Air conditioning apparatus and method for controlling same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioning apparatus and a method for controlling same. According to the present invention, the air conditioning apparatus comprises: a ventilation device for exchanging indoor air and outdoor air of a space to be air-conditioned; an indoor unit for controlling a temperature of the indoor air of the space to be air-conditioned by using heat exchange of a refrigerant; an outdoor unit for supplying the refrigerant to the indoor unit; a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature of the outdoor air; a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature of the indoor air; a humidity sensor for sensing humidity of the indoor air; and a processor for performing power saving control of the ventilation device, the outdoor unit, and the indoor unit on the basis of the first temperature, the second temperature, the humidity, and a performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

Description

Air conditioner and its control method

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner for reducing power consumption and a method for controlling the same.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that cools or heats an indoor space through refrigerant circulation, supplies outdoor air into the indoor space, or ventilates an indoor space by exchanging indoor and outdoor air.

[0003] A typical air conditioner generally includes one outdoor unit and one indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit.

[0004] Recently, research and development are underway on multi-type air conditioners comprising one or more outdoor units and multiple indoor units each connected to one or more outdoor units, as well as multi-type air conditioners comprising multiple indoor units and multiple ventilation devices each connected to one or more outdoor units.

[0005] A multi-type air conditioner can be installed in buildings with multiple separate spaces, such as schools, companies, and hospitals, and can perform cooling, heating, or ventilation for multiple spaces within the installed building.

[0006] Since such multi-type air conditioners perform cooling, heating, or ventilation for multiple spaces, they consume a large amount of power. For this reason, to manage power consumption within the building, the power consumption of at least one outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit, or at least one ventilation unit was controlled during periods when power consumption within the building is high.

[0007] More specifically, for power management within the building, the target temperature of at least one indoor unit was adjusted based on a preset peak power amount, or the operation of at least one indoor unit was stopped, or the operation of at least one ventilation device was stopped. In such cases, there was a problem in that proper cooling, heating, or ventilation was not provided in the indoor space where at least one indoor unit or at least one ventilation device was installed, and this resulted in a problem of reduced comfort in the indoor space.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the operation of at least one ventilation device and at least one indoor unit based on an outdoor temperature, an indoor temperature, and an indoor humidity.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same, which controls at least one of the current of an outdoor unit, the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant, based on the coefficient of performance (COP) of at least one indoor unit.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosed invention relates to an air conditioner and a method for controlling at least one of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a ventilation device based on an outdoor temperature, an indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and a coefficient of performance (COP) of the indoor unit.

[0011] An air conditioner according to one aspect comprises: a ventilation device that exchanges indoor air and outdoor air in an air-conditioned space; an indoor unit that controls the temperature of the indoor air in the air-conditioned space using heat exchange of a refrigerant; an outdoor unit that supplies a refrigerant to the indoor unit; a first temperature sensor that detects a first temperature of the outdoor air; a second temperature sensor that detects a second temperature of the indoor air; a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the indoor air; and a processor that performs power saving control of the ventilation device, the outdoor unit, and the indoor unit based on the first temperature, the second temperature, the humidity, and the performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

[0012] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect performs power saving control based on the current power consumption and reference power consumption consumed by the ventilation device, indoor unit, and outdoor unit.

[0013] An air conditioner according to one aspect further includes a user interface that receives information regarding available power consumption and power saving control time. A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect identifies a target power consumption based on the available power consumption and the power saving amount corresponding to power saving control, and performs power saving control based on the identified target power consumption, current power consumption, current time, and time for power saving control.

[0014] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect controls the ventilation mode of a ventilation device to a general ventilation mode based on the fact that the second temperature exceeds the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature, and controls the ventilation mode of a ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode based on the fact that the second temperature is equal to the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature.

[0015] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect controls the indoor unit to turn off based on controlling the ventilation mode of the ventilation device to a general ventilation mode.

[0016] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect controls the ventilation device to turn off based on the fact that the second temperature is less than the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature.

[0017] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect changes the target temperature of an indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to a second temperature, based on controlling the ventilation device to turn off.

[0018] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect identifies humidity based on controlling the ventilation device to turn off, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to the first temperature based on the identified humidity being below a reference humidity, and maintains the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the humidity exceeding the reference humidity.

[0019] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect identifies humidity based on controlling the ventilation mode of a ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode, changes the target temperature of an indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to a first temperature based on the identified humidity being below a reference humidity, and maintains the target temperature of an indoor unit based on the humidity exceeding the reference humidity.

[0020] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect identifies the time during which an indoor unit is operating above a reference requirement capacity based on the fact that the second temperature is less than or equal to the temperature obtained by adding a first value that is preset to the first temperature, controls the ventilation device to turn off based on the fact that the time during which the indoor unit is operating above a reference requirement capacity exceeds a preset time, and controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device to a heat transfer ventilation mode based on the fact that the time during which the indoor unit is operating above a reference requirement capacity is less than a preset time.

[0021] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect changes the target temperature of an indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to a second temperature, based on controlling the ventilation device to turn off.

[0022] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect recognizes the performance coefficient of the indoor unit based on the cooling capacity of the indoor unit, the heating capacity of the indoor unit, and the power consumption of the indoor unit.

[0023] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to one aspect further includes a compressor that compresses refrigerant. A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect identifies a limiting current amount flowing to the compressor based on a recognized indoor unit's performance coefficient, and controls the current flowing to the compressor based on the identified limiting current amount.

[0024] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect periodically identifies the performance coefficient of an indoor unit, and based on the fact that the performance coefficient of the indoor unit identified periodically is declining and the operating mode of the indoor unit is heating mode, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by subtracting a second value preset to a second temperature.

[0025] A processor of an air conditioner according to one aspect periodically identifies the performance coefficient of an indoor unit, and based on the fact that the performance coefficient of the indoor unit identified periodically is in a deteriorating state and the operating mode of the indoor unit is cooling mode, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to a second temperature.

[0026] A control method for an air conditioner according to another aspect comprises, in a control method for an air conditioner including at least one ventilation device, at least one indoor unit, and an outdoor unit, recognizing a target power consumption amount based on a pre-stored available power consumption amount and power saving rate based on the fact that the current power consumption amount consumed by the ventilation device, the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit is greater than or equal to a reference power consumption amount, recognizing a performance coefficient of at least one indoor unit based on the fact that the current power consumption amount is less than the target power consumption amount, and controlling at least one of the at least one ventilation device, the outdoor unit, and at least one indoor unit based on at least one of an outdoor temperature detected by a first temperature sensor, an indoor temperature detected by a second temperature sensor, an indoor humidity detected by a humidity sensor, and a recognized performance coefficient.

[0027] Controlling at least one ventilation device includes controlling the ventilation mode of at least one ventilation device to a general ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature exceeding the outdoor temperature, controlling the ventilation mode of at least one ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being equal to the outdoor temperature, and controlling at least one ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being lower than the outdoor temperature.

[0028] Controlling at least one indoor unit includes recognizing an indoor temperature and a constant temperature based on the indoor humidity being within a reference humidity range, changing the target temperature of at least one indoor unit based on the indoor temperature and the constant temperature, and maintaining the target temperature of at least one indoor unit based on the humidity being outside the reference humidity range.

[0029] Controlling at least one ventilation device includes recognizing the required capacity of at least one indoor unit based on the cooling capacity, heating capacity, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and target temperature of at least one indoor unit, controlling at least one ventilation device off based on the recognized required capacity of at least one indoor unit being greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, and controlling the ventilation mode of at least one ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode based on the recognized required capacity of at least one indoor unit being less than the standard required capacity.

[0030] Controlling at least one indoor unit includes recognizing at least one indoor temperature and a constant temperature based on controlling at least one ventilation device to turn off, and changing the target temperature of at least one indoor unit based on the indoor temperature and the constant temperature.

[0031] Controlling the outdoor unit includes controlling the current flowing to the compressor provided in the outdoor unit based on the performance coefficient of at least one recognized indoor unit, controlling the refrigerant temperature of the compressor based on the performance coefficient of at least one recognized indoor unit if the operating mode of at least one indoor unit is a cooling mode, and controlling the refrigerant pressure of the compressor based on the performance coefficient of at least one recognized indoor unit if the operating mode of at least one indoor unit is a heating mode.

[0032] According to the disclosed invention, the amount of power consumed by an air conditioner can be reduced in advance before the total amount of power consumed by the air conditioner reaches the available amount of power. This enables the efficient use of power consumed by air conditioners within a building.

[0033] The disclosed invention can recover cooling and heating energy emitted during ventilation by performing a heat transfer ventilation mode based on outdoor and indoor temperatures. Through this, the disclosed invention can supply fresh air to an indoor space while achieving power savings.

[0034] The disclosed invention controls the operation of the indoor unit when controlling the general ventilation mode or the ventilation device off based on the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature, thereby minimizing the cooling and heating operation of the indoor unit and reducing the amount of power consumed by the indoor unit.

[0035] The disclosed invention can improve the comfort of an indoor space and reduce power consumption by controlling the target temperature of an indoor unit based on indoor humidity.

[0036] More specifically, the disclosed invention can increase comfort by maintaining the indoor unit's target temperature at a user-set target temperature when comfort is reduced due to high indoor humidity, and can reduce power consumption by adjusting the indoor unit's target temperature to be lower during heating or higher during cooling relative to the current temperature when indoor humidity is within a standard humidity range.

[0037] The disclosed invention can improve energy efficiency by controlling the current, refrigerant temperature, or refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit based on the coefficient of performance (COP) of all indoor units connected to each outdoor unit.

[0038] The disclosed invention can prevent the occurrence of overcooling or overheating by determining the cooling and heating efficiency value relative to the operation of the indoor unit itself and allowing the outdoor unit to operate at 100% capacity, and can prevent low-efficiency operation from occurring when at least one outdoor unit is turned off.

[0039] The disclosed invention can improve the safety of an air conditioner, improve the quality and marketability of the air conditioner, and further secure the competitiveness of the air conditioner.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c are layout configuration diagrams of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a ventilation device by management group of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the circulation of refrigerant in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a ventilation device provided in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 5 is an internal example diagram of a ventilation device provided in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 6 is an example diagram of the airflow in the general ventilation mode of a ventilation device provided in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a control configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0047] FIGS. 8 to 12 are control flowcharts of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the amount of power consumed by peak level compared to the existing air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0049] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0050] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0051] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] In this document, each of the phrases such as "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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0053] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0054] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0055] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0056] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0057] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0058] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0059] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), and means a device having at least one of these functions.

[0060] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0061] An air conditioner comprising a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0062] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be entered through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0063] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0064] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0065] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, freestanding, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and ducted units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0066] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0067] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0068] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0069] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0070] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated back to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0071] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units may operate in cooling mode while others operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a selectively high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0072] For example, when an air conditioner is connected to two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0073] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven, depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0074] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0075] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0076] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0077] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0078] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0079] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0080] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0081] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow path switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0082] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0083] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0084] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0085] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0086] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0087] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, positioned on the path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0088] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0089] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air entering through the intake or transfer heat to the air entering through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0090] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained 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.

[0091] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touch pads. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0092] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0093] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating modes for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0094] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0095] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors placed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0096] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0097] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0098] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0099] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0100] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls the indoor unit's components, such as a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit's components, such as a compressor. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0101] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to switch the direction of refrigerant circulation. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

[0102] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0103] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can acquire user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0104] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to a user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0105] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0106] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0107] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0108] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as the operating mode, wind direction, airflow, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0109] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker can output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0110] Air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0111] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment, which will be explained with reference to FIG. 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0112] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are layout configuration diagrams of an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a ventilation device for each air conditioning group of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0113] An air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may include a multi-type air conditioner. Here, the multi-type air conditioner may be a system air conditioner.

[0114] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of air conditioning groups and a controller (400) that controls each of the plurality of air conditioning groups.

[0115] Multiple air conditioning groups may be provided in multiple management areas, but may be provided in different management areas.

[0116] For example, a first air conditioning group (AG1) may be provided in a first management area (MA1) among a plurality of management areas, a second air conditioning group (AG2) may be provided in a second management area (MA2) among a plurality of management areas, and a third air conditioning group (AG3) may be provided in a third management area (MA3) among a plurality of management areas.

[0117] Each of the multiple management areas can be a management area for air conditioning.

[0118] Multiple management areas can be separated by floor, by building, or by zone within the same floor.

[0119] For example, the first management area (MA1) may be an area on the first floor of the building, the second management area (MA2) may be an area on the second floor of the building, and the third management area (MA3) may be an area on the third floor of the building. As another example, the first management area (MA1) may be an area of ​​Building A among the adjacent Buildings A, B, and C of Company A, the second management area (MA2) may be an area of ​​Building B, and the third management area (MA3) may be an area of ​​Building C. As yet another example, the first management area (MA1) may be a first area among multiple zones forming the first floor of the building, the second management area (MA2) may be a second area on the first floor of the building, and the third management area (MA3) may be a third area on the first floor of the building.

[0120] The method of distinguishing multiple management areas is not limited to floors, buildings, or zones.

[0121] Each air conditioning group can perform air conditioning for a predetermined management area using a single outdoor unit.

[0122] Each management area may include one or more air conditioning spaces.

[0123] Each air conditioning group can perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in one or more air conditioning spaces within each management area.

[0124] Each air conditioning group may include one or more ventilation devices (100), one outdoor unit (200), and one or more indoor units (300).

[0125] One or more ventilation devices (100) can be connected to a controller (400) via a relay (401) to communicate with the controller (400). Here, the relay (401) may be a relay for communication.

[0126] It is also possible for one or more ventilation devices (100) to be directly connected to a controller (400) and to communicate directly with the controller (400).

[0127] The repeater (401) may be provided separately from the controller (400), or it may be provided within the controller (400).

[0128] One or more indoor units (300) can be connected to a controller (400) via an outdoor unit (200) and communicate with the controller (400). The outdoor unit (200) may include a relay for the outdoor unit (not shown). The relay for the outdoor unit of the outdoor unit (200) can communicate between at least one indoor unit (300) and the controller (400).

[0129] It is also possible for one or more indoor units (300) to be directly connected to the controller (400) and to communicate directly with the controller (400).

[0130] The outdoor unit (200) can be connected to the controller (400) through an outdoor unit relay (not shown) and communicate with the controller (400).

[0131] An example of the arrangement configuration of an air conditioning group is explained with reference to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 2a, the first air conditioning group (AG1) may include one outdoor unit (201), three indoor units (311, 312, 313), and three ventilation devices (111, 112, 113).

[0133] One outdoor unit (200) provided in the first air conditioning group (AG1) may be the first outdoor unit (201).

[0134] The three indoor units may include first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313).

[0135] The three ventilation devices may include first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113).

[0136] The first indoor unit (311) and the first ventilation device (111) can be provided in the first air conditioning space (Z11).

[0137] The second indoor unit (312) and the second ventilation device (112) can be provided in the second air conditioning space (Z12).

[0138] The third indoor unit (313) and the third ventilation device (113) can be provided in the third air conditioning space (Z13).

[0139] The first, second, and third air conditioning spaces (Z11, Z12, Z13) may be multiple offices, multiple guest rooms, or multiple rooms partitioned within the first management area.

[0140] As the first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) each operate, the air in the indoor space where each of the first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) is installed can be directly conditioned (e.g., cooled).

[0141] As the first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) each operate, the air in the indoor space where the first, second, and third ventilation devices are installed can be directly ventilated.

[0142] The first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) are electrically and physically connected to the repeater (401) and can be communicated with the repeater (401).

[0143] The first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) can transmit information, signals, or data to the repeater (401) or receive information, signals, or data from the repeater (401).

[0144] When the first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) transmit information, signals, or data to the relay (401), they can transmit identification information of the first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) to the relay (401).

[0145] The repeater (401) can perform communication between the first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) and the controller (400).

[0146] More specifically, the relay (401) transmits information, signals, or data received from at least one of the first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) to the controller (400), and may also transmit identification information of at least one ventilation device to the controller (400).

[0147] The repeater (401) receives information, signals, or data to be transmitted to at least one of the first, second, and third ventilation devices (111, 112, 113) from the controller (400), and also receives identification information of at least one ventilation device, and can transmit information, signals, or data to at least one ventilation device based on the received identification information of at least one ventilation device.

[0148] The first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) are electrically and physically connected to the first outdoor unit (201) and can be communicated with the first outdoor unit (201).

[0149] The first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) can transmit information, signals, or data to the controller (400) through the first outdoor unit (201), or receive information, signals, or data from the first outdoor unit (201).

[0150] Each of the first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) can be connected to the first outdoor unit (201) through a refrigerant pipe. Each of the first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) can receive refrigerant from the first outdoor unit (201) through the refrigerant pipe and supply the heat-exchanged refrigerant to the first outdoor unit (201).

[0151] The first outdoor unit (201) is electrically and physically connected to the controller (400) and can be connected to communicate with the controller (400).

[0152] The first outdoor unit (201) can transmit information, signals, or data of the second outdoor unit (201) to the controller (400), or receive information, signals, or data for controlling the first outdoor unit (201) from the controller (400).

[0153] The first outdoor unit (201) can perform the function of relaying communication between the first, second, and third indoor units (311, 312, 313) and the controller (400).

[0154] The first outdoor unit (201) can transmit information, signals, or data of at least one indoor unit received from at least one indoor unit to the controller (400). At this time, the outdoor unit (200) can receive identification information of at least one indoor unit from at least one indoor unit and can transmit the received identification information of at least one indoor unit to the controller (400).

[0155] The first outdoor unit (201) receives information, signals, or data for controlling at least one indoor unit from the controller (400), and may also receive identification information of at least one indoor unit, and may transmit the information, signals, or data of at least one indoor unit received from the controller (400) to at least one indoor unit based on the received identification information of at least one indoor unit.

[0156] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, the second air conditioning group (AG2) may include one outdoor unit (202), three indoor units (321, 322, 323), and one ventilation device (120).

[0157] The three indoor units may include a fourth indoor unit (321) provided in the fourth air conditioning space (Z21), a fifth indoor unit (322) provided in the fifth air conditioning space (Z22), and a sixth indoor unit (323) provided in the sixth air conditioning space (Z23).

[0158] The 4th, 5th, and 6th air conditioning spaces (Z21, Z22, Z23) may be multiple offices, multiple guest rooms, or multiple rooms partitioned within the 2nd management area.

[0159] As the 4th, 5th, and 6th indoor units (321, 322, 323) each operate, the air in the indoor space where each of the 4th, 5th, and 6th indoor units (321, 322, 323) is installed can be directly conditioned (e.g., cooled).

[0160] One ventilation device (120) can be connected to the fourth ventilation device and the fourth, fifth, and sixth air conditioning spaces (Z21, Z22, Z23).

[0161] As the fourth ventilation device (120) operates, the air in the fourth, fifth, and sixth air conditioning spaces (Z21, Z22, Z23) can be directly ventilated.

[0162] One outdoor unit (200) provided in the second air conditioning group (AG2) may be the second outdoor unit (202).

[0163] The fourth ventilation device (120) is electrically and physically connected to the repeater (401) and can be connected to communicate with the repeater (401).

[0164] The fourth ventilation device (120) can transmit information, signals, or data to the relay (401) or receive information, signals, or data from the relay (401).

[0165] When the fourth ventilation device (120) transmits information, signals, or data to the relay (401), it may also transmit identification information of the fourth ventilation device to the relay (401).

[0166] The repeater (401) can perform communication between the fourth ventilation device (120) and the controller (400).

[0167] More specifically, the relay (401) transmits information, signals, or data received from the fourth ventilation device (120) to the controller (400), and can also transmit identification information of the fourth ventilation device (120) to the controller (400).

[0168] The repeater (401) receives information, signals, or data to be transmitted to the fourth ventilation device (120) from the controller (400), and also receives identification information of the fourth ventilation device (120), and can transmit information, signals, or data to the fourth ventilation device (120) based on the received identification information of the fourth ventilation device (120).

[0169] The 4th, 5th, and 6th indoor units (321, 322, 323) are electrically and physically connected to the 2nd outdoor unit (202) and can be communicated with the 2nd outdoor unit (202).

[0170] The 4th, 5th, and 6th indoor units (321, 322, 323) can transmit information, signals, or data to the controller (400) through the 2nd outdoor unit (202), or receive information, signals, or data from the 2nd outdoor unit (202).

[0171] The 4th, 5th, and 6th indoor units (321, 322, 323) can be connected to the 2nd outdoor unit (202) through a refrigerant pipe. The 4th, 5th, and 6th indoor units (321, 322, 323) can receive refrigerant from the 2nd outdoor unit (202) through the refrigerant pipe and supply the heat-exchanged refrigerant to the 2nd outdoor unit (202).

[0172] The second outdoor unit (202) is electrically and physically connected to the controller (400) and can be connected to communicate with the controller (400).

[0173] The second outdoor unit (202) can transmit information, signals, or data of the second outdoor unit (202) to the controller (400), or receive information, signals, or data for controlling the second outdoor unit (202) from the controller (400).

[0174] The second outdoor unit (202) can perform the function of relaying communication between the fourth, fifth, and sixth indoor units (321, 322, 323) and the controller (400).

[0175] The second outdoor unit (202) can transmit information, signals, or data of at least one indoor unit received from at least one indoor unit to the controller (400). At this time, the second outdoor unit (202) can also transmit identification information of at least one indoor unit to the controller (400).

[0176] The second outdoor unit (202) receives information, signals, or data for controlling at least one indoor unit from the controller (400), and may also receive identification information of at least one indoor unit, and may transmit the information, signals, or data of at least one indoor unit received from the controller (400) to at least one indoor unit based on the received identification information of at least one indoor unit.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 2c, the third air conditioning group (AG3) may include one outdoor unit (203), one indoor unit (330), and one ventilation device (130).

[0178] One indoor unit may be the 7th indoor unit (330).

[0179] One ventilation device may be the fifth ventilation device (130).

[0180] The 7th indoor unit (330) and the 5th ventilation device (130) are provided in one 7th air conditioning space (Z31) and can cool, heat, or ventilate one 7th air conditioning space (Z31).

[0181] One outdoor unit (200) provided in the third air conditioning group (AG3) may be the third outdoor unit (203).

[0182] The fifth ventilation device (130) is electrically and physically connected to the repeater (401) and can be connected to communicate with the repeater (401).

[0183] The fifth ventilation device (130) can transmit information, signals, or data to the repeater (401) or receive information, signals, or data from the repeater (401).

[0184] When the fifth ventilation device (130) transmits information, signals, or data to the relay (401), it may also transmit identification information of the fifth ventilation device to the relay (401).

[0185] The repeater (401) can perform communication between the fifth ventilation device (130) and the controller (400).

[0186] More specifically, the relay (401) transmits information, signals, or data received from the fifth ventilation device (130) to the controller (400), and can also transmit identification information of the fifth ventilation device (150) to the controller (400).

[0187] The repeater (401) receives information, signals, or data to be transmitted to the fifth ventilation device (130) along with identification information of the fifth ventilation device (130) from the controller (400), and can transmit information, signals, or data to the fifth ventilation device (130) based on the received identification information of the fifth ventilation device (130).

[0188] The 7th indoor unit (330) is electrically and physically connected to the 3rd outdoor unit (203) and can be connected to communicate with the 3rd outdoor unit (203).

[0189] The 7th indoor unit (330) can transmit information, signals, or data to the controller (400) through the 3rd outdoor unit (203), or receive information, signals, or data through the 3rd outdoor unit (203).

[0190] The seventh indoor unit (330) can be connected to the third outdoor unit (203) through a refrigerant pipe. The seventh indoor unit (330) can receive refrigerant from the third outdoor unit (203) through the refrigerant pipe and supply the heat-exchanged refrigerant to the third outdoor unit (203).

[0191] The third outdoor unit (203) is electrically and physically connected to the controller (400) and can be connected to communicate with the controller (400).

[0192] The third outdoor unit (203) can transmit information, signals, or data of the third outdoor unit (203) to the controller (400), or receive information, signals, or data for controlling the third outdoor unit (203) from the controller (400).

[0193] The third outdoor unit (203) can perform the function of relaying communication between the seventh indoor unit (330) and the controller (400).

[0194] The third outdoor unit (203) can transmit information, signals, or data of the seventh indoor unit received from the seventh indoor unit (330) to the controller (400). At this time, the third outdoor unit (203) can also transmit identification information of the seventh indoor unit (330) to the controller (400).

[0195] The third outdoor unit (203) receives information, signals, or data for controlling the seventh indoor unit (330) from the controller (400), and may also receive identification information of the seventh indoor unit (330), and may transmit the information, signals, or data of the seventh indoor unit (330) received from the controller (400) to the seventh indoor unit (330) based on the received identification information of the seventh indoor unit (330).

[0196] The configurations of the air conditioning groups in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c are merely examples of the configurations of air conditioning groups, and the examples of the configurations of each air conditioning group are not limited to the examples in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0197] The controller (400) can control an outdoor unit (200), one or more indoor units (300), and one or more ventilation devices (100) provided in each of the multiple air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3).

[0198] The controller (400) can be electrically connected via a communication line to one or more ventilation devices (100), an outdoor unit (200), and one or more indoor units (300) provided in each of the multiple air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3).

[0199] The controller (400) can be connected to one or more ventilation devices (100) provided in each of the plurality of air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3) through a relay (401).

[0200] The controller (400) can be directly connected to one or more ventilation devices (100) provided in each of the multiple air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3).

[0201] The controller (400) can be connected to one or more indoor units (300) and outdoor units (200) provided in each of the multiple air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3).

[0202] The controller (400) may also be directly connected to one or more indoor units (300) provided in each of the multiple air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3).

[0203] The controller (400) can receive user input and, in response to the received user input, can control one or more ventilation devices (100), an outdoor unit (200), and one or more indoor units (300) provided in each of the plurality of air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3), and can display operation information of one or more ventilation devices (100), an outdoor unit (200), and one or more indoor units (300) provided in each of the plurality of air conditioning groups (AG1, AG2, AG3).

[0204] The controller (400) can control one or more ventilation devices (100) based on outdoor temperature and indoor temperature, control one or more indoor units (300) based on outdoor temperature, indoor temperature and indoor humidity, and control each outdoor unit (100) based on the performance coefficient of one or more indoor units (300) connected to each outdoor unit (100). The control configuration of such a controller will be described in detail later.

[0205] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the circulation of refrigerant in an air conditioner according to one embodiment. The circulation configuration of the refrigerant in the air conditioner for the air conditioner group shown in FIG. 2c is described by example.

[0206] The outdoor unit (200) and indoor unit (300) of the air conditioner (1) can be connected to each other through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0207] The outdoor unit (200) can supply refrigerant to the indoor unit (300) through the first refrigerant pipe (P1).

[0208] The outdoor unit (200) may include a compressor (210), an accumulator (212), and an outdoor heat exchanger (220).

[0209] The compressor (210) and the outdoor heat exchanger (220) can be connected by a refrigerant pipe.

[0210] The outdoor unit (200) may include an outdoor fan (220a) provided to regulate the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger (220).

[0211] The outdoor fan (220a) can discharge air to the outside toward the outdoor heat exchanger (220) and allow the refrigerant of the outdoor heat exchanger (220) to exchange heat with the surrounding air.

[0212] The outdoor unit (200) may further include an expansion device (not shown) provided in the first refrigerant pipe (P1). The expansion device (not shown) may be provided between the outdoor heat exchanger (220) of the outdoor unit and the indoor heat exchanger (340) of the indoor unit.

[0213] The expansion device can control the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (340) or the indoor heat exchanger (340). The expansion device can reduce the pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing the throttling action of the refrigerant, which reduces the pressure without heat exchange with the outside as the refrigerant passes through a narrow path. For example, the expansion device may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV). The electronic expansion valve can control the degree of expansion of the refrigerant and the flow rate of the refrigerant by adjusting the opening. When the electronic expansion valve is fully open, the refrigerant can pass through the electronic expansion valve without resistance, and the refrigerant may not expand.

[0214] However, examples of expansion devices are not limited to this. For example, the expansion device may include an electronic expansion valve. The expansion device may include a solenoid valve and a capillary tube connected in parallel with the solenoid valve. Of course, the solenoid valve connected in parallel with the capillary tube may be replaced with an electronic expansion valve.

[0215] The outdoor unit (200) may further include a four-way valve (not shown) that controls the direction of movement of the refrigerant supplied to the indoor unit (300).

[0216] The opening of the four-way valve can be connected to the discharge and intake ports of the compressor (210), the outdoor heat exchanger (22), and the indoor heat exchanger (340).

[0217] Depending on the flow control of the four-way valve, the operating mode of the indoor unit (300) can be controlled to either a cooling mode or a heating mode.

[0218] Since the outdoor unit (200) corresponds to an outdoor unit for an air conditioner commonly known in the art, a person skilled in the art can easily change or easily add various components necessary for the implementation of the outdoor unit (200).

[0219] The indoor unit (300) may include an indoor heat exchanger (340) connected to the outdoor unit (200) through the first refrigerant pipe (P1) and the second refrigerant pipe (P2), and an indoor fan (350).

[0220] The first side of the indoor heat exchanger (340) can be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (220) through the first refrigerant pipe (P1), and the second side of the indoor heat exchanger (340) can be connected to the accumulator (212) through the second refrigerant pipe (P2).

[0221] A first valve (V1) may be provided in the first refrigerant pipe (P1), and the flow of refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger (340) and the outdoor heat exchanger (220) can be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the first valve (V1).

[0222] A second valve (V2) may be provided in the second refrigerant pipe (P2), and the flow of refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger (340) and the outdoor heat exchanger (220) can be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the second valve (V2).

[0223] The second side of the indoor heat exchanger (340) can be connected to the accumulator (212) through the second refrigerant pipe (P2).

[0224] The indoor fan (350) can control the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (340).

[0225] The indoor fan (350) can draw indoor air toward the indoor heat exchanger (340) and allow the refrigerant of the indoor heat exchanger (340) to exchange heat with the surrounding air.

[0226] Since the indoor unit (300) corresponds to an indoor unit for an air conditioner commonly known in the art, a person skilled in the art can easily change or easily add various components necessary for the implementation of the indoor unit (300).

[0227] In FIG. 3, the ventilation device (100) and the indoor unit (300) are each exemplified as one, but as in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the air conditioner may be provided with one or more ventilation devices (100) and one or more indoor units (300).

[0228] As shown in FIG. 2a, when multiple indoor units are provided in an air conditioner, the multiple indoor units can be connected to an outdoor unit through a first refrigerant pipe and a second refrigerant pipe. In this case, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe may be branched according to the number of indoor units, and a first and second valve may be provided in each of the branch pipes of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

[0229] The configuration of the ventilation device (100) will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6.

[0230] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a ventilation device provided in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 is an internal example view of a ventilation device provided in an air conditioner according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an example view of the air flow in a general ventilation mode of a ventilation device provided in an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0231] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ventilation device (100) may include a housing (101) that forms the exterior. The housing (101) may be provided in a roughly box shape.

[0232] The housing (101) may include an intake passage (102) that draws outdoor air into the indoor space and guides it into the indoor space, and an exhaust passage (103) that guides indoor air to the outside. Here, the intake passage (102) and the exhaust passage (103) may be separated from each other by a plurality of partitions (108).

[0233] The housing (101) may include a first intake chamber (104) and a second intake chamber (105).

[0234] The first intake chamber (104) may include a first intake port (101a) that communicates with the outdoor space and draws outdoor air into the housing (101), and an intake passage (102) may be formed inside.

[0235] The second intake chamber (105) is connected to the indoor space and includes a first exhaust port (101b) through which outdoor air sucked into the housing (101) is discharged into the indoor space, and an intake passage (102) may be formed inside. Here, the intake passage (102) may connect the first intake port (101a) and the first exhaust port (101b).

[0236] The housing (101) may include a first exhaust chamber (106) and a second exhaust chamber (107).

[0237] The first exhaust chamber (106) may include a second intake port (101c) that communicates with the indoor space and draws indoor air into the housing (101), and an exhaust passage (103) may be formed inside.

[0238] The second exhaust chamber (107) may include a second exhaust port (101d) that communicates with the outdoor space and discharges indoor air sucked into the housing (101) to the outside, and may have an exhaust passage (103) formed inside. Here, the exhaust passage (103) may connect the second intake port (101c) and the second exhaust port (101d).

[0239] The first intake port (101a), the second intake port (101c), the first exhaust port (101b), and the second exhaust port (101d) provided in the housing (101) of the ventilation device (100) can each be connected to a duct.

[0240] The duct connected to the second intake port (101c) and the first exhaust port (101b) may extend to an indoor space. For example, a hole communicating with the ventilation device (100) may be provided in the ceiling or wall of the indoor space. The duct connected to the first intake port (101a) and the second exhaust port (101d) may extend to an outdoor space.

[0241] The ventilation device (100) may include an intake fan (109a) that is positioned inside the second intake chamber (105), generates the blowing power necessary to draw outdoor air into the room, and communicates with the first outlet (101b).

[0242] The ventilation device (100) may include an exhaust fan (109b) that is positioned inside the second exhaust chamber (107), generates the necessary blowing power to discharge indoor air to the outside, and communicates with the second outlet (101d).

[0243] The intake fan (109a) may be referred to as the ‘first fan’, and the exhaust fan (109b) may be referred to as the ‘second fan’.

[0244] The ventilation device (100) may include an outdoor temperature sensor (151) that detects a first temperature (outdoor temperature) of the outdoor air and an indoor temperature sensor (152) that detects a second temperature (indoor temperature) of the indoor air.

[0245] The outdoor temperature sensor (151) can detect the temperature of the outdoor air sucked in through the first intake port (101a).

[0246] An outdoor temperature sensor (151) may be provided on the intake passage (102). For example, the outdoor temperature sensor (151) may be located in the first intake chamber (104) between the first intake port (101a) and the heat exchanger (180). The location of the outdoor temperature sensor (151) is not limited thereto, and the outdoor temperature sensor (151) may be placed outside the housing (101). The outdoor temperature sensor (151) may be referred to as the 'first temperature sensor'.

[0247] The indoor temperature sensor (152) can detect the temperature of the indoor air being sucked in through the second intake port (101c).

[0248] The indoor temperature sensor (152) may be provided on the exhaust passage (103). The indoor temperature sensor (152) may be placed inside the first exhaust chamber (106). The location of the indoor temperature sensor (152) is not limited thereto, and the indoor temperature sensor (152) may be placed outside the housing (101).

[0249] The indoor temperature sensor (152) may also be referred to as the ‘second temperature sensor’.

[0250] The ventilation device (100) may include a heat exchanger (180) in which air flowing through the exhaust path (103) and air flowing through the intake path (102) exchange heat with each other.

[0251] The heat exchanger (180) may be made of a paper material coated with lithium chloride, and the heat exchanger (180) may be referred to as a 'heat exchange element'. The heat exchanger (180) may correspond to a plate-type heat exchanger or a rotary-type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger (180) may be placed at the point where the intake path (102) and the exhaust path (103) intersect. That is, the heat exchanger (180) may be placed on the intake path (102) and simultaneously placed on the exhaust path (103).

[0252] The heat exchanger (180) can connect the first intake chamber (105) and the second intake chamber (106). The heat exchanger (180) can connect the first exhaust chamber (106) and the second exhaust chamber (107). The outdoor air flowing through the intake path (102) and the indoor air flowing through the exhaust path (103) are heat exchanged without contact in the heat exchanger (180).

[0253] The heat exchanger (180) can regulate the temperature of the inhaled outdoor air and discharge the temperature-regulated air into the indoor space. For example, the heat exchanger (180) can lower the temperature of the inhaled outdoor air and discharge the air at the lower temperature into the indoor space. For another example, the heat exchanger (180) can raise the temperature of the inhaled outdoor air and discharge the air at the higher temperature into the indoor space.

[0254] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the ventilation device (100) may include a filter (181) that captures foreign substances contained in the outdoor air. The filter (181) may be positioned adjacent to a heat exchanger (180). The heat exchanger (180) may include an intake inlet (180a), and the filter (181) may be positioned to face the intake inlet (180a) of the heat exchanger (180).

[0255] Preferably, the filter (181) may be positioned to face closely with the intake inlet (180a). Accordingly, foreign substances flowing in the outdoor air entering through the first intake port (101a) can be filtered out by the filter (181), and the heat exchanger (180) can be prevented from becoming contaminated.

[0256] For example, the filter (181) may be a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. The HEPA filter may be composed of glass fibers. The filter (181) may also be provided as a photocatalytic filter that induces chemical reactions in the air using a photocatalyst. That is, the filter (181) includes a photocatalyst and can capture various pathogens and bacteria present in the air by inducing a chemical reaction by the light energy of the photocatalyst. Depending on the promotion of chemical reactions, odor particles in the air may be decomposed, removed, or captured. However, it is not limited thereto, and the filter (181) may be provided as various types of filters capable of capturing foreign substances.

[0257] The ventilation device (100) may include various dampers for opening or closing passages formed inside the ventilation device (100). For example, the first damper (190) may open or close a bypass passage (bp) formed to bypass the heat exchanger (180) between the first intake port (101a) and the first outlet port (101b). The first damper (190) may be provided at the top or bottom of the heat exchanger (180).

[0258] The second damper (191) may be provided between one side of the heat exchanger (180) and the inner wall of the housing (101). The second damper (191) may be placed on the connecting passage (102b). The second damper (191) may open or close the connecting passage (102b) formed between the first intake port (101a) and the second intake port (101c).

[0259] A third damper (192) is provided in the first intake port (101a) and can open or close the first intake port (101a).

[0260] The airflow of the ventilation device according to ventilation mode is described. This is explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 6.

[0261] The ventilation device can perform either a general ventilation mode or an electric ventilation mode.

[0262] The ventilation device can expel indoor air to the outside when performing normal ventilation mode.

[0263] As illustrated in FIG. 6, when performing a normal ventilation mode, indoor air can be drawn in through the first outlet (101b). Here, the first outlet (101b) is an outlet for discharging air, but when performing a normal ventilation mode, it can function as an intake.

[0264] Indoor air sucked in through the first outlet (101b) can be discharged into the outdoor space through the second outlet (101d) after passing through the first outlet (101b), intake path (102), exhaust path (103), and bypass path in sequence.

[0265] When the indoor air is exhausted to the outside through the general ventilation mode and the outdoor air is not drawn into the indoor space, the ventilation device can close the second damper (191) and the third damper (192).

[0266] The ventilation device can also draw outdoor air into the room when performing normal ventilation mode.

[0267] As illustrated in FIG. 6, outdoor air can be drawn in through the first intake port (101a). The outdoor air drawn in through the first intake port (101a) can pass through the first intake chamber (104), the second damper (191), and the first exhaust chamber (106) in sequence, and then be discharged into the indoor space through the second intake port (101c). Here, the second intake port (101c) is an intake port for drawing in air, but it can function as an exhaust port when performing a general ventilation mode.

[0268] When performing a normal ventilation mode, the first and second blowers (109a, 109b) can rotate.

[0269] As shown in FIG. 4, when performing the heat exchange ventilation mode, only heat exchange between the outdoor air and the indoor air can be performed by the heat exchanger (180).

[0270] As shown in FIG. 4, outdoor air sucked in through the first intake port (101a) can be discharged into the indoor space through the first exhaust port (101b) after passing through the first intake chamber (104) and the heat exchanger (180) in sequence.

[0271] The indoor air sucked in through the second intake port (101c) can be discharged into the outdoor space through the second exhaust port (101d) after passing through the exhaust path (103) in sequence through the first exhaust chamber (106), the heat exchanger (180), and the exhaust path (103).

[0272] When performing the heat ventilation mode, the first and second blowers (109a, 109b) can rotate.

[0273] FIG. 7 is a control configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0274] The air conditioner (1) may include a first temperature sensor (151), a second temperature sensor (152), a third temperature sensor (250), a current sensor (251), a pressure sensor (252), a humidity sensor (360), a user interface (370), a ventilation device (100), an outdoor unit (200), an indoor unit (300), and a controller (400). The first temperature sensor (151) may detect a first temperature (or outdoor temperature) of the outdoor air and transmit first temperature information regarding the detected first temperature to the controller (400).

[0275] The first temperature sensor (151) may be provided on the intake air passage (102) of the ventilation device (100). The first temperature sensor (151) may be provided in the first intake chamber (104) of the ventilation device (100).

[0276] The first temperature sensor (151) may also be provided in the outdoor unit (100).

[0277] The second temperature sensor (152) can detect the second temperature (or indoor temperature) of the indoor air and transmit second temperature information regarding the detected second temperature to the controller (400).

[0278] The second temperature sensor (152) may be provided on the exhaust path (103) of the ventilation device. The second temperature sensor (152) may be provided inside the first exhaust chamber (106) of the ventilation device.

[0279] The second temperature sensor (152) may also be provided in the indoor unit (300).

[0280] A third temperature sensor (250) may be provided in a refrigerant pipe connected to a compressor (210), and may detect a third temperature (or refrigerant temperature) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (210) and transmit third temperature information regarding the detected third temperature to a controller (400). The third temperature sensor (250) may be a refrigerant temperature sensor.

[0281] A current sensor (251) may be provided in the compressor (210), detects the current flowing through the compressor (210), and can transmit current information regarding the detected current to the controller (400).

[0282] The current sensor (251) may be a current sensor that detects the current flowing through the motor provided in the compressor (210).

[0283] A pressure sensor (252) may be provided in a refrigerant pipe connected to a compressor (210), and may detect the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (210) and transmit pressure information regarding the detected pressure of the refrigerant to a controller (400).

[0284] The humidity sensor (360) can detect the humidity of the indoor space and transmit humidity information about the detected humidity to the controller (400).

[0285] A humidity sensor (360) can be provided in the indoor unit (300).

[0286] A humidity sensor (360) can be provided in the ventilation device (100).

[0287] A humidity sensor (360) may be provided on the exhaust passage (103) of the ventilation device (100). A humidity sensor (360) may be provided inside the first exhaust chamber (106) of the ventilation device (100).

[0288] A user interface (370) can be provided in the controller (400).

[0289] The user interface (370) is provided in the air conditioning space, and may be provided on the wall of the air conditioning space, etc. The user interface (370) may be a wired remote control or a wireless remote control.

[0290] The user interface (370) may be provided in the indoor unit (300) or in the ventilation device (100).

[0291] The user interface (370) may be one or more.

[0292] The user interface (370) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of indoor units. Multiple user interfaces (370) may each be provided in an air conditioning space where multiple indoor units are provided.

[0293] The user interface (370) can receive user input.

[0294] The user interface (370) can output operation information of the air conditioner.

[0295] The user interface (370) may include an input interface (371) and an output interface (372).

[0296] The input interface (371) can convert sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

[0297] The input interface (371) can receive user input and transmit a signal corresponding to the received user input to the controller (400).

[0298] The input interface (371) can receive on and off commands for the indoor unit, and can receive the operating mode and indoor target temperature of the indoor unit.

[0299] The indoor unit's operating modes may include cooling mode and heating mode.

[0300] The input interface (371) can receive on and off commands for the ventilation device, receive the ventilation mode of the ventilation device, and further receive the ventilation amount (or ventilation intensity) of the ventilation device.

[0301] Ventilation modes may include electric ventilation mode and general ventilation mode.

[0302] The input interface (371) can receive information about the amount of power consumed per peak interval and information about the peak control time.

[0303] The peak control time may be a time for saving power by controlling at least one of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and ventilation device based on a preset peak level, current peak level, target power consumption, and current power consumption.

[0304] The power consumption per peak section may be the power consumption available in each of the multiple peak sections. The multiple peak sections may include a first peak section, a second peak section, and a third peak section.

[0305] For example, the power consumption per peak section may include a first power consumption of 500 kWh usable in the first peak section, a second power consumption of 250 kWh usable in the second peak section, and a third power consumption of 100 kWh usable in the third peak level.

[0306] The first peak section may be a section between the first standard power amount and the second standard power amount.

[0307] The second peak section may be a section between the second standard power amount and the third standard power amount.

[0308] The third peak section may be a section exceeding the third standard power amount.

[0309] The first reference power amount may be the power amount corresponding to the first peak level.

[0310] The first reference power amount may be a reference power amount for determining whether to perform peak control.

[0311] The second reference power amount may be the power amount corresponding to the second peak level.

[0312] The second standard power amount can be greater than the first standard power amount.

[0313] The third standard power amount may be the power amount corresponding to the third peak level.

[0314] The third standard power amount can be greater than the second standard power amount.

[0315] The input interface (371) may include a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0316] The output interface (372) can output operation information of the indoor unit (300), the outdoor unit (200), and the ventilation device (100).

[0317] The output interface (372) can display the on / off information of the indoor unit, the operating mode of the indoor unit, the indoor target temperature, the detected indoor temperature, and the detected outdoor temperature.

[0318] The output interface (372) can also display the airflow volume and airflow direction of the indoor fan.

[0319] The output interface (372) can display on / off information of the ventilation device, the ventilation mode, and the ventilation amount (or ventilation intensity) of the ventilation device.

[0320] The output interface (372) can display information about the power consumption and peak control time for each peak interval, and can display the current power consumption and current peak level.

[0321] The output interface (372) can display operation information of the indoor unit and the ventilation device that has been changed by peak control, and can display operation information of the outdoor unit that has been changed by peak control.

[0322] The output interface (372) may include a display panel.

[0323] The output interface (372) may include a display panel integrated with the touch panel. That is, the user interface (370) may be provided as a touch screen in which the touch panel and the display panel are integrated.

[0324] The output interface (372) may include at least one of a plurality of light-emitting diodes and a plurality of seven segments.

[0325] The output interface (372) may further include a speaker that outputs output information as sound.

[0326] The ventilation device (100) may include a plurality of dampers (190, 191, 192) and first and second blowers (109a, 109b).

[0327] The ventilation device (100) may include a first microcomputer for controlling a plurality of dampers (190, 191, 192) and first and second blowers (109a, 109b) based on control information received from a controller (400).

[0328] The first microcomputer can control the opening or closing of a plurality of dampers (190, 191, 192) respectively, or control the opening degree of a plurality of dampers (190, 191, 192) respectively, based on control information received from the controller (400).

[0329] The first microcomputer can control at least one of the rotation direction and rotation speed of the first blower (109a) based on control information received from the controller (400), and can control at least one of the rotation direction and rotation speed of the second blower (109b) based on control information received from the controller (400).

[0330] The ventilation device (100) may include a first communication interface that performs communication with a controller (400) and transmits first temperature information detected by a first temperature sensor (151) and second temperature information detected by a second temperature sensor (152) to the controller (400).

[0331] The ventilation device (100) can communicate with the controller (400) through a relay.

[0332] The outdoor unit (200) may include a compressor (210) and an outdoor fan (220a).

[0333] The outdoor unit (200) may include a second microcomputer for controlling the compressor (210) and the outdoor fan (220a) based on control information received from the controller (400).

[0334] The second microcomputer can control at least one of the rotation speed and rotation direction of the outdoor fan (220a) based on control information received from the controller (400).

[0335] The second microcomputer can control the discharge temperature of the compressor (210), the discharge refrigerant of the compressor (210), and the current of the compressor (210) based on control information received from the controller (400). Controlling the current of the compressor (210) may include controlling the operating rate of the compressor (210). Controlling the current of the compressor (210) may include controlling the current of the motor provided in the compressor (210).

[0336] The outdoor unit (200) may include a second communication interface for communicating with the controller (400) and transmitting to the controller (400) third temperature information detected by the third temperature sensor (250), current information detected by the current sensor (251), and pressure information detected by the pressure sensor (252).

[0337] The indoor unit (300) may include an indoor fan (350).

[0338] The indoor unit (300) may include a third microcomputer for controlling the indoor fan (350) based on control information received from the controller (400).

[0339] The third microcomputer can control at least one of the rotation speed and rotation direction of the indoor fan (350) based on control information received from the controller (400).

[0340] The indoor unit (300) may include a third communication interface for transmitting humidity information detected by the humidity sensor (360) to the controller (400).

[0341] The third communication interface of the indoor unit (300) can communicate with the controller (400) through the outdoor unit (200).

[0342] If an indoor temperature sensor (i.e., a second temperature sensor) is provided in the indoor unit, the third communication interface of the indoor unit (300) can transmit the second temperature information detected by the indoor temperature sensor to the controller (400).

[0343] The indoor unit (300) may further include a power meter (not shown) for detecting the amount of power consumed by the indoor unit (300).

[0344] The indoor unit (300) can also transmit information about the amount of power consumed by the indoor unit (300) measured by the power meter to the controller (400).

[0345] The indoor unit (300) may also transmit information regarding cooling and heating capacity (or rated cooling capacity or rated heating capacity) to the controller (400).

[0346] The power consumption, cooling capacity, and heating capacity of the indoor unit (300) may be information used to obtain the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the indoor unit.

[0347] The coefficient of performance of an indoor unit can be referred to as the performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

[0348] COP = Cooling Capacity / Power Consumption or COP = Heating Capacity / Power Consumption

[0349] The coefficient of performance is the cooling / heating capacity relative to power consumption.

[0350] A high coefficient of performance means that power is consumed efficiently.

[0351] The power consumption of an indoor unit is the amount of power consumed for its rated cooling or rated heating capacity. A high power consumption per standard hour means that a large amount of power is consumed.

[0352] The controller (400) can be electrically connected to various parts and / or devices of the air conditioner (1) and can control various parts and / or devices.

[0353] The controller (400) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (1).

[0354] The controller (400) can control the operation of the ventilation device (100), outdoor unit (200), and indoor unit (300) based on user input received at the input interface (371).

[0355] The controller (400) can control the operation of at least one of the ventilation device (100), outdoor unit (200), and indoor unit (300) based on at least one of the first and second temperature information detected by the first and second temperature sensors (151, 152) and the humidity information detected by the humidity sensor (360).

[0356] The controller (400) can communicate with an external device (2).

[0357] The controller (400) can receive the current power consumption and current peak level transmitted from the external device (2).

[0358] The current power consumption may include the current power consumption of the air conditioner.

[0359] If there are multiple indoor units and ventilation devices, the current power consumption may be the total power consumption of the multiple indoor units and multiple ventilation devices.

[0360] The controller (400) may also receive a reference power amount for each peak level from an external device (2).

[0361] The external device (2) may be a power meter or smart meter installed in a building where an air conditioner is installed, or a power meter installed in the air conditioner (1).

[0362] The external device (2) can measure the total power consumption used in the outdoor unit (200), one or more indoor units (300), and one or more ventilation devices (100), and transmit the measured total power consumption to the controller (400).

[0363] The external device (2) can also set a reference power amount for each peak level based on the power consumption of the air conditioner in the past.

[0364] The controller (400) can control the output interface (372) to output the current power consumption, current peak level, and reference power amount per peak level received from the external device (2).

[0365] The controller (400) can control the output interface (372) to output the power consumption per peak interval and the peak control time received through the user interface (370).

[0366] The controller (400) recognizes the received current power consumption and identifies whether the recognized current power consumption is greater than or equal to the reference power consumption.

[0367] Here, the reference power amount is a first reference power amount corresponding to the first peak level, and may be a power amount for identifying whether peak control is necessary.

[0368] The controller (400) controls the operation of the outdoor unit (200), indoor unit (300), and ventilation device (100) based on user input when the recognized current power consumption is identified as being less than the reference power consumption.

[0369] For example, if the operating mode of the indoor unit based on user input is cooling mode, the target temperature of the indoor unit based on user input is 18℃, and the ventilation mode of the ventilation device based on user input is heat-generating ventilation mode, the controller (400) controls the flow path of the four-way valve provided in the outdoor unit, recognizes the current indoor temperature based on the second temperature information detected by the second temperature sensor (252), controls the compressor (210), expansion valve (not shown), and indoor fan (350) so that the recognized current indoor temperature reaches the target temperature of the indoor unit, and can control the ventilation mode of the ventilation device (100) to heat-generating ventilation mode.

[0370] The target temperature of the indoor unit can be referred to as the indoor target temperature.

[0371] The controller (400) controls the flow path of a four-way valve (not shown) so that the discharge port of the compressor is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and the intake port of the compressor is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, based on the fact that the operating mode of the indoor unit is the cooling mode.

[0372] The controller (400) controls the flow path of a four-way valve (not shown) so that the discharge port of the compressor is connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the suction port of the compressor is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, based on the fact that the operating mode of the indoor unit is the heating mode.

[0373] The controller (400) can control the rotation of the first and second blowers (10a, 109b) based on the fact that the ventilation mode is a heat-generating ventilation mode.

[0374] The controller (400) can control the closing of the first damper (190), control the closing of the second damper (191), and control the opening of the third damper (192) based on the fact that the ventilation mode is a heat-generating ventilation mode.

[0375] The controller (400) can control the rotation of the first and second blowers (10a, 109b) based on the fact that the ventilation mode is a general ventilation mode.

[0376] The rotation direction of the first fan when the ventilation mode is general ventilation mode and the rotation direction of the first fan when the ventilation mode is electric ventilation mode may be opposite to each other.

[0377] The controller (400) can control the opening of the first damper (190), control the opening of the second damper (191), and control the opening of the third damper (192) based on the fact that the ventilation mode is a general ventilation mode.

[0378] The controller (400) identifies whether the received current peak level is below a preset peak level based on whether the recognized current power consumption is identified as being above a reference power amount.

[0379] The fact that the recognized current power consumption is the reference power consumption may mean that the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0380] The preset peak level may include a second peak level.

[0381] Identifying whether the received current peak level is less than or equal to a preset peak level may include identifying whether the received current peak level is less than or equal to a second peak level.

[0382] That is, identifying whether the received current peak level is lower than or equal to a preset peak level may include identifying whether the received current peak level is a first peak level or a second peak level. Here, the first peak level may be a peak level lower than the second peak level.

[0383] The controller (400) can control at least one of the indoor unit (300) and the outdoor unit (200) based on the current peak level, based on the fact that the received current peak level is identified as a peak level greater than a preset peak level.

[0384] Peak levels greater than the preset peak level may include a third peak level.

[0385] For example, the controller (400) can control the indoor unit (300) to turn off based on the fact that the current peak level is a third peak level.

[0386] As another example, the controller (400) can control the compressor (210) of the outdoor unit (200) to turn off and control only the indoor fan (350) of the indoor unit (300) based on the fact that the received current peak level is identified as a peak level greater than a preset peak level.

[0387] The controller (400) can control the ventilation device (100) to turn off based on whether the received current peak level is a peak level greater than a preset peak level. This prevents outdoor air from being supplied into the room.

[0388] The controller (400) recognizes the available power consumption corresponding to the current peak range based on the fact that the received current peak level is identified as being below a preset peak level, and can recognize the target power consumption based on the recognized available power consumption and the energy saving rate.

[0389] The controller (400) can recognize a first power consumption amount corresponding to the first peak section based on the fact that the current peak section is the first peak section, and recognize a second power consumption amount corresponding to the second peak section based on the fact that the current peak section is the second peak section.

[0390] The first power consumption is the power consumption available during the first peak period.

[0391] The second power consumption is the power consumption available during the second peak period.

[0392] The controller (400) can recognize a first target power consumption based on a first power consumption amount and a power saving rate if the current peak section is a first peak section, and recognize a second target power consumption based on a second power consumption amount and a power saving rate if the current peak section is a second peak section.

[0393] The power saving rate may be the ratio of the amount of power consumed when peak control is performed according to the present embodiment to the amount of power consumed when peak control is not performed.

[0394] The power saving rate can be pre-set information.

[0395] The controller (400) can also recognize the amount of power saved corresponding to power saving control based on the difference between the amount of power consumed when peak control is performed and the amount of power consumed when peak control is not performed.

[0396] If the units of the current power consumption and the target power consumption are different, the controller (400) can convert the target power consumption into minutes and can also convert the current power consumption into hours.

[0397] The controller (400) can identify whether the current power consumption is less than the target power consumption.

[0398] The controller (400) can change the target temperature of the indoor unit (300) based on the current peak level if the current power consumption is greater than or equal to the target power consumption.

[0399] When changing the target temperature of the indoor unit (300), the controller (400) can change the indoor target temperature based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and the first constant temperature if the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode, and change the indoor target temperature based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and the second constant temperature if the indoor unit's operating mode is heating mode.

[0400] When the target temperature is changed during the cooling mode, the controller (400) can add the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and the first constant temperature and change the indoor target temperature to the added temperature.

[0401] The controller (400) may recognize a first constant temperature corresponding to the current peak level, sum the recognized first constant temperature and the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152), and change the indoor target temperature to the summed temperature. In this case, the first constant temperature may vary depending on the peak level. The first constant temperature corresponding to the first peak level may be lower than the first constant temperature corresponding to the second peak level.

[0402] When the target temperature is changed during the heating mode, the controller (400) can subtract a second constant temperature from the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and change the indoor target temperature to the subtracted temperature.

[0403] The controller (400) may recognize a second constant temperature corresponding to the current peak level, subtract the recognized second constant temperature from the indoor temperature detected by the recognized second temperature sensor (152), and change the indoor target temperature to the subtracted temperature. In this case, the second constant temperature may vary depending on the peak level. The second constant temperature corresponding to the first peak level may be higher than the second constant temperature corresponding to the second peak level.

[0404] The controller (400) can control the outdoor unit (200) to turn off based on the current power consumption being identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption, and can also control only the rotation of the indoor fan (350) of the indoor unit.

[0405] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) can turn off the indoor units belonging to the first control group among the multiple indoor units based on the fact that the current power consumption is identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption and the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0406] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) may change the target temperature of each indoor unit belonging to the first control group among the multiple indoor units based on the fact that the current power consumption is identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption and the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0407] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) may control the rotation of only the blower fan of the indoor unit belonging to the first control group among the multiple indoor units and control the outdoor unit to turn off, based on the fact that the current power consumption is identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption and the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0408] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) can control the indoor units belonging to the second control group among the multiple indoor units to turn off based on the fact that the current power consumption is identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption and the current peak level is the second peak level.

[0409] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) may control the rotation of only the blower fan of the indoor unit belonging to the second control group among the multiple indoor units and control the outdoor unit to turn off, based on the fact that the current power consumption is identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption and the current peak level is the second peak level.

[0410] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) may change the target temperature of each indoor unit belonging to the second control group among the multiple indoor units based on the fact that the current power consumption is identified as being greater than or equal to the target power consumption and the current peak level is the second peak level.

[0411] The number of indoor units in the second control group may be greater than the number of indoor units in the first control group.

[0412] The indoor unit belonging to the second control group may include the indoor unit belonging to the first control group and at least one other indoor unit.

[0413] When changing the target temperature of a plurality of indoor units belonging to a first control group or a second group, the controller (400) may change the indoor target temperature of each indoor unit based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) provided in each indoor unit and the first constant temperature if the operating mode of the indoor unit is a cooling mode, and may change the indoor target temperature of each indoor unit based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) provided in each indoor unit and the second constant temperature if the operating mode of the indoor unit is a heating mode.

[0414] The controller (400) identifies whether the current time is a peak control time based on whether the current power consumption is identified as being less than the target power consumption. Here, the peak control time may be information received through the user interface (370).

[0415] The controller (400) can perform power saving control based on the current time being identified as the peak control time. Here, the power saving control may include controlling the air conditioner to reduce power by taking into account the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0416] The controller (400) can control at least one of the indoor unit (300) and the outdoor unit (200) if it is identified that the current time is not a peak control time. This will be explained in more detail.

[0417] The controller (400) can turn off the indoor unit if it is identified that the current time is not the peak control time.

[0418] If the controller (400) identifies that the current time is not a peak control time, it is possible to control the outdoor unit (200) to turn off and control only the rotation of the indoor fan (350) of the indoor unit.

[0419] If the controller (400) identifies that the current time is not the peak control time, it can change the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the current peak level.

[0420] The configuration for changing the target temperature of the indoor unit when the current time is not the peak control time may be the same as the configuration for changing the target temperature of the indoor unit (300) based on the current peak level when the current power consumption is greater than or equal to the target power consumption.

[0421] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) can turn off the indoor unit belonging to the first control group among the multiple indoor units if the current time is not the peak control time and the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0422] If there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) may change the target temperature of each indoor unit belonging to the first control group among the multiple indoor units when the current time is not the peak control time and the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0423] When there are multiple indoor units, if the current time is not the peak control time and the current peak level is the first peak level, the controller (400) may control the rotation of only the blower fan of the indoor unit belonging to the first control group among the multiple indoor units and control the outdoor unit to turn off.

[0424] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) can turn off the indoor unit belonging to the second control group among the multiple indoor units if the current time is not the peak control time and the current peak level is the second peak level.

[0425] When there are multiple indoor units, if the current time is not the peak control time and the current peak level is the second peak level, the controller (400) may control the rotation of only the blower fan of the indoor unit belonging to the second control group among the multiple indoor units and control the outdoor unit to turn off.

[0426] If there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) may change the target temperature of each indoor unit belonging to the second control group among the multiple indoor units if the current time is not the peak control time and the current peak level is the second peak level.

[0427] Information regarding indoor units belonging to the first control group and indoor units belonging to the second group may be information that is pre-set and stored.

[0428] The controller (400) can recognize a target power consumption amount corresponding to the current peak period and identify whether the current time is a control time requiring peak control based on the recognized target power consumption amount and the predicted power consumption amount.

[0429] For example, if the current peak section is the first peak section, the controller (400) recognizes a first power consumption amount corresponding to the first peak section and recognizes a first target power consumption amount based on the recognized first power consumption amount and power saving rate, and if the current peak section is the second peak section, it recognizes a second power consumption amount corresponding to the second peak section and recognizes a second target power consumption amount based on the recognized second power consumption amount and power saving rate.

[0430] The predicted power consumption may be the amount of power expected to be used during the day.

[0431] The controller (400) can recognize the daily predicted power amount based on past power consumption and store the recognized daily predicted power amount.

[0432] The controller (400) recognizes the total power consumption from 0:00 to the present day and recognizes the daily predicted power consumption based on the recognized total power consumption and the target power consumption, and it is also possible to identify whether the current time is a time when control is required based on the recognized daily predicted power consumption and the daily predicted power consumption stored in advance.

[0433] Here, the control required time may be the time during which at least one of the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and ventilation device is required to be controlled for power saving considering energy efficiency.

[0434] The controller (400) can perform power saving control based on the current time being identified as the time required for control.

[0435] The controller (400) can control at least one of the indoor unit (300) and the outdoor unit (200) based on the fact that the current time is not the time required for control.

[0436] A configuration for controlling at least one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit when the current time is not a time requiring control may be the same as a configuration for controlling at least one of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit when the current time is not a peak control time.

[0437] The controller (400) can recognize a peak level on a periodic basis and perform power saving control based on the recognized peak level. For example, the period may be a preset time interval.

[0438] The controller (400) can perform power saving control considering energy efficiency based on the current power consumption, reference power consumption, preset peak level, current peak level, target power consumption, and peak control time. This will be explained in more detail.

[0439] The following describes a controller that performs power saving control based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity when the indoor unit is in cooling mode.

[0440] The controller (400) recognizes the outdoor temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (151) and the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152).

[0441] The controller (400) can control the ventilation mode of the ventilation device (100) based on the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature, and can control the indoor unit (300).

[0442] For example, the controller (400) sums the outdoor temperature to a preset temperature (A) and identifies whether the indoor temperature exceeds the summed temperature. The preset temperature (A) may be referred to as a preset first temperature.

[0443] Identifying whether the indoor temperature exceeds the summed temperature may include identifying whether the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature. For example, environments where the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature may include environments during spring or autumn, or environments during the nighttime hours of summer.

[0444] The controller (400) controls the performance of the general ventilation mode based on the identification that the indoor temperature exceeds the summed temperature, and can control the indoor unit (300) to turn off.

[0445] The controller (400) can control the ventilation device to turn off or control the performance of the heat ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as being below the summed temperature.

[0446] For example, the controller (400) can control the performance of the heat ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature and the summed temperature being the same, and control the ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being less than the summed temperature.

[0447] When the controller (400) controls the ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being identified as being below the summed temperature, it can add a first constant temperature to the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and change the target temperature of the indoor unit to the summed temperature.

[0448] Identifying that the indoor temperature is below the summed temperature may include identifying whether the outdoor temperature is higher than the indoor temperature. For example, an environment where the outdoor temperature is higher than the indoor temperature may include an environment during the daytime in summer.

[0449] The controller (400) can prevent outdoor air from being supplied to the indoor space by controlling the ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being identified as being below the summed temperature.

[0450] The controller (400) can control the execution of the heat ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as equal to the summed temperature, thereby allowing the air with a lowered temperature from the heat exchanger of the ventilation device to be supplied to the indoor space.

[0451] The controller (400) controls the performance of the general ventilation mode based on whether the indoor temperature exceeds the outdoor temperature, and it is also possible to control the indoor unit (300) to turn off.

[0452] The controller (400) may also control the performance of the heat ventilation mode or turn off the ventilation device (100) based on whether the indoor temperature is lower than the outdoor temperature.

[0453] The controller (400) recognizes the required capacity of the indoor unit based on the rated cooling capacity of the indoor unit, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the target temperature of the indoor unit, controls the ventilation device to turn off based on whether the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, and controls the performance of the heat transfer ventilation mode based on whether the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is less than the standard required capacity.

[0454] When the controller (400) identifies whether the required capacity of the recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, it can identify whether the required capacity of the recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset time.

[0455] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) recognizes the required capacity of each of the multiple indoor units and can identify whether the required capacity of the multiple indoor units recognized during a preset time is all greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0456] The controller (400) can control multiple ventilation devices to turn off based on the fact that the required capacity of multiple indoor units is all greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, and can change the target temperature of each of the multiple indoor units.

[0457] When the controller (400) controls the ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being identified as being below the summed temperature, it recognizes the summed temperature for each indoor unit by adding the first constant temperature to the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) provided in each indoor unit, and can change the target temperature of each indoor unit to the summed temperature.

[0458] The controller (400) identifies whether the off condition of the ventilation device is satisfied based on the outdoor temperature, the indoor temperature and the required capacity of the indoor unit, controls the ventilation device to turn off based on satisfying the off condition of the ventilation device, and can change the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and the first constant temperature.

[0459] The controller (400) can control the performance of the heat ventilation mode based on the fact that the off condition of the ventilation device is not satisfied.

[0460] The off conditions for the ventilation device may include conditions where the indoor temperature is less than the sum of the outdoor temperatures (i.e., outdoor temperature + A).

[0461] The off conditions of the ventilation device may include conditions where the required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0462] The off condition of the ventilation device may include a condition where the required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0463] In the case where multiple indoor units are provided, the off condition of the ventilation device may include a condition where the required capacity of all multiple indoor units is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0464] The controller (400) can control the operation of the ventilation device based on the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature and the required capacity of the indoor unit, and can control the operation of the indoor unit based on the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor (360).

[0465] When the controller (400) controls the operation of the indoor unit based on indoor humidity, it identifies whether the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor (360) is within a reference humidity range, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor humidity is identified as being within the reference humidity range, and maintains the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor humidity is outside the reference humidity range.

[0466] The controller (400) can change the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a first constant temperature to a first temperature based on the indoor humidity being below the standard humidity, and can maintain and control the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the humidity being above the standard humidity.

[0467] The standard humidity range is a comfortable humidity range and may include a humidity range from approximately 50% to approximately 60%.

[0468] Below, a controller that performs power saving control based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity when the indoor unit is in heating mode is described.

[0469] The controller (400) can recognize the outdoor temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (151) and the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152).

[0470] The controller (400) can subtract a preset temperature from the recognized outdoor temperature and control the ventilation device (100) based on the indoor temperature and the subtracted temperature.

[0471] The controller (400) identifies whether the indoor temperature is below the reduced temperature and can control the performance of the general ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as below the reduced temperature.

[0472] The controller (400) can control the ventilation device to turn off or control the performance of the heat ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as being above the reduced temperature.

[0473] For example, the controller (400) can control the performance of the heat ventilation mode when the indoor temperature is equal to the reduced temperature, and can control the ventilation device to turn off when the indoor temperature exceeds the reduced temperature.

[0474] The controller (400) can control the indoor unit (300) to turn off when controlling the ventilation device to normal ventilation mode.

[0475] The preset temperature in heating mode may be the same as or different from the preset temperature (A) in cooling mode.

[0476] When the controller (400) controls the ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being identified as exceeding the reduced temperature, it can subtract a second constant temperature from the indoor temperature and change the target temperature of the indoor unit to the reduced temperature.

[0477] The controller (400) can prevent outdoor air from being supplied to the indoor space by controlling the ventilation device to turn off based on the indoor temperature being identified as exceeding the reduced temperature.

[0478] The controller (400) can control the execution of the heat ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as equal to the reduced temperature, thereby allowing the air heated in the heat exchanger of the ventilation device to be supplied to the indoor space.

[0479] The controller (400) recognizes the required capacity of the indoor unit based on the rated heating capacity of the indoor unit, the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the target temperature of the indoor unit, controls the ventilation device to turn off based on whether the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, and controls the performance of the heat ventilation mode based on whether the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is less than the standard required capacity.

[0480] When the controller (400) identifies whether the required capacity of the recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, it can identify whether the required capacity of the recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset time.

[0481] The controller (400) can control the operation of the ventilation device (100) based on the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature and the required capacity of the indoor unit, and can control the operation of the indoor unit (300) based on the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor (360).

[0482] When the controller (400) controls the operation of the indoor unit based on indoor humidity (360), it identifies whether the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor (360) is within a reference humidity range, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor humidity is identified as being within the reference humidity range, and maintains the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor humidity is outside the reference humidity range.

[0483] When the controller (400) changes the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor humidity being identified as being within the standard humidity range, it can subtract a second constant temperature from the indoor temperature and change the subtracted temperature to the target temperature.

[0484] The standard humidity range is a comfortable humidity range and may include a humidity range from approximately 50% to approximately 60%.

[0485] Below, a controller that performs power saving control based on the performance coefficient of the indoor unit is described.

[0486] The controller (400) can recognize the coefficient of performance (COP) of the indoor unit based on the cooling capacity of the indoor unit, the heating capacity of the indoor unit, and the power consumption of the indoor unit, and can control the current flowing to the compressor (210) of the outdoor unit based on the recognized coefficient of performance of the indoor unit.

[0487] The controller (400) recognizes a limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit and can control the current flowing to the compressor (210) of the outdoor unit based on the recognized limiting current amount and the current amount detected by the current sensor.

[0488] The limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be pre-set information. The limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be a current amount between 50% and 100% of the maximum current. The limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be proportional.

[0489] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) recognizes the performance coefficients of the multiple indoor units and the average of the recognized performance coefficients of the multiple indoor units, and can control the current flowing to the compressor of the outdoor unit based on the recognized average performance coefficient.

[0490] The controller (400) can control the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit based on the performance coefficient of the indoor unit when the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode, and control the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit based on the performance coefficient of the indoor unit when the indoor unit's operating mode is heating mode.

[0491] When the controller (400) controls the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit, it recognizes the target refrigerant temperature corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit and can control the operation of the compressor (210) based on the refrigerant temperature detected by the third temperature sensor and the recognized target refrigerant temperature.

[0492] The target refrigerant temperature corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be preset information.

[0493] The target refrigerant temperature corresponding to the coefficient of performance of the indoor unit can be a temperature between a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 15°C.

[0494] When the controller (400) controls the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit, it recognizes the target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit and can control the operation of the compressor (210) based on the recognized target refrigerant pressure and the refrigerant pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0495] The target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be preset information.

[0496] The target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the indoor unit's coefficient of performance is a minimum of 25 kg / cm² 3 Up to 33 kg / cm² 3 It could be pressure between them.

[0497] When there are multiple indoor units, the controller (400) can control the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit based on the average performance coefficient of the multiple indoor units if the operating mode of the indoor unit is cooling mode, and control the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit based on the average performance coefficient of the multiple indoor units if the operating mode of the indoor unit is heating mode.

[0498] The controller (400) can periodically recognize the performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

[0499] The controller (400) periodically identifies whether the performance coefficient of the indoor unit is in a declining state or an rising state based on the recognized performance coefficient of the indoor unit, recognizes whether the indoor unit is subject to power saving control based on the identification that the performance coefficient of the indoor unit is in a declining state, and can change the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor unit is not subject to power saving control.

[0500] When the controller (400) changes the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's performance coefficient being in a degraded state and the indoor unit not being subject to power saving control, if the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode, it adds a first constant temperature to the indoor temperature and changes the target temperature to the added temperature, and if the indoor unit's operating mode is heating mode, it subtracts a second constant temperature from the indoor temperature and changes the target temperature to the subtracted temperature.

[0501] The first constant temperature and the second constant temperature are preset temperatures, and they may be the same or different.

[0502] The power saving control targets may include indoor units that are operating with their target temperature changed based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity, or indoor units that are in off control.

[0503] The controller (400) can maintain power saving control of the indoor unit based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity if the indoor unit is subject to power saving control even though the indoor unit's performance coefficient is in a degraded state.

[0504] The controller (400) can maintain the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's performance coefficient being in an upward state and the indoor unit not being subject to power saving control.

[0505] The controller (400) can maintain power saving control of the indoor unit based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity if the indoor unit is subject to power saving control even though the performance coefficient of the indoor unit is in an upward state.

[0506] The controller (400) may include a communication interface (410) for performing wired communication and / or wireless communication with an external device.

[0507] The communication interface (410) may include various communication circuits for performing wired communication and / or wireless communication with a repeater (401) and an external device (e.g., power meter, server and / or user device).

[0508] User devices may include various electronic devices such as smartphones, notebooks, laptops, smartwatches, stationary tablets, and speakers. User input can be obtained through user devices as well as through the user interface (100).

[0509] The communication interface (410) may include at least one of a short-range communication circuit and a long-range communication circuit.

[0510] The communication interface (410) can transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the first communication interface (150) may support cellular communication, wireless local area network, home radio frequency, infrared communication, ultra-wide band communication, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, AD-HOC, and / or Zigbee. The communication technologies supported by the communication interface (410) are not limited to those exemplified.

[0511] The communication interface (410) may also communicate with an external device through an access point (AP). The access point can connect the local network (LAN) to which the clothing processing device (1001) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner (1) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0512] The controller (400) may include at least one processor (420) for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1) and at least one memory (430) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1).

[0513] At least one processor (420) may include an algorithm for controlling the operation of components within the air conditioner (1), at least one memory for storing data in the form of a program, and one or more processor chips that perform the aforementioned operation using the data stored in at least one memory, or one or more processing cores.

[0514] At least one processor (420) can process various data and various signals using instructions, data, programs and / or software stored in memory (430).

[0515] At least one processor (420) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator.

[0516] The memory (430) can store the reference power amount per peak level, the preset peak level, and the daily predicted power amount.

[0517] The memory (430) can store the amount of power consumed per peak period.

[0518] The memory (430) can store information about a preset temperature, a first and second constant temperature, and information about a preset time.

[0519] The memory (430) can store identification information of an indoor unit belonging to a first control group and identification information of an indoor unit belonging to a second control group.

[0520] The memory (430) can store identification information for an outdoor unit, at least one indoor unit, and at least one ventilation device for each management group.

[0521] The memory (430) can store information regarding the limiting current amount, target refrigerant temperature, and target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

[0522] The memory (430) can store information about the power consumption, cooling capacity, and heating capacity of each indoor unit.

[0523] The memory (430) can store data required for various embodiments.

[0524] The memory (430) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the air conditioner (1) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to the air conditioner (1), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the air conditioner (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the air conditioner (1), and data for the expansion function of the air conditioner (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached to the air conditioner (1).

[0525] Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the air conditioner (1) can be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD).

[0526] In addition, the memory that can be attached to the air conditioner (1) may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.) or an external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), but is not limited thereto.

[0527] The memory (430) may include one or more memory chips or one or more memory blocks.

[0528] At least one component may be added or removed in response to the performance of the components of the air conditioner (1) illustrated in FIG. 7. Additionally, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the relative positions of the components may be changed in response to the performance or structure of the air conditioner (1).

[0529] Meanwhile, each component illustrated in Fig. 7 refers to a software and / or hardware component such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0530] FIGS. 8 to 12 are control flowcharts of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0531] The control sequence of the air conditioner is explained with reference to Fig. 8.

[0532] The air conditioner can receive the power consumption and peak control time for each peak section through the user interface (370) and store the received power consumption and peak control time for each peak section (501).

[0533] The air conditioner can also output the received power consumption and peak control time for each peak section through the output interface (372).

[0534] The air conditioner can store the reference power amount for each peak level received from the external device (2) and output the reference power amount for each peak level through the output interface (372).

[0535] The air conditioner can receive the current power consumption and current peak level received from an external device (2). The air conditioner can also output the received current power consumption and current peak level through an output interface (372).

[0536] The air conditioner recognizes the received current power consumption (502) and can identify whether the current power consumption is greater than or equal to the reference power consumption (503).

[0537] The reference power quantity may be the first reference power quantity. In other words, the fact that the recognized current power consumption is the reference power quantity may mean that the current peak level is the first peak level.

[0538] The air conditioner can control the operation of the indoor unit and ventilation device based on user input when the current power consumption is less than the standard power consumption (504).

[0539] The fact that the current power consumption is less than the standard power consumption means that power reduction control in the air conditioner is unnecessary.

[0540] The operation of indoor units and ventilation devices based on user input is explained as an example.

[0541] If the operating mode of the indoor unit based on user input is cooling mode, the target temperature of the indoor unit based on user input is 18℃, and the ventilation mode of the ventilation device based on user input is heat transfer ventilation mode, the air conditioner controls the flow path of the four-way valve provided in the outdoor unit to perform cooling mode, controls the compressor (210), expansion valve (not shown), and indoor fan (350) so that the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (252) reaches the target temperature of the indoor unit, controls the rotation of the first and second blowers (10a, 109b) of the ventilation device to perform heat transfer ventilation mode, controls the closing of the first damper (190), controls the closing of the second damper (191), and controls the opening of the third damper (192).

[0542] The air conditioner identifies whether the received current peak level is below a preset peak level based on whether the current power consumption is above a reference power amount (505).

[0543] The preset peak level may include a second peak level.

[0544] Identifying whether the received current peak level is less than or equal to a preset peak level may include identifying whether the received current peak level is a first peak level or a second peak level. Here, the first peak level may be a peak level lower than the second peak level.

[0545] The air conditioner can turn off the indoor unit based on the fact that the received current peak level is identified as a peak level greater than the preset peak level (506).

[0546] Peak levels greater than the preset peak level may include a third peak level.

[0547] The air conditioner may also control the ventilation device (100) to turn off based on whether the received current peak level is a peak level greater than a preset peak level.

[0548] It is also possible for the air conditioner to control the compressor (210) of the outdoor unit (200) to turn off and control only the indoor fan (350) of the indoor unit (300) to rotate based on the fact that the received current peak level is a peak level greater than a preset peak level.

[0549] When there are multiple indoor units provided in an air conditioner, the air conditioner can control the multiple indoor units to turn off based on whether the received current peak level is a peak level greater than a preset peak level.

[0550] When there are multiple indoor units provided in the air conditioner, the air conditioner can control the compressor (210) of the outdoor unit (200) to turn off based on whether the received current peak level is a peak level greater than a preset peak level, and control the rotation of only the indoor fans (350) of the multiple indoor units (300).

[0551] The air conditioner recognizes the available power consumption corresponding to the current peak range based on the fact that the received current peak level is identified as being below a preset peak level, and can recognize the target power consumption based on the recognized available power consumption and the energy saving rate.

[0552] For example, the air conditioner can recognize a first power consumption corresponding to the first peak section based on the fact that the current peak section is the first peak section, and recognize a first target power consumption based on the first power consumption and the power saving rate.

[0553] The air conditioner recognizes the second power consumption corresponding to the second peak section based on the fact that the current peak section is the second peak section, and can recognize the second target power consumption based on the recognized second power consumption and the power saving rate.

[0554] The power saving rate may be the ratio of the amount of power consumed when peak control is performed according to the present embodiment to the amount of power consumed when peak control is not performed.

[0555] The power saving rate can be pre-set information.

[0556] The air conditioner can identify whether the current power consumption is less than the target power consumption (507).

[0557] The air conditioner identifies whether the current time is a peak control time based on whether the current power consumption is less than the target power consumption (508). Here, the peak control time may be information received through the user interface (370).

[0558] The air conditioner can perform power saving control based on the current time being identified as the peak control time (509). Here, the power saving control may include controlling the air conditioner to reduce power by considering the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0559] If the air conditioner is identified as having a current power consumption greater than or equal to the target power consumption, or that the current time is not a peak control time, it can control at least one of the indoor unit (300) and the outdoor unit (200) (510).

[0560] A configuration of an air conditioner is described for controlling at least one of an indoor unit (300) and an outdoor unit (200) based on the current peak level when it is identified that the current power consumption is greater than or equal to the target power consumption, or that the current time is not the peak control time. An air conditioner equipped with multiple indoor units is described as an example.

[0561] For example, the air conditioner can control the indoor units belonging to the first control group among the plurality of indoor units to turn off based on the current peak level being the first peak level, and control the indoor units belonging to the second control group among the plurality of indoor units to turn off based on the current peak level being the second peak level.

[0562] As another example, based on the current peak level being the first peak level, the air conditioner can control the rotation of only the blower fan of the indoor unit belonging to the first control group among the plurality of indoor units and control the outdoor unit to turn off, and based on the current peak level being the second peak level, control the rotation of only the blower fan of the indoor unit belonging to the second control group among the plurality of indoor units and control the outdoor unit to turn off.

[0563] As another example, the air conditioner can change the target temperature of each indoor unit belonging to the first control group among a plurality of indoor units based on the current peak level being the first peak level, and change the target temperature of each indoor unit belonging to the second control group among a plurality of indoor units based on the current peak level being the second peak level.

[0564] The number of indoor units in the second control group may be greater than the number of indoor units in the first control group.

[0565] The indoor unit belonging to the second control group may include the indoor unit belonging to the first control group and at least one other indoor unit.

[0566] The indoor unit belonging to the second control group may include multiple indoor units, excluding the indoor unit belonging to the first control group.

[0567] When changing the target temperature of a plurality of indoor units belonging to a first control group or a second group, the air conditioner may change the indoor target temperature of each indoor unit based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) provided in each indoor unit and the first constant temperature if the operating mode of the indoor unit is a cooling mode, and may change the indoor target temperature of each indoor unit based on the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) provided in each indoor unit and the second constant temperature if the operating mode of the indoor unit is a heating mode.

[0568] When the indoor target temperature is changed during the cooling mode, the air conditioner can add the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and the first constant temperature and change the indoor target temperature to the added temperature.

[0569] When the indoor target temperature is changed during the heating mode, the air conditioner can subtract the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and the second constant temperature and change the indoor target temperature to the subtracted temperature.

[0570] Referring to Fig. 9, an example control sequence for power saving control of an air conditioner is described. The sequence of power saving control when the indoor unit is in cooling mode is described.

[0571] The air conditioner recognizes the outdoor temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (151) and the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) (520).

[0572] The air conditioner adds a preset temperature (A) to the outdoor temperature and identifies whether the indoor temperature exceeds the added temperature (521).

[0573] The air conditioner controls the performance of the general ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as exceeding the summed temperature, and can control the indoor unit (300) to turn off (522).

[0574] The air conditioner identifies whether the ventilation device satisfies the off condition based on whether the indoor temperature is identified as being below the summed temperature (523).

[0575] Identifying whether the indoor temperature is equal to or less than the summed temperature may include identifying whether the indoor temperature is equal to the summed temperature and identifying whether the indoor temperature is less than the summed temperature.

[0576] The off conditions for the ventilation device may include conditions where the indoor temperature is less than the sum of the outdoor temperatures (i.e., outdoor temperature + A).

[0577] The off conditions of the ventilation device may include conditions where the required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0578] The off condition of the ventilation device may include a condition where the required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0579] The air conditioner recognizes the required capacity of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's rated cooling capacity, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and target temperature, identifies whether the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, and identifies that the ventilation device satisfies the off condition based on the fact that the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0580] When the air conditioner identifies whether the required capacity of a recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, it can identify whether the required capacity of the recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0581] The air conditioner can be identified as not satisfying the off condition of the ventilation device based on the recognized indoor unit's required capacity being below the standard required capacity.

[0582] The air conditioner can identify that the ventilation device does not satisfy the off condition based on the fact that the required capacity of the indoor unit, recognized as being less than a preset time, is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0583] When there are multiple indoor units, the air conditioner recognizes the required capacity of each of the multiple indoor units and can identify whether the required capacity of all the recognized multiple indoor units is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity during a preset time.

[0584] The air conditioner can control the performance of the heat-generating ventilation mode if it does not satisfy the off condition of the ventilation device (524).

[0585] The air conditioner can control the execution of the heat ventilation mode if the indoor temperature is equal to the sum of the outdoor temperatures, or if the required capacity of the indoor unit is below the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0586] When the air conditioner satisfies the conditions for turning off the ventilation device, it can turn off the ventilation device and change the target temperature of the indoor unit (525).

[0587] Changing the target temperature of the indoor unit may include adding a first constant temperature to the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and changing the target temperature of the indoor unit to the added temperature. Here, the added temperature is the temperature obtained by adding the first constant temperature to the indoor temperature.

[0588] Referring to Fig. 10, the control sequence of another example for power saving control of an air conditioner is described.

[0589] The air conditioner recognizes the outdoor temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (151) and the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) (530).

[0590] The air conditioner adds a preset temperature (A) to the outdoor temperature and identifies whether the indoor temperature exceeds the added temperature (531).

[0591] The air conditioner can control the performance of the general ventilation mode based on the indoor temperature being identified as exceeding the summed temperature (532).

[0592] The air conditioner identifies whether the ventilation device satisfies the off condition based on whether the indoor temperature is identified as being below the summed temperature (533).

[0593] Identifying whether the indoor temperature is equal to or less than the summed temperature may include identifying whether the indoor temperature is equal to the summed temperature and identifying whether the indoor temperature is less than the summed temperature.

[0594] The off conditions for the ventilation device may include conditions where the indoor temperature is less than the sum of the outdoor temperatures (i.e., outdoor temperature + A).

[0595] The off conditions of the ventilation device may include conditions where the required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0596] The off condition of the ventilation device may include a condition where the required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0597] The air conditioner can recognize the time the indoor unit operates beyond the standard required capacity.

[0598] The air conditioner recognizes the required capacity of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's rated cooling capacity, indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and target temperature, identifies whether the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, and identifies that the ventilation device satisfies the off condition based on the fact that the recognized required capacity of the indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0599] When the air conditioner identifies whether the required capacity of a recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity, it can identify whether the required capacity of the recognized indoor unit is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0600] The air conditioner can be identified as not satisfying the off condition of the ventilation device based on the recognized indoor unit's required capacity being below the standard required capacity.

[0601] The air conditioner can identify that the ventilation device does not satisfy the off condition based on the fact that the required capacity of the indoor unit, recognized as being less than a preset time, is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity.

[0602] The air conditioner can be identified as not satisfying the off condition of the ventilation device based on the fact that the time the indoor unit operates above the standard required capacity is less than the preset time.

[0603] When there are multiple indoor units, the air conditioner recognizes the required capacity of each of the multiple indoor units and can identify whether the required capacity of all the recognized multiple indoor units is greater than or equal to the standard required capacity during a preset time.

[0604] The air conditioner can control the performance of the heat-generating ventilation mode if it does not satisfy the off condition of the ventilation device (534).

[0605] The air conditioner can control the execution of the heat ventilation mode if the indoor temperature is equal to the sum of the outdoor temperatures, or if the required capacity of the indoor unit is below the standard required capacity for a preset period of time.

[0606] The air conditioner can turn off the ventilation device when it satisfies the conditions for turning off the ventilation device (535).

[0607] The air conditioner can recognize indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor (360) (536), identify whether the recognized indoor humidity is within the standard humidity range (537), and maintain the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor humidity is outside the standard humidity range (538).

[0608] The air conditioner can change the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a first constant temperature to a first temperature based on the indoor humidity being below a standard humidity, and can maintain and control the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor humidity being above the standard humidity.

[0609] The air conditioner can change the target temperature of the indoor unit based on whether the indoor humidity is identified as being within the standard humidity range (539).

[0610] The standard humidity range is a comfortable humidity range and may include a humidity range from approximately 50% to approximately 60%.

[0611] Changing the target temperature of the indoor unit may include adding a first constant temperature to the indoor temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (152) and changing the target temperature of the indoor unit to the added temperature. Here, the added temperature is the temperature obtained by adding the first constant temperature to the indoor temperature. Here, the first constant temperature may be referred to as a preset first value.

[0612] Referring to Fig. 11, the control sequence of the outdoor unit for power saving is explained.

[0613] The air conditioner recognizes the coefficient of performance (COP) of the indoor unit based on the cooling capacity of the indoor unit, the heating capacity of the indoor unit, and the power consumption of the indoor unit (540).

[0614] The air conditioner can control the current flowing to the outdoor unit based on the performance coefficient of the recognized indoor unit (541).

[0615] Controlling the current flowing to the outdoor unit may include recognizing a limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit, and controlling the current flowing to the compressor (210) of the outdoor unit based on the recognized limiting current amount and the current amount detected by the current sensor.

[0616] The limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be pre-set information. The limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be a current amount between 50% and 100% of the maximum current. The limiting current amount corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be proportional.

[0617] When multiple indoor units are provided in an air conditioner, the air conditioner recognizes the performance coefficients of the multiple indoor units and the average of the recognized performance coefficients of the multiple indoor units, and can control the current flowing to the compressor of the outdoor unit based on the recognized average performance coefficient.

[0618] The air conditioner can identify whether the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode (542).

[0619] If the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode, the air conditioner can control the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit based on the indoor unit's performance coefficient (543), and if the indoor unit's operating mode is heating mode, it can control the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit based on the indoor unit's performance coefficient (544).

[0620] Controlling the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit may include recognizing a target refrigerant temperature corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit, and controlling the operation of the compressor (210) based on the refrigerant temperature detected by the third temperature sensor and the recognized target refrigerant temperature.

[0621] The target refrigerant temperature corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be preset information.

[0622] The target refrigerant temperature corresponding to the coefficient of performance of the indoor unit can be a temperature between a minimum of 5°C and a maximum of 15°C.

[0623] Controlling the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit may include recognizing a target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit, and controlling the operation of the compressor (210) based on the recognized target refrigerant pressure and the refrigerant pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

[0624] The target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the performance coefficient of the indoor unit may be preset information.

[0625] The target refrigerant pressure corresponding to the indoor unit's coefficient of performance is a minimum of 25 kg / cm² 3 Up to 33 kg / cm² 3It could be pressure between them.

[0626] When multiple indoor units are provided in an air conditioner, the air conditioner can control the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit based on the average coefficient of performance of the multiple indoor units when the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode, and control the refrigerant pressure of the outdoor unit based on the average coefficient of performance of the multiple indoor units when the indoor unit's operating mode is heating mode.

[0627] Referring to Fig. 12, the control sequence of the indoor unit using the performance coefficient is explained.

[0628] The air conditioner can periodically recognize the performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

[0629] When multiple indoor units are provided in an air conditioner, the air conditioner can recognize the indoor units among the multiple indoor units that are not subject to power saving control (550).

[0630] The air conditioner can change the target temperature of the indoor unit or recognize an indoor unit that is off as an indoor unit subject to power saving control based on at least one of the indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, indoor humidity, and the required capacity of the indoor unit, and recognize indoor units among a plurality of indoor units excluding the indoor unit subject to power saving control as indoor units not subject to power saving control.

[0631] The air conditioner can identify whether the indoor unit's performance coefficient is in a degraded state based on the performance coefficient of the indoor unit that is periodically recognized (551). The air conditioner can change the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's performance coefficient being identified as being in a degraded state.

[0632] Changing the target temperature of the indoor unit is done by adding a first constant temperature to the indoor temperature and changing the target temperature to the added temperature if the indoor unit's operating mode is cooling mode, and by subtracting a second constant temperature from the indoor temperature and changing the target temperature to the subtracted temperature if the indoor unit's operating mode is heating mode.

[0633] The first constant temperature and the second constant temperature are preset temperatures, and they may be the same or different.

[0634] The first constant temperature may be referred to as a preset first value, and the second constant temperature may be referred to as a preset second value.

[0635] The air conditioner can maintain the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's performance coefficient being identified as rising (554).

[0636] If the indoor unit's coefficient of performance is in a degraded state but the indoor unit is subject to power saving control, the air conditioner can maintain power saving control of the indoor unit based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity.

[0637] The air conditioner can maintain the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the indoor unit's coefficient of performance being in an elevated state and the indoor unit not being subject to power saving control.

[0638] If the indoor unit's coefficient of performance is in an upward state but the indoor unit is subject to power saving control, the air conditioner can maintain power saving control of the indoor unit based on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and indoor humidity.

[0639] The air conditioner can save power by controlling only the operation of the ventilation device and the indoor unit without turning off the outdoor unit when the current peak level is the first peak level or the second peak level, thereby preventing at least one outdoor unit from being turned off.

[0640] As shown in FIG. 13, by controlling the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and ventilation device based on at least one of the outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, required capacity of the indoor unit, and performance coefficient of the indoor unit at the first and second peak levels, it can be seen that the power consumption per peak level can be further reduced by the 'E' region compared to the existing method.

[0641] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium that stores instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0642] Computer-readable recording media include all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. Examples include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0643] As described above, the disclosed embodiments have been explained with reference to the attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be practiced in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

Claims

1. A ventilation device that exchanges indoor air and outdoor air in an air-conditioned space; An indoor unit that controls the temperature of the indoor air of the air conditioning space using heat exchange of a refrigerant; An outdoor unit that supplies refrigerant to the indoor unit; A first temperature sensor for detecting the first temperature of the outdoor air; A second temperature sensor for detecting the second temperature of the indoor air; A humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the indoor air; and An air conditioner comprising a processor that performs power saving control of the ventilation device, the outdoor unit, and the indoor unit based on the first temperature, the second temperature, the humidity, and the performance coefficient of the indoor unit.

2. In paragraph 1, the processor, An air conditioner that performs power saving control based on the current power consumption and reference power consumption consumed by the ventilation device, the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit.

3. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a user interface that receives information regarding available power consumption and the power saving control time, and The above processor identifies a target power consumption amount based on the available power consumption amount and the power saving amount corresponding to the power saving control, and performs the power saving control based on the identified target power consumption amount, current power consumption amount, current time, and time for the power saving control.

4. In paragraph 1, the processor, An air conditioner that controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device to a general ventilation mode based on the fact that the second temperature exceeds the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature, and controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode based on the fact that the second temperature is equal to the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature.

5. In paragraph 4, the processor, An air conditioner that controls the indoor unit to turn off based on controlling the ventilation mode of the above ventilation device to the above general ventilation mode.

6. In paragraph 1, the processor, An air conditioner that controls the ventilation device to turn off based on the fact that the second temperature is less than the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature.

7. In paragraph 6, the above processor, An air conditioner that changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to the second temperature, based on controlling the ventilation device off.

8. In paragraph 6, the processor, An air conditioner that identifies the humidity based on controlling the ventilation device off, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to the first temperature based on the identified humidity being below a reference humidity, and maintains the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the humidity exceeding the reference humidity.

9. In paragraph 4, the processor, An air conditioner that identifies the humidity based on controlling the ventilation mode of the above ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to the first temperature based on the fact that the identified humidity is below a reference humidity, and maintains and controls the target temperature of the indoor unit based on the fact that the humidity exceeds the reference humidity.

10. In paragraph 1, the processor, Based on the fact that the second temperature is less than or equal to the temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the first temperature, the time during which the indoor unit is operating above a standard required capacity is identified, and The ventilation device is turned off based on the fact that the time the indoor unit operates above the standard requirement capacity exceeds a preset time, and An air conditioner that controls the ventilation mode of the ventilation device to a heat-generating ventilation mode based on the fact that the time during which the indoor unit operates above the standard required capacity is less than the preset time.

11. In Clause 10, the above processor, An air conditioner that changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a second value preset to the second temperature, based on controlling the ventilation device off.

12. In paragraph 1, the processor, An air conditioner that recognizes the performance coefficient of the indoor unit based on the cooling capacity of the indoor unit, the heating capacity of the indoor unit, and the power consumption of the indoor unit.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above outdoor unit further includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, and The above processor identifies a limiting current amount flowing to the compressor based on the performance coefficient of the recognized indoor unit, and controls the current flowing to the compressor based on the identified limiting current amount.

14. In Clause 12, the above processor, An air conditioner that periodically identifies the performance coefficient of the indoor unit, and based on the fact that the performance coefficient of the indoor unit identified periodically is in a declining state and the operating mode of the indoor unit is a heating mode, changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by subtracting a second value preset to the second temperature.

15. In Clause 12, the above processor, Periodically identify the performance coefficient of the above indoor unit, and An air conditioner that changes the target temperature of the indoor unit to a temperature obtained by adding a first value preset to the second temperature, based on the fact that the performance coefficient of the indoor unit identified periodically is in a degraded state and the operating mode of the indoor unit is a cooling mode.

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