Air conditioner

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an air conditioner which comprises an outer fan, an outer unit filter screen, a compressor and a controller, and the controller is configured to obtain first current of the outdoor fan at the current rotating speed, determine the filth blockage coefficient of the outer unit filter screen according to the first current and a first current threshold value, and control the filth blockage coefficient of the outer unit filter screen according to the determined filth blockage coefficient. And the compressor is controlled to reduce the maximum operation frequency according to the filth blockage coefficient of the filter screen of the outdoor unit. According to the air conditioner, the compressor is flexibly controlled to reduce the maximum operation frequency through the filth blockage coefficient of the outdoor unit filter screen, the compressor frequency is prevented from being too large, the current passing through the compressor is prevented from being too large, and the safety of the compressor, a circuit where the compressor is located and electric control devices in the circuit can be protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] When an air conditioner is running, a clogged or dirty filter can affect its cooling or heating performance. For example, in cooling mode, a clogged outdoor unit filter reduces the amount of air blown in by the outdoor fan, resulting in poor cooling.

[0003] In related technologies, in order to maintain the cooling effect of an air conditioner, the compressor frequency is often increased. However, this can lead to excessive current flowing through the compressor, causing damage to the compressor or the electronic control components on the circuit board containing the compressor.

[0004] Therefore, how to effectively protect the compressor and electronic control components when the air conditioner filter is dirty and clogged is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses an air conditioner that protects the compressor and electronic control devices by determining the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter and reducing the maximum operating frequency of the compressor based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter.

[0006] This application discloses an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising:

[0007] An outdoor fan is used to regulate the circulation of outdoor air.

[0008] The outdoor unit filter is used to filter impurities from the air;

[0009] A compressor is used to compress the refrigerant circulating in the condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.

[0010] The controller is used to acquire the speed of the outdoor fan, the current of the outdoor fan, and to adjust the maximum operating frequency of the compressor;

[0011] The controller is configured to:

[0012] The first current of the outdoor fan at the current speed is obtained. Based on the first current and the first current threshold, the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined. Based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the compressor is controlled to reduce the maximum operating frequency.

[0013] In the above technical solution, by obtaining the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the maximum operating frequency of the compressor is reduced. In this way, even if the outdoor unit filter is severely clogged, the compressor's operating frequency will not increase because the frequency has been reduced. This can prevent damage to the compressor and electronic control components caused by excessive compressor current, thus protecting the compressor and electronic control components.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner further includes a memory storing a first mapping relationship between different fan speeds and fan currents when the outdoor unit filter is in a non-clogging state. Before the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and a first current threshold, the air conditioner further includes:

[0015] The controller determines the first current threshold based on the current rotational speed of the outdoor fan and the first mapping relationship.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the current threshold used to determine the fouling coefficient can be set in advance, and different current thresholds can be set according to different fan speeds, thereby improving the accuracy of the judgment and the flexibility of the solution.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and a first current threshold, including:

[0018] If the first current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged.

[0019] When the first current is less than the first current threshold, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold.

[0020] In the above technical solution, when the speed of the outdoor fan remains constant, the more severe the dirt blockage, the smaller the current passing through the outdoor fan. Based on this conclusion, a method for judging whether the outdoor unit filter is dirty and blocked is determined by the current of the outdoor fan.

[0021] In one possible implementation, before the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and a first current threshold, the air conditioner further includes:

[0022] The controller controls the outdoor fan to adjust its speed and obtains the second current at the adjusted speed.

[0023] The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold, including:

[0024] The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold.

[0025] In the above technical solution, the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter can be determined by the current of the outdoor fan at different speeds, which can improve the accuracy of the judgment result.

[0026] In one possible implementation, before the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold, the air conditioner further includes:

[0027] The controller determines the second current threshold based on the adjusted rotational speed and the first mapping relationship;

[0028] The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold, including:

[0029] The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, the first current threshold, and the second current threshold.

[0030] In the above technical solution, after obtaining the current of the outdoor fan at different speeds, different current thresholds can be determined according to different speeds, further improving the accuracy of the judgment result of the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, the first current threshold, and the second current threshold, including:

[0032] If the first current is greater than the first current threshold and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, it is determined that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged.

[0033] If a target current is less than or equal to a corresponding current threshold in either the first current or the second current, the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined based on the target current and the corresponding current threshold.

[0034] Wherein, when the target current includes the first current and the second current, the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined according to the larger of the first ratio and the second ratio, wherein the first ratio is the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the second ratio is the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold.

[0035] The above technical solution provides a method for determining the fouling coefficient by using the current of the outdoor fan at different speeds and different current thresholds.

[0036] In one possible implementation, before the controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the air conditioner further includes:

[0037] The controller determines whether the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is effective based on the first current and the second current.

[0038] The controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit's filter, including:

[0039] If the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is effective, the compressor is controlled to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter.

[0040] In the above technical solution, the effectiveness of the determined dirt-clogging coefficient can also be determined based on the current of the outdoor fan at different speeds. Only when the determined dirt-clogging coefficient is effective can the maximum operating frequency of the compressor be adjusted according to the dirt-clogging coefficient, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of adjusting the maximum operating frequency of the compressor.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the controller determines whether the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is effective based on the first current and the second current, including:

[0042] The controller determines whether the second ratio is less than a preset ratio, and whether the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is less than a preset difference;

[0043] If the second ratio is less than the preset ratio, and the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is less than the preset difference, the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined to be valid.

[0044] If the second ratio is greater than or equal to the preset ratio, or if the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is greater than or equal to the preset difference, the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined to be invalid.

[0045] The above technical solution provides a method for determining the effectiveness of the clog coefficient based on the first current and the second current. The method is simple and has low computational complexity.

[0046] In one possible implementation, controlling the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter includes:

[0047] The controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0048] In the above technical solution, once the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined, the dirt clogging coefficient can be used as an adjustment coefficient to adjust the maximum operating frequency of the compressor, thereby achieving precise adjustment of the maximum operating frequency of the compressor.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner's memory further stores a second mapping relationship between different fan speeds and fan currents when the outdoor unit filter is in a target clogged state. The air conditioner also includes:

[0050] The controller determines a third current threshold based on the current rotational speed and the second mapping relationship;

[0051] When the first current is less than the third current threshold, the controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency to the lowest operating frequency supported by the compressor.

[0052] In the above technical solution, considering that if the compressor is severely clogged, the compressor may not operate at the upper limit of the operating frequency, and the current of the outdoor fan may be relatively large. Therefore, in order to effectively protect the compressor and electrical control devices, a current threshold for severe clogged conditions can be set. If the current of the outdoor fan is smaller than the current threshold for severe clogged conditions, the maximum operating frequency of the compressor is directly controlled to be the lowest operating frequency that it can support.

[0053] This application discloses a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for implementing the control method of the controller described above.

[0054] This application discloses a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer implements the control method of the above controller.

[0055] Compared to related technologies that increase the compressor frequency to maintain the original cooling effect, the air conditioner provided in this application embodiment can obtain the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter through the controller, reduce the maximum operating frequency of the compressor based on the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, thereby reducing the current passing through the compressor and realizing the protection of the compressor and the electronic control devices in the circuit where the compressor is located. Attached Figure Description

[0056] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the 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.

[0057] Figure 1 This is an application scenario diagram of the air conditioner control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0058] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit system architecture of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart illustrating a first compressor frequency regulation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrating a second compressor frequency regulation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart illustrating a third compressor frequency regulation method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating a fourth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating the fifth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in this application embodiment;

[0065] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart illustrating the sixth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in this application embodiment;

[0066] Figure 10 A schematic block diagram of a control device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a controller provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. For example, "first instruction" and "second instruction" are used to distinguish different user instructions and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0070] It should be noted that, in this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0071] Furthermore, "at least one" refers to one or more, while "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b, and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0072] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0073] Air conditioners are common household appliances because they provide both cooling and heating. When an air conditioner operates in cooling mode, it absorbs heat from the room and releases it to the outside through a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, thereby lowering the indoor temperature and achieving a cooling effect. As the refrigerant flows through the condenser of the outdoor unit, the outdoor fan blows airflow across the condenser surface, carrying away the heat from the refrigerant flowing within the condenser.

[0074] The amount of air blown in by the outdoor fan of an air conditioner at any given time depends not only on the fan's rotational speed but also on the dirt and clogging of the outdoor unit's filter. With a fixed outdoor fan speed, the more severely the filter is clogged, the less air the fan can blow in, resulting in poor condenser cooling. This clogged filter leads to reduced condenser cooling in the outdoor unit, causing increased system pressure.

[0075] To maintain cooling performance, the compressor needs to increase its workload, resulting in increased compressor current and higher compressor load. Excessive compressor current may trigger the compressor's protection mechanism, causing it to shut down, or even damage the circuitry containing the compressor and its electronic control components. These components may include intelligent power modules (IPMs), or other electronic control devices, which will not be detailed here. It should be noted that the outdoor fan in this application can also be simply referred to as the outdoor fan.

[0076] The method used in related technologies, which increases the power of the outdoor fan to increase driving torque and thus maintain the original airflow, is affected by the degree of dirt and clogging of the outdoor unit's filter. For example, if the outdoor unit's filter is clogged, the fan efficiency will decrease, and even if the fan runs at full speed, the expected heat dissipation effect cannot be achieved. Related technologies often fail to consider that a clogged outdoor unit filter can increase the system pressure by affecting condenser heat dissipation, leading to compressor overload. This can result in compressor shutdown and damage to the compressor's circuitry and its electronic control components.

[0077] Experiments have shown that, at a constant outdoor fan speed, the current flowing through the outdoor fan is negatively correlated with the dirtiness of the outdoor unit's filter. That is, at a constant outdoor fan speed, the more severely the filter is clogged, the smaller the current flowing through the outdoor fan. This is because, according to the power formula P = Fv, where F is the driving torque of the outdoor fan and v is the fan speed, v remains constant at a constant outdoor fan speed. The more severely the filter is clogged, the smaller the airflow through the filter into the outdoor unit per unit time. A smaller airflow results in a smaller driving torque from the outdoor fan, and consequently, a smaller power output. The resistance of the outdoor fan (usually the stator and rotor resistance) is determined by factors such as materials, wire length, and cross-sectional area, and is generally unaffected by the load. Filter clogging does not directly change the resistance of the motor windings; the resistance is mainly related to the motor's temperature. When the motor temperature rises, the resistance will increase to a certain extent. Then, according to the power formula P = I... 2When the power P decreases while the resistance R remains constant, the current I through the outdoor fan decreases accordingly. By understanding the operating principle of the air conditioner's outdoor fan and the power calculation formula, we can discover the relationship between the dirt and clogging of the outdoor unit's filter and the outdoor fan's current. In other words, we can determine the dirt and clogging of the air conditioner's outdoor fan by detecting its current.

[0078] This application embodiment determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter by obtaining the current of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner. The smaller the clogging coefficient, the more severe the clogging of the outdoor unit filter; the larger the clogging coefficient, the less severe the clogging of the outdoor unit filter. By limiting and reducing the maximum operating frequency of the air conditioner compressor based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the compressor's high-load operation and shutdown are prevented, and the current flowing through the compressor is reduced, effectively protecting the compressor, the circuit containing the compressor, and the electronic control components within the circuit.

[0079] This application discloses an air conditioner that can obtain the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit's filter by detecting the current of the outdoor fan, and then reduce the maximum operating frequency of the compressor based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor fan filter. This fully considers the impact of filter clogging on the outdoor unit's heat dissipation, system pressure, and compressor frequency. This application does not attempt to maintain the original cooling effect by increasing the compressor frequency due to reduced outdoor unit heat exchange efficiency; instead, it limits the compressor frequency, effectively protecting the compressor, the circuit containing the compressor, and the electronic control components within the circuit, allowing the compressor to operate normally without stopping.

[0080] Furthermore, because the method in this application allows the compressor to continue operating without stopping even when the outdoor unit's filter is clogged, it can still provide continuous cooling. Compared to methods that cause the air conditioner to shut down due to increased compressor frequency, this solution will provide better cooling performance over a certain period of time than related technologies that increase compressor frequency.

[0081] In order to achieve the control method described above, the application scenario of the air conditioner in this application will be introduced first, so as to fully understand the refrigeration working principle of the air conditioner.

[0082] like Figure 1 The figure shown is an application scenario diagram 100 of the air conditioner control method provided in embodiment 1 of this application. The application scenario may include an outdoor unit 101 and an indoor unit 102. The outdoor unit 101 may include an outdoor fan 103, a condenser 104 and a compressor 105; the indoor unit 102 may include an evaporator 106, an expansion valve 107 and an indoor fan 108.

[0083] In some possible embodiments, the outdoor fan 103 can be an AC motor outdoor fan or a DC motor outdoor fan; this application does not specifically limit the embodiments. The main function of the outdoor fan 103 is to help the condenser 104 dissipate heat by pushing airflow over the condenser 104, thus maintaining the efficient operation of the air conditioning system. In the cooling mode of the air conditioner, the compressor 105 transfers the heat absorbed indoors to the condenser through refrigerant, and the outdoor fan helps the condenser 104 expel the heat outdoors by forcing airflow. Through heat dissipation, the outdoor fan helps lower the temperature of the condenser 104, thereby maintaining the normal pressure of the air conditioning system. If the condenser 104 cannot dissipate heat effectively, the system pressure will increase, which may lead to compressor 105 overload, poor cooling effect, or even system protection shutdown. The working efficiency of the outdoor fan 103 directly affects the energy efficiency of the entire air conditioning system. Good heat dissipation can reduce system energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency ratio of the air conditioner. In inverter air conditioners, the speed of the outdoor fan can be adjusted according to actual needs to further optimize energy consumption.

[0084] In some possible embodiments, the type of condenser 104 includes, but is not limited to, an air condenser, a water condenser, and an evaporative condenser. The main function of the condenser 104 is to release heat from the refrigerant to the external environment, maintaining the temperature and pressure differences in the refrigerant circulation within the air conditioner. The condenser 104 lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, changing it from a high-temperature gaseous state to a medium-temperature liquid state, preparing the refrigerant for re-entry into the evaporator. The efficiency of the condenser 104 directly affects the pressure change of the refrigerant in the system. When the heat dissipation is good, the high-pressure side pressure in the system will be maintained at an appropriate level. If the condensation effect is poor, the system pressure will rise, affecting the operating efficiency of the compressor and other components.

[0085] In some possible embodiments, compressor 105 may include, but is not limited to, reciprocating compressors, rotary compressors (rotor compressors), screw compressors, scroll compressors, and centrifugal compressors. Compressor 105 is the power source for the air conditioning system, driving the refrigerant to flow throughout the system. Through compression and suction processes, it transfers the refrigerant from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side, maintaining the normal operation of the entire refrigeration cycle. By compressing the gaseous refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure, compressor 105 creates a significant temperature difference in the system. This process is the fundamental thermodynamic cycle in the refrigeration system, ensuring that evaporator 106 absorbs heat and condenser 104 releases heat. The operation of compressor 105 maintains different pressures of the refrigerant in different parts of the air conditioning system, forming high-pressure and low-pressure zones. The high-pressure zone facilitates heat release by the refrigerant in condenser 104, while the low-pressure zone helps the refrigerant absorb heat in evaporator 106.

[0086] In some possible embodiments, the expansion valve 107 includes, but is not limited to, a thermostatic expansion valve, an electronic expansion valve, a capillary expansion valve, and a float expansion valve. The refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid state by the compressor 105 in the condenser 104. When it passes through the expansion valve 107, the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant drop sharply due to the narrow passage. The expansion valve 107 controls the refrigerant flow rate by adjusting the valve opening, ensuring that the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator 106 is appropriate so that the refrigerant can fully evaporate and absorb heat. After leaving the expansion valve 107, the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant enters the evaporator 106, absorbs heat, and evaporates, completing the entire refrigeration process.

[0087] In some possible embodiments, the internal fan 108 may include, but is not limited to, cross-flow fans, axial fans, and centrifugal fans. The internal fan 108 generally consists of an electric motor, fan blades, and an air duct. It relies on the electric motor to drive the fan blades to rotate, drawing air in through the air inlet, exchanging heat through the evaporator 106, and then returning the air to the room through the air outlet. The fan speed can usually be adjusted as needed, typically including low, medium, and high speed modes.

[0088] In some possible embodiments, compressor 105 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and compresses it into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant enters condenser 104, where it exchanges heat with outdoor air through outdoor fan 103. The refrigerant releases heat and condenses into a high-pressure liquid. When the liquid refrigerant passes through expansion valve 107, its pressure drops sharply, and its temperature also drops accordingly, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters evaporator 106, where it exchanges heat with indoor air, absorbs heat from the air, and evaporates. After the air is cooled, it is blown back into the room by indoor fan 108.

[0089] In some possible embodiments, when the filter of the outdoor unit is clogged, airflow is obstructed, significantly reducing the heat dissipation effect of the condenser 104. Poor heat dissipation by the condenser 104 prevents the refrigerant from being adequately cooled, leaving it at a high temperature and pressure. This increases the internal pressure of the system, and when the high-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor 105, it increases the compressor's load, forcing the compressor 105 to operate at even higher pressure. When the compressor 105 operates under high pressure, its required power increases, leading to increased current. This increased current may damage the circuitry of the compressor 105 and the IPM (Integrated Power Module). Therefore, it is necessary to limit the maximum operating frequency of the compressor 105 based on the degree of clog in the outdoor unit's filter.

[0090] In some possible embodiments, the clogging of the outdoor unit filter can be determined by acquiring the current of the outdoor fan 103 of the air conditioner and comparing it with the current threshold. The maximum operating frequency of the compressor 105 can be reduced accordingly based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, which can effectively protect the compressor 105 and its circuit and electronic control devices.

[0091] The above introduction to air conditioner application scenarios can facilitate understanding of the working mode and refrigeration principle of air conditioners, and provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the air conditioner control method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0092] The following section further describes the system architecture of the air conditioner's outdoor unit to fully understand how the various hardware components of the outdoor unit work together to achieve the air conditioner control method provided in this application embodiment.

[0093] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the outdoor unit system architecture of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application. The system architecture of the outdoor unit may include, but is not limited to, components such as a controller 201, a memory 202, a compressor 203, an outdoor fan 204, an outdoor unit filter 205, and a condenser 206. The system architecture of the outdoor unit may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0094] The controller 201 is the control center of the air conditioner. It connects various parts of the air conditioner via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 202, and by calling data stored in the memory 202, it performs various functions and processes data, thereby providing overall monitoring of the air conditioner. Optionally, the controller 201 may include one or more processing units; preferably, the controller 201 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into the controller 201.

[0095] The memory 202 can be used to store software programs and modules. The controller 201 executes various functions and data processing of the air conditioner by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 202. The memory 202 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and application programs required for at least one function (such as current detection, power detection, frequency control, etc.). The data storage area may store data generated based on the use of the air conditioner (such as current data, resistance of various devices, etc.). In addition, the memory 202 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0096] The compressor 203 typically consists of a casing, motor, compression chamber, intake and exhaust valves, and lubrication system. The primary function of the compressor 203 is to compress low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. During the compression process, the refrigerant's pressure and temperature increase significantly. The controller 201 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 203 using variable frequency technology, thereby controlling the air conditioner's cooling capacity.

[0097] In some possible embodiments, the controller 201 can calculate the required operating frequency of the compressor 203 according to a preset algorithm. The controller 201 then generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal based on the calculation result and transmits it to the frequency converter. The frequency converter is the core component of the motor control system, adjusting the compressor motor speed by changing the frequency and voltage of the power supply. The duty cycle (the ratio of the "high" to "low" levels of the pulse signal) of the PWM signal is proportional to the target frequency. After receiving the PWM signal, the frequency converter controls the frequency and voltage of the three-phase AC power output to supply the compressor 203 motor. When the frequency of the AC power supplied to the motor increases, the compressor 203 motor speed increases, thereby increasing the compressor's operating frequency; conversely, decreasing the frequency slows down the compressor 203 speed. In this way, the controller 201 can accurately control the output capacity of the air conditioning system, enabling the indoor temperature to quickly reach and remain at the set value.

[0098] The outdoor fan 204 typically consists of components such as fan blades, a motor, a motor bracket, a fan cover, a junction box, and a control circuit. The core function of the outdoor fan 204 is to remove heat from the condenser through airflow. When the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant passes through the condenser 206, it releases heat and gradually cools into a liquid state. The outdoor fan 204, by rotating, pushes air through the fins of the condenser 206, transferring the released heat to the outdoor air, thereby maintaining the decrease in refrigerant temperature.

[0099] In some possible embodiments, the circuit where the external fan 204 is located is equipped with a current sensor. When current passes through, the sensor generates a voltage signal proportional to the current intensity and transmits this signal to the controller 201 through the relevant circuit. In this way, the controller 201 can detect the current passing through the external fan 204 in real time.

[0100] In some possible embodiments, a low-resistance resistor is connected in series in the circuit of the external fan 204. When current passes through the shunt resistor, a small voltage drop is generated across the resistor. The controller 201 can calculate the current through the external fan 204 by measuring this voltage drop.

[0101] In some possible embodiments, for the variable frequency external fan system, the motor drive circuit itself has a current detection function, and the output current is monitored and adjusted through an internal feedback loop. The controller 201 can obtain the real-time current data of the external fan 204 from the drive circuit.

[0102] In some possible embodiments, the air conditioner outdoor fan 204 may use a brushless direct current motor (BLDC) with a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor, installed inside the motor, detects the position of the motor rotor and generates pulse signals as the rotor rotates. The controller 201 determines the motor speed by calculating the frequency of these pulse signals.

[0103] In some possible embodiments, for a sensorless brushless DC motor, the controller 201 can calculate the motor speed by detecting the back electromotive force (EMF) in the motor windings. When the motor rotates, a back EMF is induced in the motor windings, the magnitude of which is proportional to the motor speed. The controller 201 calculates the speed of the outdoor fan 204 by measuring the frequency of this back EMF.

[0104] In some possible embodiments, the photoelectric encoder detects the motor speed using a photoelectric sensor and a graduated rotating disk. The rotating disk is fixed to the shaft of the external fan 204 motor. When the fan rotates, the photoelectric sensor determines the speed by reading the frequency of the graduations on the rotating disk and transmits the result to the controller 201.

[0105] In some possible embodiments, for inverter air conditioners, controller 201 directly controls the power supply frequency of the outdoor fan 204 motor via an inverter. Since the motor speed is proportional to the power supply frequency, the controller can easily calculate the speed of the outdoor fan 204 through frequency feedback.

[0106] In some embodiments, the controller can use pulse width modulation (PWM) technology to adjust the speed of the external fan motor. PWM control adjusts the average input power of the motor by changing the duty cycle of the voltage or current, thereby changing the speed of the fan.

[0107] In some possible embodiments, the controller controls the motor speed by using a frequency converter to adjust the power supply frequency of the fan.

[0108] The outdoor unit filter 205 typically consists of filter material, a frame, and a fixing device. The primary function of the outdoor unit filter 205 is to filter dust, impurities, and other particulate matter from the air entering the air conditioner's outdoor unit, preventing them from entering core components such as the condenser and fan. This protects the internal components of the air conditioner from clogging and wear. When the outdoor unit filter 205 is clogged, airflow is obstructed, the condenser cannot dissipate heat effectively, leading to increased system pressure, compressor overheating, increased energy consumption and wear, and a shortened equipment lifespan.

[0109] The condenser 206 consists of a piping system, fins, a support frame, and a housing. The main function of the condenser 206 is to cool the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 203, releasing heat and converting it into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser 206, it exchanges heat with the air flowing through its fins, transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air, causing the refrigerant to condense from a gaseous state to a liquid state. If the condenser 206 has poor heat dissipation, the refrigerant cannot condense effectively, the system pressure will be too high, leading to overload or even damage to the compressor 203.

[0110] By introducing the system architecture and other hardware of the air conditioner's outdoor unit, one can understand the functions of each component. Furthermore, the above embodiments also describe how the controller 201 obtains the speed and current of the outdoor fan 204, and how the controller 201 adjusts the operating frequency of the compressor 203. Based on this, the control method of the air conditioner is further introduced.

[0111] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 300 illustrating an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0112] S301, the controller obtains the first current of the outdoor fan at the current speed.

[0113] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the current at the current speed of the external fan through a voltage signal generated by a current sensor in the circuit where the external fan is located, which is proportional to the current intensity passing through the external fan.

[0114] In some possible embodiments, the controller can measure the small voltage drop across a low-resistance resistor connected in series in the circuit containing the outdoor fan to calculate the current flowing through the outdoor fan.

[0115] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the real-time current of the external fan through the motor drive circuit.

[0116] S302, determine the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold.

[0117] In some possible embodiments, the memory included in the air conditioner pre-stores the outdoor fan current corresponding to different speeds of the outdoor fan when the outdoor unit filter is not clogged, and the outdoor fan current corresponding to different speeds of the outdoor fan when the air conditioner is severely clogged.

[0118] In some possible embodiments, the controller obtains the current corresponding to the condition that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is not clogged at the current speed based on the first current and the corresponding relationship stored in the memory. This current is the first current threshold. The controller determines whether the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is clogged by comparing the magnitude of the first current and the first current threshold. If the outdoor unit filter is clogged, the clogging coefficient is calculated based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0119] In some possible embodiments, the controller obtains the current corresponding to the condition that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and clogging at the current speed based on the first current and the corresponding relationship stored in the memory. This current is the first current threshold. Then, the controller controls the air conditioner outdoor fan to adjust the speed and obtains the adjusted speed and the outdoor fan current corresponding to the adjusted speed, i.e., the second current. The controller determines the dirt and clogging coefficient of the air conditioner outdoor unit filter by comprehensively comparing the magnitude of the first current with the first current threshold, and the magnitude of the second current with the first current threshold.

[0120] In some possible embodiments, the controller obtains the current corresponding to the condition that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is not clogged at the current speed based on the first current and the corresponding relationship stored in the memory. This current is the first current threshold. Then, the controller controls the air conditioner outdoor fan to adjust the speed and obtains the adjusted speed, the outdoor fan current in the current state corresponding to the adjusted speed (i.e., the second current), and the outdoor fan current when the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is not clogged (i.e., the second current threshold). The controller determines the clog coefficient of the air conditioner outdoor unit filter by comprehensively comparing the magnitude of the first current with the first current threshold, and the magnitude of the second current with the second current threshold.

[0121] S303, based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency.

[0122] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the filter is clogged, the controller reduces the maximum operating frequency of the compressor to the product of the ratio of a first current to a first current threshold and the maximum operating frequency supported by the compressor.

[0123] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the filter is clogged, the controller reduces the maximum operating frequency of the compressor to the product of the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold and the maximum operating frequency supported by the compressor.

[0124] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the filter is not clogged, the controller controls the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0125] The above embodiments describe a control method for an air conditioner. By acquiring the current of the outdoor fan at the current speed, the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined based on the current and a preset current threshold. Based on the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the maximum operating frequency of the compressor is limited and reduced, thereby protecting the compressor, the circuit in which the compressor is located, and the electronic control devices in the circuit.

[0126] The following examples further illustrate how the controller reduces the compressor frequency.

[0127] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 400 of a first compressor frequency regulation method provided in an embodiment of this application. The flowchart includes:

[0128] S401, the controller obtains the first current at the current speed of the external fan.

[0129] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the first current of the external fan at the current speed through methods such as current sensors, shunt resistor detection, and feedback from the motor drive circuit.

[0130] S402, the controller obtains the first current threshold based on the current wind speed of the external fan.

[0131] In some possible embodiments, the controller may obtain the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan by means of Hall sensors, calculating the back electromotive force in the motor windings, photoelectric encoders, and frequency converters.

[0132] In some possible embodiments, the memory included in the air conditioner pre-stores the outdoor fan current corresponding to different speeds of the outdoor fan when the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt or blockage. This correspondence can be denoted as the first mapping relationship. The current obtained by the controller based on the current speed of the outdoor fan through the first mapping relationship is the first current threshold.

[0133] For example, when the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is not clogged, the proportion of the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0134] For example, the first mapping relationship can be referred to Table 1.

[0135] As shown in Table 1, Table 1 includes the mapping relationship between various outdoor fan speeds and their corresponding outdoor fan currents. The outdoor fan speeds in Table 1 can be set according to actual usage requirements. For example, in Table 1, the speeds of adjacent outdoor fans differ by 500 RPM. In other examples, the speeds of adjacent outdoor fans may differ by 200 RPM or 100 RPM, etc., and there are no restrictions here.

[0136] Table 1

[0137] Outdoor fan speed (RPM) Corresponding current (A) 500 0.5 1000 0.8 1500 1.2 2000 1.6 2500 2.1 3000 2.7

[0138] For example, if the speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1500 RPM at this time, the controller can read the first mapping relationship in the memory to obtain the first current threshold of 1.2A.

[0139] In other examples, the first mapping relationship can also be a functional relationship formed based on different external fan speeds and external fan currents, as shown in Table 1. For example, by taking multiple discrete sample values ​​of different external fan speeds and external fan currents shown in Table 1 as the functional relationship, the functional relationship can be calculated. In this way, when the external fan is at any external fan speed, the corresponding current threshold can be found, which can ensure the accuracy of the solution.

[0140] S403, the controller determines whether the first current is less than the first current threshold.

[0141] In some possible embodiments, based on the above theoretical knowledge, at the same rotational speed, the more severe the clogging of the outdoor fan filter, the lower the current of the outdoor fan. If the first current is less than a first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged; if the first current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged.

[0142] For example, if the controller measures the first current of the outdoor fan to be 1.0A and the first current threshold to be 1.2A, then the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is partially clogged at this time.

[0143] S404, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0144] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is less than the first current threshold, it indicates that the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is partially clogged. The controller calculates the clog coefficient based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the clog of the outdoor unit filter is indicated by the clog coefficient.

[0145] For example, if the controller measures a first current of 0.9A and the first current threshold is 1.2A, then the clog coefficient is calculated as 0.9 / 1.2 = 0.75.

[0146] S405, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0147] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor.

[0148] In some possible embodiments, the controller adjusts the compressor frequency to the product of the aforementioned upper limit and the clogging coefficient.

[0149] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 120Hz. The dirt blockage coefficient obtained by obtaining the first current and the first current threshold is 0.75. If the dirt blockage coefficient is less than 1, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is dirty and clogged. 120Hz × 0.75 = 90Hz, so the maximum operating frequency of the compressor after adjustment is 90Hz.

[0150] S406, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage.

[0151] In some possible embodiments, the first current is greater than or equal to a first current threshold, indicating that the compressor is in a state without dirt blockage.

[0152] For example, if the controller obtains a first current = first current threshold = 1.2A, it indicates that the proportion of the dirty and clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0153] S407, the controller controls the compressor to continue running at the original frequency.

[0154] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the dirt and clogging of the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is within the allowable range and will not cause an increase in system pressure, compressor frequency, or current, the controller can control the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0155] The above is a method for compressor frequency regulation provided by the embodiments of this application. The dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is determined by comparing the first current with the first current threshold. The method for determining the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is simple and efficient, and improves the processing efficiency of the controller to a certain extent.

[0156] Next, based on the frequency adjustment method described above, a second current is introduced, and the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is determined by the first current, the first current threshold, and the second current.

[0157] like Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 500 of a second compressor frequency regulation method provided in an embodiment of this application. The flowchart includes:

[0158] S501, the controller obtains the first current at the current speed of the external fan.

[0159] S502, the controller obtains the first current threshold based on the current wind speed of the external fan.

[0160] S503, the controller determines whether the first current is less than the first current threshold.

[0161] Steps S501 to S503 are similar to steps S401 to S403, and will not be described again here.

[0162] S504, the controller adjusts the speed of the external fan.

[0163] In some possible implementations, the controller can adjust the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology and a frequency converter.

[0164] In some possible embodiments, the controller avoids the second current from exceeding the first current threshold by adjusting the speed of the external fan within a small range.

[0165] For example, if the original speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1500 RPM, the speed of the outdoor fan can be increased to 1600 RPM, or the speed of the outdoor fan can be reduced to 1400 RPM.

[0166] S505, the controller obtains the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0167] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted through methods such as current sensors, shunt resistor detection, and feedback from the motor drive circuit.

[0168] For example, the adjusted speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1600 RPM, and the controller obtains the second current corresponding to this speed as 1.3A.

[0169] S506, the controller determines whether the second current is less than the first current threshold.

[0170] In some possible embodiments, if the second current is less than the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is partially clogged; if the second current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged.

[0171] S507, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0172] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is less than the first current threshold, and the second current after the air conditioner's outdoor fan is adjusted appropriately is also less than the first current threshold, it indicates that the air conditioner's outdoor unit filter is partially clogged. The controller calculates the clog coefficient based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the clog of the outdoor unit filter is indicated by the clog coefficient.

[0173] For example, if the controller measures a first current of 0.9A and a first current threshold of 1.2A, then the fouling coefficient is calculated.

[0174] =0.9 / 1.2=0.75.

[0175] S508, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0176] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor.

[0177] In some possible embodiments, the controller adjusts the compressor frequency to the product of the aforementioned maximum operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0178] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 120Hz. The dirt blockage coefficient obtained by obtaining the first current and the first current threshold is 0.75. If the dirt blockage coefficient is less than 1, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is dirty and clogged. 120Hz × 0.75 = 90Hz, so the maximum operating frequency of the compressor after adjustment is 90Hz.

[0179] S509, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage.

[0180] In some possible embodiments, a first current greater than or equal to a first current threshold indicates that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is free of dirt or blockage; or, a first current less than the first current threshold but a second current threshold greater than or equal to the first current threshold indicates that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is free of dirt or blockage.

[0181] For example, if the controller obtains the first current = the first current threshold = 1.2A, then the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged, that is, the proportion of the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0182] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the speed of the outdoor fan to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.1A. Since both the first current and the second current are less than the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0183] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the outdoor fan speed to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is greater than the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage. That is, at this time, the proportion of the dirt and blockage area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0184] S510, the controller controls the compressor to continue running at the original frequency.

[0185] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the dirt and clogging of the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is within the allowable range and will not cause an increase in system pressure, compressor frequency, or current, the controller can control the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0186] The above is a second method for compressor frequency adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application. The dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is determined by comparing the first current and the second current with the first current threshold. By introducing the second current, the controller can obtain the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner more accurately, and reduce the influence of the error in obtaining the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner.

[0187] Next, based on the frequency adjustment method described above, a second current threshold is introduced. The dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is determined by the first current, the first current threshold, the second current threshold, and the second current threshold.

[0188] like Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 600 of a third compressor frequency adjustment method provided in this application embodiment. The flowchart includes:

[0189] S601, the controller obtains the first current at the current speed of the external fan.

[0190] S602, the controller obtains the first current threshold based on the current wind speed of the external fan.

[0191] S603, the controller determines whether the first current is less than the first current threshold.

[0192] Steps S601 to S603 are similar to steps S401 to S403, and will not be described again here.

[0193] S604, the controller adjusts the speed of the external fan.

[0194] In some possible implementations, the controller can adjust the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology and a frequency converter.

[0195] For example, the controller reduces the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan from 1500 RPM to 1000 RPM.

[0196] S605, the controller obtains the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0197] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted through methods such as current sensors, shunt resistor detection, and feedback from the motor drive circuit.

[0198] For example, the adjusted speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1600 RPM, and the controller obtains the second current corresponding to this speed as 1.1A.

[0199] S606, the controller obtains the second current threshold after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0200] For example, the adjusted external fan speed is 1600 RPM, and the controller can obtain the second current threshold of 1.3A by reading the first mapping relationship in the memory.

[0201] S607, the controller determines whether the second current is less than the second current threshold.

[0202] In some possible embodiments, if the second current is less than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is partially clogged; if the second current is greater than or equal to the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged.

[0203] S608, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0204] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is less than the first current threshold, and the second current after the air conditioner's outdoor fan is adjusted appropriately is also less than the first current threshold, it indicates that the air conditioner's outdoor unit filter is partially clogged. The controller calculates the clog coefficient based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the clog of the outdoor unit filter is indicated by the clog coefficient.

[0205] For example, if the controller measures a first current of 0.9A and a first current threshold of 1.2A, then the fouling coefficient is calculated.

[0206] =0.9 / 1.2=0.75.

[0207] S609, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the dirt / clogging coefficient.

[0208] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor.

[0209] In some possible embodiments, the controller adjusts the compressor frequency to the product of the aforementioned maximum operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0210] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 120Hz. The dirt blockage coefficient obtained by obtaining the first current and the first current threshold is 0.75. If the dirt blockage coefficient is less than 1, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is dirty and clogged. 120Hz × 0.75 = 90Hz, so the maximum operating frequency of the compressor after adjustment is 90Hz.

[0211] S610, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage.

[0212] In some possible embodiments, a first current greater than or equal to a first current threshold indicates that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is free of dirt or blockage; or, a first current less than the first current threshold but a second current threshold greater than or equal to the second current threshold indicates that the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is free of dirt or blockage.

[0213] For example, if the controller obtains the first current = the first current threshold = 1.2A, then the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged, that is, the proportion of the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0214] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the outdoor fan speed to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.1A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is less than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0215] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the outdoor fan speed to 1600RPM and obtains a second current equal to the second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is equal to the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage. That is, the proportion of the dirt and blockage area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0216] S611, the controller controls the compressor to continue running at the original frequency.

[0217] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the dirt and clogging coefficient of the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is within the allowable range and will not cause an increase in system pressure, compressor frequency, and current, the controller can control the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0218] The above is a third method for compressor frequency adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application. The dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is determined by comparing the first current with the first current threshold and the second current with the second current threshold. By further introducing the second current threshold, the accuracy of the controller in obtaining the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is further improved, and the influence of the error in obtaining the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is further reduced.

[0219] Next, based on the frequency adjustment method described above, we will consider using the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold as the dirt-blocking coefficient.

[0220] like Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 700 of a fourth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in this application embodiment. The flowchart includes:

[0221] S701, the controller obtains the first current at the current speed of the external fan.

[0222] S702, the controller obtains the first current threshold based on the current wind speed of the external fan.

[0223] S703, the controller adjusts the speed of the external fan.

[0224] Steps S701 to S703 are similar to steps S401 to S403, and will not be described again here.

[0225] S704, the controller obtains the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0226] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted through methods such as current sensors, shunt resistor detection, and feedback from the motor drive circuit.

[0227] For example, the adjusted speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1600 RPM, and the controller obtains the second current corresponding to this speed as 1.1A.

[0228] S705, the controller obtains the second current threshold after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0229] For example, the adjusted external fan speed is 1600 RPM, and the controller can obtain the second current threshold of 1.3A by reading the first mapping relationship in the memory.

[0230] S706, the controller determines whether the first current is greater than the first current threshold and whether the second current is greater than the second current threshold.

[0231] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is greater than a first current threshold and the second current is greater than a second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is not clogged; if the first current is less than or equal to the first current threshold, or the second current is less than or equal to the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0232] S707, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the ratio of the target current to the corresponding current threshold.

[0233] In some possible embodiments, the target current is less than or equal to the corresponding target current threshold. If there are multiple target power sources, the larger of the ratios of the target current to the corresponding current threshold is taken as the clogging coefficient.

[0234] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.5A, and the second current threshold = 2.0A, then the target current includes both the first and second currents. The first ratio = 1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, and the second ratio = 1.5 / 2.0 = 0.75. Since the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt / clogging coefficient.

[0235] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.9A, and the second current threshold = 1.8A, and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, then the target current is the first current, excluding the second current. First ratio

[0236] =1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, so the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt and clogging coefficient.

[0237] S708, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0238] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor.

[0239] In some possible embodiments, the controller adjusts the compressor frequency to the product of the aforementioned maximum operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0240] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 120Hz. The dirt blockage coefficient obtained by obtaining the first current and the first current threshold is 0.75. If the dirt blockage coefficient is less than 1, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is dirty and clogged. 120Hz × 0.75 = 90Hz, so the maximum operating frequency of the compressor after adjustment is 90Hz.

[0241] S709, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage.

[0242] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is greater than a first current threshold and the second current is greater than a second current threshold, it indicates that the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is free of dirt and blockage.

[0243] For example, if the controller obtains a first current of 1.3A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, a second current of 1.6A, and a second current threshold of 1.5A, then the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage, that is, the proportion of the dirt and blockage area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0244] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the outdoor fan speed to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.1A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is less than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0245] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A and a first current threshold of 1.2A. The current speed is 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the speed of the outdoor fan to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.4A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0246] S710, the controller controls the compressor to continue running at the original frequency.

[0247] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the dirt and clogging of the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is within the allowable range and will not cause an increase in system pressure, compressor frequency, or current, the controller can control the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0248] The above is the fourth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in the embodiments of this application. The dirt clogging coefficient of the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is determined by comparing the first current with the first current threshold and the second current with the second current threshold. By considering the possibility of using the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold as the dirt clogging coefficient, the accuracy of the controller in obtaining the dirt clogging coefficient of the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is further improved, and the influence of error in obtaining the dirt clogging coefficient of the air conditioner outdoor unit filter is further reduced.

[0249] Next, based on the above frequency adjustment method, we will consider whether the dirt clogging coefficient is effective, and further improve the accuracy of obtaining the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner.

[0250] like Figure 8 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 800 of a fourth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in this application embodiment. The flowchart includes:

[0251] S801, the controller obtains the first current at the current speed of the external fan.

[0252] S802, the controller obtains the first current threshold based on the current wind speed of the external fan.

[0253] Steps S801 to S802 are similar to steps S401 to S402, and will not be described again here.

[0254] S803, the controller adjusts the speed of the external fan.

[0255] In some possible implementations, the controller can adjust the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology and a frequency converter.

[0256] For example, the controller reduces the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan from 1500 RPM to 1000 RPM.

[0257] S804, the controller obtains the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0258] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted through methods such as current sensors, shunt resistor detection, and feedback from the motor drive circuit.

[0259] For example, the adjusted speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1600 RPM, and the controller obtains the second current corresponding to this speed as 1.1A.

[0260] S805, the controller obtains the second current threshold after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0261] For example, the adjusted external fan speed is 1600 RPM, and the controller can obtain the second current threshold of 1.3A by reading the first mapping relationship in the memory.

[0262] S806, the controller determines whether the first current is greater than the first current threshold and whether the second current is greater than the second current threshold.

[0263] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is greater than a first current threshold and the second current is greater than a second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is not clogged; if the first current is less than or equal to the first current threshold, or the second current is less than or equal to the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0264] S807, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the ratio of the target current to the corresponding current threshold.

[0265] In some possible embodiments, the target current is less than or equal to the corresponding target current threshold. If there are multiple target power sources, the larger of the ratios of the target current to the corresponding current threshold is taken as the clogging coefficient.

[0266] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.5A, and the second current threshold = 2.0A, then the target current includes both the first and second currents. The first ratio = 1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, and the second ratio = 1.5 / 2.0 = 0.75. Since the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt / clogging coefficient.

[0267] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.9A, and the second current threshold = 1.8A, and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, then the target current is the first current, excluding the second current. First ratio

[0268] =1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, so the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt and clogging coefficient.

[0269] S808, the controller calculates the first ratio and the second ratio.

[0270] In some possible embodiments, the first ratio is the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the second ratio is the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold.

[0271] S809, the controller determines whether the second ratio is less than a preset ratio and whether the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is less than a preset difference.

[0272] In some possible embodiments, if the second ratio is greater than or equal to a preset ratio, or if the absolute value of the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is greater than or equal to a preset difference, the controller returns to step S803 to adjust the wind speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan again and re-determine whether the dirt blockage coefficient is effective.

[0273] For example, the preset ratio can be 1, indicating that the outdoor unit filter detected by the second ratio is still in a dirty and clogged state after the outdoor fan speed of the air conditioner is adjusted.

[0274] For example, the preset difference can be 5%-10% to verify whether the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is within the error range.

[0275] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.5A, and the second current threshold = 2.0A, then the target current includes both the first and second currents. The first ratio = 1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, and the second ratio = 1.5 / 2.0 = 0.75. Since the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt / clogging coefficient. When the preset difference is 10%, the difference between the first and second ratios is 0.05, which is less than 10%, so the controller determines that the dirt / clogging coefficient of 0.8 is valid.

[0276] For example, the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.9A, and the second current threshold = 1.8A. When the preset ratio is 1, the second ratio is greater than 1. Then the controller adjusts the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan again, re-acquires the second current and the second current threshold, calculates the dirt and blockage coefficient, and determines whether the dirt and blockage coefficient is valid.

[0277] S810, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0278] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor.

[0279] In some possible embodiments, the controller adjusts the compressor frequency to the product of the aforementioned maximum operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0280] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 120Hz. The dirt blockage coefficient obtained by obtaining the first current and the first current threshold is 0.75. If the dirt blockage coefficient is less than 1, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is dirty and clogged. 120Hz × 0.75 = 90Hz, so the maximum operating frequency of the compressor after adjustment is 90Hz.

[0281] S811, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage.

[0282] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is greater than a first current threshold and the second current is greater than a second current threshold, it indicates that the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is free of dirt and blockage.

[0283] For example, if the controller obtains a first current of 1.3A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, a second current of 1.6A, and a second current threshold of 1.5A, then the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage, that is, the proportion of the dirt and blockage area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0284] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the outdoor fan speed to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.1A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is less than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0285] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A and a first current threshold of 1.2A. The current speed is 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the speed of the outdoor fan to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.4A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0286] S812, the controller controls the compressor to continue running at the original frequency.

[0287] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the dirt and clogging of the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is within the allowable range and will not cause an increase in system pressure, compressor frequency, or current, the controller can control the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0288] The above is the fifth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in the embodiments of this application. The dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is determined by comparing the first current with the first current threshold and the second current with the second current threshold. By considering whether the dirt clogging coefficient is effective, the accuracy of the controller in obtaining the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is further improved, and the influence of the error in obtaining the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is further reduced.

[0289] Next, based on the frequency adjustment method described above, we introduce the relationship between the outdoor fan speed and current when the air conditioner is in a severely clogged state, in order to determine whether the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is in a severely clogged state.

[0290] like Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic flowchart 900 of a fourth compressor frequency adjustment method provided in this application embodiment. The flowchart includes:

[0291] S901, the controller obtains the first current at the current speed of the external fan.

[0292] Step S901 is similar to step S401, and will not be described again here.

[0293] S902, the controller obtains the first current threshold and the third current threshold based on the current wind speed of the external fan.

[0294] In some possible embodiments, the controller may obtain the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan by means of Hall sensors, calculating the back electromotive force in the motor windings, photoelectric encoders, and frequency converters.

[0295] In some possible embodiments, the memory included in the air conditioner pre-stores the outdoor fan current corresponding to different speeds of the outdoor fan when the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt or blockage. This correspondence can be denoted as the first mapping relationship. The current obtained by the controller based on the current speed of the outdoor fan through the first mapping relationship is the first current threshold.

[0296] In some possible embodiments, the air conditioner's memory pre-stores the outdoor fan current corresponding to different speeds of the outdoor fan when the outdoor unit filter is in a target clogged state. This correspondence can be denoted as the second mapping relationship. The target clogged state can be a severe clogged state. The current obtained by the controller based on the current speed of the outdoor fan through the second mapping relationship is the third current threshold.

[0297] For example, when the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is not clogged, the proportion of the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0298] For example, when the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is severely clogged, the proportion of the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is greater than or equal to 90%.

[0299] For example, the first mapping relationship can be referred to Table 1, and will not be repeated here. For example, if the speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1500 RPM at this time, the controller can read the first mapping relationship in the memory to obtain the first current threshold of 1.2A.

[0300] For example, the second mapping relationship can be referred to in Table 2, which is shown below:

[0301] Table 2

[0302] Outdoor fan speed (RPM) Corresponding current (A) 500 0.3 1000 0.6 1400 0.8 1500 1.0 1600 1.1 2000 1.4 2500 2.0 3000 2.3

[0303] For example, if the outdoor fan speed of the air conditioner is 1500 RPM at this time, the controller can obtain the third current threshold of 1.0A by reading the second mapping relationship in the memory. Unlike Table 1, since the current corresponding to Table 2 is obtained when the outdoor unit filter is severely clogged, the current in Table 2 is less than the current at the same speed in Table 1.

[0304] S903, the controller determines whether the first current is less than the third current threshold.

[0305] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is less than the third current threshold, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is severely clogged, that is, the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter accounts for more than or equal to 90% of the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter; if the first current is greater than or equal to the third current threshold, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is partially clogged or not clogged.

[0306] For example, the first current = 0.2A and the third current = 0.3A. The first current is less than the third current threshold, indicating that the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is severely clogged at this time.

[0307] S904, the controller adjusts the speed of the external fan.

[0308] In some possible implementations, the controller can adjust the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology and a frequency converter.

[0309] For example, the controller reduces the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan from 1500 RPM to 1000 RPM.

[0310] S905, the controller obtains the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0311] In some possible embodiments, the controller can obtain the second current after the external fan speed is adjusted through methods such as current sensors, shunt resistor detection, and feedback from the motor drive circuit.

[0312] For example, the adjusted speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is 1600 RPM, and the controller obtains the second current corresponding to this speed as 1.1A.

[0313] S906, the controller obtains the second current threshold after the external fan speed is adjusted.

[0314] For example, the adjusted external fan speed is 1600 RPM, and the controller can obtain the second current threshold of 1.3A by reading the first mapping relationship in the memory.

[0315] S907, the controller determines whether the first current is greater than the first current threshold and whether the second current is greater than the second current threshold.

[0316] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is greater than a first current threshold and the second current is greater than a second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is not clogged; if the first current is less than or equal to the first current threshold, or the second current is less than or equal to the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0317] S908, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the ratio of the target current to the corresponding current threshold.

[0318] In some possible embodiments, the target current is less than or equal to the corresponding target current threshold. If there are multiple target power sources, the larger of the ratios of the target current to the corresponding current threshold is taken as the clogging coefficient.

[0319] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.5A, and the second current threshold = 2.0A, then the target current includes both the first and second currents. The first ratio = 1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, and the second ratio = 1.5 / 2.0 = 0.75. Since the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt / clogging coefficient.

[0320] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.9A, and the second current threshold = 1.8A, and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, then the target current is the first current, excluding the second current. First ratio

[0321] =1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, so the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt and clogging coefficient.

[0322] S909, the controller calculates the first ratio and the second ratio.

[0323] In some possible embodiments, the first ratio is the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the second ratio is the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold.

[0324] S910, the controller determines whether the second ratio is less than a preset ratio and whether the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is less than a preset difference.

[0325] In some possible embodiments, if the second ratio is greater than or equal to a preset ratio, or if the absolute value of the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is greater than or equal to a preset difference, the controller returns to step S803 to adjust the wind speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan again and re-determine whether the dirt blockage coefficient is effective.

[0326] For example, the preset ratio can be 1, indicating that the outdoor unit filter detected by the second ratio is still in a dirty and clogged state after the outdoor fan speed of the air conditioner is adjusted.

[0327] For example, the preset difference can be 5%-10% to verify whether the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is within the error range.

[0328] For example, if the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.5A, and the second current threshold = 2.0A, then the target current includes both the first and second currents. The first ratio = 1.2 / 1.5 = 0.8, and the second ratio = 1.5 / 2.0 = 0.75. Since the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, the controller determines the first ratio of 0.8 as the dirt / clogging coefficient. When the preset difference is 10%, the difference between the first and second ratios is 0.05, which is less than 10%, so the controller determines that the dirt / clogging coefficient of 0.8 is valid.

[0329] For example, the first current = 1.2A, the first current threshold = 1.5A, the second current = 1.9A, and the second current threshold = 1.8A. When the preset ratio is 1, the second ratio is greater than 1. Then the controller adjusts the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan again, re-acquires the second current and the second current threshold, calculates the dirt and blockage coefficient, and determines whether the dirt and blockage coefficient is valid.

[0330] S911, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0331] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor.

[0332] In some possible embodiments, the controller adjusts the compressor frequency to the product of the aforementioned maximum operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

[0333] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the maximum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 120Hz. The dirt blockage coefficient obtained by obtaining the first current and the first current threshold is 0.75. If the dirt blockage coefficient is less than 1, it indicates that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is dirty and clogged. 120Hz × 0.75 = 90Hz, so the maximum operating frequency of the compressor after adjustment is 90Hz.

[0334] S912, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is severely clogged.

[0335] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is less than a third current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter of the air conditioner is severely clogged.

[0336] For example, if the controller obtains a first current of 1.3A and a third current threshold of 1.5A, then the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is severely clogged, that is, the proportion of the clogged area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is greater than or equal to 90%.

[0337] S913, the controller reduces the compressor's maximum operating frequency to the lowest operating frequency supported by the compressor.

[0338] In some possible embodiments, the product manual or manufacturer's technical specifications for the air conditioner describe the minimum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor. That is, the minimum operating frequency supported by the compressor, when the compressor operates at the minimum frequency, allows the system to operate normally.

[0339] For example, by consulting the technical specifications of the air conditioner product, it can be found that the minimum operating frequency supported by the air conditioner compressor is 90Hz. If it is determined that the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is severely clogged, the maximum operating frequency of the compressor is adjusted to 90Hz.

[0340] S914, the controller has determined that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage.

[0341] In some possible embodiments, if the first current is greater than a first current threshold and the second current is greater than a second current threshold, it indicates that the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is free of dirt and blockage.

[0342] For example, if the controller obtains a first current of 1.3A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, a second current of 1.6A, and a second current threshold of 1.5A, then the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is free of dirt and blockage, that is, the proportion of the dirt and blockage area of ​​the outdoor unit filter to the total area of ​​the outdoor unit filter is less than or equal to 10%.

[0343] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A, a first current threshold of 1.2A, and a current speed of 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the outdoor fan speed to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.1A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is less than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0344] For example, the controller obtains a first current of 1.0A and a first current threshold of 1.2A. The current speed is 1500RPM. The controller adjusts the speed of the outdoor fan to 1600RPM and obtains a second current of 1.4A and a second current threshold of 1.3A. Since the first current is less than the first current threshold and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is partially clogged.

[0345] S915, the controller controls the compressor to continue running at the original frequency.

[0346] In some possible embodiments, if the controller determines that the dirt and clogging of the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is within the allowable range and will not cause an increase in system pressure, compressor frequency, or current, the controller can control the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0347] The above is the sixth method for compressor frequency adjustment provided in the embodiments of this application. By introducing the correspondence between the speed of the outdoor fan and the current when the air conditioner is in a state of severe dirt blockage, it is determined whether the filter of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is in a state of severe dirt blockage, thereby achieving maximum protection for the circuit and electronic control devices of the compressor.

[0348] To implement the control method described above, the controller requires certain functional modules. The following description of the apparatus embodiments is similar to the description of the method embodiments described above, and has similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the apparatus embodiments of this application, please refer to the description of the method embodiments of this application for understanding. Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of a controller 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The controller 1000 may include a current acquisition module 1010, a filter detection module 1020, and a frequency control module 1030.

[0349] The current acquisition module 1010 is used to acquire the first current of the outdoor fan at the current speed.

[0350] In some possible embodiments, the current acquisition module 1010 can acquire the first current of the external fan at the current speed through methods such as current sensor, shunt resistor detection and motor drive circuit feedback.

[0351] In some possible embodiments, the current acquisition module 1010 may also acquire the speed of the air conditioner's outdoor fan by means of Hall sensors, calculating the back electromotive force in the motor windings, photoelectric encoders, and frequency converters.

[0352] In some possible embodiments, the current acquisition module 1010 can also acquire the second current of the external fan after the speed is changed through methods such as current sensor, shunt resistor detection and motor drive circuit feedback.

[0353] The filter detection module 1020 is used to determine the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold.

[0354] In some possible embodiments, the filter detection module 1020 obtains the filter clogging coefficient based on the first current and the first current threshold, and calculates the clogging coefficient based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0355] In some possible embodiments, the filter detection module 1020 obtains the filter clogging coefficient based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold, and calculates the clogging coefficient based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0356] In some possible embodiments, the filter detection module 1020 obtains the filter clogging coefficient based on a first current, a first current threshold, a second current, and a second current threshold, and calculates the clogging coefficient based on the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold.

[0357] In some possible embodiments, the filter detection module 1020 obtains the filter clogging coefficient based on a first current, a first current threshold, a second current, and a second current threshold, and calculates the clogging coefficient based on the larger of the first ratio and the second ratio.

[0358] In some possible embodiments, the filter detection module 1020 obtains the filter clogging coefficient based on the first current, the first current threshold, the second current, and the second current threshold, and calculates the clogging coefficient based on the larger of the first ratio and the second ratio, while determining whether the clogging coefficient is valid.

[0359] In some possible embodiments, the filter detection module 1020 obtains the filter clogging coefficient based on a first current, a first current threshold, a second current, a second current threshold, and a third current threshold, and calculates the clogging coefficient based on the larger of a first ratio and a second ratio, while determining whether the clogging coefficient is valid.

[0360] The frequency control module 1030 is used to control the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter.

[0361] In some possible embodiments, if the air conditioner's outdoor fan filter is severely clogged, the frequency control module 1030 controls the compressor to reduce to the lowest operating frequency supported by the system.

[0362] In some possible embodiments, if the air conditioner's outdoor fan filter is partially clogged, the frequency control module 1030 controls the compressor to reduce its operating frequency to the product of the maximum operating frequency supported by the system and the clog coefficient.

[0363] In some possible embodiments, if the air conditioner's outdoor fan filter is not clogged, the frequency control module 1030 controls the compressor to continue operating at the original frequency.

[0364] The aforementioned functional modules work together to enable the controller to adjust the maximum operating frequency of the compressor based on the dirt and clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit's filter, thus protecting the compressor's current and electrical control components.

[0365] like Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic block diagram of a controller 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The controller 1100 may include a processor 1110, a memory 1120, a bus 1130, and a device interface 1140.

[0366] The processor 1110 calls the executable program code stored in the memory 1120 to execute any of the air conditioner control methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0367] The memory 1120 stores executable program code, which is executed by the processor 1110 to implement any of the air conditioner control methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0368] Bus 1130 is used to transfer program code stored in memory 1120 to processor 1110 for execution.

[0369] Device interface 1140 is connected to bus 1130 to enable the connection of processing 1110 and memory 1120 with other devices.

[0370] Optionally, the memory 1120 may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor 1110. A portion of the memory 1120 may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory 1120 may also store device type information. The processor 1110 can be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, the processor 1110 can perform the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0371] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0372] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The controller 1100 shown may also include components not shown, such as a power supply, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0373] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0374] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0375] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0376] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of 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 between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0377] 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 according to actual needs.

[0378] In addition, 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.

[0379] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they 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 related technologies, or a portion 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.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the 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.

[0380] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: Outdoor fans are used to regulate outdoor air circulation; The outdoor unit filter is used to filter impurities from the air; A compressor is used to compress the refrigerant circulating in the condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The controller is used to acquire the speed of the outdoor fan, the current of the outdoor fan, and to adjust the maximum operating frequency of the compressor; The controller is configured to: The first current of the outdoor fan at the current speed is obtained. Based on the first current and the first current threshold, the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined. Based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the compressor is controlled to reduce the maximum operating frequency.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner further includes a memory that stores a first mapping relationship between different fan speeds and fan currents when the outdoor unit filter is in a non-clogging state. Before the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and a first current threshold, the air conditioner further includes: The controller determines the first current threshold based on the current rotational speed of the outdoor fan and the first mapping relationship.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold, including: If the first current is greater than or equal to the first current threshold, the controller determines that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged. When the first current is less than the first current threshold, the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold.

4. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Before the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold, the air conditioner further includes: The controller controls the outdoor fan to adjust its speed and obtains the second current at the adjusted speed. The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current and the first current threshold, including: The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before the controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold, the air conditioner further includes: The controller determines the second current threshold based on the adjusted rotational speed and the first mapping relationship; The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, and the first current threshold, including: The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, the first current threshold, and the second current threshold.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controller determines the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter based on the first current, the second current, the first current threshold, and the second current threshold, including: If the first current is greater than the first current threshold and the second current is greater than the second current threshold, it is determined that the outdoor unit filter is not clogged. If a target current is less than or equal to a corresponding current threshold in either the first current or the second current, the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined based on the target current and the corresponding current threshold. Wherein, when the target current includes the first current and the second current, the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined according to the larger of the first ratio and the second ratio, wherein the first ratio is the ratio of the first current to the first current threshold, and the second ratio is the ratio of the second current to the second current threshold.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Before the controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter, the air conditioner further includes: The controller determines whether the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is effective based on the first current and the second current. The controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit's filter, including: If the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is effective, the compressor is controlled to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller determines whether the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is effective based on the first current and the second current, including: The controller determines whether the second ratio is less than a preset ratio, and whether the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is less than a preset difference; If the second ratio is less than the preset ratio, and the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is less than the preset difference, the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined to be valid. If the second ratio is greater than or equal to the preset ratio, or if the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio is greater than or equal to the preset difference, the determined dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter is determined to be invalid.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method of controlling the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency based on the dirt clogging coefficient of the outdoor unit filter includes: The controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency to the product of the compressor's maximum supported operating frequency and the clogging coefficient.

10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The air conditioner's memory also stores a second mapping relationship between different fan speeds and fan currents when the outdoor unit filter is in a target clogged state. The air conditioner also includes: The controller determines a third current threshold based on the current rotational speed and the second mapping relationship; When the first current is less than the third current threshold, the controller controls the compressor to reduce its maximum operating frequency to the lowest operating frequency supported by the compressor.

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