Control method, controller and air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses a control method, a controller and an air conditioner. After the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is adjusted according to the target exhaust superheat, if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold, the target reference opening degree interval corresponding to the ambient temperature is corrected, so that at the ambient temperature, the new target reference opening degree can be determined by the corrected target reference opening degree interval, the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve can be within the upper limit and the lower limit of the fluctuation of the new target reference opening degree, the actual superheat can reach the target superheat, and the air conditioner can maintain better refrigeration and heating effects when the air conditioner is used for a long time or the external environment changes, so that the air conditioner can keep lower power consumption and improve user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning control technology, and in particular to a control method, controller and air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners transfer heat from outdoors to indoors or vice versa through refrigerant circulation, reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling and improving the energy efficiency ratio. Specifically, air conditioners can regulate the refrigerant circulation by controlling the opening of the electronic expansion valve, allowing them to operate under a wide range of temperature conditions, improving user comfort, and protecting the compressor. Related technologies propose a control method for air conditioners. In this method, with prolonged use, factors such as dust accumulation inside the air conditioner, refrigerant depletion, and changes in external altitude can cause the air conditioner to struggle to maintain its original cooling or heating performance, leading to increased power consumption and a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main technical problem addressed by this application is to provide a control method, controller, and air conditioner so that the air conditioner can maintain its original cooling and heating effects when it is used for a long time or when the external environment changes.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a control method for controlling the opening degree of an electronic expansion valve in an air conditioner. The air conditioner has preset compressor operating frequency ranges and target reference opening degree ranges for the electronic expansion valve in each ambient temperature range. The control method includes: acquiring the ambient temperature and compressor operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency; controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to the target reference opening degree, and adjusting the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat; determining whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, valve adjustment is completed; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, correcting the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature, and executing the steps of acquiring the ambient temperature and compressor operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency.

[0005] In one possible implementation, the step of determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening interval corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency specifically includes: obtaining the relative position of the operating frequency within the corresponding operating frequency interval; calculating the values ​​of the same relative positions within the target reference opening interval, and using the values ​​as the target reference opening.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the step of adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat specifically includes: determining whether the actual superheat is greater than the target superheat; if the actual superheat is greater than the target superheat, increasing the opening of the electronic expansion valve; if the actual superheat is not greater than the target superheat, determining whether the actual superheat is less than the target superheat; if the actual superheat is less than the target superheat, decreasing the opening of the electronic expansion valve; if the actual superheat is not less than the target superheat, keeping the opening of the electronic expansion valve unchanged.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the step of determining whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the valve adjustment is completed; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the step of correcting the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature specifically includes: determining whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the target reference opening degree; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the target reference opening degree, determining whether the difference between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve and the target reference opening degree is a positive threshold; if it is the positive threshold, increasing the lower limit and upper limit of the target reference opening degree range; if it is not the positive threshold, the valve adjustment is completed; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is not greater than the target reference opening degree, determining whether the difference between the target reference opening degree and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is a negative threshold; if it is the negative threshold, decreasing the lower limit and upper limit of the target reference opening degree range; if it is not the negative threshold, the valve adjustment is completed.

[0008] In one possible implementation, after the step of increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the method further includes: simultaneously correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range that is lower than the ambient temperature; after the step of decreasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the method further includes: simultaneously correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range that is higher than the ambient temperature.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the step of increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval specifically includes: increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval by a correction threshold; the step of decreasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval specifically includes: decreasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval by a correction threshold.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the step of correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold, and performing the step of acquiring the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency, specifically includes: if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold, determining whether the number of times the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold has reached a threshold number; if the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree... If the number of deviations from the threshold does not reach the threshold number, the steps of acquiring the ambient temperature and compressor operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency are executed; if the opening deviates from the target reference opening and the number of deviations from the threshold reaches the threshold number, the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature is corrected, and the steps of acquiring the ambient temperature and compressor operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency are executed.

[0011] In one possible implementation, before the step of acquiring the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency, the method further includes: determining whether the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner in a single mode of cooling or heating has reached a threshold time; if the cumulative time has reached the threshold time, initializing each of the target reference opening ranges; if the cumulative time has not reached the threshold time, executing subsequent steps.

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide a controller. The controller controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve through the above-mentioned control method. The controller includes an acquisition module, a control module, and a judgment module. The acquisition module is used to acquire the ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, and determine the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency. The control module is used to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to the target reference opening degree, and adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat. The judgment module is used to determine whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold. If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the control module controls the valve adjustment to complete. If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the control module corrects the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature. The acquisition module acquires the ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, and determines the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency.

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in this application is to provide an air conditioner that controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve through the above-mentioned control method.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike the prior art, this application provides a control method in which, after adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat, if the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches a deviation threshold, the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature is corrected. This allows a new target reference opening to be determined based on the corrected target reference opening range at that ambient temperature. The opening of the electronic expansion valve is kept within the upper and lower limits of the new target reference opening, allowing the actual superheat to reach the target superheat. This enables the air conditioner to maintain better cooling and heating effects during long-term use or when the external environment changes, keeps the air conditioner at low power consumption, and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner provided in this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an implementation method in S12;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the implementation method of step one in the middle section;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the controller of this application;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a computer-readable storage medium of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application. The singular forms “a,” “said,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless otherwise clearly indicated above. “Multiple” generally includes at least two, but does not exclude the inclusion of at least one.

[0024] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0025] It should be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations used herein are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0026] In related technologies, with long-term use, air conditioners may experience dust accumulation, refrigerant depletion, and changes in altitude, making it difficult to maintain their original cooling and heating performance. This leads to increased power consumption and a poor user experience.

[0027] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes a control method, controller, and air conditioner. By correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature when the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches a deviation threshold, the original cooling or heating effect can be maintained during long-term use of the air conditioner or changes in the external environment, thereby keeping the air conditioner at a lower power consumption and improving the user experience.

[0028] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, a method for correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to ambient temperature provided in this application.

[0029] This application provides a control method for controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve of an air conditioner, so that the air conditioner maintains its original cooling or heating effect during long-term use or changes in the external environment. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an air conditioner provided in this application. In a specific embodiment, the air conditioner (not shown) includes a four-way valve 11, a compressor 12, an electronic expansion valve 15, an evaporator 13 located outdoors, and a condenser 14 located indoors.

[0030] The compressor 12 is used to compress the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, transforming it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The four-way valve 11 is used to switch states and change the flow direction of the refrigerant, serving to switch between cooling and heating modes in the heat pump unit. When the refrigerant circulation is in the cooling cycle, the four-way valve 11 directs the refrigerant to the evaporator 13. When the refrigerant circulation is in the heating cycle, the four-way valve 11 changes its internal connection state, causing the refrigerant to first flow through the condenser 14 and then to the evaporator 13.

[0031] The electronic expansion valve 15 is used to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat pump's circulation path. By adjusting the electronic expansion valve 15 under different temperature conditions, the heat pump can maintain a reasonable real-time superheat value, thereby improving heat exchange capacity and efficiency. Specifically, when the real-time superheat is too high, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 15 can be increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate, thus lowering the return gas temperature of the compressor 12 and reducing the real-time superheat, mitigating compressor overheating. When the real-time superheat is too low, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 15 can be decreased to reduce the refrigerant flow rate, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing energy waste.

[0032] The air conditioner has preset operating frequency ranges for the compressor 12 and target reference opening ranges for the electronic expansion valve 15 for each ambient temperature range. In a specific embodiment, please refer to Table 1:

[0033] Table 1

[0034]

[0035] As shown in the table above, the operating frequency of compressor 12 is controlled to remain within the corresponding compressor operating frequency range for different ambient temperature ranges. This setting protects the air conditioning compressor 12 and reduces the risk of over-compression of the refrigerant, which could lead to unnecessary energy consumption or under-compression of the refrigerant. Maintaining the opening of the electronic expansion valve 15 within the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range ensures appropriate refrigerant flow, improves refrigerant heat exchange efficiency, and keeps the air conditioning system at a low energy consumption level. For example, when the ambient temperature range is 23 ≤ Ta < 33, the operating frequency of compressor 12 is controlled to remain within the range of 20-70, and the opening of electronic expansion valve 15 is controlled to remain between 250-350. In some other embodiments, the ambient temperature ranges and the corresponding compressor operating frequency ranges and target reference opening ranges can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0036] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method of this application. The method is used for controlling the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve of the aforementioned air conditioner. In one specific embodiment, the method includes:

[0037] S11: Obtain the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determine the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency.

[0038] Ambient temperature refers to the outdoor temperature. Specifically, a temperature sensing device can be installed on the outer casing of the outdoor evaporator to obtain the ambient temperature. The compressor's operating frequency is related to the ambient temperature and the user's set temperature in cooling or heating mode. In cooling mode, the lower the user-set cooling temperature and the higher the ambient temperature, the higher the compressor's operating frequency typically is. In heating mode, the higher the user-set heating temperature and the lower the ambient temperature, the higher the compressor's operating frequency typically is. Maintaining the compressor's operating frequency within the range corresponding to the ambient temperature protects the compressor and reduces energy consumption.

[0039] In some embodiments, the step of determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency specifically includes: obtaining the relative position of the operating frequency within the corresponding operating frequency range; calculating the values ​​at the same relative positions within the target reference opening range, and using these values ​​as the target reference opening. For example, in an application scenario, the ambient temperature range is 23≤Ta<33, the corresponding compressor operating frequency range is 20-70, the corresponding target reference opening range is 250-350, the compressor operating frequency is 45, which is in the middle of the operating frequency range, and the middle position of the target reference opening range is 300, then the target reference opening is 300. In other embodiments, the target reference opening can also be calculated using linear interpolation. The formula for linear interpolation is: K = [(Kb-Ka)*(f-fa)] / (fb-fa) + Ka; where K is the target reference opening, Kb is the upper limit of the target reference opening range, Ka is the lower limit of the target reference opening range, f is the compressor operating frequency, fa is the lower limit of the compressor operating frequency range, and fb is the upper limit of the compressor operating frequency range. For example, in an application scenario, the ambient temperature range is 23 ≤ Ta < 33°C, the corresponding compressor operating frequency range is 20-70 rpm, the corresponding target reference opening range is 250-350 rpm, the compressor operating frequency is 30 rpm, and the target reference opening calculated using the formula is 270 rpm.

[0040] S12: Control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to the target reference opening degree, and adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat.

[0041] In related technologies, due to changes in external altitude, dust accumulation inside the air conditioner, or refrigerant reduction, maintaining the electronic expansion valve opening at the target reference opening cannot ensure that the real-time superheat is close to the target superheat. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target superheat to bring the real-time superheat closer to the target superheat. Please refer to the relevant documentation. Figure 3 , Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an implementation method of S12. In one specific embodiment, the step of adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat specifically includes:

[0042] S21: Determine whether the actual superheat is greater than the target superheat.

[0043] In this step, if the actual superheat is greater than the target superheat, execute S221; if the actual superheat is not greater than the target superheat, execute S222.

[0044] S221: Increase the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

[0045] This step is performed when the actual superheat exceeds the target superheat. Increasing the opening of the electronic expansion valve increases the refrigerant circulation flow, thereby reducing the actual superheat and minimizing the risk of damage to components due to excessive superheat, while also improving the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner. In some embodiments, increasing the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be achieved by increasing the valve opening by a unit valve adjustment amplitude, which can be a reasonable value such as 1, 2, or 5. In other embodiments, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be increased based on the absolute value of the difference between the actual and target superheat. The magnitude of the increase in opening is positively correlated with the absolute value of the difference; the larger the absolute value of the difference between the actual and target superheat, the larger the magnitude of the increase in the electronic expansion valve opening, and vice versa.

[0046] S222: Determine whether the actual superheat is less than the target superheat.

[0047] In this step, if the actual superheat is less than the target superheat, execute S231; if the actual superheat is not less than the target superheat, execute S232.

[0048] S231: Reduce the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve.

[0049] This step is performed when the actual superheat is less than the target superheat. Reducing the opening of the electronic expansion valve decreases the refrigerant circulation flow, thereby increasing the actual superheat and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner. In some embodiments, reducing the opening of the electronic expansion valve can specifically involve reducing the valve opening by a unit valve adjustment amplitude, which can be a reasonable value such as 1, 2, or 5. In other embodiments, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be reduced based on the absolute value of the difference between the actual and target superheat. The reduction in opening amplitude is positively correlated with the absolute value; the larger the absolute value of the difference between the actual and target superheat, the larger the reduction in the electronic expansion valve opening amplitude, and vice versa.

[0050] S232: Controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to remain constant.

[0051] This step is performed when the actual superheat is equal to the target superheat.

[0052] S13: Determine whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold.

[0053] This step is performed after S12. In related technologies, due to changes in external altitude, dust accumulation inside the air conditioner, or refrigerant reduction, the opening of the electronic expansion valve at the target reference opening may not be sufficient to make the real-time superheat equal to the target superheat. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target superheat to make the real-time superheat close to the target superheat. When adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve, it must not exceed the upper or lower limit of the fluctuation range of the target reference opening. If the opening of the electronic expansion valve reaches the upper or lower limit of the fluctuation range of the target reference opening, then the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold. The physical meaning of the electronic expansion valve opening deviating from the target reference opening and reaching the deviation threshold is that within the upper and lower limits of the fluctuation range of the target reference opening determined according to the current target reference opening range, the actual superheat can barely, or even not at all, equal the target superheat, resulting in poor air conditioning cooling and heating effects and high air conditioning power consumption. In this embodiment, the target reference opening is 270°, and both the upper and lower limits of fluctuation are 50°. When the opening of the electronic expansion valve is adjusted to 220° or 320°, the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold. In other embodiments, the upper and lower limits of fluctuation can also be reasonable values ​​such as 40°, 30°, and 60°. The upper and lower limits of fluctuation can be the same or different.

[0054] If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, then S141 is executed; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, then S142 is executed, and S11 is executed after S142 is executed.

[0055] S141: Valve adjustment complete.

[0056] If the opening of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold, then within the upper and lower limits of the fluctuation of the target reference opening determined by the current target reference opening range, the actual superheat can be equal to the target superheat, so there is no need to correct the target reference opening range.

[0057] In some embodiments, the control method of this application is executed at a set frequency, for example, once per hour, and S11 is executed again one hour after S141 is completed. In other embodiments, the set frequency may also be a reasonable frequency such as once every 3 hours or once per day.

[0058] S142: Correct the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0059] If the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold, then within the upper and lower limits of the fluctuation of the target reference opening determined by the current target reference opening range, the actual superheat will barely, or even not at all, equal the target superheat. This will result in poor cooling or heating performance of the air conditioner, high energy consumption, and a poor user experience. After correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature, a new target reference opening can be determined through the corrected target reference opening range. This allows the actual superheat to approach or equal the target superheat within the upper and lower limits of the fluctuation of the new target reference opening range.

[0060] In some embodiments, before executing S142, the method further includes: determining whether the number of times the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold has reached a threshold number; if the number of times the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold has not reached the threshold number, executing S11; if the number of times the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold has reached the threshold number, executing this step followed by executing S11. In this embodiment, the threshold number is 3 times, that is, S142 is executed when the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold three times consecutively, otherwise S11 is executed. In other embodiments, the threshold number can also be 2 times, 4 times, or other reasonable numbers.

[0061] Please refer to the following: Figure 4 , Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the implementation of step one in the middle section. In some implementations, the step of determining whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the valve adjustment is completed; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the step of correcting the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature may specifically include:

[0062] S31: Determine whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the target reference opening degree.

[0063] If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the target reference opening degree, then S321 is executed; otherwise, S322 is executed.

[0064] S321: Determine whether the difference between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve and the target reference opening degree is a positive threshold.

[0065] If the difference between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve and the target reference opening degree is a positive threshold, then S341 is executed; otherwise, S342 is executed.

[0066] S341: Increase the lower and upper limits of the target baseline opening range.

[0067] In this step, after increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the new target reference opening determined based on the corrected target reference opening range is greater than the original target reference opening, thereby further increasing the opening of the electronic expansion valve and bringing the actual superheat closer to the target superheat.

[0068] In some specific embodiments, the step of increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range specifically includes increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range by a correction threshold. In this embodiment, the correction threshold is 20. For example, if the target reference opening range before correction is 250-400, then the target reference opening range after correction is 270-420. In other embodiments, the correction threshold can also be a reasonable value such as 10 or 30.

[0069] In some embodiments, after increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the method further includes: simultaneously correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range that is lower than the ambient temperature. For example, in this embodiment, the ambient temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, the ambient temperature range is 33≤Ta<43, and the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range is 250-400. After correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to this ambient temperature range to 270-420, it is also necessary to correct the target reference opening ranges corresponding to the ambient temperature ranges that are lower than the ambient temperature, namely 23≤Ta<33, 13≤Ta<23, and 3≤Ta<13, to 270-370, 240-320, and 220-270, respectively.

[0070] S342: Valve adjustment complete.

[0071] S322: Determine whether the difference between the target reference opening degree and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is a negative threshold.

[0072] If the difference between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve and the target reference opening degree is a negative threshold, then S351 is executed; otherwise, S352 is executed.

[0073] S351: Reduce the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range.

[0074] In some specific embodiments, the step of reducing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range specifically includes: reducing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range by a correction threshold. In this embodiment, the correction threshold is 20. For example, if the target reference opening range before correction is 250-400, then the target reference opening range after correction is 230-380. In other embodiments, the correction threshold can also be a reasonable value such as 10 or 30.

[0075] In some embodiments, after adjusting the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the method further includes: simultaneously correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range greater than the ambient temperature. For example, in this embodiment, the ambient temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, the ambient temperature range is 33≤Ta<43, and the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range is 250-400. After correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to this ambient temperature range to 230-380, it is also necessary to correct the target reference opening ranges corresponding to the ambient temperature ranges 43≤Ta<53 and 53≤Ta to 230-360 and 280-330, respectively.

[0076] S352: Valve adjustment complete.

[0077] In some embodiments, before obtaining the ambient temperature and compressor operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency, the method further includes: determining whether the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner in a single cooling or heating mode has reached a threshold time; if the cumulative time has reached the threshold time, initializing each target reference opening range; if the cumulative time has not reached the threshold time, executing subsequent steps. Specifically, by periodically clearing the correction records of the target reference opening range and initializing the target reference opening range, the problem of the corrected target reference opening range being unsuitable for the operation of the air conditioner in the following year, or the corrected target reference opening range being unsuitable for the operation of the new mode after the air conditioner switches to cooling or heating mode, can be reduced. In this embodiment, the threshold time is 30 hours; in some other embodiments, the threshold time can also be a reasonable value such as 40 hours or 50 hours.

[0078] Correspondingly, this application provides a controller; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 , Figure 5This is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of the controller of this application. The controller 1000 controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve through the control method of any of the above embodiments. The controller 1000 includes an acquisition module 3000, a control module 2000, and a judgment module 4000. The acquisition module 3000 acquires the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determines the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency. The control module 2000 controls the opening of the electronic expansion valve to the target reference opening and adjusts the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat. The judgment module 4000 determines whether the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches a deviation threshold. If the opening of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold, the control module 2000 controls the valve adjustment to complete. If the opening of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold, the control module 2000 corrects the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature. The acquisition module 3000 acquires the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determines the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency.

[0079] Correspondingly, this application also provides an air conditioner, which controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve through the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0080] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium; please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium of this application. The computer-readable storage medium 30 of this application stores a computer program 300 thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0081] The computer-readable storage medium 30 can be a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, or it can be a server storing the computer program 300. The server can send the stored computer program 300 to other devices for execution, or it can run the stored computer program 300 itself.

[0082] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed methods, devices, and apparatuses can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device and apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0083] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0084] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0085] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A control method for controlling the opening degree of an electronic expansion valve in an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner has preset compressor operating frequency ranges and electronic expansion valve target reference opening ranges for each ambient temperature range; wherein, the control method includes: The ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency are obtained, and the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve is determined based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency. The opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is controlled to be the target reference opening degree, and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is adjusted according to the target exhaust superheat. Determine whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold; If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the valve adjustment is completed; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature is corrected, and the steps of obtaining the ambient temperature and the compressor operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency are executed.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency specifically includes: Obtain the relative position of the operating frequency within the corresponding operating frequency range; Calculate the values ​​of the same relative positions within the target reference opening interval, and use the values ​​as the target reference opening.

3. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat specifically includes: Determine whether the actual superheat is greater than the target superheat; If the actual superheat is greater than the target superheat, increase the opening of the electronic expansion valve; if the actual superheat is not greater than the target superheat, determine whether the actual superheat is less than the target superheat. If the actual superheat is less than the target superheat, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is reduced; if the actual superheat is not less than the target superheat, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged.

4. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The process involves determining whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold; if the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the valve adjustment is completed. If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the step of correcting the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature specifically includes: Determine whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the target reference opening degree; If the opening of the electronic expansion valve is greater than the target reference opening, determine whether the difference between the opening of the electronic expansion valve and the target reference opening is a positive threshold; if it is the positive threshold, increase the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range; if it is not the positive threshold, the valve adjustment is completed. If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is not greater than the target reference opening degree, determine whether the difference between the target reference opening degree and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is a negative threshold; if it is the negative threshold, reduce the lower limit and upper limit of the target reference opening degree range; if it is not the negative threshold, the valve adjustment is completed.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, After the step of increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the method further includes: simultaneously correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range that is lower than the ambient temperature. After the step of reducing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening range, the method further includes: simultaneously correcting the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature range that is greater than the ambient temperature.

6. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval specifically includes: increasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval by a correction threshold; the step of decreasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval specifically includes: decreasing the lower and upper limits of the target reference opening interval by a correction threshold.

7. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature is corrected, and the steps of obtaining the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency are executed, specifically including: If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, it is determined whether the number of times the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold has reached the threshold number. If the number of times the opening deviates from the target reference opening and reaches the deviation threshold does not reach the threshold number, the step of obtaining the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency is executed. If the number of times the opening degree deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold reaches the threshold number, the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature is corrected, and the steps of obtaining the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency are executed.

8. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before the step of acquiring the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determining the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency, the method further includes: Determine whether the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner in a single mode of cooling or heating has reached a threshold time. If the cumulative time has reached the threshold time, initialize each of the target reference opening intervals. If the cumulative time has not reached the threshold time, execute the subsequent steps.

9. A controller, characterized in that, The controller controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve using the control method according to any one of claims 1-8, the controller comprising: The acquisition module is used to acquire the ambient temperature and the operating frequency of the compressor, and to determine the target reference opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency. The control module is used to control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to the target reference opening degree, and to adjust the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve according to the target exhaust superheat. The judgment module is used to determine whether the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches a deviation threshold. If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve does not deviate from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the control module controls the valve adjustment to complete. If the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve deviates from the target reference opening degree and reaches the deviation threshold, the control module corrects the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature. The acquisition module acquires the ambient temperature and the compressor's operating frequency, and determines the target reference opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the target reference opening degree range corresponding to the ambient temperature and the operating frequency.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner controls the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve using the control method described in any one of claims 1-8.

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