Air conditioner and control method therefor

Abstract

An air conditioner (1000), comprising an alternating-current input port (17), an outdoor fan (19), a controller (21), a communication circuit (20), a first switch (8), a low-power-consumption standby circuit (7), a fan detection circuit and a power supply conversion circuit (13), wherein the outdoor fan (19) is electrically connected to the alternating-current input port (17); the controller (21) comprises a first control circuit and a second control circuit; the communication circuit (20) is connected to the first control circuit and the second control circuit; the first switch (8) receives an electrical signal sent by the controller (21) and controls, on the basis of the electrical signal, the alternating-current input port (17) to transmit a power supply signal to the outdoor fan (19); the low-power-consumption standby circuit (7) is electrically connected to the communication circuit (20) and outputs a power supply signal to the communication circuit (20); the fan detection circuit detects the operation state of the outdoor fan (19) and sends a detection signal to the controller (21); and the power supply conversion circuit (13) converts a back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan (19) into a direct current.

Description

Air conditioner and control method thereof

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202420862263.2, filed on April 24, 2024; Chinese patent application No. 202410537430.0, filed on April 30, 2024; and Chinese patent application No. 202420932951.1, filed on April 30, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0003] Split-type air conditioners consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is located in the indoor space and includes an indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit is located in the outdoor space and includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor fan.

[0004] When split-type air conditioners are not in operation, both the indoor and outdoor units need to be kept in standby mode to respond to the user's turn-on needs in a timely manner.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to at least address one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, this disclosure proposes an air conditioner that can solve the problem of high standby power consumption in air conditioners.

[0007] On one hand, an air conditioner is provided, the air conditioner including an AC input port, an outdoor fan, a controller, a communication circuit, a first switch, a low-power standby circuit, a fan detection circuit, and a circuit power conversion circuit.

[0008] The outdoor fan is electrically connected to the AC input port. The controller includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit.

[0009] The communication circuit connects the first control circuit and the second control circuit.

[0010] The first switch is located between the AC input port and the outdoor fan, and receives electrical signals sent by the controller, controlling the AC input port to transmit power signals to the outdoor fan according to the electrical signals. The low-power standby circuit is located between the AC input port and the communication circuit; the low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and outputs power signals to the communication circuit. The fan detection circuit is electrically connected to the outdoor fan and can detect the operating status of the outdoor fan, sending the detection signal to the controller.

[0011] The power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current. The first terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the fan detection circuit. The second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch. The second terminal of the power conversion circuit is also electrically connected to the low-power standby circuit to transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit.

[0012] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner is equipped with a low-power standby circuit and a power conversion circuit. The power generated by the outdoor fan rotating under the action of natural wind is converted by the power conversion circuit and supplied to the low-power standby circuit for use in the standby mode of the air conditioner, thereby achieving low-energy or zero-energy standby.

[0013] On the other hand, an air conditioner is provided, the air conditioner including an AC input port, an outdoor fan, a controller, a communication circuit, a first switch, a low-power standby circuit, a fan detection circuit, and a circuit power conversion circuit.

[0014] The outdoor fan is electrically connected to the AC input port. The controller includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit. The communication circuit connects the first control circuit and the second control circuit.

[0015] The first switch is located between the AC input port and the outdoor fan, and receives electrical signals sent by the controller, and controls the AC input port to transmit power signals to the outdoor fan according to the electrical signals.

[0016] The low-power standby circuit is located between the AC input port and the communication circuit; the low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and outputs a power signal to the communication circuit. The fan detection circuit is electrically connected to the outdoor fan and detects the operating status of the outdoor fan, sending the detection signal to the controller. The power conversion circuit can convert the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current; the first terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the fan detection circuit; the second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch. The second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the low-power standby circuit to transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit.

[0017] When the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is not rotating, the first switch is open, and the AC power output from the AC input port is used to transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit; when the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is rotating, the first switch is closed, and the power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into DC power, and transmits a power signal to the low-power standby circuit.

[0018] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner utilizes a low-power standby circuit and a power conversion circuit. The electrical energy generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan under the action of natural wind is converted by the power conversion circuit and supplied to the low-power standby circuit for use in the standby mode of the air conditioner, thereby achieving low-energy or zero-energy standby.

[0019] On the other hand, a control method for an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes an AC input port, an outdoor fan, a communication circuit, a first switch, a low-power standby circuit, a fan detection circuit, a power conversion circuit, and a controller.

[0020] The outdoor fan is electrically connected to the AC input port. The communication circuit connects the first control circuit and the second control circuit. The first switch is located between the AC input port and the outdoor fan, and controls the on / off state of the circuit between the AC input port and the outdoor fan.

[0021] The low-power standby circuit is disposed between the AC input port and the communication circuit; the low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and outputs a power signal to the communication circuit.

[0022] The fan detection circuit is electrically connected to the outdoor fan and can detect the operating status of the outdoor fan.

[0023] The power conversion circuit converts back electromotive force into direct current; the first terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the fan detection circuit; the second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the first switch and also electrically connected to the low-power standby circuit.

[0024] The controller is coupled to the AC input port, the outdoor fan, the communication circuit, the first switch, the low-power standby circuit, the fan detection circuit, and the power conversion circuit.

[0025] The control method includes: when the air conditioner is in standby mode, controlling the first switch to close; if it is determined that the fan detection circuit detects the outdoor fan rotating, then the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan is converted into DC power through the power conversion circuit and supplied to the low-power standby circuit; if it is determined that the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is not rotating, then the AC power output from the AC input port supplies power to the low-power standby circuit; if it is determined that the power supply duration is greater than or equal to a set period, then controlling the first switch to close.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control method applied to an air conditioner reduces the power consumption of the air conditioner by controlling the opening and closing of a first switch when the controller determines that the air conditioner is in a standby state; and controls the first switch to close when it is determined that the power supply duration is greater than or equal to a set period in order to detect the operation of the outdoor fan. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 2 is another block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 3 is yet another block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 4 is yet another block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 5 is yet another block diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a low-power standby circuit according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of a low-power standby circuit according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the controller according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the power generation principle of an outdoor wind turbine according to some embodiments;

[0036] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 11 is a flowchart of another control method for an air conditioner according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 12 is a flowchart of another control method for an air conditioner according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, clearly and completely describes some embodiments of this disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this disclosure are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0040] The use of “applies to” or “configured to” in this article implies an open and inclusive language that does not preclude applicability to or configuration to devices that perform additional tasks or steps.

[0041] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third-person singular "comprises" and the present participle "comprising," are interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics mentioned may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0042] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0044] In describing some embodiments, the terms "coupled" and "connected," and their derivative expressions, are used. For example, the term "connected" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact with each other. Similarly, the term "coupled" may be used in describing some embodiments to indicate that two or more components have direct physical or electrical contact. However, the terms "coupled" or "communicatively coupled" may also refer to two or more components that do not have direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the content of this document.

[0045] Split-type air conditioners include an indoor unit that is installed in an indoor space. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger that is configured to liquefy or vaporize the refrigerant by exchanging heat between indoor air and refrigerant transported in the indoor heat exchanger.

[0046] Split-type air conditioners also include an outdoor unit, which is located in the outdoor space. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, which is configured to liquefy or vaporize the refrigerant by exchanging heat between outdoor air and the refrigerant transported in the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0047] Split-type air conditioners also include refrigerant piping, with the indoor and outdoor units connected through refrigerant piping to complete refrigerant circulation.

[0048] Split-type air conditioners include "multi-split" air conditioners (such as multi-split systems). The indoor unit of a "multi-split" air conditioner includes at least one indoor unit, and the outdoor unit includes one outdoor unit.

[0049] "One-to-many" air conditioners require both indoor and outdoor units to remain in standby mode during operation to respond promptly to user requests, which increases energy consumption. Since the outdoor unit's standby power consumption is greater than the indoor unit's, a low-power standby circuit control method is used in related technologies. This method utilizes a low-power standby circuit power supply component and a backup power circuit. When the air conditioner needs to be in non-standby mode (e.g., off or running), the backup power circuit is charged; when the air conditioner is in standby mode, the backup power circuit discharges to power the main control components. However, due to the limited storage capacity of the backup power circuit, it needs to be continuously charged and discharged. Energy loss occurs during charging and discharging, and this still fails to reduce energy consumption.

[0050] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides an air conditioner 1000 according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG1, the air conditioner 1000 includes an indoor unit, which includes at least one indoor unit 16. In the case where the indoor unit includes multiple indoor units 16, the multiple indoor units 16 are connected in parallel.

[0051] Indoor units 16 include, but are not limited to, wall-mounted air conditioners, cabinet air conditioners, ducted air conditioners, etc.

[0052] The air conditioner 1000 also includes an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes at least one outdoor unit 160. In the case where the outdoor unit includes multiple outdoor units 160, the multiple outdoor units 160 are connected in parallel.

[0053] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the air conditioner 1000 further includes an expansion valve 6, which may be disposed in an outdoor unit or an indoor unit and is configured to regulate the refrigerant flow in the air conditioner's piping.

[0054] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 16 includes a first housing (e.g., an indoor housing). The first housing forms the outer contour of the indoor unit 16 and has a first mounting cavity configured to receive internal components of the indoor unit 16.

[0055] The first housing includes a first air inlet (e.g., an indoor air inlet). The indoor space is connected to the first mounting cavity through the first air inlet, and indoor air enters the first mounting cavity through the first air inlet.

[0056] The first housing also includes a first air outlet (e.g., an indoor air outlet). The indoor space and the first mounting cavity are connected through the first air outlet, and air in the first mounting cavity is discharged into the indoor space through the first air outlet.

[0057] In some embodiments, indoor air enters the first housing through the first air inlet and is then blown out into the indoor space through the first air outlet.

[0058] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the indoor unit 16 further includes an indoor heat exchanger 4. The indoor heat exchanger 4 is disposed within a first mounting cavity and configured to exchange heat with indoor air entering the first housing.

[0059] The indoor unit 16 also includes an indoor fan. The indoor fan is disposed in the first mounting cavity. The indoor fan rotates to drive indoor air into the first housing, and the indoor air flows out of the first housing after exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger 4.

[0060] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 160 includes a second housing (e.g., an outdoor housing). The second housing forms the outer contour of the outdoor unit 160 and has a second mounting cavity configured to receive internal components of the outdoor unit 160.

[0061] The second housing includes a second air inlet (e.g., an outdoor air inlet), and the outdoor space is connected to the second mounting cavity through the second air inlet, through which outdoor air enters the second mounting cavity.

[0062] The second housing also includes a second air outlet (e.g., an outdoor air outlet), through which the outdoor space and the second mounting cavity are connected, and the air in the second mounting cavity is discharged to the outdoor space through the second air outlet.

[0063] In some embodiments, outdoor air enters the second housing through the second air inlet and is then blown out to the outdoor space through the second air outlet.

[0064] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the outdoor unit 160 further includes an outdoor heat exchanger 5 disposed in the second mounting cavity and configured to exchange heat with outdoor air entering the second housing.

[0065] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the outdoor unit 160 includes an outdoor fan 19, which is disposed in the second mounting cavity. The outdoor fan 19 rotates to drive outdoor air into the second housing, and the outdoor air flows out of the second housing after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 5.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the outdoor fan 19 includes an outdoor motor 142, which is configured to receive AC power and rotate.

[0067] The outdoor fan 19 also includes an outdoor fan 141, which is driven by the outdoor fan 19 to rotate, so as to drive outdoor air into the second housing through the second air inlet and out to the outdoor space through the second air outlet.

[0068] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the outdoor unit 160 further includes a compressor 3, which is configured to compress the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to assist the air conditioner in refrigerant circulation.

[0069] The compressor 3 includes an intake port, through which gaseous refrigerant flows into the compressor 3.

[0070] The compressor 3 also includes an exhaust port, from which the gaseous refrigerant in the compressor 3 is discharged after compression.

[0071] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 160 further includes a gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator is disposed at the suction port of the compressor 3 and configured to separate the refrigerant gas and liquid as it enters the compressor 3 through the suction port.

[0072] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the outdoor unit 160 further includes a four-way valve 15, which includes a first port connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 3; a second port connected to the intake port of the compressor 3; a third port connected to the indoor heat exchanger 4; and a fourth port connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 5.

[0073] In the refrigerant circulation process of the air conditioner 1000, the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, the air conditioner 1000 functions as a heater in heating mode. When the indoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner 1000 functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0074] Air conditioner 1000 uses refrigerant circulation to blow out air at a temperature higher than the indoor temperature, air at a temperature lower than the indoor temperature, or air at the same temperature as the indoor temperature, in order to adjust the temperature and humidity of the indoor environment. The air conditioner can also adjust the airflow speed of the indoor environment by adjusting the speed of the indoor fan.

[0075] The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed by compressor 3 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows into outdoor heat exchanger 5. Outdoor heat exchanger 5 condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, releasing heat into the surrounding environment during the condensation process. Expansion valve 6 throttles and reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, transforming it into a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Indoor heat exchanger 4 absorbs heat from the surrounding environment and evaporates the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to form a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which returns to compressor 3, forming a refrigeration cycle.

[0076] The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed by compressor 3 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows into indoor heat exchanger 4. Indoor heat exchanger 4 condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant, releasing heat into the surrounding environment during the condensation process. Expansion valve 6 throttles and reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, transforming it into a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Outdoor heat exchanger 5 absorbs heat from the surrounding environment and evaporates the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to form a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which returns to compressor 3, forming a heating cycle.

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG8, the air conditioner 1000 may further include a controller 21. The controller 21 is configured to control the operation of the air conditioner 1000. For example, the controller 21 receives user instructions and controls the air conditioner 1000 to operate in any one of the following modes: cooling mode, heating mode, fan mode, and standby mode. Furthermore, the controller 21 may also upload the operating status of the air conditioner 1000 to a cloud platform.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG8, the controller 21 includes a memory 212 (such as a disk storage device) configured to store a program. The memory 212 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory (NVM).

[0079] The controller 21 also includes a communication interface 214, which is configured to communicate with relevant components.

[0080] The controller 21 also includes a processor 213, which is configured to execute executable modules stored in the memory 212, such as computer programs, whose code may be in the form of source code, object code, or executable files.

[0081] The controller 21 also includes a bus 211 for connecting the communication interface 214 and the processor 213. The bus 211 may be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus.

[0082] In some embodiments, the controller 21 further includes a second control circuit (e.g., an indoor control circuit), which is configured to control the operation of components of the indoor unit 16, and to receive the operating status of corresponding components of the indoor unit 16 and send control commands to the corresponding components.

[0083] The controller 21 also includes a first control circuit (e.g., an outdoor control circuit), which is configured to control the operation of components of the outdoor unit 160, and to receive the operating status of corresponding components of the outdoor unit 160 and send control commands to the corresponding components of the outdoor unit 160.

[0084] In some embodiments, the communication between the second control circuit and the first control circuit can be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0085] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a communication circuit 20 (e.g., a controller minimum loop), which is configured to connect a first control circuit and a second control circuit. Here, the communication circuit 20 is a peripheral circuit for maintaining the operation of the chip of the controller 21, and is a circuit that ensures that the air conditioner 1000 can respond promptly when it is in standby mode.

[0086] In some embodiments, the communication circuit 20 can also be used to power the communication loop between the controller 21 and the indoor unit 16 to maintain communication between the outdoor unit 160 and the indoor unit 16 in the standby state. In this way, when the indoor unit 16 receives the power-on command issued by the controller 21, it exits the standby state and the air conditioner 1000 operates normally.

[0087] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a remote control device (such as a remote controller), which is coupled to the controller. Specifically, the remote control device has the function of communicating with the controller 21 using, for example, infrared or other communication methods. During air conditioner operation, commands can be input to the controller via the remote controller to select the operating modes of the indoor unit 16 and the outdoor unit 160. In some embodiments, the controller 21 can be located at either the outdoor unit 160 or the indoor unit 16. The controller 21 of the outdoor unit 160 and the controller 21 of the indoor unit 16 each include at least one software functional component, which is stored in the memory 212 in the form of software or firmware.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the air conditioner 1000 further includes an AC input port 17, through which the air conditioner 1000 is connected to the mains power (i.e., AC power) so that the air conditioner 1000 receives 220V AC power from the mains power and converts the AC power inside the air conditioner 1000 to meet the working requirements of the components inside the air conditioner 1000.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the AC input port 17 includes an L line (e.g., a live wire), which corresponds to the live wire of the mains power; the AC input port 17 also includes an N line (e.g., a neutral wire), which corresponds to the neutral wire of the mains power.

[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the air conditioner 1000 further includes an AC load 18.

[0091] In some embodiments, the AC load 18 may include the compressor 3 described above.

[0092] In some embodiments, the AC load 18 may also include coil-like components (such as transformers).

[0093] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5, the AC load 18 further includes a switching power supply 22, which is configured to convert AC power into stable DC power. The switching power supply 22 receives AC power from the mains through the AC input port 17 and processes the voltage and current of the AC power through circuit components (e.g., transformers, rectifiers, filters, or voltage regulators) inside the air conditioner 1000 to output stable DC power for use by the components of the air conditioner 1000.

[0094] In some embodiments, the AC load 18 further includes a motor (e.g., an outdoor motor).

[0095] When the air conditioner 1000 is in operation, its components work according to the received user commands and the corresponding action rules set by those commands. When the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, its components do not work and wait for a user command to be received before starting to work.

[0096] It should be noted that even when the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, the AC load 18 of the air conditioner 1000 is still consuming electrical energy.

[0097] Therefore, in some embodiments, referring to FIG3, the air conditioner 1000 includes a second switch 9 (e.g., RY2) disposed between the AC input port 17 and the AC load 18, and configured to control the on / off state of the circuit between the AC input port 17 and the AC load 18.

[0098] The first terminal of the second switch 9 is connected to the AC input port 17; the second terminal of the second switch 9 is connected to the AC load 18.

[0099] In some embodiments, the second switch 9 is coupled to the controller 21 and configured to receive electrical signals output by the controller 21.

[0100] When the controller 21 controls the second switch 9 to close, the AC input port 17 sends a power signal to the AC load 18. That is, when the circuit between the AC load 18 and the AC input port 17 is connected, the mains power supplies the AC load 18 through the AC input port 17, providing the AC load 18 with the electrical energy required for its operation.

[0101] In some embodiments, when the controller 21 controls the second switch 9 to open, the AC input port 17 stops sending power signals to the AC load 18. That is, when the circuit between the AC load 18 and the AC input port 17 is disconnected, the mains power stops supplying power to the AC load 18.

[0102] In this way, when the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, the controller 21 controls the second switch 9 to be in the off state, so that the mains power cannot supply power to the AC load 18 through the AC input port 17, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner 1000 in standby mode.

[0103] In some embodiments, referring to FIG3, the air conditioner further includes a low-power standby circuit 7. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first input terminal 71 of the low-power standby circuit 7 is electrically connected to the AC input port 17. As shown in FIG5, the first output terminal 73 of the low-power standby circuit 7 is electrically connected to the communication circuit 20 to output a power signal to the communication circuit 20. For example, the first output terminal 73 outputs a 5V voltage to the communication circuit 20.

[0104] When the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode and the second switch 9 is turned off, that is, when the power supply to the AC load 18 is turned off, the low-power standby circuit 7 can continue to supply power to the communication circuit 20 so that the air conditioner 1000 can be restored to normal working state in a timely manner in standby mode.

[0105] It is understood that the air conditioner 1000 provided in some embodiments of this disclosure disconnects all loads except those including communication and chip functions in standby mode, and controls the loads including communication and chip functions with low voltage, thereby reducing standby power consumption. For example, after disconnecting the aforementioned other loads, the communication circuit 20 is powered through the low-power standby circuit 7, which can achieve a power consumption of less than 1W when the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, for example, the power consumption of the air conditioner 1000 in standby mode is 0.1W. Thus, low power consumption of the air conditioner 1000 in standby mode is achieved.

[0106] In some embodiments, the outdoor fan 19 is electrically connected to the AC input port 17, and the outdoor fan 19 drives the outdoor fan 141 to rotate through the AC power input through the AC input port 17.

[0107] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a first switch 8 (e.g., RY1), the first switch 8 being disposed between the AC input port 17 and the outdoor fan 19, and configured to control the on / off state of the circuit between the AC input port 17 and the outdoor fan 19.

[0108] The first terminal of the first switch 8 is connected to the AC input port 17; the second terminal of the first switch 8 is connected to the outdoor fan 19. For example, the communication interface 214 of the controller 21 can communicate with the first switch 8 and the second switch 9.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first switch 8 is coupled to the controller 21 and configured to receive electrical signals sent by the controller 21 to control the AC input port 17 to transmit power signals to the outdoor fan 19.

[0110] When the first switch 8 is closed, the controller 21 controls the AC input port 17 to supply power to the components on the outdoor fan 19 side; when the first switch 8 is open, the controller 21 controls the AC input port 17 to stop supplying power to the components on the outdoor fan 19 side.

[0111] In some embodiments, after the first switch 8 is turned off, the AC input port 17 stops transmitting power signals to the outdoor fan 19.

[0112] In some embodiments, after the second switch 9 is turned off, the AC input port 17 stops transmitting power signals to the AC load 18.

[0113] In this way, by disconnecting the first switch 8 and the second switch 9, the AC load 18 and the rectifier load are in an off state, reducing power consumption.

[0114] In some embodiments, the AC input port 17 and the low-power standby circuit 7 are connected, so that the AC input port 17 can transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0115] The low-power standby circuit 7 is electrically connected to the AC input port 17 so that when the first switch 8 and the second switch 9 are off, the power signal of the AC input port 17 is transmitted to the communication circuit 20 through the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0116] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the low-power standby circuit 7 is kept connected to the AC input port 17 to ensure that the communication circuit 20 can continue to work in the event of abnormal or faulty power supply at the outdoor fan end, so as to ensure that the air conditioner 1000 can be turned on at any time in standby mode.

[0117] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a rectifier circuit 10, which is disposed between the first switch 8 and the outdoor fan 19 and configured to convert alternating current (AC) input from the mains into direct current (DC). The input terminal of the rectifier circuit 10 is connected to the second terminal of the first switch 8, that is, when the first switch 8 is closed, the rectifier circuit 10 converts the AC current in the circuit into DC current.

[0118] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a filter circuit 11 disposed between the AC input port 17 and the first switch 8, and configured to reduce noise in the AC power input from the mains.

[0119] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first end of the filter circuit 11 is connected to the AC input port 17; the second end of the filter circuit 11 is connected to the first switch 8; and the third end of the filter circuit 11 is connected to the second switch 9.

[0120] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a power factor correction (PFC) circuit 12. The PFC circuit 12 is disposed between the rectifier circuit 10 and the outdoor fan 19 and is configured to control the waveform of the input current so that the waveform of the input current is synchronized with the waveform of the input voltage, thereby improving the power factor and reducing harmonic content. The PFC circuit 12 can solve electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems caused by severe distortion of the current waveform due to capacitive loads.

[0121] The fifth input terminal of PFC circuit 12 is electrically connected to the third output terminal of rectifier circuit 10.

[0122] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a power conversion circuit 13, which is disposed between the PFC circuit 12 and the outdoor fan 19 and is configured to perform one of converting AC power to DC power and converting DC power to AC power.

[0123] The first terminal of the power conversion circuit 13 is electrically connected to the outdoor fan 19 or the fan detection circuit; the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13 is connected to the fifth output terminal of the PFC circuit 12.

[0124] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 is configured to convert direct current to alternating current and output it to the outdoor fan 19 in a first state. Here, the first state is the state in which the air conditioner 1000 is operating normally.

[0125] When the mains power supply is normally supplying power to the outdoor fan 19 through the AC input port 17, the AC power input through the AC input port 17 is converted into DC power by the rectifier circuit 10. Under the action of the PFC circuit 12, the waveform of the input current is controlled to improve the power factor. Then, the DC power is converted into AC power by the power conversion circuit 13 and supplied to the outdoor fan 19 to drive the outdoor fan 19 to rotate.

[0126] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 is further configured to: in a second state, the power conversion circuit 13 converts the back electromotive force (AC) generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 into stable DC power, and sends the DC power to the low-power standby circuit 7. Here, the second state is the standby state of the air conditioner 1000.

[0127] When the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, the outdoor natural wind can cause the outdoor fan 19 to rotate. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the low power standby circuit 7, further reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 1000 in standby mode.

[0128] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the low-power standby circuit 7 further includes a second input terminal 72, which is electrically connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13 to transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit 7 through the power conversion circuit 13.

[0129] In this way, the outdoor fan 19 is driven by the natural wind from outdoors, and the AC power is converted into DC power by the power conversion circuit 13 to provide power to the load of the air conditioner 1000 when it is in standby mode. That is, the outdoor fan 19 is used as a generator. This reduces the power consumption of the air conditioner 1000 when it is in standby mode.

[0130] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, the first switch 8 remains closed.

[0131] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a fan detection circuit, which is coupled to the controller 21 and configured to detect the operating status of the outdoor fan 19.

[0132] When the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan 19 is stationary, the controller 21 controls the first switch 8 to open, and uses the AC power output from the AC input port 17 to power the low-power standby circuit 7 (transmitting power signal).

[0133] In some embodiments, when the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan 19 is rotating, the power conversion circuit 13 converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 into stable DC power to supply power to the low-power standby circuit 7 (transmit power signal).

[0134] In some embodiments, when the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan 19 is in a stationary state and disconnects the first switch, the first switch 8 is closed according to a predetermined cycle, so that the controller 21 can obtain the detection signal of the fan detection circuit and use it to determine the state of the outdoor fan 19.

[0135] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11, controller 21 is configured to execute S1101 to S1108.

[0136] S1101, Air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode.

[0137] Controller 21 determines that air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode.

[0138] S1102, Keep the first switch 8 closed.

[0139] When the controller determines that the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, it controls the first switch 8 to close in order to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 1000.

[0140] S1103. Determine whether the fan detection circuit detects the outdoor fan 19 rotating. If yes, execute S1104; otherwise, execute S1105.

[0141] S1104. The back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 is converted into stable DC power through the power conversion circuit 13.

[0142] When the controller 21 determines that the outdoor fan 19 is rotating, the control power conversion circuit 13 converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 into stable DC power to supply power to the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0143] S1105. Disconnect the first switch 8 and use the AC power output from the AC input port 17 to power the low-power standby 7 circuit.

[0144] If the controller 21 determines that the outdoor fan is not rotating, it will control the first switch 8 to open because it cannot obtain current from the outdoor fan 19, and use the AC power output from the AC input port 17 to power the low-power standby 7 circuit.

[0145] S1106. Determine whether the power supply duration is greater than or equal to the set period. If yes, execute S1107; otherwise, continue executing S1106.

[0146] For example, the period can be set to any value in [1h, 24h].

[0147] S1107, Close the first switch 8.

[0148] When the controller 21 determines that the power supply duration is greater than or equal to the set period, it controls the first switch 8 to close in order to detect the operation of the outdoor fan 19.

[0149] S1108. Determine whether the fan detection circuit detects the outdoor fan 19 rotating. If yes, execute S1104; otherwise, continue executing S1105.

[0150] In some embodiments of this disclosure, by changing the form of current received at the input terminal of the low-power standby circuit 7 from AC input to AC and DC input, and by using outdoor natural wind to generate electricity, the power is used for the standby state of the air conditioner 1000, thereby reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 1000 in the standby state.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, the second switch 9 is turned off to stop power supply to the AC load 18.

[0152] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG12, controller 21 is also configured to execute S1201 to S1209.

[0153] S1201, Air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode.

[0154] S1202, Disconnect the second switch 9.

[0155] When the controller 21 determines that the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, it controls the second switch 9 to open to stop supplying power to the AC load 18.

[0156] S1203, Keep the first switch 8 closed.

[0157] S1204. Determine whether the fan detection circuit detects the outdoor fan 19 rotating. If yes, execute S1205; otherwise, execute S1206.

[0158] S1205, The back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 is converted into stable DC power through the power conversion circuit 13.

[0159] When the controller 21 determines that the outdoor fan 19 is rotating, the control power conversion circuit 13 converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 into stable DC power to supply power to the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0160] S1206. Disconnect the first switch 8 and use the AC power output from the AC input port 17 to power the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0161] If the controller 21 determines that the outdoor fan is not rotating, it will control the first switch 8 to open because it cannot obtain current from the outdoor fan 19, and use the AC power output from the AC input port 17 to power the low-power standby 7 circuit.

[0162] S1207. Determine whether the power supply duration is greater than or equal to the set period. If yes, execute S1208; otherwise, continue executing S1207.

[0163] S1208, Close the first switch 8.

[0164] S1209. Determine whether the power conversion circuit 13 has detected the outdoor fan 19 rotating. If yes, execute S1205; otherwise, continue executing S1206.

[0165] Compared to air conditioners in related technologies, the air conditioner 1000 provided in some embodiments of this disclosure does not require a backup power circuit. It utilizes a low-power standby circuit 7 to convert external AC power into low-voltage DC power for the communication circuit 20. For example, by disconnecting the second switch 9 and closing the first switch 8, if the back electromotive force generated by the outdoor fan 19 meets the usage requirements of the communication circuit 20, the back electromotive force generated by the outdoor fan 19 can be used to power the communication circuit 20. This simplifies the structure of the control circuit, reduces costs, and enables low-power or zero-power standby for the air conditioner 1000, saving energy.

[0166] In some embodiments, when the controller 21 receives a power-on command, it controls the first switch 8 to close and the second switch 9 to close, so that the air conditioner 1000 exits the standby state.

[0167] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the low-power standby circuit 7 further includes a switching power supply component 74, which is configured to deliver a power signal from a first input terminal 71 or a second input terminal 72 to a first output terminal 73. The switching power supply component 74 includes a third input terminal, which is connected to both the first input terminal 71 and the second input terminal 72 of the low-power standby circuit 7; the switching power supply component 74 also includes a second output terminal, which is connected to the first output terminal 73 of the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0168] In some embodiments, the switching power supply assembly 74 determines the voltage of the first input terminal 71 or the second input terminal 72 based on the magnitude of the electromotive force of the first input terminal 71 and the second input terminal 72.

[0169] In some embodiments, the switching power supply assembly 74 is configured to transmit a power signal from the first input terminal 71 to the communication circuit 20 when the DC voltage after rectification at the first input terminal 71 is greater than the DC voltage input at the second input terminal 72.

[0170] In some embodiments, the switching power supply assembly 74 is further configured to supply power from the second input terminal 72 to the communication circuit 20 when the DC current input at the second input terminal 72 is greater than the DC current after rectification of the voltage at the first input terminal 71.

[0171] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, the input AC power (L / N) is 220V, and the switching power supply assembly 74 internally rectifies it to DC power of 310V (DC = √2 × AC). Here, DC stands for Direct Current, and AC stands for Alternating Current.

[0172] When at least one of the DC+ or DC- ports has no voltage or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the switching power supply components are powered by the L / N mains power.

[0173] In some embodiments, when there is no voltage at the DC+ port or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the L / N mains power supply provides power to operate the switching power supply components; when there is no voltage at the DC- port or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the L / N mains power supply provides power to operate the switching power supply components; when there is no voltage at both the DC+ and DC- ports or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the L / N mains power supply provides power to operate the switching power supply components.

[0174] When the voltage of at least one of the DC+ port or DC- port is greater than DC310V, the switching power supply components are powered by at least one of the power sources of the DC+ port or DC- port, and there is no mains power output and the power consumption is 0W.

[0175] In some embodiments, when there is no voltage at the DC+ port or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the switching power supply component is powered by at least one of the power sources at the DC+ port or DC- port, and there is no mains power output, with a power consumption of 0W; when there is no voltage at the DC- port or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the switching power supply component is powered by at least one of the power sources at the DC+ port or DC- port, and there is no mains power output, with a power consumption of 0W; when there is no voltage at both the DC+ port and the DC- port or the voltage is lower than DC310V, the switching power supply component is powered by at least one of the power sources at the DC+ port or DC- port, and there is no mains power output, with a power consumption of 0W.

[0176] As shown in Figure 7, the low-power standby circuit 7 includes a switching power supply component 74. The switching power supply component 74 supports both DC and AC power inputs. In some embodiments, it can output a low voltage of 5V to power the communication circuit 20.

[0177] The communication circuit 20 supplies power to the chip and related communication circuits of the controller 21 to maintain communication between the outdoor unit 160 and the indoor unit 16 when the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode. When the indoor unit 16 receives the power-on command, it exits the standby mode and the air conditioner 1000 operates normally.

[0178] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, the switching power supply assembly 74 includes a first sub-diode 741, the anode of the first sub-diode 741 being connected to the live wire of the AC input port 17, and the cathode of the first sub-diode 741 being connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13.

[0179] In some embodiments, the switching power supply assembly 74 further includes a second sub-diode 742, the negative terminal of which is connected to the negative terminal of the first sub-diode 741 and the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13, and the positive terminal of the second sub-diode 742 is connected to the neutral wire of the AC input port 17.

[0180] In some embodiments, the switching power supply assembly 74 further includes a third sub-diode 743, the negative terminal of which is connected to the positive terminal of the second sub-diode 742 and the neutral wire of the AC input port 17, and the positive terminal of the third sub-diode 743 is connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13.

[0181] In some embodiments, the switching power supply assembly 74 further includes a fourth sub-diode 744, the negative terminal of which is connected to the positive terminal of the first sub-diode 741 and the live wire of the AC input port 17, and the positive terminal of the fourth sub-diode 744 is connected to the third sub-diode 743 and the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13.

[0182] As shown in Figure 7, the low-power standby circuit 7 also includes diodes VD1 and VD2. The anode of diode VD1 is connected to the DC+ terminal, and the anode of diode VD2 is connected to the DC- terminal. The low-power standby circuit 7 stabilizes the input voltage by using these diodes.

[0183] The low-power standby circuit 7 also includes a capacitor E1, the negative terminals of diodes VD1 and VD2 are connected to the capacitor E1, and diode VD1 is connected to the positive terminal of capacitor E1, while diode VD2 is connected to the negative terminal of capacitor E1.

[0184] The positive terminal of capacitor E1 is also connected to the positive terminal of the third sub-diode 743, and the negative terminal of capacitor E1 is also connected to the negative terminal of the second sub-diode 742.

[0185] A peripheral circuit is provided between the second output terminals Vo+ and Vo- of the switching power supply component 74 and the first output terminal 73 of the low-power standby circuit 7. The peripheral circuit includes an inductor L1, capacitors E2, E3, C1, and CY1.

[0186] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the air conditioner 1000 further includes a fan detection circuit 14. The fan detection circuit 14 is disposed between the outdoor fan 19 and the power conversion circuit 13. The fan detection circuit 14 is connected to the outdoor fan 19 and is configured to detect the speed and direction of the outdoor fan 19 to obtain the operating status of the outdoor fan 19. The speed and direction of the outdoor fan 19 are then sent to the controller 21. The controller 21 can determine whether a zero-power standby mode can be used based on the detection signal from the fan detection circuit 14.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fan detection circuit 14 is further configured to be electrically connected to the outdoor fan 19 to detect the magnitude of the back electromotive force generated by the outdoor fan 19 and send the detected back electromotive force signal to the controller 21.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second terminal of the power conversion circuit 13 is electrically connected to the low-power standby circuit 7 so that after the controller 21 receives the detection signal from the fan detection circuit 14, it transmits a power signal to the low-power standby circuit 7 through the power conversion circuit 13.

[0189] In some embodiments, if the controller 21 determines that the detection signal obtained from the fan detection circuit 14 is less than a set threshold, it controls the first switch 8 to open and closes the first switch 8 within a set period to detect the operation of the outdoor fan 19.

[0190] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the power conversion circuit 13 includes a first transistor 131, the base of which is connected to a first pulse signal, and the emitter of which is electrically connected to an outdoor fan 19. Furthermore, a first diode D1 is connected in series between the collector and emitter of the first transistor 131.

[0191] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 further includes a second transistor 132, the base of which is connected to the second pulse signal, the collector of which is electrically connected to the collector of the first transistor 131, and the emitter of which is electrically connected to the outdoor fan 19. Furthermore, a second diode D2 is connected in series between the collector and emitter of the second transistor 132.

[0192] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 further includes a third transistor 133, the base of which is connected to the third pulse signal, the collector of which is electrically connected to the collector of the second transistor 132, and the emitter of which is electrically connected to the outdoor fan 19. Furthermore, a third diode D3 is connected in series between the collector and emitter of the third transistor 133.

[0193] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 further includes a fourth transistor 134, the base of which is connected to a fourth pulse signal, the collector of which is electrically connected to the emitter of a first transistor 131, and the collector of which is electrically connected to an outdoor fan 19. Furthermore, a fourth diode D4 is connected in series between the collector and emitter of the fourth transistor 134.

[0194] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 further includes a fifth transistor 135, the base of which is connected to a fifth pulse signal, the collector of which is electrically connected to the emitter of a second transistor 132, and the collector of which is electrically connected to the outdoor fan 19. Furthermore, a fifth diode D5 is connected in series between the collector and emitter of the fifth transistor 135.

[0195] In some embodiments, the power conversion circuit 13 further includes a sixth transistor 136. The base of the sixth transistor 136 is connected to the sixth pulse signal, the collector of the sixth transistor 136 is electrically connected to the emitter of the third transistor 133, and the collector of the sixth transistor 136 is electrically connected to the outdoor fan 19. Furthermore, a sixth diode D6 is connected in series between the collector and emitter of the sixth transistor 136, and this sixth diode can serve as a freewheeling diode.

[0196] In some embodiments, the transistor described above may be an NPN transistor.

[0197] In some embodiments, when the fan detection circuit 14 detects that the outdoor fan 19 is rotating, the power conversion circuit 13, as a three-phase six-switch PFC circuit, converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 19 into direct current.

[0198] In some embodiments, the second input terminal 72 of the low-power standby circuit 7 is electrically connected to the first diode D1, the second diode D2, the third diode D3, the fourth diode D4, the fifth diode D5 and the sixth diode D6, respectively, to receive the power signal converted into DC power by the power conversion circuit 13.

[0199] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, the DC+ and DC- ports of the power conversion circuit 13 in Figure 9 are connected to the DC+ and DC- ports of the low-power standby circuit 7 in Figure 7.

[0200] As shown in Figure 9, when the outdoor unit 160 is operating normally, the current output from the mains power is filtered by the AC input port 17 and boosted by the PFC circuit. This boosts the DC bus voltage at at least one of the DC+ port or DC- port to the target value, and the power conversion circuit 13 converts the DC power into AC power to drive the outdoor motor 142 to rotate.

[0201] When the outdoor fan 141 is driven to rotate by external natural wind, the outdoor fan 19 can be in power generation mode. When the outdoor fan 19 is in power generation mode, the AC input port 17 is not working.

[0202] The back electromotive force (AC) generated by at least one of the motor windings S1, S2, or S3 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit, which boosts the DC bus voltage at at least one of the DC+ or DC- ports to a target value. The voltage boosted to the target value is used for the power input of the low-power standby circuit 7 and the switching power supply 22 to reduce the loss of mains power.

[0203] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor winding S1 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0204] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor winding S2 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0205] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor winding S3 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0206] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor windings S1 and S2 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0207] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor windings S1 and S3 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0208] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor windings S2 and S3 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0209] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the motor windings S1, S2 and S3 enters the power conversion circuit 13. At this time, the power conversion circuit 13 is a reverse three-phase six-switch PFC circuit.

[0210] In some embodiments, the back electromotive force generated by the outdoor fan 19 can be calculated based on the back electromotive force coefficient and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 19. For example, the generated back electromotive force is the product of the back electromotive force coefficient and the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 19.

[0211] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1000 may further include a third switch, the third switch being disposed between the power conversion circuit 13 and the low-power standby circuit 7, and configured to control the on / off state of the circuit between the power conversion circuit 13 and the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0212] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1000 may further include a speed detection device, which is disposed on the outdoor fan 19 side and configured to detect the speed of the outdoor fan 141 of the outdoor fan 19. The controller 21 controls the switching state of the third switch by determining the speed of the outdoor fan 141, so as to control the power conversion circuit 13 to supply power to the low-power standby circuit 7.

[0213] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG10, controller 21 is also configured to execute S1000 to S1007.

[0214] S1000, Start Process.

[0215] S1001, Air conditioner 1000 enters standby mode.

[0216] S1002. Detect the operating status (speed) of the outdoor fan 19.

[0217] The controller 21 can detect the generated back electromotive force or the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 19 through the fan detection circuit 14. In some embodiments, the detection of the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 19 is used as an example for explanation.

[0218] S1003. Determine whether the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 19 is greater than or equal to the preset rotational speed. If yes, proceed to S1004; otherwise, proceed to S1005. In some embodiments, the preset rotational speed is set to n, and n is greater than the first preset rotational speed threshold n1.

[0219] It should be noted that when n is less than or equal to n1, the back electromotive force generated by the outdoor fan 19 cannot meet the requirements of the communication circuit 20.

[0220] In some embodiments, the preset rotational speed n1 can be any value in [90 rpm, 100 rpm], for example, the preset rotational speed n1 can be 95 rpm or 100 rpm.

[0221] In some embodiments, the preset rotational speed n is less than the second preset rotational speed threshold n2.

[0222] It should be noted that when n is greater than or equal to n2, the condition that the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 19 meets the requirement will be reduced.

[0223] In some embodiments, the preset rotational speed n2 can be 105 rpm or 110 rpm.

[0224] S1004. Determine whether the time for which the speed is greater than or equal to the preset speed is greater than or equal to the preset time. If yes, execute S1006; otherwise, continue executing S1003.

[0225] The stability of the power supply to the outdoor fan 19 can be improved by determining the duration of the condition. Furthermore, the stability of the power conversion circuit output can be improved by detecting the fan speed.

[0226] In some embodiments, if a preset duration is set to t, then t is greater than a first preset duration threshold t1.

[0227] It should be noted that when t is less than or equal to t1, the back electromotive force generated by the outdoor fan 19 is unstable, which affects the stability of the power supply to the communication circuit 20.

[0228] In some embodiments, t1 can be any value in [5s, 9s], for example, t1 can be 7s, 8s or 9s.

[0229] In some embodiments, the preset time t is less than the second preset duration threshold t2.

[0230] It should be noted that when t is greater than or equal to t2, the outdoor fan 19 will have a shorter holding time at the preset speed that meets the conditions.

[0231] In some embodiments, t2 can be any value in [10s, 15s], for example, t2 can be 10s, 11s or 12s.

[0232] S1005, disconnect the first switch 8 and the second switch 9, and the air conditioner 1000 enters the low-power standby mode.

[0233] Controller 21 controls the first switch 8 and the second switch 9 to open. At this time, the AC load 18 is disconnected from the rectified load and no power is consumed. The mains power LN supplies power to the low-power standby circuit 7 and outputs 5V to the communication circuit 20 to maintain the standby communication of the air conditioner 1000.

[0234] S1006. Disconnect the second switch 9 and close the first switch 8. The air conditioner 1000 enters the zero-power standby mode.

[0235] The fan detection circuit detects the back electromotive force of the outdoor fan 19 to confirm its operating status (rotating or stationary). If the outdoor fan 19 is detected to be rotating, it puts the outdoor fan 19 into generator mode, causing at least one of the DC+ and DC- ports to reach a set value. This supplies energy to the switching power supply 22 and the low-power standby circuit 7, converting wind energy into electrical energy for the load of the communication circuit 20. At this time, the L / N mains input is 0.

[0236] When the air conditioner 1000 is in standby mode, the standby power of the outdoor fan 19 is 0W when it is running, and the low standby power is less than 1W (low standby power 0.5W) when the outdoor fan 19 is not running, thus reducing the standby power of the air conditioner 1000 and saving energy.

[0237] S1007. After a preset time interval, close the first switch 8 to exit the low-power standby mode and check the operating status of the outdoor fan 19.

[0238] Here, the preset time period can be any value in [1min, 60min].

[0239] In some embodiments, after executing S1007, the controller 21 continues to execute S1003.

[0240] It should be noted that any one of the technical solutions disclosed in this disclosure can solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems and achieve a certain inventive purpose to a certain extent; multiple technical disclosures can also be combined into an overall solution to solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems and achieve a certain inventive purpose; some technical disclosures can also be selected and combined into an overall solution, while adopting related technologies and deteriorating solutions, but the deterioration trend can be compensated by the means of this technical disclosure, and the overall solution can solve one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems and achieve a certain inventive purpose to a certain extent; each technical disclosure combined into a complete technical solution constitutes an organic and indivisible overall solution, which solves the technical problems and achieves a certain inventive purpose as a whole.

[0241] Any technical disclosure in this disclosure, as well as the recombination of multiple technical disclosures, can form a complete technical solution and solve one or more of the aforementioned technical problems, thereby achieving the inventive objective. All of these fall under the content of this disclosure and are directly and unambiguously determined based on the content of this disclosure.

[0242] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and that modifications and substitutions can be made to certain elements of the embodiments without departing from the spirit of this application. The scope of this application is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: AC input port; The outdoor fan is electrically connected to the AC input port; The controller includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit; A communication circuit connects the first control circuit and the second control circuit; A first switch is disposed between the AC input port and the outdoor fan. The first switch receives an electrical signal sent by the controller and controls the AC input port to transmit a power signal to the outdoor fan according to the electrical signal. A low-power standby circuit is disposed between the AC input port and the communication circuit; the low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and outputs a power signal to the communication circuit; A fan detection circuit is electrically connected to the outdoor fan; the fan detection circuit can detect the operating status of the outdoor fan and send the detection signal to the controller; The power conversion circuit can convert the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current; the first terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the fan detection circuit; the second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch. The second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the low-power standby circuit to transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit through the power conversion circuit.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: An AC load is electrically connected to the AC input port; A second switch is coupled to the controller; a first terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC input port; a second terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC load. When the second switch is closed, the AC input port sends a power signal to the AC load; When the second switch is off, the AC input port stops sending power signals to the AC load.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The AC load includes a switching power supply, which is capable of converting AC power output from the AC input port into DC power.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, The low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the AC input port; When the first switch and the second switch are open, the power signal of the AC input port is transmitted to the communication circuit through the low-power standby circuit.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The low-power standby circuit includes: The first input terminal is electrically connected to the AC input port; The second input terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit; A first output terminal, electrically connected to the communication circuit; and Switching power supply components, including: A third input terminal, which is connected to both the first input terminal and the second input terminal; and The second output terminal is connected to the first output terminal to selectively transmit the power signal from either the first input terminal or the second input terminal to the first output terminal.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein, The switching power supply assembly includes: The first sub-diode, the positive terminal of the first sub-diode is connected to the live wire of the AC input port, and the negative terminal of the first sub-diode is connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit; The second sub-diode has its cathode connected to the cathode of the first sub-diode and the second terminal of the power conversion circuit, and its anode connected to the neutral wire of the AC input port. The third sub-diode, the negative terminal of which is connected to the positive terminal of the second sub-diode and the neutral wire of the AC input port, and the positive terminal of which is connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit; The fourth sub-diode has its negative terminal connected to the positive terminal of the first sub-diode and the live wire of the AC input port, and its positive terminal connected to the third sub-diode and the second terminal of the power conversion circuit.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein, The power conversion circuit includes: The first transistor has its base connected to a first pulse signal, and a first diode connected in series between its collector and emitter; the emitter of the first transistor is electrically connected to the outdoor fan. The second transistor has its base connected to the second pulse signal, a second diode connected in series between its collector and emitter, and its collector electrically connected to the collector of the first transistor; the emitter of the second transistor is electrically connected to the outdoor fan. The third transistor has its base connected to a third pulse signal, a third diode connected in series between its collector and emitter, and its collector electrically connected to the collector of the second transistor; the emitter of the third transistor is electrically connected to the outdoor fan. The fourth transistor has its base connected to a fourth pulse signal, a fourth diode connected in series between its collector and emitter, and its collector electrically connected to the emitter of the first transistor; the collector of the fourth transistor is also electrically connected to the outdoor fan. The fifth transistor has its base connected to the fifth pulse signal, a fifth diode connected in series between its collector and emitter, and its collector electrically connected to the emitter of the second transistor; the collector of the fifth transistor is also electrically connected to the outdoor fan. The sixth transistor has its base connected to the sixth pulse signal, a sixth diode connected in series between its collector and emitter, and its collector electrically connected to the emitter of the third transistor; the collector of the sixth transistor is also electrically connected to the outdoor fan.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, The second input terminal is electrically connected to the first diode, the second diode, the third diode, the fourth diode, the fifth diode, and the sixth diode to receive the power signal converted into DC power by the power conversion circuit.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: A rectifier circuit, disposed between the first switch and the outdoor fan, converts the input alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). The rectifier circuit includes: The fourth input terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch; and Third output terminal; A power factor correction circuit is disposed between the rectifier circuit and the outdoor fan, and the power factor correction circuit controls the waveform of the current input to the air conditioner; the power factor correction circuit includes: The fifth input terminal is electrically connected to the third output terminal of the rectifier circuit; The fourth output terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal of the power conversion circuit.

10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: Second switch; A filter circuit is disposed between the AC input port and the first switch, and the filter circuit reduces noise in the AC power input to the air conditioner; The first terminal of the filter circuit is connected to the AC input port; the second terminal of the filter circuit is connected to the first switch; and the third terminal of the filter circuit is connected to the second switch.

11. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The controller is configured to: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the first switch is controlled to close. If the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is rotating, the power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current and supplies power to the low-power standby circuit. If the fan detection circuit determines that the outdoor fan is stationary, the AC power output through the AC input port will power the low-power standby circuit. If the power supply duration is determined to be greater than or equal to the set period, then the first switch is controlled to close.

12. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second switch; The controller is configured to: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the second switch is turned off while the first switch remains closed; If the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is rotating, the power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current and supplies power to the low-power standby circuit. If the fan detection circuit determines that the outdoor fan is not rotating, it controls the first switch to open and supplies power to the low-power standby circuit through the AC power output from the AC input port. If the power supply duration is determined to be greater than or equal to the set period, then the first switch is controlled to close.

13. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, The controller is configured to: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the operating status of the outdoor fan can be detected by the fan detection circuit. If it is determined that the speed of the outdoor fan is greater than or equal to the preset speed, and the duration for which the speed of the outdoor fan is greater than or equal to the preset speed is greater than or equal to the preset duration, then the second switch is controlled to open and the first switch is controlled to close. If it is determined that the speed of the outdoor fan is less than the preset speed, then the first switch and the second switch are controlled to open.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein, The preset rotational speed is greater than the first preset rotational speed threshold and less than the second preset rotational speed threshold; The preset duration is greater than the first preset duration threshold and less than the second preset duration threshold.

15. An air conditioner, comprising: AC input port; The outdoor fan is electrically connected to the AC input port; The controller includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit; A communication circuit connects the first control circuit and the second control circuit; A first switch is disposed between the AC input port and the outdoor fan. The first switch receives an electrical signal sent by the controller and controls the AC input port to transmit a power signal to the outdoor fan according to the electrical signal. A low-power standby circuit is disposed between the AC input port and the communication circuit; the low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and outputs a power signal to the communication circuit; A fan detection circuit is electrically connected to the outdoor fan. The fan detection circuit can detect the operating status of the outdoor fan and send the detection signal to the controller. The power conversion circuit can convert the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current; the first terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the fan detection circuit; the second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the second terminal of the first switch. When the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is not rotating, the first switch is turned off, and the AC power output from the AC input port is used to transmit a power signal to the low-power standby circuit. When the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is rotating, the first switch is closed, and the power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into DC power and transmits the power signal to the low-power standby circuit.

16. The air conditioner according to claim 15, further comprising: An AC load is electrically connected to the AC input port; A second switch is coupled to the controller; a first terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC input port; a second terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC load. When the second switch is closed, the AC input port sends a power signal to the AC load; When the second switch is off, the AC input port stops sending power signals to the AC load.

17. A control method for an air conditioner, wherein, The air conditioner includes: AC input port; The outdoor fan is electrically connected to the AC input port; A communication circuit connects the first control circuit and the second control circuit; A first switch is disposed between the AC input port and the outdoor fan, and the first switch controls the on / off state of the circuit between the AC input port and the outdoor fan; A low-power standby circuit is disposed between the AC input port and the communication circuit; the low-power standby circuit is electrically connected to the communication circuit and outputs a power signal to the communication circuit; A fan detection circuit is electrically connected to the outdoor fan, and the fan detection circuit can detect the operating status of the outdoor fan; The power conversion circuit can convert back electromotive force into direct current; the first terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the fan detection circuit; the second terminal of the power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the first switch and also electrically connected to the low-power standby circuit. The controller is coupled to the AC input port, the outdoor fan, the communication circuit, the first switch, the low-power standby circuit, the fan detection circuit, and the power conversion circuit. The control method includes: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the first switch is controlled to close. If the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is rotating, the power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current and supplies power to the low-power standby circuit. If the fan detection circuit determines that the outdoor fan is not rotating, the AC power output through the AC input port will power the low-power standby circuit. If the power supply duration is determined to be greater than or equal to the set period, then the first switch is controlled to close.

18. The control method according to claim 17, wherein, The air conditioner also includes: An AC load is electrically connected to the AC input port; and A second switch is coupled to the controller; a first terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC input port; a second terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC load. The control method further includes: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the second switch is turned off while the first switch remains closed; If the fan detection circuit detects that the outdoor fan is rotating, the power conversion circuit converts the back electromotive force generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan into direct current and supplies power to the low-power standby circuit. If the fan detection circuit determines that the outdoor fan is not rotating, it controls the first switch to open and supplies power to the low-power standby circuit through the AC power output from the AC input port. If the power supply duration is determined to be greater than or equal to the set period, then the first switch is controlled to close.

19. The control method according to claim 17, wherein, The air conditioner also includes: An AC load is electrically connected to the AC input port; and A second switch is coupled to the controller; a first terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC input port; a second terminal of the second switch is connected to the AC load. The control method further includes: When the air conditioner is in standby mode, the fan detection circuit can detect the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. If it is determined that the speed of the outdoor fan is greater than or equal to the preset speed, and the duration for which the speed of the outdoor fan is greater than or equal to the preset speed is greater than or equal to the preset duration, then the second switch is controlled to open and the first switch is controlled to close. If it is determined that the speed of the outdoor fan is less than the preset speed, then the first switch and the second switch are controlled to open.

20. The control method according to claim 19, wherein, The preset rotational speed is greater than the first preset rotational speed threshold and less than the second preset rotational speed threshold; The preset duration is greater than the first preset duration threshold and less than the second preset duration threshold.

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