Air conditioner and driving method thereof

Abstract

This air conditioner may comprise an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit may include: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air; an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant; an outdoor blower including a blower fan and a fan motor; and at least one processor for controlling the outdoor blower. The at least one processor may control the charging of at least one capacitor, identify the rotation of the fan motor on the basis of at least one of a first detection method using a zero current or a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, determine the starting method of the fan motor, and start the fan motor on the basis of the starting method.

Description

Air conditioner and method of operating the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a driving method thereof that detect abnormal rotation of a fan motor and control the fan motor.

[0002] Air conditioners are home appliances that maintain comfortable indoor air quality by performing various functions, such as cooling, heating, humidity control, and / or air purification. Recently, various technologies have been applied to air conditioners to enhance user convenience. In particular, advances in inverter technology have enabled fan motor speed control, enabling precise temperature control and improved energy efficiency.

[0003] In air conditioners, the outdoor unit's fan motor cools the heat exchanger using outside air. When strong outside air enters, the outdoor unit's fan motor rotates irregularly, potentially disrupting smooth fan motor control. Failure to effectively control this irregular rotation can lead to reduced fan motor performance and energy efficiency. When outside air is introduced, it is necessary to accurately identify the fan motor's position, rotation speed, and / or rotation direction, and control the fan motor accordingly.

[0004] Conventional fan motor control methods use position detection sensors to identify the fan motor's position. This sensor-based control method suffers from the high cost of position detection sensors and the need for additional installation space.

[0005] The present disclosure can provide an air conditioner driven by a sensorless control method that identifies the rotational state of a fan motor by using the driving current of the fan motor without a sensor.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an air conditioner and a driving method thereof that accurately identifies the rotational state of a fan motor using zero current control and / or voltage command pattern analysis, determines an optimal starting method according to the rotational state of the fan motor, and stably controls the fan motor.

[0007] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit may include a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, an outdoor blower including a blower fan and a fan motor, and at least one processor for controlling the outdoor blower. The at least one processor may control charging of at least one capacitor, identify rotation of the fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current and a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, determine a starting method of the fan motor, and start the fan motor based on the starting method.

[0008] A driving method of an air conditioner including an outdoor unit including an outdoor blower including a blower fan and a fan motor according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation of controlling charging of at least one capacitor, an operation of identifying rotation of a fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current and a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, an operation of determining a starting method of the fan motor, and an operation of starting the fan motor based on the starting method.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner and a driving method thereof can accurately identify whether a fan motor is rotating, its rotation direction, and its rotation speed by using zero current control and voltage command pattern analysis, thereby increasing the reliability and accuracy of detection of the rotation state of a fan motor according to outside wind.

[0010] In one embodiment, an air conditioner and a driving method thereof determine an optimal or suitable starting method among forced alignment starting, synchronous acceleration starting, and starting hold according to a rotational state of a fan motor, and stably control the fan motor, thereby improving the performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0011] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the function and control of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a fan motor of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing outside air flowing into an outdoor unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to control charging of a bootstrap capacitor.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to identify rotation of a fan motor in a first detection manner.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to identify rotation of a fan motor using a second detection method.

[0021] FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs showing a pattern of a voltage vector according to the rotational direction of a fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing voltage commands according to the rotational state of a fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to determine a method of starting a fan motor.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a starting method according to a rotation speed section of a fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to control a fan motor in a first operation manner.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a step-by-step control operation of a first operating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to control a fan motor in a second operation manner.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a step-by-step control operation of a second driving method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the case of forward rotation.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a step-by-step control operation of a second operating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the case of reverse rotation.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a step-by-step control operation of a third operating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0032] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0033] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0035] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0036] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0037] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0038] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0039] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0040] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0041] The operating principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings below.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (100) may be an electronic device for conditioning indoor air. For example, the air conditioner (100) may be a cooling device that lowers the temperature of indoor air. For example, the air conditioner (100) may be a heating device that raises the temperature of indoor air. For example, the air conditioner (100) may be a blower device that creates air currents in a room. For example, the air conditioner (100) may be a dehumidifying device that lowers indoor humidity.

[0044] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) may include an indoor unit (200) and an outdoor unit (300). For example, the air conditioner (100) may include an outdoor unit (300) that exchanges heat with outside air using a refrigerant, and an indoor unit (200) that exchanges refrigerant with the outdoor unit (300) and performs an operation of conditioning indoor air.

[0045] The indoor unit (200) may include an indoor heat exchanger that receives refrigerant and performs heat exchange with indoor air. The indoor unit (200) may include an indoor fan that forcibly discharges indoor air by an indoor fan motor so that heat exchange occurs in the indoor heat exchanger.

[0046] The outdoor unit (300) may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. The outdoor unit (300) may include an outdoor heat exchanger that receives the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor and performs heat exchange with outdoor air. The outdoor unit (300) may include an outdoor fan that forcibly discharges outdoor air by an outdoor fan motor so that heat exchange occurs in the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0047] In one embodiment, the outdoor unit (300) may be installed in an outdoor space. In one embodiment, the outdoor unit (300) may be installed in an indoor space. For example, the outdoor unit (300) may be placed in an indoor space called an outdoor unit room (air-conditioning plant room) and connected to the indoor unit (200) through piping.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the function and control of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner (100) of the present disclosure may include a compressor (101), an outdoor heat exchanger (102), and / or an indoor heat exchanger (104) associated with a refrigerant cycle.

[0050] In one example, an air conditioner (100) may include a compressor (101) that compresses a refrigerant to change it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state, an outdoor heat exchanger (102) that allows heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, an expansion device (103) that expands the refrigerant to change it into a low-temperature, low-pressure state, and / or an indoor heat exchanger (104) that allows heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant. The air conditioner (100) may include a refrigerant pipe (105) that connects the compressor (101), the outdoor heat exchanger (102), the expansion device (103), and / or the indoor heat exchanger (104). In one example, the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor (101), the outdoor heat exchanger (102), the expansion device (103), and the indoor heat exchanger (104) through the refrigerant pipe (105). In one example, the refrigerant may circulate in the following order: compressor (101), indoor heat exchanger (104), expansion device (103), and outdoor heat exchanger (102).

[0051] The air conditioner (100) may include a flow switching valve (106) that switches the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (105). The flow switching valve (106) may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve (106) may be connected to the suction side (101a) of the compressor (101). The flow switching valve (106) may be connected to the discharge side (101b) of the compressor (101). The flow switching valve (106) may be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (102). The flow switching valve (106) may be connected to the indoor heat exchanger (104). The flow switching valve (106) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (100) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation mode). The refrigerant diverter valve (106) can cause the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (101) through the discharge port (101b) to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (102) or the indoor heat exchanger (104) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (100). The refrigerant diverter valve (106) can cause the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (104) or the outdoor heat exchanger (102) to flow to the suction port (101a) of the compressor (101) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (100).

[0052] In one example, the air conditioner (100) may include an accumulator (107). One end of the accumulator (107) may be connected to a suction port (101a) of a compressor (101). The other end of the accumulator (107) may be connected to a flow switching valve (106). Through the flow switching valve (106), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from an indoor heat exchanger (104) or an outdoor heat exchanger (102) may be introduced into the accumulator (107). When a refrigerant mixed with refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator (107) may separate the refrigerant gas and the refrigerant liquid, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the suction port (101a) of the compressor (101).

[0053] The compressor (101) can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction portion (101a) and compress the sucked refrigerant gas to change it into a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (101) can discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge portion (101b). The compressor (101) is a variable capacity compressor, and the capacity can be varied by changing the frequency according to a driving control command.

[0054] The outdoor heat exchanger (102) may be placed outdoors. In the outdoor heat exchanger (102), heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by a phase change (e.g., condensation or evaporation) of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (102). For example, during cooling mode operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (102) may condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant introduced from the compressor (101). During cooling mode operation, latent heat may be released to the outdoor air while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (102). During heating mode operation, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant may evaporate in the outdoor heat exchanger (102), and latent heat may be absorbed from the outdoor air while the refrigerant is evaporating. Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, in one example, one or more temperature sensors may be placed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (102) to detect the temperature of the outdoor air.

[0055] The air conditioner (100) may include an outdoor blower (108) that generates forced circulation of outdoor air to ensure smooth heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (102). The outdoor blower (108) may be positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (102). Although not specifically shown, the outdoor blower (108) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (108) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft.

[0056] The expansion device (103) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (102) when operating in cooling mode. The expansion device (103) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger (104) when operating in heating mode. In one example, the expansion device (103) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device (103) can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can have its temperature and pressure lowered. In one example, the expansion device (103) can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage of the valve in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage of the valve in a fully opened state). In such a case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (103) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. In one example, the expansion device (103) may be implemented as a capillary device.

[0057] An indoor heat exchanger (104) may be placed indoors. In the indoor heat exchanger (104), heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant and indoor air through a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (104). For example, during cooling mode operation, the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (103) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (104) and evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (104). While the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (104), latent heat may be absorbed from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the surrounding air. During heating mode operation, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor (101) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (104) and condense, releasing latent heat to the indoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the indoor heat exchanger (104) may include a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged to increase the heat exchange area.

[0058] During cooling mode operation, due to heat exchange between the surrounding indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (104), water vapor contained in the air may condense and liquefy to form droplets on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (104). The condensate formed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (104) may fall downward. Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the air conditioner (100) may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (104) to collect the condensate falling from the indoor heat exchanger (104). The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger (104) from below, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The air conditioner (100) may include an indoor blower (109) that generates forced circulation of indoor air so that heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger (104) can be smoothly performed. The indoor blower (109) may be arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (104). Although not specifically illustrated, in one example, the indoor blower (109) may be arranged downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (104) based on the air flow direction in the space where the indoor blower (109) is installed, but this document is not limited thereto. The indoor blower (109) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the indoor blower (109) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. In one example, the blower fan may include one of an axial fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the direction of the rotation axis, a diagonal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air between the axial and radial directions, a centrifugal fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis of the fan motor and discharges the air in the circumferential direction, and a crossflow fan, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0060] This document focuses on the case where an air conditioner (100) is equipped with refrigeration cycle-related components, but the scope of this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner may be configured using a thermoelectric element. A thermoelectric element can cool or heat the surrounding air through heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0061] The air conditioner (100) may include one or more outdoor units installed outdoors, one or more indoor units installed indoors, and one or more indoor units. In one example, the compressor (101), the outdoor heat exchanger (102), and / or the expansion device (103) described above may be arranged in the outdoor unit. In one example, the indoor heat exchanger (104) described above may be arranged in the indoor unit. However, the arrangement positions of each of the components described above are not limited. For example, the position of the expansion device (103) is not limited to the outdoor unit, and may be arranged in the indoor unit as needed.

[0062] In this document, the air conditioner (100) is described mainly as a separate type having an outdoor unit installed separately outdoors and an indoor unit installed indoors, but this document is not limited thereto. In one example, the air conditioner (100) may be configured as an integrated type in which a compressor (101), an outdoor heat exchanger (102), an expansion device (103), and an indoor heat exchanger (104) are placed in a single case placed indoors.

[0063] In the case of a separate type air conditioner (100), the outdoor unit may be connected to the indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe so as to be in fluid communication with the indoor unit. The outdoor unit may be communicatively connected to the indoor unit. In one example, control information (or commands) of the air conditioner (100) input by a user or received from the outside may be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0064] For air conditioners with multiple indoor units, some of the indoor units can be operated simultaneously and individually in cooling mode, while others can be operated in heating mode. To effectively address the cooling or heating loads associated with the number of indoor units in operation, air conditioners can utilize multiple compressors or multiple outdoor units connected in parallel.

[0065] Air conditioners (100) can be categorized based on the installation type / location of the indoor unit. For example, air conditioners can be categorized into a stand-alone type in which the indoor unit is placed upright in an indoor space, a wall-mounted type in which the indoor unit is installed to be attached to a wall, and a ceiling-mounted type in which the indoor unit is installed on the ceiling. In one example, the air conditioner (100) may include multiple indoor units, some of which may be stand-alone types, and some of which may be wall-mounted types. This document is not limited to a specific type.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner according to an example from the viewpoint of function and control. In FIG. 3, the air conditioner (100) is illustrated as including one indoor unit (200) and one outdoor unit (300), but the present document is not limited thereto. In FIG. 3, among the configurations related to the refrigerant cycle described above with reference to FIG. 2, the indoor heat exchanger (104) and the indoor blower (109) are illustrated as being included in the indoor unit (200), and the compressor (101), the outdoor heat exchanger (102), the outdoor blower (108), the expansion device (103), and the flow path switching valve (106) are illustrated as being included in the outdoor unit (300), but such configurations are merely examples and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0067] Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 3, the indoor unit (200) may include a housing. The indoor unit (200) may include one or more air intakes (211) formed in the housing. Indoor air may be introduced into the interior of the housing through the air intakes (211).

[0068] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include a filtration filter (212) that filters foreign substances in air flowing into the interior of the housing through the air intake port (211). Although not specifically illustrated, the filtration filter (212) may include a plurality of filter modules, and this document is not limited thereto. For example, various types of filters, including an electrostatic precipitator filter, a sea wave filter, an antibacterial filter, and / or a deodorizing filter, may be provided on the inside of the air intake port (211) in the housing. The type and number of filters are not limited to the type and number of a specific filter.

[0069] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include one or more air outlets (213) formed in the housing. In one example, the air outlets (213) may have an opening shape configured to open and close depending on the operating state of the air conditioner (100). In one example, the air outlets (213) may be configured to include a plurality of microscopic air penetration holes distributed over the entire or a portion of one surface of the housing, but the present document is not limited thereto. The shape of the air outlets (213) is not limited to a specific shape. In one example, the air outlets (213) of the indoor unit (200) may be arranged in any area of ​​the front, side, top, and / or rear of the housing. Air that is introduced into the interior of the housing through the air intake port (211) and flows inside the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the air outlets (213). When the indoor unit (200) includes a plurality of air outlets (213), air can be selectively discharged to the outside of the housing through one or more of the plurality of air outlets (213).

[0070] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include an airflow guide (214) that controls whether air is discharged through the air outlet (213) and guides the direction of the air discharge. For example, the airflow guide (214) may include a door blade located near each air outlet (213) to open and close the corresponding air outlet (213) and guide the direction of air discharge through the corresponding air outlet (213). For example, the airflow guide (214) may include, but is not limited to, one or more blower fans for controlling the discharge airflow. In one example, the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0071] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include a communication unit (215) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outdoor unit (300) and / or the outside. In one example, the communication unit (215) may receive and / or transmit wired / wireless signals between an external wired / wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (215) may include one or more modules that connect the air conditioner (100) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (215) may include a communication circuit, and the communication circuit may include at least one hardware component (e.g., a modulator, a demodulator, an antenna, a transceiver) for supporting signal transmission and / or reception between the air conditioner (100) and an external electronic device. In one example, the communication unit (215) may include at least one of a mobile communication module, a wireless Internet module, a short-range communication module, and / or a location information module.

[0072] In one example, the mobile communication module may transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of an external base station, an external terminal, and an external server through a mobile communication network according to any of various communication protocols for mobile communication. The wireless signals may include various types of data signals. In one example, the wireless signals may include voice call signals, video call call signals, and text / multimedia message signals, but this document is not limited thereto.

[0073] In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module may support, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (WLAN), wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), long term evolution (LTE), and / or long term evolution-advanced (LTE-A). In one example, the wired / wireless Internet module of the communication unit (215) may transmit and receive data according to at least one wired / wireless Internet technology among the Internet technologies not listed above.

[0074] The short-range communication module is for short-range communication, and may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and / or Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies, for example. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the air conditioner (100) and a wireless communication system, between the air conditioner (100) and another device, or between the air conditioner (100) and a network in which another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0075] The location information module is, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the air conditioner (100), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module and / or a Wi-Fi module. When the air conditioner (100) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the air conditioner (100) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. When the air conditioner (100) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the air conditioner (100) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0076] In one example, the communication unit (215) may receive a setting data signal input by a user from the user's mobile terminal in the form of a wireless signal according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit (215) may receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (100) from an external server in the form of a signal according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (215) may transmit various received signals to the first control unit (220) described below. In one example, the communication unit (215) may transmit various data generated or acquired on the air conditioner (100) in the form of a wired / wireless signal according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to the user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0077] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include an input unit (216). The input unit (216) may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, and / or a touchpad. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or wind speed settings) through the input unit (216). In one example, the input unit (216) may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting data remotely through a remote control, and the input setting data may be received by the input unit (216) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (216) may include a microphone. Setting data by the user's voice may be acquired through the microphone. Setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (216) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection setting, and / or wind volume setting) can be transmitted to the first control unit (220) described below. In one example, setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (216) can be transmitted externally through the communication unit (215).

[0078] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include a camera (217). The camera (217) may acquire image information of the surrounding space surrounding the indoor unit (200). The camera (217) may be, for example, positioned on the upper front side of the housing of the indoor unit (200), but is not limited thereto. The image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera (217) may be transmitted to the first control unit (220) described below. In one example, the image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera (217) may be transmitted to the outside via the communication unit (215).

[0079] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include one or more indoor unit environment detection sensors (218) arranged in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (218) may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (200) (for example, but not limited to, a location above the air intake (211)). In one example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (218) may include a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (200) (for example, a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (105) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (104), etc.). For example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (218) may include a respective refrigerant temperature detection sensor that detects the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe (105) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (104), and this document is not limited thereto. In one example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit environment detection sensor (218) may be transmitted to the first control unit (220) described below. In one example, the environmental information detected by the indoor unit environment detection sensor (218) may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit (215).

[0080] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include a display unit (219). In one example, the display unit (219) may display various setting data obtained from a user or the outside through a communication unit (215) and / or an input unit (216). The display unit (219) may display various sensing information obtained from an indoor unit environment detection sensor (218) and / or an outdoor unit environment detection sensor (311) described below (e.g., current indoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor, current indoor humidity measured by a humidity sensor), the current operating status of the air conditioner (100), and / or various warning / error messages. The display unit (219) may be one of various visual display means capable of displaying images, characters, and / or numbers, including an LED panel, an LCD panel, an OLED panel, and a Micro LED panel, and is not limited to a specific type of display means. In one example, the display unit (219) may include any form of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the above-described pieces of information as an auditory signal through such audio display means.

[0081] In one example, the indoor unit (200) may include a first control unit (220). The first control unit (220) may include a processor (221) and a memory (222). In one example, the memory (222) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (100). In one example, the processor (221) may generate an operation control command for one or more of the components of the air conditioner (100) based on information stored in the memory (222) and information acquired from other components.

[0082] In one example, the processor (221) of the first control unit (218) may receive various input / setting information from the aforementioned communication unit (215) and / or input unit (216). The processor (221) may receive image information acquired from the camera (217), and may obtain information on the environmental conditions of the space in which the indoor unit (200) is installed, such as the size of the indoor space, the number of occupants, and / or the location of occupants, from the received image information. The processor (221) may receive various sensing information acquired from each environmental detection sensor provided in the air conditioner (100), such as the indoor unit environmental detection sensor (218) and / or the outdoor unit environmental detection sensor (311) described below.

[0083] In one example, the processor (221) of the first control unit (220) may generate an operation control command for each component of the indoor unit (200) based on various pieces of information received from the communication unit (215), the input unit (216), the camera (217), and / or each environmental detection sensor (218 and / or 311). For example, the processor (221) may generate a command to control whether to drive and the rotation speed of the indoor blower (109). For example, the processor (221) may generate a command to control the operation status of the airflow guide (214). For example, the processor (221) may generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (219). For example, the processor (221) may generate a command to control the operation status of each of the aforementioned communication unit (215), the input unit (216), the camera (217), and / or the indoor unit environmental detection sensor (218).

[0084] In one example, the processor (221) of the first control unit (220) can transmit data to be used for controlling the operation of each component of the outdoor unit (300) to the second control unit (320) of the outdoor unit (300) described below. The data transmitted to the second control unit (320) can include, for example, at least a portion of input / setting information or environmental detection information acquired by the first control unit (220). In one example, the processor (221) of the first control unit (220) can generate a control command for each component of the outdoor unit (300) and transmit the generated control command to the second control unit (320).

[0085] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include one or more outdoor unit environment detection sensors (311). The outdoor unit environment detection sensors (311) may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (300). The outdoor unit environment detection sensors (311) may include, but are not limited to, a temperature detection sensor for detecting air temperature around the outdoor unit (300), a humidity detection sensor for detecting air humidity around the outdoor unit (300), and / or a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (105) passing through the outdoor unit (300). In one example, the outdoor unit environment detection sensors (311) may include, but are not limited to, a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (105) at a discharge portion (101b) of the compressor (101). In one example, each environmental information detected by the outdoor unit environmental detection sensor (311) can be transmitted to the second control unit (320).

[0086] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include a second control unit (320). The second control unit (320) may be communicatively coupled with the first control unit (220) of the indoor unit (200). Like the first control unit (220), the second control unit (320) may include a processor (321) and a memory (322). In one example, the memory (322) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (100). In one example, the processor (321) may generate an operation control command for one or more of the components of the outdoor unit (300), such as the compressor (101), the outdoor blower (108), the expansion device (103), and / or the plenum switching valve (106), based on information stored in the memory (322), information received from the first control unit (220), and / or information received from the outdoor unit environment detection sensor (311).

[0087] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include a compressor (101). The compressor (101) may receive a drive control command from the second control unit (320). The compressor (101) may be operated or stopped based on the received drive control command. The compressor (101) may be operated at a predetermined capacity based on the received drive control command. The compressor (101) may suck in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas through a suction portion (e.g., a suction portion (101a) of FIG. 2) at a predetermined capacity based on the received drive control command, and may compress the sucked refrigerant gas. As described above, the compressor (101) may discharge the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge portion (e.g., a discharge portion (101b) of FIG. 2).

[0088] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (102). In the outdoor heat exchanger (102), heat exchange may occur between a refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (102) and outdoor air. In one example, as described above, the outdoor unit (300) may include an outdoor blower (108) that generates forced air for heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger (102) and the outdoor air. In one example, the outdoor blower (108) may receive a driving control command from the second control unit (320). The outdoor blower (108) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (108) may rotate at a predetermined speed based on the driving control command received from the second control unit (320) and may transmit a rotational driving force to the blower fan through a shaft. By the rotation of the blower fan of the outdoor blower (108), air flow and heat exchange around the outdoor heat exchanger (102) of the air conditioner (100) can be smoothly achieved.

[0089] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include an expansion device (103). The expansion device (103) may receive a control command from the second control unit (320). As described above, the expansion device (103) may lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the outdoor heat exchanger (102) or the indoor heat exchanger (104). In one example, the expansion device (103) may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve. In one example, the electronic expansion valve constituting the expansion device (103) may adjust the opening degree based on a control command from the second control unit (320).

[0090] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include a flow switching valve (106). The flow switching valve (106) may receive a control command from the second control unit (320). The flow switching valve (106) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (105) based on the received control command. For example, the flow switching valve (106) may be controlled to open / close and the opening degree may be adjusted according to the control command from the second control unit (320). In one example, the flow switching valve (106) may allow the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (101) (for example, during cooling mode operation) to be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (102) according to the control command from the second control unit (320). For example, the euro switching valve (106) can allow high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (101) (e.g., when operating in heating mode) to be transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (104) according to a control command from the second control unit (320).

[0091] In one example, the outdoor unit (300) may include a communication unit that supports signal transmission and reception with the indoor unit (200) and / or the outside. In one example, the communication unit may receive and / or transmit wired and / or wireless signals between an external wired and / or wireless communication system, an external server, and / or other devices according to a predetermined wired and / or wireless communication protocol. In one example, the communication unit may include one or more modules that connect the air conditioner (100) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit may include a communication circuit, and the communication circuit may include at least one hardware component (e.g., a modulator, a demodulator, an antenna, a transceiver) for supporting signal transmission and / or reception between the air conditioner (100) and an external electronic device.

[0092] In one example, the processor (221) and the processor (321) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used in this disclosure, including the claims, may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described in this disclosure in a distributed manner. When "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" as used in this disclosure are described as being configured to perform multiple functions, these terms include, but are not limited to, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the recited functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the recited functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various functions recited / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0093] In one example, the memory (222) and the memory (322) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (221) and the processor (321)) of the air conditioner (100). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (222) and the memory (322) can include storage media such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The program can be stored as software in the memory (222) and the memory (322) and can include, for example, an operating system, middleware, and / or an application.

[0094] In FIG. 3 and the related description, the air conditioner (100) is illustrated and described as including a first control unit (220) disposed separately in the indoor unit (200) and a second control unit (320) disposed separately in the outdoor unit (300), but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the operation control units disposed in the indoor unit (200) and / or the outdoor unit (300) may collectively control the operation of each component of the air conditioner (100).

[0095] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for fan motor control of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4, the air conditioner (100) may include a fan motor control unit (400) that controls a fan motor (450). For example, the fan motor control unit (400) may include at least a portion of the second control unit (320) of FIG. 3.

[0097] In one example, the fan motor control unit (400) can detect the rotational state of the fan motor (450) and control the operation of the fan motor (450) based on the rotational state of the fan motor (450). For example, the fan motor control unit (400) can obtain a driving current from the fan motor and, based on the driving current, calculate at least one of a rotor position, a rotational speed, or a phase current. For example, the fan motor control unit (400) can include a position controller (410), a speed controller (420), a current controller (430), and / or a power conversion device (440).

[0098] In one example, the position controller (410) may receive a position command and / or a rotor position. For example, the position controller (410) may compare the position command and / or the rotor position to generate a speed command. The speed controller (420) may receive a speed command and / or a rotational speed. For example, the speed controller (420) may compare the speed command and / or the rotational speed to generate a current command. The current controller (430) may receive a current command and / or a phase current. The current controller (430) may compare the current command and / or the phase current to generate a voltage command. The power conversion device (440) may receive a voltage command. For example, the power conversion device (440) may include a voltage controller and / or an inverter. The power conversion device (440) may supply power to the fan motor (450) through the inverter based on the voltage command. For example, the power conversion device (440) can control the rotational direction and rotational speed of the fan motor (450) by supplying power to the fan motor.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing outside air flowing into an outdoor unit (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, the outdoor unit (500) may include a blower fan. As described above, heat exchange may be performed in the outdoor heat exchanger (102) by the rotation of the blower fan. For example, the blower fan may be rotated in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise (Rcw)) by the driving of the fan motor. For example, heat exchange may be performed in the outdoor heat exchanger (102) based on the rotation of the blower fan.

[0101] In one example, when an outdoor unit (150) installed outdoors is subjected to an outside wind (OA), the blower fan may rotate due to the outside wind (OA). For example, when the operation of the air conditioner (100) is stopped and the operation of the fan motor of the outdoor unit (500) is stopped, the blower fan may rotate unintentionally due to the outside wind (OA). For example, the blower fan may rotate in a forward direction (e.g., clockwise (Rcw)) due to the outside wind (OA). For example, the blower fan may rotate in a reverse direction (e.g., counterclockwise (Rccw)) due to the outside wind (OA).

[0102] In one example, when the strength of the outside air (OA) flowing into the outdoor unit is large, the fan motor may operate abnormally as the blower fan, which should be stopped, rotates clockwise (Rcw) or counterclockwise (Rccw). The air conditioner (100) can identify the rotational state of the fan motor according to the outside air (OA) and select an optimal starting method to prevent abnormal operation of the fan motor. The air conditioner (100) can use a sensorless method that identifies the rotational state of the fan motor by using the driving current of the fan motor of the outdoor unit (500) without a separate sensor.

[0103] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 6, the air conditioner (100) can control the charging of the bootstrap capacitor (operation 610), identify the rotation of the fan motor (operation 620) based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current or a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, determine a starting method of the fan motor (operation 630), and start the fan motor (operation 640) based on the starting method.

[0105] In one example, the air conditioner (100) can relatively accurately identify whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, and / or the rotation speed by using zero current control and / or voltage command pattern analysis, thereby increasing the reliability and accuracy of detection of the rotation state of the fan motor according to the outside wind. In addition, the air conditioner (100) of the present disclosure can determine the optimal starting method among forced alignment starting, synchronous acceleration starting, and starting hold according to the rotation state of the fan motor, and stably control the fan motor, thereby improving the performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner (100).

[0106] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0107] As an example, operations 610 to 640 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0108] In one example, at operation 610, the air conditioner (100) can control the charging of the bootstrap capacitor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can identify the rotational state of the fan motor based on the phase current of the fan motor detected when the bootstrap capacitor is charged. Hereinafter, operation 610 of the electronic device will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

[0109] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to control charging of a bootstrap capacitor.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 7, the air conditioner (100) can turn on a lower arm switching element (operation 710), set a bootstrap timer (operation 720), charge the bootstrap capacitor for a reference charging time (operations 730, 740) when each phase current is less than or equal to a reference current value, and turn off the lower arm switching element (operations 730, 750) when each phase current is greater than the reference current value.

[0111] In one example, at operation 710, the air conditioner (100) may turn on the lower arm switching element. For example, the air conditioner (100) may start charging the bootstrap capacitor by turning on the lower arm switching element. When the lower arm switching element is turned on, the bootstrap capacitor may be supplied with power and charged. For example, the air conditioner (100) may turn on the lower arm switching element until sufficient voltage is charged to the bootstrap capacitor.

[0112] In one example, at operation 720, the air conditioner (100) may set a bootstrap timer. For example, the bootstrap timer may determine whether the capacitor charging time has reached a reference charging time. The reference charging time may vary based on the switching frequency or the type of bootstrap capacitor. For example, the reference charging time may be set between about 10 ms and about 100 ms, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air conditioner (100) may monitor the capacitor charging time based on the bootstrap timer to prevent the charging time from becoming excessively long. For example, the air conditioner (100) may measure the elapsed time from the start of charging using the bootstrap timer, and turn off the lower arm switching element when the reference charging time has elapsed.

[0113] According to an example, in operation 730, the air conditioner (100) can compare each phase current with a reference current value. For example, each phase current can be at least one of a U-phase current, a V-phase current, and a W-phase current. The reference current value can be changed according to the specifications of the inverter element and the fan motor. For example, the reference current value can be determined between about 0.1 A and about 5 A, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air conditioner (100) can detect the occurrence of overcurrent due to rotation of the fan motor by outside wind by monitoring each phase current and comparing each phase current with the reference current value.

[0114] For example, in operation 740, the air conditioner (100) may charge the bootstrap capacitor during the reference charging time if each phase current is less than or equal to the reference current value. For example, if the result of comparing each phase current with the reference current value shows that each phase current does not exceed the reference current value, the air conditioner (100) may continue to charge the bootstrap capacitor. For example, the air conditioner (100) may charge the bootstrap capacitor until the reference charging time according to the bootstrap timer.

[0115] For example, in operation 750, the air conditioner (100) may turn off the lower arm switching element if each phase current is greater than the reference current value. For example, if each phase current exceeds the reference current value as a result of comparing each phase current with the reference current value, the air conditioner (100) may determine that an overcurrent has occurred due to rotation of the fan motor by outside wind. For example, the air conditioner (100) may stop charging the bootstrap capacitor by turning off the lower arm switching element in order to protect the inverter element and / or the fan motor from the overcurrent.

[0116] For example, in operation 620, the air conditioner (100) can identify the rotation of the fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using zero current or a second detection method using a pattern of voltage command. For example, the air conditioner (100) can accurately identify whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, and / or the rotation speed by using zero current control and / or voltage command pattern analysis, thereby increasing the reliability and accuracy of detection of the rotation state of the fan motor according to the outside wind. Hereinafter, operation 620 of the electronic device will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11c.

[0117] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to identify the rotation of a fan motor using a first detection method.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 8, the first detection method may include an operation (810) of performing zero current control by fixing a current command to 0, an operation (820) of generating a voltage command based on the zero current and current sensing value, an operation (830) of identifying a position of a fan motor rotor based on a counter electromotive force according to the voltage command, an operation (840) of estimating a rotational direction of the fan motor and / or a rotational speed of the fan motor based on a change in the position of the fan motor rotor, and an operation (850) of generating first rotation data.

[0119] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0120] As an example, operations 810 to 850 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0121] For example, in operation 810, the air conditioner (100) can perform zero current control by fixing the current command to 0. When the current command is set to 0, a zero current state can be achieved in which there is substantially no current flowing to the fan motor. For example, when the current command input to the current controller (430) is set to 0, the current flowing to the fan motor can be set close to 0 as the voltage command and the voltage (back electromotive force) generated by the rotation of the fan motor are synchronized. When the current flowing to the fan motor is set close to 0, each phase current of the fan motor can reflect only the electrical characteristics generated by the rotation by the outside wind.

[0122] According to an example, in operation 820, the air conditioner (100) can generate a voltage command based on the zero current and the current sensing value. The air conditioner (100) can generate a voltage command based on the current sensing value in the zero current state. For example, the air conditioner (100) can obtain the current sensing value by sensing the current flowing in each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase) of the fan motor in real time in the zero current state. The air conditioner (100) can generate a voltage command required for the fan motor using the current sensing value. For example, the voltage command may be voltage information transmitted to an inverter circuit to accurately determine the rotation state of the fan motor.

[0123] For example, in operation 830, the air conditioner (100) can identify the position of the fan motor rotor based on the counter electromotive force according to the voltage command. For example, when the fan motor rotates, the counter electromotive force generated by the rotor can vary depending on the position of the rotor. The air conditioner (100) can calculate the counter electromotive force in real time using the current sensing value and the voltage command. For example, the rotor position of the fan motor can be determined based on the magnitude and phase of the counter electromotive force. The air conditioner (100) can identify the current position of the rotor by analyzing the calculated counter electromotive force data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can precisely estimate the rotor position by considering both the electrical characteristics and the kinematic characteristics of the fan motor.

[0124] For example, in operation 840, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation direction of the fan motor and / or the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the change in position of the fan motor rotor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation direction of the fan motor based on the change in position of the fan motor rotor over time. For example, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the change in position of the fan motor rotor over time.

[0125] For example, in operation 850, the air conditioner (100) may generate first rotation data. The first rotation data may include whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction of the fan motor, and / or the rotation speed of the fan motor, which are estimated based on zero current control. For example, the first rotation data may include the rotation direction and / or rotation speed estimated based on current sensing values ​​that reflect only electrical characteristics generated by rotation due to outside wind in a zero current state, thereby accurately reflecting the rotation state.

[0126] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to identify the rotation of a fan motor in a second detection manner, FIGS. 10a and 10b are graphs showing a pattern of a voltage vector according to a rotation direction of a fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 11a to 11c are diagrams showing a voltage command according to a rotation state of a fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9, the second detection method may include an operation (910) of identifying the maximum phase of the voltage command by time, an operation (920) of analyzing the pattern of the voltage command, an operation (930) of determining whether the fan motor rotates based on the pattern of the voltage command, an operation (940) of estimating the rotation direction of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command, an operation (950) of estimating the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command, and an operation (960) of generating second rotation data.

[0128] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0129] As an example, operations 910 to 960 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0130] For example, in operation 910, the air conditioner (100) can identify the maximum phase of the voltage command per hour. The maximum phase of the voltage command per hour may refer to a phase that represents the maximum value among the voltage commands for each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase) of the fan motor per hour. For example, the air conditioner (100) can monitor the voltage commands for each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase) of the fan motor in real time. The air conditioner (100) can identify the maximum value among the voltage commands for each phase at predetermined time intervals. For example, the air conditioner (100) can analyze the voltage change pattern of each phase using the maximum phase voltage command value.

[0131] For example, in operation 920, the air conditioner (100) can analyze the pattern of the voltage command. For example, the air conditioner (100) can continuously analyze the maximum phase voltage command value over time to determine the pattern of the voltage command. For example, the voltage command of each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase) can be generated in the form of a sine wave. For example, the voltage command of each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase) can have a phase difference of 120 degrees from each other. The air conditioner (100) can analyze the pattern of the voltage command based on the periodicity of the voltage command of each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase), the variability of the voltage command of each phase (U phase, V phase, W phase), or the maximum phase voltage order.

[0132] For example, in operation 930, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the fan motor is rotating based on the pattern of the voltage command. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the fan motor is rotating if the analyzed voltage command pattern has a specific cycle. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the fan motor is rotating if the pattern of the voltage command is consistently repeated at a predetermined cycle.

[0133] For example, in operation 940, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation direction of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command. For example, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation direction by analyzing the maximum phase voltage sequence of the voltage command pattern.

[0134] For example, as shown in Fig. 10a, if the maximum phase voltage sequence is repeated in the order of U phase, V phase, and W phase, the air conditioner (100) can estimate that the fan motor is rotating in the forward direction due to the outside wind.

[0135] For example, as shown in Fig. 10b, if the maximum phase voltage sequence is repeated in the order of U phase, W phase, and V phase, the air conditioner (100) can estimate that the fan motor is rotating in the reverse direction due to the outside wind.

[0136] For example, in operation 950, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command. For example, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation speed by calculating the rate of change of the maximum phase voltage command value. The air conditioner (100) can measure the period of the voltage command pattern and calculate the rotation speed of the fan motor through the period of the voltage command pattern. For example, the shorter the period of the voltage command pattern, the faster the rotation speed may be. For example, the longer the period of the voltage command pattern, the slower the rotation speed may be.

[0137] For example, as shown in FIG. 11a, if the pattern of the voltage command is not repeated or the cycle is long, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the fan motor is substantially stopped. For example, as shown in FIG. 11b, the air conditioner (100) can measure the cycle of the voltage command pattern of the fan motor that is rotating in the forward direction and estimate the forward rotation speed of the fan motor based on the cycle of the voltage command pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 11c, the air conditioner (100) can measure the cycle of the voltage command pattern of the fan motor that is rotating in the reverse direction and estimate the reverse rotation speed of the fan motor based on the cycle of the voltage command pattern.

[0138] For example, in operation 960, the air conditioner (100) may generate second rotation data. The second rotation data may include whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, and / or the rotation speed estimated based on voltage command pattern analysis. For example, the second rotation data may reflect the real-time rotation status of the fan motor based on pattern data obtained through time-based maximum phase analysis of the voltage command.

[0139] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) can verify the first rotation data using the second rotation data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate the first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the first detection method. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate the second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method.

[0140] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) can verify the accuracy of the first rotation data by calculating an error rate of the second rotation data with respect to the first rotation data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can compare the first rotation data and the second rotation data to analyze the difference in the rotational state included in each data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can check whether the rotational direction estimated from the first rotation data matches the rotational direction estimated from the second rotation data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can compare the rotational speed estimated from the first rotation data with the rotational speed estimated from the second rotation data.

[0141] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) can calculate an error rate between the first rotation data and the second rotation data. For example, if the error rate between the first rotation data and the second rotation data is within a preset tolerance range, the first rotation data can be verified as reliable data. For example, if the error rate between the first rotation data and the second rotation data exceeds the tolerance range, the first rotation data can be considered as erroneous data. If the first rotation data is considered as erroneous data, the air conditioner (100) can regenerate the first rotation data.

[0142] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) can generate final rotation data by combining the first rotation data and the second rotation data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the first detection method. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method.

[0143] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) can generate final rotation data by combining the first rotation data and the second rotation data. The air conditioner (100) can combine the first rotation data and the second rotation data using a first weight for the first rotation data and a second weight for the second rotation data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can generate the final rotation data using an average of the first rotation data to which the first weight is applied and the second rotation data to which the second weight is applied. For example, the first weight and the second weight can be determined based on the reliability of the first rotation data and the second rotation data.

[0144] For example, if the rotation direction of the first rotation data and the rotation direction of the second rotation data match, the air conditioner (100) can estimate that the fan motor rotates in the matching rotation direction. For example, if the rotation direction of the first rotation data and the rotation direction of the second rotation data do not match, the air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotation direction according to the rotation data corresponding to the larger weight among the first weight and the second weight.

[0145] For example, the air conditioner (100) can apply a first weight to the first rotation speed included in the first rotation data, apply a second weight to the second rotation speed included in the second rotation data, and estimate the final rotation speed using the weighted average.

[0146] The air conditioner (100) can estimate the rotational state of the fan motor more precisely and reliably by combining the first rotation data and the second rotation data to generate final rotation data.

[0147] For example, in operation 630, the air conditioner (100) can determine the starting method of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine the optimal starting method among forced alignment starting, synchronous acceleration starting, and starting hold according to the rotational state of the fan motor, and can stably control the fan motor, thereby improving the performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner (100). Hereinafter, operation 630 of the electronic device will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0148] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to determine a starting method of a fan motor, and FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a starting method according to a rotation speed section of a fan motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 12, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the fan motor rotates (operation 1210), compares the rotation speed of the fan motor with at least one of a first speed level or a second speed level (operation 1220, operation 1230), and, based on whether the fan motor rotates or the rotation speed of the fan motor, determines the starting method as one of a first starting method including a forced alignment starting method, a second starting method including a synchronous acceleration starting method, and a third starting method that holds the starting method (operation 1240, operation 1250, operation 1260).

[0150] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0151] As an example, operations 1210 to 1260 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0152] For example, in operation 1210, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the fan motor is rotating. The air conditioner (100) can identify the rotation state of the fan motor based on at least one of the first rotation data or the second rotation data. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the fan motor is rotating based on at least one of the first rotation data or the second rotation data.

[0153] In one example, in operations 1220 and 1230, the air conditioner (100) can compare the rotation speed of the fan motor with at least one of the first speed level or the second speed level. For example, the air conditioner (100) can identify the rotation speed of the fan motor based on at least one of the first rotation data or the second rotation data.

[0154] The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is less than a first speed level. For example, the first speed level may be a rotation speed between about 1 RPM and about 100 RPM, but is not limited thereto.

[0155] The air conditioner (100) can determine whether the absolute value of the rotational speed of the fan motor is less than a second speed level. The second speed level may be greater than the first speed level. For example, the second speed level may be a rotational speed between about 100 RPM and about 1000 RPM, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] In one embodiment, at least one of the first speed level and the second speed level may be determined based on the rotation direction of the fan motor due to the outside wind. For example, when the fan motor rotates in the forward direction due to the outside wind, the second speed level may be a rotation speed between about 100 RPM and about 400 RPM, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the fan motor rotates in the forward direction due to the outside wind, the second speed level may be a rotation speed between about 400 RPM and about 1000 RPM, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 13, the air conditioner (100) can control the fan motor with a forced alignment start when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is less than the first speed level. The air conditioner (100) can control the fan motor with a synchronous acceleration start when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than or equal to the first speed level and less than the second speed level. The air conditioner (100) can suspend the start of the fan motor when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than the second speed level.

[0158] For example, in operation 1240, the air conditioner (100) may determine the starting method as a first starting method including a forced alignment starting. For example, the air conditioner (100) may control the fan motor with a forced alignment starting when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is less than the first speed level. The air conditioner (100) may perform a forced alignment starting by applying current to align the rotor of the fan motor to a specific position, resetting the rotor position, and then accelerating the fan motor when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is less than the first speed level.

[0159] For example, in operation 1250, the air conditioner (100) may determine the start-up method as a second start-up method including a synchronous acceleration start-up. For example, the air conditioner (100) may control the fan motor with a synchronous acceleration start-up when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than or equal to the first speed level and less than the second speed level. The air conditioner (100) may synchronize the rotation axis of the fan motor with the axis of the control rotation coordinate system and perform a synchronous acceleration start-up to accelerate the fan motor when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than or equal to the first speed level and less than the second speed level.

[0160] For example, in operation 1260, the air conditioner (100) may determine the startup method as a third startup method that suspends startup. For example, the air conditioner (100) may suspend startup of the fan motor if the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than the second speed level. The air conditioner (100) may temporarily suspend startup of the fan motor and wait for a predetermined period of time if the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than the second speed level. For example, after waiting for a predetermined period of time, the air conditioner (100) may remeasure the rotation speed of the fan motor and re-determine the startup method.

[0161] According to an example, in operation 640, the air conditioner (100) can start the fan motor based on the above-described starting method. Hereinafter, operation 640 of the electronic device will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 to 19.

[0162] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation of controlling a fan motor in a first startup manner by an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a step-by-step control operation of the first startup manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in the first operation method, the air conditioner (100) can determine the rotation speed of the fan motor (operation 1410), perform a forced alignment operation (operation 1420), perform an acceleration operation (operation 1430), and perform a sensorless operation (operation 1440).

[0164] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0165] As an example, operations 1410 to 1440 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0166] For example, in operation 1410, the air conditioner (100) can determine the rotation speed of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can use at least one of the first rotation data or the second rotation data to determine the current rotation speed of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the fan motor to a forced alignment operation when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is less than the first speed level.

[0167] In one example, at operation 1420, the air conditioner (100) can perform a forced alignment operation. For example, the air conditioner (100) can apply two-phase or three-phase current to align the rotor of the fan motor to a specific position. The air conditioner (100) can align the rotor of the fan motor to a predetermined position by applying the current. For example, the air conditioner (100) can realign the rotor of the fan motor to an initial position during the forced alignment operation.

[0168] In one example, at operation 1430, the air conditioner (100) may perform an acceleration start. For example, the air conditioner (100) may apply current and voltage to accelerate the fan motor based on the aligned rotor position of the fan motor. The air conditioner (100) may set a current slope to gradually increase the speed of the fan motor. The current slope may refer to the degree to which the current changes (e.g., increases) over time. For example, the air conditioner (100) may set the current slope to a linear slope to reduce noise generated during the forced alignment start. The linear slope may refer to a linear change (e.g., increase) of the current over time. The air conditioner (100) may provide the current for the acceleration start in a manner that linearly increases the current over time.

[0169] For example, in operation 1440, the air conditioner (100) can perform sensorless operation. For example, the air conditioner (100) can switch to a sensorless operation mode after the fan motor reaches a set speed. The sensorless operation may be a method of estimating the position and / or rotational speed of the rotor based on the electrical characteristics of the fan motor without a separate sensor (e.g., a position sensor). In the sensorless operation stage, the air conditioner (100) can accurately estimate the rotational state of the fan motor by monitoring the current and voltage in the inverter circuit in real time.

[0170] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation of controlling a fan motor in a second starting manner by an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a step-by-step control operation of the second starting manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the case of forward rotation, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a step-by-step control operation of the second starting manner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure in the case of reverse rotation.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, in the second operation method, the air conditioner (100) can determine the rotation speed of the fan motor (operation 1610), determine the rotation direction of the fan motor (operation 1620), perform rotation axis synchronization (operation 1630), perform acceleration operation (operation 1640), and perform sensorless operation (operation 1650).

[0172] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0173] As an example, operations 1610 to 1650 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0174] For example, in operation 1610, the air conditioner (100) can determine the rotation speed of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can use at least one of the first rotation data or the second rotation data to determine the current rotation speed of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can control the fan motor to a synchronous acceleration start when the absolute value of the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than or equal to the first speed level and less than the second speed level.

[0175] For example, in operation 1620, the air conditioner (100) can determine the rotation direction of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the fan motor is rotating in the forward direction or the reverse direction using at least one of the first rotation data or the second rotation data.

[0176] For example, in operation 1630, the air conditioner (100) can perform rotation axis synchronization. For example, the air conditioner (100) can synchronize the current rotation state of the fan motor with the axis of the control rotation coordinate system. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the fan motor is rotating in the forward direction, the air conditioner (100) can align the rotation axis of the fan motor with the axis of the control rotation coordinate system and then accelerate the fan motor.

[0177] In one example, when the fan motor is rotating in the reverse direction, the air conditioner (100) can synchronize the rotation of the fan motor with the control angle of the control rotational coordinate system, slowly reduce the rotational direction, and then perform additional acceleration to rotate in the forward direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when the rotational direction of the fan motor is reverse, the air conditioner (100) can align the rotational axis of the fan motor with the axis of the control rotational coordinate system, gradually reduce the angular velocity of the control rotational coordinate system, and then accelerate in the forward direction. As shown in FIG. 18, the air conditioner (100) can perform a brake operation to reduce the angular velocity of the electric angle of the fan motor by gradually and slowly controlling the control angle of the control rotational coordinate system that rotates in the reverse direction.

[0178] In one example, at operation 1640, the air conditioner (100) may perform an acceleration start. For example, the air conditioner (100) may apply current and voltage capable of accelerating the fan motor based on the aligned rotor position of the fan motor. The air conditioner (100) may set a current slope to rapidly increase the speed of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) may set the current slope to a logarithmic slope to quickly synchronize the speed of the fan motor in a synchronous acceleration start. A logarithmic slope may mean that the current changes (e.g., increases) nonlinearly in a logarithmic function form over time. For example, in a time period in which the current slope is set to a logarithmic slope, the current may have a relationship such as current = log(time), in which the current increases in proportion to the logarithm of the time. The air conditioner (100) may provide the current for the acceleration start in a manner that nonlinearly increases the current over time.

[0179] For example, at operation 1650, the air conditioner (100) can perform sensorless operation. For example, the air conditioner (100) can switch to a sensorless operation mode after the fan motor reaches a set speed. The sensorless operation may be a method of estimating the position and rotational speed of the rotor based on the electrical characteristics of the fan motor without a separate position sensor. In the sensorless operation stage, the air conditioner (100) can accurately estimate the rotational state of the fan motor by monitoring the current and voltage in the inverter circuit in real time.

[0180] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a step-by-step control operation of a third operating method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 19, in the third startup method, the air conditioner (100) can hold startup for a reference standby time (operation 1910) and then identify the rotation of the fan motor again (operation 1920).

[0182] In the following example operations, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations may be changed, or at least two operations may be performed in parallel. For example, at least one of the operations may be omitted.

[0183] As an example, operations 1910 and 1920 may be understood to be performed in a processor of an air conditioner (100) (e.g., processor (221 and / or 321) of FIG. 3).

[0184] For example, in operation 1910, the air conditioner (100) may suspend startup for a reference standby time. For example, if the rotation speed of the fan motor is greater than the second speed level, the air conditioner (100) may temporarily suspend startup of the fan motor and set a reference standby time. The reference standby time may be a minimum time to maintain system safety and prevent damage that may occur due to excessive rotation speed. For example, the reference standby time may be determined between about 1 second and about 60 seconds. The air conditioner (100) may wait for the condition of the fan motor to improve by allowing the fan motor to naturally decrease in speed during the reference standby time.

[0185] For example, in operation 1920, the air conditioner (100) can re-identify the rotation of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can re-estimate the rotation state of the fan motor after a reference waiting time has elapsed. For example, the air conditioner (100) can re-estimate whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, and / or the rotation speed using at least one of the first detection method and the second detection method.

[0186] In one example, the air conditioner (100) can re-determine the starting method of the fan motor. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine an optimal starting method for the fan motor based on whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, and / or the rotation speed that has been re-identified. For example, the air conditioner (100) can determine the starting method as one of a first starting method including a forced alignment starting method, a second starting method including a synchronous acceleration starting method, and a third starting method that holds the starting method based on the rotation speed of the fan motor.

[0187] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) and its driving method can increase the reliability and accuracy of detection of the rotational state of the fan motor according to the outside wind by accurately identifying whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotational direction, and / or the rotational speed using zero current control and voltage command pattern analysis.

[0188] In one embodiment, the air conditioner (100) and its driving method determine the optimal starting method among forced alignment starting, synchronous acceleration starting, and starting hold according to the rotational state of the fan motor, and stably control the fan motor, thereby improving the performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner (100).

[0189] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit may include a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air, an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant, an outdoor blower including a blower fan and a fan motor, and at least one processor for controlling the outdoor blower. The at least one processor may control charging of at least one capacitor, identify rotation of the fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current and a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, determine a starting method of the fan motor, and start the fan motor based on the starting method.

[0190] In one embodiment, the first detection method may include an operation of performing zero current control by fixing a current command to 0, an operation of generating a voltage command based on the zero current and a current sensing value, an operation of identifying a position of a fan motor rotor based on a counter electromotive force according to the voltage command, an operation of estimating a rotational direction of the fan motor or a rotational speed of the fan motor based on a change in the position of the fan motor rotor, and an operation of generating first rotation data.

[0191] In one embodiment, the second detection method may include an operation of identifying a maximum phase of the voltage command over time, an operation of analyzing the pattern of the voltage command, an operation of determining whether the fan motor rotates based on the pattern of the voltage command, an operation of estimating a rotation direction of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command, an operation of estimating a rotation speed of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command, and an operation of generating second rotation data.

[0192] In one embodiment, the at least one processor generates first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the first detection method, generates second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method, and calculates an error rate of the second rotation data with respect to the first rotation data, thereby verifying the accuracy of the first rotation data.

[0193] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may generate first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the first detection method, generate second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method, and generate final rotation data by combining the first rotation data and the second rotation data.

[0194] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can turn on a lower arm switching element, set a bootstrap timer, charge the at least one capacitor including a bootstrap capacitor for a reference charging time when each phase current is less than or equal to a reference current value, and turn off the lower arm switching element when each phase current is greater than the reference current value.

[0195] In one embodiment, the at least one processor may determine whether the fan motor is rotating, compare the rotation speed of the fan motor with at least one of a first speed level or a second speed level, and, based on whether the fan motor is rotating or the rotation speed of the fan motor, determine the starting method as one of a first starting method including a forced alignment starting method, a second starting method including a synchronous acceleration starting method, and a third starting method that holds the starting.

[0196] In one embodiment, in the first startup method, the at least one processor can determine the rotation speed of the fan motor, perform a forced alignment startup, perform an acceleration startup, and perform sensorless operation.

[0197] In one embodiment, in the second startup method, the at least one processor can determine the rotation speed of the fan motor, determine the rotation direction of the fan motor, perform rotation axis synchronization, perform acceleration startup, and perform sensorless operation.

[0198] In one embodiment, the at least one processor can perform a brake operation to reduce the angular velocity of the electric angle of the fan motor by gradually slowing down the control angle of the control rotational coordinate system that rotates in the reverse direction when the rotational direction of the fan motor is reverse.

[0199] In one embodiment, in the third startup method, the at least one processor may hold the startup for a reference waiting time and then identify the rotation of the fan motor again.

[0200] A driving method of an air conditioner including an outdoor unit including an outdoor blower including a blower fan and a fan motor according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an operation of controlling charging of at least one capacitor, an operation of identifying rotation of a fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current and a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, an operation of determining a starting method of the fan motor, and an operation of starting the fan motor based on the starting method.

[0201] In one embodiment, the first detection method may include an operation of performing zero current control by fixing a current command to 0, an operation of generating a voltage command based on the zero current and a current sensing value, an operation of identifying a position of a fan motor rotor based on a counter electromotive force according to the voltage command, an operation of estimating a rotational direction of the fan motor or a rotational speed of the fan motor based on a change in the position of the fan motor rotor, and an operation of generating first rotation data.

[0202] In one embodiment, the second detection method may include an operation of identifying a maximum phase of the voltage command per time, an operation of analyzing the pattern of the voltage command, an operation of determining whether the fan motor is rotating based on the pattern of the voltage command, an operation of estimating a rotation direction of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command, an operation of estimating a rotation speed of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command, and an operation of generating second rotation data.

[0203] In one embodiment, the operation of identifying the rotation of the fan motor may include an operation of generating first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, a rotation direction, or a rotation speed based on the first detection method, an operation of generating second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method, and an operation of verifying the accuracy of the first rotation data by calculating an error rate of the second rotation data with respect to the first rotation data.

[0204] In one embodiment, the operation of identifying the rotation of the fan motor may include an operation of generating first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, a rotation direction, or a rotation speed based on the first detection method, an operation of generating second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method, and an operation of generating final rotation data by combining the first rotation data and the second rotation data.

[0205] In one embodiment, the operation of controlling charging of the at least one capacitor may include: turning on a lower arm switching element; setting a bootstrap timer; charging the at least one capacitor including the bootstrap capacitor during a reference charging time when each phase current is less than or equal to a reference current value; and turning off the lower arm switching element when each phase current is greater than the reference current value.

[0206] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the starting method of the fan motor may include an operation of determining whether the fan motor is rotating, an operation of comparing the rotation speed of the fan motor with at least one of a first speed level or a second speed level, and an operation of determining the starting method as one of a first starting method including a forced alignment starting method, a second starting method including a synchronous acceleration starting method, and a third starting method of holding the starting method based on whether the fan motor is rotating or the rotation speed of the fan motor.

[0207] In one embodiment, the first starting method may include an operation of determining a rotation speed of the fan motor, an operation of performing a forced alignment operation, an operation of performing an acceleration operation, and an operation of performing a sensorless operation.

[0208] In one embodiment, the second starting method may include an operation of determining a rotation speed of the fan motor, an operation of determining a rotation direction of the fan motor, an operation of performing rotation axis synchronization, an operation of performing acceleration starting, and an operation of performing sensorless operation.

Claims

1. In an air conditioner (100) including an outdoor unit (300) and an indoor unit (200), The above outdoor unit, A compressor (101) that compresses refrigerant; An outdoor heat exchanger (102) that performs heat exchange between the above refrigerant and outdoor air; An expansion device (103) for expanding the above refrigerant; An outdoor blower (108) including a blower fan and a fan motor; and At least one processor (321) for controlling the outdoor blower; At least one processor, Control the charging of at least one capacitor, Identifying the rotation of the fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current and a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command, Determine the starting method of the above fan motor, Starting the fan motor based on the above starting method, Air conditioner.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first detection method is, An operation that performs zero current control by fixing the current command to 0; An operation of generating a voltage command based on the above zero current and current sensing values; An operation for identifying the position of a fan motor rotor based on the counter electromotive force according to the above voltage command; An operation of estimating the rotational direction of the fan motor or the rotational speed of the fan motor based on a change in the position of the fan motor rotor; and an operation for generating first rotation data; comprising; Air conditioner.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The second detection method is, An operation for identifying the maximum phase of the above voltage command by time; An operation of analyzing the above pattern of the above voltage command; An operation for determining whether the fan motor rotates based on the pattern of the voltage command; An operation of estimating the rotation direction of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command; An operation of estimating the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command; and an operation for generating second rotation data; comprising; Air conditioner.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, At least one processor, Based on the first detection method, first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed is generated, Based on the second detection method, second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed is generated, By calculating the error rate of the second rotation data with respect to the first rotation data, the accuracy of the first rotation data is verified. Air conditioner.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, At least one processor, Based on the first detection method, first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed is generated, Based on the second detection method, second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed is generated, By combining the first rotation data and the second rotation data, the final rotation data is generated. Air conditioner.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, At least one processor, Turn on the lower arm switching element, Set up a bootstrap timer, When each phase current is less than or equal to the reference current value, at least one capacitor including a bootstrap capacitor is charged during the reference charging time, When the above-mentioned respective phase currents are greater than the above-mentioned reference current value, the lower arm switching element is turned off. Air conditioner.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, At least one processor, Determine whether the above fan motor is rotating, Comparing the rotation speed of the fan motor with at least one of the first speed level or the second speed level, Based on whether the fan motor is rotating or the rotation speed of the fan motor, the starting method is determined as one of a first starting method including a forced alignment starting method, a second starting method including a synchronous acceleration starting method, and a third starting method that holds the starting. Air conditioner.

8. In paragraph 7, In the above first startup method, the at least one processor, Determine the rotation speed of the above fan motor, Perform a forced sort operation, Perform an acceleration maneuver, Performing sensorless driving, Air conditioner.

9. In paragraph 7 or 8, In the second startup method, the at least one processor, Determine the rotation speed of the above fan motor, Determine the rotation direction of the above fan motor, Perform rotation axis synchronization, Perform an acceleration maneuver, Performing sensorless driving, Air conditioner.

10. In paragraph 9, At least one processor, If the rotation direction of the above fan motor is reversed, By gradually and slowly controlling the control angle of the control rotation coordinate system rotating in the reverse direction, a brake operation is performed to reduce the angular velocity of the electric angle of the fan motor. Air conditioner.

11. In any one of paragraphs 7 to 10, In the third startup method, the at least one processor, Hold the operation for the reference waiting time, Re-identifying the rotation of the above fan motor, Air conditioner.

12. A method for driving an air conditioner including an outdoor unit including an outdoor blower including a blower fan and a fan motor, An operation that controls the charging of at least one capacitor; An operation of identifying the rotation of the fan motor based on at least one of a first detection method using a zero current and a second detection method using a pattern of a voltage command; An operation for determining the operation method of the above fan motor; and An operation of starting the fan motor based on the above starting method; including; How to operate an air conditioner.

13. In paragraph 12, The above first detection method is, An operation that performs zero current control by fixing the current command to 0; An operation of generating a voltage command based on the above zero current and current sensing values; An operation for identifying the position of a fan motor rotor based on the counter electromotive force according to the above voltage command; An operation of estimating the rotational direction of the fan motor or the rotational speed of the fan motor based on a change in the position of the fan motor rotor; and an operation for generating first rotation data; comprising; How to operate an air conditioner.

14. In paragraph 12 or 13, The second detection method is, An operation for identifying the maximum phase of the above voltage command by time; An operation of analyzing the above pattern of the above voltage command; An operation for determining whether the fan motor rotates based on the pattern of the voltage command; An operation of estimating the rotation direction of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command; An operation of estimating the rotation speed of the fan motor based on the pattern of the voltage command; and an operation for generating second rotation data; comprising; How to operate an air conditioner.

15. In any one of paragraphs 12 to 14, The operation of identifying the rotation of the above fan motor is as follows: An operation of generating first rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the first detection method; An operation of generating second rotation data including at least one of whether the fan motor is rotating, the rotation direction, or the rotation speed based on the second detection method; and An operation of verifying the accuracy of the first rotation data by calculating an error rate of the second rotation data with respect to the first rotation data; How to operate an air conditioner.

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