Control method and apparatus for water pump of air conditioner, and water pump of air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operating time of the water pump in air conditioners is not intelligent enough, leading to potential damage due to improper timing and energy wastage, as it is not effectively controlled based on liquid level switch states and ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire the state of a liquid level switch, operation state of the air conditioner, and outdoor ambient temperature to determine the starting and stopping times of the water pump, ensuring it is turned on only when necessary and turned off after condensate discharge is complete, using a set of parameters including the liquid level switch state, operation mode, and ambient temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water pump is turned on timely to prevent water freezing, then the reliability of the water pump is improved, but the energy consumption increases when the water pump runs too long or continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from the liquid level switch to monitor the condensate water level in the base frame and adjusts the water pump operation accordingly. When the liquid level switch detects that the water level has dropped below a certain threshold, the system activates the water pump. When the water level rises again, the pump is turned off, creating a closed-loop feedback control that optimizes energy consumption while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by activating the water pump before the water in the base frame freezes. By monitoring the liquid level and operating conditions, the system ensures the water pump is running at the appropriate time to prevent freezing, rather than waiting for freezing to occur. This proactive approach maintains reliability while avoiding unnecessary prolonged operation.
2Reliability
If the water pump operates continuously to ensure condensate discharge, then the reliability of condensate discharge is improved, but the energy wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid level switch provides continuous feedback on the condensate water level, enabling the control system to operate the water pump only when needed. The pump runs when the liquid level switch indicates low water level (suggesting condensate needs to be discharged) and stops when the water level rises, eliminating continuous operation and associated energy wastage while maintaining discharge reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the water pump performs periodic action by cycling on and off based on the liquid level conditions. The pump operates periodically to discharge condensate when the liquid level switch detects appropriate conditions, and remains off when the condensate tank is sufficiently drained. This periodic operation maintains reliable condensate discharge while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the water pump is turned on late to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the water in the base frame may freeze causing water pump damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from multiple sources including the liquid level switch state, air conditioner operation state, and outdoor ambient temperature to determine the optimal timing for water pump activation. This multi-parameter feedback ensures the pump starts early enough to prevent freezing while avoiding unnecessary early activation that would waste energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by considering not just the liquid level switch state but also the air conditioner operation state and outdoor ambient temperature. These parameter changes enable more precise control of the water pump timing, activating the pump at the optimal moment that balances energy savings with freezing prevention, rather than using a simple fixed threshold.
4Extent of automation
If multiple parameters are monitored to determine water pump timing, then the intelligence and precision of control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by using a single control unit that processes multiple parameters (liquid level switch state, air conditioner operation state, outdoor ambient temperature) to perform various functions including water pump timing control, freezing prevention, and energy optimization. This universal approach increases control intelligence without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple monitoring and control tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple monitoring functions into a unified control process. Instead of having separate control mechanisms for each parameter, the invention combines the liquid level switch monitoring, operation state detection, and temperature sensing into a single integrated control logic that determines water pump timing. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high control intelligence through comprehensive parameter consideration.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for controlling a water pump of an air conditioner, and a water pump of an air conditioner. The method for controlling the water pump of the air conditioner includes: acquiring a state of a liquid level switch of an air conditioner, an operation state of the air conditioner and an outdoor ambient temperature; and determining a starting time of the water pump of the air conditioner according to the acquired state of the liquid level switch of the air conditioner, the acquired operation state of the air conditioner and the acquired outdoor ambient temperature. The present disclosure solves the problem that an operating time of the water pump of the air conditioner in the prior art is not intelligent enough, thereby making operating time of the water pump of the air conditioner more intelligent, and improving safety of the water pump of the air conditioner and saving energy.