close, the air conditioner is controlled to start the cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the seventh preset pressure at a ninth preset time interval.

[0182] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the seventh preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

[0183] Combination Figure 10 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the controller for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Based on the above embodiments, in specific implementation of this embodiment, for early warning and protection against fire that may occur after refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner, the specific working process of the controller is as follows: The indoor ambient temperature is collected in real time by a temperature sensor. When the indoor ambient temperature exceeds a preset temperature (e.g., preset temperature = 80℃), it is determined that a fire has occurred in the current environment. At this time, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned on to operate in cooling mode. Figure 10 Following step S50, the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is acquired via the second pressure sensor at ninth preset time intervals. Figure 10 Step S51 (shown); After each acquisition of the compressor's low-pressure side pressure, determine whether the currently acquired compressor low-pressure side pressure is less than the seventh preset pressure (e.g., the seventh preset pressure = 0.02 MPa). Figure 10 Step S52); If it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is not less than the seventh preset pressure, then return to execution. Figure 10 As shown in step S51, wait for the next acquisition of the compressor's low-pressure side pressure and re-determine it until the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor acquired before the determination is less than the seventh preset pressure; if it is determined that the currently acquired low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the seventh preset pressure, then control the low-pressure shut-off valve to close. Figure 10 Step S53 (shown) is used to recover most of the refrigerant from the indoor unit side and the connecting pipe section to the outdoor unit side.

[0184] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention can automatically close the high-pressure shut-off valve and the low-pressure shut-off valve when a fire is detected in the current environment. This allows the refrigerant in the indoor unit and the connecting pipe to be recovered to the outdoor unit, thereby effectively preventing fires and other safety accidents caused by refrigerant leakage on the indoor side. It can also prevent secondary explosions and poisoning accidents caused by refrigerant leakage in the indoor unit due to a fire.

[0185] As one optional embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0186] When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned on to operate in cooling mode.

[0187] When the air conditioner is detected to automatically shut down or lose power, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

[0188] Specifically, in conjunction with the above embodiments, after the controller detects that the indoor ambient temperature exceeds the preset temperature, controls the high-pressure shut-off valve to close, and controls the air conditioner to start the cooling mode, during the process of obtaining the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor through the second pressure sensor at a ninth preset time interval and making a judgment, if the air conditioner is detected to automatically shut down or lose power, the controller directly controls the low-pressure shut-off valve to close.

[0189] It should be noted that since a fire may damage the indoor unit, causing the air conditioner to lose power or automatically shut down before refrigerant recovery is completed (i.e., pressure is less than 0.02MPa), the automatic shutdown or power failure of the air conditioner is used as a criterion to determine whether the low-pressure shut-off valve needs to be automatically closed.

[0190] This invention also provides a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 11 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method is applicable to the air conditioner described in any of the above embodiments. The method is executed by the controller and includes steps S101 to S103:

[0191] Step S101: After the air conditioner is installed and powered on, in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts are obtained;

[0192] Step S102: After the air conditioner has been running in cooling mode for a first preset time and then stopped for a second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0193] Step S103: Detect whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure.

[0194] In some embodiments, detecting whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure specifically includes:

[0195] Calculate the first high-pressure difference between the first high-pressure side pressure and the second high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the first low-pressure difference between the first low-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure;

[0196] Determine whether the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceed the first preset pressure;

[0197] When at least one of the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0198] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe; the method further includes:

[0199] After a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code to remind the installer to check the connection pipe;

[0200] After the connection pipe check is completed, the refrigerant detection operation is re-responded to re-detect whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0201] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve, and the connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve; the method further includes:

[0202] After refrigerant leakage is detected again in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the third high-pressure side pressure and the third low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0203] After a third preset time, the fourth high-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained;

[0204] The location of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner is detected based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure.

[0205] In some embodiments, detecting the refrigerant leak location of the air conditioner based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure specifically includes:

[0206] Calculate the second high-pressure difference between the third high-pressure side pressure and the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the second low-pressure difference between the third low-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure;

[0207] Determine whether the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure;

[0208] A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the outdoor unit only if the second high pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure.

[0209] A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the indoor unit only if the second low pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure.

[0210] When both the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure, it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred at both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

[0211] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0212] After the compressor has been running smoothly at a fixed frequency, the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the fifth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0213] After a fourth preset time, the sixth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained;

[0214] The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure.

[0215] In some embodiments, detecting whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure specifically includes:

[0216] Calculate the third high-pressure difference between the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the third low-pressure difference between the fifth low-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure;

[0217] Determine whether the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceed the third preset pressure;

[0218] When at least one of the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0219] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0220] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the air conditioner is controlled to lock its frequency, and the seventh high-pressure side pressure and the seventh low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained.

[0221] The eighth high-pressure side pressure and the eighth low-pressure side pressure, as well as the ninth high-pressure side pressure and the ninth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, are obtained twice at a fifth preset time interval.

[0222] The air conditioner is tested for refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure.

[0223] In some embodiments, detecting whether the air conditioner has experienced refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure specifically includes:

[0224] The seventh high-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth high-pressure side pressure are compared; the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure are also compared.

[0225] When the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor decreases and the low-pressure side pressure decreases, it is determined that the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

[0226] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The method further includes:

[0227] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code and determines whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode.

[0228] If not, the air conditioner is first turned off, and then the air conditioner is turned on in cooling mode; if yes, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined at a sixth preset time interval to see if it is less than the fourth preset pressure.

[0229] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the fourth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned off.

[0230] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0231] When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained at a seventh preset time interval.

[0232] Calculate the current high pressure difference between the currently acquired high pressure side pressure and the preset initial high pressure side pressure, and calculate the current low pressure difference between the currently acquired low pressure side pressure and the preset initial low pressure side pressure.

[0233] Determine whether the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceed the fifth preset pressure;

[0234] When at least one of the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceeds the fifth preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

[0235] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The method further includes:

[0236] After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned on to run in cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is checked at an eighth preset time interval to see if it is less than the sixth preset pressure.

[0237] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the sixth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned off, and the air conditioner panel displays a fault code.

[0238] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The method further includes:

[0239] When the current high-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous high-pressure side pressure or the current low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous low-pressure side pressure for N consecutive times, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak; where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0240] Upon detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the system controls the low-pressure shut-off valve to close, shuts down the air conditioner, and displays a fault code on the air conditioner's panel.

[0241] In some embodiments, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner further includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor located at the air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger for collecting indoor ambient temperature data. The method further includes:

[0242] When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close, the air conditioner is controlled to start the cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the seventh preset pressure at a ninth preset time interval.

[0243] When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the seventh preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

[0244] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0245] When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned on to operate in cooling mode.

[0246] When the air conditioner is detected to automatically shut down or lose power, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

[0247] It should be noted that the refrigerant leakage detection method for an air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention can realize all the working processes of the air conditioner described in any of the above embodiments. The specific implementation scheme and the technical effects achieved by the refrigerant leakage detection method are the same as the specific implementation scheme and the technical effects achieved by the air conditioner described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0248] The above description is only some embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: The refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. One of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger, and the other is an indoor heat exchanger. The first pressure sensor is located at the exhaust port of the compressor and is used to collect the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor. The second pressure sensor is located at the return port of the compressor and is used to collect the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor. Controller, used for: After the air conditioner is installed and powered on, in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts are obtained; After the air conditioner has been running in cooling mode for a first preset time and then stopped for a second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained. The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure.

2. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller detects whether the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure. Specifically, this includes: Calculate the first high-pressure difference between the first high-pressure side pressure and the second high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the first low-pressure difference between the first low-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure; Determine whether the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceed the first preset pressure; When at least one of the first high pressure difference and the first low pressure difference exceeds the first preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

3. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe; the controller is also used for: After a refrigerant leak is detected in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code to remind the installer to check the connection pipe; After the connection pipe check is completed, the refrigerant detection operation is re-responded to re-detect whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

4. The air conditioner as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve; the connecting pipe includes two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve; the controller is also used for: After refrigerant leakage is detected again in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the third high-pressure side pressure and the third low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained. After a third preset time, the fourth high-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained; The location of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner is detected based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure.

5. The air conditioner as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The controller detects the refrigerant leak location of the air conditioner based on the third high-pressure side pressure, the third low-pressure side pressure, the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and the fourth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including: Calculate the second high-pressure difference between the third high-pressure side pressure and the fourth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the second low-pressure difference between the third low-pressure side pressure and the fourth low-pressure side pressure; Determine whether the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure; A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the outdoor unit only if the second high pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure. A refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred at the indoor unit only if the second low pressure difference exceeds the second preset pressure. When both the second high pressure difference and the second low pressure difference exceed the second preset pressure, it is determined that refrigerant leakage has occurred at both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.

6. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also used for: After the compressor has been running smoothly at a fixed frequency, the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the fifth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained. After a fourth preset time, the sixth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained; The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure.

7. The air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The controller detects whether the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant based on the fifth high-pressure side pressure, the fifth low-pressure side pressure, the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and the sixth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including: Calculate the third high-pressure difference between the fifth high-pressure side pressure and the sixth high-pressure side pressure, and calculate the third low-pressure difference between the fifth low-pressure side pressure and the sixth low-pressure side pressure; Determine whether the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceed the third preset pressure; When at least one of the third high pressure difference and the third low pressure difference exceeds the third preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

8. The air conditioner as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The controller is also used for: After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the air conditioner is controlled to lock its frequency, and the seventh high-pressure side pressure and the seventh low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained. The eighth high-pressure side pressure and the eighth low-pressure side pressure, as well as the ninth high-pressure side pressure and the ninth low-pressure side pressure of the compressor, are obtained twice at a fifth preset time interval. The air conditioner is tested for refrigerant leakage based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure.

9. The air conditioner as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The controller detects whether the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak based on the seventh high-pressure side pressure, the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, the ninth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure, specifically including: The seventh high-pressure side pressure, the eighth high-pressure side pressure, and the ninth high-pressure side pressure are compared; the seventh low-pressure side pressure, the eighth low-pressure side pressure, and the ninth low-pressure side pressure are also compared. When the high-pressure side pressure of the compressor decreases and the low-pressure side pressure decreases, it is determined that the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

10. The air conditioner as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe comprises two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is further used for: After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the control panel of the air conditioner displays a fault code and determines whether the air conditioner is currently in cooling mode. If not, first control the air conditioner to turn off, and then control the air conditioner to turn on the cooling mode; If so, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is determined at a sixth preset time interval to see if it is less than the fourth preset pressure. When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the fourth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned off.

11. The air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also used for: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the high-pressure side pressure and low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained at a seventh preset time interval. Calculate the current high pressure difference between the currently acquired high pressure side pressure and the preset initial high pressure side pressure, and calculate the current low pressure difference between the currently acquired low pressure side pressure and the preset initial low pressure side pressure. Determine whether the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceed the fifth preset pressure; When at least one of the current high pressure difference and the current low pressure difference exceeds the fifth preset pressure, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

12. The air conditioner as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe comprises two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is further used for: After detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned on to run in cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is checked at an eighth preset time interval to see if it is less than the sixth preset pressure. When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the sixth preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is closed, the air conditioner is turned off, and the air conditioner panel displays a fault code.

13. The air conditioner as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe comprises two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The controller is further used for: When the current high-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous high-pressure side pressure or the current low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the previous low-pressure side pressure for N consecutive times, it is determined that the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak; where N is a positive integer greater than 1. Upon detecting a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner, the system controls the low-pressure shut-off valve to close, shuts down the air conditioner, and displays a fault code on the air conditioner's panel.

14. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the outdoor unit via a connecting pipe. The air conditioner also includes a high-pressure shut-off valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The connecting pipe comprises two pipes, one connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve and the other connected to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor located at the air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger for collecting indoor ambient temperature data. The controller is further used for: When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close, the air conditioner is controlled to start the cooling mode, and the compressor's low-pressure side pressure is determined to be less than the seventh preset pressure at a ninth preset time interval. When the low-pressure side pressure of the compressor is less than the seventh preset pressure, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

15. The air conditioner as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The controller is also used for: When the indoor ambient temperature is detected to exceed the preset temperature, the high-pressure shut-off valve is closed, and the air conditioner is turned on to operate in cooling mode. When the air conditioner is detected to automatically shut down or lose power, the low-pressure shut-off valve is controlled to close.

16. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioner, characterized in that, Applicable to an air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, the method is performed by the controller, the method comprising: After the air conditioner is installed and powered on, in response to the refrigerant detection operation, the first high-pressure side pressure and the first low-pressure side pressure before the compressor starts are obtained; After the air conditioner has been running in cooling mode for a first preset time and then stopped for a second preset time, the second high-pressure side pressure and the second low-pressure side pressure of the compressor are obtained. The air conditioner is detected to determine whether it is leaking refrigerant based on the first high-pressure side pressure, the first low-pressure side pressure, the second high-pressure side pressure, and the second low-pressure side pressure.

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