Air conditioner for improving cooling performance and control method thereof

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a power module configured to drive the compressor, a power module temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the power module, a memory configured to store one or more computer programs, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the compressor, the power module, the power module temperature sensor, and the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed individually or collectively by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: determine whether a current of the compressor corresponding to a target frequency of the compressor is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to the outside air temperature, and, on the basis of determining that the current of the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside air temperature, limit the current applied to the compressor to a value less than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside air temperature when the outside air temperature is less than a reference temperature, and increase the current applied to the compressor to a value greater than or equal to the upper limit current on the basis of the detected temperature of the power module when the outside air temperature is greater than or equal to the reference temperature.

Description

Air conditioner and control method for improving cooling performance

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that improves cooling performance, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program that performs the method for controlling the air conditioner.

[0002] Air conditioning units can control the air quality, such as temperature, humidity, and dust concentration, in indoor spaces where users reside.

[0003] An air conditioning unit controls a compressor to compress refrigerant to high temperatures and high pressures. This high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant circulates through a cooling cycle within the air conditioning unit, absorbing heat through a heat exchanger located in the indoor unit, thereby cooling the air surrounding the heat exchanger.

[0004] Inverter-type air conditioners may be equipped with a power module to adjust the compressor frequency depending on the conditions. The power module may contain components that are more sensitive to heat than other air conditioner components. When the ambient temperature is high, the temperature of the power module inside the outdoor unit may increase. The power module may be at greater risk of damage due to high temperatures.

[0005] The above information is provided solely as background information to assist in understanding the disclosure. No determination or assertion has been made as to whether any of the above information constitutes prior art for the disclosure.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure aim to address at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above and provide at least one of the advantages described below. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same.

[0007] Additional aspects are set forth in part in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the embodiments disclosed.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a power module for driving the compressor, a power module temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the power module, a memory storing one or more computer programs, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the compressor, the power module, the power module temperature sensor, and the memory, wherein the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to determine whether a current of the compressor corresponding to a target frequency of the compressor is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to an outside temperature, and, based on determining that the current of the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, limit a current applied to the compressor to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is less than a reference temperature, and increase the current applied to the compressor to greater than or equal to the upper limit current based on the detected temperature of the power module when the outside temperature is greater than or equal to the reference temperature.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner to improve cooling performance is provided. The method for controlling the air conditioner includes the steps of: detecting a temperature of a power module by the air conditioner; determining whether a current applied to a compressor corresponding to a target frequency of the compressor is equal to or greater than an upper limit current corresponding to an outside temperature; and, based on the determination that the current applied to the compressor is equal to or greater than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, limiting the current by the air conditioner to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is less than a reference temperature, and increasing the current by the air conditioner to greater than or equal to the upper limit current based on the detected temperature of the power module when the outside temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, to improve cooling performance, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided, which include computer executable instructions that cause one or more processors of an air conditioner, when individually or collectively executed, to perform operations of the air conditioner. The operations of the air conditioner include the steps of: detecting a temperature of a power module by the air conditioner; determining whether a current applied to a compressor corresponding to a target frequency of the compressor is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to an outside temperature; and, based on determining that the current applied to the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, when the outside temperature is less than a reference temperature, limiting the current by the air conditioner to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and when the outside temperature is greater than or equal to the reference temperature, increasing the current by the air conditioner to greater than or equal to the upper limit current based on the detected temperature of the power module.

[0011] Other aspects, advantages and key features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for an air conditioner to apply current to a compressor based on a temperature of a power module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an upper limit current graph according to the outside air temperature stored in an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining a target current to be applied to a compressor by taking into account the temperature of a power module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for an air conditioner to determine a target current based on a temperature of a power module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for an air conditioner to determine a target current based on the temperature of a power module and the indoor air volume according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether an air conditioner increases current above an upper limit current, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether an air conditioner should increase current above an upper limit current based on user input, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Identical reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to indicate identical components.

[0023] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While the description includes numerous specific details to facilitate this understanding, they are to be considered merely exemplary. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications to the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0024] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their dictionary meanings, but rather have been used by the inventors to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] Additionally, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural referents. Thus, for example, the expression "a component surface" is understood to refer to one or more of such surfaces.

[0026] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b and c”, or variations thereof.

[0027] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted for clarity of description of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0028] The terms used in this disclosure are described as currently common terms, taking into account the functions mentioned herein. However, these terms may mean various other terms depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be interpreted solely based on their names, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of this disclosure.

[0029] Additionally, while terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] Furthermore, the terminology used in this disclosure is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected," but also cases where it is "electrically connected" with another element in between. Furthermore, when a part is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather means that it may further include other components.

[0031] The phrases “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0032] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof for improving cooling performance.

[0033] It should be understood that each block of the flowchart and the combination of flowcharts can be performed by one or more computer programs containing computer executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored entirely in a single memory device, or one or more computer programs may be divided into multiple parts and stored in multiple different memory devices.

[0034] Any of the functions or operations described herein may be processed by a single processor or a combination of multiple processors. The single processor or the combination of multiple processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural network processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near-field communication (NFC) chip, a connection chip, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a fingerprint sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio codec (CODEC) chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on a chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), and the like.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for an air conditioner to apply current to a compressor based on a temperature of a power module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current above the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature based on the temperature of the power module.

[0037] A power module may be a module that supplies current to a compressor. The power module can change the compressor's frequency by varying the current supplied to the compressor according to a control signal. The power module may include, for example, an Intelligent Power Module (IPM). The IPM may include power components such as an Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) or a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET). Power modules may be more susceptible to damage due to high temperatures than other components.

[0038] The air conditioner (1000) can obtain an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can detect the outside temperature and perform cooling operation within the upper limit current corresponding to the detected outside temperature.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature may be the maximum value of the current at which the air conditioner (1000) can operate with a predetermined efficiency under predetermined conditions corresponding to one outside temperature, or a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined margin value from the maximum value.

[0040] The predetermined conditions may be the worst conditions under which the outdoor unit can be placed at one outdoor temperature.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the worst-case condition may be the maximum value of the temperature range of the power module at an ambient temperature. For example, the power module may have a temperature of 35 to 65 degrees Celsius when the ambient temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, the upper limit current value when the ambient temperature is 35 degrees Celsius may be the maximum value of the current at which the air conditioner (1000) can operate at a predetermined efficiency when the power module is 65 degrees Celsius, or a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined margin value from the maximum value.

[0042] As the outside temperature rises, the temperature range of the power module inside the outdoor unit located outdoors also rises. Accordingly, as the outside temperature rises, the maximum current at which the air conditioner (1000) can operate at a predetermined efficiency may decrease.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the worst-case condition may include, but is not limited to, the type of indoor unit in addition to the temperature of the power module. For example, if the capacity of the outdoor unit is 10 kW, the types of indoor units that can be connected to the outdoor unit may be a 10 kW ceiling-mounted 4-way indoor unit, a 10 kW 1-way indoor unit, a 10 kW wall-mounted indoor unit, and a 10 kW indoor unit installed on the floor. When the 10 kW indoor unit installed on the floor is connected to the outdoor unit, the maximum value of the current at which the air conditioner (1000) can operate at a predetermined efficiency is the lowest, and the upper limit current corresponding to an outside temperature of 35 degrees may be the maximum value of the current at which the air conditioner (1000) can operate at a predetermined efficiency when the temperature of the power module is 64 degrees and the 10 kW indoor unit installed on the floor is connected to the outdoor unit, or a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined margin value from the maximum value.

[0044] The predetermined efficiency may be 100% of the rated performance of the air conditioner (1000), 95% or 110%, but is no longer limited.

[0045] The upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature is based on the current value in the worst condition at the corresponding outside temperature, and is a current value obtained by subtracting the safety margin value from the current value in the worst condition. Therefore, the maximum current value that can be driven with the predetermined efficiency when the air conditioner (1000) is actually driven may be higher than the upper limit current. For example, if the temperature of the power module is 45 degrees while the air conditioner (1000) is driven at an outside temperature of 35 degrees, the maximum current value that can actually be driven with the predetermined efficiency is higher than the upper limit current, which is the maximum current value when the power module is 65 degrees. In addition, since there are various types of indoor units, the maximum current value that can be driven with the predetermined efficiency may be different depending on the type of indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current above the upper limit current based on the actual temperature of the power module.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the current applied to the compressor exceeds the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the air conditioner (1000) may calculate a target current (100) greater than the upper limit current based on the actual temperature of the power module, without limiting the current within the upper limit current. The air conditioner (1000) may increase the current to the calculated target current (100).

[0048] Accordingly, when the current limit is excessively applied even though the actual temperature of the power module is low when the outside temperature is high, the air conditioner (1000) can output higher cooling performance by increasing the current above the upper limit current according to the actual temperature of the power module.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate a target current (100) such that the increase in current from the upper limit current decreases as the temperature of the power module increases. The air conditioner (1000) can apply the calculated target current (100) to the compressor. As the current applied to the power module increases, the temperature of the power module may increase. Therefore, by reducing the increase in current as the temperature of the power module increases, the problem of the power module being damaged due to high temperatures can be prevented.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate the target current (100) by taking into account not only the upper limit current and the temperature of the power module, but also the indoor air volume. Since a user tends to set the indoor air volume higher when he or she feels uncool, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate the target current (100) such that the increase in current from the upper limit current increases as the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000) increases.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can determine a target current (100) to be applied to the compressor based on the outside temperature as well as the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the temperature of the power module, and the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000).

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current above the upper limit current only when the outside temperature is above a reference temperature. The reference temperature can be predetermined and stored in the air conditioner (1000). When the outside temperature is below the reference temperature, the current applied to the compressor exceeds the upper limit current, and thus the air conditioner (1000) can limit the current to within the upper limit current.

[0053] Accordingly, by increasing the current above the upper limit only in the high temperature section above the reference temperature, the cooling efficiency can be prevented from being reduced due to overcooling in the non-high temperature section.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor to more than an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is higher than a reference temperature and the RPM (revolutions per minute) of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner (1000) is a predetermined maximum value.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner (1000) may include a processor (1100), a memory (1400), a power module temperature sensor (1944), a power module (1942), and a compressor (1910).

[0057] The processor (1100) can typically control the overall operation of the air conditioner (1000). The processor (1100) can control the power module temperature sensor (1944), the power module (1942), and the compressor (1910) by executing programs stored in the memory (1400).

[0058] The memory (1400) stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1400) may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The memory (1400) can store information regarding the upper limit current according to the outside temperature. The memory (1400) can store coefficient information for determining the target current to be applied to the compressor (1910) based on the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature and the temperature of the power module (1942). In addition to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature and the temperature of the power module (1942), the memory (1400) can store coefficient information for determining the target current to be applied to the compressor (1910) based on at least one of the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000) or the outside temperature.

[0060] The compressor (1910) can increase the pressure of the refrigerant by reducing the volume of the refrigerant. As the frequency of the compressor (1910) increases, the pressure of the refrigerant can increase. The frequency of the compressor (1910) can be controlled by the power module (1942).

[0061] The power module (1942) may include a power device, and may change the rotational frequency of a compressor motor connected to the power device by changing the switching frequency of the power device according to a control signal. The power module (1942) may include a power device such as an IGBT or a MOSFET. The power module (1942) may include a drive driver IC (Integrated Circuit) for driving the power device. The drive driver IC may include an overcurrent protection circuit and a short-circuit protection circuit. The power module (1942) may be more susceptible to damage due to high temperatures than other devices.

[0062] The power module temperature sensor (1944) can detect the temperature of the power module (1942). The power module temperature sensor (1944) can be installed within the power module (1942). The power module temperature sensor (1944) can also be installed on a surface that the power module (1942) comes into contact with.

[0063] The power module (1942), the compressor (1910), and the power module temperature sensor (1944) may be located in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner (1000). The power module (1942) and the power module temperature sensor (1944) may be included in the inverter of the air conditioner (1000) that controls the compressor (1910).

[0064] The processor (1100) can determine the target frequency of the compressor (1910) based on the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature. The processor (1100) can also determine the target frequency of the compressor (1910) based on the outside temperature as well as the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature.

[0065] The processor (1100) can acquire the outside temperature through a temperature sensor. The air conditioner (1000) can include a temperature sensor in the outdoor unit for detecting the outside temperature. The processor (1100) can acquire an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature from the memory (1400).

[0066] The processor (1100) can increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) according to the determined target frequency of the compressor (1910).

[0067] As the current applied to the compressor (1910) increases, the frequency of the compressor (1910) may increase, and as the frequency of the compressor (1910) reaches the target frequency, the processor (1100) may maintain the current applied to the compressor (1910).

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the current applied to the compressor (1910) is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature before the frequency of the compressor (1910) reaches the target frequency, the processor (1100) can no longer increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) and maintain the current within the upper limit current.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the current applied to the compressor (1910) is limited by an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the processor (1100) may increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) to more than the upper limit current based on the detected temperature of the power module (1942) based on the outside temperature being equal to or greater than the reference temperature. The processor (1100) may reduce the increase in the current applied to the compressor (1910) as the temperature of the power module (1942) increases.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the current applied to the compressor (1910) is limited by an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, based on the outside temperature being equal to or greater than a reference temperature, the processor (1100) may increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) to be equal to or greater than the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module (1942) and the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000). The processor (1100) may reduce the increase in the current applied to the compressor (1910) as the temperature of the power module is higher and the indoor air volume is lower.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the current applied to the compressor (1910) is limited by an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, based on the outside temperature being higher than or equal to a reference temperature, the processor (1100) may determine a target current based on the upper limit current, the temperature of the power module (1942), the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000), and the outside temperature, and increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) by more than the upper limit current up to the determined target current.

[0072] FIG. 3 illustrates an upper limit current graph according to the outside air temperature stored in an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner (1000) can store an upper limit current value according to the outside temperature. The upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature may be the maximum value of the current at which the air conditioner (1000) can operate with a predetermined efficiency under predetermined conditions corresponding to one outside temperature, or a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined margin value from the maximum value. The predetermined condition may be the worst condition under which the outdoor unit can be placed at one outside temperature. The predetermined efficiency may be 100% of the rated performance of the air conditioner (1000), 95%, or 110%, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] The upper limit current value based on the outside temperature may tend to decrease as the outside temperature increases. As the outside temperature increases, the temperature of components within the outdoor unit may also increase. Above a certain temperature, the upper limit of the current applied to the components may decrease as their temperature increases.

[0075] Referring to the graph (310) of Fig. 3, in a section where the outside temperature is less than 30 degrees, the upper limit current may be the first current value. In a section where the outside temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees, as the outside temperature increases, the upper limit current may decrease from the first current value to the second current value. In a section where the outside temperature is 50 degrees or higher, the upper limit current may be the second current value.

[0076] The upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature can be determined experimentally.

[0077] The air conditioner (1000) can stop cooling operation by not applying current to the compressor when the current applied to the compressor reaches a critical current (320, I_trip). The critical current (320) can be determined based on the possibility of damage to components within the air conditioner (1000).

[0078] The air conditioner (1000) can improve cooling performance at high temperatures by not limiting the current applied to the compressor at high temperatures to an upper limit current, but increasing it up to a critical current (320) based on the actual temperature of the power module.

[0079] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining a target current to be applied to a compressor by taking into account the temperature of a power module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, in step S410, the air conditioner (1000) can detect the temperature of the power module.

[0081] The air conditioner (1000) can detect the temperature of the power module through the power module temperature sensor within the power module. The air conditioner (1000) can periodically detect the temperature of the power module through the power module temperature sensor regardless of the outside temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can periodically detect the temperature of the power module through the power module temperature sensor when the outside temperature exceeds a reference temperature.

[0082] In step S420, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the current of the compressor corresponding to the target frequency of the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0083] The air conditioner (1000) can determine the target frequency of the compressor. The air conditioner (1000) can determine the target frequency of the compressor based on the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can increase the target frequency of the compressor as the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature increases. The air conditioner (1000) can also determine the target frequency of the compressor based on the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature and the outdoor temperature.

[0084] The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the current of the compressor corresponding to the determined target frequency of the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0085] For example, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate the current to be applied to the compressor based on the target frequency of the compressor. The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the calculated current is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0086] For example, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor according to the determined target frequency of the compressor. As the current applied to the compressor increases, the frequency of the compressor can increase, and as the frequency of the compressor reaches the target frequency, the air conditioner (1000) can maintain the current applied to the compressor. As the current applied to the compressor exceeds the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature before the frequency of the compressor reaches the target frequency, the air conditioner (1000) can determine that the current to be applied to the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0087] In step S430, the air conditioner (1000) determines that the current of the compressor is higher than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and when the outside temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the current applied to the compressor can be limited to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and when the outside temperature is higher than or equal to the reference temperature, the current applied to the compressor can be increased to higher than or equal to the upper limit current based on the temperature of the detected power module.

[0088] The air conditioner (1000) operates in a control mode that limits the current to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature without considering the temperature of the power module, and when the entry condition is satisfied, the control mode can be changed to a current limit release mode that increases the current to more than the upper limit current by considering the temperature of the power module.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an entry condition for the current limit release mode may be a condition in which the outside temperature is higher than a reference temperature. The reference temperature may be preset in the air conditioner (1000).

[0090] The air conditioner (1000) can maintain the current applied to the compressor at the upper limit current based on determining that the current to be applied to the compressor is higher than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is lower than the reference temperature.

[0091] The air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor beyond the upper limit current based on the detected temperature of the power module, based on determining that the current to be applied to the compressor is above the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is above the reference temperature. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor beyond the upper limit current, but the higher the temperature of the power module, the smaller the increase in the current applied to the compressor.

[0092] The air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor by considering not only the temperature of the power module but also the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000). In this case, the air conditioner (1000) can reduce the increase in the current applied to the compressor as the detected temperature of the power module increases and the set indoor air volume decreases.

[0093] The air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor by considering the temperature of the power module and the indoor air volume as well as the outside temperature.

[0094] The entry condition for the current limit release mode may be a condition in which the outside temperature is equal to or higher than the reference temperature and the RPM of the outdoor fan is equal to a predetermined maximum RPM. The RPM of the outdoor fan may increase as the outside temperature increases and may reach a maximum value when the outside temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature. Accordingly, the air conditioner (1000) may change the control mode to the current limit release mode in which the current is increased above the upper limit current by considering the temperature of the power module when the outside temperature is equal to or higher than the reference temperature and also equal to or higher than the threshold temperature.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the entry condition for the current limit release mode may be that the current applied to the compressor is limited to an upper current limit, the outside temperature is higher than a reference temperature, and a user input for entering the current limit release mode is received. The user input for entering the current limit release mode may be, for example, an input for lowering a desired temperature. The user input for entering the current limit release mode may be, for example, a user input for selecting the current limit release mode through a user interface for entering the current limit release mode.

[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for an air conditioner to determine a target current based on a temperature of a power module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioner (1000) can determine the target current so that the increase from the upper limit current becomes smaller as the temperature of the power module increases.

[0098] Equation (1)

[0099] Target current = C1* f1(outside temperature) + C2* f2(power module temperature)

[0100] The air conditioner (1000) can calculate the target current based on equation (1).

[0101] f1(outside temperature) is a function representing the upper limit current according to the outside temperature. C1 is a coefficient for the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature. C1 can be 1 or a value close to 1.

[0102] f2(power module temperature) is a function representing the current increase rate based on the temperature of the power module. C2 is a coefficient for the current increase rate based on the temperature of the power module.

[0103] (Table 1) is an example of f2 (power module temperature). As shown in (Table 1), as the power module temperature increases, f2 may decrease. Accordingly, as the power module temperature increases, the increase in target current may decrease.

[0104] f2(power module temperature)Power module temperature 540 ~ 50451 ~ 60361 ~ 70271 ~ 80181 ~ 85086 or higher

[0105] C1 and C2 may vary depending on the model of the air conditioner (1000).

[0106] Referring to the graph of Fig. 5, when the outside temperature is 40°C, C1 is 1, and the temperature of the power module IPM is 55°C, the target current may be a value obtained by adding C2*4 to the upper limit current corresponding to 40°C (target current 1 in Fig. 5). As the outside temperature is 40°C and the temperature of the power module IPM rises from 55°C to 65°C, the target current may decrease to a value obtained by adding C2*3 to the upper limit current corresponding to 40°C (target current 2 in Fig. 5).

[0107] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for an air conditioner to determine a target current based on the temperature of a power module and the indoor air volume according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, the air conditioner (1000) can determine the target current so that the current increase amount becomes smaller as the indoor air volume decreases.

[0109] Equation (2)

[0110] Target current = C1* f1 (outside temperature) + C2* f2 (power module temperature) + C3* f3 (indoor air flow)

[0111] The air conditioner (1000) can calculate the target current based on equation (2).

[0112] C1* f1 (outside temperature) and C2* f2 (power module temperature) can be explained with reference to the explanation of Equation (1) in Fig. 5. f3 (indoor air volume) is a function representing the current increase rate based on the indoor air volume. C3 is a coefficient for the current increase rate based on the indoor air volume.

[0113] (Table 2) is an example of f3 (indoor airflow). As shown in (Table 2), the stronger the indoor airflow, the greater the increase in f3. Accordingly, the stronger the indoor airflow, the greater the increase in target current.

[0114] f3 (indoor wind volume) Indoor wind volume 3 strong wind 2 weak wind 1 light wind / no wind

[0115] Referring to the graph in Fig. 6, when the outside temperature is 40°C, C1 is 1, the IPM temperature is 50°C, and the indoor air volume is low, the target current may be a value obtained by adding C3*2 to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature of 40°C and the IPM temperature of 50°C (target current 3 in Fig. 6). As the indoor air volume increases to a strong wind, the target current may increase to a value obtained by adding C3*3 to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature of 40°C and the IPM temperature of 50°C (target current 4 in Fig. 6).

[0116] Users tend to set the indoor airflow higher when they feel cold. Therefore, increasing the indoor airflow can lower the perceived cooling temperature by increasing the target current.

[0117] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may determine a target current based on the outside temperature in addition to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the temperature of the power module, and the indoor air volume.

[0118] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether an air conditioner increases current above an upper limit current, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 7, in step S710, the air conditioner (1000) can perform cooling operation.

[0120] The air conditioner (1000) can receive user input for setting a desired temperature. Based on receiving a user input for turning on the air conditioner (1000), the air conditioner (1000) can set a default desired temperature as the desired temperature of the air conditioner (1000).

[0121] The air conditioner (1000) can determine the target frequency of the compressor based on the difference between the desired temperature set in the air conditioner (1000) and the indoor temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can lower the indoor temperature to the desired temperature by applying a current corresponding to the target frequency to the compressor.

[0122] The air conditioner (1000) can increase or decrease the frequency of the compressor to a target frequency by increasing or decreasing the current applied to the compressor.

[0123] The air conditioner (1000) can detect the current value applied to the compressor through a current sensor. The air conditioner (1000) can detect the outside air temperature through a temperature sensor for the outside air temperature provided in the outdoor unit. The air conditioner (1000) can detect the temperature of the power module through a power module temperature sensor. The air conditioner (1000) can obtain a set indoor air volume.

[0124] In step S720, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the RPM of the outdoor fan is greater than the maximum RPM and whether the outside temperature is greater than the reference temperature.

[0125] The entry conditions for entering the current limit release mode, which increases the current above the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module, may be the conditions that the outdoor fan RPM is above the maximum RPM and the outside temperature is above the reference temperature.

[0126] The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the RPM of the outdoor fan is higher than a predetermined maximum RPM. The outdoor fan can rotate at the maximum RPM when the outside temperature is higher than a threshold temperature.

[0127] The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the outside temperature is higher than a reference temperature. The reference temperature can be preset and stored in the air conditioner (1000). The reference temperature can also be selected by the user within a preset range.

[0128] In step S720, based on the fact that the RPM of the outdoor fan is greater than the maximum RPM and the outside temperature is greater than the reference temperature, in step S730, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current to greater than the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module as the current applied to the compressor exceeds the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor beyond the upper limit current, but the higher the temperature of the power module, the less the increase in the current applied to the compressor.

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor based on the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000) as well as the temperature of the power module. In this case, the air conditioner (1000) can reduce the increase in the current applied to the compressor as the detected temperature of the power module increases and the set indoor air volume decreases.

[0131] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current applied to the compressor by considering the temperature of the power module and the indoor air volume as well as the outside temperature.

[0132] Step S730 can be described with reference to step S430 of FIG. 4.

[0133] In step S720, based on whether the outdoor fan RPM is not higher than the maximum RPM or the outside temperature is not higher than the reference temperature, in step S740, the air conditioner (1000) can limit the current to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0134] If the outdoor fan RPM is not higher than the maximum RPM or the outside temperature is not higher than the reference temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can limit the current applied to the compressor to within the upper limit current so that the current corresponding to the target frequency does not exceed the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0135] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for determining whether an air conditioner should increase current above an upper limit current based on user input, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] According to FIG. 8, in step S810, the air conditioner (1000) can perform cooling operation.

[0137] Step S810 can be described with reference to step S710 of FIG. 7.

[0138] In step S820, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and whether the current current is limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0139] The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the outside temperature is higher than a reference temperature.

[0140] The air conditioner (1000) can detect the current applied to the compressor when the frequency of the compressor reaches the target frequency of the compressor.

[0141] The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the detected compressor current is higher than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0142] The air conditioner (1000) may determine that the current of the detected compressor is higher than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and may limit the current applied to the compressor to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and may determine that the current applied current is limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0143] Based on the fact that the current of the compressor corresponding to the target frequency becomes lower than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature as the target frequency decreases, the air conditioner (1000) can determine that the current current is not limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0144] At step S830, the air conditioner (1000) may receive a user input to enter the current limit release mode.

[0145] The current limit release mode may mean a control mode that increases the current above the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module when the current corresponding to the target frequency is above the upper limit current corresponding to the external temperature.

[0146] When the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the current current is limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can receive a user input to enter the current limit release mode.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for entering the current limit release mode may be a user input of pressing a predetermined button corresponding to the current limit release mode.

[0148] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for entering the current limit release mode may be an input for lowering the desired temperature. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for entering the current limit release mode may be an input for increasing the air flow rate.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the current current is limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the air conditioner (1000) can display a user interface for entering a current limit release mode on a display of the air conditioner (1000) or on a user device connected to the air conditioner (1000) through a server. The user interface for entering the current limit release mode can include a user interface for increasing the cooling speed. The air conditioner (1000) can receive a user input for selecting the current limit release mode through the user interface for entering the current limit release mode.

[0150] In step S840, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current above the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module.

[0151] When the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the current current is limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and a user input for entering the current limit release mode is received, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current to more than the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module.

[0152] If the current current is limited by an upper limit corresponding to the ambient temperature when the ambient temperature exceeds the reference temperature, cooling performance may be limited even at high ambient temperatures. By increasing the current above the upper limit upon receiving user input to enter current limit release mode, cooling performance can be improved, even if cooling efficiency is somewhat reduced, depending on the user's intent.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the current current is limited by the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, so that the rate at which the indoor temperature drops to the desired temperature is lower than the reference rate, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the current to higher than the upper limit current based on the temperature of the power module.

[0154] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioner (1000) may include a processor (1100), an output module (1300), a memory (1400), a communication module (1500), a sensor (1600), an input interface (1700), an indoor module (1800), and an outdoor module (1900). The same reference numbers are used for the same configuration as that illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0156] Not all of the components illustrated are essential components of the air conditioner (1000). The air conditioner (1000) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated in FIG. 9, or the air conditioner (1000) may be implemented with fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be a plurality of processors (1100), output modules (1300), memories (1400), communication modules (1500), sensors (1600), and input interfaces (1700), and they may be provided in at least one of an indoor module (1800) or an outdoor module (1900).

[0158] The processor (1100) can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (1000). The processor (1100) can control the output module (1300), the communication module (1500), the sensor (1600), the input interface (1700), the indoor module (1800), and the outdoor module (1900) by executing at least one instruction or program stored in the memory (1400).

[0159] The processor (1100) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of a machine learning model. In addition, the processor (1100) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU; Graphic Processing Unit), etc.

[0160] The memory (1400) stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1400) may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory (1400) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In addition, the air conditioner (1000) may also operate a web storage or cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

[0161] At least one processor (1100) and at least one memory (1400) may be included in one control unit. For example, at least one processor (1100) and at least one memory (1400) may be included in one microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0162] The communication module (1500) can transmit and receive information according to a protocol with an external device (not shown) or an external server based on the control of the processor (1100). The communication module (1500) can include at least one communication module and at least one port for transmitting and receiving data with an external device (not shown).

[0163] Additionally, the communication module (1500) can communicate with an external device via at least one wired or wireless communication network. The communication module (1500) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module, or a combination thereof. The communication module (1500) may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device.

[0164] The short-range communication module is Bluetooth TM , Wi-Fi, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC / RFID, Wi-Fi Direct, UWB, infrared communication, or ZIGBEE may be included. In addition, the long-distance communication module may include a communication module (not shown) that performs communication via a network for Internet communication. In addition, the long-distance communication module may include a mobile communication module that performs communication according to a communication standard such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or 6G.

[0165] The output module (1300) may include a display (1310) and an audio output module (1320).

[0166] The display (1310) can output image data processed by an image processing unit (not shown) through a display panel (not shown) under the control of the processor (1100). The display panel (not shown) can include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, or an electrophoretic display.

[0167] The audio output module (1320) can output audio signals to the outside of the air conditioner (1000). The audio output module (1320) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback.

[0168] The input interface (1700) can receive user input for controlling the air conditioner (1000). The input interface (1700) receives the user input and transmits it to the processor (1100).

[0169] The input interface (1700) may include, but is not limited to, user input electronic devices including a touch panel that detects a user's touch, a button that receives a user's push operation, a wheel that receives a user's rotation operation, a keyboard, and a dome switch.

[0170] Additionally, the input interface (1700) may include a voice recognition device for voice recognition. For example, the voice recognition device may be a microphone (1710), and the voice recognition device may receive a user's voice command or voice request. Accordingly, the processor (1100) may control an operation corresponding to the voice command or voice request to be performed.

[0171] Additionally, the input interface (1700) may include a remote control receiver (1720) capable of receiving control commands from a remote controller (not shown) located at a close distance. The remote control receiver (1720) may include an IR (infrared) communication module, etc.

[0172] The indoor module (1800) may include an indoor fan motor (1810) that rotates an indoor fan and an indoor heat exchanger (1820). In addition, the outdoor module (1900) may include a compressor (1910), an outdoor heat exchanger (1920), an outdoor fan motor (1930), and an inverter (1940).

[0173] The compressor (1910) can increase the pressure of the refrigerant by reducing the volume of the refrigerant. As the frequency of the compressor (1910) increases, the pressure of the refrigerant can increase. The frequency of the compressor (1910) can be controlled by the power module (1942).

[0174] When operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant compressed to high temperature and high pressure by the compressor (1910) circulates through a cooling cycle within the air conditioner (1000) and can cool the air around the indoor heat exchanger (1820) by absorbing heat through the indoor heat exchanger (1820). In this case, the indoor heat exchanger (1820) may be referred to as an evaporator. In addition, the refrigerant that has absorbed heat may release heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (1920). In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger (1920) may be referred to as a condenser.

[0175] Additionally, the indoor fan motor (1810) can rotate the indoor fan (not shown) to discharge air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (1820) to the outside of the air conditioner (1000). The rotation speed (i.e., rotations per minute) of the indoor fan motor (1810) can be adjusted according to the control of the processor (1100).

[0176] Additionally, the indoor module (1800) may further include blades (not shown). The air conditioner (1000) can change the direction of wind discharge up and down or left and right by moving the blades.

[0177] The outdoor fan motor (1930) can discharge air heated by the outdoor heat exchanger (1920) to the outdoors.

[0178] The inverter (1940) can control the rotation frequency of the motor (or compressor motor) within the compressor (1910) based on a control signal. For example, the inverter (1940) can control the rotation frequency of the motor by changing the frequency and magnitude of the voltage applied to the motor within the compressor (1910) based on the control signal.

[0179] The inverter (1940) may include a power module (1942) and a power module temperature sensor (1944).

[0180] The power module (1942) may include a power device, and may change the rotational frequency of a compressor motor connected to the power device by changing the switching frequency of the power device according to a control signal. The power module (1942) may include a power device such as an IGBT or a MOSFET. The power module (1942) may include a drive driver IC (Integrated Circuit) for driving the power device. The drive driver IC may include an overcurrent protection circuit and a short-circuit protection circuit. The power module (1942) may be more susceptible to damage due to high temperatures than other devices.

[0181] The power module temperature sensor (1944) can detect the temperature of the power module (1942). The power module temperature sensor (1944) can be installed within the power module (1942). The power module temperature sensor (1944) can also be installed on a surface that the power module (1942) comes into contact with.

[0182] The sensor (1600) may include various types of sensors.

[0183] The sensor (1600) may include a temperature sensor (1610), a pressure sensor (1620), and a humidity sensor (1630).

[0184] The air conditioner (1000) may include a plurality of temperature sensors (1610) and a plurality of pressure sensors (1620).

[0185] For example, the plurality of temperature sensors (1610) may include, but are not limited to, a temperature sensor provided on a panel of an air conditioner (1000) to detect an indoor temperature, a temperature sensor provided on an outdoor unit to detect an outdoor temperature, and a temperature sensor provided on a compressor.

[0186] The humidity sensor (1630) can detect the humidity of indoor air.

[0187] The memory (1400) may store one or more computer programs. The one or more programs may include computer-executable instructions that, when executed individually or collectively by one or more processors (1100), cause the air conditioner (1000) to perform the following operations.

[0188] At least one processor (1100) can determine whether the current of the compressor (1910) corresponding to the target frequency of the compressor (1910) is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0189] At least one processor (1100) may determine that the current of the compressor (1910) is greater than or equal to an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and may limit the current applied to the compressor (1910) to within an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is less than a reference temperature.

[0190] At least one processor (1100) can increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) to be greater than or equal to the upper limit current when the outside temperature is greater than or equal to the reference temperature, based on the temperature of the detected power module (1942), based on determining that the current of the compressor (1910) is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0191] At least one processor (1100) can reduce the increase in current applied to the compressor (1910) as the temperature of the power module increases.

[0192] At least one processor (1100) can obtain information about an increase in current corresponding to each of a plurality of temperature sections of the power module.

[0193] At least one processor (1100) may increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) beyond the upper limit current based on information about the amount of increase in current corresponding to the temperature range to which the temperature of the detected power module belongs among the plurality of temperature ranges.

[0194] At least one processor (1100) can reduce the increase in current applied to the compressor (1910) as the temperature of the detected power module increases and the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000) decreases.

[0195] At least one processor (1100) can determine a target current to be applied to the compressor (1910) based on an upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the temperature of the detected power module (1942), the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner (1000), and the outside temperature.

[0196] At least one processor (1100) can increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) according to the determined target current.

[0197] At least one processor (1100) can increase the current applied to the compressor (1910) above the upper limit current when the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the rotation speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner (1000) is a predetermined maximum value.

[0198] At least one processor (1100) may increase the current above the upper limit current upon receiving a user input when the outside temperature is above a reference temperature and the current applied to the compressor (1910) is limited to within an upper limit current. The user input may include a user input for lowering a desired temperature set in the air conditioner (1000).

[0199] At least one processor (1100) can display a user interface for increasing the cooling speed when the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the current applied to the compressor (1910) is limited to within the upper limit current.

[0200] At least one processor (1100) may receive user input via a user interface to enter a current limit release mode.

[0201] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0202] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0203] It will be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, as described in the claims and specification.

[0204] Such software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores one or more computer programs (software modules), which, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, include computer-executable instructions that cause the electronic device to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

[0205] Such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, for example, in the form of a storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable, or in the form of a random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, device or integrated circuit, or in the form of an optical or magnetic readable medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage device and the storage medium are examples of various forms of non-transitory machine-readable storage media suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs including instructions for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program including code for implementing an apparatus or method as recited in one of the claims of the present specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing such a program.

[0206] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In the air conditioner (1000), Compressor (1910); A power module (1942) driving the above compressor (1910); A power module temperature sensor (1944) that detects the temperature of the power module (1942); A memory (1400) storing one or more computer programs; and It includes one or more processors (1100) coupled to be able to communicate with the compressor (1910), the power module (1942), the power module temperature sensor (1944) and the memory (1400), The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors (1100), cause the air conditioner (1000) to: Determine whether the current of the compressor (1910) corresponding to the target frequency of the compressor (1910) is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, An air conditioner (1000) comprising computer-executable instructions for limiting the current applied to the compressor (1910) to within the upper current corresponding to the outside temperature when the outside temperature is lower than a reference temperature based on determining that the current of the compressor (1910) is higher than or equal to an upper current corresponding to the outside temperature, and for increasing the current applied to the compressor (1910) to greater than or equal to the upper current based on the temperature of the detected power module (1942) when the outside temperature is higher than or equal to the reference temperature.

2. In paragraph 1, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner further comprising computer executable instructions for reducing the amount of current applied to the compressor as the temperature of the power module increases.

3. In paragraph 2, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: Obtain information about the increase in the current corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sections of the power module, An air conditioner further comprising computer-executable instructions for increasing the current applied to the compressor beyond the upper limit current based on information about the amount of increase in the current corresponding to a temperature range to which the temperature of the detected power module belongs among the plurality of temperature ranges.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner further comprising computer-executable instructions for reducing the increase in current applied to the compressor as the temperature of the detected power module increases and the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner decreases.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner further comprising computer-executable instructions for determining a target current to be applied to the compressor based on the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the temperature of the detected power module, the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner, and the outside temperature, and increasing the current applied to the compressor according to the determined target current.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner further comprising computer-executable instructions for increasing a current applied to the compressor beyond the upper limit current when the outside temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature and the RPM of the outdoor fan of the air conditioner is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum value.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An air conditioner in which the upper limit current corresponding to the above outside temperature decreases as the above outside temperature increases.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner further comprising computer-executable instructions for increasing the current above the upper limit current when a user input is received when the outside temperature is above the reference temperature and the current applied to the compressor is limited to within the upper limit current.

9. In paragraph 8, An air conditioner, wherein the user input includes a user input for lowering a desired temperature set in the air conditioner.

10. In paragraph 8 or 9, The one or more computer programs, when individually or collectively executed by the one or more processors, cause the air conditioner to: An air conditioner further comprising computer-executable instructions for displaying a user interface for increasing a cooling speed and receiving user input through the user interface when the outside temperature is higher than the reference temperature and the current applied to the compressor is limited to within the upper limit current.

11. A method for controlling an air conditioner to improve cooling performance, A step in which the air conditioner detects the temperature of the power module; A step of determining whether the current applied to the compressor corresponding to the target frequency of the compressor is greater than or equal to the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature; and A method comprising: a step of determining that the current applied to the compressor is equal to or greater than the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, wherein when the outside temperature is less than a reference temperature, the air conditioner limits the current to within the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, and when the outside temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the air conditioner increases the current to or greater than the upper limit current based on the detected temperature of the power module.

12. In paragraph 11, Based on the temperature of the detected power module, the step of increasing the current applied to the compressor is: A method comprising a step of reducing the amount of current applied to the compressor as the temperature of the power module increases.

13. In paragraph 12, The higher the temperature of the power module, the more the step of reducing the increase in current applied to the compressor is. A step of obtaining information about the increase in the current corresponding to each of the plurality of temperature sections of the power module; and A method comprising a step of increasing the current applied to the compressor beyond the upper limit current based on information about the amount of increase in the current corresponding to the temperature range to which the temperature of the detected power module belongs among the plurality of temperature ranges.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, Based on the temperature of the detected power module, the step of increasing the current applied to the compressor is: A method comprising a step of reducing the increase in current applied to the compressor as the temperature of the detected power module increases and the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner decreases.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, Based on the temperature of the detected power module, the step of increasing the current applied to the compressor is: A step of determining a target current to be applied to the compressor based on the upper limit current corresponding to the outside temperature, the temperature of the detected power module, the indoor air volume set in the air conditioner, and the outside temperature; and A method comprising the step of increasing the current applied to the compressor according to the determined target current.

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