Control method and apparatus for self-cleaning of air conditioner, and air conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioner control methods lack precision in adjusting compressor frequency and fan rotational speed, leading to inefficient temperature and humidity regulation, which affects user comfort and equipment longevity.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that calculate and adjust compressor frequency based on temperature and humidity differences using weighting coefficients, ensuring the frequency is within specified limits, and adjust fan speed accordingly to maintain optimal indoor conditions, effectively controlling the latent and sensible heat ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the frequency of the compressor is improved when the indoor temperature is higher than the specified temperature, then the cooling effect is enhanced, but the control precision and energy efficiency deteriorate due to lack of fine-grained adjustment strategies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor temperature control precisionVSAvoidcontrol method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature control into multiple stages based on temperature differences: first stage (ΔT≥3℃) with frequent compressor start-stop, second stage (2℃≤ΔT<3℃) with delayed response, and third stage (ΔT<2℃) with minimum run time. This segmentation enables precise control at different temperature deviations while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by adjusting compressor operation strategies based on real-time temperature differences. The control parameters (response time, run time, start-stop frequency) dynamically change according to the magnitude of temperature deviation, enabling adaptive precision control without requiring overly complex static control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the rotational speed of the fan is reduced to adjust humidity, then the dehumidification effect is improved, but the air circulation efficiency and cooling performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor humidity control precisionVSAvoidair circulation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic fan speed adjustments coupled with compressor cycling. The fan operates at high speed during compressor run periods for efficient air circulation and cooling, then reduces speed during off periods for dehumidification. This periodic action allows the system to achieve precise humidity control while maintaining high air circulation efficiency during active cooling phases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous useful action by coordinating compressor and fan operations. Rather than independently controlling each component, the system ensures continuous cooling effectiveness through proper sequencing - the fan continues to circulate air while the compressor cycles, and dehumidification occurs during compressor off periods when fan speed is reduced, ensuring both cooling and humidity control functions remain effective throughout operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Temperature

If the compressor operates at high frequency for extended periods, then the cooling capacity is maintained, but the equipment lifespan and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control stabilityVSAvoidcompressor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing preventive control strategies that anticipate compressor wear. The multi-stage control method with minimum run time requirements (≥3 minutes per启动) and staged temperature thresholds prevents excessive frequent cycling, while the delayed response in intermediate temperature stages reduces unnecessary compressor starts, thereby extending compressor lifespan before temperature control stability is compromised

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If coarse adjustment methods are used for compressor frequency and fan speed, then the control system remains simple, but the temperature and humidity regulation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidtemperature and humidity regulation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control space into distinct temperature difference zones (ΔT≥3℃, 2℃≤ΔT<3℃, ΔT<2℃) with specific control strategies for each zone. This segmentation enables refined temperature and humidity regulation within each zone while keeping the overall control system structure relatively simple through clear boundary-based decision logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying compressor run time, fan speed, and response delays based on temperature difference magnitude. Rather than using complex continuous control, the system changes discrete parameters (minimum run time, speed levels, delay periods) according to temperature zones, achieving efficient regulation with manageable control complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3677850B1Control method and apparatus for self-cleaning of air conditioner, and air conditioner
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 HAIER GROUP CORP
  • EP3677850B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3677850B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3677850B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A control method for self-cleaning of an air conditioner. The method comprises steps of: in a refrigeration mode of an air conditioner, collecting an indoor temperature t and an indoor humidity RH (S101); and determining, according to the indoor temperature t and the indoor humidity RH, whether a condition is satisfied, and if yes, controlling an operating frequency F of a compressor according to a temperature Tpn of an indoor coil, and adjusting a rotational speed R of an indoor fan according to the operating frequency F of the compressor (SI02). By means of the control method, a ratio of latent heat to sensible heat can be effectively controlled, the effect of temperature humidity double control is improved, and the user experience is improved. Also disclosed are an apparatus for controlling an air conditioner, and an air conditioner.