Air conditioner control method and apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application discloses an air conditioner control method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. An air conditioner comprises an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage module; a refrigerant pipe is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; and an electric valve is provided on the refrigerant pipe. The method comprises: acquiring a power supply state indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on or not; and if it is determined, on the basis of the power supply state, that the air conditioner has been powered on, generating first instruction information, wherein the first instruction information is used for instructing the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode.

Description

Air conditioner control method, device, equipment and storage medium

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202311592199.7 and application date of November 24, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of control technology, and in particular to a control method, device, equipment and storage medium for an air conditioner. Background Art

[0004] At present, air conditioners achieve cooling and heating by circulating refrigerant in the piping system for heat exchange. However, due to the flammable and explosive properties of refrigerant, air conditioners have certain safety hazards.

[0005] To ensure air conditioner safety, they are equipped with electric valves. These valves are commonly used in air conditioners. The air conditioner can control the valve's opening by sending pulse signals or turning the power on and off, thereby interrupting and opening the flow path. Generally, the valve is set to a preset state before the air conditioner shuts down. Electric valves can also be used to control the flow of refrigerant. For example, when the air conditioner is not operating, to prevent refrigerant from accumulating inside the room, an energy storage circuit is required to drive the valve, effectively closing it. However, in practice, there's often no guarantee that the energy storage circuit will have enough energy to close the valve in time when the air conditioner is not operating, resulting in insufficient safety.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, embodiments of the present application provide a control method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for an air conditioner, aiming to improve the safety of the air conditioner.

[0008] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0009] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage module, a refrigerant pipeline being provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and an electric valve being provided on the refrigerant pipeline, the method comprising:

[0010] obtaining a power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on;

[0011] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, first indication information is generated, where the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0013] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is not powered on, first control information is generated, and the first control information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a discharge mode to supply power to the electric valve and control the electric valve to close.

[0014] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the method further includes:

[0015] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, second indication information is generated, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct each of the electronic expansion valves to reset in sequence first, and then the electric valve to reset and close the electric valve; or

[0016] It is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first and close the electric valve, and then each electronic expansion valve is reset in turn.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0018] When it is determined that the energy storage module is fully charged, each electronic expansion valve is fully reset, and the electric valve is fully closed, fourth indication information is generated, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to operate to a set opening.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0020] When it is determined that the electric valve has been operated to a set opening, second control information is generated in response to the power-on instruction information of the air conditioner, and the second control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the method further includes:

[0022] If it is determined that the energy storage module is fully charged, fifth indication information or sixth indication information is generated, wherein the fifth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to be reset first and then the electronic expansion valves to be reset in sequence;

[0023] The sixth instruction information is used to instruct the electronic expansion valves to reset in sequence first and then the electric valve to reset.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0025] When it is determined that the electric valve and each of the electronic expansion valves have been reset, third control information is generated in response to a power-on instruction of the air conditioner, and the third control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0026] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a control device for an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage module, a refrigerant pipeline being provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, an electric valve being provided on the refrigerant pipeline, the control device comprising:

[0027] an acquisition module configured to acquire a power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on;

[0028] The determination module is configured to determine that the air conditioner is powered on based on the power supply status, and then generate first indication information, where the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control device is arranged on the external unit mainboard of the air conditioner, and the control device includes: a controller, a power supply circuit and a storage circuit; wherein, the power supply circuit is used to convert and process the external power supply and supply power to the controller, and the energy storage circuit is arranged between the output end of the power supply circuit and the power supply end of the controller.

[0030] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor, wherein:

[0031] The processor is configured to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect when running a computer program.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the first aspect are implemented.

[0033] The technical solution provided by an embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an energy storage module. A refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and an electric valve is provided on the refrigerant pipeline. The method includes: obtaining a power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on; determining that the air conditioner is powered on based on the power supply status, and then generating first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode. In this way, by providing the energy storage module with the air conditioner and controlling the energy storage module to charge in advance when the air conditioner is powered on, the energy storage module is ensured to have sufficient energy to drive the air conditioner and control the electric valve, thereby improving the safety of the air conditioner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air-conditioning control system provided in an application example of the present application;

[0037] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a power failure backup power supply system for an air-conditioning controller provided in an application example of the present application;

[0038] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structural principle of an energy storage circuit provided in an application example of the present application;

[0039] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the working process of a charging BUCK circuit provided in an application example of the present application;

[0040] FIG7 is a flow chart of a first power-on control scheme for an air conditioner with an energy storage circuit provided in an application example of the present application;

[0041] FIG8 is a flow chart of a second air conditioner power-on control scheme with an energy storage circuit provided in an application example of the present application;

[0042] FIG9 is a flow chart of a third air conditioner power-on control scheme with an energy storage circuit provided in an application example of the present application;

[0043] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a control device for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Indoor unit 1; Outdoor unit 2; Electric valve 3; Electronic expansion valve 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application.

[0048] An embodiment of the present application provides an air conditioner, as shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner includes: an indoor unit 1, an outdoor unit 2 and an energy storage module, a refrigerant pipeline is arranged between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2, an electric valve 3 is arranged on the refrigerant pipeline, and the air conditioner also includes an electronic expansion valve 4 arranged corresponding to the indoor unit 1.

[0049] It should be noted that air conditioners generally have a power failure backup power supply system, which includes an energy storage module. The energy storage module can use (supercapacitor or lithium battery) + BUCK circuit + BOOST circuit. For example, a control chip is set between the energy storage module and the electric valve 3. When the air conditioner is not powered on, for example, when the air conditioner is in a power-off state, the energy storage module can supply power to the control chip to drive the control chip, thereby controlling the opening and closing state of the electric valve 3. In order to ensure that the electric valve 3 can be completely closed, the energy storage module needs to have sufficient energy to drive the control chip.

[0050] Exemplarily, the operating modes of the energy storage module include a charging mode and a discharging mode. For example, when the energy storage module uses a supercapacitor to store energy, when it is determined that the capacity of the supercapacitor is insufficient, the control device will control the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode, at which time the BUCK circuit charges the supercapacitor. When a power outage is detected, the control device controls the energy storage module to switch to a discharging mode, at which time the BOOST circuit discharges outward, and the energy storage module automatically supplies power, thereby ensuring that the air conditioner can control the electric valve 3 to perform a closing action. It should be noted that the electric valve 3 is used to control the circulation of the refrigerant. For example, when the air conditioner power supply suddenly loses power, the air conditioner electronic control controls the electric valve 3 to close based on the energy storage module, ensuring that the electric valve is in a closed state, thereby avoiding leakage of the refrigerant.

[0051] It should be noted that the electronic expansion valve 4 is installed on the refrigerant branch corresponding to the indoor unit and is used to regulate the refrigerant flow through the indoor unit. In actual application, during air conditioner operation, the flow rate and flow rate of the refrigerant within the air conditioner can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the electronic expansion valve 4. The valve opening of the electronic expansion valve 4 is typically adjusted using a stepper motor. Specifically, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 4 is controlled based on a received pulse signal. The electronic expansion valve 4 generates a magnetic field through the coil, which acts on the valve needle, driving the valve needle to rotate.

[0052] It should be noted that the electronic expansion valve 4 is open-loop controlled. Open-loop control is a control method that directly applies a control signal to the controlled object without a feedback control signal to achieve the desired effect. In some embodiments, since the electronic expansion valve 4 is driven by a stepper motor, due to the stepper motor's loss of step, this may cause the actual position of the electronic expansion valve 4 to differ from the position to be achieved by the theoretical design. Therefore, the electronic expansion valve 4 needs to be reset to zero every time it is powered on. Accordingly, in order to improve the reliability of the electric valve 3, the electric valve 3 also needs to be reset to zero.

[0053] The present invention also provides a method for controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising the following steps:

[0054] Step 210: Acquire the power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on.

[0055] Here, for the air conditioner, when the power supply is able to supply power normally, the air conditioner is in a powered-on state. Correspondingly, after the air conditioner is powered on, the air conditioner can be in an on state or a standby state. When the power supply cannot supply power normally, the air conditioner is in an unpowered state, and the air conditioner is in an off state. Exemplarily, the air conditioner can obtain the power supply status based on a detection circuit, for example, based on a detected voltage and / or current signal, determine whether the power supply is connected, and further determine whether the air conditioner is powered on.

[0056] Step 220: If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, first indication information is generated, where the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to the charging mode.

[0057] Here, based on the power supply status, if it is determined that the air conditioner is powered on, a first indication message is generated, which is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode. For example, at this time, the charging BUCK circuit of the energy storage module charges the supercapacitor or lithium battery of the energy storage circuit.

[0058] In this way, by setting up an energy storage module on the air conditioner and controlling the charging of the energy storage module in advance when the air conditioner is powered on, it is ensured that the energy storage module has sufficient energy to drive the air conditioner to control the electric valve, thereby improving the safety of the air conditioner.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0060] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is not powered on, first control information is generated, and the first control information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to the discharge mode to supply power to the electric valve and control the electric valve to close.

[0061] Here, based on the power supply status, it is determined that the air conditioner is not powered on, which indicates that the air conditioner is not powered on and may be in a power-off state. Then, first control information is generated. The first control information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a discharge mode to supply power to the electric valve and control the electric valve to close.

[0062] For example, when the air conditioner is powered off, the electric valve needs to be closed to prevent refrigerant leakage. To provide energy to close the electric valve, the energy storage module switches to discharge mode, discharging the boost circuit to supply power to the electric valve, thus preventing refrigerant leakage and improving the safety of the air conditioner.

[0063] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the method further includes:

[0064] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, second indication information is generated, and the second indication information is used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset in sequence first, and then reset and close the electric valve; or

[0065] It is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first and then close the electric valve, and then each electronic expansion valve will reset in turn.

[0066] Here, based on the power supply status, if the air conditioner is determined to be powered on, second indication information is generated. The second indication information is used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset sequentially first, followed by resetting and closing the electric valve; or to instruct the electric valve to reset and close first, followed by resetting each electronic expansion valve sequentially. Both the first indication information and the second indication information are generated simultaneously after the air conditioner is determined to be powered on. That is, the energy storage module switches to charging mode and the electronic expansion valve and electric valve reset operations are performed in parallel. This reduces control time and improves operational efficiency.

[0067] For example, upon determining that the air conditioner is powered on, it is necessary to reset both the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve based on the power supply to facilitate subsequent control of the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve and ensure operational reliability of the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve. In an embodiment of the present application, to reduce the power of the external power supply, the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve do not operate simultaneously. Furthermore, to further reduce the power of the external power supply, the electronic expansion valves are controlled to reset sequentially rather than simultaneously resetting multiple electronic expansion valves. Therefore, second indication information is generated. The second indication information is used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset sequentially first, followed by resetting the electric valve and closing the electric valve; or to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset sequentially after resetting the electric valve and closing the electric valve.

[0068] Here, the specific steps of the reset control of the electronic expansion valve include: (1) rotating the valve core clockwise to the maximum opening position; (2) rotating the valve core counterclockwise to the minimum opening position; (3) rotating the valve core clockwise to the middle position (standby required opening).

[0069] Here, the specific steps of the reset control of the electric valve include: (1) rotating the valve core clockwise to the maximum opening position; (2) rotating the valve core counterclockwise to the minimum opening position; (3) rotating the valve core clockwise to the middle position (standby required opening).

[0070] Here, controlling the electric valve to close can prevent refrigerant leakage caused by a sudden power outage when the energy storage module is in charging mode after power is applied. Because the energy storage module may not have sufficient energy to control the electric valve to close at this time, the electric valve is reset before controlling the electric valve to close.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0072] When it is determined that the energy storage module is fully charged, each electronic expansion valve is fully reset, and the electric valve is fully closed, fourth indication information is generated. The fourth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to operate to a set opening.

[0073] Here, it is determined that the energy storage module has completed charging. At this time, the energy storage module has sufficient energy to control the electric valve to close. The electronic expansion valves have been reset. At this time, the position of each electronic expansion valve is accurate, which is conducive to the subsequent air conditioner to adjust the flow of refrigerant and ensure the smooth operation of the air conditioner. The electric valve is closed, which can avoid the problem of refrigerant leakage caused by sudden power failure. In response to the completion of charging of the energy storage module, the completion of resetting of each electronic expansion valve and the completion of closing of the electric valve, a fourth indication information is generated. The fourth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to operate to the set opening. The set opening here can be the above-mentioned standby required opening, that is, the valve core of the electric valve is rotated clockwise to the middle position.

[0074] In this way, by operating the electric valve to the set opening, the balance of the refrigerant in the air conditioner can be ensured to respond to subsequent air conditioning operation instructions.

[0075] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0076] If it is determined that the electric valve has been operated to a set opening, second control information is generated in response to the power-on instruction information of the air conditioner, and the second control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0077] Here, when it is determined that the electric valve has reached a set opening, which may be a required opening for startup, second control information is generated in response to startup indication information from the air conditioner. The second control information is used to control the startup of the air conditioner. In this way, the energy storage module is charged after the air conditioner is powered on, connected to the power supply, and before it is turned on. During subsequent operation of the air conditioner, if the air conditioner is powered off, the energy state of the energy storage module does not need to be considered. This ensures that the energy storage module has sufficient energy to control the closing of the electric valve, preventing refrigerant leakage and improving the safety of the air conditioner. Simultaneously resetting the electronic expansion valve or the electric valve saves time and avoids the need for a reset operation during subsequent operation of the air conditioner after startup, improving the user experience. Furthermore, by sequentially resetting the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve, and resetting the electronic expansion valve sequentially, the power consumption of the power supply is reduced, thereby minimizing the power consumption of the power supply.

[0078] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the method further includes:

[0079] If it is determined that the energy storage module is fully charged, the fifth indication information or the sixth indication information is generated, wherein the fifth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first and then the electronic expansion valves to reset in sequence;

[0080] The sixth instruction information is used to instruct the electronic expansion valves to reset in sequence first and then the electric valve to reset.

[0081] Here, the fifth or sixth indication information is generated after determining that the energy storage module has completed charging. The reset operation of the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve is serially related to the charging of the energy storage circuit. That is, the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve are reset only after the energy storage module is fully charged. This reduces power consumption and power supply costs compared to simultaneously instructing the energy storage module to switch to charging mode and resetting the electronic expansion valve or the electric valve after the air conditioner is powered on. At the same time, the energy storage module has sufficient energy to close the electric valve.

[0082] Here, the fifth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first, and then each electronic expansion valve is reset in turn. In this way, the electric valve is reset first, which can ensure the balance of the system refrigerant and can respond to the power-on instruction immediately after the electronic expansion valve completes the reset action.

[0083] Here, the sixth instruction information is used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset in sequence first, and then the electric valve to reset. In this way, resetting the electric valve last can avoid refrigerant leakage and improve safety.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0085] When it is determined that the electric valve and each electronic expansion valve have been reset, third control information is generated in response to a power-on instruction of the air conditioner. The third control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0086] Here, after determining that the electric valve and each electronic expansion valve have been reset, second control information is generated in response to the air conditioner's power-on indication. This second control information is used to control the air conditioner's startup. This allows the energy storage module to be charged after the air conditioner is powered on and connected to the power supply, but before it is turned on. During subsequent air conditioning operation, if the air conditioner is powered off, the energy status of the energy storage module does not need to be considered. This ensures that the energy storage module has sufficient energy to control the electric valve to close, preventing refrigerant leakage and improving air conditioner safety.

[0087] In addition, after determining that the energy storage circuit has been charged, the energy storage circuit has sufficient energy to control the electric valve to close, and then the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve are reset in sequence, thereby improving the safety of the system and avoiding resetting during the subsequent operation of the air conditioner after it is turned on, thereby improving the user experience. At the same time, by resetting the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve in sequence, and resetting the electronic expansion valve in sequence, the power of the power supply is reduced, thereby minimizing the power of the power supply.

[0088] Below, the embodiment of the present application is described in detail with reference to an application example.

[0089] In the air conditioning industry, stepper motor electronic expansion valves are commonly used to control refrigerant flow. These valves control their opening based on a pulse signal. Current flowing through a coil generates a magnetic field, which acts on the valve needle, driving its rotation. These valves operate in an open-loop circuit and require a "zero reset" upon each power-up. These valves generate high pulse currents during operation.

[0090] In order to ensure that the air conditioner can close the electric valve of the outdoor unit when the power is cut off, the air conditioner needs to have an energy storage circuit, and at the same time ensure that the stored energy has enough energy to close the electric valve.

[0091] Based on this, this application example provides an air conditioning control system, as shown in Figure 3. The control system includes:

[0092] 1. Outdoor heat exchanger (i.e. the outdoor unit mentioned above);

[0093] 2. Indoor units 1…n (i.e. the aforementioned indoor units);

[0094] 3. Electronic expansion valve: The electronic expansion valve is set corresponding to the indoor unit 1...n and is installed on the refrigerant branch corresponding to the indoor unit to adjust the refrigerant flow through the indoor unit.

[0095] 4. Electric valve: The electric valve is installed on the refrigerant pipeline between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit to control the flow of refrigerant.

[0096] 5. Four-way valve: The four-way valve has two states: a first state, which directs the compressor's refrigerant to the first heat exchanger in the outdoor unit, and a second state, which directs the compressor's refrigerant to the second heat exchanger in the indoor unit. By switching between these two states, the four-way valve controls whether the air conditioner enters heating or cooling mode.

[0097] 6. Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the air-conditioning system, used to compress and transport high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor is connected to one end of the four-way valve.

[0098] 7. One-way valve: This valve ensures that refrigerant can only flow in one direction, preventing backflow and damage to the air conditioning system. Before reaching the compressor, the refrigerant must pass through the evaporator, condenser, and other air conditioning components. Backflow of refrigerant can cause system failure and affect the cooling effect.

[0099] 8. Gas-liquid separator: In order to separate a small amount of refrigerant that has not been completely evaporated, ensure that the compressor does not absorb liquid refrigerant and cause liquid hammer, thereby avoiding liquid hammer and damage to the compressor.

[0100] This application example provides a power failure backup power supply system for an air conditioner controller. As shown in Figure 4, this power failure backup power supply system includes a control chip, a power supply, a controller power supply circuit, a power detection circuit, an energy storage circuit (i.e., the aforementioned energy storage circuit), a valve control circuit, and valve bodies (valve bodies 1 and 2). The controller power supply circuit, which supplies power to the control chip, includes a power supply, a rectifier circuit, a filter circuit, a switching power supply circuit, and a controller power supply voltage regulator circuit. The controller power supply voltage regulator circuit regulates the input voltage and outputs it to the control chip. The output voltage of the controller power supply voltage regulator circuit is Vcc = 5V & 12V. During power-on, the switching power supply circuit (i.e., the aforementioned power supply) supplies power to the control chip through the controller power supply voltage regulator circuit. The control chip can then send valve control signals to valve bodies 1 and / or 2 through the valve control circuit to control the corresponding valve operation of valve bodies 1 and / or 2.

[0101] Assuming that in FIG4 , valve body 1 is an electronic expansion valve and valve body 2 is an electric valve, the valve body operation control here may include: "zero" reset control (i.e., the aforementioned reset). The "zero" reset control of each valve body is specifically as follows:

[0102] 1. Electronic expansion valve "zero" reset control: The specific operation steps are as follows:

[0103] (1) Rotate the valve core clockwise to the maximum opening position;

[0104] (2) Rotate the valve core counterclockwise to the minimum opening position;

[0105] (3) Rotate the valve core clockwise to the middle position (the required opening for standby mode);

[0106] 2. Electric valve "zero" reset control: The specific operation steps are as follows:

[0107] (1) Rotate the valve core clockwise to the maximum opening position;

[0108] (2) Rotate the valve core counterclockwise to the minimum opening position;

[0109] (3) Rotate the valve core clockwise to the middle position (the required opening for standby mode);

[0110] Here, the two ends of the energy storage circuit are connected to the controller power supply voltage stabilization circuit. When the air conditioner is not powered on, for example, in a power-off state, the energy storage circuit can generate energy and supply power to the control chip based on the controller power supply voltage stabilization circuit to ensure that the control chip has sufficient energy to control the electric valve to close.

[0111] The energy storage circuit uses a supercapacitor or lithium battery + BUCK circuit + BOOST to form an energy storage circuit system. The energy storage circuit is connected in parallel to the controller power circuit. When a power outage is detected, the energy storage circuit will automatically be incorporated into the air conditioning controller power network for power supply, and the air conditioning controller program will enter the valve body closing action.

[0112] In addition, the energy storage circuit includes charging mode and discharging mode. For example, when the energy storage circuit uses a supercapacitor to store energy, if the supercapacitor capacity is determined to be insufficient, the control chip will control the energy storage circuit to switch to charging mode, in which the BUCK circuit charges the supercapacitor. When a power outage is detected, the control device controls the energy storage circuit to switch to discharging mode, in which the BOOST circuit discharges energy and the energy storage circuit automatically supplies power, thereby controlling the electric valve to close.

[0113] Assuming that the energy storage circuit adopts the structure of supercapacitor + BUCK circuit + BOOST, the structural principle diagram of the energy storage circuit is shown in Figure 5. The specific control principle is described as follows:

[0114] The energy storage circuit consists of a supercapacitor, a buck circuit, and a boost circuit. The supercapacitor is selected based on the actual energy consumption of the product. The main power topology is a combination of the buck and boost circuits, with VIN connected to the 12V bus and VOUT connected to the supercapacitor.

[0115] For a charging buck circuit, compared to constant voltage output applications, the supercapacitor's large capacity and slow voltage change prevent it from providing rapid voltage feedback during startup. Furthermore, during extended charging, the charging current must be kept constant to prevent the supercapacitor's charging current from exceeding the 12V-Vin supply capacity and potentially lowering the input 12V-Vin switching power supply voltage or causing power supply protection. The charging buck circuit's workflow is shown in Figure 6, with the specific implementation process as follows:

[0116] When the battery storage circuit enters charging mode and begins charging, the buck circuit slowly starts up, performing constant-current charging. At this point, the buck circuit's charging voltage, Vcap, needs to be detected and compared with Vset. Vset is the target charging voltage, which should be set based on actual usage. However, pay attention to the selected supercapacitor's withstand voltage specification and allow for sufficient voltage derating. If Vcap is less than Vset, the buck circuit's charging voltage must be controlled to equal Vset, maintaining a constant charging current. When Vcap equals Vset, the buck circuit achieves trickle-current regulated charging.

[0117] Based on this, this application example provides a power-on control method for an air conditioner with an energy storage circuit. Specifically, it includes three control schemes (Scheme 1, Scheme 2, and Scheme 3). The details are as follows:

[0118] Solution 1, referring to Figure 7, charges the energy storage circuit from the initial power-up to the user turning on the device, which shortens the time required and ensures that the energy storage circuit has sufficient energy to close the electric valve when the power is cut off. In addition, the energy storage circuit charging and the electronic expansion valve reset are performed simultaneously (i.e., the energy storage circuit charging and the electronic expansion valve reset are performed in parallel), which requires increasing the power of the switching power supply. However, at the same time, the electronic expansion valve is reset to zero in sequence, which also reduces the power required by the switching power supply. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0119] Step 701: Power on the air conditioner.

[0120] In practical applications, the power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on is obtained;

[0121] Based on the power supply status, it is determined that the air conditioner is powered on, and then a first indication message and a second indication message are generated. The first indication message is used to instruct the energy storage circuit to switch to the charging mode, and the second indication message is used to reset each electronic expansion valve in turn, and then reset the electric valve and close the electric valve.

[0122] Step 702: The switching power supply is turned on.

[0123] In actual application, when the air conditioner is powered on, the switching power supply works normally, that is, it supplies power to the controller's voltage stabilizing circuit normally.

[0124] Step 703: The controller power supply is output normally.

[0125] In practical applications, the switching power supply supplies power to the controller power stabilizing circuit, and the controller power is output normally.

[0126] Step 704: The controller main control MCU operates normally.

[0127] In actual applications, when the air conditioner is powered on, the air conditioner power supply voltage stabilization circuit normally outputs current to the controller main control MCU, and the controller main control MCU operates normally.

[0128] During initial power-up, the energy storage circuit is charged and the electronic expansion valve is reset simultaneously, that is, based on the first indication information and the second indication information, step 705 and step 706 are executed simultaneously.

[0129] Step 705: The electronic expansion valve is reset and is in the standby required opening.

[0130] Based on the second indication information, the controller main control MCU controls the electronic expansion valves to reset in sequence based on the control circuit of the electronic expansion valves, and to be in the standby required opening degree. After the electronic expansion valves are reset, step 707 is executed.

[0131] Step 706: The energy storage circuit is charged.

[0132] Based on the first indication information, the controller main control MCU controls the energy storage circuit to enter the charging mode, the charging BUCK circuit of the energy storage circuit works to charge, and step 708 is executed.

[0133] Step 707: Return the electric valve to zero and reset it to the closed position.

[0134] After confirming that the electronic expansion valves have been reset in sequence, the electric valve is reset to zero and placed in the closed position. Here, the electric valve is reset and maintained in the "minimum opening position," or closed state, to prevent refrigerant leakage caused by a sudden power outage during the power-on and power-on process, when the energy storage circuit does not have sufficient energy to close the electric valve. After completing this zero reset, execute step 709.

[0135] Step 708: Determine whether the energy storage circuit has completed charging. If so, execute step 710; if not, execute step 706.

[0136] In actual applications, if energy is stored based on a supercapacitor in an energy storage circuit, the maximum chargeable voltage capacity of the supercapacitor can be used as a judgment threshold, and the voltage of the supercapacitor in the energy storage circuit is actually detected. Based on the comparison between the detected voltage value and the aforementioned judgment threshold, it is determined whether the energy storage circuit is fully charged. If so, step 710 is executed; if not, step 706 is executed.

[0137] Step 709 : Determine whether the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve have completed steps 705 and 707 ; if so, execute step 710 ; if not, execute steps 705 and / or 707 .

[0138] Step 710: Open the electric valve to the required opening.

[0139] In practical applications, when it is determined that the energy storage circuit is fully charged, each electronic expansion valve is fully reset, and the electric valve is fully closed, fourth indication information is generated, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to operate to a set opening.

[0140] For example, before executing step 709, it is necessary to determine whether the energy storage circuit has been fully charged, and whether the electronic expansion valve and the electric valve have completed steps 705 and 707. After determining that the energy storage circuit has been fully charged, the electronic expansion valves have been reset, and the electric valves have been closed, fourth instruction information is generated to instruct the electric valves to operate to a set opening, which may be the required opening for startup, and then step 710 is executed.

[0141] Step 711: Respond to the power-on instruction.

[0142] In actual application, if it is determined that the electric valve has reached a set opening, second control information is generated in response to the power-on instruction information of the air conditioner. The second control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0143] Step 712: End.

[0144] Solution 2, referring to Figure 8, Solution 2 charges the energy storage circuit in the process from initial power-on to user startup, which takes a short time and ensures that the energy storage circuit has enough energy to execute the closing action of the electric valve when the power is off. The electronic expansion valve is reset to zero in sequence, which also reduces the power required by the switching power supply. In addition, the energy storage circuit is charged first. After the energy storage circuit is fully charged, the electric valve first performs a reset action (that is, the energy storage circuit charging and the electric valve reset are executed in series), and then the electronic expansion valve performs a reset action. Compared with Solution 1, the time required for serial execution is relatively long, but at the same time it greatly reduces the power of the switching power supply, realizes the power minimization design of the switching power supply, saves the cost of the switching power supply, and opening the electric valve first can ensure the balance of the system refrigerant, and can respond to the power-on command immediately after the electronic expansion valve completes the reset action. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0145] Step 801: Power on the air conditioner.

[0146] In practical applications, the power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on is obtained;

[0147] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, first indication information is generated, and the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to the charging mode.

[0148] Step 802: The switching power supply starts operating.

[0149] In actual application, when the air conditioner is powered on, the switching power supply works normally, that is, it supplies power to the controller's voltage stabilizing circuit normally.

[0150] Step 803: The controller power supply is output normally.

[0151] In practical applications, the switching power supply supplies power to the controller power stabilizing circuit, and the controller power is output normally.

[0152] Step 804: The controller main control MCU operates normally.

[0153] In actual application, when the air conditioner is powered on, the power supply voltage stabilizing circuit of the air conditioner normally outputs current to the controller main MCU, and the controller main MCU operates normally. When the air conditioner is initially powered on, the energy storage circuit is controlled to start charging, that is, step 805 is executed based on the first indication information.

[0154] Step 805: The energy storage circuit is charged.

[0155] Based on the first indication information, the controller main control MCU controls the energy storage circuit to enter the charging mode, the charging BUCK circuit of the energy storage circuit works to charge, and step 806 is executed.

[0156] Step 806: Determine whether the energy storage circuit has completed charging; if so, execute step 807; if not, execute step 805.

[0157] In practical applications, when it is determined that the energy storage circuit is fully charged, fifth indication information is generated. The fifth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first, and then each electronic expansion valve to reset in sequence.

[0158] For example, if the energy storage circuit is based on a supercapacitor for energy storage, the maximum chargeable voltage capacity of the supercapacitor can be used as a judgment threshold, and the voltage of the supercapacitor in the energy storage circuit is actually detected. Based on the comparison between the detected voltage value and the aforementioned judgment threshold, it is determined whether the energy storage circuit is fully charged. If so, step 807 is executed; if not, step 805 is executed.

[0159] Step 807: The electric valve is reset to zero and is in the standby state with the required opening.

[0160] In actual application, based on the fifth indication information, the electric valve is first instructed to return to zero and reset, and be in a standby position with a required opening degree.

[0161] Step 808: The electronic expansion valve is reset to zero and is in the standby required opening.

[0162] In actual application, the electric valve completes the zero reset first, and then the electronic expansion valve is reset to zero and is in the standby position with the required opening.

[0163] Step 809: Respond to the power-on instruction.

[0164] When it is determined that the electric valve and each electronic expansion valve have been reset, third control information is generated in response to a power-on instruction of the air conditioner. The third control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0165] Step 810: End.

[0166] Solution three, referring to Figure 9, Solution three charges the energy storage circuit in the process from initial power-on to user startup, which takes a short time and ensures that the energy storage circuit has enough energy to execute the closing action of the electric valve when the power is off. The electronic expansion valve is reset to zero in sequence, which also reduces the power required by the switching power supply. In addition, the energy storage circuit is charged first. After the energy storage circuit is fully charged, the electronic expansion valve first performs a reset action (that is, the energy storage circuit charging and the electronic expansion valve reset are executed in series), and then the electronic expansion valve performs a reset action. Compared with Solution one, although the time required for serial execution is relatively long, it greatly reduces the power of the switching power supply, realizes the power minimization design of the switching power supply, saves the cost of the switching power supply, and the later opening of the electric valve can improve safety. That is, although the response to the power-on command is slower than Solution two, the electric valve is only opened when the power-on requirement is met to prevent the refrigerant from entering the indoor unit. The specific implementation steps are as follows:

[0167] Step 901: Power on the air conditioner.

[0168] In practical applications, the power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on is obtained;

[0169] If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, first indication information is generated, and the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to the charging mode.

[0170] Step 902: The switching power supply is turned on.

[0171] In actual application, when the air conditioner is powered on, the switching power supply works normally, that is, it supplies power to the controller's voltage stabilizing circuit normally.

[0172] Step 903: The controller power supply is output normally.

[0173] In practical applications, the switching power supply supplies power to the controller power stabilizing circuit, and the controller power is output normally.

[0174] Step 904: The controller main control MCU operates normally.

[0175] In actual application, when the air conditioner is powered on, the air conditioner power supply voltage stabilization circuit normally outputs current to the controller main control MCU, and the controller main control MCU operates normally. When the air conditioner is initially powered on, the energy storage circuit is controlled to start charging, that is, based on the first indication information, step 905 is executed.

[0176] Step 905: The energy storage circuit is charged.

[0177] Based on the first indication information, the controller main control MCU controls the energy storage circuit to enter the charging mode, the charging BUCK circuit of the energy storage circuit works to charge, and step 906 is executed.

[0178] Step 906: Determine whether the energy storage circuit has completed charging; if so, execute step 907; if not, execute step 905.

[0179] In practical applications, when it is determined that the energy storage circuit is fully charged, sixth indication information is generated. The sixth indication information is used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset in sequence first, and then the electric valve to reset.

[0180] For example, if the energy storage circuit is based on a supercapacitor for energy storage, the maximum chargeable voltage capacity of the supercapacitor can be used as a judgment threshold, and the voltage of the supercapacitor in the energy storage circuit is actually detected. Based on the comparison between the detected voltage value and the aforementioned judgment threshold, it is determined whether the energy storage circuit is fully charged. If so, step 907 is executed; if not, step 905 is executed.

[0181] Step 907: The electronic expansion valve is reset to zero and is in the standby required opening.

[0182] In practical applications, the electronic expansion valves are instructed to reset to zero in sequence and be in the required standby opening.

[0183] Step 908: The electric valve is reset to zero and is in the standby position with the required opening.

[0184] In actual application, the electronic expansion valve completes the zero reset first, and then the electric valve is reset to zero and is in the standby position for the required opening.

[0185] Step 909: Respond to the power-on instruction.

[0186] When it is determined that the electric valve and each electronic expansion valve have been reset, third control information is generated in response to a power-on instruction of the air conditioner. The third control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0187] Step 910: End.

[0188] As shown in Figure 10, the control device 1000 of the air conditioner includes: an acquisition module 1010 and a determination module 1020. The acquisition module 1010 is configured to obtain a power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on; the determination module 1020 is also configured to determine that the air conditioner is powered on based on the power supply status, and then generate a first indication information, the first indication information being used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode.

[0189] In some embodiments, the determination module 1020 is further configured to determine that the air conditioner is not powered on based on the power supply status, and then generate first control information, which is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a discharge mode to supply power to the electric valve and control the electric valve to close.

[0190] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the determination module 1020 is further configured to determine that the air conditioner is powered on based on the power supply status, and generate second indication information, the second indication information being used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset in sequence first, and then reset and close the electric valve; or

[0191] It is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first and then close the electric valve, and then each electronic expansion valve will reset in turn.

[0192] In some embodiments, the determination module 1020 is further configured to determine that the energy storage module is fully charged, each electronic expansion valve is fully reset, and the electric valve is fully closed, and then generate fourth indication information, the fourth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to operate to a set opening.

[0193] In some embodiments, the determination module 1020 is further configured to determine that the electric valve operates to a set opening, and then generate second control information in response to the power-on indication information of the air conditioner, and the second control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0194] In some embodiments, the air conditioner also includes a generation module 1030, which is configured to determine that the energy storage module is fully charged, and then generate a fifth indication message or a sixth indication message. The fifth indication message is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first, and then each electronic expansion valve is reset in turn; the sixth indication message is used to instruct each electronic expansion valve to reset first, and then the electric valve is reset.

[0195] In some embodiments, the generation module 1030 is further configured to determine that the electric valve and each electronic expansion valve are reset, and then generate third control information in response to a power-on instruction of the air conditioner, and the third control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

[0196] In actual application, the acquisition module 1010, the determination module 1020 and the generation module 1030 can be implemented by a processor (also called a controller) in the control device of the air conditioner. Of course, the processor needs to run the computer program in the memory to implement its functions.

[0197] In some embodiments, the control device is arranged on the external unit mainboard of the air conditioner, and the control device includes: a controller, a power supply circuit and a storage circuit; wherein, the power supply circuit is used to convert and process the external power supply and supply power to the controller, and the energy storage circuit is arranged between the output end of the power supply circuit and the power supply end of the controller.

[0198] It should be noted that the air conditioner control device provided in the above embodiment is merely an example of the division of the aforementioned program modules when controlling the air conditioner. In actual applications, the aforementioned processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the aforementioned processing. Furthermore, the air conditioner control device provided in the above embodiment and the air conditioner control method embodiment are based on the same concept. The specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0199] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules and in order to implement the method of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device. Figure 11 only shows an exemplary structure of the electronic device rather than the entire structure. Part or all of the structure shown in Figure 11 can be implemented as needed.

[0200] As shown in Figure 11, the electronic device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application includes: at least one processor 1101, a memory 1102, a user interface 1103, and at least one network interface 1104. The various components in the electronic device 1100 are coupled together via a bus system 1105. It will be understood that the bus system 1105 is used to implement connection and communication between these components. In addition to including a data bus, the bus system 1105 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, in Figure 11, various buses are labeled as bus system 1105.

[0201] The user interface 1103 may include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a click wheel, keys, buttons, a touch pad or a touch screen.

[0202] The memory 1102 in the embodiment of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the electronic device. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the electronic device.

[0203] The air conditioner control method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to or implemented by processor 1101. Processor 1101 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the air conditioner control method can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in processor 1101 or software instructions. The above-mentioned processor 1101 can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. Processor 1101 can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium, which is located in memory 1102. Processor 1101 reads the information in memory 1102 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the air conditioner control method provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0204] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0205] It is understood that the memory 1102 can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic random access memory (FRAM), a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disk, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface memory can be a magnetic disk or a magnetic tape. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0206] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application also provides a storage medium, namely, a computer storage medium, which may be a computer-readable storage medium, for example, including a memory 1102 storing a computer program. The computer program may be executed by a processor 1101 of an electronic device to complete the steps of the method of the present application. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as a ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface storage, optical disk, or CD-ROM.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: An indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an energy storage module, a refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, an electric valve is provided on the refrigerant pipeline, and the method comprises: Acquiring a power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on; If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, first indication information is generated, where the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The method further comprises: If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is not powered on, first control information is generated, wherein the first control information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a discharge mode to supply power to the electric valve and control the electric valve to close.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The air conditioner further includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the method further includes: If it is determined based on the power supply status that the air conditioner is powered on, second indication information is generated, wherein the second indication information is used to instruct each of the electronic expansion valves to reset in sequence first, and then the electric valve is reset and closed; or It is used to instruct the electric valve to reset first and close the electric valve, and then each electronic expansion valve is reset in turn.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The method further comprises: When it is determined that the energy storage module has been charged, each of the electronic expansion valves has been reset, and the electric valve has been closed, fourth indication information is generated, and the fourth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to operate to a set opening.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The method further comprises: When it is determined that the electric valve operates to a set opening, second control information is generated in response to the power-on indication information of the air conditioner, and the second control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The air conditioner includes an electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit, and the method further includes: When it is determined that the energy storage module is fully charged, fifth indication information or sixth indication information is generated, wherein the fifth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to be reset first and then each of the electronic expansion valves to be reset in sequence; The sixth indication information is used to instruct the electric valve to reset after each of the electronic expansion valves is reset in sequence.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The method further comprises: When it is determined that the electric valve and each of the electronic expansion valves have been reset, third control information is generated in response to a power-on instruction of the air conditioner, and the third control information is used to control the start-up operation of the air conditioner.

8. A control device for an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprising: An indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an energy storage module, a refrigerant pipeline is provided between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, an electric valve is provided on the refrigerant pipeline, and the control device includes: an acquisition module configured to acquire a power supply status indicating whether the air conditioner is powered on; The determination module is configured to determine that the air conditioner is powered on based on the power supply status, and then generate first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to instruct the energy storage module to switch to a charging mode.

9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein: The control device is arranged on the external mainboard of the air conditioner, and the control device includes: a controller, a power supply circuit and an energy storage circuit; wherein the power supply circuit is used to convert the external power supply and supply power to the controller, and the energy storage circuit is arranged between the output end of the power supply circuit and the power supply end of the controller.

10. An electronic device comprising: A processor and a memory for storing a computer program that can be executed on the processor, wherein: The processor is configured to execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when running a computer program.

11. A computer storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

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