Baseboard heating control method for air conditioner and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a chassis heating control method of an air conditioner, comprising the following steps: when the heating operation time of the air conditioner reaches a first preset time and a defrosting starting signal of the air conditioner is received, controlling a chassis heater of the air conditioner to operate at a first power and acquiring a coil temperature of an outdoor heat exchanger; identifying whether there is frost layer shedding of the air conditioner based on the coil temperature; if yes, controlling the chassis heater to operate at a second power from the first power, otherwise, controlling the chassis heater to keep operating at the first power, so that the problem of ice layer accumulation caused by incomplete defrosting can be solved, and on-demand energy supply in the chassis heating process can be realized, so as to avoid the problem of energy waste and achieve the purpose of energy saving optimization.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the air conditioning industry, especially in air conditioners that use superhydrophobic coating heat exchangers, the fin surface has a large water droplet contact angle and a small roll-off angle, which causes it to exhibit unique defrosting behavior during the defrosting process: the frost layer is easy to fall off the heat exchanger surface as a whole in the form of frost flakes, rather than melting layer by layer or in a scattered manner. This causes the frost flakes to fall onto the outdoor unit chassis in a short period of time, resulting in the chassis and drainage area facing a large amount of defrosting / ice-melting burden in a short period of time.

[0003] However, existing technologies cannot accurately identify the state of frost shedding when dealing with this scenario, which can lead to blockage of drain outlets and the inability to control energy supply on demand. Ultimately, they fall into the dilemma of incomplete defrosting leading to ice accumulation and excessive defrosting leading to energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide a chassis heating control method for an air conditioner. When the air conditioner is in heating mode for a preset time and defrosting is activated, the chassis is initially heated at a lower first power. This saves energy while preventing the small amount of defrost water from freezing instantly upon contact with the low-temperature chassis. Furthermore, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be acquired. If no frost is detected based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to maintain the first power. Alternatively, if frost is detected based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to a second power to rapidly raise the chassis temperature, melt the frost, and prevent it from refreezing on the low-temperature chassis, ensuring smooth drainage. This achieves on-demand energy supply during chassis heating, avoiding energy waste and further optimizing energy efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, a second objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides a chassis heating control method for an air conditioner, comprising: when the heating operation time of the air conditioner reaches a first preset time and a defrosting start signal of the air conditioner is received, controlling the chassis heater of the air conditioner to operate at a first power, and acquiring the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger. The presence of frost layer shedding in the air conditioner is identified based on the coil temperature. If so, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power; otherwise, the chassis heater is controlled to remain at the first power.

[0008] According to the air conditioner chassis heating control method of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in heating operation for a preset time and defrosting is activated, the chassis is first heated at a lower first power to save energy and prevent a small amount of defrost water from freezing instantly when it comes into contact with the low-temperature chassis. Furthermore, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained so that if no frost layer is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to maintain the first power; or if frost layer is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power to quickly raise the chassis temperature, melt the detached frost, and prevent it from freezing again on the low-temperature chassis, thus ensuring smooth drainage. This achieves on-demand energy supply during chassis heating, avoids energy waste, and further achieves the purpose of energy saving and optimization.

[0009] In some embodiments, identifying whether the air conditioner has frost shedding based on the coil temperature includes: obtaining the rate of change of the coil temperature for different sampling periods within a preset time period; and identifying whether the air conditioner has frost shedding based on the rate of change of the coil temperature for the different sampling periods.

[0010] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: by obtaining the rate of change of the coil temperature in different sampling periods within a preset time period, it can be used to identify whether the air conditioner has frost shedding, thus ensuring the stability and accuracy of the rate of change of the coil temperature, and thus accurately identifying whether the air conditioner has frost shedding.

[0011] In some embodiments, identifying whether the air conditioner has frost shedding based on the rate of change of the coil temperature in the different sampling periods includes: determining that the air conditioner has frost shedding when the rate of change of the coil temperature in the different sampling periods reaches a preset rate of change threshold and the duration reaches a preset time threshold.

[0012] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: by judging the coil temperature change rate of different sampling periods and combining it with the duration, it can accurately identify whether there is frost shedding in the air conditioner, avoiding misjudgment and missed judgment.

[0013] In some embodiments, the chassis heating control method for an air conditioner further includes: acquiring the temperature of the chassis of the air conditioner and the temperature of the drain outlet of the chassis; identifying whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet; if so, controlling the chassis heater to turn off to stop heating; otherwise, controlling the chassis heater to remain on.

[0014] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: when defrosting is completed, controlling the chassis heater to stop heating can avoid unnecessary energy consumption and reduce the operating cost of the air conditioner; when defrosting is not completed, the chassis heater can be kept on to ensure that the frost layer can be completely melted and prevent frost from accumulating on the chassis and causing problems such as blockage of the drain outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, identifying whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet includes: determining that the air conditioner has completed defrosting when the temperature of the chassis reaches a first preset temperature threshold and the temperature of the drain outlet reaches a second preset temperature threshold, and the duration reaches a second preset time.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: by comprehensively analyzing the chassis temperature and drain outlet temperature, and setting corresponding thresholds and duration requirements, the actual defrosting status can be fully and accurately reflected, greatly reducing the probability of misjudgment.

[0017] In some embodiments, after obtaining the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the chassis drain outlet, the method further includes: obtaining a first difference between the temperature of the chassis and a first preset temperature threshold, and a second difference between the temperature of the drain outlet and a second preset temperature threshold; when the first difference is less than a first preset difference threshold, and the second difference is less than a second preset difference threshold, and there is no frost shedding, controlling the chassis heater to operate at the first power; when the first difference reaches a third preset difference threshold, or the second difference reaches a fourth preset difference threshold, controlling the chassis heater to operate at the second power.

[0018] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: by obtaining the first difference between the chassis temperature and the first preset temperature threshold, and the second difference between the drain outlet temperature and the second preset temperature threshold, the output power of the chassis heater can be controlled, so as to realize on-demand energy supply during the chassis heating process, avoid energy waste without affecting defrosting, and further achieve the purpose of energy saving and optimization.

[0019] In some embodiments, the chassis heating control method of the air conditioner further includes: acquiring the outdoor ambient temperature; when the outdoor ambient temperature is less than a preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, increasing the first preset temperature threshold to a third preset temperature threshold, and / or increasing the second preset temperature threshold to a fourth preset temperature threshold, and / or increasing the second preset time to a third preset time.

[0020] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: by obtaining the outdoor ambient temperature, the defrosting strategy can be adjusted according to the outdoor ambient temperature, thereby ensuring the smooth completion of the defrosting process and reducing the risk of the drain outlet freezing back.

[0021] In some embodiments, after receiving the defrost start signal from the air conditioner, the method further includes: acquiring the cumulative running time of the chassis heater; and when the cumulative running time reaches a cumulative time threshold, controlling the chassis heater to shut down to stop heating.

[0022] The above technical solution has the following beneficial effects: by setting the maximum allowable heating time (maximum running time) and monitoring the cumulative heating time of the chassis heater in real time, the operating status of the chassis heater can be controlled, ensuring that the chassis heater will not run indefinitely, thus fundamentally eliminating the safety hazards caused by abnormal heating.

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: a refrigerant circulation loop, wherein the refrigerant circulates in a loop consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, wherein one of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger and the other is an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor ambient temperature sensor for detecting the outdoor ambient temperature; a coil temperature sensor for detecting the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; a chassis; a chassis temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the chassis; a drain outlet temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drain outlet of the chassis; a chassis heater for heating the chassis; and a controller configured to: when the air conditioner's heating operation time reaches a first preset time and a defrosting start signal of the air conditioner is received, control the chassis heater to operate at a first power and acquire the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; identify whether frost has fallen off the air conditioner based on the coil temperature; if so, control the chassis heater to increase its operation from the first power to a second power; otherwise, control the chassis heater to remain at the first power.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in heating operation for a preset time and defrosting is activated, the chassis can be heated at a lower first power to save energy and prevent a small amount of defrost water from freezing instantly upon contact with the low-temperature chassis. Furthermore, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be acquired. If no frost is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater can be controlled to maintain the first power. Alternatively, if frost is detected based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater can be controlled to increase from the first power to the second power to rapidly raise the chassis temperature, melt the detached frost, and prevent it from freezing again on the low-temperature chassis, thus ensuring smooth drainage. This achieves on-demand energy supply during chassis heating, avoids energy waste, and further optimizes energy saving.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outdoor heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger with a superhydrophobic coating.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration cycle system of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a process for identifying whether an air conditioner has frost shedding based on coil temperature, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a process for identifying whether an air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0030] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in this invention, the air conditioner 1 performs a refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, evaporator, throttling device, and four-way valve. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0033] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, which is in a high-temperature, high-pressure state and enters through the return pipe, and then discharges the compressed refrigerant gas through the exhaust pipe. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser through the condenser inlet pipe. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0034] The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant that expands in the throttling device and returns the refrigerant gas, now at a low temperature and low pressure, to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, air conditioner 1 regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0035] Combination Figure 2As shown, the air conditioner 1 in this application includes an indoor unit 13 and an outdoor unit 12, which can be configured as split-type units. The indoor unit 13 can be configured as a wall-mounted unit, a ceiling-mounted unit, a ducted unit, etc., and the indoor unit 13 is installed on the top or ceiling of the indoor room.

[0036] Taking indoor wall-mounted units as an example, indoor wall-mounted units are usually installed on indoor walls or other locations. For example, indoor cabinet units (not shown in the figure) are also a type of indoor unit 13.

[0037] Taking a split-type air conditioner as an example, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 13 and an outdoor unit 12. The outdoor unit 12 is usually installed outdoors and is used for heat exchange in the indoor environment.

[0038] Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 includes a controller 71 to control the operation of various components within the air conditioner 1, enabling each component to perform its predetermined functions. The air conditioner 1 also includes a control device 200, which, exemplarily, is a remote control. This remote control has the capability to communicate with the controller 71, for example, using infrared or other communication methods. The remote control allows the user to perform various controls on the air conditioner 1, enabling interaction between the user and the air conditioner 1.

[0039] In this embodiment of the application, the indoor unit 13 of the air conditioner 1 is located at the top or upper part of the room. Generally, the installation height of the indoor unit 13 is higher than the user's activity area. The indoor unit 13 includes a return air vent 17 and an air outlet 16 that communicate with the room. Indoor air flows back into the room through the return air vent 17 and the indoor unit 13, and then through the air outlet 16.

[0040] An air guide plate 2 is installed at the air outlet 16. By changing its relative rotation angle with the air outlet 16, the air guide plate 2 adjusts the outflow direction of the air flowing through the air outlet 12, thereby affecting the stratification of indoor air temperature.

[0041] This application embodiment also provides a hardware structure diagram of the controller 71, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the controller 71 includes a processor 83, and optionally, a memory 82 and a communication interface 84 connected to the processor 83. The processor 83, memory 82, and communication interface 84 are connected via a bus 81.

[0042] Processor 83 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor (NP), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor (Microcontroller), a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Processor 83 can also be any other device with processing capabilities, such as a circuit, device, or software module. Processor 83 can also include multiple CPUs, and processor 83 can be a single-core processor. CPU) processor 83, or multi-core (multi) CPU) Processor 83. Here, processor 83 may refer to one or more devices, circuits, or processing cores used to process data (such as computer program instructions).

[0043] Memory 82 can be a read-only memory 82 (read ROM (Read-Only Memory) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions; random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions; or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). EEPROM (Electronic EPROM-only memory) and Compact Disc Retrieval System (CD-ROM) Only memory, CD The storage medium can be ROM or other optical disc storage, optical disk storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this. The memory 82 can exist independently or be integrated with the processor 83. The memory 82 may contain computer program code. The processor 83 is used to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 82, thereby implementing the control method of the air conditioner 1 provided in this application embodiment.

[0044] The communication interface 84 can be used to communicate with other devices or communication networks (such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.). The communication interface 84 can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication.

[0045] Bus 81 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus 81 or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus 81, etc. Bus 81 can be divided into address bus 81, data bus 81, control bus 81, etc.

[0046] The following is combined Figures 4-10 A chassis heating control method for an air conditioner and an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention are described.

[0047] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4 As shown, the chassis heating control method of the air conditioner includes: when the heating operation time of the air conditioner reaches a first preset time and a defrosting start signal of the air conditioner is received, controlling the chassis heater of the air conditioner to operate at a first power and obtaining the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; identifying whether there is frost shedding on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature; If so, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power; otherwise, the chassis heater is controlled to remain at the first power.

[0048] Specifically, during the operation of the air conditioner, when the air conditioner is in heating mode and the operating time reaches the first preset time, and the defrosting start signal of the air conditioner is received, it indicates that the frost layer has affected the performance of the heat exchanger and the air conditioner is about to enter the defrosting process. At this time, the chassis heater of the air conditioner can be controlled to operate at the first power, and the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained. Based on the coil temperature, it can be determined whether there is frost layer falling off the air conditioner. Based on the judgment result, the operating status of the chassis heater can be controlled to adapt to the risk of instantaneous concentration of defrosting water and short-term ice blockage of the drain hole caused by the easy flaking of frost layer of the superhydrophobic heat exchanger. Understandably, in the early stages of defrosting, before a large amount of frost has fallen off, controlling the chassis heater to use low power for gentle preheating of the chassis can provide a low-power heat flux to the chassis / drain outlet, raising the temperature of the chassis / drain outlet to above or near the freezing point. This provides basic anti-refreezing capability for the large amount of defrosting water that is about to be poured. At the same time, it can avoid the energy waste caused by turning on high power in the early stages of defrosting, thereby reducing ineffective energy consumption in the case of no frost or little frost.

[0049] Furthermore, when frost shedding is detected on the air conditioner based on coil temperature, the chassis heater can be upgraded from its first power to its second power to enhance the chassis's heating capacity. This rapidly raises the chassis temperature, melting the frost and accelerating the defrosting process, thus improving defrosting efficiency. Simultaneously, it ensures complete melting of the frost, preventing partial melting, partial freezing, and secondary freezing, thereby improving defrosting effectiveness and ensuring the air conditioner's heating performance remains unaffected. It is understandable that in air conditioners using superhydrophobic coating heat exchangers, frost easily detaches rapidly from the heat exchanger surface in the form of frost flakes, quickly accumulating on the outdoor unit chassis. This places a heavy burden of defrosting / de-icing on the chassis and drainage area in a short period, clogging the drain outlet and affecting the normal operation of the air conditioner. Furthermore, due to the rapid formation and shedding of frost, secondary freezing of the frost is also highly likely. Therefore, it is necessary to upgrade the chassis heater from its first power to its second power.

[0050] Furthermore, when no frost shedding is detected in the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater can be controlled to operate at the first power level to prevent a small amount of defrosting water from freezing instantly when it comes into contact with the low-temperature chassis. This enables on-demand energy supply during chassis heating, avoids energy waste, and further achieves the goal of energy saving and optimization.

[0051] According to the air conditioner chassis heating control method of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in heating operation for a preset time and defrosting is activated, the chassis is first heated at a lower first power to save energy and prevent a small amount of defrost water from freezing instantly when it comes into contact with the low-temperature chassis. Furthermore, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained so that if no frost layer is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to maintain the first power; or if frost layer is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power to quickly raise the chassis temperature, melt the detached frost, and prevent it from freezing again on the low-temperature chassis, thus ensuring smooth drainage. This achieves on-demand energy supply during chassis heating, avoids energy waste, and further achieves the purpose of energy saving and optimization. In one embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 5 As shown, the method for identifying whether an air conditioner has frost layer shedding based on coil temperature includes: obtaining the rate of change of coil temperature for different sampling periods within a preset time period; and identifying whether the air conditioner has frost layer shedding based on the rate of change of coil temperature for different sampling periods.

[0052] Specifically, in identifying whether frost has fallen off an air conditioner based on coil temperature, the rate of change of coil temperature at different sampling periods within a preset time period can be obtained. This preset time period is from the start and stabilization of defrosting until near the end of defrosting, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the coil temperature change rate. Furthermore, the presence of frost can be identified based on the rate of change of coil temperature at different sampling periods. This involves real-time monitoring of coil temperature changes at different time points to accurately identify whether frost has fallen off. Other methods include, but are not limited to, determining whether the rate of change of coil temperature reaches a preset threshold, and using the determination result to identify whether frost has fallen off.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 5 As shown, the method for identifying whether an air conditioner has frost shedding based on the rate of change of coil temperature in different sampling periods includes: when the rate of change of coil temperature in different sampling periods reaches a preset rate of change threshold and the duration reaches a preset time threshold, it is determined that the air conditioner has frost shedding.

[0054] Specifically, in the process of identifying whether frost is falling off in an air conditioner based on the rate of change of coil temperature in different sampling periods, if the rate of change of coil temperature in different sampling periods reaches a preset rate of change threshold, it indicates that the coil temperature has risen rapidly in the current sampling period, and there may be a phenomenon of frost falling off. If the duration of this phenomenon reaches a preset time threshold, it indicates that the rate of change of coil temperature remains at a high level, and the rise in coil temperature is not a short-term accidental phenomenon, but a continuous change caused by the reduction of thermal resistance and the acceleration of heat transfer due to frost falling off. At this time, it can be determined that there is frost falling off in the air conditioner.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 6 As shown, the chassis heating control method for an air conditioner further includes: acquiring the temperature of the air conditioner chassis and the temperature of the chassis drain outlet; and identifying whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the chassis temperature and the drain outlet temperature. If so, the chassis heater will be turned off to stop heating; otherwise, the chassis heater will remain on.

[0056] Specifically, during the defrosting process of the air conditioner, the temperature of the air conditioner's chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet can be obtained in real time by the chassis temperature sensor and the drain outlet temperature sensor, respectively. Based on the chassis temperature and the drain outlet temperature, it can be determined whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting, that is, whether the chassis and the drain outlet have reached the condition of being completely melted.

[0057] Furthermore, when defrosting is determined to be complete, a shutdown command can be sent to the chassis heater to stop heating, thereby avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and reducing the operating cost of the air conditioner. When defrosting is determined to be incomplete, the chassis heater can be kept on to continue providing heat to the chassis, ensuring that the frost layer can be completely melted and preventing frost from accumulating on the chassis and causing problems such as blockage of the drain outlet.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, determining whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet includes: when the temperature of the chassis reaches a first preset temperature threshold and the temperature of the drain outlet reaches a second preset temperature threshold, and the duration reaches a second preset time, determining that the air conditioner has completed defrosting.

[0059] Specifically, in the process of identifying whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet, if the temperature of the chassis reaches the first preset temperature threshold and the temperature of the drain outlet reaches the second preset temperature threshold and the duration reaches the second preset time, it indicates that the chassis has accumulated enough heat, the heat conditions required for the frost layer to melt are basically met, and the temperature of the discharged frost water is high, the frost layer is effectively melting and the water flow is smooth. This is not an accidental phenomenon, but a continuous process. At this time, it can be concluded that the frost has melted and the drain outlet has the conditions for drainage and anti-freezing. It can be determined that the air conditioner has completed defrosting.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 7 As shown, after obtaining the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet of the chassis, the method further includes: obtaining a first difference between the temperature of the chassis and a first preset temperature threshold, and a second difference between the temperature of the drain outlet and a second preset temperature threshold. When the first difference is less than the first preset difference threshold, and the second difference is less than the second preset difference threshold, and there is no frost shedding, the chassis heater is controlled to operate at the first power. When the first difference reaches the third preset difference threshold, or the second difference reaches the fourth preset difference threshold, the chassis heater is controlled to operate at the second power.

[0061] Specifically, after obtaining the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the chassis drain outlet, the controller can also calculate the first difference between the chassis temperature and the first preset temperature threshold, and the second difference between the drain outlet temperature and the second preset temperature threshold through the internal threshold algorithm. This allows the controller to control the output power of the chassis heater, thereby achieving on-demand energy supply during the chassis heating process. This avoids energy waste without affecting defrosting and further achieves the goal of energy saving and optimization.

[0062] Furthermore, when the first difference is less than the first preset difference threshold and the second difference is less than the second preset difference threshold, and there is no frost shedding, it indicates that the defrosting process is in a relatively stable stage without frost shedding. The temperatures of the chassis and drain outlet are gradually approaching the standard for completing defrosting, but a certain amount of heat is still needed. At this time, the chassis heater can be controlled to operate at the first power to provide sufficient heat to continue melting the frost while avoiding energy waste caused by excessive power or damage to air conditioner components caused by excessive chassis temperature.

[0063] Furthermore, when the first difference reaches the third preset difference threshold, it indicates that the chassis temperature is still far below the target, and frost may detach. Further, when the second difference reaches the fourth preset difference threshold, it indicates that the drain outlet temperature is severely low, and meltwater flowing through it is highly likely to freeze. Both of these situations indicate that the defrosting process requires increased heat supply. In this case, the chassis heater can be controlled to operate at its second power level to provide more heat, accelerate the melting of the frost, and ensure a smooth defrosting process.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 8 As shown, the chassis heating control method of the air conditioner further includes: acquiring the outdoor ambient temperature; when the outdoor ambient temperature is less than a preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, increasing the first preset temperature threshold to a third preset temperature threshold, and / or increasing the second preset temperature threshold to a fourth preset temperature threshold, and / or increasing the second preset time to a third preset time.

[0065] Specifically, during the defrosting process of the air conditioner, the outdoor ambient temperature affects the defrosting process. Therefore, an outdoor ambient temperature sensor can be used to obtain the outdoor ambient temperature in real time, allowing the defrosting strategy to be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, when the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than a preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, it indicates that the air conditioner may be in a high-risk freezing zone, with rapid heat loss and the meltwater formed by the falling frost easily refreezing. In this case, to reduce the risk of backfreezing at the drain outlet, the controller can tighten the exit criteria according to preset control logic. This means increasing the first preset temperature threshold to a third preset temperature threshold, and / or increasing the second preset temperature threshold to a fourth preset temperature threshold, and / or increasing the second preset time to a third preset time.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, combined with Figure 9 As shown, after receiving the defrost start signal from the air conditioner, the function also includes: obtaining the cumulative running time of the chassis heater; and when the cumulative running time reaches the cumulative time threshold, controlling the chassis heater to turn off to stop heating.

[0067] Specifically, upon receiving the defrosting start signal from the air conditioner, during the process of controlling the chassis heater to heat the chassis, to prevent abnormal heating, the cumulative running time of the chassis heater can be acquired in real time. When the cumulative running time reaches the cumulative time threshold (i.e., the preset maximum running time), the chassis heater is controlled to shut down to stop heating. Understandably, through the maximum running time protection, there is a mandatory exit mechanism in any abnormal situation, ensuring that the chassis heater will not run indefinitely, fundamentally eliminating the safety hazards caused by abnormal heating.

[0068] According to the air conditioner chassis heating control method of the present invention, when the air conditioner is in heating operation for a preset time and defrosting is activated, the chassis is first heated at a lower first power to save energy and prevent a small amount of defrost water from freezing instantly when it comes into contact with the low-temperature chassis. Furthermore, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained so that if no frost layer is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to maintain the first power; or if frost layer is detected on the air conditioner based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power to quickly raise the chassis temperature, melt the detached frost, and prevent it from freezing again on the low-temperature chassis, thus ensuring smooth drainage. This achieves on-demand energy supply during chassis heating, avoids energy waste, and further achieves the purpose of energy saving and optimization.

[0069] like Figure 10 As shown, this invention proposes an air conditioner 1, comprising: a refrigerant circulation loop 10, an outdoor ambient temperature sensor 11, a coil temperature sensor 14, a chassis 15, a chassis temperature sensor 18, a drain outlet temperature sensor 19, a chassis heater 20, and a controller 71; wherein, the refrigerant circulation loop 10 causes the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, wherein one of the condenser and evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger and the other is an indoor heat exchanger; the outdoor ambient temperature sensor 11 is used to detect the outdoor ambient temperature; the coil temperature sensor 14 is used to detect the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; the chassis temperature sensor 15 is used to detect the outdoor ambient temperature; and the drain outlet temperature sensor 16 is used to detect the indoor temperature. Sensor 18 is used to detect the temperature of chassis 15; drain outlet temperature sensor 19 is used to detect the temperature of drain outlet of chassis 15; chassis heater 20 is used to heat chassis 15; controller 71 is configured to: when the heating operation time of air conditioner 1 reaches a first preset time and a defrost start signal of air conditioner 1 is received, control chassis heater 20 to operate at a first power and obtain the coil temperature of outdoor heat exchanger; identify whether there is frost on air conditioner 1 based on coil temperature; if so, control chassis heater 20 to increase from the first power to the second power; otherwise, control chassis heater 20 to remain at the first power.

[0070] In some embodiments, when identifying whether frost has fallen off the air conditioner 1 based on the coil temperature, the controller 71 is configured to: acquire the rate of change of the coil temperature for different sampling periods within a preset time period; and identify whether frost has fallen off the air conditioner 1 based on the rate of change of the coil temperature for different sampling periods.

[0071] In some embodiments, when identifying whether frost has fallen off the air conditioner 1 based on the rate of change of coil temperature in different sampling periods, the controller 71 is configured to determine that frost has fallen off the air conditioner 1 when the rate of change of coil temperature in different sampling periods reaches a preset rate of change threshold and the duration reaches a preset time threshold.

[0072] In some embodiments, the controller 71 is further configured to: acquire the temperature of the chassis 15 of the air conditioner 1 and the drain outlet temperature of the chassis 15; identify whether the air conditioner 1 has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis 15 and the drain outlet temperature; if so, control the chassis heater 20 to turn off to stop heating; otherwise, control the chassis heater 20 to remain on.

[0073] In some embodiments, when identifying whether the air conditioner 1 has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis 15 and the temperature of the drain outlet, the controller 71 is configured to determine that the air conditioner 1 has completed defrosting when the temperature of the chassis 15 reaches a first preset temperature threshold and the temperature of the drain outlet reaches a second preset temperature threshold, and the duration reaches a second preset time.

[0074] In some embodiments, after obtaining the temperature of the chassis 15 and the drain outlet temperature of the chassis 15, the controller 71 is further configured to: obtain a first difference between the temperature of the chassis 15 and a first preset temperature threshold, and a second difference between the drain outlet temperature and a second preset temperature threshold; when the first difference is less than the first preset difference threshold, and the second difference is less than the second preset difference threshold, and there is no frost shedding, control the chassis heater 20 to operate at a first power; when the first difference reaches a third preset difference threshold, or the second difference reaches a fourth preset difference threshold, control the chassis heater 20 to operate at a second power.

[0075] In some embodiments, the controller 71 is further configured to: acquire the outdoor ambient temperature; when the outdoor ambient temperature is less than a preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, increase the first preset temperature threshold to a third preset temperature threshold, and / or increase the second preset temperature threshold to a fourth preset temperature threshold, and / or increase the second preset time to a third preset time.

[0076] In some embodiments, after receiving the defrost start signal from the air conditioner 1, the controller 71 is further configured to: acquire the cumulative running time of the chassis heater 20; and when the cumulative running time reaches a cumulative time threshold, control the chassis heater 20 to turn off to stop heating.

[0077] It should be noted that the specific implementation method of controlling the air conditioner 1 is similar to the specific implementation method of the chassis heating control method of the air conditioner 1 in any of the above embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, for a detailed exemplary description of the control process of the air conditioner 1, please refer to the relevant description section of the chassis heating control method of the air conditioner 1 mentioned above. To reduce redundancy, it will not be repeated here.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the air conditioner 1 is in heating operation for a preset time and defrosting is activated, the chassis 15 can be heated at a lower first power to save energy and prevent a small amount of defrosting water from freezing instantly when it comes into contact with the low-temperature chassis 15. Furthermore, the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger can be obtained so that if no frost layer is detected on the air conditioner 1 based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater 20 can be controlled to maintain the first power, or if frost layer is detected on the air conditioner 1 based on the coil temperature, the chassis heater 20 can be controlled to increase the power from the first power to the second power to quickly raise the temperature of the chassis 15, melt the frost, and prevent it from freezing again on the low-temperature chassis 15, thus ensuring smooth drainage. This achieves on-demand energy supply during the heating process of the chassis 15, avoids energy waste, and further achieves the purpose of energy saving and optimization.

[0079] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0080] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for controlling chassis heating in an air conditioner, characterized in that, The method includes: When the air conditioner reaches the first preset time for heating operation and a defrosting start signal is received from the air conditioner, the chassis heater of the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the first power, and the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is obtained. The presence of frost layer shedding in the air conditioner is identified based on the coil temperature. If so, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power; otherwise, the chassis heater is controlled to remain at the first power.

2. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method of identifying whether the air conditioner has frost shedding based on the coil temperature includes: Obtain the rate of change of the coil temperature for different sampling periods within a preset time period; The presence of frost shedding in the air conditioner is identified based on the rate of change of the coil temperature during different sampling periods.

3. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method of identifying whether the air conditioner has frost shedding based on the rate of change of the coil temperature during different sampling periods includes: When the rate of change of the coil temperature in different sampling periods reaches a preset difference threshold and the duration reaches a preset time threshold, it is determined that the air conditioner has frost shedding.

4. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The temperature of the air conditioner's chassis and the temperature of the chassis's drain outlet are obtained; The defrosting status of the air conditioner is determined based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet. If so, the chassis heater is turned off to stop heating; otherwise, the chassis heater is kept on.

5. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method of identifying whether the air conditioner has completed defrosting based on the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the drain outlet includes: When the temperature of the chassis reaches a first preset temperature threshold and the temperature of the drain outlet reaches a second preset temperature threshold, and the duration reaches a second preset time, it is determined that the air conditioner has completed defrosting.

6. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, After obtaining the temperature of the chassis and the temperature of the chassis drain outlet, the process further includes: Obtain a first difference between the temperature of the chassis and the first preset temperature threshold, and a second difference between the temperature of the drain outlet and the second preset temperature threshold; When the first difference is less than the first preset difference threshold, and the second difference is less than the second preset difference threshold, and there is no frost shedding, the chassis heater is controlled to operate at the first power. When the first difference reaches the third preset difference threshold, or the second difference reaches the fourth preset difference threshold, the chassis heater is controlled to operate at the second power.

7. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the outdoor ambient temperature; When the outdoor ambient temperature is less than a preset outdoor ambient temperature threshold, the first preset temperature threshold is increased to a third preset temperature threshold, and / or the second preset temperature threshold is increased to a fourth preset temperature threshold, and / or the second preset time is increased to a third preset time.

8. The chassis heating control method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, After receiving the defrost start signal from the air conditioner, the process also includes: Obtain the cumulative operating time of the chassis heater; When the cumulative running time reaches the cumulative time threshold, the chassis heater is controlled to turn off to stop heating.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. One of the condensers and the other of the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger and the other is an indoor heat exchanger. Outdoor ambient temperature sensor, used to detect outdoor ambient temperature; Coil temperature sensor is used to detect the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger; Chassis; A chassis temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the chassis; A drain outlet temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of the drain outlet of the chassis; A chassis heater is used to heat the chassis. The controller is configured to: When the air conditioner reaches the first preset time for heating operation and a defrosting start signal is received from the air conditioner, the chassis heater is controlled to operate at the first power, and the coil temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is obtained. The presence of frost layer shedding in the air conditioner is identified based on the coil temperature. If so, the chassis heater is controlled to increase from the first power to the second power; otherwise, the chassis heater is controlled to remain at the first power.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outdoor heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger with a superhydrophobic coating.

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