An integrated control terminal for an air conditioning system

Abstract

This invention aims to address the shortcomings of existing air conditioning control systems by providing an integrated control terminal for air conditioning systems, enabling comprehensive and unified control of the system. The terminal comprises modules for microprocessor, power acquisition and calculation, sensors, communication, display, motor protection, and input / output control, all connected to the microprocessor. It features functions such as acquiring power consumption parameters, monitoring temperature, humidity, and wind speed, communication, displaying operating status, receiving commands, and controlling the air conditioner. Its innovations lie in modular design, integrated control algorithms, intelligent interactive interface, and remote control, which improve system operating efficiency and stability while simplifying user operation. This invention enhances system operating efficiency and stability, making user operation more convenient and intelligent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning system control technology, specifically to an integrated control terminal for an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] In today's era of rapid technological advancement, air conditioning systems play an increasingly important role in people's daily lives and work. Currently, the main control methods for air conditioning systems on the market are as follows: traditional mechanical controllers, which allow for simple adjustments of temperature, fan speed, etc., via knobs or buttons, offering limited functionality and cumbersome operation; and some smart air conditioners equipped with simple communication interfaces, enabling only basic remote on / off functions, unable to achieve comprehensive integrated control and refined management. These control methods have many limitations, primarily manifested in fragmented control, typically requiring multiple controllers to manage different functions, such as temperature control, humidity control, fan speed control, water valve control, air valve control, motor power monitoring and protection, etc. This fragmented control method not only increases user time and operational difficulty but also hinders the overall coordinated operation of the system, easily leading to poor coordination between functional modules and affecting the overall performance of the air conditioning system.

[0003] Furthermore, existing air conditioning system control terminals often have limited functionality and cannot simultaneously meet users' demands for intelligent, integrated control, system safety, and energy efficiency. For example, some controllers can only display and adjust the temperature, and are powerless to monitor energy consumption or perform in-depth analysis of equipment operating status. This makes it difficult for users to enjoy a convenient and efficient operating experience when using the air conditioning system, and also affects the operating efficiency and safety of the air conditioning system, which is detrimental to energy conservation, environmental protection, and the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention was developed. Compared to existing technologies, this invention achieves integrated control of the air conditioning system, allowing comprehensive control of all functions through a single terminal, significantly improving system efficiency and stability. This invention employs a fusion control algorithm that intelligently adjusts the operating parameters of the air conditioning system according to different environmental conditions and user needs, effectively reducing energy consumption while ensuring comfort, thus improving system adaptability and energy efficiency. Furthermore, it features an intelligent interactive interface and remote control functionality, providing users with a more convenient and intelligent operating experience. Users can easily understand the operating status and parameter settings of the air conditioning system and personalize settings according to their needs, controlling the system anytime, whether at home or away. The integrated design of this invention reduces the space occupied by the equipment, simplifies the operation process, and lowers system costs; the modular design improves the system's flexibility and scalability, easily adapting to various air conditioning system devices and facilitating subsequent functional expansion and upgrades. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model provides an integrated and modular fusion control terminal for an air conditioning system. This terminal enables comprehensive integrated control of the air conditioning system, improving system operating efficiency, safety, and stability, while providing users with a more convenient and intelligent operating experience.

[0006] Based on the first major aspect of this utility model, an integrated control terminal for an air conditioning system is provided, including a microprocessor, a power acquisition and calculation module, a sensor module, a communication module, a display module, an input module, an output control module, and a motor protection module;

[0007] The power acquisition and calculation module has an embedded current sensor and a power calculation chip to collect basic power consumption parameters, power quality parameters, voltage and current waveforms, etc., and to perform power safety calculations, predict alarms, and evaluate the equipment usage status.

[0008] The microprocessor, as the core component, is connected to the power acquisition and calculation module, sensor module, communication module, display module, input module, output control module, and motor protection module, forming the main framework of the entire control terminal.

[0009] The sensor module includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a wind speed sensor;

[0010] The communication module is used to enable communication between the control terminal and the air conditioning system, as well as remote communication with mobile devices.

[0011] The display module is used to display the operating status and parameter settings of the air conditioning system;

[0012] The input module is used to receive user operation commands;

[0013] The output control module is used to send digital or analog control signals to control the start and stop of the air conditioner, the opening degree of the water valve and air valve, the operating frequency of the fan, etc.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment, the power acquisition and calculation module embeds a current sensor and a power calculation chip.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the microprocessor uses a fusion control algorithm to process and analyze the data collected by the sensor module, and generates control commands based on the analysis results.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the connection between the air conditioning intelligent monitoring core module and the IO expansion module is provided with 24V power supply, and simultaneously provides CAN bus and RS485 bus communication.

[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the control terminal also includes a power supply module (8) for providing operating power to the control terminal.

[0018] As a further preferred embodiment, the display module is a touch screen.

[0019] As a further preferred embodiment, the input module includes a button input module and a voice input module.

[0020] As a further preferred embodiment, the communication module includes a wired communication module and a wireless communication module.

[0021] As a further preferred embodiment, the wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a ZigBee module.

[0022] As a further preferred embodiment, the motor protection module is connected to a microprocessor to monitor the operating status of the motor in the air conditioning system. When the motor experiences abnormal conditions such as overload, overheating, or phase loss, it takes timely protective measures, such as cutting off the motor power supply or issuing an alarm, to prevent motor damage and ensure the normal operation of the air conditioning system.

[0023] As a further preferred embodiment, the motor protection module includes an overload protection unit, an overheat protection unit, and a phase loss protection unit;

[0024] The overload protection unit monitors the motor current. When the current exceeds the set overload current threshold and the duration exceeds the preset overload time threshold, it determines that the motor is overloaded and triggers the corresponding protection action.

[0025] The overheat protection unit uses a temperature sensor to monitor the motor temperature in real time. Once the temperature exceeds the set overheat temperature limit, it is considered that the motor is overheating and protective measures are executed.

[0026] The phase loss protection unit monitors the motor's power supply in real time. When a phase loss fault occurs, it quickly cuts off the motor's power supply to prevent the motor from being damaged due to phase loss operation.

[0027] As a further preferred embodiment, the motor protection module also has a motor start-up protection function. During the motor start-up process, parameters such as the motor's starting current and start-up time are monitored. If the starting current is too high or the start-up time is too long, exceeding the set allowable range, the motor start-up is determined to be abnormal, the motor start-up is immediately stopped, and a fault alarm is issued to protect the motor from damage during the start-up phase.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following significant advantages:

[0029] First, this invention achieves integrated control of the air conditioning system, improving the system's operating efficiency and stability.

[0030] Secondly, this invention employs a fusion control algorithm, which can intelligently adjust the operating parameters of the air conditioning system according to different environmental conditions and user needs, thereby improving the system's adaptability and energy-saving effect.

[0031] Third, this utility model is equipped with an intelligent interactive interface and remote control function, providing users with a more convenient and intelligent operating experience.

[0032] Fourth, the integrated design of this utility model reduces the space occupied by the equipment, simplifies the operation process, and reduces the cost of the system.

[0033] Finally, the modular design of this invention improves the system's flexibility and scalability, making it easy to adapt to various air conditioning system equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the control terminal of this utility model is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 The circuit schematic of this utility model is shown.

[0036] The labels in the attached diagram are: 1-microprocessor, 2-power acquisition and calculation module; 3-sensor module, 4-communication module, 5-display module, 6-input module, 7-output control module, 8-power supply module, 9-motor protection module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below to provide a clearer understanding of its purpose, features, and advantages. It should be understood that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model, but are merely illustrative of its essential spirit.

[0038] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth for the purpose of illustrating various disclosed embodiments in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known techniques associated with this application may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0039] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of "in an embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any way in one or more embodiments.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control terminal of this utility model integrates functions such as temperature control, humidity control, fan speed control, mode selection, water valve control, air valve control, motor power monitoring and protection, and energy saving into one unit, enabling comprehensive monitoring of the air conditioning system through a single terminal. The integrated design not only reduces the space occupied by the equipment but also simplifies the operation process and improves user convenience. The modular design facilitates the expansion of the number of I / O ports. The expansion I / O modules are connected using a 6-pin header (power supply + communication: 24V, GND, CANH, CANL, RS485-A, RS485-B) to form a unified whole, greatly enhancing the system's flexibility and scalability.

[0041] Working principle;

[0042] Data acquisition phase: The temperature sensor in sensor module 3 senses the air temperature in the room or air-conditioned area in real time and converts the temperature signal into an electrical signal; the humidity sensor simultaneously collects ambient humidity data and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal; the wind speed sensor monitors the wind speed at the air conditioner outlet and generates a corresponding electrical signal. These signals are transmitted to the power acquisition and calculation module 2, where the embedded current sensor simultaneously collects the current signal when the air conditioning system is working. The power calculation chip calculates the collected basic power parameters such as current and voltage to obtain real-time power consumption parameters, such as power and energy consumption, and can also analyze power quality parameters, including voltage and current waveform characteristics.

[0043] Data processing and command generation stage: Microprocessor 1, as the core "brain" of the entire control terminal, receives data information transmitted from sensor module 3 and power acquisition and calculation module 2. Microprocessor 1 uses a preset fusion control algorithm to perform in-depth processing and analysis of this multi-dimensional data. The fusion control algorithm comprehensively considers the interrelationships between multiple factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and power consumption. Based on different seasons, different usage scenarios, and user-set comfort preferences, it intelligently formulates the optimal operating parameters of the air conditioning system, such as target temperature, optimal wind speed, and appropriate damper opening, and generates corresponding control commands accordingly.

[0044] Control Execution Phase: After receiving the control commands from the microprocessor 1, the output control module 7 accurately sends out digital or analog control signals. These signals precisely act on various actuators of the air conditioning system, such as controlling the start and stop of the air conditioning unit, adjusting the opening of the water valve to control the flow of refrigerant or hot water, changing the opening of the air valve to adjust the air volume, and adjusting the operating frequency of the fan to achieve different wind speeds. This allows the air conditioning system's operating state to be adjusted in real time to the optimal mode calculated by the fusion control algorithm, providing users with a fully targeted and comfortable environment.

[0045] Monitoring and Feedback Phase: Throughout the operation, the power acquisition and calculation module 2 continuously monitors parameters such as power consumption and power quality of the air conditioning system. It intelligently determines whether the system's operating efficiency has decreased or if there are potential fault risks, and promptly sends early warning information to the microprocessor 1. Upon receiving the warning, the microprocessor 1 can autonomously fine-tune and optimize some operating parameters, and simultaneously push detailed fault warning information to the display module 5 and the user's mobile device connected to the communication module 4, reminding the user to take appropriate measures to ensure the safe and stable operation of the air conditioning system.

[0046] Work process;

[0047] Initial setup phase: The user starts the control terminal for the first time through the button or voice input function of input module 6 and sets basic parameters, such as setting the indoor target temperature range, humidity range, preferred wind speed mode, and basic opening range of water valve and air valve. This setting information is stored in the storage unit of microprocessor 1 as an important initial basis for the subsequent operation of the fusion control algorithm.

[0048] Real-time monitoring and data transmission phase: After the control terminal is powered on, sensor module 3 and power acquisition and calculation module 2 immediately start up, continuously collecting ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed, and power-related parameters at preset time intervals (e.g., every 1 minute), and transmitting the collected data to microprocessor 1 in real time. Communication module 4 simultaneously establishes communication connections with the air conditioning system host and user mobile devices to ensure smooth data transmission channels for receiving subsequent remote control commands and sending feedback information.

[0049] Intelligent Control and Adjustment Phase: Microprocessor 1 rapidly processes the real-time collected data according to the fusion control algorithm. Based on the user's initial settings and the current environmental conditions, it generates precise control commands at regular intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes), which are then sent to the various actuators of the air conditioning system via output control module 7, driving them to make corresponding adjustments. For example, when the indoor temperature exceeds the set target temperature limit, microprocessor 1 controls the water valve to open wider and the fan speed to increase, enhancing the cooling effect; when an abnormal increase in power consumption is detected, microprocessor 1 analyzes the cause and appropriately reduces the fan speed and decreases the opening of the air valve, achieving energy-saving optimization.

[0050] Remote monitoring and emergency response phase: When users are away from home, they can use mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets to monitor the real-time operating status of the air conditioning system, including parameters such as current temperature, humidity, wind speed, and energy consumption, via the remote communication function provided by communication module 4. In special circumstances, such as when a user returns home early, they can remotely send a command to modify the operating mode. After receiving the command, the control terminal will process it through microprocessor 1 and immediately adjust the operating status of the air conditioning system through output control module 7 to meet the user's immediate needs.

[0051] Connection method;

[0052] Internal Module Connections: Microprocessor 1, as the core component, establishes tight electrical connections with power acquisition and calculation module 2, sensor module 3, communication module 4, display module 5, input module 6, output control module 7, and power supply module 8 via an internal high-speed communication bus or data interface. All modules adhere to a unified communication protocol and data transmission format to ensure efficient and accurate data transmission and exchange. For example, analog signals acquired by sensor module 3 are converted from analog to digital and transmitted to specific pins of microprocessor 1 via the data bus. Control signals processed by microprocessor 1 are also sent to output control module 7 via corresponding pins and the data bus.

[0053] Connection to the air conditioning system: Output control module 7 is connected to various actuators of the air conditioning system via a set of control cables. For example, it connects to the compressor's start / stop control port to control the operation of the air conditioning unit; it connects to the drive motors of the water valve and air valve to adjust their opening; and it connects to the fan's speed control port to control the fan speed. The current sensor in power acquisition and calculation module 2 is connected in series with the power supply line of the air conditioning system's main circuit to monitor the current flowing through the system in real time. Its power calculation chip receives voltage and other parameter information from other power monitoring points in the air conditioning system through a communication interface, and comprehensively calculates power consumption and other data. The wired communication interface (such as an RS485 bus interface) of communication module 4 is connected to the communication port of the air conditioning system's main unit to realize local data interaction and control command transmission; the wireless communication module (such as a Wi-Fi module) connects to a wireless router in the home or office via a wireless network, thereby realizing remote communication with the user's mobile devices.

[0054] External Power Supply Connection: Power module 8 is responsible for providing a stable DC power supply to the entire control terminal. The input of power module 8 connects to an external AC power outlet, converting 220V (or equivalent voltage level) AC power into various DC voltages (such as 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) required by the control terminal, which are then supplied to the microprocessor 1, sensor module 3, communication module 4, and other modules. Power module 8 also features overvoltage and overcurrent protection functions to ensure the safe and stable operation of the control terminal in complex power grid environments.

[0055] The control terminal of this utility model mainly consists of a microprocessor 1, a power acquisition and calculation module 2, a sensor module 3, a communication module 4, a display module 5, an input module 6, an output control module 7, a power supply module 8, and a motor protection module 9. The microprocessor 1 is responsible for processing and analyzing the data collected by the sensors and generating control commands based on the fusion control algorithm. The power acquisition and calculation module 2 embeds a current sensor and a power calculation chip, collecting basic power consumption parameters, power quality parameters, voltage and current waveforms, etc., and performing power safety calculations, predictive alarms, and assessing equipment usage. The sensor module 3 includes temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and wind speed sensors, used for real-time monitoring of the air conditioning system's operating status. The communication module 4 enables communication between the control terminal and the air conditioning system, as well as remote communication with mobile devices. The display module 5 displays the operating status and parameter settings of the air conditioning system. The input module 6 receives user operation commands, and the output control module 7 issues switch or analog control signals to control the start and stop of the air conditioner, the opening degree of water and air valves, and the operating frequency of the fan. The connection between the air conditioning intelligent monitoring core module and the IO expansion module provides 24V power supply (reducing the power supply lines of the module) and provides CAN bus and RS485 bus communication to ensure the real-time performance and effectiveness of communication between them (the CAN bus physical layer has an automatic collision detection mechanism, which solves the problem of low efficiency of single master and multiple slave communication on a single RS485 bus).

[0056] In terms of software implementation, the control terminal adopts a layered architecture design, including a driver layer, a middleware layer, and an application layer. The driver layer is responsible for communicating with hardware devices, the middleware layer implements integrated control algorithms and data processing functions, and the application layer provides the user interface and remote control functions. During the software implementation process, a modular design approach was adopted, developing each functional module independently to facilitate maintenance and upgrades.

[0057] In terms of installation and use, the control terminal can be installed on the indoor or outdoor unit of the air conditioning system, or it can be installed independently on an indoor wall. When using the control terminal, the user first sets parameters and selects the mode through input module 6. Then, the control terminal automatically adjusts the operating status of the air conditioning system according to the user's settings and the integrated control algorithm. The user can monitor the operating status and parameter settings of the air conditioning system at any time through display module 5, and can also operate the air conditioning system when away from home through the remote control function.

[0058] During the operation of an air conditioning system, the motor, as a critical power component, is essential for the stability and reliability of the system. Therefore, the integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system of this invention is specially equipped with a motor protection module 9 to achieve comprehensive protection for the motor.

[0059] The motor protection module 9 is closely connected to the microprocessor 1, and can receive control commands sent by the microprocessor 1 in real time, and feed back the motor's operating status information to the microprocessor 1. Specifically, the motor protection module 9 mainly includes overload protection unit, overheat protection unit, and phase loss protection unit.

[0060] The overload protection unit monitors the motor's operating current in real time by connecting a current transformer or other current detection device in series in the motor's circuit. When the motor current gradually increases due to excessive load or other reasons, and once it exceeds the preset overload current threshold and the duration reaches the preset overload time threshold, the overload protection unit will quickly activate, cutting off the motor's power circuit and stopping the motor. This prevents problems such as winding overheating and insulation damage caused by prolonged overload. Simultaneously, the overload protection unit also sends an overload fault signal to the microprocessor 1. Upon receiving the signal, the microprocessor 1 displays the fault information on the display module 5, reminding the user to promptly investigate the cause of the overload. Furthermore, it can send the fault information to the user's mobile device via the communication module 4, allowing the user to stay informed about the motor's abnormal condition.

[0061] The overheat protection unit installs temperature sensors in critical parts of the motor, such as windings and bearings. These temperature sensors can detect changes in the motor's temperature in real time and convert the temperature signal into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the motor protection module 9. When the motor temperature rises to the set overheat temperature limit due to overload, poor heat dissipation, or excessively high ambient temperature, the overheat protection unit immediately activates the protection mechanism, cuts off the motor power supply, and sends an overheat alarm signal to the microprocessor 1. Upon receiving the signal, the microprocessor 1 executes corresponding processing measures, such as displaying overheat fault details on the display module 5 and pushing fault notifications to the mobile device connected to the communication module 4, ensuring that the user can take timely measures to cool the motor, prevent damage due to overheating, and extend the motor's service life.

[0062] The phase loss protection unit is mainly used to monitor the three-phase power supply of the motor. During motor operation, the voltage detection circuit monitors the amplitude and phase relationship of the three-phase voltage in real time. Once a phase loss fault occurs, i.e., a voltage loss in one phase or an abnormally low amplitude, the phase loss protection unit can detect this fault in a very short time and quickly cut off the power supply to the motor, preventing the motor from continuing to run in a phase loss state. This avoids a series of problems caused by phase loss, such as reduced motor torque, increased current, and winding overheating, effectively protecting the motor from damage. At the same time, the phase loss protection unit also feeds back the phase loss fault information to microprocessor 1, which performs subsequent fault processing and information push operations.

[0063] In addition, the motor protection module 9 also has a motor start-up protection function. During the motor start-up phase, the starting current is usually large, and factors such as mechanical shocks during the start-up process may also adversely affect the motor. The motor protection module 9 monitors the motor's starting current and start-up time. If the starting current exceeds the set upper limit of the starting current, or the start-up time exceeds the preset maximum allowable start-up time, it determines that the motor start-up is abnormal. At this time, the motor protection module 9 immediately interrupts the motor start-up process, stops the power supply to the motor, and sends a start-up fault signal to the microprocessor 1. After receiving the signal, the microprocessor 1 executes the corresponding fault handling procedure, such as displaying start-up fault information on the display module 5, notifying the user to check whether the motor load is too heavy, whether the power supply voltage is normal, and whether there are mechanical faults in the motor. After the fault is eliminated, the user can try to start the motor again to ensure that the motor starts and runs under safe conditions.

[0064] Through the multiple protection functions of the motor protection module 9, the integrated control terminal of the air conditioning system of this utility model can effectively prevent the motor from being damaged due to various abnormal conditions, improve the reliability and stability of the air conditioning system, reduce equipment maintenance costs and downtime, and provide users with a safer, more stable and efficient air conditioning experience.

[0065] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An integrated control terminal for an air conditioning system, characterized in that: It includes a microprocessor (1), a power acquisition and calculation module (2), a sensor module (3), a communication module (4), a display module (5), an input module (6), and an output control module (7); The microprocessor (1) serves as the core component and is connected to the power acquisition and calculation module (2), sensor module (3), communication module (4), display module (5), input module (6), output control module (7), and motor protection module (9) to form the main framework of the entire control terminal. The power acquisition and calculation module (2) has an embedded current sensor and a power calculation chip; The sensor module (3) includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a wind speed sensor.

2. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microprocessor (1) uses a fusion control algorithm to process and analyze the data collected by the sensor module (3), and generates control commands based on the analysis results.

3. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the air conditioning intelligent monitoring core module and the IO expansion module provides 24V power supply, and also provides CAN bus and RS485 bus communication.

4. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control terminal also includes a power module (8), which is used to provide working power to the control terminal.

5. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module (5) is a touch screen.

6. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input module (6) includes a keypad and a voice input module.

7. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module (4) includes a wired communication module and a wireless communication module.

8. The integrated control terminal for an air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, or a ZigBee module.

9. The integrated control terminal for the air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motor protection module (9) includes an overload protection unit, an overheat protection unit, and a phase loss protection unit; The overload protection unit monitors the current of the motor; The overheat protection unit uses a temperature sensor to monitor the motor temperature in real time. The phase loss protection unit monitors the power supply to the motor in real time.

10. The integrated control terminal for an air conditioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The motor protection module (9) also has a motor start protection function.

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