Air conditioner including phase estimator

Abstract

The present disclosure may provide an air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit may include a power conversion device for converting alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power. The power conversion device may include a rectification unit for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage, and a power factor correction (PFC) circuit for boosting the DC voltage and including a phase estimator. The phase estimator may remove harmonic noise from a grid voltage signal by using a first low pass filter (LPF), remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal by using a second LPF included in a second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter, and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal by using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator.

Description

Air conditioner including phase estimator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for estimating the phase of an input signal, and for example, to an air conditioner including a phase estimator for estimating the phase of a grid voltage signal.

[0002] Power conversion devices can convert alternating current (AC) power into direct current (DC) power in a power grid, or vice versa. Power conversion devices can be used in a variety of electronic devices, including electronic appliances, home appliances, and industrial machinery.

[0003] Meanwhile, to increase the efficiency of a power conversion device and improve power quality, a Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuit may be included in the power conversion device. A PFC circuit may be a circuit that corrects the power factor, reduces power loss, and enhances the stability of the power system by minimizing the phase difference between voltage and current in the power system. A PFC circuit may be composed of various subcircuits or subblocks, and may include, for example, a phase estimator that estimates the phase of an input signal.

[0004] A phase estimator can be implemented using a Second Order Generalized Integrator (SOGI) filter. The SOGI filter converts the input signal into an α-axis signal and a β-axis signal, and can estimate the phase of the grid voltage using the α-axis and β-axis signals. However, existing phase estimators primarily focus on removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and have limitations in removing the DC offset of the β-axis signal. Therefore, a phase estimation technique that performs accurate phase estimation from the α-axis and β-axis signals by removing both harmonic noise and DC offset of the input signal is required.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a phase estimator and an air conditioner including the same, which generate high-quality α-axis signals and β-axis signals by effectively removing harmonic noise and DC offset of a system voltage signal through a first low pass filter (LPF) and a second low pass filter (LPF).

[0006] In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a phase estimator and an air conditioner including the same, which improve the response performance of the phase estimator by simultaneously removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal, have high frequency response characteristics, and accurately track the input phase that changes in real time.

[0007] In an air conditioner including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit or the indoor unit may include a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power. The power conversion device may include a rectifier that converts AC voltage into DC voltage, a PFC circuit that boosts the DC voltage, and a phase estimator. The phase estimator may remove harmonic noise from a grid voltage signal using a first LPF, remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal using a second LPF included in a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter, and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator.

[0008] A home appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power. The power conversion device may include a rectifier that converts AC voltage into DC voltage, and a PFC circuit that boosts the DC voltage and includes a phase estimator. The phase estimator may remove harmonic noise from a grid voltage signal using a first LPF, remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal using a second LPF included in a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter, and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can generate high-quality α-axis signals and β-axis signals by effectively removing harmonic noise and DC offset of a grid voltage signal through a first LPF and a second LPF. Therefore, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can minimize distortion of a grid voltage signal, thereby increasing the phase estimation accuracy of a PFC circuit and improving the efficiency of a power conversion device.

[0010] In addition, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can improve the response performance of the phase estimator and enhance stability by simultaneously removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. In addition, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same have high frequency response characteristics and can accurately track the input phase that changes in real time. Therefore, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can perform power conversion in which the PFC circuit is adaptively optimized for various environmental changes.

[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 an exemplary diagram showing a power converter including a power factor correction (PFC) circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a PFC circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a phase estimator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a phase estimator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of a phase estimator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 6A to 6C are graphs showing frequency response characteristics of a conventional phase estimator and a phase estimator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a home appliance including a power conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various home appliances including a power conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 11 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.

[0023] 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 encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0024] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0025] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0033] A phase estimator and a home appliance including the same according to one or more embodiments are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a power conversion device including a power factor correction (PFC) circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a power conversion device (100) may include an input power source (10), a rectifier (20), a PFC circuit (30), and / or a DC link capacitor (40). The power conversion device (100) may be connected to a load (50) and supply power to the load (50). The PFC circuit (30) may include an inductor (31), a switch (33), and a diode (35).

[0036] If the power conversion device (100) is of the bridge type, the rectifier (20) is composed entirely of diodes. The switch (33) of the PFC circuit (30) may use an active switch element. The switch (33) may be composed of an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), a transistor, and / or a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), but is not limited thereto.

[0037] For example, a power conversion device (100) can receive power from an input power source (10) and convert AC power into DC power through a rectifier (20). The rectified DC power can be stored in a DC link capacitor (40) by boosting the voltage through a PFC circuit (30). A switch (33) of the PFC circuit (30) can store energy in an inductor (31) through high-speed switching and transfer the energy to the DC link capacitor (40) through a diode (35) to provide a stable DC voltage. The PFC circuit (30) can optimize the power flow between the input power source (10) and the load (50) and improve the power factor to increase the efficiency of the power conversion device (100). In addition, the switch (33) of the PFC circuit (30) can minimize switching loss by using an active switching element (e.g., IGBT, transistor, MOSFET).

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a PFC circuit (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the PFC circuit (200) may include at least one of a phase estimator (210), a phase lock loop (PLL) controller (220), a current controller (230), and a voltage controller (240). The PFC circuit (200) may improve the power factor of the input power and enhance the efficiency of power conversion. For example, the PFC circuit (200) may analyze the grid voltage signal and control the current and voltage, thereby maintaining an optimal or improved power level. For example, the PFC circuit (200) may reduce power loss and increase the stability of the power system.

[0040] The phase estimator (210) includes a circuit and can be configured to estimate the phase of a grid voltage signal. For example, the phase estimator (210) can generate an α-axis signal and a β-axis signal by estimating the phase of the grid voltage signal. For example, the phase estimator (210) can increase the efficiency of a power conversion device by analyzing the grid voltage signal in real time to generate an α-axis signal and a β-axis signal.

[0041] The PLL controller (220) includes a circuit and can be configured to synchronize the phase of the grid voltage and estimate the frequency. For example, the PLL controller (220) can generate a synchronization phase signal using the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. For example, the PLL controller (220) can accurately synchronize the phase of the grid voltage using the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal provided from the phase estimator (210) and generate a synchronization phase signal in response to a change in frequency.

[0042] The current controller (230) includes a circuit and can be configured to control the commutated current using the grid voltage signal and the synchronization phase signal. For example, the current controller (230) can optimize the commutation process and minimize power loss by generating a current that matches the grid voltage based on the synchronized phase signal.

[0043] The voltage controller (240) includes a circuit and can be configured to maintain an output voltage by compensating for a grid voltage signal based on fluctuations in the grid voltage signal. For example, the voltage controller (240) can detect fluctuations in the grid voltage and compensate for changes in the grid voltage, thereby maintaining a constant output voltage.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a phase estimator (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the phase estimator (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the phase estimator (300) may include a first LPF (310) (e.g., the phase estimator (210) of FIG. 2) that receives a system voltage signal and / or a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter (320) that outputs an α-axis signal and a β-axis signal. The phase estimator (300) may include the first LPF (310) and the second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter (320). The SOGI filter (320) may include the second LPF (321) that removes a DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal by removing harmonic noise from an amplified phase error value.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the phase estimator (300) can remove harmonic noise from a system voltage signal using a first LPF (310) (operation 410), remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal using a second LPF (321) included in a SOGI filter (320) (operation 420), and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator (operation 430).

[0047] According to an example, in operation 410, the phase estimator (300) can remove harmonic noise from the grid voltage signal using the first LPF (310). The phase estimator (300) can remove noise (e.g., harmonic noise and / or high-frequency noise) from the grid voltage signal using the first LPF (310). For example, as the grid voltage signal passes through the first LPF (310), high-frequency components included in the grid voltage signal can be filtered out and removed. For example, as the grid voltage signal passes through the first LPF (310), the signal can be output with harmonic noise in the frequency spectrum removed.

[0048] According to an example, in operation 420, the phase estimator (300) can remove the DC offset of the α-axis signal or the β-axis signal by using the second LPF (321) included in the SOGI filter (320). For example, as the α-axis signal or the β-axis signal passes through the second LPF (321), the DC component of the α-axis signal or the β-axis signal can be removed. For example, the second LPF (321) can pass only the baseband component of the α-axis signal or the β-axis signal, and remove unnecessary DC offset.

[0049] According to an example, in operation 430, the phase estimator (300) can generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator. For example, the phase estimator (300) can generate a final α-axis signal and a β-axis signal reflecting optimal phase information based on an input signal and an internally generated phase adjustment signal. For example, the phase estimator (300) can output an α-axis signal and a β-axis signal for tracking the phase of the grid voltage in real time by extracting accurate phase information based on a difference operation, a multiplication operation, or an integration operation of the α-axis signal.

[0050] In this way, the phase estimator (300) and the air conditioner including the same can generate high-quality α-axis signals and β-axis signals by effectively removing harmonic noise and DC offset of the grid voltage signal through the first LPF (310) and the second LPF (321). Therefore, the phase estimator (300) and the air conditioner including the same can minimize distortion of the grid voltage signal, thereby increasing the phase estimation accuracy of the PFC circuit and improving the efficiency of the power conversion device.

[0051] In addition, the phase estimator (300) and the air conditioner including it can improve the response performance of the phase estimator (300) and increase stability by simultaneously removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. In addition, the phase estimator (300) and the air conditioner including it have high frequency response characteristics and can accurately track the input phase that changes in real time. Therefore, the phase estimator (300) and the air conditioner including it can perform power conversion in which the PFC circuit is adaptively optimized for various environmental changes.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of a phase estimator (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 5, the phase estimator (500) (e.g., the phase estimator (300) of FIG. 3) may include at least one of a first LPF (510) (e.g., the first LPF (310) of FIG. 3), a second LPF (520) (e.g., the second LPF (321) of FIG. 3), a DC gain amplifier (540), a first difference operator (531), a second difference operator (532), a third difference operator (533), a first multiplier (551), a second multiplier (552), a first integrator (561), or a second integrator (562). For example, at least one of the first LPF (510), the second LPF (520), the DC gain amplifier (540), the first difference operator (531), the second difference operator (532), the third difference operator (533), the first multiplier (551), the second multiplier (552), the first integrator (561), or the second integrator (562) is an input node (node input ), first node (node1), second node (node2), third node (node3), fourth node (node4), fifth node (node5), sixth node (node6), seventh node (node7), eighth node (node8), ninth node (node9), first output node (node output1 ), and the second output node (node output2 ) can be placed between at least two nodes.

[0054] For example, the first LPF (510) is an input node (node input ) and the first node (node1). The first LPF (510) can output a filtered grid voltage signal to the first node (node1) by removing harmonic noise of the grid voltage signal. For example, the filtered grid voltage signal can be a signal from which harmonic noise is removed as the grid voltage signal passes through the first LPF (510).

[0055] For example, the first difference operator (531) includes the first node (node1), the second node (node2), and the first output node (node output1 ) can be placed between the filtered system voltage signal and the α-axis signal (u α ) by differential operation, the phase error value (ε) can be output to the second node (node2). The phase error value (ε) is a combination of the system voltage signal and the α-axis signal (u α ) can represent the phase difference between them.

[0056] For example, the DC gain amplifier (540) may be placed between the second node (node2) and the third node (node3). The DC gain amplifier (540) may amplify the phase error value (ε) and output the amplified phase error value (kε) to the third node. For example, the phase error value (kε) may be amplified in magnitude through the DC gain amplifier (540), thereby increasing the accuracy of phase estimation.

[0057] For example, the second difference operator (532) may be arranged between the third node (node3), the fourth node (node4), and the eighth node (node8). The second difference operator (532) may output the adjusted phase error value (ε) to the fourth node by performing a differential operation on the amplified phase error value (kε) and the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal. For example, the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal may be output through the second integrator (562).

[0058] For example, the first multiplier (551) may be placed between the fourth node (node4), the fifth node (node5), and the sixth node (node6). The first multiplier (551) may receive the adjusted phase error value (ε) and the PLL angular velocity (ω) received from the PLL controller. PLL) by multiplying the α-axis error signal to the fifth node. The PLL angular velocity (ω) PLL ) is a value that estimates the frequency of the grid voltage signal in the PLL controller and can be used for phase synchronization.

[0059] For example, the first integrator (561) includes the fifth node (node5) and the first output node (node output1 ) can be placed between the first integrator (561) and the first output node by integrating the α-axis error signal. α ) can be output. For example, the phase estimator (500) may output a first output node (node output1 ) through the α-axis signal (u α ) can be output as a PLL controller.

[0060] For example, the second LPF (520) may be placed between the third node (node3) and the seventh node (node7). The second LPF (520) may output the filtered phase error value (ε) to the seventh node by removing harmonic noise of the amplified phase error value (kε).

[0061] For example, the second multiplier (552) includes the sixth node (node6), the ninth node (node9), and the first output node (node output1 ) can be placed between the α-axis signal (u α ) and the PLL angular velocity (ω) received from the PLL controller. PLL ) by multiplying the α-axis phase adjustment signal to the ninth node (node9).

[0062] For example, the second integrator (562) may be placed between the eighth node (node8) and the ninth node (node9). The second integrator (562) may integrate the α-axis phase adjustment signal and output the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal to the eighth node (node8).

[0063] For example, the third difference operator (533) includes the seventh node (node7), the eighth node (node8), and the second output node (node output2 ) can be placed between the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal and the filtered phase error value (ε). The third differential operator (533) performs a differential operation on the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal and the filtered phase error value (ε), thereby performing the second output node (node output2 ) as the β-axis signal (u β ) can be output. For example, as the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal and the filtered phase error value (ε) are differentially calculated, the β-axis signal (u β ) can be removed. For example, the phase estimator (500) may be a second output node (node output2 ) through the β-axis signal (u β ) can be output as a PLL controller.

[0064] FIGS. 6A to 6C are graphs showing frequency response characteristics of a conventional phase estimator and a phase estimator (500) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Specifically, FIG. 6A is an exemplary gain graph and phase graph showing the frequency response characteristics of a conventional first phase estimator. FIG. 6B is an exemplary gain graph and phase graph showing the frequency response characteristics of a conventional second phase estimator. FIG. 6C is an exemplary gain graph and phase graph showing the frequency response characteristics of a phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure. In the gain graphs of FIGS. 6A to 6C, the x-axis represents the frequency (Hz) of the input signal, and the y-axis represents the gain (dB) of the output signal relative to the input signal. In the phase graphs of FIGS. 6A to 6C, the x-axis represents the frequency (Hz) of the input signal, and the y-axis represents the phase (deg) of the output signal relative to the input signal.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 6a, a conventional first phase estimator may include a band pass filter (BPF) and a SOGI filter. As shown in the gain graph of Fig. 6a, it can be confirmed that the frequency response characteristic of the conventional first phase estimator has a gain exceeding about 10 dB to about 20 dB in a high frequency range (HFR) (e.g., about 1 kHz or more). As with the conventional first phase estimator, when the gain exceeds about 10 dB in a high frequency band, high frequency noise and / or harmonic noise included in the input signal or input noise are not removed, so noise is included in the output signal, and the phase estimation quality may deteriorate.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 6b, the conventional second phase estimator may include a first SOGI filter and a second SOGI filter. As can be seen in the gain graph of Fig. 6b, the frequency response characteristic of the conventional second phase estimator has a gain of less than about 10 dB in the operating frequency range (OFR) (e.g., power phase band: about 50 Hz to 70 Hz), and it can be confirmed that the gain in the bandpass region (about 30 Hz to about 300 Hz), which is a specific frequency region through which a signal passes, is not sufficiently high. As with the conventional second phase estimator, when the gain in the bandpass region is not high, the response performance according to the change in the input signal deteriorates, so there is a limit to accurately tracking the input phase that changes in real time.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6C, the phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure has a sufficiently high gain in the bandpass region (about 70 Hz to about 300 Hz), and thus exhibits excellent response performance. For example, the high gain in the bandpass region can ensure fast response performance of the phase estimator (500). Referring to the frequency response characteristic graph of FIG. 6C, it can be confirmed that the gain in the bandpass region is maintained sufficiently high (e.g., about 10 dB or higher). Therefore, the phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure can quickly respond to changes in the input signal.

[0069] As can be seen in the gain graph of Fig. 6c, the frequency response characteristics of the phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure confirm that the gain is maintained at about 10 dB or more in the operating frequency band (OFR) (e.g., power phase band: about 50 Hz to 70 Hz). Therefore, the phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure can accurately track the input phase that changes in real time, and can improve the stability and accuracy of the PFC circuit.

[0070] As can be seen in the phase graph of Fig. 6c, the frequency response characteristics of the phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure confirm that the gain in the high frequency band (HFR) (e.g., about 1 kHz or higher) is maintained at approximately 0 dB or less. For example, when the gain is maintained at approximately 0 dB or less in the high frequency band, noise can be effectively removed from the output signal as the input noise is filtered. Accordingly, the phase estimator (500) of the present disclosure can increase the purity of the output signal and improve the performance of the PFC circuit.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a home appliance (700) including a power conversion device (710) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 7, a home appliance (700) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a power conversion device (710), a processor (720), a communication interface (730), a sensor unit (740), an output interface (750), a user input interface (760), and / or a memory (770). Not all components of the control device (700) are essential, and each component may be added or subtracted depending on the design concept of the manufacturer.

[0073] The power conversion device (710) can receive power from an external power source and supply current to a load according to a driving control signal of the processor (720). The power conversion device (710) can include, but is not limited to, an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter (711), a rectifier circuit (712), an inverter circuit (713), a PFC circuit (30), and / or a bandpass filter (714).

[0074] The EMI filter (711) blocks high-frequency noise included in AC power supplied from an external power source (ES) and can pass AC voltage and AC current of a predetermined frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz). A fuse and a relay for blocking overcurrent may be provided between the EMI filter (711) and the external power source (ES). The AC power from which high-frequency noise has been blocked by the EMI filter (711) is supplied to a rectifier circuit (712).

[0075] The rectifier circuit (712) may be included in a rectifier (e.g., the rectifier circuit (20) of FIG. 1). The rectifier circuit (712) may convert AC power into DC power. For example, the rectifier circuit (712) may convert an AC voltage whose magnitude and polarity (positive voltage or negative voltage) vary over time into a DC voltage whose magnitude and polarity are constant, and may convert an AC current whose magnitude and direction (positive current or negative current) vary over time into a DC current whose magnitude is constant. The rectifier circuit (712) may include a bridge diode. For example, the rectifier circuit (712) may include four diodes. The bridge diodes may convert an AC voltage whose polarity varies over time into a positive voltage whose polarity is constant, and may convert an AC current whose direction varies over time into a positive current whose direction is constant. In another embodiment, the rectifier circuit (712) may include two diodes and two switches. In one embodiment, one switch and one diode may constitute one rectifier leg, and another switch and one diode may constitute another rectifier leg. In one embodiment, the rectifier circuit (712) may include one leg comprising two switches and one leg comprising two diodes.

[0076] The inverter circuit (713) may be omitted in the home appliance (700) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The inverter circuit (713) may include a switching circuit that supplies or cuts off current to a load (not shown). The switching circuit may include a first switch and a second switch. The first switch and the second switch may be connected in series between a plus line and a minus line output from the rectifier circuit (712). The first switch and the second switch may be turned on or off according to a driving control signal of the processor (720). The switching circuit may include a first switch and a second switch. The first switch and the second switch may be connected in series between a plus line and a minus line output from the rectifier circuit (712). The first switch and the second switch may be turned on or off according to a driving control signal of the processor (720).

[0077] The inverter circuit (713) can control the current supplied to the load. For example, the magnitude and direction of the current flowing to the load can change depending on the turning on / off of the first switch and the second switch included in the inverter circuit (713). In this case, an alternating current can be supplied to the load. An alternating current in the form of a sinusoid is supplied to the load depending on the switching operation of the first switch and the second switch. In addition, the longer the switching cycle of the first switch and the second switch (for example, the smaller the switching frequency of the first switch and the second switch), the greater the current supplied to the load, and the greater the strength of the magnetic field output to the load (the output of the heating device when the home appliance (700) is a heating device).

[0078] The power conversion device (710) may include a bandpass filter (714). The bandpass filter (714) may be configured as an analog circuit or implemented with digital programming. The bandpass filter (714) may be a low-pass filter in the home appliance (700) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] The processor (720) controls the overall operation of the home appliance (700). The processor (720) can control the wireless power transmitter (710), the communication interface (730), the sensor unit (740), the output interface (750), the user input interface (760), and / or the memory (770) by executing programs stored in the memory (770).

[0080] The processor (720) 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, wherein at least one or more of the processors 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. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (720) may be equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The AI ​​processor may be manufactured in the form of a dedicated hardware chip for artificial intelligence (AI), or may be manufactured as part of an existing general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or application processor) or a graphics-only processor (e.g., GPU) and mounted on the heating device (700).

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (720) can perform controller operations of a current controller, a voltage controller, a balancing controller, a system information extractor, a phase shedding controller, a PWM generator, and / or a 2nd-Nth PWM generator included in a control unit of a home appliance (700). Here, the controller, such as the current controller or the voltage controller, may be a PI controller (proportional-integral controller), but is not limited thereto.

[0083] The processor (720) may include a communication interface (730) to operate on an Internet of Things (IoT) network or a home network as needed.

[0084] The communication interface (730) may include a short-range communication unit (731) and / or a long-range communication unit (732). The short-range communication unit (731, short-range wireless communication interface) may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication interface, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (Ultra Wideband) communication unit, and / or an Ant+ communication unit. The long-range communication unit (732) transmits and receives a wireless signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message transmission and reception. The remote communication unit (2320) may include, but is not limited to, a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, an LTE module, an NB-IoT module, and / or an LTE-M module.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, communication can be made with a server or other electrical device outside the home appliance (700) through a communication interface (730) and data can be transmitted and received.

[0086] The sensor unit (740) may include an input voltage sensor (741) and / or a DC link voltage sensor (742). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input voltage sensor (741) may sense an input voltage (10). The input voltage sensor (741) may be positioned at various locations in the circuit of the home appliance (700) to obtain current (mainly alternating current) information. The DC link voltage sensor (742) may sense the DC link voltage and be used as an input to a voltage controller.

[0087] The output interface (750) is for outputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a display unit (751) and / or an audio output unit (752).

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the home appliance (700) can display information related to the home appliance (700) through the display unit (751). For example, the home appliance (700), power factor information of the home appliance (700) or each harmonic component value (e.g., % or A (ampere) of each harmonic component compared to the input current) can be displayed on the display unit (751).

[0089] When the display unit (751) and the touchpad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (751) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device. The display unit (751) can include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display. In addition, depending on the implementation form of the home appliance (700), two or more display units (751) can be included.

[0090] The audio output unit (752) can output audio data received from the communication interface (730) or stored in the memory (770). In addition, the audio output unit (752) can output audio signals related to functions performed in the home appliance (700). The audio output unit (752) can include devices such as a speaker and / or a buzzer.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the output interface (750) can output at least one of power factor information or harmonic component information through the display unit (751). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the output interface (750) can also display the current power level, the operation mode (e.g., low noise mode, normal mode, high power mode, etc.), the power factor control status, and / or the current power factor.

[0092] The user input interface (760) is for receiving input from a user. The user input interface (760) may include at least one of a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, or a jog switch, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] The user input interface (760) may include a voice recognition module. For example, the home appliance (700) may receive a voice signal, which is an analog signal, through a microphone, and convert the voice portion into computer-readable text using an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) model. The home appliance (700) may interpret the converted text using a Natural Language Understanding (NLU) model to obtain the user's utterance intent. Here, the ASR model or the NLU model may be an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be processed by an artificial intelligence-dedicated processor designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence model may be created through learning. Here, being created through learning means that a basic artificial intelligence model is learned using a plurality of learning data by a learning algorithm, thereby creating a predefined operation rule or artificial intelligence model set to perform a desired characteristic (or purpose). The artificial intelligence model may be composed of a plurality of neural network layers.

[0094] Each of the multiple neural network layers has multiple weight values, and performs neural network operations through operations between the calculation results of the previous layer and the multiple weights. Linguistic understanding is a technology that recognizes, applies, and processes human language / characters, including natural language processing, machine translation, dialog systems, question answering, and / or speech recognition / synthesis.

[0095] The memory (770) may store a program for processing and controlling the processor (720), and may store input / output data (e.g., power factor information of the home appliance (700), information on harmonic components, etc.). The memory (770) may also store an artificial intelligence model.

[0096] The memory (770) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating various home appliances including a power conversion device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, a power conversion device (710) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to and included in various home appliances.

[0099] The power conversion device (710) of the present disclosure can be used in an air conditioner (701), such as an air conditioner. For example, the air conditioner (701) may include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and the power conversion device (710) may be used in either the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. In this case, the power conversion device (710) of the present disclosure can maximize or improve the power usage efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0100] Additionally, the power conversion device (710) of the present disclosure can be used in a refrigerator (702). In one embodiment, the power conversion device (710) can be used in a compressor of the refrigerator (702) to improve the performance and energy efficiency of the refrigerator. In this case, the power conversion device (710) of the present disclosure can optimize or improve the performance of the refrigerator through power control.

[0101] Additionally, the power conversion device (710) of the present disclosure can be used in at least one of a washing machine (703), a cooking appliance (704), a vacuum cleaner (705), or an air purifier (706) that drives a motor.

[0102] In this way, the power conversion device (710) of the present disclosure can be applied to various home appliances, thereby increasing the efficiency of driving a motor included in the home appliance, reducing power consumption, and improving the performance and reliability of the home appliance.

[0103] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an air conditioner (900) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a function and control of an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, at least one home appliance of the present disclosure may be an air conditioner (900, 1000).

[0105] In one example, an air conditioner (1000) may include a compressor (1001) that compresses a refrigerant to change it into a high-temperature, high-pressure state, an outdoor heat exchanger (1002) that allows heat exchange between outdoor air and the refrigerant, an expansion device (1003) that expands the refrigerant to change it into a low-temperature, low-pressure state, and an indoor heat exchanger (1004) that allows heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant. The air conditioner (1000) may include a refrigerant pipe (1005) that connects the compressor (1001), the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), the expansion device (1003), and the indoor heat exchanger (1004). In one example, the refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor (1001), the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), the expansion device (1003), and the indoor heat exchanger (1004) through the refrigerant pipe (1005). In one example, the refrigerant may circulate in the following order: compressor (1001), indoor heat exchanger (1004), expansion device (1003), and outdoor heat exchanger (1002).

[0106] The air conditioner (1000) may include a flow switching valve (1006) that switches the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (1005). The flow switching valve (1006) may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve (1006) may be connected to the suction side (1001a) of the compressor (1001). The flow switching valve (1006) may be connected to the discharge side (1001b) of the compressor (1001). The flow switching valve (1006) may be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (1002). The flow switching valve (1006) may be connected to the indoor heat exchanger (1004). The flow switching valve (1006) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1000) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation mode). The euro switching valve (1006) can cause the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1001) through the discharge port (1001b) to flow to the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) or the indoor heat exchanger (1004) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1000). The euro switching valve (1006) can cause the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger (1004) or the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) to flow to the suction port (1001a) of the compressor (1001) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1000).

[0107] In one example, the air conditioner (1000) may include an accumulator (1007). One end of the accumulator (1007) may be connected to a suction port (1001a) of a compressor (1001). The other end of the accumulator (1007) may be connected to a flow switching valve (1006). Through the flow switching valve (1006), low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from an indoor heat exchanger (1004) or an outdoor heat exchanger (1002) may be introduced into the accumulator (1007). When a refrigerant mixed with refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, the accumulator (1007) may separate the refrigerant gas and the refrigerant liquid, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid is separated to the suction port (1001a) of the compressor (1001).

[0108] The compressor (1001) can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction portion (1001a) and compress the sucked refrigerant gas to change it into a high temperature and high pressure state. The compressor (1001) can discharge the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge portion (1001b). The compressor (1001) is a variable capacity compressor, and can vary its capacity by changing the frequency according to a driving control command.

[0109] The outdoor heat exchanger (1002) can typically be placed outdoors. In the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), heat exchange can 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 (1002). For example, in cooling mode operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) can condense the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant introduced from the compressor (1001). In cooling mode operation, while the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), latent heat can be released to the outdoor air. In heating mode operation, in the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant can evaporate, and while the refrigerant is evaporating, latent heat can be absorbed from the outdoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 10, in one example, one or more temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air may be placed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (1002).

[0110] The air conditioner (1000) may include an outdoor blower (1008) that generates forced circulation of outdoor air to facilitate heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger (1002). The outdoor blower (1008) may be positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (1002). Although not specifically shown, the outdoor blower (1008) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (1008) may provide driving force to the blower fan through a shaft.

[0111] The expansion device (1003) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) when operating in the cooling mode. The expansion device (1003) can lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger (1004) when operating in the heating mode. In one example, the expansion device (1003) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using the throttling effect. The expansion device (1003) can include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The refrigerant passing through the orifice can have its temperature and pressure lowered. In one example, the expansion device (1003) can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve that can control the opening ratio (an electronic expansion valve that can control the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a partially opened state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the valve in a fully opened state). In such a case, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device (1003) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. In one example, the expansion device (1003) can be implemented as a capillary device.

[0112] An indoor heat exchanger (1004) may be placed indoors. In the indoor heat exchanger (1004), 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 (1004). For example, during cooling mode operation, the refrigerant passing through the expansion device (1003) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (1004) and evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger (1004). While the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (1004), 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 (1001) may flow into the indoor heat exchanger (1004) and condense, releasing latent heat to the indoor air. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the indoor heat exchanger (1004) may include a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant flows and a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged to increase the heat exchange area.

[0113] During cooling mode operation, due to heat exchange between the surrounding indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (1004), water vapor contained in the air may condense and liquefy to form droplets on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (1004). The condensate formed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (1004) may fall downward. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the air conditioner (1000) may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (1004) to collect the condensate falling from the indoor heat exchanger (1004). 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 (1004) from below, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] The air conditioner (1000) may include an indoor blower (1009) that generates forced circulation of indoor air so that heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger (1004) can be smoothly performed. The indoor blower (1009) may be arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (1004). Although not specifically illustrated, in one example, the indoor blower (1009) may be arranged downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (1004) based on the air flow direction in the space where the indoor blower (1009) is installed, but this document is not limited thereto. The indoor blower (1009) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the indoor blower (1009) 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.

[0115] This document focuses on the case where an air conditioner (1000) 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.

[0116] The air conditioner (1000) 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 (1001), the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), and the expansion device (1003) described above may be arranged in the outdoor unit. In one example, the indoor heat exchanger (1004) 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 (1003) is not limited to the outdoor unit, and may be arranged in the indoor unit as needed.

[0117] In this document, the air conditioner (1000) 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 (1000) may be configured as an integrated type in which a compressor (1001), an outdoor heat exchanger (1002), an expansion device (1003), and an indoor heat exchanger (1004) are placed in a single case placed indoors.

[0118] In the case of a separate type air conditioner (1000), 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 (1000) input by a user or received from the outside may be transmitted from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit.

[0119] 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.

[0120] The air conditioner (1000) can be classified according to the installation type / location of the indoor unit. For example, the air conditioner can be classified 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 (1000) 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.

[0121] Fig. 11 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. 11, the air conditioner (1000) is illustrated as including one indoor unit (2000) and one outdoor unit (3000), but the present document is not limited thereto. In Fig. 11, among the configurations related to the refrigerant cycle described above with reference to Fig. 10, the indoor heat exchanger (1004) and the indoor blower (1009) are illustrated as being included in the indoor unit (2000), and the compressor (1001), the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), the outdoor blower (1008), the expansion device (1003), and the flow path switching valve (1006) are illustrated as being included in the outdoor unit (3000), but this is merely an example and the present document is not limited thereto.

[0122] Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 11, the indoor unit (2000) may include a housing. The indoor unit (2000) may include one or more air intakes (2011) formed in the housing. Indoor air may be introduced into the interior of the housing through the air intakes (2011).

[0123] In one example, the indoor unit (2000) may include a filtration filter (2012) that filters foreign substances in air flowing into the interior of the housing through the air intake port (2011). Although not specifically illustrated, the filtration filter (2012) may include a plurality of filter modules, and the present document is not limited thereto. For example, various types of filters, including an electrostatic precipitator filter, a sea wave filter, an antibacterial filter, and a deodorizing filter, may be provided on the interior of the air intake port (2011) in the housing, and the present invention is not limited to the type and number of specific filters.

[0124] In one example, the indoor unit (2000) may include one or more air outlets (2013) formed in the housing. In one example, the air outlets (2013) may have an opening shape configured to open and close depending on the operating state of the air conditioner (1000). In one example, the air outlets (2013) 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. In one example, the air outlets (2013) of the indoor unit (2000) may be arranged in any area of ​​the front, side, top, and / or rear of the housing, and are not limited to a specific shape. Air that is drawn into the interior of the housing through the air intake (2011) and flows within the interior of the housing may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the air outlets (2013). When the indoor unit (2000) includes a plurality of air outlets (2013), air can be selectively discharged to the outside of the housing through one or more of the plurality of air outlets (2013).

[0125] The indoor unit (2000) may include an airflow guide (2014) that controls whether air is discharged through the air outlet (2013) and guides the direction of the air discharge. For example, the airflow guide (2014) may include a door blade that is located near each air outlet (2013) to open and close the corresponding air outlet (2013) and guide the direction of air discharge through the corresponding air outlet (213). For example, the airflow guide (2014) may include, but is not limited to, one or more blower fans for controlling the discharge airflow. In an example, the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0126] In one example, the indoor unit (2000) may include a communication unit (2015) that supports signal transmission and reception with the outdoor unit (3000) and / or the outside. The communication unit (2015) includes a communication circuit, and the communication circuit may include at least one hardware component (e.g., a modulator, a demodulator, an antenna, a transceiver) to support signal transmission and / or reception between the indoor unit (2000) and an external electronic device. In one example, the communication unit (2015) 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 (2015) may include one or more modules that connect the air conditioner (1000) to one or more networks. In one example, the communication unit (2015) 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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 Wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) technologies, for example. The short-range communication module may support wireless communication between the air conditioner (1000) and a wireless communication system, between the air conditioner (1000) and another device, or between the air conditioner (1000) and a network in which another device is located, for example, through a short-range wireless communication network.

[0130] The location information module is, for example, a module for obtaining the location of the air conditioner (1000), and may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) module or a Wi-Fi module. If the air conditioner (1000) utilizes a GPS module, information regarding the location of the air conditioner (1000) can be received using signals transmitted from GPS satellites. If the air conditioner (1000) utilizes a Wi-Fi module, information regarding the location of the air conditioner (1000) can be received based on information from a wireless AP (Wireless Access Point) that transmits and receives wireless signals with the Wi-Fi module.

[0131] In one example, the communication unit (2015) 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 (2015) may receive information and / or commands for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1000) from an external server in the form of signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol. The communication unit (2015) may transmit various received signals to the first control unit (2020) described below. In one example, the communication unit (2015) may transmit various data generated or acquired on the air conditioner (1000) in the form of wired / wireless signals according to a predetermined wired / wireless communication protocol, for example, to the user's mobile terminal or an external server.

[0132] In one example, the indoor unit (2000) may include an input unit (2016). The input unit (2016) may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, 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 (2016). In one example, the input unit (2016) 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 (2016) as an infrared signal. In one example, the input unit (2016) may include a microphone. Setting data based on the user's voice may be acquired through the microphone. Setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (2016) (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or wind speed settings) may be transmitted to the first control unit (2020) described below. In one example, setting data from a user obtained through the input unit (2016) may be transmitted externally through the communication unit (2015).

[0133] In one example, the indoor unit (2000) may include a camera (2017). The camera (2017) may acquire image information of the surrounding space surrounding the indoor unit (2000). The camera (2017) may be disposed, for example, on the upper front side of the housing of the indoor unit (2000), but is not limited thereto. The image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera (2017) may be transmitted to the first control unit (2020) described below. In one example, the image information of the surrounding space acquired by the camera (2017) may be transmitted to the outside via the communication unit (2015).

[0134] In one example, the indoor unit (2000) may include one or more indoor unit environment detection sensors (2018) positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2018) may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (2000) (for example, but not limited to, a location above the air intake (2011). In one example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2018) may include a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (2000) (for example, a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (1005) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (1004), etc.). For example, the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2018) may include a respective refrigerant temperature detection sensor that detects the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe (1005) passing through the indoor heat exchanger (1004), and this document is not limited thereto. In one example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2018) may be transmitted to the first control unit (2020) described below. In one example, the environmental information detected by the indoor unit environment detection sensor (2018) may be transmitted to the outside through the communication unit (2015).

[0135] The indoor unit (2000) may include a display unit (2019). In one example, the display unit (2019) may display various setting data obtained from a user or the outside through a communication unit (2015) and / or an input unit (2016). The display unit (2018) may display various sensing information obtained from an indoor unit environment detection sensor (2018) and / or an outdoor unit environment detection sensor (3011) described below (e.g., current indoor temperature measured by a temperature sensor, current indoor humidity measured by a humidity sensor, etc.), the current operating status of the air conditioner (1000), and / or various warning / error messages. The display unit (218) may be one of various visual display means capable of displaying images, characters, numbers, etc., 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 (2018) may include any form of audio display means, including a speaker, and may display each of the aforementioned information as an auditory signal through such audio display means.

[0136] The indoor unit (2000) may include a first control unit (2020). The first control unit (2020) may include a processor (2021) and a memory (2022). In one example, the memory (2022) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (1000). In one example, the processor (2021) may generate an operation control command for one or more components of the air conditioner (1000) based on information stored in the memory (2022) and information acquired from other components.

[0137] In one example, the processor (2021) of the first control unit (2018) may receive various input / setting information from the aforementioned communication unit (2015) and / or input unit (2016). The processor (2021) may receive image information acquired from the camera (2017) and, from the received image information, may acquire information on environmental conditions of the space in which the indoor unit (2000) is installed, such as the size of the indoor space, the number of occupants, or the location of occupants. The processor (2021) may receive various sensing information acquired from each environmental detection sensor provided in the air conditioner (1000), such as the indoor unit environmental detection sensor (2018) and / or the outdoor unit environmental detection sensor (3011) described below.

[0138] In one example, the processor (2021) of the first control unit (2020) may generate an operation control command for each component of the indoor unit (2000) based on various pieces of information received from the communication unit (2015), the input unit (2016), the camera (2017), and / or each environmental detection sensor. For example, the processor (2021) may generate a command to control whether to drive and the rotation speed of the indoor blower (1009). For example, the processor (2021) may generate a command to control the operation status of the airflow guide (2014). For example, the processor (2021) may generate a command to control whether and how information is displayed through the display unit (2019). For example, the processor (2021) may generate a command to control the operation status of each of the aforementioned communication unit (2015), the input unit (2016), the camera (2017), and / or the indoor unit environmental detection sensor (2018).

[0139] In one example, the processor (2021) of the first control unit (2020) can transmit data to be used for controlling the operation of each component of the outdoor unit (3000) to the second control unit (3020) of the outdoor unit (3000) described below. The data transmitted to the second control unit (3020) can include, for example, at least a portion of input / setting information or environmental detection information acquired by the first control unit (2020). In one example, the processor (2021) of the first control unit (2020) can generate a control command for each component of the outdoor unit (3000) and transmit the generated control command to the second control unit (3020).

[0140] The outdoor unit (3000) may include one or more outdoor unit environment detection sensors (3011). The outdoor unit environment detection sensors (3011) may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (3000). The outdoor unit environment detection sensors (3011) may include, but are not limited to, a temperature detection sensor for detecting air temperature around the outdoor unit (3000), a humidity detection sensor for detecting air humidity around the outdoor unit (3000), and / or a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (1005) passing through the outdoor unit (3000). In one example, the outdoor unit environment detection sensor (3011) may include, but is not limited to, a refrigerant temperature detection sensor for detecting refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe (1005) at a discharge port (1001b) of the compressor (1001). In one example, each environmental information detected by the outdoor unit environmental detection sensor (3011) can be transmitted to the second control unit (3020).

[0141] The outdoor unit (3000) may include the second control unit (3020) described above. The second control unit (3020) may be communicatively coupled with the first control unit (2020) of the indoor unit (2000). Like the first control unit (2020), the second control unit (3020) may include a processor (3021) and a memory (3022). In one example, the memory (3022) may store a control algorithm and related data for operating the air conditioner (1000). In one example, the processor (3021) may generate an operation control command for one or more of the components of the outdoor unit (3000), such as the compressor (1001), the outdoor blower (1008), the expansion device (1003), and / or the plenum switching valve (1006), based on information stored in the memory (3022), information received from the first control unit (2020), and / or information received from the outdoor unit environment detection sensor (3011).

[0142] The outdoor unit (3000) may include a compressor (1001). The compressor (1001) may receive a driving control command from the second control unit (3020). The compressor (1001) may be operated or stopped based on the received driving control command. The compressor (1001) may be operated at a predetermined capacity based on the received driving control command. The compressor (1001) may suck in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas through the suction portion (1001a) at a predetermined capacity based on the received driving control command, and may compress the sucked refrigerant gas. As described above, the compressor (1001) may discharge the compressed high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge portion (1001b).

[0143] The outdoor unit (3000) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (1002). In the outdoor heat exchanger (1002), heat exchange may occur between a refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) and outdoor air. In one example, as described above, the outdoor unit (3000) may include an outdoor blower (1008) that generates forced air for heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) and the outdoor air. In one example, the outdoor blower (1008) may receive a driving control command from a second control unit (3020). The outdoor blower (1008) may include one or more blower fans and fan motors. The fan motor of the outdoor blower (1008) may rotate at a predetermined speed based on the driving control command received from the second control unit (3020) 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 (1008), air flow and heat exchange around the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) of the air conditioner (1000) can be smoothly achieved.

[0144] The outdoor unit (3000) may include an expansion device (1003). The expansion device (1003) may receive a control command from the second control unit (3020). As described above, the expansion device (1003) may lower the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant introduced from the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) or the indoor heat exchanger (1004). In one example, the expansion device (1003) may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve. In one example, the electronic expansion valve constituting the expansion device (1003) may adjust the opening degree based on a control command from the second control unit (3020).

[0145] The outdoor unit (3000) may include a flow switching valve (1006). The flow switching valve (1006) may receive a control command from a second control unit (3020). The flow switching valve (1006) may switch the circulation path of the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe (1005) based on the received control command. For example, the flow switching valve (1006) may be controlled to open / close and the opening degree may be adjusted according to the control command from the second control unit (3020). In one example, the flow switching valve (1006) may allow the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (1001) (e.g., during cooling mode operation) to be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (1002) according to the control command from the second control unit (3020). For example, the Euro switching valve (1006) can allow high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from the compressor (1001) (e.g., when operating in heating mode) to be transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (1004) according to a control command from the second control unit (3020).

[0146] In FIG. 11 and the related description, the air conditioner (1000) is illustrated and described as including a first control unit (2020) disposed separately in the indoor unit (2000) and a second control unit (3020) disposed separately in the outdoor unit (3000), but the present document is not limited thereto. In one example, the operation control units disposed in the indoor unit (2000) and / or the outdoor unit (3000) may collectively control the operation of each component of the air conditioner (1000).

[0147] In one embodiment, at least one outdoor unit or at least one indoor unit included in an air conditioner may include a power conversion device. The power conversion device may include a PFC circuit including a phase estimator. The phase estimator may remove harmonic noise from a grid voltage signal using a first LPF, remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal using a second LPF included in a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter, and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator.

[0148] In this way, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can generate high-quality α-axis signals and β-axis signals by effectively removing harmonic noise and DC offset of the grid voltage signal through the first LPF and the second LPF. Therefore, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can minimize and / or reduce distortion of the grid voltage signal, thereby increasing the phase estimation accuracy of the PFC circuit and improving the efficiency of the power conversion device.

[0149] In addition, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can improve the response performance of the phase estimator and enhance stability by simultaneously removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. In addition, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same have high frequency response characteristics and can relatively accurately track the input phase that changes in real time. Therefore, the phase estimator of the present disclosure and the air conditioner including the same can enable the PFC circuit to perform optimized or improved power conversion adaptively to various environmental changes.

[0150] In an air conditioner including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit or the indoor unit may include a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power. The power conversion device may include a rectifier that converts AC voltage into DC voltage, a PFC circuit that boosts the DC voltage, and a phase estimator. The phase estimator may remove harmonic noise from a grid voltage signal using a first LPF, remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal using a second LPF included in a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter, and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator.

[0151] In one embodiment, the PFC circuit may include a phase estimator that generates the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal by estimating a phase of the grid voltage signal, a PLL controller that generates a synchronization phase signal using the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal, a current controller that controls a current to be rectified using the grid voltage signal and the synchronization phase signal, and a voltage controller that maintains an output voltage by compensating for the grid voltage signal based on a variation of the grid voltage signal.

[0152] In one embodiment, the phase estimator may include the first LPF for receiving the grid voltage signal, and the SOGI filter for outputting the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. The SOGI filter may include the second LPF for removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal by removing harmonic noise from the amplified phase error value.

[0153] In one embodiment, the phase estimator may include at least one of the first LPF, the second LPF, a DC gain amplifier, a first difference operator, a second difference operator, a third difference operator, a first multiplier, a second multiplier, a first integrator, or a second integrator.

[0154] In one embodiment, the first LPF is disposed between the input node and the first node, and can output a filtered grid voltage signal to the first node by removing harmonic noise of the grid voltage signal.

[0155] In one embodiment, the first differential calculator is disposed between the first node, the second node, and the first output node, and can output a phase error value to the second node by performing a differential operation on the filtered system voltage signal and the α-axis signal.

[0156] In one embodiment, the DC gain amplifier is disposed between the second node and the third node, and can output the amplified phase error value to the third node by amplifying the phase error value.

[0157] In one embodiment, the second differential calculator is disposed between the third node, the fourth node, and the eighth node, and can output the adjusted phase error value to the fourth node by performing a differential operation on the amplified phase error value and the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first multiplier is arranged between the fourth node, the fifth node, and the sixth node, and can output an α-axis error signal to the fifth node by multiplying the adjusted phase error value and the PLL angular velocity received from the PLL controller.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first integrator is disposed between the fifth node and the first output node, and can output the α-axis signal to the first output node by integrating the α-axis error signal.

[0160] In one embodiment, the second LPF is arranged between the third node and the seventh node, and can output the filtered phase error value to the seventh node by removing harmonic noise of the amplified phase error value.

[0161] In one embodiment, the second multiplier is arranged between the sixth node, the ninth node, and the first output node, and can output an α-axis phase adjustment signal to the ninth node by performing a multiplication operation on the α-axis signal and the PLL angular velocity received from the PLL controller.

[0162] In one embodiment, the second integrator is disposed between the eighth node and the ninth node, and can output the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal to the eighth node by integrating the α-axis phase adjustment signal.

[0163] In one embodiment, the third differential calculator is disposed between the seventh node, the eighth node, and the second output node, and can output a β-axis signal to the second output node by performing a differential operation on the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal and the filtered phase error value.

[0164] A home appliance according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power. The power conversion device may include a rectifier that converts AC voltage into DC voltage, and a PFC circuit that boosts the DC voltage and includes a phase estimator. The phase estimator may remove harmonic noise from a grid voltage signal using a first LPF, remove a DC offset of an α-axis signal or a β-axis signal using a second LPF included in a second order generalized integrator (SOGI) filter, and generate a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator.

[0165] In one embodiment, the phase estimator may include the first LPF for receiving the grid voltage signal, and the SOGI filter for outputting the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. The SOGI filter may include the second LPF for removing the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal by removing harmonic noise from the amplified phase error value.

[0166] In one embodiment, the phase estimator may include at least one of the first LPF, the second LPF, a DC gain amplifier, a first difference operator, a second difference operator, a third difference operator, a first multiplier, a second multiplier, a first integrator, or a second integrator. The first LPF may be disposed between an input node and a first node, and may output a filtered grid voltage signal to the first node by removing harmonic noise of the grid voltage signal.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first difference operator may be disposed between the first node, the second node, and the first output node. The DC gain amplifier may be disposed between the second node and the third node. The second difference operator may be disposed between the third node, the fourth node, and the eighth node. The first multiplier may be disposed between the fourth node, the fifth node, and the sixth node. The first integrator may be disposed between the fifth node and the first output node.

[0168] In one embodiment, the second LPF is arranged between the third node and the seventh node, and can output the filtered phase error value to the seventh node by removing harmonic noise of the amplified phase error value.

[0169] In one embodiment, the second multiplier may be positioned between the sixth node, the ninth node, and the first output node. The second integrator may be positioned between the eighth node and the ninth node. The third difference operator may be positioned between the seventh node, the eighth node, and the second output node.

Claims

1. In an air conditioner including an outdoor unit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor blower, an expansion device, and a flow diverter valve, and an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor blower, The outdoor unit or the indoor unit includes a power conversion device that converts AC power into DC power, The above power conversion device, A rectifier that converts AC voltage into DC voltage; and A power factor correction (PFC) circuit that boosts the DC voltage and includes a phase estimator; The above phase estimator is, The first LPF (low pass filter) is used to remove harmonic noise from the grid voltage signal, The DC offset of the α-axis signal or β-axis signal is removed using the second LPF included in the SOGI (Second Order Generalized Integrator) filter, Generating a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator, Air conditioner.

2. In paragraph 1, The above PFC circuit, The phase estimator that generates the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal by estimating the phase of the system voltage signal; A PLL (phase lock loop) controller that generates a synchronization phase signal using the above α-axis signal and the above β-axis signal; A current controller that controls the current to be rectified using the above system voltage signal and the above synchronization phase signal; and A voltage controller that maintains an output voltage by compensating the grid voltage signal based on fluctuations in the grid voltage signal; Air conditioner.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above phase estimator is, The first LPF receiving the above system voltage signal; and including the SOGI filter that outputs the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal; The above SOGI filter is, By removing harmonic noise from the amplified phase error value, the second LPF is included to remove the DC offset of the α-axis signal and the β-axis signal. Air conditioner.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above phase estimator is, At least one of the first LPF, the second LPF, the DC gain amplifier, the first difference operator, the second difference operator, the third difference operator, the first multiplier, the second multiplier, the first integrator, or the second integrator is included. Air conditioner.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above first LPF is, is placed between the input node and the first node, By removing harmonic noise of the above grid voltage signal, the filtered grid voltage signal is output to the first node. Air conditioner.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first difference operator is, is positioned between the first node, the second node, and the first output node, By performing a differential operation on the filtered system voltage signal and the α-axis signal, a phase error value is output to the second node. Air conditioner.

7. In paragraph 6, The above DC gain amplifier, It is placed between the second node and the third node, By amplifying the phase error value, the amplified phase error value is output to the third node. Air conditioner.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second difference operator is, It is placed between the third node, the fourth node, and the eighth node, By performing a differential operation on the amplified phase error value and the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal, the phase error value adjusted to the fourth node is output. Air conditioner.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first multiplier is, It is placed between the fourth node, the fifth node, and the sixth node, By multiplying the adjusted phase error value and the PLL angular velocity received from the PLL controller, an α-axis error signal is output to the fifth node. Air conditioner.

10. In paragraph 9, The above first integrator is, is placed between the fifth node and the first output node, By integrating the above α-axis error signal, the α-axis signal is output to the first output node. Air conditioner.

11. In paragraph 10, The above second LPF is, It is placed between the third node and the seventh node, By removing the harmonic noise of the amplified phase error value, the filtered phase error value is output to the seventh node. Air conditioner.

12. In paragraph 10 or 11, The above second multiplier is, It is placed between the sixth node, the ninth node and the first output node, By multiplying the α-axis signal and the PLL angular velocity received from the PLL controller, an α-axis phase adjustment signal is output to the 9th node. Air conditioner.

13. In paragraph 12, The above second integrator is, is placed between the 8th node and the 9th node, By integrating the above α-axis phase adjustment signal, the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal is output to the 8th node. Air conditioner.

14. In paragraph 13, The above third difference operator is, is positioned between the seventh node, the eighth node, and the second output node, By performing a differential operation on the integrated α-axis phase adjustment signal and the filtered phase error value, a β-axis signal is output to the second output node. Air conditioner.

15. In a home appliance including a power conversion device that converts alternating current power into direct current power, The above power conversion device, A rectifier that converts AC voltage into DC voltage; and A PFC circuit that boosts the DC voltage and includes a phase estimator; The above phase estimator is, Remove harmonic noise from the grid voltage signal using the first LPF, The DC offset of the α-axis signal or β-axis signal is removed using the second LPF included in the SOGI (Second Order Generalized Integrator) filter, Generating a final α-axis signal and a final β-axis signal using at least one multiplier and at least one integrator, Home appliances.

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