Air conditioner and method for controlling air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: an indoor unit; an outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit through at least one pipe; and a processor for controlling at least one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The processor, when entering a current limit mode, receives a desired current according to a user input, determines whether to perform cooling driving or heating driving, and can control a driving current by changing a driving frequency of a compressor on the basis of the desired current.

Description

Air conditioners and air conditioner control methods

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner capable of performing effective energy-saving operation and a method for controlling the air conditioner.

[0002] In order for an air conditioner to perform its cooling function, energy must move in the reverse direction from low pressure to high pressure, that is, from a low energy region to a high energy region, and the compressor can be driven to enable refrigerant circulation in this reverse direction.

[0003] The refrigerant is compressed inside the compressor cylinder by the rotational motion of the internal motor provided in the compressor, and the refrigerant can be circulated within the system due to the principle of pressure increasing from low pressure to high pressure.

[0004] Due to these actions, air conditioners inevitably have the characteristic of consuming a lot of energy.

[0005] Therefore, the energy efficiency of air conditioners is one of the most important factors for users when selecting an air conditioner, and research and development are continuously being conducted to reduce this energy consumption, including improving the efficiency of key components such as compressors and heat exchangers.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method that control energy consumption by controlling driving current based on a desired current according to a user input.

[0007] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit, an outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit via at least one pipe, and an integrated control unit (e.g., a processor) that controls the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. When entering a current limiting mode, the processor receives a desired current according to a user input, determines whether to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation, and controls the driving current by changing the driving frequency of the compressor based on the desired current.

[0008] In one embodiment, the processor may change the driving frequency of the compressor based on the desired current such that the driving current has a current value between a maximum current corresponding to the outdoor temperature and a hold current corresponding to the outdoor temperature.

[0009] In one embodiment, the processor may receive the desired current corresponding to at least one of the first to seventh current levels based on the user input, and display the desired current on at least one of the control device and the display unit of the indoor unit.

[0010] In one embodiment, the processor may control the rotation speed of an indoor fan based on the indoor temperature when the heating is driven.

[0011] In one embodiment, the processor can detect the indoor temperature, calculate a discharge temperature according to the indoor temperature, and control the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the discharge temperature.

[0012] In one embodiment, the processor may decrease the rotation speed of the indoor fan as the discharge temperature decreases, and may increase the rotation speed of the indoor fan as the discharge temperature increases.

[0013] In one embodiment, the processor can change the maximum current line based on the desired current, determine a target current based on the outdoor temperature, and control the driving frequency of the compressor so that the driving current has a current value between the target current and the hold current.

[0014] In one embodiment, the processor may re-determine the target current based on the changed outdoor temperature when the outdoor temperature changes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor can detect an externally input national power source and automatically enter the current limiting mode when the national power source is cut off.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may automatically set the desired current to a first current level when automatically entering the current limit mode.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor can control the driving current by re-determining whether to perform either cooling or heating operation when the desired current changes, and re-changing the driving frequency of the compressor based on the changed desired current.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor can receive the desired current according to the user input from an online application and automatically determine the target current based on the desired current.

[0019] In one embodiment, the desired current may include the total current limit of at least one home appliance registered in the online application. The processor may calculate a difference between the total current limit and the total current consumption of at least one external home appliance, and determine the difference between the total current limit and the total current consumption as the target current.

[0020] A control method of an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation of entering a current limiting mode, an operation of receiving a desired current according to a user input, an operation of determining whether to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation, and an operation of controlling a driving current by changing a driving frequency of a compressor based on the desired current.

[0021] In one embodiment, the operation of controlling the driving current may change the driving frequency of the compressor based on the desired current so that the driving current has a current value between a maximum current corresponding to the outdoor temperature and a hold current corresponding to the outdoor temperature.

[0022] In one embodiment, a method for controlling an air conditioner may further include an operation for controlling the rotation speed of an indoor fan based on an indoor temperature during heating operation. The operation for controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan may include an operation for detecting the indoor temperature, an operation for calculating a discharge temperature based on the indoor temperature, and an operation for controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the discharge temperature.

[0023] In one embodiment, the operation of controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the discharge temperature may decrease the rotation speed of the indoor fan as the discharge temperature decreases, and increase the rotation speed of the indoor fan as the discharge temperature increases.

[0024] In one embodiment, the operation of controlling the driving current may include an operation of changing a maximum current line based on the desired current, an operation of determining a target current based on the outdoor temperature, and an operation of controlling the driving frequency of the compressor so that the driving current has a current value between the target current and the hold current.

[0025] In one embodiment, a method for controlling an air conditioner may further include an operation for detecting an externally input national power supply, and an operation for automatically entering the current limiting mode when the national power supply is cut off. The operation for automatically entering the current limiting mode may automatically set the desired current to a first current level.

[0026] In one embodiment, the operation of receiving the desired current according to the user input may receive the desired current according to the user input from an online application. The desired current may include a total current limit of at least one home appliance registered in the online application. The operation of controlling the driving current may include an operation of calculating a difference between the total current limit and the total consumption current of at least one external home appliance, and an operation of automatically determining a target current based on the desired current, wherein the difference between the total current limit and the total consumption current is determined as the target current.

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner and air conditioner control method of the present disclosure can control energy consumption by controlling the driving current based on a desired current according to a user input in a current limiting mode.

[0028] In addition, the air conditioner and the air conditioner control method can optimize heating efficiency by considering the perceived heating in current limit mode by controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan by considering the discharge temperature according to the indoor temperature when the heating is operated.

[0029] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2a illustrates a block configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2b illustrates a desired current according to a current level according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates the operating sequence of the air conditioner in current limiting mode according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates a control device in which a desired current is displayed according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a display section of an air conditioner in which a desired current is displayed according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates the driving current region between the maximum current line and the hold current line according to one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates an operation sequence for controlling the rotation speed of an indoor fan in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 shows the rotation speed of an indoor fan according to a range of discharge temperatures according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 illustrates an operation sequence for controlling driving current of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 10 illustrates a target current determined within a driving current region according to one embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11 illustrates a driving current converging to a target current according to a change in the driving frequency of a compressor according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12 illustrates an operation sequence for controlling the driving current of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature changes according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 illustrates the current limiting mode entry operation of the air conditioner when the national power is cut off according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14 illustrates the operation sequence of the air conditioner when the desired current is changed according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 15 illustrates an interface for receiving a desired current using an online application.

[0046] Figure 16 illustrates the operation of determining the target current based on the total current limit and the total consumption current.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one outdoor unit (100) and at least one indoor unit (150). For example, the outdoor unit (100) may include a compressor (102), a four-way valve (104), an outdoor heat exchanger (106), an electronic expansion valve (154), and an accumulator (110). For example, the indoor unit (150) may include an indoor heat exchanger (152), an indoor fan (152a), and an indoor temperature detector (158). For example, one outdoor unit (100) may be connected to at least one indoor unit (150) through at least one pipe.

[0050] The air conditioner (1) can circulate refrigerant using a compressor (102), an outdoor heat exchanger (106), an electronic expansion valve (154), and an indoor heat exchanger (152). The air conditioner (1) can include a refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor (102), the outdoor heat exchanger (106), the electronic expansion valve (154), and the indoor heat exchanger (152). For example, the refrigerant can circulate in the order of the compressor (102), the outdoor heat exchanger (106), the electronic expansion valve (154), and the indoor heat exchanger (152) through the refrigerant pipe. For example, the refrigerant can circulate in the order of the compressor (102), the indoor heat exchanger (152), the expansion device (103), and the outdoor heat exchanger (106).

[0051] The compressor (102) can compress the refrigerant and change it into a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (102) can suck in the refrigerant gas through the suction side (102b) and compress the sucked refrigerant gas to change it into a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (102) can discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge side (102a). The compressor (102) is a variable capacity compressor and can change the capacity by changing the frequency according to a driving control command.

[0052] The 4-way valve (104) can switch the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe. The 4-way valve (104) can be connected to the discharge side (102a) of the compressor (102). The 4-way valve (104) can switch the circulation path of the refrigerant so that the discharged refrigerant of the compressor (102) flows to one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (106) during cooling operation. The 4-way valve (104) can switch the circulation path of the refrigerant so that the discharged refrigerant of the compressor (102) flows to one side of the indoor unit (150) during heating operation.

[0053] An outdoor heat exchanger (106) can allow heat exchange between outdoor air and a refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger (106) can typically be located outdoors. In the outdoor heat exchanger (106), heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by a phase change (e.g., condensation or evaporation) of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (106). For example, in cooling mode operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (106) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant introduced from the compressor (102). In cooling mode operation, latent heat can be released to the outdoor air while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (106). In heating mode operation, in the outdoor heat exchanger (106), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant can evaporate, and latent heat can be absorbed from the outdoor air while the refrigerant is evaporating. Although not shown in FIG. 1, in one example, one or more temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air may be placed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (106).

[0054] The air conditioner (1) may include an outdoor fan (106a) that generates forced circulation of outdoor air to ensure smooth heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (106). The outdoor fan (106a) may be positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (106). Although not specifically illustrated, the outdoor fan (106a) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor fan (106a) may provide driving force to the blower fan via a shaft.

[0055] The electronic expansion valve (154) can expand the refrigerant and change it into a low-temperature, low-pressure state. The electronic expansion valve (154) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (106) when operating in cooling mode. The electronic expansion valve (154) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger (152) when operating in heating mode. In one example, the electronic expansion valve (154) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The electronic expansion valve (154) can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can have its temperature and pressure lowered. In one example, the electronic expansion valve (154) can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve that can control the opening ratio (an electronic expansion valve that can control the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). In such a case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve (154) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. In one example, the electronic expansion valve (154) can be implemented as a capillary device.

[0056] An accumulator (110) may be placed between the suction side (102b) of the compressor (102) and a four-way valve (104). Through the four-way valve (104), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from an indoor heat exchanger (152) or an outdoor heat exchanger (106) may be introduced into the accumulator (110). When a refrigerant mixed with refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator (110) may separate the refrigerant gas and the refrigerant liquid, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the suction side (102b) of the compressor (102).

[0057] The indoor heat exchanger (152) can allow heat exchange between indoor air and refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger (152) can be placed indoors. In the indoor heat exchanger (152), heat exchange can occur between the refrigerant and indoor air by a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (152). For example, during cooling mode operation, the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve (154) can flow into the indoor heat exchanger (152) and evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (152). While the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (152), latent heat can be absorbed from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the surrounding air. During heating mode operation, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor (102) can flow into the indoor heat exchanger (152) and condense, releasing latent heat to the indoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat exchanger (152) may include a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged to increase the heat exchange area.

[0058] During cooling mode operation, due to heat exchange between the surrounding indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (152), water vapor contained in the air may condense and liquefy to form droplets on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (152). The condensate formed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (152) may fall downward. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (1) may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (152) to collect the condensate falling from the indoor heat exchanger (152). The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger (152) from below, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The air conditioner (1) may include an indoor fan (152a) that generates forced circulation of indoor air so that heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger (152) can be smoothly performed. The indoor fan (152a) may be arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (152). Although not specifically illustrated, in one example, the indoor fan (152a) may be arranged downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (152) based on the air flow direction in the space where the indoor fan (152a) is installed, but this document is not limited thereto. The indoor fan (152a) may include one or more blower fans and a fan motor. The fan motor of the indoor fan (152a) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft.

[0060] In one example, the blower fan may include one of an axial fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the direction of the rotation axis, a diagonal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air between the axial and radial directions, a centrifugal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the circumferential direction, and a crossflow fan, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0061] The indoor temperature detection unit (158) can detect the indoor temperature. The indoor temperature detection unit (158) can be installed inside and outside the indoor unit (150). For example, the indoor temperature detection unit (158) can include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (150). In one example, the indoor temperature detection unit (158) can include a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (150) (e.g., the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger (152), etc.). For example, the indoor temperature detection unit (158) can include respective refrigerant temperature detection sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger (152), but this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature detection unit (158) can be transmitted to the integrated control unit (200) (e.g., processor) described below.

[0062] In this disclosure, the air conditioner (1) is described primarily as having refrigeration cycle-related components, but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner may be configured using a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool or heat the surrounding air through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0063] An air conditioner (1) may include one or more outdoor units (100) installed outdoors and one or more indoor units (150) installed indoors. In one example, the compressor (102), the outdoor heat exchanger (106), and the electronic expansion valve (154) described above may be arranged in the outdoor unit (100). In one example, the indoor heat exchanger (152) described above may be arranged in the indoor unit (150). However, the arrangement positions of each of the components described above are not limited. For example, the position of the electronic expansion valve (154) is not limited to the outdoor unit (100), and may be arranged in the indoor unit (150) as needed.

[0064] In this document, the air conditioner (1) is described mainly as a separate type having an outdoor unit (100) installed separately outdoors and an indoor unit (150) installed indoors, but this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner (1) may be configured as an integrated type in which a compressor (102), an outdoor heat exchanger (106), an electronic expansion valve (154), and an indoor heat exchanger (152) are placed in a single case placed indoors.

[0065] In the case of a separate type air conditioner (1), the outdoor unit (100) can be connected to the indoor unit (150) so as to be in fluid communication with it through a refrigerant pipe. The outdoor unit (100) can be communicatively connected to the indoor unit (150). In one example, control information (or commands) of the air conditioner (1) input by a user or received from the outside can be transmitted from the indoor unit (150) to the outdoor unit (100).

[0066] In the case of an air conditioner including multiple indoor units (150), some of the indoor units (150) can be operated simultaneously and individually in cooling mode, and the remaining some of the indoor units (150) can be operated in heating mode. When operating multiple indoor units (150), in order to effectively respond to the cooling or heating load according to the number of indoor units (150) being operated, the air conditioner can use multiple compressors or multiple outdoor units (100) connected in parallel with each other.

[0067] The air conditioner (1) can be classified according to the installation type / location of the indoor unit (150). For example, the air conditioner can be classified into a stand-alone type in which the indoor unit (150) is placed upright in an indoor space, a wall-mounted type in which the indoor unit (150) is installed to be attached to a wall, and a ceiling type in which the indoor unit is installed on the ceiling. In one example, the air conditioner (1) includes a plurality of indoor units (150), some of the indoor units (150) may be configured as stand-alone types, and some of the indoor units (150) may be configured as wall-mounted types, and this document is not limited to a specific type.

[0068] FIG. 2a illustrates a block configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2b illustrates a desired current according to a current level according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2a, the air conditioner (1) may include an indoor unit (150), an outdoor unit (100) connected to the indoor unit (150) through at least one pipe, and an integrated control unit (200) that controls the indoor unit (150) and the outdoor unit (100).

[0070] The outdoor unit (100) may include an outdoor temperature detection unit (114), a compressor discharge temperature detection unit (112), a current detection unit (204), a storage unit (206), a compressor drive control unit (210), an outdoor fan control unit (212), a 4-way valve control unit (214), and an electronic expansion valve control unit (260) that are electrically connected to communicate with the outdoor unit control unit (202). In addition, the outdoor unit (100) may include an outdoor unit power supply unit (216) that supplies power to the outdoor unit (100). The outdoor temperature detection unit (114) and the compressor discharge temperature detection unit (112) are as described above in FIG. 1.

[0071] The current detection unit (204) can measure the operating current of the outdoor unit (100). The storage unit (206) stores data (temperature detection value, valve opening value, etc.) generated during the operation of the air conditioner (1) and stores software, etc. required for the operation of the air conditioner (1). The compressor drive control unit (210) can control the operation of the compressor (102). The outdoor fan control unit (212) can control the operation (on / off) and rotation speed of the outdoor fan (106a). The 4-way valve control unit (214) can perform opening / closing and opening degree adjustment of the 4-way valve (104). The electronic expansion valve control unit (260) can control the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve (154) in response to a control command of the outdoor unit control unit (202).

[0072] The indoor unit (150) may include an indoor heat exchanger temperature detection unit (156), an indoor temperature detection unit (158), an input unit (254), an indoor fan control unit (256), and a display unit (258) that are electrically connected to enable communication with the indoor unit control unit (252). In addition, the indoor unit (150) may include an outdoor unit power supply unit (260) that supplies power to the indoor unit (150). The indoor heat exchanger temperature detection unit (156) and the indoor temperature detection unit (158) are as described above in FIG. 1.

[0073] The input unit (254) is for a user or installer to issue a command to control the air conditioner (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and may include buttons or keys for issuing basic operation control commands of the air conditioner (1). In this case, the input unit (254) may be provided on the main body of the indoor unit (150), depending on the embodiment.

[0074] Additionally, the input unit (254) may, depending on the embodiment, include a control device (e.g., a remote control) provided separately from the main body of the indoor unit (150) and a receiver that receives a wireless signal from the control device. At this time, the control device may include a plurality of buttons for user input and a display that displays control contents.

[0075] The indoor fan control unit (256) can control the operation (on / off) and rotation speed of the indoor fan (152a). Meanwhile, the input unit (254) can be configured to receive a target temperature and a power-saving command. The target temperature may refer to the indoor temperature desired by the user. The power-saving command may include multiple power-saving rates as described below and may refer to a command to reduce the operation of the compressor.

[0076] The display unit (258) can display the operating status of the air conditioner (1) and guidance messages or warnings that occur during the operation of the air conditioner (1). If the indoor unit (150) is a stand-alone type, the display unit (258) can be an LCD panel. If the indoor unit (150) is a wall-mounted type, the display unit (258) can be a light-emitting element such as an LED. In addition, the display unit (258) can include a speaker.

[0077] The network module (262) can support signal transmission and reception with the outside world. In one example, the network module (262) can receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one example, the network module (262) can include one or more modules that connect the air conditioner (1) to one or more networks. In one example, the network module (262) can include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0078] The integrated control unit (200) may include an outdoor unit control unit and an indoor unit control unit. The outdoor unit control unit (202) may control at least one of an outdoor temperature detection unit (114), a compressor discharge temperature detection unit (112), a current detection unit (204), a storage unit (206), a compressor drive control unit (210), an outdoor fan control unit (212), a 4-way valve control unit (214), and an electronic expansion valve control unit (260). The indoor unit control unit (252) may control at least one of an indoor heat exchanger temperature detection unit (156), an indoor temperature detection unit (158), an input unit (254), an indoor fan control unit (256), and a display unit (258).

[0079] The integrated control unit (200) may include a processor and memory. In one example, the memory may store control algorithms and related data for operating the air conditioner (1). In one example, the processor may generate operation control commands for one or more components of the air conditioner (1) based on information stored in the memory and information acquired from other components.

[0080] In one embodiment, the integrated control unit (200) of the present disclosure can control energy consumption by controlling the driving current based on a desired current according to a user input. For example, the integrated control unit (200) can receive the desired current according to the user input, and control the driving current within a predetermined range by changing the driving frequency of the compressor based on the desired current. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the integrated control unit (200) can receive the desired current corresponding to at least one of the first to seventh current levels based on the user input. For example, the desired current can be a current value in the range of 3 A to 9 A. For example, the driving current can be controlled to a current value lower than the desired current. For example, the integrated control unit (200) can change the driving frequency of the compressor so that the driving current has a current value between the desired current and the hold current. The integrated control unit (200) can control the energy consumption consumed by the air conditioner (1) by controlling the driving current based on the desired current.

[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates an operation sequence of an air conditioner in a current limiting mode according to one embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates a control device in which a desired current is displayed according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates a display unit of an air conditioner in which a desired current is displayed according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 illustrates a driving current region between a maximum current line and a hold current line according to one embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner (1) can enter a current limiting mode (operation 310), receive a desired current according to a user input (operation 320), and determine whether to perform either a cooling operation or a heating operation (operation 330). When the air conditioner (1) is in heating operation, the air conditioner (1) can control the rotation speed of an indoor fan based on the indoor temperature (operation 340). The air conditioner (1) can control the driving current (operation 350) by changing the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the desired current.

[0083] For example, in operation 310, the air conditioner (1) may enter a current limiting mode. The current limiting mode may be an operating mode that limits the current consumption of the air conditioner (1) to a predetermined current value or less. For example, the air conditioner (1) may be operated in either a normal mode that does not limit the current consumption or a current limiting mode. In the normal mode, the air conditioner (1) may perform a cooling operation or a heating operation based on at least one of an outdoor temperature, an indoor temperature, and a user setting without limiting the current consumption. In the current limiting mode, the air conditioner (1) may limit the current consumption to a predetermined current value or less and perform a cooling operation or a heating operation based on at least one of an outdoor temperature, an indoor temperature, and a user setting within the limited current value range. In this way, when limiting the current consumption in the current limiting mode, the air conditioner (1) may minimize malfunctions that occur when the supply current supplied to the air conditioner (1) is changed.

[0084] According to an example, in operation 320, the air conditioner (1) can receive a desired current according to a user input. For example, the air conditioner (1) can receive the desired current according to the user input through the input unit (254). For example, the air conditioner (1) can receive the desired current according to the user input through a control device (e.g., a remote control). For example, the air conditioner (1) can receive the desired current according to the user input through an online application. The desired current can be a current value in the range of 3 A to 9 A. For example, the desired current can have a current value corresponding to at least one of a first current level to a seventh current level considering the supply current of the air conditioner (1).

[0085] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (1) can display the desired current on at least one of the display portions of the control device and the indoor unit (150). For example, in current limit mode, at least one of the current level and the desired current can be displayed on at least one of the display portions of the control device and the indoor unit (150).

[0086] As shown in Fig. 4, the input unit (254) can display the current level and the desired current based on the user input. For example, the input unit (254) can be implemented as a control device (e.g., a remote control). The control device can include a plurality of button units (254a) for user input and a display unit (254b) for displaying control contents. In particular, the button unit (254a) can include a current limit mode execution button (254a-1) for manually entering the current limit mode. For example, the user can manually enter the current limit mode by pressing the current limit mode execution button (254a-1). When the control device receives an input for entering the current limit mode through the current limit mode execution button (254a-1) during cooling or heating operation, the control device can display the desired current in the desired current display area (254b-1) and the current level in the current level display area (254b-2).

[0087] As shown in Fig. 5, the display unit of the indoor unit (150) can display at least one of the current level and the desired current based on a user input. For example, when the air conditioner (1) is driven at the sixth current level in the current limit mode, the display unit of the indoor unit (150) can display a message (M5) indicating a current value (e.g., 8 A) corresponding to the sixth current level. In this way, the air conditioner (1) can provide the user with a simple and intuitive current limit mode operation by displaying at least one of the current level and the desired current on at least one of the control device and the display unit of the indoor unit (150) in the current limit mode.

[0088] For example, in operation 330, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether to perform either a cooling operation or a heating operation. For example, the air conditioner (1) can perform a cooling operation based on a user input. For example, the air conditioner (1) can perform a heating operation based on a user input. For example, the air conditioner (1) can automatically determine whether to perform either a cooling operation or a heating operation based on at least one of an indoor temperature, an outdoor temperature, and an indoor humidity.

[0089] For example, in operation 340, the air conditioner (1) can control the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the indoor temperature during heating operation. For example, the air conditioner (1) can calculate the discharge temperature according to the indoor temperature during heating operation. The air conditioner (1) can control the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the discharge temperature. In this way, the air conditioner (1) can optimize the heating efficiency by considering the perceived heating in the current limit mode by controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan in consideration of the discharge temperature according to the indoor temperature during heating operation.

[0090] In one example, at operation 350, the air conditioner (1) can control the driving current by changing the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the desired current. For example, the air conditioner (1) can change the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the desired current so that the driving current has a current value between a maximum current corresponding to the outdoor temperature and a hold current corresponding to the outdoor temperature. The maximum current may mean a maximum current for driving the air conditioner (1) based on at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the user setting. The hold current may mean a minimum current for driving the air conditioner (1) based on at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the user setting.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 6, as the outdoor temperature changes, the maximum current and hold current of the air conditioner (1) may change. In order to protect the system of the air conditioner (1), such as the driving element and internal circuit, the maximum current and hold current may be relatively lowered as the outdoor temperature increases. For example, the maximum current may be relatively lower at a low outdoor temperature (e.g., T OUT1 Below) the first maximum current (A MAX1 ) can be. The maximum current can be set at the outdoor temperature when the driving limit start temperature (T OUT1 ) and the driving limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) can be gradually reduced as the temperature increases. The maximum current can be increased at relatively high outdoor temperatures (e.g., T OUT2 In the above), the second maximum current (A) MAX2 ) may be. Similarly, the hold current (A HOLD ) is maintained constant below the driving limit start temperature, and the driving limit start temperature (T OUT1 ) and the driving limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) gradually decreases as the outdoor temperature increases, and the operating limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) can be maintained constant again. As shown in Fig. 6, the maximum current (A) according to the outdoor temperature MAX ) is represented as a line, a maximum current line can be formed. As shown in Fig. 6, the hold current (A) according to the outdoor temperature HOLD) can be represented as a line, a hold current line can be formed. The area between the maximum current line and the hold current line can be a driving current area. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine a current value corresponding to a predetermined outdoor temperature among the driving current areas as the driving current. Meanwhile, the maximum current line and the maximum current can be changed based on a desired current according to a user input in the current limit mode. For example, in the current limit mode, the maximum current line can be formed low based on the desired current.

[0092] The air conditioner (1) can change the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the desired current. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine a target current based on the desired current and control the driving current to the target current. For example, when the desired current is relatively large, the air conditioner (1) can increase the driving frequency of the compressor (102). When the driving frequency increases, the compressor rotation speed can increase. When the compressor rotation speed increases, the driving current can increase. For example, when the desired current is relatively small, the air conditioner (1) can decrease the driving frequency of the compressor (102). When the driving frequency decreases, the compressor rotation speed can decrease. When the compressor rotation speed decreases, the driving current can decrease. In this way, the air conditioner (1) of the present disclosure can control energy consumption by controlling the driving current based on the desired current according to a user input in a current limiting mode.

[0093] FIG. 7 illustrates an operation sequence for controlling the rotation speed of an indoor fan in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, and FIG. 8 illustrates the rotation speed of an indoor fan according to a range of discharge temperatures according to one embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the air conditioner (1) can detect the indoor temperature (operation 710) when the heating is in operation, calculate the discharge temperature according to the indoor temperature (operation 720), and control the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the discharge temperature (operation 730).

[0095] For example, in operation 710, the air conditioner (1) can detect the indoor temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1) can detect the indoor temperature using an indoor temperature detection unit (e.g., 158). The indoor temperature detection unit can include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (150). The indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature detection unit can be transmitted to the integrated control unit (200).

[0096] For example, in operation 720, the air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T) according to the indoor temperature. DISCHARGE ) can be calculated. For example, the integrated control unit (200) can calculate the discharge temperature (T) based on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature detection unit. DISCHARGE ) can be calculated. For example, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) can be calculated based on at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the rotation speed of the indoor fan. For example, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) can increase or decrease in proportion to the room temperature. For example, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) can increase or decrease in proportion to the outdoor temperature. For example, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) may decrease as the rotation speed of the indoor fan increases. For example, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) may increase as the rotation speed of the indoor fan decreases.

[0097] For example, at operation 730, the air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE) can be used to control the rotation speed of the indoor fan. When heating is in operation, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) is high, the perceived heating may increase as the indoor fan rotation speed increases. On the other hand, when heating is in operation, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) is low, the perceived heating may decrease as the rotation speed of the indoor fan increases. Therefore, when considering perceived heating, the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) it is necessary to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the indoor fan.

[0098] Specifically, the air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) can reduce the rotation speed of the indoor fan. In addition, the air conditioner (1) can reduce the discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) can increase the rotation speed of the indoor fan. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) is the first room temperature (T IN1 ) is lower than the ambient temperature, the rotation speed of the indoor fan can be minimized (e.g., low wind). The air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) is the first room temperature (T IN1 ) is higher than the second indoor temperature (T IN2 ) is lower than the ambient temperature, the rotation speed of the indoor fan can be set to an intermediate level (e.g., blowing). The air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) is the second room temperature (T IN2 ) is higher than the third room temperature (T IN3 ) is lower than the indoor fan speed, the indoor fan rotation speed can be set to a high speed stage (e.g. strong wind). The air conditioner (1) has a discharge temperature (T DISCHARGE ) is the third room temperature (T IN3 ) can maximize the rotation speed of the indoor fan (e.g. turbo).

[0099] Meanwhile, the air conditioner (1) can control the rotation speed of the indoor fan again when the desired current changes in the current limiting mode.

[0100] In this way, the air conditioner (1) operates the heating operation and the discharge temperature (T) according to the indoor temperature DISCHARGE ) by controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan, the heating efficiency can be optimized by taking into account the perceived heating in the current limiting mode.

[0101] FIG. 9 illustrates an operation sequence for controlling a driving current of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, FIG. 10 illustrates a target current determined within a driving current range according to one embodiment, and FIG. 11 illustrates a driving current converging to a target current according to a change in a driving frequency of a compressor according to one embodiment.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the air conditioner (1) can change the maximum current line based on the desired current (operation 910), determine the target current based on the outdoor temperature (operation 920), and change the driving frequency of the compressor (102) so that the driving current has a current value between the target current and the hold current (operation 930 to operation 970).

[0103] For example, in operation 910, the air conditioner (1) can change the maximum current line based on the desired current. Maximum current (A MAX ) may mean the maximum current to drive the air conditioner (1) based on at least one of indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and user setting. Maximum current (A MAX ) is maintained constant below the driving limit start temperature, and the driving limit start temperature (T OUT1 ) and the driving limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) gradually decreases as the outdoor temperature increases, and the operating limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) can be maintained constant again. Maximum current (A) according to outdoor temperatureMAX ) is represented as a line, a maximum current line can be formed. The hold current may mean the minimum current for driving the air conditioner (1) based on at least one of the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the user setting. The hold current (A HOLD ) is maintained constant below the driving limit start temperature, and the driving limit start temperature (T OUT1 ) and the driving limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) gradually decreases as the outdoor temperature increases, and the operating limit saturation temperature (T OUT2 ) can be maintained constant again. Hold current (A) according to outdoor temperature HOLD ) is represented as a line, a hold current line can be formed. The maximum current line and the maximum current are in the current limit mode, and the desired current (A) according to the user input DESIRE ) can be changed based on the user input. For example, referring to Fig. 10, in the current limit mode, the top of the maximum current line is the desired current (A) according to the user input. DESIRE ) can be limited to. Similarly, the top of the hold current line is the desired current (A) according to user input. DESIRE ) based on changes (e.g. A HOLD' ) can be. For example, in current limit mode, the driving current range is the desired current (A DESIRE ) and the maximum current line and desired current (A) DESIRE ) can be changed to the area between the hold current lines.

[0104] For example, in operation 920, the air conditioner (1) can determine the target current based on the outdoor temperature. The air conditioner (1) can determine the desired current (A DESIRE ) and the maximum current line changed according to the current outdoor temperature (T A ) can determine the target current based on the outdoor temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine the target current based on the outdoor temperature (T) in the driving current range according to the outdoor temperature.A ) corresponding to the target current (A) TARGET ) can be determined. For example, the target current (A TARGET ) is the desired current (A) DESIRE ) and hold current (A HOLD' ) can have a current value between .

[0105] For example, in operation 930 to operation 970, the air conditioner (1) operates at a driving current of the target current (A TARGET ) and hold current (A HOLD' ) can change the driving frequency of the compressor (102) to have a current value between the target current (A). The air conditioner (1) has a driving current of TARGET ) can be determined (operation 930) whether the driving current is less than the target current (A TARGET ) is greater than, the air conditioner (1) can reduce the driving frequency of the compressor (102) (operation 940). When the driving frequency is reduced, the compressor rotation speed can be reduced. When the compressor rotation speed is reduced, the driving current can be reduced. The driving current is greater than the target current (A TARGET ), the air conditioner (1) operates at a driving current less than the holding current (A HOLD' ) can be determined (operation 950). The driving current is the hold current (A HOLD' ) is less than, the air conditioner (1) can increase the driving frequency of the compressor (102) (operation 960). When the driving frequency increases, the compressor rotation speed can increase. When the compressor rotation speed increases, the driving current can increase. The driving current is greater than the hold current (A HOLD') or more, the air conditioner (1) can maintain the driving frequency of the compressor (102) (operation 970). If the driving frequency is maintained, the compressor rotation speed can be maintained. If the compressor rotation speed is maintained, the driving current can be maintained. As shown in Fig. 11, the driving current of the air conditioner (1) changes the target current (A) as the air conditioner (1) changes the driving frequency of the compressor (102). TARGET ) can converge.

[0106] Figure 12 illustrates an operation sequence for controlling the driving current of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature changes according to one embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 12, the air conditioner (1) can change the maximum current line based on the desired current (operation 1210), determine the target current based on the outdoor temperature (operation 1220), and change the driving frequency of the compressor (102) so that the driving current has a current value between the target current and the hold current (operations 1230 to 1270). In addition, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the outdoor temperature has changed (operation 1280).

[0108] For example, in operation 1280, the air conditioner (1) determines whether the outdoor temperature has changed, and if the outdoor temperature has changed, the air conditioner (1) can redetermine the target current based on the changed outdoor temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine the desired current (A DESIRE ) can be re-determined based on the changed maximum current line and the changed outdoor temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1) can determine the target current (A) corresponding to the changed outdoor temperature in the driving current range according to the changed outdoor temperature. TARGET ) can be re-determined. The air conditioner (1) has a driving current of the target current (A TARGET ) and hold current (A HOLD') can be changed again to have a current value between .

[0109] Figure 13 illustrates the current limiting mode entry operation of the air conditioner when the national power is cut off according to one embodiment.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 13, the air conditioner (1) can detect the national power supply (operation 1310) and determine whether the national power supply is cut off (operation 1320). For example, the national power supply may refer to AC power supplied by a national power plant. The air conditioner (1) can perform different operations depending on whether the national power supply is cut off. For example, the air conditioner (1) includes a national power supply detection unit (e.g., a power detection kit) and can determine whether the national power supply is cut off based on a signal input to the national power supply detection unit.

[0111] In one embodiment, if the national power supply is not cut off, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether to manually enter the current limit mode (operation 1330). If the current limit mode is not manually entered, the air conditioner (1) can be driven in the normal mode (operation 1340). If the current limit mode is manually entered, the air conditioner (1) can receive a desired current according to a user input (operation 1350) and be driven in the current limit mode (operation 1380). For example, if the current limit mode is not manually entered, the air conditioner (1) can perform a cooling operation or a heating operation based on at least one of the outdoor temperature, the indoor temperature, and the user setting without limiting the consumption current. For example, if the current limit mode is manually entered, the air conditioner (1) can limit the driving current based on the desired current according to the user input, and perform a cooling operation or a heating operation based on at least one of the outdoor temperature, the indoor temperature, and the user setting within the limited current value range.

[0112] In one embodiment, when the national power is cut off, the air conditioner (1) can automatically enter the current limiting mode (operation 1360). When automatically entering the current limiting mode, the air conditioner (1) can automatically set the desired current to the first current level (operation 1370) and operate in the current limiting mode (operation 1380).

[0113] For example, in operation 1360, the air conditioner (1) can automatically enter current limiting mode. In the event of a national power outage, the air conditioner (1) can receive current from a private power plant or an external power plant other than the national power plant. The air conditioner (1) constantly detects the national power supply, and in the event of a national power outage, can automatically enter current limiting mode to receive current from the private power plant or an external power plant.

[0114] For example, in operation 1370, the air conditioner (1) can automatically set the desired current to a first current level. For example, the air conditioner (1) can automatically set the desired current to the first current level (e.g., 3 A) which is the lowest level. For example, the air conditioner (1) can limit the driving current based on the desired current of the first current level, and perform cooling driving or heating driving based on at least one of the outdoor temperature, the indoor temperature, and the user setting within the limited current value range. For example, when the desired current changes according to a user input in the current limiting mode, the air conditioner (1) can control the driving current based on the desired current changed according to the user input.

[0115] Figure 14 illustrates the operation sequence of the air conditioner when the desired current is changed according to one embodiment.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 14, the air conditioner (1) can enter a current limit mode (operation 1410), receive a desired current according to a user input (operation 1420), and determine whether to perform either a cooling operation or a heating operation (operation 1430). When the air conditioner (1) is in heating operation, the air conditioner (1) can control the rotation speed of an indoor fan based on the indoor temperature (operation 1440). The air conditioner (1) can control the driving current (operation 1450) by changing the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the desired current. In addition, the air conditioner (1) can determine whether the desired current has changed (operation 1460).

[0117] For example, in operation 1460, the air conditioner (1) determines whether the desired current has changed, and if the desired current has changed, determines again whether to perform either the cooling operation or the heating operation, and controls the driving current by re-changing the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the changed desired current. For example, the air conditioner (1) can control the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the changed desired current and the indoor temperature during the heating operation. For example, the air conditioner (1) can control the driving current by changing the driving frequency of the compressor (102) based on the changed desired current.

[0118] Figure 15 illustrates an interface for receiving a desired current using an online application, and Figure 16 illustrates an operation for determining a target current based on the total current limit and the total consumption current.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the air conditioner (1) can receive a desired current according to a user input from an online application. For example, a user can access the online application using an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) and transmit at least one of a current level and a desired current to a server on the online application. For example, the online application can include a 3D map including information on the arrangement of the air conditioner (1) in an indoor space. The air conditioner (1) can receive at least one of the current level and the desired current for the air conditioner (1) from the server based on the online application.

[0120] In one embodiment, the desired current may include the total current limit of at least one home appliance registered in the online application. For example, the desired current may refer to the current limit for the total current consumption of at least one home appliance placed in an indoor space. For example, a user may transmit the desired current for the total current consumption of at least one home appliance placed in an indoor space to an IoT server. The at least one home appliance placed in the indoor space may be connected via the IoT server and communicate with each other.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 16, the current consumption of at least one home appliance in an indoor space can be calculated and displayed on an online application. The air conditioner (1) can receive information on the total current consumption of at least one external home appliance. For example, the air conditioner (1) can receive the total current consumption of at least one other home appliance excluding the air conditioner (1) based on an IoT server. The air conditioner (1) can calculate the difference between the total current limit and the total current consumption of at least one external home appliance, and determine the difference between the total current limit and the total current consumption as the target current. For example, the air conditioner (1) can set the difference obtained by subtracting the total current consumption of the external home appliance from the total current limit as the target current. In this way, when the target current of the air conditioner (1) is set based on the total current consumption using an online application, the target current of each home appliance can be optimized for various environments of the indoor space, thereby efficiently controlling the operating current of the home appliance.

[0122] In this way, the air conditioner (1) of the present disclosure can control energy consumption by controlling the driving current based on the desired current according to the user input in the current limit mode. In addition, the air conditioner (1) can optimize heating efficiency by considering the perceived heating in the current limit mode by controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan in consideration of the discharge temperature according to the indoor temperature during heating operation. However, since this has been described above, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood to include plural components unless the context clearly indicates only the singular. It should be understood that the term "and / or" used herein encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. The terms "comprise," "have," "consist of," and the like used herein are intended to specify that a feature, component, part, or combination thereof described in this disclosure exists, and the use of such terms does not exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. In this document, phrases such as "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" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0124] The term "part" or "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. The "part" or "module" may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit or part of the component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, the "part" or "module" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0125] The term “if” as used in various embodiments of this document may be interpreted to mean “when”, “when”, “in response to determining”, or “in response to detecting”, depending on the context. Similarly, “if it is determined that” or “if ~ is detected” may be interpreted to mean “upon determining”, “in response to determining”, or “upon detecting”, or “in response to detecting”, depending on the context.

[0126] The program executed by the electronic device described in this document may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. The program may be executed by any system capable of executing computer-readable instructions.

[0127] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or command the processing device, independently or collectively. The software may be implemented as a computer program including instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium. Examples of the computer-readable storage medium include magnetic storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), floppy disks, hard disks, etc.) and optical reading media (e.g., CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs)). The computer-readable storage medium may be distributed across network-connected computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed manner. The computer program may be stored on an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0128] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the air conditioner, indoor unit; An outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit through at least one pipe; and Including a processor that controls at least one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, The above processor, When entering current limit mode, the desired current according to user input is received, Determines whether to perform cooling or heating operation, By changing the driving frequency of the compressor based on the desired current, the driving current is controlled. Air conditioner.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Changing the driving frequency of the compressor so that the driving current has a current value between the maximum current corresponding to the outdoor temperature and the hold current corresponding to the outdoor temperature based on the desired current. Air conditioner.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, Receive the desired current corresponding to at least one of the first to seventh current levels based on the user input; Displaying the desired current on at least one of the control device and the display unit of the indoor unit; Air conditioner.

4. In paragraph 2, The above processor, When the heating is running, the rotation speed of the indoor fan is controlled based on the indoor temperature. Air conditioner.

5. In paragraph 4, The above processor, Detect the above indoor temperature, Calculate the discharge temperature according to the above indoor temperature, Controlling the rotation speed of the indoor fan based on the discharge temperature. Air conditioner.

6. In paragraph 5, The above processor, The lower the discharge temperature, the lower the rotation speed of the indoor fan. The higher the discharge temperature, the higher the rotation speed of the indoor fan. Air conditioner.

7. In paragraph 2, The above processor, Change the maximum current line based on the above desired current, Determine the target current based on the above outdoor temperature, Controlling the driving frequency of the compressor so that the driving current has a current value between the target current and the hold current, Air conditioner.

8. In paragraph 7, The above processor, When the outdoor temperature changes, the target current is re-determined based on the changed outdoor temperature. Air conditioner.

9. In paragraph 2, The above processor, Detects national power input from outside, In the event of a power outage in the above country, it automatically enters the current limiting mode. Air conditioner.

10. In paragraph 9, The above processor, When automatically entering the above current limit mode, the desired current is automatically set to the first current level. Air conditioner.

11. In paragraph 1, The above processor, If the above desired current changes, it is re-determined whether to perform cooling operation or heating operation. By re-changing the driving frequency of the compressor based on the changed desired current, the driving current is controlled. Air conditioner.

12. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Receive the desired current according to the user input from the online application, Automatically determines the target current based on the above desired current, Air conditioner.

13. In paragraph 12, The above desired current is, Contains the overall current limit of at least one home appliance registered in the above online application, The above processor, Calculate the difference between the total current limit and the total current consumption of at least one external appliance, The difference between the total current limit and the total consumption current is determined as the target current. Air conditioner.

14. In the control method of an air conditioner, Action to enter current limiting mode; An action to receive a desired current based on user input; An operation for determining whether to perform either cooling or heating operation; and An operation for controlling the driving current by changing the driving frequency of the compressor based on the desired current, Method of controlling an air conditioner.

15. In paragraph 14, The operation of controlling the above driving current is: Changing the driving frequency of the compressor so that the driving current has a current value between the maximum current corresponding to the outdoor temperature and the hold current corresponding to the outdoor temperature based on the desired current. Method of controlling an air conditioner.

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