Air conditioner and method for controlling the same

Abstract

An air conditioner includes: memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to: based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times, obtain one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times, obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations, and provide a notification about a refrigerant amount state based on the refrigerant amount state score.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a by-pass continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 008437, filed on Jun. 18, 2025, which is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0079793, filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jun. 19, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] The disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a method of controlling an air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the method of controlling an air conditioner.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Air conditioners may adjust the condition of air, such as the temperature, humidity, or cleanliness of air. In general, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. By controlling the heat pump device, the air conditioner may drive a refrigerant cycle by compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant.

[0004] When a refrigerant amount in the heat pump device is insufficient in the air conditioner, a capacity of the air conditioner may significantly deteriorate, and the air conditioner may be damaged in a worse case. Accordingly, various methods for checking and monitoring a state of a refrigerant amount in a heat pump device are proposed.

[0005] For example, an air conditioner may check a state of a refrigerant amount by using an artificial intelligence model or an algorithm in a measurement mode separate from a general operation mode. However, the measurement mode of the air conditioner operates separately from the general operation mode, and a user has to repeatedly perform the measurement mode so as to identify the state of the refrigerant amount. Thus, it takes a large amount of time. Also, even in the measurement mode, it is possible to only identify whether there is a leakage in the refrigerant amount, and it is difficult to monitor in real time in which state the refrigerant amount currently is (e.g., whether it decreases).

[0006] Alternatively, for example, even while the air conditioner is performing the general operation mode, the air conditioner may provide a notification to a user in a case where the refrigerant amount is very low. However, a point in time when the notification is provided to the user is usually when the user has already experienced dissatisfaction due to the low refrigerant amount, and thus, user convenience may decrease.

[0007] Alternatively, for example, when a pressure sensor is present in the air conditioner, the air conditioner may determine a state of the refrigerant amount via the pressure sensor. However, even in this case, it is possible to only identify whether there is a leakage in the refrigerant amount, and it is difficult to monitor in real time in which state the refrigerant amount currently is.SUMMARY

[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner includes: memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor, including processing circuitry, configured to execute the at least one instruction.

[0009] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to, based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times,

[0010] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to obtain one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times.

[0011] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

[0012] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to provide a notification about a refrigerant amount state based on the refrigerant amount state score.

[0013] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner includes: based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times. obtaining one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times, obtaining a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations and providing a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the refrigerant amount state score.

[0014] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer readable medium has instructions stored therein, which when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor cause the at least one processor to execute a method of controlling an air conditioner, the method including: based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times. obtaining one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times. obtaining a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations and providing a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the refrigerant amount state score.

[0015] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an air conditioner includes: memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor configured to execute the at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the air conditioner to: based on a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponding to a predetermined condition while an operation of the air conditioner is performed, assign a score to the parameter at a plurality of predetermined times, obtain an average score based on each score assigned to the parameter at each of the plurality of predetermined times, obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the average score, and provide a notification about a refrigerant amount state based on the refrigerant amount state score.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects and features of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a graph showing a parameter change in each refrigerant amount according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a configuration of an air conditioner for identifying a plurality of parameters according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an air conditioner calculates an average score while an operation is performed one time according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 7 shows an example of a table of scores respectively assigned to parameters according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 8 shows an example of a table of an average score calculated while an air conditioner performs an operation one time according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 9 shows an example table of a refrigerant amount state score calculated while an air conditioner performs a plurality of operations according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an average score and a refrigerant amount state score for each operation according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a graph for describing a relation between a refrigerant amount state score of an air conditioner and variation of a refrigerant amount according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air conditioner and a server according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a configuration of a server according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration of an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the disclosure in the present document, and terms used therein, are not intended to limit technical features of the present document to particular embodiments of the disclosure, and it is to be appreciated that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments of the disclosure are included therein.

[0032] Throughout the specification and drawings, like reference numerals may be used to denote like or similar components.

[0033] A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include the item or a plurality of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In the present document, the expressions “A or B,”“at least one of A and B,”“at least one of A or B,”“A, B, or C,”“at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed in the corresponding expression or all possible combinations thereof.

[0035] The term “and / or” as used herein includes a combination of a plurality of related recited elements or any one of a plurality of related recited elements.

[0036] The terms “first,”“second,” etc. as used herein may be only used to distinguish one element from another and do not limit the elements in any other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0037] When a certain (e.g., first) element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) element with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the certain element may be coupled or connected to the other element directly (e.g., by wire) or wirelessly or through a third element.

[0038] The terms “comprise” or “include” as used herein are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0039] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to,”“coupled to,”“supported to,” or “in contact with” another element, the element may be “directly connected to, coupled to, supported to, or in contact with” the other element or may be “indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported to, or in contact with” the other element through a third element.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being located “on” another element, the element may be in contact with the other element, and another element may also be present between the two elements.

[0041] Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is a device that performs functions including air conditioning, ventilation, humidity adjustment, cooling or heating in an air conditioning space, and refers to a device with at least one of the functions.

[0044] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, for cooling of the air conditioning space that is a target of air conditioning, the air conditioner 1000 may absorb heat from the air conditioning space (hereinafter, referred to as “indoor space”) and may release heat in the outside of the air conditioning space (hereinafter, referred to as “outdoor space”).

[0045] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant circulates according to a compressor 10, an evaporator 20 (or, a first heat exchanger), an expansion valve 30, and a condenser 40 (or, a second heat exchanger). The air conditioner 1000 may include a refrigerant pipe 50 that connects the compressor 10, the evaporator 20, the expansion valve 30, and the condenser 40.

[0046] The evaporator 20 may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and air by using a phase change (e.g., evaporation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant flowing the evaporator 20 evaporates, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the air. The space may be cooled by blowing the air cooled while passing through the cooled evaporator 20.

[0047] The condenser 40 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air by using a phase change (e.g., condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may release heat to the air while the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser 40. The space may be heated by blowing the air heated while passing through the high-temperature condenser 40.

[0048] That is, the air conditioner 1000 performs the cooling function or the heating function via a phase change procedure of the refrigerant that circulates the evaporator 20 and the condenser 40, and for circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include the compressor 10 for compressing the refrigerant. The compressor 10 may suck in refrigerant gas via a suction port and may compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor 10 may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas via a discharge port.

[0049] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe 50 in the order of the compressor 10, the evaporator 20, the expansion valve 30, and the condenser 40, or in the order of the compressor 10, the condenser 40, the expansion valve 30, and the evaporator 20.

[0050] The expansion valve 30 may lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using, for example, a throttling effect. The expansion valve 30 may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant having passed through the orifice may be lowered.

[0051] The expansion valve 30 may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of adjusting degree of openness (that is, degree of openness of the valve). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion valve 30 may be controlled depending on the degree of openness of the EEV. For example, 0% may indicate a state in which the valve is fully close, and 100% may indicate a state in which the valve is fully open. The higher the degree of openness increases, the higher a flow rate of the refrigerant may increase.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, while the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation, the air conditioner 1000 may monitor in real time an amount of a refrigerant (that is, the refrigerant amount) that circulates the refrigerant pipe 50.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, according to whether a parameter related to a change in the refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation of the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 may assign a score to the parameter at every predetermined time. The air conditioner 1000 may calculate (101) an average score while the operation of the air conditioner 1000 is performed, based on the score of the parameter assigned at every predetermined time. The air conditioner 1000 may calculate (102) a refrigerant amount state score, based on average scores for respective operations performed a plurality of times. The air conditioner 1000 may provide (103) a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the calculated refrigerant amount state score. The refrigerant amount state score may increase or decrease according to a change in the refrigerant amount. For example, when the refrigerant amount state score increases as the number of times an operation is performed increases, it may be identified that a refrigerant is leaked.

[0054] The parameter according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may indicate a sensing value, a numerical value, data, a signal, and the like of the air conditioner 1000 which are changed when a refrigerant amount is changed in the heat pump device. For example, the predetermined condition may be a condition about a value, a numerical value, data, a signal, and the like of the parameter which are changed in a preset pattern different from that of a normal operation when the refrigerant is leaked. The predetermined condition may correspond to a condition at which the parameter is shown when the refrigerant amount is insufficient. The parameter according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more parameters. This will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, while the air conditioner 1000 performs the operation, the air conditioner 1000 may identify the parameter in real time, and may assign a different score to each of a case in which the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition and a case in which the parameter does not correspond to the predetermined condition. For example, when the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition, the air conditioner 1000 may assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state. Based on the score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state, the air conditioner 1000 may identify a state in which the refrigerant amount is insufficient.

[0056] Referring to the operation 101, the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may assign a score to the parameter at every predetermined time while the air conditioner 1000 performs the operation. That is, the score of the parameter may be repeatedly assigned by a preset interval at every predetermined time while the air conditioner 1000 performs the operation. The air conditioner 1000 may repeatedly obtain a plurality of scores by a preset interval during one operation, may average the plurality of scores, and thus, may calculate an average score with respect to one operation. The air conditioner 1000 may calculate an average score for a plurality of operations, and thus, may respectively obtain average scores for a plurality of operations. Referring to the operation 102, the air conditioner 1000 may apply a moving average to the respective average scores for the plurality of operations, and thus, may calculate a refrigerant amount state score. Here, the refrigerant amount state score may be a moving average value for the average scores. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. The air conditioner 1000 may identify whether the calculated refrigerant amount state score is equal to or greater than a threshold score, and when the refrigerant amount state score is equal to or greater than the threshold score, may identify that the refrigerant amount is insufficient.

[0057] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may score a refrigerant amount state in real time while the operation is performed. The air conditioner 1000 may not monitor the refrigerant amount via a separate refrigerant amount measurement mode but may constantly score the refrigerant amount state in a general operation mode, and thus, a user may manage the refrigerant amount of the air conditioner 1000. The user may identify the refrigerant amount state in every operation of the air conditioner 1000, and thus, may quickly check the air conditioner 1000 when the user determines a leakage in the refrigerant even before a malfunction due to the leakage in the refrigerant occurs.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a graph showing a parameter change in each refrigerant amount according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a parameter change according to a change in a refrigerant amount of the air conditioner 1000 will now be described.

[0059] A graph 200 shows a change in a cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000, a discharge temperature (shown as “Tdischarge”) of the compressor 10, a degree of openness of the expansion valve 30, an outlet temperature (shown as “Tevap_out”) of the evaporator 20, and an inlet temperature (shown as “Tevap_in”) of the evaporator 20 according to a decrease in the refrigerant amount. The horizontal axis of the graph 200 represents a refrigerant amount, and the vertical axis represents a value of each parameter.

[0060] Referring to the graph 200, when the refrigerant amount decreases, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 may decrease. For example, when the refrigerant amount is 100%, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 may be 100%, and when the refrigerant amount is 40%, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 may be 60.6%. When a refrigerant of the air conditioner 1000 is leaked, the cooling capacity decreases, and thus, a room temperature (shown as “Troom”) does not reach a user-set setting temperature (shown as “Tsetting”), or a reaching time significantly increases. This may be related to a first parameter of the disclosure.

[0061] Referring to the graph 200, when the refrigerant amount decreases, the outlet temperature of the evaporator 20 may increase, and the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20 may decrease. For example, when the refrigerant amount is sufficient (e.g., the refrigerant amount is 60%), a temperature difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20 may be small due to latent heat exchange of the evaporator 20 (e.g., change from liquid refrigerant to gaseous refrigerant). When the refrigerant is insufficient, sensible heat exchange (e.g., change from gaseous refrigerant with low temperature to gaseous refrigerant with high temperature) occurs after the latent heat exchange, and thus, the outlet temperature of the evaporator 20 may become higher than the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20. This may be related to a second parameter of the disclosure.

[0062] When the refrigerant amount is significantly insufficient (e.g., the refrigerant amount is 10%), a temperature of the evaporator 20 (i.e., the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the evaporator 20) may significantly increase. For example, as a cold refrigerant does not flow to the evaporator 20 when the refrigerant amount is significantly insufficient, a temperature difference between the room temperature and the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20 and a temperature difference between the room temperature and the outlet temperature of the evaporator 20 may be small. This may be related to a third parameter of the disclosure.

[0063] In the disclosure, a temperature of the evaporator 20 may be referred to as the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20 and the outlet temperature of the evaporator 20.

[0064] Referring to the graph 200, when the refrigerant amount decreases, the degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 may increase. For example, when the refrigerant amount is 100%, the degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 may be 289, and when the refrigerant amount is 40%, the degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 may be 480. In this regard, when the degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 is 480, it may indicate a state in which the valve is fully open (i.e., 100%). When the refrigerant is decreased in the refrigerant pipe 50, a circulation amount of the refrigerant is decreased, and thus, the air conditioner 1000 may control the expansion valve 30 to have a fully open state so as to increase the circulation amount of the refrigerant. This may be related to a fourth parameter of the disclosure.

[0065] Referring to the graph 200, when the refrigerant amount is decreased, the discharge temperature of the compressor 10 may be increased. For example, when the refrigerant amount is 100%, the discharge temperature of the compressor 10 may be 72.5 degrees, and when the refrigerant amount is 40%, the discharge temperature of the compressor 10 may be increased up to 95 degrees. The refrigerant that circulates the refrigerant pipe 50 serves to cool the compressor 10, and when the refrigerant is insufficient, a temperature of the compressor 10 is increased so that the temperature of the compressed refrigerant (i.e., the discharge temperature of the compressor 10) is also increased. When the discharge temperature is increased by a preset temperature or more (e.g., 95 degrees), the air conditioner 1000 may enter a protective control mode for adjusting a speed of the compressor 10. The air conditioner 1000 may generate a protective control signal for controlling the compressor 10 so as to decrease the rotation speed of the compressor 10. This may be related to a fifth parameter of the disclosure.

[0066] When the refrigerant amount is decreased, the air conditioner 1000 may enter a protective control mode for performing a freeze-prevention control. For example, when a refrigerant with a middle temperature and middle pressure which has passed through the condenser 40 passes through the expansion valve 30, the refrigerant may be changed to a refrigerant with a low temperature and low pressure due to a throttling phenomenon and may be circulated to the evaporator 20. However, when the refrigerant is insufficient, a temperature of the refrigerant is significantly decreased in the throttling phenomenon, and the refrigerant with a below-zero temperature may circulate the evaporator 20. When the evaporator 20 has a below-zero temperature, condensed water outside the evaporator 20 may be frozen (i.e., a frozen state). In order to prevent the freezing, when the evaporator 20 has a below-zero temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may enter the protective control mode for adjusting the speed of the compressor 10. The air conditioner 1000 may generate a protective control signal for controlling the compressor 10 so as to decrease the rotation speed of the compressor 10. This may be related to a sixth parameter of the disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a configuration of an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include a processor 1100 and memory 1200. However, not all elements shown in FIG. 3 are necessary elements. The air conditioner 1000 may be embodied with more elements than the elements shown in FIG. 3 or may be embodied with fewer elements than the shown elements.

[0069] The processor 1100 may generally control all operations of the air conditioner 1000. The processor 1100 may control all operations of the air conditioner 1000, by executing programs stored in the memory 1200. The processor 1100 may include at least one processor. The at least one processor may individually or collectively execute programs or instructions stored in memory 1200.

[0070] The memory 1200 stores various information, data, an instruction, a program, etc. necessary for an operation of the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1200 may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0071] The memory 1200 may memorize / store various information necessary for an operation of the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1200 may store an instruction, an application, data and / or a program necessary for an operation of the air conditioner 1000. For example, the memory 1200 may store various programs for a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidification operation and / or a defrosting operation of the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1200 may include the volatile memory 1200, such as a static random access memory (S-RAM), a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM), and the like for temporarily memorizing data. Also, the memory 1200 may include the non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like for memorizing data for a long period of time.

[0072] The processor 1100 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1000, based on the instruction, the application, the data and / or the program stored in the memory 1200. The processor 1100 may include, as hardware, a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor 1100 may process data according to the program and / or the instruction provided from the memory 1200, and may generate a control signal according to a result of the processing. The memory 1200 and the processor 1100 may be implemented as one control circuit or a plurality of circuits.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, according to whether a parameter related to a change in the refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while the processor 1100 performs an operation of the air conditioner 1000, the processor 1100 may execute at least one instruction to assign a score to the parameter at every predetermined time. The processor 1100 may calculate an average score while the operation of the air conditioner 1000 is performed, based on the score of the parameter assigned at every predetermined time. The processor 1100 may calculate a refrigerant amount state score, based on average scores for respective operations performed a plurality of times. The processor 1100 may provide a user with a notification about a change in the refrigerant amount, based on the calculated refrigerant amount state score. The refrigerant amount state score may increase or decrease according to the change in the refrigerant amount. For example, when the refrigerant amount state score increases as the number of times an operation is performed increases, it may be identified that a refrigerant is leaked.

[0074] In the disclosure, the expression that a score of a parameter is “assigned” may correspond to that the score of the parameter being determined, the score of the parameter being awarded, or the like.

[0075] The parameter according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may indicate a sensing value, a numerical value, data, a signal, and the like of the processor 1100 which are changed when a refrigerant amount is changed in the heat pump device. For example, the predetermined condition may be a condition about a value, a numerical value, data, a signal, and the like of the parameter which are changed in a preset pattern different from that of a normal operation when the refrigerant is leaked. The predetermined condition may correspond to a condition at which the parameter is shown when the refrigerant amount is insufficient. The parameter according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include one or more parameters. In the disclosure, the parameter may include one or more parameters. Detailed examples of respective parameters and predetermined conditions will be further described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0076] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, while the processor 1100 performs the operation, the processor 1100 may identify the parameter in real time, and may assign a different score to each of a case in which the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition and a case in which the parameter does not correspond to the predetermined condition. For example, when the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition, the processor 1100 may assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state. Based on the score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state, the processor 1100 may identify a state in which the refrigerant amount is insufficient.

[0077] In the disclosure, the score corresponding to the refrigerant amount insufficiency state may correspond to a score assigned when the parameter corresponds to a predetermined condition.

[0078] For example, the score assigned when the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition (i.e., the score that corresponds to the refrigerant amount insufficiency state) may be set to be a relatively high score. A score assigned when the parameter does not correspond to a predetermined condition may be set to be a relatively low score. The processor 1100 may be set to identify a high refrigerant amount state score as the refrigerant amount insufficiency state. This will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0079] The score assigned when the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition (i.e., the score that corresponds to the refrigerant amount insufficiency state) may vary according to examples. For example, the score assigned when the parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition may be set to be a relatively low score. In this case, the processor 1100 may be set to identify a low refrigerant amount state score as the refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0080] The processor 1100 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may assign a score to the parameter at every predetermined time while the air conditioner 1000 performs the operation. That is, the score of the parameter may be repeatedly assigned by a preset interval at every predetermined time while the air conditioner 1000 performs the operation, where the predetermined times are separated by the preset interval. The processor 1100 may repeatedly obtain a plurality of scores at preset intervals during one operation, may average the plurality of scores, and thus, may calculate an average score with respect to one operation. The processor 1100 may calculate an average score for a plurality of operations, and thus, may respectively obtain average scores for a plurality of operations. The processor 1100 may provide a user with a notification about the refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0081] In the disclosure, the expression “while the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation” may mean a period from a time when the air conditioner 1000 starts the operation to a time when the operation is ended. The operation of the air conditioner 1000 may correspond to an operation of the compressor. For example, a case in which the processor 1100 controls the compressor to rotate with a preset frequency is an example of the air conditioner 1000 performing an operation. While the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation, the compressor may rotate with a preset frequency. A case in which the processor 1100 controls the compressor to stop rotation of the compressor may be referred to as the air conditioner 1000 ending an operation. When the air conditioner 1000 ends the operation, the compressor may stop a maneuver.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may assign a score to a parameter at every k minute from a time when the air conditioner 1000 starts an operation (where, k is a positive number). For example, when the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation for 5 minutes and assigns a score at every 1 minute by identifying a parameter, 5 scores may be assigned. That is, while an operation is performed one time, the processor 1100 may repeatedly assign a score to a parameter 5 times. The processor 1100 may calculate an average of 5 scores, and thus, may obtain an average score with respect to the operation. This will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0083] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may apply a moving average to the respective average scores for each of the plurality of operations, and thus, may calculate a refrigerant amount state score. Here, the refrigerant amount state score may be a moving average value for the average scores. The processor 1100 may identify whether the calculated refrigerant amount state score is equal to or greater than a threshold score, and when the refrigerant amount state score is equal to or greater than the threshold score, the processor 1100 may identify that the refrigerant amount is insufficient.

[0084] In the disclosure, a moving average may indicate an average of data that varies over time. For example, the processor 1100 may calculate the refrigerant amount state score by applying a moving average to n average scores calculated via n operations performed immediately before (where, n is a natural number). However, a method of obtaining a moving average value is not limited to the example above. The processor 1100 may calculate a moving average value for average scores, and thus, may minimize a deviation between the average scores. The processor 1100 may identify a refrigerant amount state via a refrigerant amount state score that has a similar tendency to the refrigerant amount state. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0085] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor may score a refrigerant amount state in real time while an operation is performed. The processor 1100 may not monitor a refrigerant amount via a separate refrigerant amount measurement mode but may constantly score the refrigerant amount state in a general operation mode, and thus, a user may manage the refrigerant amount of the processor 1100. The user may identify the refrigerant amount state in every operation of the air conditioner 1000, and thus, may quickly check the air conditioner 1000 when the user determines a leakage in the refrigerant even before a malfunction due to the leakage in the refrigerant occurs.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a configuration of an air conditioner for identifying a plurality of parameters according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 4, the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include the compressor 10, the evaporator 20, the expansion valve 30, the processor 1100, the memory 1200, a temperature sensor 1710, a refrigerant temperature sensor 1720, and an output interface 1500. However, not all elements shown in FIG. 4 are necessary elements. The air conditioner 1000 may be embodied with more elements than the elements shown in FIG. 4 or may be embodied with fewer elements than the shown elements.

[0088] The compressor 10, the evaporator 20, and the expansion valve 30 are described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0089] The temperature sensor 1710 may be a sensor for sensing a temperature of air, by being arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside a housing of an indoor unit or an outdoor unit. For example, the temperature sensor 1710 may include a room temperature sensor for sensing a room temperature (e.g.: Troom), by being arranged inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. The processor 1100 may receive a room temperature from the room temperature sensor.

[0090] The refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 may be a sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe. For example, the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 may include refrigerant temperature sensors that respectively detect temperatures of an inlet, a middle portion, and / or an outlet of the refrigerant pipe that passes through the heat exchanger. For example, the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 may include a first refrigerant temperature sensor positioned at an inlet of the evaporator 20. The first refrigerant temperature sensor may sense an inlet temperature (e.g.: Tevap_in) of the evaporator 20. For example, the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 may include a second refrigerant temperature sensor positioned at an outlet of the evaporator 20. The second refrigerant temperature sensor may sense an outlet temperature (e.g.: Tevap_out) of the evaporator 20. For example, the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 may include a third refrigerant temperature sensor positioned at a discharge port of the compressor 10. The third refrigerant temperature sensor may sense a discharge temperature (e.g.: T discharge) of the compressor 10. The processor 1100 may receive at least one of the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20, the outlet temperature of the evaporator 20, or the discharge temperature of the compressor 10 from the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720.

[0091] The output interface 1500 may be electrically connected to the processor 1100, and may output information related to an operation of the air conditioner 1000, under the control of the processor 1100. For example, information about an operation mode, an airflow direction, an airflow volume, a temperature, and the like which are selected by a user input may be output. Also, the output interface 1500 may output sensing information and a warning / error message obtained from a sensor. For example, the output interface 1500 may output a notification about a refrigerant amount state.

[0092] The output interface 1500 may include a display and a speaker. The speaker may be an audio device capable of outputting various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user, by using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner 1000 may be displayed as at least one of an image or a text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides particular information. The display may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0093] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may identify a plurality of parameters. The processor 1100 may assign respective scores for the plurality of parameters, according to whether each of the plurality of parameters corresponds to a predetermined condition. The processor 1100 may store a score of each of the plurality of parameters in each data item. For example, when a refrigerant is leaked, the processor 1100 may identify a parameter that changes in a preset pattern, compared to a normal operation. Alternatively, for example, when the refrigerant is leaked, the processor 1100 may identify a protective control signal generated by the processor 1100.

[0094] A parameter according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may indicate at least one of a temperature difference between a room temperature and a setting temperature, a temperature difference between an inlet temperature of the evaporator and an outlet temperature of the evaporator, a temperature difference between a room temperature and an inlet temperature and / or an outlet temperature of the evaporator, a degree of openness of the expansion valve, or generation or non-generation of a protective control signal for the air conditioner 1000.

[0095] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may identify whether a room temperature received from a room temperature sensor is higher than a setting temperature. When it is determined that the room temperature received is higher than the setting temperature, the processor 1100 may assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state. The processor 1100 may store, in a first item, a score of a temperature difference between the room temperature and the setting temperature (hereinafter, the “first parameter”).

[0096] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may identify whether an outlet temperature received from the second refrigerant temperature sensor is higher than an inlet temperature of the evaporator 20 which is received from the first refrigerant temperature sensor. When it is determined that the outlet temperature is higher than the inlet temperature, the processor 1100 may assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state. The processor 1100 may store, in a second item, a score of a temperature difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature of the evaporator 20 (hereinafter, the “second parameter”).

[0097] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may identify whether a temperature difference between a room temperature received from the room temperature sensor and an inlet temperature received from the first refrigerant temperature sensor and / or a temperature difference between the room temperature and an outlet temperature received from the second refrigerant temperature sensor is less than a predetermined temperature difference. When it is determined that the temperature difference is less than the predetermined temperature difference, the processor 1100 may assign a score corresponding to the refrigerant amount insufficiency state. The processor 1100 may store, in a third item, a score of a temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the evaporator 20 (hereinafter, the “third parameter”).

[0098] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may identify whether a degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 is higher than a predetermined degree of openness. When it is determined that the degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 is higher than the predetermined degree of openness, the processor 1100 may assign a score corresponding to the refrigerant amount insufficiency state. The processor 1100 may store, in a fourth item, a score of the degree of openness of the expansion valve 30 (hereinafter, the “fourth parameter”).

[0099] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may identify whether a protective control signal for the air conditioner 1000 has been generated. When the protective control signal has been generated, the processor 1100 may assign a score corresponding to the refrigerant amount insufficiency state. The processor 1100 may store, in a fifth item, a score with respect to generation or non-generation of the protective control signal (hereinafter, the “fifth parameter”).

[0100] A detailed example of a score set to be assigned to each parameter will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0101] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the processor 1100 may calculate an average score of each operation, based on respective scores of parameters stored in data items. For example, the processor 1100 may sum respective scores of a plurality of parameters stored at every predetermined time, may divide the summed scores by a preset interval, and thus, may calculate an average score of each operation.

[0102] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, a method of controlling the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include operation 510 to operation 540. Operation 510 to operation 540 may be performed by the processor 1100 of the air conditioner 1000. The method of controlling the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 5, and one or more of the operations shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted, and operations not shown in FIG. 5 may be further included.

[0104] In operation 510, according to whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation of the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 may assign a score to the parameter at every predetermined time. In operation 520, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate an average score while the operation of the air conditioner 1000 is performed, based on the score of the parameter assigned at every predetermined time. The parameter may include one or more parameters.

[0105] The air conditioner 1000 may assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times, based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, The air conditioner 1000 may obtain one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times.

[0106] With reference to FIG. 6, a method by which the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure assigns respective scores to a plurality of parameters, while an operation is performed one time, and calculates an average score will be described. Operation 610 to operation 670 may be performed by the processor 1100 of the air conditioner 1000. The method of assigning respective scores to a plurality of parameters while the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation one time may include operation 610 to operation 650, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The method of calculating an average score while the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation one time may include operation 660 to operation 670, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. One or more of operations shown in FIG. 6 may be omitted, and operations not shown in FIG. 6 may be further included.

[0107] The air conditioner 1000 may identify each of a plurality of parameters, and may assign a score to each of the plurality of parameters, according to whether each of the plurality of parameters corresponds to a predetermined condition. The air conditioner 1000 may store a score of each of the plurality of parameters in each data item.

[0108] In operation 610, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a room temperature is higher than a setting temperature, may assign a score to a temperature difference between the room temperature and the setting temperature (first parameter), and may store the score in a first item. That is, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether the first parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition, and thus, may assign the score to the first parameter.

[0109] In operation 620, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether an outlet temperature of the evaporator is higher than an inlet temperature of the evaporator, may assign a score to a temperature difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature (second parameter), and may store the score in a second item. That is, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether the second parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition, and thus, may assign the score to the second parameter.

[0110] In operation 630, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a temperature difference between a room temperature and a temperature of the evaporator (i.e., an inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the evaporator) is less than a predetermined temperature difference, may assign a score to the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the evaporator (third parameter), and may store the score in a third item. That is, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether the third parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition, and thus, may assign the score to the third parameter.

[0111] In operation 640, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than a predetermined degree of openness, may assign a score to the degree of openness of the expansion valve (fourth parameter), and may store the score in a fourth item. That is, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether the fourth parameter corresponds to the predetermined condition, and thus, may assign the score to the fourth parameter.

[0112] In operation 650, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a protective control signal has been generated, may assign a score to generation or non-generation of the protective control signal, and may store the score in a data item. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may assign a score to a protective control due to an increase in a discharge temperature of the compressor (fifth parameter), and may store the assigned score in a fifth item. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may assign a score to a protective control for freeze prevention for the evaporator (sixth parameter), and may store the assigned score in a sixth item.

[0113] In operation 660, the air conditioner 1000 may sum the respective scores of the plurality of parameters stored at every predetermined time. In operation 670, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate an average score of each operation by dividing the summed scores by a number of the summed scores. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate an average score of each operation, based on respective scores of parameters stored in data items.

[0114] Referring back to FIG. 5, in operation 530, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a refrigerant amount state score, based on average scores respectively for the plurality of operations. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate the refrigerant amount state score, by calculating a moving average of the average scores respectively for the plurality of operations. The air conditioner 1000 may obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

[0115] In operation 540, the air conditioner 1000 may provide a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the calculated refrigerant amount state score. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether the refrigerant amount state is equal to or greater than a threshold score. Based on the refrigerant amount state score being equal to or greater than the threshold score, the air conditioner 1000 may provide a user with a notification about a refrigerant amount insufficiency state via the output interface.

[0116] FIG. 7 shows a table of an example of scores respectively assigned to parameters according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0117] Referring to a table 700 of FIG. 7, for example, the air conditioner 1000 may identify a temperature difference (first parameter) between a room temperature and a setting temperature (shown as (“ΔT1(Troom−T setting)”). When a refrigerant amount is insufficient, a cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 may decrease, and thus, it may be difficult for the room temperature to reach the setting temperature. For example, when the room temperature is equal to or less than the setting temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign −1 points. For example, the room temperature is higher than the setting temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 1 points.

[0118] For example, the air conditioner 1000 may identify a temperature difference (second parameter) between an outlet temperature and an inlet temperature of the evaporator (shown as “ΔT2(Tevap_out−Tevap_in)”). In the air conditioner 1000, when the refrigerant amount is insufficient, the outlet temperature of the evaporator may be higher than the inlet temperature of the evaporator. For example, when the outlet temperature of the evaporator is higher than the inlet temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign “(temperature difference between outlet temperature and inlet temperature) / 2” points. For example, when the outlet temperature of the evaporator is equal to or less than the inlet temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 0 points.

[0119] For example, the air conditioner 1000 may compare a temperature difference (third parameter) between a room temperature and a temperature of the evaporator (shown as “ΔT3(Troom−Tevap_in, Troom−Tevap_out)”) with a predetermined temperature difference. In the air conditioner 1000, when the refrigerant amount is insufficient, the temperature of the evaporator may be increased to be close to the room temperature. For example, when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the temperature of the evaporator is less than 4, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 5 points.

[0120] For example, the air conditioner 1000 may compare a degree of openness of the expansion valve (fourth parameter) with a predetermined degree of openness. In the air conditioner 1000, when the refrigerant amount is insufficient, the degree of openness of the expansion valve may correspond to the valve being maximally open. For example, when the degree of openness of the expansion valve is 480 (i.e., maximally open), the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 4 points. For example, when the degree of openness of the expansion valve is between about 440 and about 480, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 2 points.

[0121] For example, the air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a protective control signal (fifth parameter and / or sixth parameter) is generated. When the refrigerant amount is insufficient, the air conditioner 1000 may enter a protective control mode. For example, when a signal for entering the protective control mode is generated due to an increase in a discharge temperature of the compressor, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 2 points. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 0 points when the air conditioner 1000 does not enter the protective control mode.

[0122] For example, when a signal for entering the protective control mode is generated to prevent freezing of the evaporator, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign “(temperature difference between outlet temperature and inlet temperature) / 2” points. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign 0 points when the air conditioner 1000 does not enter the protective control mode.

[0123] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may differently assign a score in the order of high impacts on refrigerant leakage states. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign a highest score to the second parameter and the fourth parameter. For example, when a refrigerant is leaked, a probability that a difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the evaporator increases may increase. For example, a probability that the degree of openness corresponding to the expansion valve being maximally open may increase.

[0124] Also, as the air conditioner 1000 does not identify the refrigerant amount state in a separate measurement mode but identifies the refrigerant amount state in a general operation mode, a parameter is changed based on the degree of openness of the expansion valve being changed or a frequency of the compressor being changed. Accordingly, the air conditioner 1000 may be set to assign scores to the first parameter, the fourth parameter, the fifth parameter, and the sixth parameter.

[0125] FIG. 8 shows a table of an example of an average score calculated while an air conditioner performs an operation one time according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0126] With reference to a table 800 of FIG. 8, a case in which the air conditioner 1000 performs an operation for 5 minutes, and assigns scores by identifying a plurality of parameters at every 1 minute (i.e., the preset interval). While the air conditioner 1000 performs the operation one time, the air conditioner 1000 may assign scores to the plurality of parameters.

[0127] The air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a first parameter (“ΔT1”) corresponds to a predetermined condition, at every 1 minute. The air conditioner 1000 may perform 5 times an operation of assigning a preset score (e.g., 1 point) to the first parameter and storing the assigned score in a first item.

[0128] The air conditioner 1000 may identify whether a second parameter (“ΔT2”) corresponds to a predetermined condition, at every 1 minute. The air conditioner 1000 may perform an operation of assigning a preset score to the second parameter, and storing the assigned score in a second item, 5 times.

[0129] The air conditioner 1000 may identify at every 1 minute whether each of a third parameter (“ΔT3”), a fourth parameter (degree of openness of expansion valve), a fifth parameter (protective control due to increase in discharge temperature of compressor), and a sixth parameter (protective control for freeze prevention) corresponds to a predetermined condition. The air conditioner 1000 may perform an operation of assigning a preset score to each of the third parameter, the fourth parameter, the fifth parameter, and the sixth parameter, and storing the assigned score in each data item, 5 times.

[0130] The air conditioner 1000 may obtain a plurality of scores for the plurality of parameters, respectively, 5 times during one operation, and may average the plurality of scores. The air conditioner 1000 may sum the scores for the plurality of parameters, and thus, may calculate a total sum (e.g., 41 points). The air conditioner 1000 may divide the total sum (e.g., 41 points) by a number of intervals (e.g., 5 intervals), and thus, may calculate the average score (e.g., 8.2 points) for one operation.

[0131] Referring to the table 800, the air conditioner 1000 may sum the scores for the plurality of parameters obtained at 1-minute intervals by minute, and may calculate the total sum (e.g., 41 points) by summing the totals for each minute (e.g., 10 points, 9 points, 7 points, 8 points, 7 points), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0132] FIG. 9 shows a table of an example of a refrigerant amount state score calculated while an air conditioner performs a plurality of operations according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0133] With reference to a table 900 of FIG. 9, a case in which the air conditioner 1000 calculates a refrigerant amount state score by calculating an average score for each operation will now be described.

[0134] The air conditioner 1000 may calculate an average score of each of operations (e.g., ID: 1 to ID: 8).

[0135] The air conditioner 1000 may calculate a moving average of average scores of the plurality of operations, and thus, may calculate the refrigerant amount state score. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a moving average value for 5 average scores calculated via 5 operations performed immediately before.

[0136] The air conditioner 1000 may minimize a deviation between the average scores by applying a moving average to the average scores. The air conditioner 1000 may identify a refrigerant amount state via a refrigerant amount state score that has a similar tendency to the refrigerant amount state.

[0137] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an average score and a refrigerant amount state score for each operation according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 10, a graph 1001 shows an average score 1003 and a refrigerant amount state score 1005 which are calculated in a plurality of operations. The horizontal axis of the graph 1001 may represent each operation (ID) and the vertical axis may represent a score. The refrigerant amount state score 1005 is a moving average value (e.g., 5-times moving average value) for average scores, and thus, may have a small section in which a value is sharply changed, compared to the average score 1003. That is, a deviation with respect to the refrigerant amount state score 1005 is less than the average score 1003, and thus, a user may identify a change in a refrigerant amount state via the refrigerant amount state score 1005.

[0139] FIG. 11 is a graph for describing a relation between a refrigerant amount state score of an air conditioner and variation of a refrigerant amount according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 11, a graph 1101 may indicate refrigerant amount state scores calculated in a plurality of operations. The horizontal axis of the graph 1101 may represent each operation (ID) and the vertical axis may represent a score.

[0141] In a period (e.g., ID: 69) where a refrigerant amount state score is equal to or greater than a threshold score (e.g., 9 points), the air conditioner 1000 may identify a refrigerant amount insufficiency state. In this case, the air conditioner 1000 may provide a user with a notification about refrigerant amount insufficiency. The user may identify that a refrigerant leakage has occurred in the air conditioner 1000. The user may repair the refrigerant leakage by applying a service 1102 with respect to the air conditioner 1000.

[0142] In a period (e.g., ID: 75) where the refrigerant amount state score is decreased, a repair to the air conditioner 1000 may be performed (service action 1104), and the refrigerant leakage may be solved. Afterward, in a period (e.g., ID: 115) where the refrigerant amount state score is increased again, the air conditioner 1000 may identify that a leakage occurs again (occurrence of pre-leakage 1106).

[0143] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air conditioner and a server according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 12, a system according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include the air conditioner 1000 and a server 2000.

[0145] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may transmit operation data to the server 2000. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may include a communication module configured to perform a communication with the server 2000 or an external device. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may transmit the operation data to the server 2000 by using a wireless communication method such as Wi-Fi.

[0146] The air conditioner 1000 may store, in a memory, the operation data obtained by performing an operation. For example, the operation data may be stored at every predetermined time. For example, the operation data may be stored at every 1 minute while the operation is performed. For example, the operation data may be stored as in the table 800 of FIG. 8.

[0147] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the server 2000 may receive, through a communication module, the operation data from the air conditioner 1000. The server 2000 may assign a score to a parameter at every predetermined time. For example, whenever the server 2000 receives operation data from the air conditioner 1000, the server 2000 may assign a score to a parameter. Whenever the server 2000 receives operation data from the air conditioner 1000, the server 2000 may identify a parameter included in the operation data and may assign a score to the parameter. The server 2000 may monitor a refrigerant amount state of the air conditioner 1000, based on the score assigned to the parameter.

[0148] For example, based on the operation data, according to whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition, the server 2000 may assign a score to the parameter. Based on a score of a parameter which is assigned whenever the server 2000 receives operation data from the air conditioner 1000, the server 2000 may calculate an average score in an operation performed by the air conditioner 1000. Based on average scores for a plurality of operations, respectively, the server 2000 may calculate a refrigerant amount state score. The server 2000 may provide the user with a notification about the refrigerant amount state, based on the calculated refrigerant amount state score. For example, the server 2000 may transmit the notification about the refrigerant amount state to the air conditioner 1000. For example, the server 2000 may transmit the notification about the refrigerant amount state to the external device. A method by which the server 2000 calculates the refrigerant amount state score corresponds to an operation of the air conditioner 1000 according to FIGS. 1 to 12, and thus, descriptions thereof are not provided here.

[0149] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a configuration of a server according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 13, the server 2000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include a processor 2100, a memory 2200, and a communication module 2300. However, not all elements shown in FIG. 13 are necessary elements. The server 2000 may be embodied with more elements than the elements shown in FIG. 13 or may be embodied with fewer elements than the shown elements.

[0151] The processor 2100 may generally control all operations of the server 2000. The processor 2100 may control all operations of the server 2000, by executing programs stored in the memory 2200. The processor 2100 may include at least one processor.

[0152] The memory 2200 stores various information, data, an instruction, a program, etc. necessary for an operation of the server 2000. The memory 2200 may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0153] The memory 2200 may memorize / store various information necessary for an operation of the server 2000. The memory 2200 may store an instruction, an application, data and / or a program necessary for an operation of the server 2000. For example, the memory 2200 may store various programs for a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidification operation and / or a defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory 2200 may include the volatile memory 2200, such as an S-RAM, a D-RAM, and the like for temporarily memorizing data. Also, the memory 2200 may include the non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and the like for memorizing data for a long period of time.

[0154] The processor 2100 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the server 2000, based on the instruction, the application, the data and / or the program stored in the memory 2200. The processor 2100 may include, as hardware, a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor 2100 may process data according to the program and / or the instruction provided from the memory 2200, and may generate a control signal according to a result of the processing. The memory 2200 and the processor 2100 may be implemented as one control circuit or a plurality of circuits.

[0155] The communication module 2300 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The communication module 2300 may include at least one antenna configured to wirelessly communicate with another device.

[0156] The short-range communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near-field communication (NFC) module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, or the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0157] The long-range communication module may include a communication module configured to perform various types of long-range communication, and may include a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module transmits or receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server, over a mobile communication network.

[0158] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, according to whether a parameter corresponds to a predetermined condition, the processor 2100 may execute at least one instruction to assign a score to the parameter at every predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time may indicate a time when the server 2000 receives operation data from the air conditioner. The processor 2100 may calculate an average score while the operation of the air conditioner is performed, based on the score of the parameter assigned at every predetermined time. The processor 2100 may calculate a refrigerant amount state score, based on average scores for respective operations performed a plurality of times. The processor 2100 may provide a notification about a change in the refrigerant amount, based on the calculated refrigerant amount state score. The processor 2100 may transmit the notification about the change in the refrigerant amount to the air conditioner via the communication module 2300.

[0159] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a detailed configuration of an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 14, the air conditioner 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure may include an indoor unit 1800, an outdoor unit 1300, an input interface 1400, the output interface 1500, a communication module 1600, a sensor 1700, the processor 1100, and the memory 1200. However, not all elements shown in FIG. 14 are necessary elements. The air conditioner 1000 may be embodied with more elements than the elements shown in FIG. 14 or may be embodied with fewer elements than the shown elements. The processor 1100 and the memory 1200 of FIG. 14 may respectively correspond to the processor 1100 and the memory 1200 of FIG. 3. The temperature sensor 1710, the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720, and the output interface 1500 of FIG. 14 may respectively correspond to temperature sensor 1710, the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720, and the output interface 1500 of FIG. 3.

[0161] All elements of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner 1000, and window-type air conditioners or mobile air conditioners correspond to such air conditioner 1000. On the other hand, some elements of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings constituting one air conditioner 1000, and wall-mounted air conditioners, stand-type air conditioners, system air conditioners, and the like correspond thereto.

[0162] The air conditioner 1000 including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit 1300 installed outside, and at least one indoor unit 1800 installed in an indoor space. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may be provided such that one outdoor unit 1300 is connected to one indoor unit 1800 via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may be provided such that one outdoor unit 1300 is connected to two or more indoor units 1800 via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may be provided such that two or more outdoor units 1300 are connected to two or more indoor units 1800 via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0163] The outdoor unit 1300 may be electrically connected to the indoor unit 1800. For example, information (or a command) for controlling the air conditioner 1000 may be input via the input interface 1400 provided on the outdoor unit 1300 or the indoor unit 1800, and the outdoor unit 1300 and the indoor unit 1800 may operate simultaneously or sequentially, in response to a user input.

[0164] The air conditioner 1000 may include an outdoor heat exchanger 1330 provided in the outdoor unit 1300, an indoor heat exchanger 1810 provided in the indoor unit 1800, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 1330 to the indoor heat exchanger 1810.

[0165] The outdoor heat exchanger 1330 may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air by using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 1330 may correspond to at least one of the evaporator 20 or the condenser 40 of FIG. 1.

[0166] The indoor unit 1800 is installed in an indoor space. For example, the indoor unit 1800 may be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, and the like, depending on the arrangement method thereof. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way indoor unit, a 1-way indoor unit, and a duct-type indoor unit, and the like, depending on the air discharge method thereof.

[0167] Equally, the indoor heat exchanger 1810 may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air by using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 1810 may correspond to at least one of the evaporator 20 or the condenser 40 of FIG. 1.

[0168] A compressor 1310 may be arranged inside the outdoor unit 1300. The compressor 1310 may correspond to the compressor 10 of FIG. 1.

[0169] For example, in a case in which the air conditioner 1000 has one outdoor unit 1300 and one indoor unit 1800 directly connected to each other via a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be provided to circulate between one outdoor unit 1300 and one indoor unit 1800 via the refrigerant pipe.

[0170] For example, in a case in which the air conditioner 1000 has one outdoor unit 1300 connected to two or more indoor units 1800 via a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may flow to a plurality of indoor units 1800 via the refrigerant pipe branching from the outdoor unit 1300. Refrigerants discharged from a plurality of indoor units 1800 may joint together and then may circulate to the outdoor unit 1300. For example, the plurality of indoor units 1800 may be connected directly to one outdoor unit 1300 in parallel via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0171] Each of the plurality of indoor units 1800 may operate independently according to an operation mode set by a user That is, some of the plurality of indoor units 1800 may operate in a cooling mode and others may operate in a heating mode at the same time. The refrigerant may be selectively introduced into the respective indoor units 1800 at high or low pressure along circulation paths designated via a flow path switching valve, which will be described below, and then may be discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit 1300.

[0172] For example, in a case in which the air conditioner 1000 has two or more outdoor units 1300 connected to two or more indoor units 1800 via a plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerants discharged from the outdoor units 1300 may join together, then may flow via one refrigerant pipe, and then may branch out again at a preset point to be introduced into the indoor units 1800.

[0173] All of the outdoor units 1300 may operate or at least some of them may not operate, depending on the operation load according to the operation amount of the indoor units 1800. Here, the refrigerant may be provided to flow into and circulate in the outdoor unit 1300 that is selectively operated via a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner 1000 may include an expansion valve 1320 configured to decrease the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion valve 1320 may be arranged in the indoor unit 1800 or in the outdoor unit 1300, or may be arranged in both. The expansion valve 1320 may correspond to the expansion valve 30 of FIG. 1.

[0174] The air conditioner 1000 may further include a flow path switching valve arranged on a refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may determine a circulation path of the refrigerant depending on an operation mode of the indoor unit 1800 (e.g., a cooling operation or a heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to a discharge port of the compressor 1310.

[0175] The air conditioner 1000 may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to a suction port of the compressor 1310. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 1810 or the outdoor heat exchanger 1330 may flow into the accumulator.

[0176] When a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the accumulator, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas, and may provide the compressor 1310 with the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated.

[0177] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 1330. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 1330 so as to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0178] The outdoor unit 1300 of the air conditioner 1000 may include the communication module 1600. The communication module 1600 arranged at the outdoor unit 1300 may be referred to as an outdoor unit communication module. The outdoor unit communication module may be provided to receive a control signal from a controller of the indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000, which will be described below. The outdoor unit 1300 may control an operation of the compressor 1310, the outdoor heat exchanger 1330, the expansion valve 1320, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan, based on a control signal received via the outdoor unit communication module. The outdoor unit 1300 may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor, to the controller of the indoor unit 1800 via the outdoor unit communication module.

[0179] The outdoor unit 1300 of the air conditioner 1000 may include the sensor 1700. The sensor 1700 provided at the outdoor unit 1300 may be referred to as an outdoor unit sensor. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be arranged as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be arranged at an arbitrary location inside or outside the outdoor unit 1300. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include the temperature sensor 1710 configured to detect a temperature of air around the outdoor unit 1300, or the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 configured to detect a temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe that passes through the outdoor unit 1300. However, the outdoor unit sensor is not limited thereto, and may further include a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity of air around the outdoor unit 1300, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe that passes through the outdoor unit 1300.

[0180] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger 1810 that exchanges heat with air flowing into the housing.

[0181] The housing may include a suction port. Indoor air may flow into the housing via the suction port.

[0182] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substances in air flowing into the housing via the suction port.

[0183] The housing may include a discharge port. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing via the discharge port.

[0184] The housing of the indoor unit 1800 may be provided with an air current guide that guides through the direction of air discharged via the discharge port. For example, the air current guide may include a blade arranged on the discharge port. For example, the air current guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling a discharged air current. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the air current guide may be omitted.

[0185] The indoor heat exchanger 1810 and a blower arranged on a flow path connecting the suction port to the discharge port may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit 1800.

[0186] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed flow fan, a cross-flow fan, and a centrifugal fan.

[0187] The indoor heat exchanger 1810 may be arranged between the blower and the discharge port, or between the suction port and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger 1810 may absorb heat from air introduced via the suction port, or may transfer heat to air introduced via the suction port. The indoor heat exchanger 1810 may include a heat exchange tube via which the refrigerant flows, and a heat exchange fin in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase the heat transfer area.

[0188] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include a drain tray arranged below the indoor heat exchanger 1810 so as to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger 1810. The condensate accommodated in the drain tray may be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger 1810.

[0189] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the elements of the indoor unit 1800.

[0190] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include the sensor 1700. The sensor 1700 provided at the indoor unit 1800 may be referred to as an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor arranged inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include the temperature sensor 1710 arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit 1800. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include the refrigerant temperature sensor 1720 configured to detect a temperature of a refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe that passes through the indoor unit 1800. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include the refrigerant temperature sensors 1720 that respectively detect temperatures of an inlet, a middle portion, and / or an outlet of the refrigerant pipe that passes through the indoor heat exchanger 1810. However, the indoor unit sensor is not limited thereto, and may further include a humidity sensor.

[0191] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be delivered to the indoor unit controller, which will be described below, or may be transmitted to the outside via the indoor unit communication module, which will be described below.

[0192] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include the communication module 1600. The communication module 1600 provided in the indoor unit 1800 may be referred to as an indoor unit communication module. The indoor unit communication module may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication module may include at least one antenna configured to wirelessly communicate with another device. The outdoor unit communication module may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0193] The short-range communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE communication module, a NFC module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a WFD communication module, an UWB communication module, an Ant+communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, or the like, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0194] The long-range communication module may include a communication module configured to perform various types of long-range communication, and may include a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module transmits or receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server, over a mobile communication network.

[0195] The indoor unit communication module may communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, or other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner 1000 or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner 1000 or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include an indoor unit controller configured to control the elements of the indoor unit 1800 which include the blower and the like. The outdoor unit 1300 of the air conditioner 1000 may include an outdoor unit controller configured to control the elements of the outdoor unit 1300 which include the compressor 1310 and the like. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller via the indoor unit communication module and the outdoor unit communication module. The outdoor unit communication module may transmit, to the indoor unit communication module, a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller, or may deliver, to the outdoor unit controller, a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication module. That is, the outdoor unit 1300 and the indoor unit 1800 may perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit 1300 and the indoor unit 1800 may transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner 1000.

[0196] The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to the elements of the outdoor unit 1300, and may control an operation of each element. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor 1310, and may control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may adjust a rotational speed of an outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal for adjusting a degree of openness of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor 1310, the flow path switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger 1330, the expansion valve 1320, and the indoor heat exchanger 1810.

[0197] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit 1300 and the indoor unit 1800 may transmit electrical signals corresponding to respective detected temperatures to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit 1300 and the indoor unit 1800 may transmit electrical signals corresponding to respective detected humidities to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller.

[0198] The indoor unit controller may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication module, and may obtain a user input directly via the input interface 1400 or via a remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control the elements of the indoor unit 1800, including the blower and the like, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit 1300.

[0199] The outdoor unit controller may control the elements of the outdoor unit 1300, including the compressor 1310 and the like, based on the information about the user input received from the indoor unit 1800. For example, when the outdoor unit controller receives, from the indoor unit 1800, a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, a blowing operation, a defrosting operation, or a dehumidification operation, the outdoor unit controller may control the elements of the outdoor unit 1300 such that an operation of the air conditioner 1000 corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0200] The outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may each include a processor and memory. The indoor unit controller may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0201] The memory 1200 may store various pieces of information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1200 may store an instruction, an application, data and / or a program necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1000. For example, the memory 1200 may store various programs for a cooling operation, a heating operation, a dehumidification operation and / or a defrosting operation of the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1200 may include the volatile memory 1200, such as an S-RAM, a D-RAM, and the like for temporarily memorizing data. Also, the memory 1200 may include the non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, and the like for memorizing data for a long period of time.

[0202] The processor 1100 may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1000, based on the instruction, the application, the data and / or the program stored in the memory 1200. The processor 1100 may include, as hardware, a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit. The processor 1100 may process data according to the program and / or the instruction provided from the memory 1200, and may generate a control signal according to a result of the processing. The memory 1200 and the processor 1100 may be implemented as one control circuit or a plurality of circuits.

[0203] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include the input interface 1400. The input interface 1400 may include any type of user input units, including a button, a switch, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, an outlet selection setting, and / or an airflow volume setting) via the input interface 1400.

[0204] The input interface 1400 may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface 1400 may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a particular location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user may input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner 1000 by manipulating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained via the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface 1400. In addition, the input interface 1400 may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input setting data about the operation of the air conditioner 1000 by using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input via the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface 1400 as an infrared signal.

[0205] Also, the input interface 1400 may include a microphone. A voice command of the user may be obtained via the microphone. The microphone may convert the voice command of the user into an electrical signal and may transmit the electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control the elements of the air conditioner 1000 to execute a function corresponding to the voice command of the user. The setting data (e.g., a desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, an outlet selection setting, and / or an airflow volume setting) obtained via the input interface 1400 may be delivered to the indoor unit controller, which will be described below. In an example, setting data obtained via the input interface 1400 may be transmitted to the outside, that is, the outdoor unit 1300 or a server, via the indoor unit communication module, which will be described below.

[0206] The indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include the output interface 1500. The output interface 1500 may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller, and may output information related to the operation of the air conditioner 1000, under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, information such as an operation mode, an airflow direction, an airflow volume, and a temperature selected by a user input may be output. In addition, the output interface 1500 may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, and warning / error messages.

[0207] The output interface 1500 may include a display and a speaker. The speaker is an audio device capable of outputting various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user, by using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner 1000 may be displayed as at least one of an image or a text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides particular information. The display may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0208] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an air conditioner includes: memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor, including processing circuitry, configured to execute the at least one instruction.

[0209] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to, based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times,

[0210] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to obtain one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times.

[0211] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

[0212] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to provide a notification about a refrigerant amount state based on the refrigerant amount state score.

[0213] The air conditioner may further include: an evaporator; a first refrigerant temperature sensor configured to sense an inlet temperature at an inlet of the evaporator; and a second refrigerant temperature sensor configured to sense an outlet temperature at an outlet of the evaporator, wherein the at least one instruction, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may further cause the air conditioner to: identify whether the outlet temperature received from the second refrigerant temperature sensor is higher than the inlet temperature received from the first refrigerant temperature sensor, and based on identifying that the outlet temperature is higher than the inlet temperature, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0214] The air conditioner may further include: a room temperature sensor configured to sense a room temperature, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to: identify whether a temperature difference between the room temperature received from the room temperature sensor and at least one of the inlet temperature received from the first refrigerant temperature sensor or the outlet temperature received from the second refrigerant temperature sensor is less than a predetermined temperature difference, and based on identifying that the temperature difference is less than the predetermined temperature difference, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0215] The air conditioner may further include: an expansion valve, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to: identify whether a degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than a predetermined degree of openness, and based on identifying that the degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than the predetermined degree of openness, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0216] The at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to: based on identifying that a protective control signal for the air conditioner has been generated, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state, and the protective control signal for the air conditioner includes a control signal for adjusting a frequency of a compressor.

[0217] The air conditioner may further include: a room temperature sensor configured to sense a room temperature, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to: identify whether the room temperature received from the room temperature sensor is higher than a setting temperature, and based on identifying that the room temperature is higher than the setting temperature, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0218] For each of the one or more operations, each of the plurality of predetermined times may be repeated at a preset interval.

[0219] The at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to: based on a plurality of parameters respectively corresponding to a plurality of predetermined conditions while at least one operation of the air conditioner is performed, assign scores respectively to the plurality of parameters at the plurality of predetermined times, obtain a sum of the respective scores of the plurality of parameters, and obtain an average score of the at least one operation by dividing the sum of the respective scores by a number of the respective scores.

[0220] The at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to obtain the refrigerant amount state score by obtaining a moving average of the one or more average score corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

[0221] The air conditioner may further include: an output interface, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, may further cause the air conditioner to: based on the refrigerant amount state score being equal to or greater than a threshold score, provide a user with a notification about a refrigerant amount insufficiency state via the output interface.

[0222] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner includes: based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times. obtaining one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times, obtaining a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations and providing a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the refrigerant amount state score.

[0223] The assigning the score to the parameter may include: identifying whether an outlet temperature received from a second refrigerant temperature sensor of the air conditioner configured to sense the outlet temperature of an evaporator of the air conditioner is higher than an inlet temperature received from a first refrigerant temperature sensor of the air conditioner configured to sense the inlet temperature of the evaporator; and based on identifying that the outlet temperature is higher than the inlet temperature, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0224] The assigning the score to the parameter may include: identifying whether a degree of openness of an expansion valve of the air conditioner is higher than a predetermined degree of openness; and based on identifying that the degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than the predetermined degree of openness, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0225] The assigning the score to the parameter may include: based on identifying a protective control signal for the air conditioner being generated, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state, and wherein the protective control signal for the air conditioner includes a control signal for adjusting a frequency of a compressor.

[0226] The assigning the score to the parameter may include: identifying whether a room temperature received from a room temperature sensor, of the air conditioner, configured to sense the room temperature is higher than a setting temperature; and based on identifying that the room temperature is higher than the setting temperature, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

[0227] For each of the one or more operations, each of the plurality of predetermined times may be repeated at a preset interval.

[0228] The assigning the score to the parameter may include, based on a plurality of parameters respectively corresponding to a plurality of predetermined conditions while at least one operation of the air conditioner is performed, assigning scores respectively to the plurality of parameters at the plurality of predetermined times; and the obtaining the one or more average scores may include: obtaining a sum of the respective scores of the at least one operation by dividing the sum of the respective scores by a number of the respective scores.

[0229] The obtaining the refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations, may include obtaining the refrigerant amount state score by obtaining a moving average of the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

[0230] Provided is a computer-readable recoding medium having recorded thereon a program for performing, on a computer, the method of controlling an air conditioner according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0231] The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory storage medium” may mean that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and may mean that data may be permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the non-transitory storage medium may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0232] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the method according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure disclosed in the present document may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as commodities between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store or directly between two user devices. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a memory of a relay server.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising:memory storing at least one instruction; andat least one processor, including processing circuitry, configured to execute the at least one instruction,wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, cause the air conditioner to:based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times,obtain one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times,obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations, andprovide a notification about a refrigerant amount state based on the refrigerant amount state score.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising:an evaporator;a first refrigerant temperature sensor configured to sense an inlet temperature at an inlet of the evaporator; anda second refrigerant temperature sensor configured to sense an outlet temperature at an outlet of the evaporator,wherein the at least one instruction, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, further causes the air conditioner to:identify whether the outlet temperature received from the second refrigerant temperature sensor is higher than the inlet temperature received from the first refrigerant temperature sensor, andbased on identifying that the outlet temperature is higher than the inlet temperature, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, further comprising:a room temperature sensor configured to sense a room temperature,wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to:identify whether a temperature difference between the room temperature received from the room temperature sensor and at least one of the inlet temperature received from the first refrigerant temperature sensor or the outlet temperature received from the second refrigerant temperature sensor is less than a predetermined temperature difference, andbased on identifying that the temperature difference is less than the predetermined temperature difference, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising:an expansion valve,wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to:identify whether a degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than a predetermined degree of openness, andbased on identifying that the degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than the predetermined degree of openness, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to:based on identifying that a protective control signal for the air conditioner has been generated, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state, andwherein the protective control signal for the air conditioner comprises a control signal for adjusting a frequency of a compressor.

6. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising:a room temperature sensor configured to sense a room temperature,wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to:identify whether the room temperature received from the room temperature sensor is higher than a setting temperature, andbased on identifying that the room temperature is higher than the setting temperature, assign a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

7. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein for each of the one or more operations, each of the plurality of predetermined times is repeated at a preset interval.

8. The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to:based on a plurality of parameters respectively corresponding to a plurality of predetermined conditions while at least one operation of the air conditioner is performed, assign scores respectively to the plurality of parameters at the plurality of predetermined times,obtain a sum of the respective scores of the plurality of parameters, andobtain an average score of the at least one operation by dividing the sum of the respective scores by a number of the respective scores.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to obtain the refrigerant amount state score by obtaining a moving average of the one or more average score corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

10. The air conditioner of claim 1, further comprising:an output interface,wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor individually or collectively, further causes the air conditioner to:based on the refrigerant amount state score being equal to or greater than a threshold score, provide a user with a notification about a refrigerant amount insufficiency state via the output interface.

11. A method of controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising:based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times;obtaining one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times;obtaining a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations; andproviding a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the refrigerant amount state score.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the assigning the score to the parameter comprises:identifying whether an outlet temperature received from a second refrigerant temperature sensor of the air conditioner configured to sense the outlet temperature of an evaporator of the air conditioner is higher than an inlet temperature received from a first refrigerant temperature sensor of the air conditioner configured to sense the inlet temperature of the evaporator; andbased on identifying that the outlet temperature is higher than the inlet temperature, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the assigning the score to the parameter comprises:identifying whether a degree of openness of an expansion valve of the air conditioner is higher than a predetermined degree of openness; andbased on identifying that the degree of openness of the expansion valve is higher than the predetermined degree of openness, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the assigning the score to the parameter comprises:based on identifying a protective control signal for the air conditioner being generated, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state, andwherein the protective control signal for the air conditioner comprises a control signal for adjusting a frequency of a compressor.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the assigning the score to the parameter comprises:identifying whether a room temperature received from a room temperature sensor, of the air conditioner, configured to sense the room temperature is higher than a setting temperature; andbased on identifying that the room temperature is higher than the setting temperature, assigning a score corresponding to a refrigerant amount insufficiency state.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein for each of the one or more operations, each of the plurality of predetermined times is repeated at a preset interval.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the assigning the score to the parameter comprises, based on a plurality of parameters respectively corresponding to a plurality of predetermined conditions while at least one operation of the air conditioner is performed, assigning scores respectively to the plurality of parameters at the plurality of predetermined times; andwherein the obtaining the one or more average scores comprises:obtaining a sum of the respective scores of the plurality of parameters; andobtaining an average score of the at least one operation by dividing the sum of the respective scores by a number of the respective scores.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the obtaining the refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations, comprises obtaining the refrigerant amount state score by obtaining a moving average of the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations.

19. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored therein, which when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor cause the at least one processor to execute a method of controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising:based on whether a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponds to a predetermined condition while one or more operations of the air conditioner are performed, assign a score to the parameter at each of a plurality of predetermined times;obtaining one or more average scores corresponding to each of the one or more operations based on the score assigned to the parameter at the each of the plurality of predetermined times;obtaining a refrigerant amount state score based on the one or more average scores corresponding to the each of the one or more operations; andproviding a notification about a refrigerant amount state, based on the refrigerant amount state score.

20. An air conditioner comprising:memory storing at least one instruction; andat least one processor configured to execute the at least one instruction,wherein the at least one instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the air conditioner to:based on a parameter related to a change in a refrigerant amount corresponding to a predetermined condition while an operation of the air conditioner is performed, assign a score to the parameter at a plurality of predetermined times,obtain an average score based on each score assigned to the parameter at each of the plurality of predetermined times,obtain a refrigerant amount state score based on the average score, andprovide a notification about a refrigerant amount state based on the refrigerant amount state score.

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