Air conditioner and operating method thereof

Abstract

This air conditioner connected to a duct comprises: an indoor unit including an evaporator and a first condenser; an outdoor unit including a second condenser; a first sensor for sensing the temperature of air discharged from the indoor unit; a second sensor for sensing the temperature of air introduced into the indoor unit; a memory; and at least one processor, wherein the air conditioner: acquires a discharge temperature of air via the first sensor; acquires an intake temperature of air via the second sensor; acquires, on the basis of the intake temperature, a dew point temperature of a ceiling corresponding to the periphery of the duct; on the basis of the discharge temperature being less than the dew point temperature of the ceiling, adjusts a flow rate of a refrigerant delivered to the first condenser to control the discharge temperature to increase, wherein the air introduced into the indoor unit is cooled via the evaporator, heated via the first condenser to a temperature higher than or equal to the dew point temperature, and discharged to the outside of the indoor unit.

Description

Air conditioner and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. More specifically, it relates to an air conditioner connected to a duct, and a method of operation thereof for preventing the phenomenon of dew forming on the outside of the duct.

[0002] An air conditioner can control the condition of the air, such as the temperature, humidity, or cleanliness of the air. Generally, an air conditioner includes a heat pump unit consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and can drive a refrigerant cycle by controlling the heat pump unit to compress, condense, expand, and evaporate the refrigerant.

[0003] Through this, the air conditioner can control the temperature and humidity of the indoor air, and in particular, effectively remove moisture from the indoor air through dehumidification operation. Dehumidification operation may include a method of removing moisture from the air by lowering the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger below the dew point temperature to cause dew to form on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger. That is, as humid indoor air passes through the indoor heat exchanger, it condenses into dew on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger, thereby removing moisture from the air.

[0004] A ducted air conditioner is a device that provides cooling or heating by delivering air to various spaces through ducts. Ducted air conditioners are primarily used in residential and commercial buildings, allowing for the efficient management of an entire space with a single unit. The ducts are located in the ceiling, through which air is drawn into the air conditioner and discharged to the outside.

[0005] The dehumidification operation of a ducted air conditioner may involve drawing in indoor air through ceiling-mounted air intakes and ducts, regulating its temperature and humidity via an indoor heat exchanger, and then supplying it back into the room through ducts and air outlets. During the dehumidification process, if the discharge temperature of the air passing through the ducts is lower than the dew point temperature of the surrounding area (i.e., the space inside the ceiling), condensation may form on the surface of the ducts. This condensation creates an environment where mold can develop on the duct surfaces. Since the space inside the ceiling where the ducts are located is difficult for users to clean, it may be difficult for users to remove mold that has formed on the duct surfaces.

[0006] An air conditioner connected to a duct according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an indoor unit including an evaporator and a first condenser, an outdoor unit including a second condenser, a first sensor for sensing the temperature of air discharged from the indoor unit, a second sensor for sensing the temperature of air sucked into the indoor unit, a memory including one or more storage media for storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor including a processing circuit.

[0007] By executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner obtains the discharge temperature of the air through the first sensor.

[0008] By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner obtains the air intake temperature through the second sensor.

[0009] By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner obtains a dew point temperature of the ceiling corresponding to the duct based on the intake temperature.

[0010] By executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner controls the discharge temperature to be raised by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser based on the discharge temperature being lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, air sucked into the indoor unit is cooled by passing through the evaporator, heated above the dew point temperature by passing through the first condenser, and discharged to the outside of the indoor unit.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air conditioner connected to a duct comprises the steps of: obtaining a discharge temperature of air through a first sensor for sensing the temperature of air discharged from an indoor unit; obtaining an intake temperature of air through a second sensor for sensing the temperature of air sucked into the indoor unit; obtaining a dew point temperature of a ceiling corresponding to the surroundings of the duct based on the intake temperature; and controlling to increase the discharge temperature by adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser based on the fact that the discharge temperature is less than the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, air drawn into the indoor unit comprising an evaporator and a first condenser is cooled by passing through the evaporator, heated above the dew point temperature by passing through the first condenser, and discharged to the outside of the indoor unit.

[0014] The present disclosure can be easily understood from the combination of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, where reference numerals denote structural elements.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the air flow and refrigerant flow during the dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a state in which the discharge temperature of air discharged from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure increases.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormal control operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a drawing for comparing a case where an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first condenser and a case where it does not include one.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a detailed block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormal control operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] 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.

[0027] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be understood to include plural objects. Thus, for example, the description "constituent surface" may include cases where it refers to one or more of such surfaces.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] When it is said that one 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of flowcharts can be executed by one or more computer programs containing computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored all in a single memory or may be partitioned and stored in multiple different memories.

[0038] All functions or operations described in this disclosure may be processed by a single processor or a combination of processors. A single processor or a combination of processors is a circuitry that performs processing and may include circuitry such as an AP (Application Processor), CP (Communication Processor), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), MPU (Microprocessor Unit), SoC (System on Chip), IC (Integrated Chip), etc.

[0039] The processor of the present disclosure can generate a control signal for controlling the operation of an air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate a control signal according to the processing result. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

[0040] A processor may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term “processor” as used herein, including in the claims, may include at least one processor and various processing circuits. In at least one processor, one or more processors may be configured to perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner, individually and / or collectively. As used herein, “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” may be configured to perform various functions. However, these terms cover, without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the functions, and situations where a single processor can perform all functions. Additionally, at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various functions of the disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0041] In the present disclosure, the processor can write data to memory or read data stored in memory, and in particular, process data according to predefined operation rules or artificial intelligence models by executing a program or at least one instruction stored in memory. Accordingly, the processor can perform operations described in subsequent embodiments, and operations described in subsequent embodiments as being performed by an air conditioner or detailed components included in the air conditioner may be considered as being performed by the processor unless otherwise specified.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the term “user” means a person controlling a system, function, or operation, and may include a developer, administrator, installer, or repair technician.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an air conditioner (1000). The air conditioning system may further include ducts (51, 52) located in the ceiling, an air discharge port (61), and an air intake port (62).

[0045] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure 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 equipped with at least one of these functions. The air conditioner (1000) may be implemented in the form of a cooling unit, a heating unit, a cooling and heating unit, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier. The present disclosure describes the case where the air conditioner (1000) corresponds to a cooling unit. However, this is for convenience of explanation and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may include an indoor unit (100) and an outdoor unit (200). The indoor unit (100) may be placed within a target space to be cooled or heated. When a plurality of indoor units are provided in the air conditioner (1000), each indoor unit (100) may be placed in a different target space. The plurality of indoor units may be connected to a single outdoor unit or a plurality of outdoor units. The outdoor unit (200) may be placed in an external space to release or absorb heat.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigerant cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a condenser. An indoor unit (100) may be provided with an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit (200) may be provided with an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may correspond to a ducted air conditioner. A ducted air conditioner may be a device that provides cooling or heating by delivering air to various spaces through a duct. For example, the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000) may be provided in the ceiling interior space as shown in FIG. 1. Air conditioned in the indoor unit (100) may be discharged into the indoor space through a duct located in the ceiling interior space. The ceiling interior space may refer to the space between the wall and the ceiling within a building. The outdoor unit (200) of the air conditioner (1000) may be installed facing the outside of the building, separated from the indoor unit (100).

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ceiling interior space may be provided with a first duct (51), an air outlet (61) connected to the first duct (51), a second duct (52), and an air intake (62) connected to the second duct (52). The air outlet (61) and the air intake (62) may correspond to diffusers.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) can perform a dehumidification operation. The dehumidification operation may include a method of drawing indoor air through an air intake port (62) and a second duct (52), adjusting the temperature and humidity through an indoor heat exchanger, and then supplying it to the indoors through a first duct (51) and an air discharge port (61).

[0051] Referring to the enlarged view (10) of the first duct (51), during the dehumidification operation, if the discharge temperature of the air passing through the duct (here, the first duct (51)) is lower than the dew point temperature of the area around the duct (i.e., the space inside the ceiling), dew may form on the surface of the duct. This dew formation creates an environment where mold can grow on the surface of the duct. Since the space inside the ceiling where the duct is located is a space that is difficult for the user to clean, the user may find it difficult to remove mold that has formed on the surface of the duct.

[0052] Here, the dew point temperature around the duct (or the dew point temperature of the ceiling) may be the temperature or dew point at which dew begins to form around the duct. The dew point temperature may be a value determined based on the indoor temperature and relative humidity. For example, in an indoor space with an indoor temperature of 27 degrees and a relative humidity of 60%, the dew point temperature may be set to 18.7°C.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can prevent the phenomenon of dew forming on the surface of the duct by adjusting the air discharge temperature based on a comparison between the air discharge temperature and the dew point temperature around the duct (i.e., the space inside the ceiling).

[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to the enlarged view (20) of the indoor unit (100), the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000) may include an evaporator (110) and a first condenser (120). For example, during the dehumidification operation of the air conditioner (1000), air drawn into the indoor unit (100) may be cooled and dehumidified in the evaporator (110). If the indoor unit (100) is not equipped with the first condenser (120), the air cooled in the evaporator (110) is discharged through the first duct (51), and accordingly, as described in the enlarged view (10) of the first duct (51), dew may form on the surface of the first duct (51).

[0055] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with a first condenser (120), and air sucked into an indoor unit (100) can pass through an evaporator (110), pass through the first condenser (120), and be discharged into a first duct (51). In this case, the air cooled in the evaporator (110) can pass through the first condenser (120) and increase above the dew point temperature of the ceiling. That is, the air conditioner (1000) can raise the discharge temperature of the air above the dew point temperature of the ceiling by using the heat released from the first condenser (120).

[0056] A detailed description of the evaporator (110) and the first condenser (120) is given in FIG. 2.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) based on the fact that the discharge temperature of the air is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling. When the flow rate (or amount of refrigerant) of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) increases, the first condenser (120) can perform heat exchange between the increased amount of refrigerant and the indoor air. Accordingly, the temperature of the air discharged by the first condenser (120) may increase. Additionally, since the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) corresponds to a high temperature, the temperature of the air passing through the first condenser (120) may increase. Accordingly, the discharge temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) may increase, and the phenomenon of dew forming on the surface of the duct may be prevented.

[0058] Hereinafter, the operation of controlling the components of the air conditioner (1000) to control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) of the air conditioner (1000) will be described in detail.

[0059] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may use a first sensor (141) and a second sensor (142) to obtain the air discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling. The first sensor (141) is installed inside the indoor unit (100) to obtain the air discharge temperature and may be located adjacent to the first duct (51). The second sensor (142) is installed inside the indoor unit (100) to obtain the air intake temperature and may be located adjacent to the second duct (52).

[0060] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an indoor unit (100), an outdoor unit (200), a processor (1001), and a memory (1002). The indoor unit (100) may include an evaporator (110), a first condenser (120), a condensation flow control valve (130), and a sensor (140). The outdoor unit (200) may include a second condenser (210) and an outdoor fan (220). However, not all components shown in FIG. 2 are essential components. The air conditioner (1000) may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 2, or with fewer components.

[0062] All components of a heat pump device may be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of an air conditioner (1000), such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of a heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner (1000), such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, and a system air conditioner.

[0063] An air conditioner (1000) 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 (1000) may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0064] The air conditioner (1000) may include a refrigerant pipe connecting an evaporator (110) provided in an indoor unit (100), a first condenser (120), and a condensation flow control valve (130), and a second condenser (210) provided in an outdoor unit (200).

[0065] The indoor unit (100) is provided indoors. For example, the indoor unit (100) may be classified into a ceiling-mounted indoor unit, a stand-type indoor unit, a wall-mounted indoor unit, etc., depending on the method of placement. For example, the ceiling-mounted indoor unit may be classified into a 4-way type indoor unit, a 1-way type indoor unit, a duct-type indoor unit, etc., depending on the method of air discharge. In the present disclosure, the indoor unit (100) is exemplified as a duct-type indoor unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The evaporator (110) is an indoor heat exchanger and can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., evaporation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (110), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor air can be cooled and dehumidified by blowing the cooled indoor air through the cooled evaporator (110).

[0067] The first condenser (120) is an indoor heat exchanger and can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensing in the first condenser (120), the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor air heated while passing through the high-temperature first condenser (120) can be blown to heat the indoor air.

[0068] The first condenser (120) may be a reheat device for raising the temperature of the discharged air again. The first condenser (120) may be placed between the evaporator (110) and the duct so that the air cooled through the evaporator (110) does not condense as it passes through the duct. The operation of the first condenser (120) may be controlled based on indoor environmental information (e.g., temperature, humidity, dew point temperature, etc.). For example, if the air cooled in the evaporator (110) is lower than a predetermined temperature, the first condenser (120) may reheat the air and discharge it into the duct. The first condenser (120) may raise the temperature of the air above the dew point temperature of the ceiling. Here, the indoor air condition may be obtained through a sensor (140) provided in the air conditioner (1000), but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The condensation flow control valve (130) can control the amount of refrigerant transferred from the outdoor unit (200) to the first condenser (120). The condensation flow control valve (130) may include, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EVV) capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in a partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in a fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the condensation flow control valve (130) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve. For example, when the opening ratio is expressed from 0% to 100%, 0% may mean the valve is in a fully closed state, and 100% may mean the valve is in a fully open state. If the opening ratio of the EEV is low, the refrigerant flow rate passing through the EEV may be reduced. If the opening ratio of the EEV is high, the refrigerant may pass freely through the EEV. In the present disclosure, the opening ratio of the condensation flow control valve (130) may be expressed as an open degree.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the opening degree of the condensation flow control valve (130) increases, the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) may increase. In this case, since the first condenser (120) can perform heat exchange between the increased amount of refrigerant and the indoor air, the temperature of the air passing through the first condenser (120) may increase.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the opening degree of the condensation flow control valve (130) is reduced, the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) may be reduced. In this case, since the first condenser (120) can perform heat exchange between the reduced amount of refrigerant and the indoor air, the rate of temperature increase of the air passing through the first condenser (120) may be small.

[0072] The sensor (140) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor (140) may be provided as an environment sensor. The sensor (140) may be placed at any location inside or outside the indoor unit (100). For example, the sensor (140) may include at least one of, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the indoor unit (100), a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the indoor unit (100), a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (100), or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (100).

[0073] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor (140) may include a first sensor for sensing the temperature of air discharged from the indoor unit (100). The first sensor may be located adjacent to a first duct connected to a ceiling outlet. The first sensor may measure the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) through the first duct to the outlet. The first sensor may measure the temperature of the air discharged through the first condenser (120). The first sensor may be illustrated as the first sensor (141) of FIG. 1.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor (140) may include a second sensor for sensing the temperature of the air sucked into the indoor unit (100). The second sensor may be located adjacent to a second duct connected to an intake port in the ceiling. The second sensor may measure the temperature of the air sucked into the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner. The second sensor may include a temperature and humidity sensor for sensing the temperature and humidity of the air sucked into the indoor unit (100). The second sensor may be illustrated as the second sensor (142) of FIG. 1.

[0075] The outdoor unit (200) is provided outdoors. The outdoor unit (200) can be connected to the indoor unit (100) through refrigerant piping. The outdoor unit (200) can be electrically connected to the indoor unit (100). For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner (1000) can be entered through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit (200) or the indoor unit (100), and the outdoor unit (200) and the indoor unit (100) can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0076] The second condenser (210) can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change (e.g., condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensing in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air.

[0077] An outdoor fan (220) may be provided near the second condenser (210). The outdoor fan (220) may blow outdoor air into the second condenser (210) to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) decreases, the amount of heat (e.g., 100) that the second condenser (210) is supposed to release to the outside is not sufficiently released, and some amount of heat (e.g., 30) may remain. The remaining amount of heat (e.g., 30) that is not released from the second condenser (210) can be transferred to the indoor unit (100) along the refrigerant piping through the refrigerant. That is, the amount of heat (e.g., 30) of the refrigerant transferred from the second condenser (210) to the first condenser (120) may increase. Accordingly, the amount of heat released to the outside by the first condenser (120) during the heat exchange process increases, and the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) may increase.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) increases, the amount of heat released by the second condenser (210) may be large. Accordingly, the amount of refrigerant transferred from the second condenser (210) to the first condenser (120) and the amount of heat of the refrigerant may be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of heat released to the outside by the first condenser (120) during the heat exchange process is reduced, and the rate of temperature increase of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) may be small.

[0080] The memory (1002) can store / record various information required for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1002) can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). For example, the memory (1002) can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1002) 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 (1002) 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.

[0081] The processor (1001) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (1000). The processor (1001) may be implemented as one or more processors. One or more processors included in the processor (1001) may be circuitry such as a System on Chip (SoC) or an Integrated Circuit (IC). The processor (1001) can perform a predetermined operation by executing instructions or commands stored in memory (1002). Additionally, the processor (1001) controls the operation of components provided in the air conditioner (1000). One or more processors included in the processor (1001) may be general-purpose processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), AP (Application Processor), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), graphics-dedicated processors such as a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) and VPU (Vision Processing Unit), artificial intelligence-dedicated processors such as an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), or communication-dedicated processors such as a CP (Communication Processor). If one or more processors included in the processor (1001) are artificial intelligence-dedicated processors (1001), said artificial intelligence-dedicated processors may be designed with a hardware structure specialized for processing a specific artificial intelligence model.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (1001) may include at least one processor. By executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by at least one processor, the air conditioner (1000) obtains the discharge temperature of the air through a first sensor.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by at least one processor, the air conditioner (1000) obtains the intake temperature of the air through a second sensor.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by at least one processor, the air conditioner (1000) obtains a ceiling dew point temperature corresponding to the duct area based on the intake temperature.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more instructions are executed individually or in combination by at least one processor to control the discharge temperature by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser based on the discharge temperature being below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, air sucked into an indoor unit (100) is cooled by passing through an evaporator (110), heated above the dew point temperature of the ceiling by passing through a first condenser (120), and discharged to the outside of the indoor unit (100).

[0087] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent dew formation and mold growth by increasing the temperature of the discharged air passing through the duct during the air circulation process of the indoor unit (100) to above the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0088] An air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has an evaporator (110) and a first condenser (120) arranged in an indoor unit (100), so that during the air circulation process, cold air discharged when passing through the evaporator (110) increases above the dew point temperature as it passes through the first condenser (120).

[0089] Accordingly, while the evaporator (110) performs normal dehumidification operation, the temperature of the discharge air passing through the duct is increased above the dew point temperature, thereby preventing dew from forming on the outside of the duct and mold from forming.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) obtains a discharge temperature through a first sensor (141) and obtains a suction temperature through a second sensor (142), estimates the dew point temperature of the ceiling through the suction temperature, and then controls the amount of heat (or flow rate) of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) based on a comparison between the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling, thereby preventing dew from forming on the outer surface of the duct.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can prevent the cessation of operation while maintaining the dehumidification performance of the indoor air by controlling the amount of heat of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) by controlling at least one of the opening of the condensation flow control valve (130) or the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220).

[0092] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method of operation of the air conditioner (1000) of FIG. 3 can be performed by a processor (1001) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0093] In step 310, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the discharge temperature of the air through the first sensor (141). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the discharge temperature through the first sensor (141) after performing a dehumidification operation.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor (141) may be located adjacent to a first duct connected to a ceiling outlet. For example, the first sensor (141) may be installed to measure the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0095] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor (141) may be located adjacent to the first condenser (120) inside the indoor unit (100). For example, the first sensor (141) may be installed to measure the temperature of the air discharged from the first condenser (120) of the indoor unit (100).

[0096] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor (141) can measure the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) through the first duct to the discharge port. The first sensor (141) can measure the temperature of the air discharged through the first condenser (120).

[0097] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharge temperature may correspond to the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000). For example, the discharge temperature may correspond to the temperature of the air discharged into the room through a first duct connected to the air conditioner (1000). The discharge temperature may correspond to the temperature of the air passing through the evaporator (110) and the first condenser (120) inside the indoor unit (100). The discharge temperature may also be referred to as the supply air (SA) temperature.

[0098] The evaporator (110) acts as a heat exchanger and can exchange heat with indoor air. As indoor air passes through the evaporator (110), heat exchange with the refrigerant can occur. As the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (110), it can absorb heat from the surrounding air. The air passing through the evaporator (110) is cooled and simultaneously has its moisture removed, becoming dry air.

[0099] The first condenser (120) is a heat exchanger capable of exchanging heat with indoor air. As indoor air passes through the first condenser (120), heat exchange with the refrigerant can occur. As the refrigerant condenses in the first condenser (120), heat can be released to the surrounding air. The air passing through the first condenser (120) can be heated and become high-temperature air. The first condenser (120) can be provided separately from the second condenser (210) located in the outdoor unit (200).

[0100] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, air inside an indoor unit (100) can be sucked in through a first duct, cooled while passing through an evaporator (110), heated while passing through a first condenser (120), and discharged through a second duct.

[0101] In step 320, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the intake temperature of the air through the second sensor (142). For example, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the intake temperature through the second sensor (142) after performing a dehumidification operation.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensor (142) may be located adjacent to a second duct connected to an intake port in the ceiling. For example, the second sensor (142) may be installed to measure the temperature of the air being drawn into the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0103] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the intake temperature may correspond to the temperature of the air being drawn into the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000). For example, the intake temperature may correspond to the temperature of the air being drawn into the indoor unit (100) through a second duct connected to the air conditioner (1000). The intake temperature may correspond to the temperature at the start of operation of the air conditioner (1000). The intake temperature may also be referred to as the return air (RA) temperature.

[0104] In step 330, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the intake temperature.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensor (142) can measure the temperature and humidity of the air being drawn into the indoor unit (100) of the air conditioner (1000). The second sensor (142) may include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. For example, the air conditioner (1000) can measure the intake temperature of the air and the indoor humidity through the second sensor (142).

[0106] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may obtain the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the intake temperature and indoor humidity. The ceiling may correspond to the surroundings of the duct. The dew point temperature of the ceiling may correspond to the temperature at which dew begins to form inside the ceiling. For example, the intake temperature measured by the second sensor (142) of the air conditioner (1000) may be the same as or similar to the temperature of the space inside the ceiling depending on the indoor environment (e.g., the insulation condition inside the ceiling, the outside temperature, etc.). Additionally, the indoor humidity measured by the second sensor (142) may be the same as or similar to the humidity of the space inside the ceiling depending on the indoor environment. Indoor humidity may refer to the relative humidity of the indoor space or the space inside the ceiling.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can calculate the dew point temperature of the ceiling by applying the intake temperature and indoor humidity obtained through the second sensor (142) to a predetermined calculation formula. For example, according to the calculation formula, in an environment where the intake temperature is 27°C and the indoor humidity is 60%, the dew point temperature can be calculated as 18.6°C. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the dew point temperature of the ceiling may vary depending on the indoor environment (e.g., insulation condition inside the ceiling, external temperature, etc.), the intake temperature, and the indoor humidity.

[0109] In step 340, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling. The air conditioner (1000) can predict the possibility of dew forming outside the duct by comparing the calculated dew point temperature of the ceiling with the discharge temperature.

[0110] In step 350, the air conditioner (1000) can control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) to increase the discharge temperature based on the discharge temperature being below the dew point temperature of the ceiling. The air conditioner (1000) can perform normal operation of the air conditioner (1000) based on the discharge temperature being above the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can increase the discharge temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) by increasing the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). When the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) is increased, the discharge temperature of the air discharged after passing through the first condenser (120) can be increased.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may control the opening of the condensation flow control valve (130) to control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). The air conditioner (1000) may control the opening of the condensation flow control valve (130) to increase when the discharge temperature is lower than the suction temperature. When the opening of the condensation flow control valve (130) increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) may increase. Accordingly, the amount of heat released from the first condenser (120) may increase, and the discharge temperature may increase.

[0113] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may determine the opening value of a condensation flow control valve (130) based on the temperature difference between the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling. For example, when the temperature difference is large, the air conditioner (1000) may increase the opening value of the condensation flow control valve (130) to increase the increase in the discharge temperature. For example, when the temperature difference is small, the air conditioner (1000) may decrease the opening value of the condensation flow control valve (130) to increase the increase in the discharge temperature less. Here, high and low opening values ​​may mean high and low relative to a predetermined value.

[0114] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may control the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) of the outdoor unit (200) to control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). The air conditioner (1000) may control the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) to be lowered when the discharge temperature is lower than the intake temperature. When the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) is lowered, the heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant passing through the second condenser (210) included in the outdoor unit (200) is reduced, and the amount of heat released from the second condenser (210) may be reduced. Accordingly, the refrigerant having the remaining amount of heat may be delivered to the first condenser (120). Accordingly, the heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant passing through the first condenser (120) is increased, the amount of heat released from the first condenser (120) may be increased, and the discharge temperature may be increased.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may determine the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) based on the temperature difference between the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling. For example, if the temperature difference is large, the air conditioner (1000) may lower the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) to increase the increase in the discharge temperature. For example, if the temperature difference is small, the air conditioner (1000) may increase the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) to increase the increase in the discharge temperature less. Here, high and low rotational speed may mean high and low relative to a predetermined value.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, air drawn into the indoor unit (100) is cooled by passing through an evaporator (110), heated above the dew point temperature by passing through a first condenser (120), and discharged outside the indoor unit (100). Since the temperature of the air discharged through the first duct connected to the indoor unit (100) is above the dew point temperature, it is possible to prevent dew from forming around the duct (i.e., the ceiling).

[0117] Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may determine whether the temperature difference between the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling is less than a predetermined value. The air conditioner (1000) may perform the above-described operation based on the fact that the temperature difference between the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling is less than a predetermined value.

[0118] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can prevent dew from forming around the duct (i.e., the ceiling) by controlling the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) based on the temperature difference between the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) further includes a first condenser (120) inside the indoor unit (100), thereby allowing the discharge temperature to be increased without adjusting the evaporation pressure of the evaporator (110) inside the indoor unit (100). Accordingly, since the heat exchange of the evaporator (110) is maintained, the dehumidification operation performance of the air conditioner (1000) can be maintained. This is explained in detail in FIG. 9.

[0120] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation method of the air conditioner (1000) of FIG. 4 can be performed by the processor (1001) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0121] Referring to FIG. 4, step 350 may include step 410 and step 420.

[0122] In step 410, the air conditioner (1000) can control the opening of the condensate flow control valve (130) to increase. In step 420, the air conditioner (1000) can control the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) of the outdoor unit (200) to decrease. Accordingly, the discharge temperature may increase. This is as described in step 350 of FIG. 3.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may perform steps 410 and 420 simultaneously, or perform at least one of steps 410 or 420. The air conditioner (1000) may perform the operation of step 410 for a longer period, perform the operation of step 420 for a longer period, or perform the operations of steps 410 and 420 for the same period of time.

[0124] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation method of the air conditioner (1000) of FIG. 5 can be performed by the processor (1001) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0125] Referring to FIG. 5, step 350 may include step 510, step 520, and step 530.

[0126] In step 510, the air conditioner (1000) can be controlled to increase the opening of the condensate flow control valve (130). This is as described in step 350 of FIG. 3.

[0127] In step 520, the air conditioner (1000) can compare the discharge temperature with the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner can obtain the discharge temperature again through the first sensor (141) after step 510.

[0129] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may obtain the intake temperature and relative humidity again through the second sensor (142) after step 510 and recalculate the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the intake temperature. However, the air conditioner (1000) may use the dew point temperature of the ceiling used in step 510, but is not limited thereto.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature has increased above the dew point temperature of the ceiling after controlling the condensation flow control valve (130).

[0131] In step 530, the air conditioner (1000) can control the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) of the outdoor unit (200) to be lowered. Accordingly, the discharge temperature may increase. This is as described in step 350 of FIG. 3.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) is exemplified as performing step 510 first and step 530 later, but is not limited thereto. For example, the air conditioner may perform step 530 first and step 510 later.

[0133] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the air flow and refrigerant flow during the dehumidification operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the discharge temperature of the air discharged from an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure increases.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, an indoor unit (100), a first duct (51), an air outlet (61) connected to the first duct (51), a second duct (52), and an air intake (62) connected to the second duct (52) may be provided in the ceiling interior space. An outdoor unit (200) may be provided in the outdoor space. The air conditioner (1000) may perform cooling or heating for the indoor space.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit (100) may include an evaporator (110), a first condenser (120), a condensation flow control valve (130), a first sensor (141), a second sensor (142), and an evaporation flow control valve (150). The evaporator (110), the first condenser (120), the condensation flow control valve (130), the first sensor (141), and the second sensor (142) have been described in FIG. 2. The evaporation flow control valve (150) can control the amount of refrigerant transferred from the first condenser (120) to the evaporator (110). The evaporation flow control valve (150) can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, for example, by utilizing a throttling effect. The evaporation flow control valve (150) 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 may be lowered. The evaporation flow control valve (150) may include, for example, an electronic expansion valve (EVV) capable of controlling the opening ratio. The amount of refrigerant passing through the evaporation flow control valve (150) can be controlled depending on the opening ratio (or degree of opening) of the electronic expansion valve.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit (100) may include a housing (600). An evaporator (110), a first condenser (120), a condensation flow control valve (130), a first sensor (141), a second sensor (142), and an evaporation flow control valve (150) may be provided in the housing (600). The housing (600) may include an intake port. Air from the indoor space may be introduced into the interior of the housing (600) through the intake port. A second sensor (142) may be positioned near the intake port of the housing (600). The housing (600) may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing (600) may be discharged to the outside of the housing (600) through the outlet. A first sensor (141) may be positioned near the outlet of the housing (600).

[0137] An evaporator (110) and a first condenser (120) may be provided inside the housing (600) of the indoor unit (100), positioned on an air passage connecting the intake port and the exhaust port. The evaporator (110) and the first condenser (120) may be positioned near the exhaust port of the housing (600).

[0138] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit (200) may include a second condenser (210), an outdoor fan (220), and a compressor (230). The second condenser (210) and the outdoor fan (220) have been described in FIG. 2. The compressor (230) may compress the refrigerant for the circulation of the refrigerant. The compressor (230) may draw in the refrigerant gas through the intake port of the indoor unit (100) and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor (230) may discharge the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port of the indoor unit (100). The compressor (230) may be placed inside the outdoor unit (200).

[0139] Hereinafter, the flow of refrigerant during dehumidification operation of an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to the refrigerant flow in FIG. 6, a compressor (230), a second condenser (210), a condensation flow control valve (130), a first condenser (120), an evaporator (110), and an evaporation flow control valve (150) can be connected in order through refrigerant piping. The refrigerant can circulate through the refrigerant piping in the order of the compressor (230), the second condenser (210), the condensation flow control valve (130), the first condenser (120), the evaporator (110), and the evaporation flow control valve (150). High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (230) is transferred to the second condenser (210) and can be condensed through the second condenser (210). High-temperature refrigerant discharged from the second condenser (210) can be transferred to the indoor unit (100). High-temperature refrigerant can be delivered to the first condenser (120) through the condensation flow control valve (130). While the refrigerant condenses as it passes through the first condenser (120), the refrigerant can release heat from the outside air. The refrigerant can be delivered to the evaporation flow control valve (150) and then to the evaporator (110). While the refrigerant evaporates as it passes through the evaporator (110), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outside air. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant passing through the evaporator (110) can then be delivered to the compressor (230) of the outdoor unit (200) through the refrigerant piping.

[0140] Hereinafter, the airflow during the dehumidification operation of an air conditioner (1000) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to the airflow in FIG. 6, indoor air can be drawn into an intake port inside the housing (600) of the indoor unit (100) through an air intake port (62) and a second duct (52). The drawn-in air can be cooled and dehumidified through an evaporator (110). The cooled and dehumidified air can be heated through a first condenser (120). The heated air can be discharged through an outlet inside the housing (600) of the indoor unit (100) and supplied to the indoor space through a first duct (51) and an outlet (61).

[0141] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can heat the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) above the dew point temperature by controlling the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). The air conditioner (1000) can raise the discharge temperature of the air above the dew point temperature of the ceiling by utilizing the heat released while the refrigerant in the first condenser (120) is condensing. The air cooled in the evaporator (110) can pass through the first condenser (120) and increase above the dew point temperature. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can prevent dew from forming around the duct (i.e., the ceiling) by controlling the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120).

[0142] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may control the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) of the outdoor unit (200) to control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). The outdoor fan (220) may control the amount of refrigerant delivered from the second condenser (210) to the indoor unit (100) (or the first condenser (120)). When the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) decreases, the amount of heat (e.g., 100) that the second condenser (210) is supposed to release to the outside may not be sufficiently released, and some amount of heat (e.g., 30) may remain (see FIG. 7). The remaining amount of heat (e.g., 30) that is not released from the second condenser (210) may be delivered to the indoor unit (100) through the refrigerant and along the refrigerant piping. That is, the amount of heat (e.g., 30) of the refrigerant transferred from the second condenser (210) to the first condenser (120) can be increased. Accordingly, the amount of heat released to the outside by the first condenser (120) during the heat exchange process increases, and the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) can be increased.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may control the opening of a condensation flow control valve (130) to control the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). The condensation flow control valve (130) may control the amount of high-temperature refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). When the opening of the condensation flow control valve (130) increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) may increase. Accordingly, the amount of heat released from the first condenser (120) may increase, and the discharge temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) may increase.

[0144] In conjunction with Figure 7, the airflow is further explained. For example, a case is illustrated where the ceiling dew point temperature is 18.7°C in an environment with an intake temperature of 27°C and indoor humidity of 60%.

[0145] The evaporator (110) can cool the temperature of the air to 7.6°C through heat exchange. The first condenser (120) can raise the temperature of the air cooled to 7.6°C by 11.4°C through heat exchange. That is, the temperature of the air passing through the first condenser (120) can rise to 19°C. Accordingly, the temperature of the air discharged into the first duct (51) can rise above 18.6°C, which is the dew point temperature of the ceiling. Accordingly, since the temperature of the discharged air is above the dew point temperature of the ceiling, dew may not form on the surface of the first duct (51) inside the ceiling. That is, the air conditioner (1000) can maintain the dehumidification amount of the evaporator (110) while increasing the discharge temperature of the air.

[0146] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormal control operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation method of the air conditioner (1000) of FIG. 8 can be performed by a processor (1001) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0147] Referring to FIG. 8, steps 810 and 820 may be performed after step 350 of FIG. 3. However, this is not limited thereto, and steps 810 and 820 may be performed independently of FIG. 3 or in combination with other steps.

[0148] In step 810, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature. The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature is still lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling after adjusting the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120).

[0149] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the discharge temperature again through the first sensor (141) after step 350.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may again obtain the intake temperature and relative humidity through the second sensor (142) after step 350 and recalculate the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the intake temperature. However, the air conditioner (1000) may use the dew point temperature of the ceiling used in step 340, but is not limited thereto.

[0151] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature has increased above the dew point temperature of the ceiling after controlling the condensation flow control valve (130) (see step 410 of FIG. 4).

[0152] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature has increased above the dew point temperature of the ceiling after controlling the outdoor fan (220) of the outdoor unit (200) (see step 420 of FIG. 4).

[0153] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) continuously monitors environmental information (e.g., discharge temperature, ceiling dew point temperature) and can make an immediate decision based thereon.

[0154] However, it is not limited to this, and the air conditioner (1000) may determine whether the discharge temperature in a given environment is lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling, regardless of whether the first condenser (120) is controlled.

[0155] In step 820, when the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature, the air conditioner (1000) may perform abnormal control operation to prevent condensation on the duct. When the discharge temperature is above the dew point temperature, the air conditioner (1000) may perform normal operation.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the abnormal control operation may include an operation to stop the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit (200). The air conditioner (1000) may perform ventilation operation after stopping the operation of the compressor. Through this, the air conditioner (1000) can effectively prevent condensation on the outside of the duct.

[0157] However, it is not limited thereto, and the abnormal control operation may include at least one operation of controlling the refrigerant flow by controlling at least one component provided in the air conditioner (1000). The air conditioner (1000) may increase the flow rate and discharge temperature of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) by controlling at least one component.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the air conditioner (1000) determines that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature, it may immediately perform abnormal control operation within a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second). However, it is not limited thereto, and if the air conditioner (1000) determines that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature, it may further consider the cumulative time during which the condition persists to determine whether to perform abnormal control operation. This is further explained in FIG. 11.

[0159] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can output a notification regarding abnormal control operation of the air conditioner (1000) through an output interface (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.).

[0160] FIG. 9 is a drawing for comparing a case where an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first condenser and a case where it does not include one.

[0161] For example, consider a case where the ceiling dew point temperature is 18.6°C in an environment with an intake temperature of 27°C and indoor humidity of 60%.

[0162] Referring to 910 in FIG. 9, in the absence of a first condenser inside the indoor unit, the air conditioner sets the evaporation temperature of the evaporator (911) (i.e., air cooled by the evaporator) to 19°C to prevent dew formation on the surface of the first duct. For example, to increase the evaporation temperature of the evaporator (911), the air conditioner may lower the frequency of the compressor inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner or adjust the refrigerant flow rate by adjusting the expansion valve inside the indoor unit. However, in this manner, the temperature of the air discharged from the evaporator (911) may rise to 19°C, but the humidity of the air may be high, for example, to 90%. That is, the amount of dehumidification by the evaporator (911) is low, and there is a problem that the performance of the dehumidification operation of the air conditioner is reduced. Alternatively, there is a limit to obtaining a discharge temperature above the evaporation pressure of the evaporator (911), and consequently, the air conditioner stops operating.

[0163] Referring to 920 in FIG. 9, since the indoor unit (100) includes a first condenser (120), the evaporator (110) can cool the temperature of the air to, for example, 7.6°C and lower the humidity of the air to, for example, 34% through heat exchange. The air conditioner (1000) can raise the temperature of the air cooled to 7.6°C by 11.4°C through heat exchange using the first condenser (120). That is, the temperature of the air passing through the first condenser (120) can rise to 19°C. Accordingly, the temperature of the air discharged into the first duct (51) can rise above 18.6°C, which is the dew point temperature of the ceiling. Accordingly, since the temperature of the discharged air is above the dew point temperature of the ceiling, dew may not form on the surface of the first duct (51) inside the ceiling. That is, the air conditioner (1000) can maintain the dehumidification amount of the evaporator (110) while increasing the discharge temperature of the air.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a detailed block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 10, the air conditioner (1000) may include a processor (1001), a compressor (1200), an output module (1300), a memory (1002), a communication module (1500), a sensor (1600), an input interface (1700), a blower unit (1800), and a heat exchanger (1900). The processor (1001) and the memory (1002) were described in FIG. 2.

[0166] Not all of the components shown are essential components of the air conditioner (1000). The air conditioner (1000) may be implemented with more components than those shown in FIG. 10, or the air conditioner (1000) may be implemented with fewer components than those shown in FIG. 10.

[0167] The processor (1001) can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (1000). The processor (1001) can control the compressor (1200), output module (1300), communication module (1500), sensor (1600), input interface (1700), blower unit (1800), and heat exchanger (1900) by executing at least one instruction or stored programs in memory (1002).

[0168] The processor (1001) may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of a machine learning model. Additionally, the processor (1001) may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU; Graphic Processing Unit), etc.

[0169] The memory (1002) stores various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (1000). The memory (1002) may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory (1002) may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Additionally, the air conditioner (1000) may operate a web storage or cloud server that performs storage functions over the internet.

[0170] At least one processor and at least one memory may be included in a single control unit. For example, at least one processor and at least one memory may be included in a single microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0171] The communication module (1500) can transmit and receive information to and from an external device or an external server according to a protocol under the control of the processor (1001). The communication module (1500) may include at least one communication module and at least one port for transmitting and receiving data with an external device (not shown). The communication module (1500) can transmit and receive information between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit under the control of the processor (1001).

[0172] Additionally, the communication module (1500) can communicate with an external device through at least one wired or wireless communication network. The communication module (1500) may include at least one short-range communication module or a long-range communication module, or a combination thereof. The communication module (1500) may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device.

[0173] The short-range communication module may include at least one communication module (not shown) that performs communication according to communication standards such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC / RFID, Wi-Fi Direct, UWB, or ZIGBEE. Additionally, the long-range communication module may include a communication module (not shown) that performs communication through a network for internet communication. Additionally, the long-range communication module may include a mobile communication module that performs communication according to communication standards such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or 6G.

[0174] The output module (1300) may include a display (1310) and an audio output module (1320).

[0175] The display (1310) can output image data processed by an image processing unit (not shown) through a display panel (not shown) under the control of the processor (1001). The display panel (not shown) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, and an electrophoretic display.

[0176] The sound output module (1320) can output a sound signal to the outside of the air conditioner (1000). The sound output module (1320) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback.

[0177] The input interface (1700) can receive user input for controlling the air conditioner (1000). The input interface (1700) receives the user input and transmits it to the processor (1001).

[0178] The input interface (1700) may include, but is not limited to, a user input electronic device including a touch panel that detects a user's touch, a button that receives a user's push operation, a wheel that receives a user's rotation operation, a keyboard, and a dome switch.

[0179] Additionally, the input interface (1700) may include a voice recognition device for voice recognition. For example, the voice recognition device may be a microphone (1710), and the voice recognition device may receive a user's voice command or voice request. Accordingly, the processor (1001) may control the execution of an action corresponding to the voice command or voice request.

[0180] Additionally, the input interface (1700) may include a remote control receiver (1720) capable of receiving control commands from a remote controller (not shown) located at a short distance. The remote control receiver (1720) may include an IR (infrared) communication module, etc.

[0181] The compressor (1200) can compress the refrigerant. The refrigerant compressed to a high temperature and high pressure by the compressor (1200) circulates through a cooling cycle within the air conditioner (1000) and can cool the air around the heat exchanger by absorbing heat through the heat exchanger (1900) located in the indoor unit.

[0182] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the compressor (1200) may correspond to the compressor (230) of FIG. 6. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger (1900) located in the indoor unit may include the evaporator (110) and the first condenser (120) of FIG. 2. Additionally, the heat exchanger (1900) located in the outdoor unit may include the second condenser (210) of FIG. 2.

[0183] The blower unit (1800) may include an air intake unit (1810), a blower fan (1820), a blower motor (1830), and an air discharge unit (1840), but is not limited thereto.

[0184] The air intake (1810) can draw in air around the air conditioner (1000).

[0185] The blower fan (1820) can form an airflow so that external air is drawn into the air conditioner (1000) through the air intake (1810). Additionally, the blower fan (1820) can cause air cooled by the heat exchanger (1900) to be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner (1000) through the air discharge (1840). The blower fan (1820) can form an airflow by rotating the blower motor (1830). The rotational speed (i.e., revolutions per minute) of the blower motor (1830) can be adjusted according to the control of the processor (1001).

[0186] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blower fan (1820) may include an outdoor fan (220) provided in the outdoor unit (200) of FIG. 2.

[0187] The air discharge section (1840) may include a blade (not shown). The air conditioner (1000) can change the direction of air discharge up and down or left and right by moving the blade.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the air discharge unit (1840) may include a metal cooling panel that discharges cold air and a circular air outlet. The metal cooling panel may include micro-holes that discharge cold air from holes the size of grains of sand with a diameter of 1 mm. Cold air can be spread evenly through the metal cooling panel containing the micro-holes.

[0189] The sensor (1600) may include various types of sensors.

[0190] The sensor (1600) may include a temperature sensor (1610), a humidity sensor (1620), and a heat exchanger temperature sensor (1630).

[0191] A temperature sensor (1610) and a humidity sensor (1620) may be provided on a panel of an air conditioner (1000) to detect indoor temperature and indoor humidity. For example, the temperature sensor (1610) and the humidity sensor (1620) may be provided on a panel of the air conditioner (1000) that includes a discharge port for discharging conditioned air into the room. Accordingly, the temperature sensor (1610) can detect the temperature of the indoor air, and the humidity sensor (1620) can detect the humidity of the indoor air.

[0192] The heat exchanger temperature sensor (1630) can be located within the refrigerant piping of the heat exchanger (1900).

[0193] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor (1600) may include a sensor (140) provided in the indoor unit (100) of FIG. 2.

[0194] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormal control operation method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation method of the air conditioner (1000) of FIG. 11 can be performed by a processor (1001) of the air conditioner (1000).

[0195] Referring to FIG. 11, steps 1110, 1120, and 1120 may be performed after step 350 of FIG. 3. However, this is not limited thereto, and steps 1110, 1120, and 1120 may be performed independently of FIG. 3 or in combination with other steps.

[0196] In step S1110, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling. The air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the discharge temperature is still lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling after adjusting the amount of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) according to step 350. After step 350, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the discharge temperature again through the first sensor (141). After step 350, the air conditioner (1000) can obtain the intake temperature and relative humidity again through the second sensor (142) and calculate the dew point temperature of the ceiling again based on the intake temperature.

[0197] However, it is not limited to this, and the air conditioner (1000) may determine whether the discharge temperature in a given environment is lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling, regardless of whether the first condenser (120) is controlled.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the discharge temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling, the air conditioner (1000) does not immediately determine that condensation has occurred, but may further consider the accumulated time during which the condition (i.e., discharge temperature < dew point temperature of the ceiling) persists, as in step 1120. Here, condensation may mean the formation of dew on the duct.

[0199] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may acquire a condensation accumulation time as the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling. The condensation accumulation time may represent the time during which a condensation occurrence state, that is, a state in which the discharge temperature is lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling, is sustained. The air conditioner (1000) may count the condensation accumulation time based on the point in time when it is determined that the discharge temperature is lower than or equal to the dew point temperature of the ceiling. While the state in which the discharge temperature is lower than or equal to the dew point temperature of the ceiling is sustained, the condensation accumulation time may increase. When the state is interrupted, the condensation accumulation time may be reset. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may reset the condensation accumulation time if the state in which the discharge temperature is higher than the dew point temperature of the ceiling and the discharge temperature is higher than the indoor temperature is sustained for 30 minutes or more. That is, after the condensation accumulation time has been counted, when the corresponding condition is interrupted, the condensation accumulation time may be reset.

[0200] In step S1120, the air conditioner (1000) can determine whether the condensation accumulation time is longer than or equal to a reference time. The reference time may represent the minimum duration required to determine that condensation has occurred, or the condensation determination reference time. That is, the reference time may represent the minimum time during which the air discharge temperature must remain lower than the dew point temperature of the ceiling. For example, if the condensation accumulation time is shorter than the condensation determination time, it may be determined that no condensation has occurred. For example, if the condensation accumulation time is longer than the reference time, it may be determined that condensation has occurred, and abnormal control may be required.

[0201] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (1000) may determine a reference time based on the dew point temperature of the ceiling and the discharge temperature. For example, the reference time may be calculated as 'C1 * (dew point temperature of the ceiling - discharge temperature) + C2', where C1 and C2 may be constant values. For example, the reference time may increase as the temperature difference between the dew point temperature of the ceiling and the discharge temperature increases. However, it is not limited thereto. However, the reference time may be a value determined according to the specification information of the air conditioner (1000) or environmental information (e.g., indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, relative humidity, etc.).

[0202] In step S1130, if the air conditioner (1000) determines that the condensation accumulation time is longer than the reference time, it may perform abnormal control operation.

[0203] For example, abnormal control operation may include a method of stopping the operation of the compressor to cut off cooling operation. The air conditioner (1000) may stop the operation of the compressor if it is determined that the condensation accumulation time is longer than a reference time. Accordingly, the discharge temperature of the air can be returned to above the dew point temperature of the ceiling, thereby preventing condensation in the duct.

[0204] For example, abnormal control operation may include an operation to stop the operation of the first condenser (120). The air conditioner (1000) may stop the operation of the first condenser (120) if it is determined that the condensation accumulation time is longer than a reference time.

[0205] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) can reset the condensation accumulation time during abnormal control operation.

[0206] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the air conditioner (1000) determines that the condensation accumulation time is less than a reference time, it determines that no condensation has occurred and may not perform abnormal control operation.

[0207] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (1000) may release the abnormal control operation when the abnormal control operation state is maintained for a predetermined period of time. For example, the air conditioner (1000) may release the abnormal control operation when the stop state of operation of the first condenser (120) is maintained for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 minutes). In another example, the air conditioner (1000) may release the abnormal control operation after the operation of the air conditioner (1000) itself is stopped for a predetermined period of time. After the abnormal control operation is released, the air conditioner (1000) may operate again according to the original operation mode. For example, if the original operation mode is cooling operation, the air conditioner (1000) operates according to the cooling operation after the abnormal control operation is released, and in this case, the first condenser (120) may operate or may not operate.

[0208] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the abnormal control operation of the air conditioner (1000) described above may be performed when the air conditioner (1000) is in a low outdoor temperature condition. Before performing step 1110, the air conditioner (1000) may check whether the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined temperature.

[0209] Under conditions where the outdoor temperature is low, the amount of heat (i.e., heat dissipation amount) (e.g., 100) released to the outside by the second condenser (210) inside the outdoor unit (200) increases, so the amount of heat (e.g., 0) of the refrigerant transferred to the first condenser (120) of the indoor unit (100) may decrease. Accordingly, the amount of heat released to the outside by the first condenser (120) during the heat exchange process decreases, and the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100) may decrease. Since condensation occurs in the duct when the discharge temperature of the air decreases, the air conditioner (1000) may perform abnormal control to prevent condensation in the duct.

[0210] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, abnormal control operation of the air conditioner (1000) described above may be performed when the air conditioner (1000) performs a constant temperature dehumidification mode. Before performing step 1110, the air conditioner (1000) may check whether the current operating mode is a constant temperature dehumidification mode. A constant temperature dehumidification mode may represent an operating mode that lowers humidity while maintaining a constant indoor temperature through reheating after cooling. Under conditions where the outdoor temperature is low, even if a constant temperature dehumidification mode is set, the amount of reheating of the first condenser (120) decreases, so the discharge temperature cannot be raised sufficiently, and condensation may occur in the duct. Therefore, abnormal control may be required.

[0211] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, abnormal control operation of the air conditioner (1000) described above may be performed when the first condenser (120) has operated for a certain period of time or longer. Before performing step 1110, the air conditioner (1000) may check whether the first condenser (120) has operated for a certain period of time or longer. For example, if the first condenser (120) operates alone for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) or together with another heat exchanger for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 minutes), the air conditioner (1000) may perform abnormal control.

[0212] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner obtains the discharge temperature of the air through the first sensor by executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor.

[0213] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner obtains the air intake temperature through the second sensor by executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor.

[0214] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner obtains a dew point temperature of the ceiling corresponding to the duct based on the intake temperature.

[0215] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner controls the discharge temperature to be raised by controlling the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser based on the discharge temperature being below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0216] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, air drawn into the indoor unit is cooled by passing through the evaporator, heated above the dew point temperature by passing through the first condenser, and discharged to the outside of the indoor unit.

[0217] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the indoor unit may further include a condensation flow control valve.

[0218] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can be controlled to increase the opening of the condensation flow control valve based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0219] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the opening degree of the condensation flow control valve increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser and the discharge temperature may be increased.

[0220] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second condenser, the condensation flow control valve, the first condenser, and the evaporator may be connected in sequence through refrigerant piping.

[0221] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit may further include an outdoor fan.

[0222] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can control the rotational speed of the outdoor fan to be lowered based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0223] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the rotational speed of the outdoor fan decreases, the flow rate of the refrigerant transferred from the second condenser to the first condenser and the discharge temperature may increase.

[0224] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can obtain the intake temperature and indoor humidity through the second sensor.

[0225] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can calculate the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the intake temperature and indoor humidity.

[0226] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can obtain the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling after controlling to increase the discharge temperature.

[0227] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can perform abnormal control operation as the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0228] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor may be located adjacent to a first duct connected to a discharge port of the ceiling.

[0229] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensor may be located adjacent to a second duct connected to the suction port of the ceiling.

[0230] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor may be located adjacent to the first condenser inside the indoor unit.

[0231] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can obtain a condensation accumulation time, which is the time during which the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling, as the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0232] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, by executing one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor, the air conditioner can perform abnormal control operation based on whether the condensation accumulation time is longer than a reference time.

[0233] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an air conditioner connected to a duct comprises the steps of: obtaining a discharge temperature of air through a first sensor for sensing the temperature of air discharged from an indoor unit; obtaining an intake temperature of air through a second sensor for sensing the temperature of air sucked into the indoor unit; obtaining a dew point temperature of a ceiling corresponding to the surroundings of the duct based on the intake temperature; and controlling to increase the discharge temperature by adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant delivered to the first condenser based on the fact that the discharge temperature is less than the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0234] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, air drawn into the indoor unit comprising an evaporator and a first condenser is cooled by passing through the evaporator, heated above the dew point temperature by passing through the first condenser, and discharged to the outside of the indoor unit.

[0235] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of controlling to increase the discharge temperature may include the step of controlling to increase the opening of a condensation flow control valve included in the indoor unit based on the fact that the discharge temperature is less than the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0236] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the opening degree of the condensation flow control valve increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser and the discharge temperature may be increased.

[0237] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second condenser included in an outdoor unit, the condensation flow control valve, the first condenser, and the evaporator may be connected in sequence through refrigerant piping.

[0238] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of controlling to increase the discharge temperature may include the step of controlling to decrease the rotational speed of an outdoor fan included in the outdoor unit based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0239] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as the rotational speed of the outdoor fan decreases, the flow rate of the refrigerant transferred from the second condenser included in the outdoor unit to the first condenser and the discharge temperature may increase.

[0240] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of obtaining the dew point temperature of the ceiling may further include the step of obtaining the suction temperature and indoor humidity through the second sensor, and the step of calculating the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the suction temperature and indoor humidity.

[0241] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method of operating an air conditioner may further include the step of obtaining the discharge temperature and the dew point temperature of the ceiling after controlling to increase the discharge temperature, and the step of performing an abnormal control operation as the discharge temperature is less than the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

[0242] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensor may be located adjacent to a first duct connected to a discharge port of the ceiling.

[0243] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensor may be located adjacent to a second duct connected to the suction port of the ceiling.

[0244] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory storage medium' simply means that it is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily. For example, a 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is stored temporarily.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Claims

1. In an air conditioner (1000) connected to a duct, An indoor unit (100) including an evaporator (110) and a first condenser (120); An outdoor unit (200) including a second condenser (210); A first sensor (141) for sensing the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100); A second sensor (142) for sensing the temperature of the air sucked into the indoor unit (100); Memory (1002) comprising one or more storage media for storing one or more instructions; and It includes at least one processor (1001) including a processing circuit, and By executing the one or more instructions individually or collectively by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) is, The discharge temperature of the air is obtained through the first sensor (141) above, and The air intake temperature is obtained through the second sensor (142) above, and Based on the above suction temperature, the dew point temperature of the ceiling corresponding to the area around the duct is obtained, and Based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) is controlled to increase the discharge temperature, and An air conditioner (1000) characterized in that air sucked into the indoor unit (100) is cooled by passing through the evaporator (110), heated above the dew point temperature by passing through the first condenser (120), and discharged outside the indoor unit (100).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above indoor unit (100) further includes a condensation flow control valve (130), and By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) is, An air conditioner (1000) that controls the opening of the condensation flow control valve (130) to increase based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

3. In Paragraph 2, An air conditioner (1000) characterized in that as the opening degree of the condensation flow control valve (130) increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) and the discharge temperature increase.

4. In Paragraph 2 or 3, The second condenser (210), the condensation flow control valve (130), the first condenser (120), and the evaporator (110) are connected in sequence through a refrigerant pipe, in an air conditioner (1000).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above outdoor unit (200) further includes an outdoor fan (220), and By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) is, An air conditioner (1000) that controls the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) to be lowered based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

6. In Paragraph 5, An air conditioner (1000) characterized in that as the rotational speed of the outdoor fan (220) decreases, the flow rate of the refrigerant transferred from the second condenser (210) to the first condenser (120) and the discharge temperature increase.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) is, The suction temperature and indoor humidity are obtained through the second sensor (142), and An air conditioner (1000) that obtains the dew point temperature of the ceiling based on the above intake temperature and indoor humidity.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) is, After controlling to increase the above discharge temperature, the discharge temperature and the ceiling dew point temperature are obtained, and An air conditioner (1000) that performs abnormal control operation as the above discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The first sensor (141) is located adjacent to the first duct (51) connected to the discharge port (61) of the ceiling, and The second sensor (142) is an air conditioner (1000) located adjacent to a second duct (52) connected to the ceiling intake (62).

10. In Paragraph 9, The first sensor (141) is an air conditioner (1000) located adjacent to the first condenser (120) inside the indoor unit (100).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, By executing the one or more instructions individually or in combination by the at least one processor (1001), the air conditioner (1000) is, As the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling, the condensation accumulation time, which is the time during which the state in which the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling persists, is obtained, and An air conditioner (1000) that performs abnormal control operation based on whether the above condensation accumulation time is greater than or equal to a reference time.

12. In a method of operating an air conditioner (1000) connected to a duct, A step of obtaining the discharge temperature of the air through a first sensor (141) for sensing the temperature of the air discharged from the indoor unit (100); A step of obtaining the air intake temperature through a second sensor (142) for sensing the temperature of the air sucked into the indoor unit (100); A step of obtaining a dew point temperature of a ceiling corresponding to the periphery of the duct based on the suction temperature above; and Based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling, the method includes the step of controlling to increase the discharge temperature by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120). A method characterized in that air sucked into the indoor unit (100) including the evaporator (110) and the first condenser (120) is cooled through the evaporator (110), heated above the dew point temperature through the first condenser (120), and discharged outside the indoor unit (100).

13. In Paragraph 12, The step of controlling to increase the discharge temperature is, A method comprising the step of controlling the opening of a condensation flow control valve (130) included in the indoor unit (100) to increase based on the fact that the discharge temperature is below the dew point temperature of the ceiling.

14. In Paragraph 13, A method characterized in that as the opening degree of the condensation flow rate control valve (130) increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant delivered to the first condenser (120) and the discharge temperature increase.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing the method of any one of paragraphs 12 through 14 on a computer.

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