Method and apparatus for controlling combined air conditioner-water heater system, and device and system

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the field of temperature adjustment. Disclosed are a method and apparatus for controlling a combined air conditioner-water heater system, and a device and a system. When an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater both start a heating mode and a real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than a set water temperature or a set outlet water temperature, this indicates that there is redundant heat in the water heater. In this case, whether the heating requirement of a region where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than a preset heating requirement is determined, if so, this indicates that the heating requirement is low, and the water heater is connected to the air conditioner indoor unit in series, such that the redundant heat in the water heater can be provided for the air conditioner indoor unit which is connected in series, thereby reducing the heat that a compressor provides for the air conditioner indoor unit, and thus achieving an energy-saving effect.

Description

Air conditioner-water heater combination system control method, device, equipment and system

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 28, 2023, with application number 202311844657.1 and invention name “A method, device, equipment and system for controlling an air conditioner-water heater combination system”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of temperature regulation, and in particular, to a control method, device, equipment and system for an air conditioner-water heater combination system. Background Art

[0003] Water heaters and air conditioners are both essential temperature-regulating appliances in the home. Water heaters provide hot water for bathing, while air conditioners regulate the indoor temperature, keeping users comfortable. During cold winter months, the air conditioner needs to heat the home, and the water heater also needs to heat the home to meet domestic hot water needs. In this situation, the air conditioner-water heater system must operate at high load, consuming a significant amount of electricity. However, water heaters typically heat the water to a temperature a certain range above the preset temperature to meet the user's water temperature range. This means that during normal operation, the water heater generates excess heat energy, which is wasted when the user is not using water or the water temperature is low, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the relevant technology, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner-water heater combination system control method, device, equipment and system to solve the problem that a part of heat energy will be generated during the normal operation of the water heater. This heat energy will be wasted when the user does not use water or the user's water temperature is low, resulting in poor energy saving.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present disclosure to solve its technical problems is:

[0006] In a first aspect, a control method for an air conditioner-water heater combination system is provided, wherein an air conditioner outdoor unit provides heat to an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater, the method comprising:

[0007] When both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature, determining whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand;

[0008] If the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater is controlled to be connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0010] When both the air conditioner indoor unit and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water outlet temperature, determining whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand, and the set water outlet temperature is lower than the set water temperature;

[0011] If the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater is controlled to be connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, determining whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than a preset heating demand includes:

[0013] Obtain the current fan gear position of the air conditioner indoor unit;

[0014] If the current fan gear is the silent gear, or the current fan gear is the preset low gear, it is judged that the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand; if the current fan gear is not the silent gear and is not the preset low gear, it is judged that the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand.

[0015] In some embodiments, further comprising:

[0016] When the water heater is connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the operating frequency of the compressor of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is controlled to be reduced.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the real-time water temperature is greater than the set water temperature, the compressor operating frequency reduction value is calculated based on the first difference between the real-time water temperature and the set water temperature, and the calculation formula is: reduction value = first difference / first preset difference*first preset frequency value.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the real-time water temperature is greater than the set water outlet temperature, the compressor operating frequency reduction value is calculated based on the second difference between the real-time water temperature and the set water outlet temperature, and the calculation formula is: reduction value = second difference / second preset difference*second preset frequency value.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, if the real-time water temperature is less than or equal to the set water outlet temperature, the water heater and the air conditioner indoor unit are controlled to resume parallel connection.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, if the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater and the air conditioner indoor unit are controlled to resume parallel connection.

[0021] In a second aspect, a control device for an air conditioner-water heater combination system is provided, wherein an air conditioner outdoor unit provides heat to an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater, the device comprising:

[0022] a judgment module configured to judge whether a heating demand of an area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than a preset heating demand when both the air conditioner indoor unit and the water heater are turned on in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than a set water temperature;

[0023] The control module is configured to control the water heater to be connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit if the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than a preset heating demand.

[0024] According to a third aspect, an electronic device is provided, including:

[0025] at least one processor and at least one memory;

[0026] The memory stores executable instructions of the processor;

[0027] The processor is configured to execute the above method.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, an air conditioner-water heater combination system is provided, characterized in that the above method is applied. Beneficial effects:

[0029] The disclosed technical solution provides a control method, device, equipment, and system for an air conditioner-water heater combination system. When both the air conditioner indoor unit and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature or the set water outlet temperature, it indicates that the water heater has excess heat. At this time, it is determined whether the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand. If it is lower than the preset heating demand, it indicates that the heating demand is low. Connecting the water heater and the air conditioner indoor unit in series can provide the excess heat in the water heater to the series air conditioner indoor unit, reducing the heat provided by the compressor to the air conditioner indoor unit, thereby achieving energy saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0031] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner-water heater combination system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG2 is a flow chart of an air conditioner-water heater combination system method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG3 is a refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater running in parallel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG4 is a refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater operating in series according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner-water heater combination system device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Reference numerals: 1-first solenoid valve, 2-second solenoid valve, 3-third solenoid valve, 4-fourth solenoid valve, 5-fifth solenoid valve, 6-sixth solenoid valve, 7-compressor, 8-four-way valve, 9-heat exchanger, 10-water heater, 11-air conditioner indoor unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other implementation methods obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner-water heater combination system includes an outdoor air conditioner unit, an indoor air conditioner unit, and a water heater. The outdoor air conditioner unit includes a compressor 7, a first solenoid valve 1, a four-way valve 8, a heat exchanger 9, a second solenoid valve 2, a third solenoid valve 3, a fourth solenoid valve 4, a fifth solenoid valve 5, and a sixth solenoid valve 6; while the indoor air conditioner unit includes at least one. In related art, the water heater 10 and the indoor air conditioner unit 11 are typically connected in parallel and independently controlled. The outdoor air conditioner unit provides refrigerant to the indoor air conditioner unit and the water heater, respectively. For example, when both the water heater and the indoor air conditioner unit are in heating mode, the solenoid valve states are: the first, second, third, and fourth solenoid valves are all open, and the fifth and sixth solenoid valves are closed.

[0039] However, in related art, because the water temperature in a water heater dissipates heat, to avoid frequent heating of the water heater, the actual water temperature in the water heater is generally higher than the set water temperature when the user is not using hot water. For example, if the user sets the water temperature to 50 degrees Celsius, the actual water temperature in the water heater is 52 degrees Celsius. This excess heat can only be dissipated, wasted, and cannot be used for other purposes. Based on this, the present disclosure provides a control method that can transfer some of the excess heat energy from the water heater to the air conditioner indoor unit without affecting the user's water temperature, thereby achieving energy conservation.

[0040] As shown in FIG2 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a control method for an air conditioner-water heater combination system, wherein an air conditioner outdoor unit provides heat to an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater. The method includes:

[0041] S11: When both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature, determine whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand; when both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode, the refrigerant flow is as shown in Figure 3. The refrigerant comes out of the compressor, part of it flows through the first solenoid valve and the four-way valve into the air conditioner, and the other part flows directly through the second solenoid valve into the water tank of the water heater, and finally enters the compressor through the heat exchanger. If the real-time water temperature is greater than the set water temperature at this time, it means that there is excess heat in the water heater, so the heating demand of the air conditioner is determined at this time. Because although there is excess heat in the water heater, if the heating demand of the air conditioner is high, the heat of the water heater cannot actually meet the heating demand, and the compressor frequency and power need to be increased, which does not meet the energy saving requirement.

[0042] Determining whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand includes: obtaining the current fan gear of the air conditioner indoor unit; if the current fan gear is the silent gear or the current fan gear is the preset low gear, determining that the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand; if the current fan gear is neither the silent gear nor the preset low gear, determining that the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand. That is, the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the fan gear to determine the heating demand.

[0043] It is understandable that those skilled in the art may also use other methods to determine whether the heating demand is lower than the preset heating demand, such as the current room temperature and the user-set temperature, that is, when the difference between the current room temperature and the user-set temperature is within a preset range, it is determined that the heating demand is lower than the preset heating demand.

[0044] S12: If the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater is controlled to be connected in series with the air conditioner. When connected in series, the solenoid valves are in the following states: the second, fifth, and sixth solenoid valves are open, while the first, third, and fourth solenoid valves are closed. During series operation, the refrigerant flow is as shown in Figure 4: the refrigerant flows directly from the compressor through the second solenoid valve into the water heater tank, then through the fifth solenoid valve into the air conditioner, and finally into the compressor via the heat exchanger.

[0045] It should be noted that if the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater and the air-conditioning indoor unit continue to operate in parallel.

[0046] Furthermore, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner outdoor unit is controlled to be reduced. This is because excess heat in the water heater is provided to the air conditioner indoor unit, and the amount of heat required to be provided by the compressor is reduced, so the operating frequency of the compressor is reduced.

[0047] In one embodiment, the present disclosure reduces the compressor frequency by a fixed preset value, which is determined by actual needs. However, if the water heater has little excess heat and the preset value is large, the heat provided by the compressor will drop significantly, and the heat demand of the air conditioner indoor unit will not be met.

[0048] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present disclosure calculates the compressor operating frequency reduction value based on a first difference between the real-time water temperature and the set water temperature, using the following formula: reduction value = first difference / first preset difference * first preset frequency value. The first preset difference and the first preset frequency value are set based on actual needs. This embodiment uses a variable reduction value to adjust the heat provided by the compressor in real time based on the amount of excess heat in the water heater, thereby ensuring that the heat supply to the air conditioner indoor unit is maintained, thereby ensuring heating of the air conditioner indoor unit while saving energy.

[0049] Furthermore, when the water heater and the air conditioner are connected in series, if the real-time water temperature is less than or equal to the set water temperature, the water heater and the air conditioner are controlled to resume parallel connection. Alternatively, when the water heater and the air conditioner are connected in series, if the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner is located is not less than the preset heating demand, the water heater and the air conditioner are controlled to resume parallel connection.

[0050] The control method for an air conditioner-water heater combination system provided in the disclosed embodiments indicates that the water heater has excess heat when both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature. At this point, it is determined whether the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than a preset heating demand. If so, the heating demand is low. Connecting the water heater in series with the air conditioner allows the excess heat in the water heater to be supplied to the connected air conditioner, reducing the amount of heat provided to the air conditioner by the compressor and thus saving energy.

[0051] It should be noted that during actual use of a water heater, although the user sets a set water temperature, the actual desired outlet water temperature may not be the set water temperature. For example, the user sets the set water temperature to 50 degrees Celsius, but the desired outlet water temperature may only be 40 degrees Celsius. Related technologies mix some cold water with the hot water from the water heater before serving it to the user. However, energy is lost when hot and cold water are mixed.

[0052] Based on this, in another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a control method for an air conditioner-water heater combination system, wherein the water heater no longer mixes cold water when supplying water to a user. The control method includes:

[0053] When both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode and the water heater's real-time water temperature is greater than the set outlet water temperature, the heating demand for the area in which the air conditioner is located is determined to be lower than the preset heating demand. The set outlet water temperature is lower than the set water temperature. When both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode, the refrigerant flow is shown in Figure 3. The refrigerant exits the compressor, partially flowing through the first solenoid valve and the four-way valve into the air conditioner, while the remaining portion flows directly through the second solenoid valve into the water heater tank, ultimately returning to the compressor via the heat exchanger. If the real-time water temperature is greater than the set outlet water temperature, the water heater no longer requires mixing with cold water. Therefore, if the actual water temperature is greater than the set outlet water temperature, it indicates that the water heater has excess heat. Therefore, the heating demand of the air conditioner is determined at this point. Although the water heater has excess heat, if the air conditioner's heating demand is high, the water heater's heat output will not be sufficient to meet the heating demand, requiring the compressor to increase frequency and power, failing to meet energy conservation requirements.

[0054] Determining whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand includes: obtaining the current fan gear of the air conditioner indoor unit; if the current fan gear is the silent gear or the current fan gear is the preset low gear, determining that the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand; if the current fan gear is neither the silent gear nor the preset low gear, determining that the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand. That is, the embodiment of the present disclosure uses the fan gear to determine the heating demand.

[0055] It is understandable that those skilled in the art may also use other methods to determine whether the heating demand is lower than the preset heating demand, such as the current room temperature and the user-set temperature, that is, when the difference between the current room temperature and the user-set temperature is within a preset range, it is determined that the heating demand is lower than the preset heating demand.

[0056] If the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater is controlled to be connected in series with the air conditioner. When connected in series, the solenoid valves are in the following states: the second, fifth, and sixth solenoid valves are open, while the first, third, and fourth solenoid valves are closed. During series operation, the refrigerant flow is as shown in Figure 4: the refrigerant flows directly from the compressor through the second solenoid valve into the water heater tank, then through the fifth solenoid valve into the air conditioner, and finally into the compressor via the heat exchanger.

[0057] It should be noted that if the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand, the water heater and the air-conditioning indoor unit continue to operate in parallel.

[0058] Furthermore, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner outdoor unit is controlled to be reduced. This is because excess heat in the water heater is provided to the air conditioner indoor unit, and the amount of heat required to be provided by the compressor is reduced, so the operating frequency of the compressor is reduced.

[0059] In one embodiment, the present disclosure reduces the compressor frequency by a fixed preset value, which is determined by actual needs. However, if the water heater has little excess heat and the preset value is large, the heat provided by the compressor will drop significantly, and the heat demand of the air conditioner indoor unit will not be met.

[0060] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present disclosure calculates the compressor operating frequency reduction value based on the second difference between the real-time water temperature and the set water outlet temperature, using the following formula: reduction value = second difference / second preset difference * second preset frequency value. The second preset difference and the second preset frequency value are set based on actual needs. This embodiment uses a variable reduction value to adjust the heat provided by the compressor in real time based on the amount of excess heat in the water heater, thereby ensuring the heat supply to the air conditioner indoor unit. This ensures heating of the air conditioner indoor unit while saving energy.

[0061] Furthermore, when the water heater and the air conditioner are connected in series, if the real-time water temperature is less than or equal to the set water outlet temperature, the water heater and the air conditioner are controlled to resume parallel operation. Alternatively, when the water heater and the air conditioner are connected in series, if the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner is located is not less than the preset heating demand, the water heater and the air conditioner are controlled to resume parallel operation.

[0062] The disclosed embodiments provide a control method for an air conditioner-water heater combination system. When the water heater does not require mixing cold water, if both the air conditioner and the water heater are in heating mode and the water heater's real-time water temperature is greater than the set water outlet temperature, this indicates that the water heater has excess heat. At this point, it is determined whether the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than a preset heating demand. If so, the heating demand is low. Connecting the water heater in series with the air conditioner allows the excess heat in the water heater to be supplied to the connected air conditioner, reducing the amount of heat provided to the air conditioner by the compressor and thus saving energy.

[0063] Based on the same inventive concept, the present disclosure provides a control device for an air conditioner-water heater combination system, in which an air conditioner outdoor unit provides heat for an air conditioner indoor unit and a water heater. As shown in FIG5 , the device includes:

[0064] The judgment module 51 is configured to judge whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand when both the air conditioner and the water heater are turned on in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature.

[0065] The control module 52 is configured to control the water heater to be connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit if the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than a preset heating demand.

[0066] In another embodiment, when the air conditioner indoor unit and the water heater are both turned on in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water outlet temperature, the judgment module 51 determines whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand, and the set water outlet temperature is lower than the set water temperature.

[0067] If the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand, the control module 52 controls the water heater to be connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit.

[0068] Among them, the judgment module 51 judges whether the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand, including: obtaining the current fan gear of the air-conditioning indoor unit; if the current fan gear is the silent gear, or the current fan gear is the preset low gear, it is judged that the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand; if the current fan gear is not the silent gear and is not the preset low gear, it is judged that the heating demand of the area where the air-conditioning indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand.

[0069] In addition, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, the control module 52 controls the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner outdoor unit to decrease.

[0070] Specifically, when the real-time water temperature is greater than the set water temperature, the control module 52 calculates the compressor operating frequency reduction value based on the first difference between the real-time water temperature and the set water temperature. The calculation formula is: reduction value = first difference / first preset difference*first preset frequency value.

[0071] When the real-time water temperature is greater than the set water outlet temperature, the control module 52 calculates the compressor operating frequency reduction value based on the second difference between the real-time water temperature and the set water outlet temperature. The calculation formula is: reduction value = second difference / second preset difference*second preset frequency value.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, if the real-time water temperature is less than or equal to the set water outlet temperature, the control module 52 controls the water heater and the air conditioner indoor unit to resume parallel connection.

[0073] Alternatively, when the water heater is connected in series with the air conditioner indoor unit, if the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is not lower than the preset heating demand, the control module 52 controls the water heater and the air conditioner indoor unit to resume parallel connection.

[0074] The air conditioner-water heater combination system control device provided in the disclosed embodiments indicates that the water heater has excess heat when both the air conditioner indoor unit and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature or the set water outlet temperature. At this time, it is determined whether the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand. If so, it indicates that the heating demand is low. Connecting the water heater in series with the air conditioner indoor unit can provide the excess heat in the water heater to the connected air conditioner indoor unit, reducing the heat provided to the air conditioner indoor unit by the compressor, thereby achieving energy conservation.

[0075] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, including:

[0076] at least one processor and at least one memory;

[0077] The memory stores executable instructions of the processor;

[0078] The processor is configured to execute the air conditioner-water heater combination system control method provided in the above embodiment.

[0079] The electronic device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure stores executable instructions of a processor in a memory. When the executable instructions are executed, the processor activates heating mode for both the air conditioner and the water heater, and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than a set water temperature or a set water outlet temperature, indicating that the water heater has excess heat. At this time, it is determined whether the heating demand in the area where the air conditioner is located is lower than a preset heating demand. If so, it indicates that the heating demand is low. Connecting the water heater in series with the air conditioner can provide excess heat in the water heater to the connected air conditioner, thereby reducing the heat provided to the air conditioner by the compressor and achieving energy saving.

[0080] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner-water heater combination system, and applies the air conditioner-water heater combination system control method provided in the above embodiment.

[0081] The air conditioner-water heater combination system provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, by applying the air conditioner-water heater combination system control method provided in the above-mentioned embodiments, indicates that the water heater has excess heat when both the air conditioner indoor unit and the water heater are in heating mode and the real-time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature or the set water outlet temperature. At this time, it is determined whether the heating demand of the area where the air conditioner indoor unit is located is lower than the preset heating demand. If it is lower than the preset heating demand, it indicates that the heating demand is low. Connecting the water heater in series with the air conditioner indoor unit can provide the excess heat in the water heater to the series-connected air conditioner indoor unit, thereby reducing the heat provided by the compressor to the air conditioner indoor unit and achieving energy saving.

[0082] It can be understood that the same or similar parts of the above embodiments can be referenced to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can refer to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

[0083] It should be noted that, in the description of the present disclosure, the terms "first", "second", etc. are provided for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" refers to at least two.

[0084] Any process or method description in a flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a specific logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed out of the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong.

[0085] It should be understood that various parts of the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented using hardware, as in another embodiment, any one of the following technologies known in the art or a combination thereof can be used to implement: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function on a data signal, an application-specific integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the method of the above embodiment can be completed by instructing related hardware through a program, and the program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiment.

[0087] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing module, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single module. The aforementioned integrated modules may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. If the integrated modules are implemented in the form of software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0088] The storage medium mentioned above can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0089] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner - water heater combined system, where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner supplies heat to the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the water heater. The method includes: When both the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the water heater are in the heating mode and the real - time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature, determine whether the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand; If the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand, control the water heater to be connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes: When both the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the water heater are in the heating mode and the real - time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set outlet water temperature, determine whether the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand, and the set outlet water temperature is less than the set water temperature; If the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand, control the water heater to be connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The determination of whether the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand includes: Obtain the current fan speed of the indoor unit of the air conditioner; If the current fan speed is the silent gear, or the current fan speed is the preset low - gear, determine that the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand; if the current fan speed is not the silent gear and not the preset low - gear, determine that the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is not lower than the preset heating demand.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein It also includes: While the water heater is connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner, control the operating frequency of the compressor of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to decrease.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: When the real - time water temperature is greater than the set water temperature, calculate the decrease value of the compressor operating frequency according to the first difference between the real - time water temperature and the set water temperature. The calculation formula is: decrease value = first difference / first preset difference * first preset frequency value.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: When the real - time water temperature is greater than the set outlet water temperature, calculate the decrease value of the compressor operating frequency according to the second difference between the real - time water temperature and the set outlet water temperature. The calculation formula is: decrease value = second difference / second preset difference * second preset frequency value.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein: When the water heater is connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner, if the real - time water temperature is less than or equal to the set outlet water temperature, control the water heater and the indoor unit of the air conditioner to resume parallel connection.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the water heater is connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner, if the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is not lower than the preset heating demand, control the water heater and the indoor unit of the air conditioner to resume parallel connection.

9. An air conditioner - water heater combined system control device, where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner supplies heat to the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the water heater. The device includes: A judgment module, which is configured to determine whether the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand when both the indoor unit of the air conditioner and the water heater are in the heating mode and the real - time water temperature of the water heater is greater than the set water temperature; A control module, which is configured to control the water heater to be connected in series with the indoor unit of the air conditioner if the heating demand in the area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located is lower than the preset heating demand.

10. An electronic device, including: At least one processor and at least one memory; The memory stores executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

11. An air conditioner - water heater combined system applying the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

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