Method and apparatus for controlling operation mode of air conditioner on the basis of load, and electronic device

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a method and apparatus for controlling an operation mode of an air conditioner on the basis of a load, and an electronic device. The method comprises: when a mains power grid does not supply power normally, controlling an air conditioner to operate according to the lowest operation power gear of an energy-saving mode; when the air conditioner operates according to the lowest operation power gear, monitoring in real time the total power supply current in a unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming electric appliances in the unit space, wherein the additional power-consuming electric appliances are electric appliances in the unit space other than the air conditioner; and on the basis of the total power supply current and the total load current, determining a target operation power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode, and controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the target operation power gear. While it is ensured that an air conditioner does not shut down due to a current limitation, on the basis of an electric load in a unit space, a target operation power gear of an air conditioner in an energy-saving mode is adjusted on a personalized basis, thereby improving the experience and feelings and the satisfaction degree of a user during the using process.

Description

Method, device and electronic device for controlling air conditioner operation mode based on load

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 2023108670941, filed on July 14, 2023, entitled “Method, device and electronic device for controlling air conditioner operating mode based on load”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to a method, device, and electronic device for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load. Background Art

[0004] For areas with tight power supply from the power grid, the mains electricity supply in the area is often restricted. In the case of limiting the mains electricity supply, if the user does not adjust the operating module of the air conditioner in time, the stable operation of the air conditioner will be affected.

[0005] According to related technologies, when the mains power supply is limited, the air conditioner can be manually adjusted to a single energy-saving mode to avoid shutdown due to current limiting. However, operating based on a single energy-saving mode often cannot meet user needs.

[0006] Currently, finding an energy-saving mode that can adjust the air conditioner according to individual needs without causing the air conditioner to shut down due to current limiting has become a research hotspot.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a method, device and electronic device for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load, which realizes personalized adjustment of the target operating power level of the air conditioner in energy-saving mode according to the power load of the unit space, without causing the air conditioner to shut down due to current limiting, so as to improve the user experience and satisfaction during use.

[0009] The present application provides a method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load, the method comprising: when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally, controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the lowest operating power gear of the energy-saving mode; when the air conditioner is operating according to the lowest operating power gear, real-time monitoring of the total power supply current in a unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space, wherein the additional power-consuming electrical appliances are other electrical appliances in the unit space except the air conditioner; based on the total power supply current and the total load current, determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode, and controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the target operating power gear.

[0010] According to a method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided in the present application, the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined based on the total power supply current and the total load current, specifically including: determining the available total current based on the difference between the total power supply current and the total load current; determining the maximum operating power value corresponding to the available total current based on the available total current; determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value, wherein the target operating power value corresponding to the target operating power gear is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value.

[0011] According to a method for controlling an operating mode of an air conditioner based on a load provided by the present application, before determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value, the method further includes: obtaining the outdoor temperature value of the unit space in real time; determining the initial operating power value of the air conditioner based on the outdoor temperature value and a preset mapping table, wherein the mapping table includes a correspondence between different outdoor temperature values ​​and different operating power values; obtaining the indoor temperature value of the unit space in real time; determining an adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value; and determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value, specifically comprising: when the adjusted operating power value is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value, using the adjusted operating power value as the target operating power value, and determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner based on the target operating power value; when the adjusted operating power value is greater than the maximum operating power value, using the maximum operating power value as the target operating power value, and determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner based on the target operating power value.

[0012] According to a method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided in the present application, the method of determining the adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value specifically includes: determining the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature value and the indoor temperature value; determining the operating power adjustment value based on the temperature difference; and determining the adjusted operating power value based on the initial operating power value and the operating power adjustment value.

[0013] According to a method for load-based control of the operating mode of an air conditioner provided in the present application, the following method is used to determine that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally: determine the reception status of a characterization signal received by a signal receiving module, wherein the signal receiving module has the ability to receive the characterization signal; the characterization signal is sent by a signal sending module, the signal sending module is powered by the mains power grid, and the characterization signal is a preset frequency band signal; if the signal receiving module does not receive the characterization signal, it is determined that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally.

[0014] According to a method for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load provided by the present application, the method further includes: controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the current operating mode when the signal receiving module receives the characterization signal.

[0015] According to a method for load-based control of an air conditioner operating mode provided by the present application, the characterization signal is transmitted between the signal sending module and the signal receiving module in the following manner: the characterization signal is loaded on the current formed by the mains power grid and transmitted on the power line so that the characterization signal is transmitted from the signal sending module to the signal receiving module, wherein, when the mains power grid is normally powered, the mains power grid forms the current and the power line has the ability to transmit signals.

[0016] The present application also provides a device for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load, the device comprising: a control module for controlling the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power level of an energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally; a monitoring module for monitoring the total power supply current in a unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space in real time when the air conditioner is operating at the lowest operating power level, wherein the additional power-consuming electrical appliances are other electrical appliances in the unit space except the air conditioner; a determination module for determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current, and controlling the air conditioner to operate at the target operating power level.

[0017] The present application also provides an electronic device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the program, the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load as described above is implemented.

[0018] The present application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load as described above is implemented.

[0019] The present application also provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load as described above is implemented.

[0020] The method, device and electronic equipment for load-based control of the air conditioner operating mode provided in the present application control the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power level in the energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally; when the air conditioner is operating at the lowest operating power level, the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of the additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space are monitored in real time; based on the total power supply current and the total load current, the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined, and the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the target operating power level, thereby achieving personalized adjustment of the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode according to the power load of the unit space, on the premise that the air conditioner will not shut down due to current limiting, so as to improve the user experience and satisfaction during use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] FIG1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load provided by the present application;

[0023] FIG2 is a flow chart of determining a target operating power level of an air conditioner in energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current provided by the present application;

[0024] FIG3 is a flow chart of determining a target operating power level of an air conditioner in energy-saving mode based on a maximum operating power value provided by the present application;

[0025] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a process for determining an adjusted operating power value based on an indoor temperature value and an initial operating power value provided by the present application;

[0026] FIG5 is a second flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load provided by the present application;

[0027] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario structure of the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided by the present application;

[0028] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load provided by the present application;

[0029] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the electronic device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] FIG1 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load provided in the present application.

[0032] In order to further introduce the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided by the present application, an explanation will be given below with reference to FIG1 .

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as can be seen from FIG. 1 , the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load may include steps 110 to 130 , each of which will be described below.

[0034] In step 110 , when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally, the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the lowest operating power level of the energy-saving mode.

[0035] In step 120 , when the air conditioner is operated at the lowest operating power level, the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of the additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space are monitored in real time.

[0036] In one embodiment, the total power supply current and the total load current can be monitored in real time based on a signal receiving module. The signal receiving module can be connected to the input of a standby power supply, thereby obtaining the total power supply current per unit space based on the current flowing into the standby power supply input. The signal receiving module can also be connected to the output of the standby power supply, thereby obtaining the total load current per unit space based on the current flowing out of the standby power supply output. The source of the standby power supply can be community power generation, a mains power grid, a personal generator, etc.

[0037] In step 130 , a target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined based on the total power supply current and the total load current, and the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the target operating power level.

[0038] The extra power-consuming appliances are appliances other than the air conditioner in the unit space, such as a lamp, a television, a refrigerator, etc. The unit space may be a space formed by taking the user's home as a unit.

[0039] In one embodiment, the air conditioner can be powered by a regular indoor power outlet, which can be powered by the mains electricity to ensure continuous and effective operation of the air conditioner. If the mains electricity grid is not supplying power normally, the air conditioner may not be able to operate according to the preset mode. If the operating mode of the air conditioner is not adjusted in time, there is a risk that the air conditioner will shut down due to current limiting.

[0040] During the application process, when it is detected that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally, the air conditioner can be automatically controlled to operate at the lowest operating power gear of the energy-saving mode. The operation of the air conditioner at the lowest operating power gear means that the outdoor unit of the air conditioner operates at the lowest operating power gear.

[0041] Understandably, if the utility grid isn't functioning properly, users can still obtain electricity through other means, such as from community generators or small household generators. Furthermore, if the total load within a unit is low, it's not necessary to run the air conditioner at its lowest power setting, as this wouldn't effectively meet the user's individual needs.

[0042] During application, the system can monitor the total power supply current L0 within a unit space and the total load current L1 of additional power-consuming appliances within the unit space in real time, while the air conditioner is operating at its lowest power level. Based on the total power supply current L0 and the total load current L1, the system can determine the target power level for the air conditioner in energy-saving mode and control the air conditioner to operate at that target power level.

[0043] It should be noted that the target operating power level can be individually determined based on the current actual temperature conditions, without exceeding the total available current. Therefore, the target operating power level of the air conditioner in energy-saving mode can be individually adjusted based on the power load per unit space, without the air conditioner shutting down due to current limiting, so as to improve the user experience and satisfaction during use.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, it may be determined that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally in the following manner:

[0045] Determine a reception condition of a characterization signal received by a signal receiving module, wherein the signal receiving module has the ability to receive the characterization signal; the characterization signal is sent by a signal sending module, the signal sending module is powered by a mains power grid, and the characterization signal is a preset frequency band signal;

[0046] When the signal receiving module does not receive the characterization signal, it is determined that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally.

[0047] In one embodiment, when the signal transmission module is properly powered, the signal transmission module and the signal receiving module can also transmit the characterization signal via wireless signal transmission, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, NB-IOT, LoRa, and ZigBee. The signal transmission module transmits the characterization signal, and the signal receiving module receives the characterization signal. Wireless signal transmission between the two can achieve multi-node control, wide coverage, low power consumption, and minimal impact from grid operation fluctuations. It avoids signal transmission distortion caused by voltage fluctuations and can achieve transmission of the characterization signal independently of grid operation.

[0048] In one embodiment, the signal receiving module can be installed next to or built into the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The signal receiving module can be powered by the power supply of the indoor unit, and a signal line connects the signal receiving module to the computer board of the indoor unit, thereby enabling signal transmission from the signal receiving module to the indoor unit.

[0049] In another embodiment, when the mains power grid can normally supply power to the signal sending module, the signal sending module can have the ability to transmit a characterization signal. In other words, the signal sending module is powered by the mains power grid, and if the mains power grid can supply power to it, the signal sending module can transmit a characterization signal. Furthermore, since the signal receiving module has the ability to receive a characterization signal, when the signal sending module can transmit a characterization signal, the signal receiving module can receive the characterization signal. Furthermore, since when the mains power grid normally supplies power to the signal sending module, in other words, when the mains power grid can normally supply power to the electrical appliance, in this scenario, the signal receiving module can receive the characterization signal. When the mains power grid cannot normally supply power to the signal sending module, in other words, when the mains power grid cannot normally supply power to the electrical appliance, in this scenario, the signal receiving module cannot receive the characterization signal.

[0050] Based on this, it is possible to determine whether the mains power grid is supplying power normally based on the reception of the characteristic signal received by the signal receiving module. In one example, if the signal receiving module does not receive the characteristic signal, it is determined that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally. Through this embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine whether the mains power grid is supplying power normally at a relatively low cost.

[0051] The method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided in the present application controls the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power level in the energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally; when the air conditioner is operating at the lowest operating power level, the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of the additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space are monitored in real time; based on the total power supply current and the total load current, the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined, and the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the target operating power level, thereby achieving personalized adjustment of the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode according to the power load of the unit space, on the premise that the air conditioner will not shut down due to current limiting, so as to improve the user experience and satisfaction during use.

[0052] FIG2 is a flow chart of determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current provided in the present application.

[0053] The process of controlling the operating mode of the air conditioner based on the load will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 .

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG2 , determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current may include steps 210 to 230 , and each step will be described below.

[0055] In step 210 , the available total current is determined based on the difference between the total supply current and the total load current.

[0056] In step 220 , based on the available total current, a maximum operating power value corresponding to the available total current is determined.

[0057] In step 230 , a target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined based on the maximum operating power value.

[0058] The target operating power value corresponding to the target operating power gear is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value.

[0059] In one embodiment, the signal receiving module can monitor the total power supply current L0 (corresponding to the total power supply current) and the power consumption current L1 of other electrical appliances (corresponding to the total load current). Further, based on the difference between the total power supply current L0 and the total load current L1, the available total current L2 = L0 - L1 is determined.

[0060] It is understandable that the maximum current that the air conditioner can operate is L2, and the maximum operating power value can be determined based on the maximum operating current L2. In other words, the operating power of the air conditioner must be less than or equal to the maximum operating power value.

[0061] In another embodiment, the target operating power level for the air conditioner in energy-saving mode can be determined based on the maximum operating power value. This ensures that the target operating power level in energy-saving mode is adjusted individually based on the power load per unit space, ensuring that the air conditioner does not shut down due to current limiting. This improves user experience and satisfaction. During application, the target operating power level is also individually determined based on the ambient temperature, ensuring that the final target operating power level does not exceed the maximum operating power level and is individually matched to the ambient temperature.

[0062] FIG3 is a flow chart of determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value provided by the present application.

[0063] The process of determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value will be further described below with reference to FIG. 3 .

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG3 , determining the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value may include steps 310 to 360 , each of which will be described below.

[0065] In step 310, the outdoor temperature value of the unit space is obtained in real time.

[0066] In step 320, an initial operating power value of the air conditioner is determined based on the outdoor temperature value and a preset mapping table, wherein the mapping table includes a correspondence between different outdoor temperature values ​​and different operating power values.

[0067] In one embodiment, the outdoor temperature value of the unit space may be acquired in real time, and based on the outdoor temperature value, the initial operating power value of the air conditioner corresponding to the outdoor temperature value may be determined.

[0068] In another example, the initial operating power value can be determined based on a pre-set mapping table. The mapping table includes a correspondence between different outdoor temperature values ​​and different operating power values. For example, when the outdoor temperature is A°C, the corresponding initial operating power value is akW. When the outdoor temperature is B°C, the corresponding initial operating power value is bkW.

[0069] In step 330, the indoor temperature value of the unit space is obtained in real time.

[0070] In step 340 , an adjusted operating power value is determined based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value.

[0071] In another embodiment, the indoor temperature value of the unit space can also be obtained, and the final operating power value (corresponding to the adjusted operating power value) can be determined based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value. This embodiment can form a feedback mechanism. For example, in summer, because the indoor temperature is cooler than the outdoor temperature, it may not be necessary to operate according to the initial operating power value for cooling. To save energy and meet user needs, the adjusted operating power value can be determined based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value.

[0072] In step 350 , when the adjusted operating power value is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value, the adjusted operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power level of the air conditioner is determined based on the target operating power value.

[0073] In step 360 , when the adjusted operating power value is greater than the maximum operating power value, the maximum operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and based on the target operating power value, the target operating power gear of the air conditioner is determined.

[0074] In yet another embodiment, when the adjusted operating power value is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value, this indicates that the air conditioner's operating mode, while personalized to the outside temperature, will not exceed the maximum operating power value the air conditioner can handle. In this scenario, the maximum operating power value can be used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power level of the air conditioner can be determined based on the target operating power value. This embodiment allows the air conditioner to operate in a personalized operating mode that matches the outside temperature, without exceeding the maximum operating power value the air conditioner can handle.

[0075] In yet another embodiment, when the adjusted operating power value is greater than the maximum operating power value, it indicates that the air conditioner's operating mode, when personalized to match the outside temperature, will exceed the maximum operating power value that the air conditioner can handle. In this scenario, the adjusted operating power value can be used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power level of the air conditioner can be determined based on the target operating power value. This embodiment allows the air conditioner to operate in the operating mode that matches the outside temperature to the greatest extent possible within its power capacity.

[0076] FIG4 is a flow chart of determining an adjusted operating power value based on an indoor temperature value and an initial operating power value provided by the present application.

[0077] The process of determining the adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value will be described below with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG4 , determining the adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value may include steps 410 to 430 , each of which will be described below.

[0079] In step 410 , the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature value and the indoor temperature value is determined.

[0080] In step 420, an operating power adjustment value is determined based on the temperature difference;

[0081] In step 430 , an adjusted operating power value is determined based on the initial operating power value and the operating power adjustment value.

[0082] In one embodiment, in a scenario where the outdoor temperature value is greater than the indoor temperature value, a temperature difference value may be obtained based on the difference between the outdoor temperature value and the indoor temperature value.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, in a scenario where the outdoor temperature value is lower than the indoor temperature value, a temperature difference value may be obtained based on the difference between the indoor temperature value and the outdoor temperature value.

[0084] Furthermore, an operating power adjustment value corresponding to the temperature difference may be determined based on the temperature difference. In one example, the operating power adjustment value may be determined based on a pre-set mapping table, wherein the mapping table includes a correspondence between different temperature differences and different operating power adjustment values.

[0085] In yet another embodiment, after determining the operating power adjustment value, an adjusted operating power value can be determined based on the initial operating power value and the operating power adjustment value. In one example, the adjusted operating power value can be determined based on the power difference between the initial operating power value and the operating power adjustment value. This embodiment forms a feedback mechanism based on indoor and outdoor temperatures, and adjusts the predetermined initial operating power value based on the feedback mechanism to obtain a more reasonable adjusted operating power value.

[0086] FIG5 is a second flow chart of the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided in the present application.

[0087] Another process of controlling the operating mode of the air conditioner based on load will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 .

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in combination with Figure 5, it can be seen that the method for controlling the operating mode of the air conditioner based on load may include steps 510 to 540, wherein steps 510 to 530 are the same or similar to steps 110 to 130. Please refer to the previous description for its specific implementation and beneficial effects. No specific limitation is made in this embodiment. Step 540 will be introduced below.

[0089] In step 540 , when the signal receiving module receives the characterization signal, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the current operation mode.

[0090] It is understood that since the characterization signal is transmitted by the signal transmitting module, if the mains power grid is functioning normally, the signal transmitting module can transmit the characterization signal, and the signal receiving module can then receive the characterization signal within a preset time period. Therefore, if the signal receiving module can receive the characterization signal within the preset time period, it can be understood that the mains power grid is functioning normally; if the signal receiving module cannot receive the characterization signal within the preset time period, it can be understood that the mains power grid is not functioning normally.

[0091] In one embodiment, when the signal receiving module receives the characterization signal within a preset time period, it indicates that the mains power grid is supplying power normally.

[0092] Furthermore, if the mains power grid is detected to be operating normally, it indicates that the local power grid has sufficient power. In this scenario, there is no need to adjust the air conditioner to energy-saving mode; instead, the air conditioner can be controlled to operate according to the current operating mode. This embodiment ensures that the air conditioner can operate according to the user's settings when the power grid is sufficient, thereby improving the user experience and satisfaction.

[0093] In this embodiment, whether the mains power grid can supply power normally can be determined without incurring additional costs, and the operation mode of the air conditioner can be automatically controlled at a low cost, thereby improving the user experience and satisfaction during use.

[0094] In another exemplary embodiment of the present application, the characterization signal may be transmitted between the signal sending module and the signal receiving module in the following manner:

[0095] The characterization signal is loaded onto the current formed by the mains power grid and transmitted on the power line so that the characterization signal is transmitted from the signal sending module to the signal receiving module. When the mains power grid is supplying power normally, the mains power grid forms current and the power line has the ability to transmit signals.

[0096] In one embodiment, high-voltage power lines, medium-voltage power lines or low-voltage distribution lines can be used as information transmission media instead of WIFI or infrared transmission. A preset frequency band signal in the mains power grid can be collected based on the signal sending module, and the preset frequency band signal can be modulated to obtain a modulated signal (which can correspond to a characterization signal). The modulated signal is then loaded onto the power line for transmission. It should be noted that when the mains power grid is normally powered, the power line has the ability to transmit signals. In other words, when the mains power grid is normally powered, the signal receiving module can receive the signal sent by the signal sending module.

[0097] Furthermore, at the signal receiving module end, when the signal receiving module receives the modulated signal based on the power line, the modulated signal can be demodulated again based on the signal receiving module to obtain the demodulated signal, and it can be determined whether the demodulated signal includes the preset frequency band signal. If the demodulated signal includes the preset frequency band signal, it means that the mains power grid can supply power normally. Through this embodiment, it can be ensured that the transmission of the characterization signal is only related to the normal power supply of the mains power grid, and will not be affected by whether the WIFI communication signal is good or whether the infrared transmission distance is close enough, thereby ensuring that it can be accurately determined whether the mains power grid is supplying power normally based on the reception of the characterization signal received by the signal receiving module.

[0098] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the application scenario structure of the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided in the present application.

[0099] In order to further introduce the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided by the present application, an explanation will be given below with reference to FIG. 6 .

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, in conjunction with Figure 6, it can be seen that for areas with a shortage of power supply, each family can be equipped with an electric control adapter box (corresponding to the power conversion device in Figure 6) placed outdoors, and the electric control adapter box can be divided into an input end and an output end. In conjunction with Figure 6, it can be seen that the input end is composed of personal power generation, community power generation and mains power. The output end can be connected to a standby power supply 1 to a standby power supply N. During application, the power supply of the input end can come from respective power sources, such as mains power, community power generation, personal generator, etc., and the power supply of the output end is connected to a household standby power socket (corresponding to the standby power supply). In addition, the mains power is directly connected to the household mains socket (corresponding to the mains power supply) for non-essential continuous electrical appliances. Among them, the indoor unit 1 of the present application can be powered by a standby power supply.

[0101] It should be noted that in Figure 6, N represents the neutral wire and L represents the live wire. S2 represents the signal connection line between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit 1 and the receiving module (corresponding to the signal receiving module of the present application) can be connected via a signal line to ensure signal transmission between the two.

[0102] In one example, the transmitter module (corresponding to the signal transmission module) can be installed in a three-prong plug format. The transmitter module can be powered by the mains electricity. The receiver module is installed next to the indoor unit 1 or built into it, and its power supply is derived from the indoor unit power supply. A signal line connects the receiver module and the indoor unit computer board to ensure signal transmission.

[0103] The power supply of the air conditioner can come from the indoor permanent power socket to ensure its continuous operation. The transmitting module is plugged into the indoor AC socket, and the receiving module is installed on or next to the indoor unit. The number of receiving modules is not limited to 1. It depends on the number of air conditioners installed in the home. The number of receiving modules can be equivalent to the number of indoor units. There can be only one transmitting module or multiple transmitting modules.

[0104] During application, when the mains power supply is normal, the transmitting module is powered by power and can transmit signals to the receiving module normally. The power line carrier communication is normal. The receiving module only performs signal analysis and does not issue energy-saving commands. The air conditioner can operate according to the user settings.

[0105] When the mains power is lost and other power sources are used to power the home, the mains power outlet becomes de-energized, and the transmitter module is unable to transmit signals to the receiver module. The receiver module is then programmed to send a command to the air conditioner's internal computer to put the air conditioner into energy-saving mode, controlling its energy-saving operation and ensuring that other electrical appliances can operate within its limited power capacity. This allows the air conditioner to be automatically controlled to meet the actual power supply situation, while ensuring the normal operation of other electrical appliances, thereby improving the user experience and satisfaction during use.

[0106] Furthermore, when the air conditioner first enters energy-saving mode and operates at its lowest gear, the receiving module can detect its total power supply current L0 (corresponding to the total power supply current) and the current used by other appliances L1 (corresponding to the total load current) after entering energy-saving mode, and calculate the remaining available current of the air conditioner, L2 = L0 - L1 (corresponding to the total available current). Based on the maximum operating current of the air conditioner, L2, the operating frequency of the outdoor unit's compressor is adjusted to ensure that the current L during the air conditioner's operation is always ≤ L2 - a, where a is the current correction value to ensure that the air conditioner does not shut down due to current limiting. The specific parameters are adjustable. The following describes how to ensure that the current L during the air conditioner's operation is always ≤ L2 - a. The total power supply current L0 can be detected and sent to the receiving module via the S0 signal connection line; the current used by other appliances, L1, can be sent to the receiving module via the S1 signal connection line.

[0107] In one example, the outdoor temperature value of a unit space can be obtained in real time; and based on the outdoor temperature value and a pre-set mapping table, an initial operating power value of the air conditioner is determined. Furthermore, based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value, an adjusted operating power value is determined. If the adjusted operating power value is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value, the adjusted operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power level of the air conditioner is determined based on the target operating power value. If the adjusted operating power value is greater than the maximum operating power value, the maximum operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power level of the air conditioner is determined based on the target operating power value.

[0108] According to the above description, the method for controlling the operating mode of the air conditioner based on load provided in the present application controls the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power level in the energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally; when the air conditioner is operating at the lowest operating power level, the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of the additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space are monitored in real time; based on the total power supply current and the total load current, the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined, and the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the target operating power level, thereby achieving personalized adjustment of the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode according to the power load of the unit space, on the premise that the air conditioner will not shut down due to current limiting, so as to improve the user experience and satisfaction during use.

[0109] Based on the same concept, the present application also provides a device for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load.

[0110] The device for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided in the present application is described below. The device for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load described below and the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load described above can be referred to in correspondence with each other.

[0111] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a device for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load provided in the present application.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 7 , the apparatus for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load may include a control module 710 , a monitoring module 720 and a determination module 730 , each of which will be described below.

[0113] The control module 710 may be configured to control the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power level of the energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally;

[0114] The monitoring module 720 may be configured to monitor, in real time, the total power supply current within the unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming appliances within the unit space when the air conditioner is operating at the lowest operating power level, wherein the additional power-consuming appliances are appliances other than the air conditioner within the unit space.

[0115] The determination module 730 may be configured to determine a target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current, and control the air conditioner to operate according to the target operating power gear.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the determination module 730 may determine the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current in the following manner:

[0117] Determine the total available current based on the difference between the total supply current and the total load current;

[0118] Based on the available total current, determining a maximum operating power value corresponding to the available total current;

[0119] Based on the maximum operating power value, a target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined, wherein the target operating power value corresponding to the target operating power gear is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the determination module 730 may also be configured to:

[0121] Get the outdoor temperature value of the unit space in real time;

[0122] determining an initial operating power value of the air conditioner based on the outdoor temperature value and a preset mapping table, wherein the mapping table includes a correspondence between different outdoor temperature values ​​and different operating power values;

[0123] Get the indoor temperature value of the unit space in real time;

[0124] Determine an adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value;

[0125] The determination module 730 may also determine the target operating power level of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value in the following manner:

[0126] In the case where the adjusted operating power value is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value, the adjusted operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and based on the target operating power value, a target operating power gear of the air conditioner is determined;

[0127] When the adjusted operating power value is greater than the maximum operating power value, the maximum operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power gear of the air conditioner is determined based on the target operating power value.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the determination module 730 may also determine the adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value in the following manner:

[0129] Determine the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature value and the indoor temperature value;

[0130] Determining an operating power adjustment value based on the temperature difference;

[0131] An adjusted operating power value is determined based on the initial operating power value and the operating power adjustment value.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the control module 710 determines that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally in the following manner:

[0133] Determine a reception condition of a characterization signal received by a signal receiving module, wherein the signal receiving module has the ability to receive the characterization signal; the characterization signal is sent by a signal sending module, the signal sending module is powered by a mains power grid, and the characterization signal is a preset frequency band signal;

[0134] When the signal receiving module does not receive the characterization signal, it is determined that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the control module 710 may also be configured to:

[0136] When the signal receiving module receives the characterization signal, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the current operation mode.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the control module 710 implements the transmission of the characterization signal between the signal sending module and the signal receiving module in the following manner:

[0138] The characterization signal is loaded onto the current formed by the mains power grid and transmitted on the power line so that the characterization signal is transmitted from the signal sending module to the signal receiving module. When the mains power grid is supplying power normally, the mains power grid forms current and the power line has the ability to transmit signals.

[0139] FIG8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device. As shown in FIG8 , the electronic device may include: a processor 810, a communication interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840, wherein the processor 810, the communication interface 820, and the memory 830 communicate with each other via the communication bus 840. The processor 810 may call logic instructions in the memory 830 to execute a method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load, the method comprising: controlling the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power level in an energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally; monitoring the total power supply current within a unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming appliances within the unit space in real time when the air conditioner is operating at the lowest operating power level, wherein the additional power-consuming appliances are appliances other than the air conditioner within the unit space; determining a target operating power level for the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current, and controlling the air conditioner to operate at the target operating power level.

[0140] In addition, the logic instructions in the above-mentioned memory 830 can be implemented in the form of a software functional unit and can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium when sold or used as an independent product. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0141] On the other hand, the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program, which can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer can execute the method of controlling the air conditioner operation mode based on load provided by the above methods, the method including: when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally, controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the lowest operating power gear of the energy-saving mode; when the air conditioner operates according to the lowest operating power gear, real-time monitoring of the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space, wherein the additional power-consuming electrical appliances are other electrical appliances in the unit space except the air conditioner; based on the total power supply current and the total load current, determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode, and controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the target operating power gear.

[0142] On the other hand, the present application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, is implemented to execute the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load provided by the above-mentioned methods, the method comprising: when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally, controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the lowest operating power gear of the energy-saving mode; when the air conditioner is operating according to the lowest operating power gear, monitoring the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space in real time, wherein the additional power-consuming electrical appliances are other electrical appliances in the unit space except the air conditioner; based on the total power supply current and the total load current, determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode, and controlling the air conditioner to operate according to the target operating power gear.

[0143] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of the present embodiment. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be able to understand and implement the present invention without inventive effort.

[0144] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. Based on this understanding, the essence of the above technical solution or the part that contributes to the existing technology can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment or certain parts of the embodiments.

[0145] It should be further understood that although operations are described in a particular order in the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, this should not be construed as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a serial order, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed to obtain the desired results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[0146] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner operating mode based on load, the method comprising: When the mains power grid is not supplying power normally, the air conditioner is controlled to operate at the lowest operating power gear of the energy-saving mode; When the air conditioner is operated at the lowest operating power gear, the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of the additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space are monitored in real time, wherein the additional power-consuming electrical appliances are other electrical appliances in the unit space except the air conditioner; Based on the total power supply current and the total load current, a target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined, and the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the target operating power gear.

2. The method for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load according to claim 1, wherein: The determining, based on the total power supply current and the total load current, the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode specifically includes: Determining the total available current based on the difference between the total supply current and the total load current; Based on the available total current, determining a maximum operating power value corresponding to the available total current; Based on the maximum operating power value, a target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode is determined, wherein the target operating power value corresponding to the target operating power gear is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value.

3. The method for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load according to claim 2, wherein: Before determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the maximum operating power value, the method further includes: Acquire the outdoor temperature value of the unit space in real time; Determining an initial operating power value of the air conditioner based on the outdoor temperature value and a preset mapping table, wherein the mapping table includes a correspondence between different outdoor temperature values ​​and different operating power values; Acquire the indoor temperature value of the unit space in real time; Determining an adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value; The determining, based on the maximum operating power value, a target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode specifically includes: In the case where the adjusted operating power value is less than or equal to the maximum operating power value, taking the adjusted operating power value as the target operating power value, and determining the target operating power gear of the air conditioner based on the target operating power value; When the adjusted operating power value is greater than the maximum operating power value, the maximum operating power value is used as the target operating power value, and the target operating power gear of the air conditioner is determined based on the target operating power value.

4. The method for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load according to claim 3, wherein: The step of determining the adjusted operating power value based on the indoor temperature value and the initial operating power value specifically includes: Determining a temperature difference between the outdoor temperature value and the indoor temperature value; Based on the temperature difference, determining an operating power adjustment value; The adjusted operating power value is determined based on the initial operating power value and the operating power adjustment value.

5. The method for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load according to claim 1, wherein: The following method is used to determine that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally: Determine the reception status of the characterization signal received by the signal receiving module, wherein the signal receiving module has the ability to receive the characterization signal; the characterization signal is sent by the signal sending module, the signal sending module is powered by the mains power grid, and the characterization signal is a preset frequency band signal; When the signal receiving module does not receive the characterization signal, it is determined that the mains power grid is not supplying power normally.

6. The method for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load according to claim 5, the method further comprising: When the signal receiving module receives the characterization signal, the air conditioner is controlled to operate according to the current operation mode.

7. The method for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load according to claim 5, wherein: The characterization signal is transmitted between the signal sending module and the signal receiving module in the following manner: The characterization signal is loaded onto the current formed by the mains power grid and transmitted on the power line, so that the characterization signal is transmitted from the signal sending module to the signal receiving module, wherein, when the mains power grid is powered normally, the mains power grid forms the current, Furthermore, the power line has the capability of transmitting signals.

8. A device for controlling the operation mode of an air conditioner based on load, comprising: A control module, used for controlling the air conditioner to operate at the lowest operating power gear of the energy-saving mode when the mains power grid is not supplying power normally; A monitoring module, used for monitoring the total power supply current in the unit space and the total load current of the additional power-consuming electrical appliances in the unit space in real time when the air conditioner is operated at the lowest operating power gear, wherein the additional power-consuming electrical appliances are other electrical appliances in the unit space except the air conditioner; The determination module is used to determine the target operating power gear of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode based on the total power supply current and the total load current, and control the air conditioner to operate according to the target operating power gear.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein: When the processor executes the program, the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

11. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for controlling the operating mode of an air conditioner based on load as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

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