Circulating water control method and system, and computer-readable storage medium and air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing circulating water control systems for air conditioners are complex, with multiple water pumps leading to high failure rates, excessive electric-control board interfaces, and increased space occupation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that control two water delivery assemblies based on the operating mode of the air conditioner and water level information of indoor and outdoor drain pans, ensuring reliable circulation of condensate water between the indoor and outdoor units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water pumps are used in the circulating water control system, then the system can handle various drainage scenarios, but the device complexity increases and the number of electric-control board interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage scenario handling capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single water pump is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different operational modes. The pump can operate in first mode to deliver water from the indoor drain pan to the outdoor drain pan, and in second mode to deliver water from the outdoor drain pan to the indoor heat exchanger. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pumps for different drainage scenarios, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water pumps are used in the circulating water control system, then the system can handle various drainage scenarios, but the number of electric-control board interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage scenario handling capabilityVSAvoidelectric-control board interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single water pump is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different operational modes. The pump can operate in first mode to deliver water from the indoor drain pan to the outdoor drain pan, and in second mode to deliver water from the outdoor drain pan to the indoor heat exchanger. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pumps for different drainage scenarios, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water pumps are used in the circulating water control system, then the system can handle various drainage scenarios, but the system occupies a large space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage scenario handling capabilityVSAvoidsystem space occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple water pump functions are merged into a single water pump unit. The pump integrates both the first water delivery function (indoor drain pan to outdoor drain pan) and the second water delivery function (outdoor drain pan to indoor heat exchanger) into one physical device. This consolidation significantly reduces the space required for housing multiple separate pump units while maintaining the capability to handle various drainage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple water pumps are used in the circulating water control system, then the system can handle various drainage scenarios, but the control logic becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrainage scenario handling capabilityVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water pump operates with dynamic control, switching between different operational modes based on real-time system conditions. The controller adjusts the pump's operating mode (first mode or second mode) according to the drainage requirements, water levels in different pans, and system state. This dynamic control of a single pump replaces the complex static control logic that would be needed to coordinate multiple independent pumps, simplifying the overall control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250146690A1Circulating water control method and system, and computer-readable storage medium and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2025.05.08 GD MIDEA AIR CONDITIONING EQUIP CO LTD
  • US20250146690A1 patent drawing
  • US20250146690A1 patent drawing
  • US20250146690A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a circulating water control method and system, a computer-readable storage medium, and an air conditioner. A first water delivery assembly of a water delivery device of the air conditioner is in communication with an indoor drain pan and a spray device, and a second water delivery assembly is in communication with an outdoor drain pan and a space where an indoor heat exchanger is located. The method includes: determining an operating mode of the air conditioner and obtaining water level information of the indoor drain pan and water level information of the outdoor drain pan; and controlling the first and second water delivery assemblies based on the operating mode, the water level information of the indoor drain pan, and the water level information of the outdoor drain pan, to circulate condensate water generated by the air conditioner between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.