Compressor and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a compressor and a control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of compressor control. As the power-off time of the compressor is shorter than or equal to the first preset time, the oil temperature of the compressor is reduced slightly under the condition, so that the compressor is controlled to be started under the condition, and the long-term stable operation and the service life of the compressor are not influenced. Besides, under the condition that the compressor is powered on again and the power-off time of the compressor is smaller than or equal to the first preset time, the compressor is directly controlled to be started, that is, oil temperature preheating is not carried out, so that the time needed by oil temperature preheating is saved, and the compressor can be powered off and restarted without spending a long time every time. In conclusion, long-term stable operation and the service life of the compressor are not affected, and meanwhile the compressor can be powered off and restarted without spending a long time every time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of compressor control technology, and in particular to a compressor and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, if there is a power outage on site, the compressor will stop working and will only restart once the power supply is restored.

[0003] Typically, because there is no oil temperature sensor installed in the compressor, the compressor needs to undergo a long oil temperature preheating process each time it is restarted after a power outage to ensure long-term stable operation and extend the compressor's lifespan. However, this also means that the compressor takes a relatively long time to restart after a power outage each time.

[0004] Therefore, how to enable the compressor to restart after a power outage without affecting its long-term stable operation and service life is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a compressor and its control method, which enables the compressor to be restarted after a power outage without affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] This application provides a method for controlling a compressor, including:

[0008] Determine whether the compressor is powered on;

[0009] If the compressor is powered on, determine whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time;

[0010] If the power outage time is less than or equal to the first preset time, then the compressor is controlled to start.

[0011] Optionally, if the power outage time is longer than the first preset time, the oil in the compressor is heated.

[0012] Determine whether the duration of heating the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to a second preset time;

[0013] If the duration of heating the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to the second preset time, then the step of controlling the compressor to start is executed.

[0014] Optionally, if the heating time of the oil in the compressor is less than the second preset time, the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded as incomplete.

[0015] Optionally, before controlling the compressor to start, the following method is also included:

[0016] Determine whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to a third preset time;

[0017] If the power outage time of the compressor is less than or equal to the third preset time, then the step of controlling the compressor to start is executed.

[0018] Optionally, if the power outage time is greater than the third preset time, the compressor is controlled to continuously perform inching starts;

[0019] Determine whether the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is greater than or equal to a preset number;

[0020] If the number of times the compressor is started by jogging is greater than or equal to the preset number, then the step of controlling the compressor to start is executed.

[0021] Optionally, if the number of times the compressor is started by jogging is less than the preset number, the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded as incomplete.

[0022] Optionally, before, after, or simultaneously with performing the step of controlling the compressor to start, the method further includes:

[0023] The oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded as complete.

[0024] Optionally, before determining whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to a first preset time, the method further includes:

[0025] Based on the recorded oil temperature preheating status of the compressor, determine whether the oil temperature preheating of the compressor has been completed;

[0026] If the oil temperature preheating state of the compressor is completed, then the recorded oil temperature preheating state of the compressor is cleared, and the step of determining whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time is executed.

[0027] This application also provides a compressor, comprising: a power supply switch, a compression device, and a controller; wherein:

[0028] The power supply terminal of the compression device receives the power supply voltage through the power supply switch;

[0029] The power supply switch is controlled by the controller, which is used to execute the compressor control method as described in any of the preceding aspects of this application.

[0030] Optionally, the power supply switch is an AC contactor.

[0031] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the present invention provides a compressor control method. In this control method, the compressor is started when it is powered on and the power-off time is less than or equal to a first preset time. Since the power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, indicating a short power-off period, the oil temperature of the compressor drops less under these circumstances. Therefore, starting the compressor under these conditions will not affect its long-term stable operation and service life. Furthermore, since the compressor is started directly when it is powered on again and the power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, oil preheating is not required, thus saving the time needed for oil preheating. This allows the compressor to restart without requiring a long time each time it is powered off. In summary, this application achieves both long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor and allows for restarting without requiring a long time each time it is powered off. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figures 1-8 These are schematic flowcharts illustrating the compressor control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the compressor provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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 of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] In this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover 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 one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0037] To ensure the compressor's long-term stable operation and lifespan are not affected, and to allow for restarting after each power outage without requiring lengthy restart times, another embodiment of this application provides a compressor control method, the specific process of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0038] S110. Determine if the compressor is powered on.

[0039] If the compressor is powered on, step S120 is executed; if the compressor is not powered on, the control method is stopped.

[0040] The compressor being powered on means that the compressor's power supply terminal receives electricity. As for how to determine whether the compressor is powered on, existing mature implementation methods are sufficient and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0041] S120. Determine whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time.

[0042] If the compressor's power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, then step S130 is executed.

[0043] If the compressor's power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, it indicates that the compressor's power-off time is short, meaning the oil temperature of the compressor drops less. Conversely, if the compressor's power-off time is greater than the first preset time, it indicates that the compressor's power-off time is long, meaning the oil temperature of the compressor drops more. In practical applications, the first preset time can be set according to actual conditions, and no specific limitation is made here. Typically, the first preset time can be set to 5 hours.

[0044] S130, controls the compressor to start.

[0045] Controlling the compressor startup refers to enabling the compressor to operate normally. How to control the compressor startup will be explained in detail in the following embodiments; no specific limitations are made here, and the method can be determined according to the specific circumstances, all of which are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] Since the compressor's power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, indicating a short power-off period, the compressor's oil temperature drops less under these conditions. Therefore, controlling the compressor's start under these circumstances will not affect its long-term stable operation and service life. Furthermore, since the compressor starts directly upon power-on when the power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, oil preheating is not required, saving the time needed for oil preheating. This allows the compressor to restart without requiring a lengthy power-off process each time. In summary, this application achieves a power-off restart without affecting the compressor's long-term stable operation and service life, while also enabling the compressor to restart without requiring a lengthy power-off process each time.

[0047] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, the specific process of which is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment further includes the following steps when the power-off time of the compressor is greater than the first preset time in the above embodiment:

[0048] S140, Heating the oil in the compressor.

[0049] In a specific example, the purpose of heating the oil in the compressor is achieved by electrically heating the oil in the compressor.

[0050] The above example only illustrates one implementation of heating the oil in the compressor. In practical applications, there are other methods, including but not limited to this one. No specific limitation is made here. It depends on the specific circumstances and all are within the protection scope of this application.

[0051] S150. Determine whether the duration of heating the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to the second preset time.

[0052] If the heating time of the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to the second preset time, then step S130 is executed; if the heating time of the oil in the compressor is less than the second preset time, then the control method is stopped.

[0053] If the heating time for the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to the second preset time, it indicates that the heating time is relatively long, meaning the oil temperature has reached the set temperature. In other words, starting the compressor at this time will not affect its long-term stable operation and service life. Conversely, if the heating time is less than the second preset time, it indicates that the heating time is relatively short, meaning the oil temperature has not reached the set temperature. In other words, starting the compressor at this time will affect its long-term stable operation and service life. Additionally, a heating time less than the second preset time can also indicate that the compressor has been powered off again. In practical applications, the second preset time can be set according to actual conditions; no specific limitation is made here. Typically, the first preset time can be set to 8 hours.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the power outage time of the compressor is relatively long, the oil in the compressor is heated, and the compressor is started when the temperature of the oil in the compressor reaches the set temperature. Therefore, this embodiment can start the compressor even when the power outage time of the compressor is relatively long, and it does not affect the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0055] In the above embodiments, it is assumed that the compressor has completed oil preheating before the power outage, meaning the compressor oil temperature has reached the set temperature. Therefore, during the first power outage restart, if the compressor experiences another power outage while heating the oil in the compressor, the second power outage restart will assume that the compressor oil preheating has been completed before the second power outage, meaning the compressor oil temperature has reached the set temperature before the second power outage. However, in practical applications, the compressor oil preheating may not be completed before the second power outage, meaning the compressor oil temperature may not have reached the set temperature before the second power outage. Therefore, during the second power outage restart, the compressor power outage time may be less than or equal to the first preset time, which cannot accurately indicate that the compressor oil temperature has decreased only slightly, potentially affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0056] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, the specific process of which is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment, when the heating time of the oil in the compressor in the above embodiment is less than the second preset time, further includes the following steps:

[0057] S210, Record the compressor oil temperature preheating status as incomplete.

[0058] The compressor oil temperature preheating status is incomplete, indicating that the compressor oil temperature has not reached the set temperature. In other words, starting the compressor at this time will affect the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0059] It should be noted that recording the preheating state of the compressor oil temperature is sufficient to adopt a mature implementation method from the existing technology, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0060] In this embodiment, since the compressor oil temperature preheating status is recorded when the compressor is powered off again, the oil temperature preheating status can be used to determine whether the compressor oil temperature preheating was completed during the previous power outage and restart process. This ensures that the compressor power outage time is less than or equal to the first preset time, which accurately indicates that the compressor oil temperature decreases less, thereby reducing the possibility of affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0061] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, the specific process of which is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment further includes the following steps before step S130 in the above embodiment:

[0062] S310. Determine whether the compressor's power-off time is less than or equal to the third preset time.

[0063] If the compressor's power-off time is less than or equal to the third preset time, then step S130 is executed; if the compressor's power-off time is greater than the third preset time, then steps S320 and S330 are executed sequentially.

[0064] If the compressor's power-off time is less than or equal to the third preset time, it indicates that the power-off time is very short, meaning the decrease in compressor oil temperature is minimal. Conversely, if the compressor's power-off time is greater than the third preset time, it indicates that the decrease in compressor oil temperature under these conditions is not very short, meaning the decrease in compressor oil temperature is not minimal. In practical applications, the third preset time can be set according to actual conditions; no specific limitation is made here. Typically, the third preset time can be set to 2 hours.

[0065] S320 controls the compressor to perform continuous inching starts.

[0066] The compressor starts briefly and then stops immediately. Continuous inching starts refer to the above process being repeated: the compressor starts briefly, then stops immediately, then starts briefly again, and so on.

[0067] In a specific example, the compressor is started in jog mode, specifically: the compressor starts once every 5 seconds, and each start lasts for 1 second.

[0068] The above example only illustrates one specific implementation of compressor inching start. In practical applications, there are other implementations, including but not limited to this one. No specific limitation is made here. The specific implementation can be determined according to the specific circumstances, and all are within the protection scope of this application.

[0069] Because the compressor operates briefly during jogging, jogging can raise the temperature of the oil in the compressor by doing work on the oil.

[0070] S330. Determine whether the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is greater than or equal to the preset number.

[0071] If the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is greater than or equal to the preset number, then step S130 is executed; if the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is less than the preset number, then the control method is stopped.

[0072] If the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is greater than or equal to the preset number, it indicates that the compressor performs jogging starts frequently. Conversely, if the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is less than the preset number, it indicates that the compressor performs jogging starts infrequently.

[0073] Since jogging starts can raise the temperature of the oil in the compressor, if the compressor jogs at least once the preset number of times, it indicates that the oil temperature has reached the set temperature. In other words, starting the compressor at this time will not affect its long-term stable operation and service life. Conversely, if the compressor jogs less than the preset number of times, it indicates that the oil temperature has not reached the set temperature. In other words, starting the compressor at this time will affect its long-term stable operation and service life.

[0074] In actual applications of jog starting, the preset number of times can be set according to the actual situation; no specific limit is made here. Typically, the preset number of times can be set to 5.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the oil temperature of the compressor drops only slightly, a jogging start method is used instead of heating to raise the temperature of the oil in the compressor. This shortens the time it takes for the oil in the compressor to reach the set temperature, i.e., shortens the oil preheating time. As a result, the compressor can be restarted after a power outage in more cases without spending a long time.

[0076] In the above embodiments, it is assumed that the compressor has completed oil preheating before the power outage, meaning the compressor oil temperature has reached the set temperature. Therefore, during the first power outage restart, if the compressor experiences another power outage while continuously jogging, the second power outage restart will assume that the compressor oil preheating was completed before the second power outage, meaning the compressor oil temperature has reached the set temperature before the second power outage. However, in practical applications, the compressor oil preheating may not be completed before the second power outage, meaning the compressor oil temperature may not have reached the set temperature before the second power outage. Therefore, during the second power outage restart, the compressor power outage time may be less than or equal to the first preset time, which cannot accurately indicate that the compressor oil temperature has decreased only slightly, potentially affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0077] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, the specific process of which is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment further includes the following steps when the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is less than the preset number in the above embodiment:

[0078] S410, Record the compressor oil temperature preheating status as incomplete.

[0079] The compressor oil temperature preheating status is incomplete, indicating that the compressor oil temperature has not reached the set temperature. In other words, starting the compressor at this time will affect the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0080] It should be noted that recording the preheating state of the compressor oil temperature is sufficient to adopt a mature implementation method from the existing technology, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0081] In this embodiment, since the compressor oil temperature preheating is not completed when the compressor is powered off again, this record can be used to determine whether the compressor oil temperature preheating was completed during the previous power failure and restart process. This ensures that the power failure time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time, which can accurately indicate that the degree of reduction in compressor oil temperature is small, thereby reducing the possibility of affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0082] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, the specific process of which is as follows: Figure 6 ( Figure 6 (Taking only step S130 before step S510 as an example) As shown in this embodiment, before, after, or simultaneously with step S130 in the above embodiment, it also includes the following steps:

[0083] S510, Record the compressor oil temperature preheating status as complete.

[0084] The compressor oil temperature preheating status is complete, indicating that the compressor oil temperature has reached the set temperature. This means that starting the compressor at this time will not affect the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0085] It should be noted that recording the preheating status of the compressor oil temperature is sufficient to adopt a mature implementation method from the existing technology, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0086] In this embodiment, since the completion of compressor oil temperature preheating is recorded, during the next power outage and restart process, this record can be used to determine whether the compressor oil temperature preheating was completed during the previous power outage and restart process. This ensures that the power outage time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time, which can accurately indicate that the degree of reduction in compressor oil temperature is small, thereby reducing the possibility of affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0087] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, which is applicable to situations where the preheating state of the compressor oil temperature is recorded, for example... Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 The implementation method shown is as follows. The specific process of this implementation method is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment further includes the following steps before step S120 in the above embodiment:

[0088] S610. Based on the recorded oil temperature preheating status of the compressor, determine whether the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor has been completed.

[0089] If the compressor oil temperature preheating is complete, then proceed with steps S620 and S120 sequentially.

[0090] The recorded oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor during the previous power outage and restart process.

[0091] S620: Clear the recorded compressor oil temperature preheating status.

[0092] In this embodiment, before step S120, the compressor oil temperature preheating status is recorded to determine whether the compressor oil temperature preheating has been completed. If the compressor oil temperature preheating status is completed, step S120 is executed. Therefore, the compressor power-off time is less than or equal to the first preset time, which can accurately indicate that the compressor oil temperature decreases less, thereby reducing the possibility of affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor.

[0093] Another embodiment of this application provides another implementation of the compressor control method, which is applicable to the following situation: heating the oil in the compressor when the power outage time is longer than a first preset time. The specific process of this implementation is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, if the oil temperature preheating of the compressor in the above embodiment is not completed, step S140 is executed.

[0094] In this embodiment, since before step S120, the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded to determine whether the oil temperature preheating of the compressor has been completed, and step S140 is executed if the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is not completed, step S120 can be skipped. Therefore, the possibility of affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor can be reduced.

[0095] Another embodiment of this application provides a compressor, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, it specifically includes: a power switch, a compressor, and a controller. The connection relationships between the components are described below:

[0096] The power supply terminal of the compressor receives the power supply voltage through a power supply switch. The power supply switch is controlled by a controller, which executes the compressor control method provided in the above embodiments.

[0097] Specifically, the compressor is started by controlling the power supply switch to be on. The compressor is continuously started in short bursts by alternately switching the power supply switch on and off. For example, by controlling the power supply switch to be on every 5 seconds, the compressor is started every 5 seconds, and each on-time is maintained for 1 second, ensuring each start-up lasts for 1 second. The number of times the power supply switch alternately switches on and off is greater than a preset number is used to determine whether the number of times the compressor performs short bursts is greater than or equal to the preset number.

[0098] Optionally, the power supply switch may be an AC contactor. In practical applications, this may include, but is not limited to, the following: the power supply switch may be an AC contactor. The specific type of contactor may be determined depending on the specific circumstances, and all of these are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0099] In this embodiment, since the controller is used to execute the compressor control method provided in the above embodiment, this embodiment can achieve power-off restart without affecting the long-term stable operation and service life of the compressor, and without spending a long time each time.

[0100] The features described above in the disclosed embodiments can be substituted or combined with each other, enabling those skilled in the art to implement or use this application. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention using the methods and techniques disclosed above, or modify them into equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the present invention's technical solutions still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a compressor, characterized in that, include: Determine whether the compressor is powered on; If the compressor is powered on, determine whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time; If the power outage time is less than or equal to the first preset time, then the compressor is controlled to start.

2. The compressor control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the power outage time is longer than the first preset time, the oil in the compressor is heated. Determine whether the duration of heating the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to a second preset time; If the duration of heating the oil in the compressor is greater than or equal to the second preset time, then the step of controlling the compressor to start is executed.

3. The compressor control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the heating time of the oil in the compressor is less than the second preset time, the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded as incomplete.

4. The compressor control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before controlling the compressor to start, the following is also included: Determine whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to a third preset time; If the power outage time of the compressor is less than or equal to the third preset time, then the step of controlling the compressor to start is executed.

5. The compressor control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the power outage time is greater than the third preset time, the compressor is controlled to continuously perform inching starts; Determine whether the number of times the compressor performs jogging starts is greater than or equal to a preset number; If the number of times the compressor is started by jogging is greater than or equal to the preset number, then the step of controlling the compressor to start is executed.

6. The compressor control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, If the number of times the compressor is started by jogging is less than the preset number, the oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded as incomplete.

7. The compressor control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before, after, or simultaneously with the step of controlling the compressor to start, the method further includes: The oil temperature preheating status of the compressor is recorded as complete.

8. The compressor control method according to claim 3, 6 or 7, characterized in that, Before determining whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to a first preset time, the process also includes: Based on the recorded oil temperature preheating status of the compressor, determine whether the oil temperature preheating of the compressor has been completed; If the oil temperature preheating state of the compressor is completed, then the recorded oil temperature preheating state of the compressor is cleared, and the step of determining whether the power-off time of the compressor is less than or equal to the first preset time is executed.

9. A compressor, characterized in that, include: Power supply switch, compressor and controller; wherein: The power supply terminal of the compression device receives the power supply voltage through the power supply switch; The power supply switch is controlled by the controller, which is used to execute the compressor control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The compressor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The power supply switch is an AC contactor.

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