Air conditioning system and control method therefor

Abstract

Air conditioning system that has: one outdoor unit (200), an indoor heat exchanger (400) connected to the outdoor unit (200), the indoor heat exchanger (400) having a temperature sensor (421, 431), an additional heat source (300) arranged in addition to the outdoor unit (200) and powered by an energy source different from the energy source of the outdoor unit (200), a thermostat (100) configured to control a temperature of an installation space in which the indoor heat exchanger (400) is installed, and a communicator (500) comprising: an input unit (510) connected to the thermostat (100), a first output unit (520) connected to the additional heat source (300), a second output unit (530) connected to the outdoor unit (200), and a controller (540) configured to transmit signals between the input unit (510), the first output unit (520) and the second output unit (530), wherein the controller (540) is designed to monitor an operating state of the outdoor unit (200) and / or the additional heat source (300) using the temperature sensor (421, 431), wherein the outdoor unit (200) and the additional heat source (300) are connected to the communicator (500) using different communication plans, wherein the thermostat (100) and the additional heat source (300) are connected to the communicator (500) using a first communication plan and the outdoor unit (200) is connected to the communicator (500) using a second communication plan different from the first communication plan, wherein the controller (540) is configured to change and process a first signal according to the first communication plan and a second signal according to the second communication plan.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0053688, published as KR 10 2021 0 135 710 A, filed on May 6, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and, more particularly, to an air conditioning system having a supplemental heat source.

[0003] In general, a unitary system, i.e. a type of air conditioning system widely used in residential premises in North America, includes a thermostat (a temperature control device), an outdoor unit (for cooling or cooling / heating), a gas furnace (for blowing air or for heating), and an indoor heat exchanger (called an A-coil in English).

[0004] In the unitary system, the outdoor unit is installed outdoors for cooling or cooling / heating rooms, and the indoor heat exchanger and gas furnace are installed inside in the basement or on the ceiling to transport the processed air through an air passage called a duct to the interior living spaces.

[0005] The unitary system is operated to cool / heat the rooms by recovering air from rooms in one direction to each room using the recirculation unit, indicated by an arrow, and returning the air to an air blowing system in the gas furnace where the air is to be cooled or heated.

[0006] In a unitary system, the outdoor unit, indoor heat exchanger, auxiliary heat source, and control system can be from different manufacturers, unlike ductless systems such as conventional wall-mounted and cassette air conditioners. This means that in many cases, each component of the unitary system is installed separately, depending on the user's needs.

[0007] Especially in the case of a thermostat, i.e., a control system, depending on the user's preferences and needs, a product from a different manufacturer than the manufacturer of the air conditioning system is often used. Since the thermostat controls the system (the outdoor unit, the gas furnace, etc.) through contact signals rather than through a two-way communication flow, it is difficult to deal with errors that occur in the system.

[0008] As described above, a typical unitary system can generally combine the outdoor unit and the gas furnace to provide a configuration where the outdoor unit provides cooling and the gas furnace provides heating.

[0009] An outdoor heat pump and gas furnace can be arranged in parallel to reduce operating costs and fossil fuel consumption. Therefore, hybrid systems are increasingly being used, which save operating costs by using the heat pump for heating when the outdoor temperature is high and the gas furnace for heating when the outdoor temperature is low and high heat output is required.

[0010] Here, operation can be switched between the heat pump and the gas furnace depending on the outside temperature. However, the thermostat does not receive any information about the operating status of the outdoor unit or the gas furnace. Therefore, if the heat pump or gas furnace fails, heating cannot be provided, even though the other heating device is still available.

[0011] Therefore, a solution to this problem is needed.

[0012] EP 3 096 091 B1 discloses an air conditioning system comprising a heat pump section for performing indoor air heating using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and a separate heat source section for performing indoor air heating using a heat source separate from the heat source section.

[0013] EP 0 042 958 A2 discloses a heating system with a boiler that can be heated with liquid or gaseous fuels and a heat pump installed in the return line leading to the boiler.

[0014] CN 103 900 103 A discloses a control method for a compressed air burner which offers the advantages of high thermal efficiency and high operational reliability.

[0015] US 2014 / 0252100 A1 discloses an air heating and cooling system comprising: (1) a heat pump for heating or cooling air based on a coolant, (2) a fuel-driven modular fan selectively operable to generate combustion heat, and (3) a control system connected to the heat pump and the modular fan.

[0016] JP 2015 145765 A discloses an air conditioning system that can improve its operating performance by using either a heat pump or a gas furnace to perform heating load processing.

[0017] EP 2 420 747 A2 discloses a heat pump with a boiler that is operated either at an outside air temperature or an electrical power per unit of heat quantity. Summary of Revelation

[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioning system that can efficiently control the operation of air conditioning systems manufactured by different manufacturers, as well as a corresponding control method. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 8.

[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that can continue heating by automatically switching to another heat source when proper heating cannot be performed due to an incident such as a failure of an outdoor unit or an auxiliary heat source, and a corresponding control method. This object is also achieved by the features of claims 1 and 8.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a duct temperature sensor installed in a gas / liquid duct for controlling an electronic expansion valve (EEV) of an indoor heat exchanger can be provided, and therefore, proper heating of the system can be monitored.

[0021] Additionally, a communicator can be provided to connect to and control the outdoor unit or auxiliary heat source (gas furnace). If proper heating is not performed due to an incident such as a failure of the outdoor unit or auxiliary heat source (gas furnace), the system can perform backup operation by automatically switching to another heat source, independent of the heating operation of the outdoor temperature-dependent outdoor unit or auxiliary heat source (gas furnace), so that heating continues normally.

[0022] According to a specific example of the present disclosure, an air conditioning system comprises: an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger connected to the outdoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger including a temperature sensor, an additional heat source arranged in addition to the outdoor unit and powered by a power source different from the power source of the outdoor unit, a thermostat configured to control a temperature of an installation space to which cold air or warm air is supplied from the outdoor unit and the additional heat source, and a communicator having an input unit connected to the thermostat, a first output unit connected to the additional heat source, a second output unit connected to the outdoor unit, and a controller configured to process signals between the input unit, the first output unit, and the second output unit.

[0023] In this case, the control system monitors the operating status of the outdoor unit and / or the additional heat source using the temperature sensor.

[0024] The outdoor unit and the additional heat source can be connected to the communicator using different communication plans.

[0025] The thermostat and the supplemental heat source may be connected to the communicator using a first communication plan, and the outdoor unit may be connected to the communicator using a second communication plan, wherein the controller may modify and process a first signal according to the first communication plan and a second signal according to the second communication plan.

[0026] The temperature sensor may be a duct temperature sensor arranged on a duct of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0027] The duct temperature sensor may comprise an inlet sensor arranged at an inlet duct of the indoor heat exchanger and an outlet sensor arranged at an outlet duct of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0028] The additional heat source can be a gas furnace, and the outdoor unit can be a heat pump.

[0029] The controller may switch operation to the supplemental heat source when a fault in the outdoor unit continues for a predetermined time or longer, or when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined time.

[0030] The controller may switch operation to the supplemental heat source when a fault in the outdoor unit continues for a predetermined time or longer, when a temperature sensed by the duct temperature sensor remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a first period of time, or when the temperature sensed by the duct temperature sensor remains between the first temperature and a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second period of time longer than the first period of time.

[0031] The controller may switch operation of the supplemental heat source to the outdoor unit when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor during operation of the supplemental heat source remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined period of time.

[0032] According to a specific example of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioning system having an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger connected to the outdoor unit with a temperature sensor, an additional heat source arranged in addition to the outdoor unit and powered by a power source different from the power source of the outdoor unit, and a communicator connected to the outdoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger, and the additional heat source comprises: receiving a heating signal when starting a heating operation, determining the first heating operation using the outdoor unit or the second heating operation using the additional heat source based on an outside temperature, transmitting an operation signal to the outdoor unit when the first heating operation is determined, determining whether the outdoor unit has failed, and switching to the second heating operation when it is determined that the outdoor unit has failed,Transmitting an operation signal to the additional heat source when the second heating operation is determined, and determining whether the additional heat source has failed and switching to the first heating operation when it is determined that the additional heat source has failed.

[0033] The method may further include transmitting a fan operation signal to the additional heat source when the first heating operation is determined.

[0034] Based on determining that the auxiliary heat source has failed, the secondary heating operation using the auxiliary heat source may be stopped, but the fan operation signal may be maintained.

[0035] It may be determined that the outdoor unit has failed when a fault in the outdoor unit continues for a predetermined time or longer, or when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined time.

[0036] It may be determined that the outdoor unit has failed when a fault in the outdoor unit continues for a predetermined time or longer, when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a first period of time, or when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor remains between the first temperature and a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second period of time longer than the first period of time.

[0037] It may be determined that the supplemental heat source has failed if a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor during operation of the supplemental heat source remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined period of time.

[0038] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present disclosure are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to further explain the disclosure as claimed. Short description of the drawings

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure. Fig. 1 shows an example of a unitary system installation to which the present disclosure is applicable, Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a typical unitary system, Fig. 3 is a control flow diagram showing a control configuration of the typical unitary system, Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 7 is a graphical view showing a duct temperature monitored using a duct temperature sensor installed in the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are graphic views showing pressure and temperature fluctuations of a duct during a heating operation performed with the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the revelation

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and unnecessary description is omitted. The terms "module" and "unit" are added or used interchangeably for the convenience of writing this description and are not intended to imply any meanings or functions of their own. In the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a detailed description of known technologies is omitted so as not to obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a better understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein and are not intended to limit the technical idea disclosed in the present description.

[0041] Although the drawings are described individually for convenience, embodiments realized by combining at least two or more drawings are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] When an element such as a layer, region or module is described as being “on top of” another element, this should be understood to mean that the element can be directly on top of the other element or that intermediate elements can be present between them.

[0043] In general, the unitary system widely used in residential spaces in North America includes a thermostat (temperature control device), an outdoor unit (for cooling or cooling / heating), a gas furnace (for blowing air or heating), and an indoor heat exchanger (A-Coil).

[0044] Here, a thermostat generally refers to a device that constantly controls temperature. For example, a thermostat can be controlled by moving a switch to an open or closed position using a bimetal strip. Bimetal strips are a combination of two different types of thin metal plates with different coefficients of linear expansion. The bimetal strip can be used to open and close thermal contacts because they bend slightly as the temperature rises. Furthermore, various types of temperature sensors (thermistors, thermocouples, platinum resistance wires, etc.) can be used to detect temperature and electrically control the opening and closing of the contacts.In the present disclosure, the thermostat may be a temperature control device configured to control the temperature of the system by switching the switch between the open position and the closed position.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of an installation of a unitary system to which the present application is applicable. Fig. 1, the outdoor unit installed outside performs cooling or cooling / heating, and the indoor heat exchanger and gas furnace D are installed inside in a basement or on the ceiling to transport processed air through an air passage called duct into an indoor living space to cool / heat the rooms.

[0046] The unitary system recovers the indoor air through recirculation units, marked by arrows indicating the flow direction into each room, and returns the recovered air to the air blowing system in the gas furnace D to cool or heat the air for cooling / heating the rooms.

[0047] In Fig. 1. Parts marked A and B are recirculation air diffusers and can be used to reclaim indoor air and return the indoor air to the air conditioning system (unitary system). Here, A represents a ceiling installation and B a wall installation.

[0048] The parts marked C, E and F represent supply diffusers. The air supply diffusers correspond to parts of the air conditioning system through which processed air is delivered to the rooms by cooling / heating (floor blowers).

[0049] Part D represents the indoor heat exchanger (A-Coil) and the gas furnace, as mentioned above. The indoor heat exchanger (A-Coil) is connected to the outdoor unit (gas furnace) for cooling, and the gas furnace provides heating (the gas furnace uses a blower or fan to transport cooling / heating air).

[0050] In Fig. 1, part G represents an air supply duct. In other words, it represents a duct through which air that has been cooled / heated in the air conditioning system is transported.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a typical unitary system. Fig. Figure 3 is a control flow diagram showing a control configuration of the typical unitary system.

[0052] According to Fig. 2, the unitary system comprises a thermostat (controller) 10, an outdoor unit (for cooling or for cooling / heating) 20, an additional heat source (gas furnace, blowing air / heating) 30 and an indoor heat exchanger (A-Coil) 40 as basic elements.

[0053] Unlike a ductless system such as a conventional wall-mounted air conditioner or a cassette air conditioner, the outdoor unit 20, indoor heat exchanger 40, supplemental heat source 30, and controller 10 included in the unitary system can generally be from different manufacturers. This means that in many cases, each component of the unitary system is installed separately according to the user's needs.

[0054] In particular, in many cases, according to the user's preferences and needs, a product from a manufacturer different from the manufacturer of the air conditioner is used for the thermostat 10, which is a controller. Since the thermostat 10 controls the system (outdoor unit, gas furnace, etc.) through contact signals and not through two-way communication flow, as in Fig. 3, it is difficult to deal with errors occurring in the system.

[0055] Therefore, the thermostat 10 generally provides signals such as R, C, Y (or Y1, Y2), W (W1, W2) and G as contact points to enable operation in conjunction with a system (outdoor unit, gas furnace, etc.) that is from a different manufacturer than the air conditioning system.

[0056] Here, T1 and T2 are points through which the thermostat 10 is connected to an outside temperature sensor to receive information about the outside air temperature (for example, for dual fuel combustion of the outdoor unit and the gas furnace).

[0057] Parts ① and ② in Fig. 3 are independent communication connectors provided when connected by the same manufacturer. Additionally, the hatched parts are parts typically provided by multiple manufacturers.

[0058] As described above, the typical unitary system may employ a configuration combining the outdoor unit and the gas furnace, with the outdoor unit providing cooling and the gas furnace providing heating.

[0059] As described above, the data relating to Fig. 1 to 3 may be applied to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] A heat pump outdoor unit and a gas furnace can be installed in parallel to reduce operating costs and fossil fuel consumption. Hybrid systems that use the heat pump for heating when the outside temperature is high and the gas furnace when the outside temperature is low and high heating output is required are becoming increasingly popular to reduce operating costs.

[0061] Here, you can switch between the heat pump and the gas furnace depending on the outside temperature. However, the thermostat does not receive any information about the operating status of the outdoor unit or the gas furnace. Therefore, if the heat pump or gas furnace fails, heating cannot be provided, even though the other heating device is still available.

[0062] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] According to Fig. 4, the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit 200, an indoor heat exchanger (indoor unit) 400 connected to the outdoor unit 200, an additional heat source 300, a thermostat 100 configured to control the temperature of the installation space in which the indoor heat exchanger 400 is installed, and a communicator 500 connected therebetween to control the driving of the outdoor unit 200 and the additional heat source 300.

[0064] The outdoor unit 200 may include a compressor as a refrigerant-using part of the air conditioning system. For example, the outdoor unit 200 may be a heat pump.

[0065] The heat pump is a cooling / heating device that transfers a low-temperature heat source at a high temperature or a high-temperature heat source at a low temperature using the generated heat or the condensation heat of the coolant.

[0066] Heat tends to move from a high-temperature side to a low-temperature side. In contrast, a heat pump can be used to raise heat from a low-temperature side to a high-temperature side.

[0067] The indoor heat exchanger 400, which includes a temperature sensor, is connected to the outdoor unit 200. The indoor heat exchanger 400 can receive a coolant from the outdoor unit 200. Depending on the condition of the coolant, heat exchange can occur in the indoor heat exchanger 400. That is, when the coolant is supplied at a high temperature, the room in which the indoor heat exchanger 400 is installed can be heated. When the coolant is supplied at a low temperature, the room in which the indoor heat exchanger 400 is installed can be cooled.

[0068] The additional heat source 300 is arranged in addition to the outdoor unit 200 and may be powered by a different energy source than that of the outdoor unit 200. For example, the additional heat source 300 may be a furnace that generates heat using fossil fuels. In particular, the additional heat source 300 may be a gas-fired gas furnace.

[0069] The outdoor unit 200 and the additional heat source 300 can be connected to the communicator (Comm. Kit) 500 through a communication line. Fig. 4 a dashed line can represent the communication line.

[0070] The thermostat 100 can control the temperature of the installation room to which cold or warm air is supplied from the outdoor unit 200 and the additional heat source 300.

[0071] With this configuration, heating can be performed using the outdoor unit 200 when the outdoor temperature is high. When the outdoor temperature is low and large heating capacity is required, heating operation can be performed using the auxiliary heat source 300.

[0072] That is, since a hybrid system includes the outdoor unit 200 and the gas furnace (supplemental heat source) 300, heating can be performed using only the outdoor unit 200 when the outdoor temperature is high. This can reduce operating costs.

[0073] Here, the outdoor unit 200 and the auxiliary heat source 300 may be connected to the communicator 500 using different communication schemes, since the outdoor unit 200 and the auxiliary heat source 300 may be from different manufacturers as described above. Here, the term "different communication schemes" means different types of communication protocols or different physical methods for communication, such as wireless communication versus wired communication.

[0074] Specifically, the thermostat 100 and the supplemental heat source 300 may be connected to the communicator 500 using a first communication plan, and the outdoor unit 200 may be connected to the communicator 500 using a second communication plan. The first communication plan may be communication through a contact signal, and the second communication plan may be communication through an internal communication protocol.

[0075] The communicator 500 has a controller 540 (see Fig. 5). The controller 540 may modify and process a first signal according to the first communication plan and a second signal according to the second communication plan. This will be described in detail later.

[0076] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing details of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 shows the configuration of the communicator 500 in detail.

[0077] According to Fig. 5, the communicator 500 includes an input unit 510 to which the thermostat 100 is connected. In this case, the communicator 500 and the thermostat 100 may be connected by a communication line. As mentioned above, the communicator 500 and the thermostat 100 may exchange contact signals R, C, G, Y, and W.

[0078] As above with reference to Fig. 3, the thermostat 10 generally provides signals such as R, C, Y (or Y1, Y2), W (W1, W2), and G as contact points to enable operation in conjunction with a system (outdoor unit, gas furnace, etc.) of a different manufacturer than the air conditioning system. Fig. The details shown in Figure 3 can be applied to this embodiment.

[0079] Here are T1 and T2 terminals through which an external temperature sensor is connected to the thermostat 10 to obtain information about the outside air temperature (for example, for dual fuel combustion of the outdoor unit 200 and the additional heat source 300).

[0080] Among the contact signals, R and C are terminals to which the power line is connected, and G is a signal to which the blow signal is connected. Y (Y1, Y2) is a terminal to which a cooling signal is connected, and W (W1, W2) is a terminal to which a heating signal is connected.

[0081] Among these signals, the communicator 500 and the thermostat 100 can exchange contact signals of R, C, G, Y and W.

[0082] The communicator 500 includes a first output unit 520 to which the additional heat source 300 is connected. The additional heat source 300 and the communicator 500 can exchange contact signals R, C, G, Y, and W. That is, the communicator 500 and the additional heat source 300 can exchange contact signals R, C, G, Y, and W.

[0083] Furthermore, the communicator 500 includes a second output unit 530 to which the outdoor unit 200 is connected. In this case, the communicator 500 and the outdoor unit 200 can exchange signals using an internal communication protocol. Communication using such an internal communication protocol can be, for example, RS485 communication.

[0084] That is, the communicator 500 and the outdoor unit 200 may be from the same manufacturer and therefore may exchange signals using the same communication plan. By exchanging such signals, the operation of the outdoor unit, including cooling and heating, can be performed using a heat pump. That is, by exchanging such signals, the driving of the compressor, the driving of the electronic expansion valve (EEV), the driving of the outdoor unit fan, and the like can be performed in the outdoor unit 200.

[0085] In Fig. 5, the configuration of the indoor heat exchanger 400 is omitted. The indoor heat exchanger 400 can perform a passive function of heat exchange by a refrigerant flow generated by the outdoor unit 200.

[0086] For example, the communicator 500 may be installed in the indoor heat exchanger 400 or adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger 400.

[0087] In this configuration, the communicator 500 can communicate with the outdoor unit 200 to perform the above-described operation of the outdoor unit 200, control whether the auxiliary heat source 300 is operating or not, and control the fan speed. Furthermore, the communicator 500 can detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 400 to perform a control operation to enable efficient cooling / heating.

[0088] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] As described above, heat exchange may be performed while the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 200 flows through the indoor heat exchanger 400 (A-Coil). The indoor heat exchanger 400 may include a plurality of refrigerant channels and heat exchange fins. A description of this configuration will be omitted.

[0090] As described above, the communicator 500 can detect the indoor temperature through the indoor heat exchanger 400. To this end, the indoor heat exchanger 400 can include temperature sensors 421 and 431.

[0091] The indoor heat exchanger 400 may include a body 410 and a channel with an inlet channel 420 and an outlet channel 430 for the coolant. In this case, the temperature sensors may be the channel temperature sensors 421 and 431 installed on the channels.

[0092] The duct temperature sensors may include an inlet sensor 421 installed on the inlet duct 420 of the indoor heat exchanger 400 and an outlet sensor 431 installed on the outlet duct 430.

[0093] In this case, the controller 540 installed in the communicator 500 monitors the operating status of the outdoor unit 200 and / or the additional heat source 300 using the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431.

[0094] Fig. 7 is a graphical view showing a duct temperature monitored using a duct temperature sensor installed in the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] As described above, the inlet sensor 421 and the outlet sensor 431 may be installed in the inlet duct 420 and the outlet duct 430 of the indoor heat exchanger 400. Furthermore, for example, the indoor heat exchanger 400 may be located near the auxiliary heat source 300.

[0096] During heating operation using the outdoor unit 200, the duct temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 400 increases according to the flow of the coolant. During heating operation using the auxiliary heat source 300, the inlet / outlet temperature may rise above a certain temperature due to the air heated by the operation of the auxiliary heat source 300.

[0097] Fig. 7 shows that the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors, ie, the inlet sensor 421 and the outlet sensor 431, changes depending on whether the additional heater 300 is in operation or not.

[0098] When receiving a heating signal for heating operation from the thermostat 100, the controller 540 may determine whether the outdoor unit 200 or the supplemental heat source 300 is used for heating based on the outdoor temperature.

[0099] Furthermore, if an error is detected during the heating operation using the outdoor unit 200 or the auxiliary heat source 300, the operation may be switched to the heating operation using the other of these devices, that is, the outdoor unit 200 and the auxiliary heat source 300. Determining such an error or abnormality may be performed based on the temperature detected by the inlet sensor 421 and the outlet sensor 431.

[0100] For example, if a fault is detected in the outdoor unit 200 or the fault lasts for a predetermined time or longer, the operation may be switched to the additional heat source 300.

[0101] In addition, when an abnormality of the auxiliary heat source 300 is detected or the abnormality continues for a predetermined time or longer, the operation may be switched to the outdoor unit 200.

[0102] According to a specific example, when the fault of the outdoor unit 200 lasts for a predetermined time or longer, or when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains at or below a first temperature for a predetermined time, the operation may be switched to the additional heat source 300.

[0103] In addition, if the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains at or below the first temperature for a predetermined time during the operation of the auxiliary heat source 300, the controller 540 may switch the operation to the outdoor unit 200.

[0104] Such a control procedure will be described in detail later.

[0105] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure-

[0106] A control method using the above-described air conditioning system will be described in detail below. The control method described herein can be performed by the communicator 500, specifically, the controller 540 installed in the communicator 500.

[0107] When heating operation is started, the communicator 500 first receives a heating signal from the thermostat 100 (S10). In this case, the outdoor temperature information can also be received from the outdoor unit 200.

[0108] Therefore, upon receiving the heating signal, either the first heating operation using the outdoor unit 200 or the second heating operation using the additional heat source 300 is determined based on the outdoor temperature (S20).

[0109] As described above, when the outdoor temperature is not lower than a reference temperature, the first heating operation can be performed using the outdoor unit 200 (S30). When the outdoor temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the second heating operation can be performed using the auxiliary heat source 300 (S40).

[0110] For example, when the first heating operation using the outdoor unit (heat pump) 200 is determined (S31), a heating operation signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit 200 (S32).

[0111] In this case, when the first heating operation is determined (S31), an operation of transmitting a fan operation signal to the auxiliary heat source 300 may be performed (S32). In response to the fan operation signal, a fan in the auxiliary heat source 300 may continue its operation or start its operation. When the heating operation using the outdoor unit (heat pump) 200 is determined, a high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant may move to the indoor heat exchanger 400 (A-coil) by a heating operation in the outdoor unit 200. A fan (blower) may be operated to allow the high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant to perform heating by heat exchange with the air in the indoor heat exchanger 400.

[0112] The indoor heat exchanger 400 may have only one duct for heat exchange and no fan. Therefore, a blower device (not shown) provided in the additional heat source 300 may be used to transport air.

[0113] In this case, only the blowing device can be driven without driving the additional heat source 300, ie without performing the combustion process.

[0114] When an operation signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit 200 (S32) as described above, a heating operation can be performed using the outdoor unit 200 (S33).

[0115] While the heating operation is in progress, the duct temperature can be monitored by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431.

[0116] In some cases, an error may occur in the operation of the outdoor unit 200. In this case, it can be determined whether the outdoor unit (heat pump) 200 has failed based on an error signal received by the outdoor unit 200 and / or a signal received from the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 (S34). The failure of the outdoor unit means that the outdoor unit 200 has a problem with its operation.

[0117] It can be determined that the outdoor unit 200 has failed when the failure of the outdoor unit 200 continues for a predetermined time or longer, or when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains at or below a predetermined temperature, for example, a first temperature, for a certain time.

[0118] Alternatively, it may be determined that the outdoor unit 200 has failed when the failure of the outdoor unit 200 continues for a predetermined time or longer when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains at or below a certain temperature, for example, the first temperature, or when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains at or below a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second time longer than the first time.

[0119] When the failure of the outdoor unit 200 continues for one minute or more, or when the duct outlet temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 continuously remains at or below the first temperature for 15 minutes or more, or when the duct outlet temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 continuously remains below the second temperature higher than the first temperature (ie, remains between the first temperature and the second temperature) for 30 minutes or more, it can be determined that the outdoor unit 200 has failed, according to a specific example.

[0120] If it is determined in the determination operation S34 that the outdoor unit 200 has not failed, the heating operation can be continued using the outdoor unit 200 (S35).

[0121] However, if it is determined in the determination operation S34 that the outdoor unit 200 has failed, the operation of the outdoor unit 200 is turned off (S36).

[0122] Then, a heating signal for the heating operation using the additional heat source 300 is transmitted to the additional heat source 300 (S37).

[0123] According to another example, when the second heating operation using the additional heat source (gas furnace) 300 is determined (S41), a heating operation signal is transmitted to the additional heat source 300 (S42).

[0124] When the operation signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit 200 (S42), a heating operation is performed using the additional heat source 300 (S43).

[0125] While the heating operation is in progress, the duct temperature can be monitored by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431.

[0126] In some cases, a failure may occur in the operation of the auxiliary heat source 300. In this case, it can be determined based on the signal received from the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 whether the auxiliary heat source 300 has failed, that is, whether the auxiliary heat source 300 has a problem with its operation (S44).

[0127] If the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains at or below a certain temperature, for example, the first temperature, for a certain time, it can be determined that the additional heat source 300 has failed.

[0128] According to a specific example, if the duct outlet temperature sensed by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 remains consistently at or below the first temperature for 15 minutes or more, it may be determined that the supplemental heat source 300 has failed.

[0129] If it is determined in the determination operation S44 that the additional heat source 300 has not failed, the heating operation can be continued using the additional heat source 300 (S45).

[0130] However, if it is determined that the auxiliary heat source 300 has failed, the secondary heating operation using the auxiliary heat source 300 is stopped (S46). However, the fan operation signal may be maintained at this time. Therefore, a fan in the auxiliary heat source 300 can continue to operate.

[0131] Then, a heating signal for heating using the outdoor unit 200 is transmitted to the outdoor unit 200 (S47).

[0132] Therefore, when the auxiliary heat source 300 fails, the heating operation can be performed using the outdoor unit 200 (S48).

[0133] As described above, the determination that the outdoor unit 200 or the additional heat source 300 has failed can be determined by the duct temperature sensors 421 and 431 provided in the indoor heat exchanger 400, in particular by the outlet sensor 431.

[0134] It takes a certain time for the temperature to rise for the heat pump used for the outdoor unit 200, and a temperature higher than or equal to a certain temperature, for example, 42°C, should be ensured for the outlet sensor 431 to enable proper heating. Accordingly, the operation can be performed in two steps as described above.

[0135] In contrast, a temperature that is the basis for determining a failure during the operation of the gas furnace used as the additional heat source 300 may be set to a temperature lower than a reference temperature (second temperature) for the backup operation of the heat pump, since the duct temperature needs to be increased by the air heated by the operation of the gas furnace (the temperature may be similar to the temperature of the air supplied to the room at this time).

[0136] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are graphic views showing pressure and temperature fluctuations of a duct during a heating operation performed with the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] In the heating operation performed by the outdoor unit 200, a vapor compression cycle consists of the operation of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve (EEV), and an evaporator.

[0138] In the Fig. In the pressure curve shown in Figure 9, the high pressure is the pressure of the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor of the outdoor unit 200 and corresponds to a condensation pressure. The low pressure corresponds to the evaporation pressure.

[0139] In Fig. 9, INV stands for an inverter designed to drive a compressor. INV also indicates the number of revolutions (frequency in Hz) of the currently operating compressor.

[0140] In Fig. 10 denote Air3 and Air4 ( Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show examples of test operations of two systems) the temperature of the recirculated air recovered from the rooms and introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 400.

[0141] Channel Out3 and Channel Out4 indicate the channel temperature in the indoor heat exchanger 400 in the two systems.

[0142] According to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, operation is turned off when a set temperature is reached during operation of the air conditioning system in conjunction with thermostat 100. When the temperature then falls below the set temperature, operation is turned on. Therefore, the curve exhibits a behavior that changes periodically.

[0143] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation of the thermostat, the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the indoor heat exchanger manufactured by different manufacturers can be effectively controlled.

[0144] In addition, operation can be monitored using the indoor unit's duct temperature sensors to determine whether proper heating is being performed.

[0145] In addition, if monitoring detects that proper heating cannot be performed due to an incident such as failure of the outdoor unit or auxiliary heat source, operation can be automatically switched to the heat source to continue heating.

Claims

[1] Air conditioning system comprising: one outdoor unit (200), an indoor heat exchanger (400) connected to the outdoor unit (200), the indoor heat exchanger (400) having a temperature sensor (421, 431), an additional heat source (300) arranged in addition to the outdoor unit (200) and powered by an energy source different from the energy source of the outdoor unit (200), a thermostat (100) configured to control a temperature of an installation space in which the indoor heat exchanger (400) is installed, and a communicator (500) comprising: an input unit (510) connected to the thermostat (100), a first output unit (520) connected to the additional heat source (300), a second output unit (530) connected to the outdoor unit (200), and a controller (540) configured to transmit signals between the input unit (510), the first output unit (520) and the second output unit (530), wherein the controller (540) is designed to monitor an operating state of the outdoor unit (200) and / or the additional heat source (300) using the temperature sensor (421, 431), wherein the outdoor unit (200) and the additional heat source (300) are connected to the communicator (500) using different communication plans, wherein the thermostat (100) and the additional heat source (300) are connected to the communicator (500) using a first communication plan and the outdoor unit (200) is connected to the communicator (500) using a second communication plan different from the first communication plan, wherein the controller (540) is configured to change and process a first signal according to the first communication plan and a second signal according to the second communication plan. [2] The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor (421, 431) is a duct temperature sensor (421, 431) arranged on a duct (420, 430) of the indoor heat exchanger (400). [3] The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) comprises: an inlet sensor (421) arranged on an inlet channel (420) of the internal heat exchanger (400) and an outlet sensor (431) arranged on an outlet channel (430) of the internal heat exchanger (400). [4] The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the additional heat source (300) is a gas furnace and the outdoor unit (200) is a heat pump. [5] The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller (540) is configured to switch to an operation using the additional heat source (300) when a fault in the outdoor unit (200) lasts for a predetermined time or longer, or when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined time. [6] The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller (540) is configured to switch to an operation using the additional heat source (300) when a fault in the outdoor unit (200) lasts for a predetermined time or longer, when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a first period of time, or when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) remains between the first temperature and a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second period of time longer than the first period of time. [7] The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller (540) is configured to switch a current operation using the additional heat source (300) to an operation using the outdoor unit (200) when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) during the operation of the additional heat source (300) remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined period of time. [8] A method for controlling the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: Receiving a heating signal when starting a heating operation, Determining the first heating mode using the outdoor unit (200) or the second heating mode using the additional heat source (300) based on an outside temperature, Transmitting an operating signal to the outdoor unit (200) when the first heating operation is determined, Determine whether the outdoor unit (200) has a problem with its operation and Switching to the second heating mode when it is determined that the outdoor unit (200) has such a problem, Transmitting an operating signal to the additional heat source (300) when the second heating operation is determined, and Determining whether the additional heat source (300) has a problem with its operation and switching to the first heating operation if it is determined that the additional heat source (300) has such a problem. [9] The method of claim 8, further comprising: Transmitting a fan operation signal to the additional heat source (300) when the first heating operation is determined. [10] The method of claim 9, wherein based on determining that the additional heat source (300) has the problem, the second heating operation using the additional heat source (300) is stopped, but the fan operation signal is maintained. [11] The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein it is determined that the outdoor unit (200) has the problem when a fault in the outdoor unit (200) lasts for a predetermined time or longer, or when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined time. [12] The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein it is determined that the outdoor unit (200) has the problem when a fault in the outdoor unit (200) lasts for a predetermined time or longer, when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a first period of time, or when the temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) remains between the first temperature and a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second period of time longer than the first period of time. [13] The method of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein it is determined that the additional heat source (300) has the problem when a temperature detected by the duct temperature sensor (421, 431) during operation of the additional heat source (300) remains lower than or equal to a first temperature for a predetermined period of time.

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