EP1632738B1 - Air-conditioner and operation control method thereof - Google Patents
Air-conditioner and operation control method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1632738B1 EP1632738B1 EP05101673.1A EP05101673A EP1632738B1 EP 1632738 B1 EP1632738 B1 EP 1632738B1 EP 05101673 A EP05101673 A EP 05101673A EP 1632738 B1 EP1632738 B1 EP 1632738B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- capacity compressor
- temperature
- small
- conditioner
- air
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 20
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 42
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000010485 coping Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 2
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
- F25B49/022—Compressor control arrangements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
- F24F3/06—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the arrangements for the supply of heat-exchange fluid for the subsequent treatment of primary air in the room units
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/04—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means
- F25B2400/0401—Refrigeration circuit bypassing means for the compressor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
- F25B2400/07—Details of compressors or related parts
- F25B2400/075—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors
- F25B2400/0751—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors the compressors having different capacities
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/26—Problems to be solved characterised by the startup of the refrigeration cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/02—Compressor control
- F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
- F25B2600/0251—Compressor control by controlling speed with on-off operation
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an air-conditioner and, more particularly, to a method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner.
- an air-conditioner includes a compressor for compressing a low temperature low pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant; a condenser for changing the high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant after being compressed in the compressor into middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant; an electronic expansion valve for changing the middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant to low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant; an evaporator for changing the low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant to a gaseous refrigerant; and a four-way valve for changing a channel of the refrigerant according to a cooling mode or heating mode.
- the indoor heat exchanger serves as the condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger serves as the evaporator
- the indoor heat exchanger serves as the evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger serves as the condenser.
- output capacity of the air-conditioner can be varied according to a cooling load or a heating load by using a plurality of compressors each having different capacity, so cooling and heating efficiency can be optimized.
- Figure 1 shows the construction of an air-conditioner in accordance with a conventional art.
- the conventional air-conditioner includes: first and second compressors 11 and 12, each having different capacity, for compressing low temperature low pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger 14 for heat-exchanging the high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant with outdoor air so as to be condensed to a middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant; an outdoor fan 14A for blowing air toward the outdoor heat exchanger; an electronic expansion valve 15 for changing the middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to a low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger 16 for heat-exchanging the low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant that has passed the electronic expansion valve with indoor air; an indoor fan 16A for blowing air toward the indoor heat exchanger 16; and an accumulator 17 for extracting only the gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 16 and supplying it to
- the air-conditioner also includes check valves 11A and 12A for preventing the refrigerant discharged from a small-capacity compressor 11 from flowing back to a large-capacity compressor 12 or the refrigerant discharged from the large compressor 12 from flowing back to the small-capacity compressor 11; and a four-way valve 13 for setting the role of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger by switching a channel of the refrigerant that has passed through the first and second compressors 11 and 12.
- the refrigerant In cooling a room, the refrigerant is discharged from two compressors, passes through the check valve and then is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger.
- the condensed refrigerant passes through the electronic expansion valve and is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger. Thereafter, the evaporated refrigerant passes through a common accumulator and then is returned to the compressor.
- the operation of the conventional air-conditioner includes two stages. That is, in the first stage, only the first compressor 11 is operated, and in the second stage, both the first and second compressors 11 and 1 2 are operated. Namely, the conventional air-conditioner is operated by two stages.
- the large-capacity compressor is actuated at a point when the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and the pressure of the suction opening become equal after the certain time (maximum 30 minutes) elapses. Therefore, the capability of coping with a load of the air-conditioner deteriorates.
- one object of the present invention is to provide an air-conditioner capable of enhancing load coping capability by shortening time to make a pressure of a discharge passage of a large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the large-capacity compressor equal before the large-capacity compressor is started for operation while a small-capacity compressor is being operated.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner, in which a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor are all operated to perform a cooling operation several times repeatedly, and then, when an indoor load is increased while only the small-capacity compressor is operated for cooling a room, a pressure of a discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the small-capacity compressor are made to be equal and then the large-capacity compressor is started for perform a cooling operation, whereby the cooling operation of the air-conditioner is performed in a high power saving mode.
- An air-conditioner capable of enhancing load coping capability by shortening time to make a pressure of a discharge passage of a large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the large-capacity compressor equal before the large-capacity compressor is started for operation while a small-capacity compressor is being operated, and a method for controlling an operation of an air-conditioner in which a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor are all operated to perform a cooling operation several times repeatedly, and then, when an indoor load is increased while only the small-capacity compressor is operated for cooling a room, a pressure of a discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the small-capacity compressor are made to be equal and then the large-capacity compressor is started for perform a cooling operation, whereby the cooling operation of the air-conditioner is performed in a high power saving mode, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention.
- an air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention includes: a small-capacity compressor 31 and a large-capacity compressor 32 for compressing a refrigerant to a high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant; first check value 33 and second check valve 34 respectively installed at a discharge passage of a refrigerant channel of the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor; an indoor heat exchanger 35 connected to the first and second check valves; an outdoor heat exchanger 36 connected to the indoor heat exchanger; an accumulator 37 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger; a valve (38) for connecting the suction opening and the discharge passage of the refrigerant channel of a compressor having greater compression capacity among the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor; and a controller (not shown) for controlling the valve.
- the method for controlling an operation of the air-condition includes: a first step in which in case of a cooling operation, a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor are actuated, and then, when a value of a room temperature varied by the actuated small-capacity compressor and large-capacity compressor is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting a pre-set first temperature from a desired temperature set by a user, the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor are stopped; a second step in which in a state than the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor are stopped, when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, it goes back to the first step; a third step in which the first and second steps are repeatedly performed as many as the pre-set number of times; a fourth step in which only the small-capacity compressor is controlled to satisfy a relation of (desired temperature
- the operation of the air-conditioner will be described in detail as follows.
- the air-conditioner of the present invention is operated by two stages.
- the small-capacity compressor 31 compresses the gaseous refrigerant.
- the compressed refrigerant flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 after passing through the first check valve 33.
- the valve 38 is operated for a certain time before operating the large-capacity compressor 32.
- the operation of the large-capacity compressor 32 is performed when an indoor load is increased. In other words, the room temperature is controlled only by the small-capacity compressor 31, and then, when the room temperature goes gradually up to be higher by a pre-set certain temperature than a desired temperature as set by the user, the large-capacity compressor 32 is then actuated.
- the reason of operating the valve 38 for a certain time is to make the pressure of the suction opening of the large-capacity compressor 32 into which the refrigerant flows and the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor 32 from which the refrigerant is discharged equal.
- the certain time during which the valve 38 is operated is preferably 1 minute and 30 seconds as obtained from experimentation.
- the valve can be installed at either side of the two compressors.
- the refrigerant After passing through the small-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32, the refrigerant flows through the first and second check valves 33 and 34, and then to the outdoor heat exchanger 36 through the refrigerant channel. The refrigerant is then introduced from the outdoor heat exchanger 36 to the accumulator 37 and then to the small-capacity compressor 31 or to the large-capacity compressor 32. Through the processes, cooling or heating is performed.
- Figure 5 is a graph showing a waveform of a room temperature in the method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention.
- the controller (not shown) actuates both the small-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 in order to lower the room temperature before operation of the air-conditioner, namely, in order to resolve the indoor load (step S401).
- the controller compares a value of the room temperature changed by the operated small-capacity compressor 31 and large-capacity compressor 32 and a value obtained by subtracting a pre-set first temperature from a desired temperature set by the user (step S402).
- the controller stops operation of the small-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 (step S403).
- the controller keeps operating of the small-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32.
- the pre-set first temperature is preferably 0.5°C.
- the controller compares the increased value of the room temperature and a value obtained by adding a pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature (step S404).
- the controller actuates the small-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 again (step S401). If the increased value of the room temperature is smaller than the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the controller maintains the stop state of the smaller-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacitor compressor 32.
- the indoor load can be resolved.
- the certain number of times is preferably two times.
- the small-capacity compressor is actuated (step S405).
- the pre-set second temperature is preferably 0.5°C.
- step S406 While the small-capacity compressor is being operated, the value of the room temperature and the value obtained by subtracting the pre-set first temperature from the desired temperature (step S406).
- the small-capacity compressor is stopped (step S407), or otherwise, the small-capacity compressor is continuously operated.
- the controller compares the value of the room temperature and the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature (step S408).
- the small-capacity compressor 31 is maintained in the stop stage.
- the controller actuates the small-capacity compressor 31 again (step S409).
- the value of the room temperature and a value obtained by adding a pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature are compared (step S410).
- the pre-set third temperature is preferably greater than the pre-set first and second temperatures.
- the valve 38 is operated for a certain time and then stopped (step S411).
- the reason why the value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by adding the pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature is because it can happens that the room temperature is gradually increased when the room temperature is controlled only by the small-capacity compressor 31.
- the certain time is preferably about 1 minute and 30 seconds (the optimum time obtained through experimentation).
- step S412 After the valve 38 is stopped, the large-capacity compressor 32 is actuated to reduce the increased indoor load (step S412).
- the two compressors of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention have the same capacity, the two compressors can be operated regardless of an actuation order.
- the air-conditioner is operated according to the same control method.
- the air-conditioner and the method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner of the present invention have the following advantages.
- the load coping capability can be enhanced.
- the cooling operation of the air-conditioner can be performed in the high power saving mode.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
- Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)
- Compression-Type Refrigeration Machines With Reversible Cycles (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to an air-conditioner and, more particularly, to a method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner.
- In general, an air-conditioner includes a compressor for compressing a low temperature low pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant; a condenser for changing the high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant after being compressed in the compressor into middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant; an electronic expansion valve for changing the middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant to low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant; an evaporator for changing the low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant to a gaseous refrigerant; and a four-way valve for changing a channel of the refrigerant according to a cooling mode or heating mode.
- In the air-conditioner, a role of an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger is changed according to the cooling or heating mode. In the heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger serves as the condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger serves as the evaporator, and in the cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger serves as the evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger serves as the condenser.
- Recently, output capacity of the air-conditioner can be varied according to a cooling load or a heating load by using a plurality of compressors each having different capacity, so cooling and heating efficiency can be optimized.
-
Figure 1 shows the construction of an air-conditioner in accordance with a conventional art. - As shown in
Figure 1 , the conventional air-conditioner includes: first andsecond compressors outdoor heat exchanger 14 for heat-exchanging the high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant with outdoor air so as to be condensed to a middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant; anoutdoor fan 14A for blowing air toward the outdoor heat exchanger; anelectronic expansion valve 15 for changing the middle temperature high pressure liquid-state refrigerant that has passed through theoutdoor heat exchanger 14 to a low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant; anindoor heat exchanger 16 for heat-exchanging the low temperature low pressure liquid-state refrigerant that has passed the electronic expansion valve with indoor air; anindoor fan 16A for blowing air toward theindoor heat exchanger 16; and anaccumulator 17 for extracting only the gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant that has passed through theindoor heat exchanger 16 and supplying it to the first andsecond compressors - The air-conditioner also includes
check valves capacity compressor 11 from flowing back to a large-capacity compressor 12 or the refrigerant discharged from thelarge compressor 12 from flowing back to the small-capacity compressor 11; and a four-way valve 13 for setting the role of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger by switching a channel of the refrigerant that has passed through the first andsecond compressors - In cooling a room, the refrigerant is discharged from two compressors, passes through the check valve and then is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger. The condensed refrigerant passes through the electronic expansion valve and is evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger. Thereafter, the evaporated refrigerant passes through a common accumulator and then is returned to the compressor. Herein, the operation of the conventional air-conditioner includes two stages. That is, in the first stage, only the
first compressor 11 is operated, and in the second stage, both the first andsecond compressors - Herein, after the compressor is stopped from operation, when the compressor needs to be re-operated, a pressure of the suction opening side and a pressure of the discharge passage should be balanced. However, in the conventional air-conditioner, when the compressor is stopped from operation, the pressure at the discharge passage and the pressure at the suction opening will not be quickly balanced but be slowly equal due to oil and the refrigerant inside the compressor, causing a problem of platen pressure problem, and maximum 30 minutes are taken until the pressure of the suction opening and the pressure of the discharge passage are the same.
- Thus, in the conventional compressor and the method for controlling the operation of the compressor, after the small-capacity compressor is operated, when the large-capacity compressor is actuated, it cannot be immediately actuated due to the platen pressure problem in the can of the large-capacity compressor. That is, the large-capacity compressor is actuated at a point when the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and the pressure of the suction opening become equal after the certain time (maximum 30 minutes) elapses. Therefore, the capability of coping with a load of the air-conditioner deteriorates.
- Another conventional air conditioner according to the preamble of
claim 1 is shown inUS-A-2002/073721 . - Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an air-conditioner capable of enhancing load coping capability by shortening time to make a pressure of a discharge passage of a large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the large-capacity compressor equal before the large-capacity compressor is started for operation while a small-capacity compressor is being operated.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner, in which a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor are all operated to perform a cooling operation several times repeatedly, and then, when an indoor load is increased while only the small-capacity compressor is operated for cooling a room, a pressure of a discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the small-capacity compressor are made to be equal and then the large-capacity compressor is started for perform a cooling operation, whereby the cooling operation of the air-conditioner is performed in a high power saving mode.
- To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided an air-conditioner according to
claim 1, and - a method for controlling an operation of an air-conditioner according to
claim 6. - The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- In the drawings:
-
Figure 1 shows the construction of an air-conditioner in accordance with a conventional art; -
Figure 2 is a graph showing a relation between actuation of a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor of the air-conditioner and a pressure in accordance with the conventional art; -
Figure 3 is a block diagram of an air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention; -
Figures 4A and4B are flow charts of a method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention; and -
Figure 5 is a graph showing a waveform of a room temperature in the method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention. - An air-conditioner capable of enhancing load coping capability by shortening time to make a pressure of a discharge passage of a large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the large-capacity compressor equal before the large-capacity compressor is started for operation while a small-capacity compressor is being operated, and a method for controlling an operation of an air-conditioner in which a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor are all operated to perform a cooling operation several times repeatedly, and then, when an indoor load is increased while only the small-capacity compressor is operated for cooling a room, a pressure of a discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and a pressure of a suction opening of the small-capacity compressor are made to be equal and then the large-capacity compressor is started for perform a cooling operation, whereby the cooling operation of the air-conditioner is performed in a high power saving mode, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to
Figures 3 to 5 . -
Figure 3 is a block diagram of an air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention. - As shown in
Figure 3 , an air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention includes: a small-capacity compressor 31 and a large-capacity compressor 32 for compressing a refrigerant to a high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant;first check value 33 andsecond check valve 34 respectively installed at a discharge passage of a refrigerant channel of the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor; anindoor heat exchanger 35 connected to the first and second check valves; anoutdoor heat exchanger 36 connected to the indoor heat exchanger; anaccumulator 37 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger; a valve (38) for connecting the suction opening and the discharge passage of the refrigerant channel of a compressor having greater compression capacity among the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor; and a controller (not shown) for controlling the valve. - A method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to
Figures 4A and4B . - As shown in
Figures 4A and4B , the method for controlling an operation of the air-condition includes: a first step in which in case of a cooling operation, a small-capacity compressor and a large-capacity compressor are actuated, and then, when a value of a room temperature varied by the actuated small-capacity compressor and large-capacity compressor is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting a pre-set first temperature from a desired temperature set by a user, the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor are stopped; a second step in which in a state than the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor are stopped, when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, it goes back to the first step; a third step in which the first and second steps are repeatedly performed as many as the pre-set number of times; a fourth step in which only the small-capacity compressor is controlled to satisfy a relation of (desired temperature ― pre-set first temperature ≤ room temperature ≤ (desired temperature - pre-set second temperature); a fifth step in which when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature, a valve is operated for a certain time and then stopped; and a sixth step in which the large-capacity compressor is actuated. - The operation of the air-conditioner will be described in detail as follows. The air-conditioner of the present invention is operated by two stages.
- First, when a user selects a cooling operation, the small-
capacity compressor 31 compresses the gaseous refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant flows to theindoor heat exchanger 35 after passing through thefirst check valve 33. - While the small-
capacity compressor 31 is being operated, if the large-capacity compressor 32 is desired to be operated, thevalve 38 is operated for a certain time before operating the large-capacity compressor 32. The operation of the large-capacity compressor 32 is performed when an indoor load is increased. In other words, the room temperature is controlled only by the small-capacity compressor 31, and then, when the room temperature goes gradually up to be higher by a pre-set certain temperature than a desired temperature as set by the user, the large-capacity compressor 32 is then actuated. The reason of operating thevalve 38 for a certain time is to make the pressure of the suction opening of the large-capacity compressor 32 into which the refrigerant flows and the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor 32 from which the refrigerant is discharged equal. The certain time during which thevalve 38 is operated is preferably 1 minute and 30 seconds as obtained from experimentation. - If the two compressors of the air-conditioner have the same compression capacity, the valve can be installed at either side of the two compressors.
- After passing through the small-
capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32, the refrigerant flows through the first andsecond check valves outdoor heat exchanger 36 through the refrigerant channel. The refrigerant is then introduced from theoutdoor heat exchanger 36 to theaccumulator 37 and then to the small-capacity compressor 31 or to the large-capacity compressor 32. Through the processes, cooling or heating is performed. - The method for controlling the operation of the air-conditioner will be described in detail with reference to
Figure 5 . -
Figure 5 is a graph showing a waveform of a room temperature in the method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention. - As shown in
Figure 5 , when the user selects the cooling operation and the air-conditioner starts its operation, the controller (not shown) actuates both the small-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 in order to lower the room temperature before operation of the air-conditioner, namely, in order to resolve the indoor load (step S401). - The controller compares a value of the room temperature changed by the operated small-
capacity compressor 31 and large-capacity compressor 32 and a value obtained by subtracting a pre-set first temperature from a desired temperature set by the user (step S402). - If the value of the room temperature is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting the pre-set first temperature from the desired temperature, the controller stops operation of the small-
capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 (step S403). - If the value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by subtracting the pre-set first temperature from the desired temperature, the controller keeps operating of the small-
capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32. The pre-set first temperature is preferably 0.5°C. - After the small-
capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 are stopped, the controller compares the increased value of the room temperature and a value obtained by adding a pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature (step S404). - If the increased value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the controller actuates the small-
capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacity compressor 32 again (step S401). If the increased value of the room temperature is smaller than the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the controller maintains the stop state of the smaller-capacity compressor 31 and the large-capacitor compressor 32. - By repeatedly performing the steps S401 to S404 for a certain number of times, the indoor load can be resolved. Herein, the certain number of times is preferably two times.
- After repeated performing the steps S401 to S404 for the certain number of times, if the increased value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the small-capacity compressor is actuated (step S405). Herein, the pre-set second temperature is preferably 0.5°C.
- While the small-capacity compressor is being operated, the value of the room temperature and the value obtained by subtracting the pre-set first temperature from the desired temperature (step S406).
- If the value of the room temperature is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting the pre-set first temperature from the desired temperature, the small-capacity compressor is stopped (step S407), or otherwise, the small-capacity compressor is continuously operated.
- After the small-capacity compressor is stopped, the controller compares the value of the room temperature and the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature (step S408).
- If the value of the room temperature is smaller than the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the small-
capacity compressor 31 is maintained in the stop stage. - If the value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the controller actuates the small-
capacity compressor 31 again (step S409). - After the small-
capacity compressor 31 is actuated, the value of the room temperature and a value obtained by adding a pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature are compared (step S410). Herein, the pre-set third temperature is preferably greater than the pre-set first and second temperatures. - If the value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by adding the pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature, in order to make the pressure of the suction opening of the large-
capacity compressor 32 and the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor 32 equal, thevalve 38 is operated for a certain time and then stopped (step S411). - If the value of the room temperature is smaller than the value obtained by adding the pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature, operation of the small-
capacity compressor 31 is maintained. Herein, the reason why the value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by adding the pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature is because it can happens that the room temperature is gradually increased when the room temperature is controlled only by the small-capacity compressor 31. The certain time is preferably about 1 minute and 30 seconds (the optimum time obtained through experimentation). - After the
valve 38 is stopped, the large-capacity compressor 32 is actuated to reduce the increased indoor load (step S412). - If the two compressors of the air-conditioner in accordance with the present invention have the same capacity, the two compressors can be operated regardless of an actuation order.
- For a heating operation, the air-conditioner is operated according to the same control method.
- As so far described, the air-conditioner and the method for controlling an operation of the air-conditioner of the present invention have the following advantages.
- That is, since the time taken for making the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and the pressure of the suction opening of the large-capacity compressor equal before the large-capacity compressor is actuated while the small-capacity compressor is being operated, the load coping capability can be enhanced.
- In addition, after the small-capacity compressor and the large-capacity compressor are all operated to perform a cooling operation and the cooling operation is repeatedly performed for a certain number of times, when an indoor load is increased while only the small-capacity compressor is operated to perform a cooling operation, the pressure of the discharge passage of the large-capacity compressor and the pressure of the suction opening of the small-capacity compressor are made to be equal and then the large-capacity compressor is actuated to perform a cooling operation. Accordingly, the cooling operation of the air-conditioner can be performed in the high power saving mode.
- As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the scope as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
- An air-conditioner comprising:a small-capacity compressor (31) and a large-capacity compressor (32) for compressing a refrigerant to a high temperature high pressure gaseous refrigerant;a valve (38) for connecting a suction opening of a refrigerant channel of the large-capacity compressor (32) and a discharge passage of a refrigerantchannel of the large-capacity compressor (32); anda controller for controlling the small-capacity compressor (31), the large-capacity compressor (32) and the valve (38),
characterized in thatthe controller performs a controlling operation by the following steps comprising:- a first step in which, in case of a cooling operation, a small-capacity compressor (31) and a large-capacity compressor (32) are actuated, and then, when a value of a room temperature varied by the actuated small-capacity compressor (31) and large-capacity compressor (32) is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting a pre-set first temperature from a desired temperature set by a user, the small-capacity compressor (31) and the large-capacity compressor (32) are stopped;- a second step in which in a state than the small-capacity compressor (31) and the large-capacity compressor are stopped, when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, it goes back to the first step;- a third step in which the first and second steps are repeatedlyperformed as many as the pre-set number of times;- a fourth step in which only the small-capacity compressor (31) is controlled to satisfy a relation of (desired temperature - pre-set first temperature room temperature (desired temperature - pre-set second temperature);- a fifth step in which when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature, valve (38) is operated for a certain time and then stopped; and- a sixth step in which the large-capacity compressor (32) is actuated,wherein the pre-set third temperature is greater than the pre-set first and second temperatures. - The air-conditioner of claim 1, wherein while the small-capacitor compressor is being operated, the controller operates the valve for a certain time before actuating the large-capacity compressor, and then, the controller operates the large-capacity compressor.
- The air-conditioner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the certain time is 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- The air-conditioner of any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the pre-set first and second temperatures are 0.5 deg. C.
- The air-conditioner of any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the pre-set number of times is two times.
- A method for controlling an operation of an air-conditioner with a small-capacity compressor (31) and a large-capacity compressor (32) and a value (38) for connecting a suction opening of a refrigerant channel of the large-capacity compression (32) and a discharge passage of a refrigerant channel of the large-capacity compressor (32). comprising:- a first step in which, in case of a cooling operotion, the small-capacity compressor (31) and the large-capacity compressor (32) are actuated, and then, when a value of a room temperature varied by the actuated small-capacity compressor (31) and large-capacity compressor (32) is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting a pre-set first temperature from a desired temperature set by a user, the small-capacity compressor (31) and the large-capacity compressor (32) are stopped;- a second step in which in a state than the small-capacity compressor (31) and the large-capacity compressor (32) are stopped, when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, it goes back to the first step;- a third step in which the first and second steps are repeatedly performed as many as the pre-set number of times;- a fourth step in which only the small-capacity compressor (31) is controlled to satisfy a relation of (desired temperature - pre-set first temperature room temperature (desired temperature - pre-set second temperature);- a fifth step in which when the value of the room temperature is greater than a value obtained by adding a pre-set third temperature to the desired temperature, the valve (38) is operated for a certain time and then stopped; and- a sixth step in which the large-capacity compressor (32) is actuated,wherein the pre-set third temperature is greater than the pre-set first and second temperatures.
- The method of claim 6, wherein the fourth step comprises:a step in which after the small-capacity compressor is actuated, if the value of the room temperature varied by the actuated small-capacity compressor is smaller than the value obtained by subtracting the pre-set first temperature from the desired temperature, the small-capacity compressor is stopped; anda step in which with the small-capacity compressor stopped, if the value of the room temperature is greater than the value obtained by adding the pre-set second temperature to the desired temperature, the small-capacity compressor is actuated.
- The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the certain time is 1 minute and 30 seconds.
- The method of any of claims 6 - 8, wherein the pre-set first and second temperatures are 0.5 deg..
- The method of an of claims 6 - 9, wherein the pre-set number is two times.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020040066061A KR100608683B1 (en) | 2004-08-20 | 2004-08-20 | Airconditioner and his power saving drive method |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1632738A2 EP1632738A2 (en) | 2006-03-08 |
EP1632738A3 EP1632738A3 (en) | 2012-05-23 |
EP1632738B1 true EP1632738B1 (en) | 2013-06-19 |
Family
ID=36080324
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP05101673.1A Ceased EP1632738B1 (en) | 2004-08-20 | 2005-03-04 | Air-conditioner and operation control method thereof |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060037333A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1632738B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100608683B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100470157C (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP5070301B2 (en) * | 2008-02-15 | 2012-11-14 | パナソニック株式会社 | Refrigeration cycle equipment |
US9238398B2 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2016-01-19 | B/E Aerospace, Inc. | Refrigeration systems and methods for connection with a vehicle's liquid cooling system |
WO2013050055A1 (en) * | 2011-10-03 | 2013-04-11 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Refrigerator and method of operating refrigeration system |
US10866018B2 (en) * | 2016-02-19 | 2020-12-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Air conditioner and control method thereof |
FR3077191B1 (en) * | 2018-01-29 | 2020-01-03 | Y2I Finances | EXHIBITION FURNITURE FOR PRODUCTS PRESENTATION |
CN109631387A (en) * | 2019-01-07 | 2019-04-16 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Air conditioning system and control method thereof |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5477444A (en) | 1978-11-04 | 1979-06-20 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Heat pump type air conditioner |
JP2557903B2 (en) * | 1987-09-10 | 1996-11-27 | 株式会社東芝 | Air conditioner |
JPH02264168A (en) * | 1989-04-05 | 1990-10-26 | Hitachi Ltd | Freezing device |
US5062274A (en) * | 1989-07-03 | 1991-11-05 | Carrier Corporation | Unloading system for two compressors |
KR0147098B1 (en) * | 1995-10-09 | 1998-08-17 | 구자홍 | Stable presser method of multi-airconditioner |
JPH10205895A (en) * | 1997-01-28 | 1998-08-04 | Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd | Refrigeration cycle controller |
KR20000012791U (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2000-07-15 | 황한규 | air conditioner |
KR100386657B1 (en) * | 2000-10-04 | 2003-06-02 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Air conditioner |
KR100388675B1 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2003-06-25 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Air conditioner having pressure controlling unit and its control method |
KR100396849B1 (en) * | 2001-03-26 | 2003-09-03 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method to control air conditioner with multi-compressor |
JP3896903B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2007-03-22 | 株式会社デンソー | Air conditioner for vehicles |
KR100484799B1 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2005-04-22 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Compressor's Operating Method of Air Conditioner With Two Compressors |
KR20040045090A (en) * | 2002-11-22 | 2004-06-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Compressor control method for air-conditioner using multi compressors |
KR100465723B1 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2005-01-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A cooling drive method of air-conditioner |
KR20050042953A (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2005-05-11 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Driving control method for air conditioner equipped with inverter compressor and regular velocity compressor |
KR101116208B1 (en) * | 2004-05-17 | 2012-03-06 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Control apparatus and method for compressor |
-
2004
- 2004-08-20 KR KR1020040066061A patent/KR100608683B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2005
- 2005-01-05 US US11/028,644 patent/US20060037333A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-01-24 CN CNB2005100056474A patent/CN100470157C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-04 EP EP05101673.1A patent/EP1632738B1/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1632738A2 (en) | 2006-03-08 |
KR20060017399A (en) | 2006-02-23 |
CN100470157C (en) | 2009-03-18 |
CN1737439A (en) | 2006-02-22 |
US20060037333A1 (en) | 2006-02-23 |
KR100608683B1 (en) | 2006-08-08 |
EP1632738A3 (en) | 2012-05-23 |
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