KR101953182B1 - Air Conditioner and Controlling Method for the Same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner.
The air conditioner of the present invention includes an outdoor heat exchanger having a refrigerant pipe and a fin coupled to the refrigerant pipe; A power storage unit provided in the outdoor heat exchanger and having a variable capacity according to the amount of foreign matter present in the outdoor heat exchanger; And a control unit that is electrically connected to the power storage unit and determines whether the defrosting operation is to be performed based on the variable capacitance.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioner,

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner.

The air conditioner is a device for keeping the air in a predetermined space in a most suitable condition according to the purpose of use and purpose. Generally, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and a refrigeration cycle for compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant is driven to cool or heat the predetermined space have.

The predetermined space may be variously suggested depending on the place where the air conditioner is used. For example, when the air conditioner is installed in a home or an office, the predetermined space may be a house or an indoor space of a building.

When the air conditioner performs the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit performs a condenser function, and the indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit performs an evaporator function. On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger performs a condenser function, and the outdoor heat exchanger performs an evaporator function.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner performs the heating operation, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger and the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the outdoor heat exchange period are formed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. And the operation of the outdoor heat exchanger is frozen on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger over time, which is a factor to lower the heat exchange efficiency between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

In this case, the air conditioner includes a sensing unit for sensing the frost generated in the outdoor heat exchanger. When it is detected that a frost is generated in the heat exchanger, the air conditioner operates the refrigerant cycle in reverse to remove the frost, and performs the defrosting operation in which the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser. As a result, the frost condensed on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger melts down.

Public number (release date): 10-2005-0120395 (December 22, 2005)

Title of Invention: Defrost Control Method of Heat Pump Type Air Conditioner in Low-Temperature Outdoor Condition

The defrost control method of the heat pump type air conditioner disclosed in the prior art includes a case A in which the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is 0 ° C or higher and a case B in which the temperature is set to And a set temperature (X) ° C or lower. In the case A, the heating operation is performed without defrosting. In the case B, defrosting is performed by operating the solenoid valve intermittently to delay defrosting. And in the case of C, the four-way valve and the solenoid valve are actuated in reverse cycles to defrost.

According to this prior art, the heat pump type air conditioner measures the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger to judge whether or not the defrosting operation is performed to determine whether the defrosting operation is started. Further, when the defrosting operation is determined, defrosting is performed by driving the compressor for the set time (about 9 minutes).

However, if the defrosting operation is determined based on the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger, it can not be accurately determined whether the actual heat exchanger is frosted. Therefore, there is a problem that defrosting is performed because the outdoor heat exchanger is judged to be in an environment requiring defrosting, although no gasses are generated.

Further, when the defrosting operation is determined, since the compressor is driven for a predetermined set time (about 9 minutes), the frost impregnated in the heat exchanger is not sufficiently removed. Alternatively, defrosting may be performed excessively compared with the amount of frost frosted to lower the heat exchange efficiency, resulting in a problem that power is consumed inefficiently.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner, which are equipped with a sensing unit capable of sensing the frost conceived in the heat exchanger in order to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not to start the defrosting operation .

The present invention also provides a control method of an air conditioner and an air conditioner in which a defrosting operation time is determined on the basis of a measured amount of frost, by measuring a frost amount in a heat exchanger in order to improve heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner The purpose is to provide.

The air conditioner according to the present embodiment includes an outdoor heat exchanger having a refrigerant pipe and a fin coupled to the refrigerant pipe; A power storage unit provided in the outdoor heat exchanger and having a variable capacity according to the amount of foreign matter present in the outdoor heat exchanger; And a control unit that is electrically connected to the power storage unit and determines whether the defrosting operation is to be performed based on the variable capacitance.

The plurality of pins are provided.

At least one of the plurality of fins constitutes the power storage unit.

The power storage unit includes a first power storage unit provided on a first one of the plurality of fins and to which a positive voltage is applied.

The power storage unit may further include a second power storage unit provided on a second one of the plurality of fins and to which a negative voltage is applied.

The electric capacity of the power storage unit is determined by the amount of foreign matter conceived between the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit.

And an insulating member for electrically isolating the first storage unit or the second storage unit from the refrigerant pipe.

The insulating member is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe in contact with the first power storage unit or the second power storage unit.

Further comprising a memory for storing mapping information relating to an interval between the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit and a variable amount of the capacitance of the power storage unit.

The mapping information includes information mapped so that the variable amount of the capacitance of the power storage unit increases as the distance between the first and second power storage units becomes closer.

And a memory unit for storing mapping information regarding an area of the first power storage unit or the second power storage unit and a variable amount of the capacitance of the power storage unit.

The mapping information includes information mapped to increase the variable amount of the electric capacity of the power storage unit as the area of the first power storage unit or the second power storage unit increases.

The control unit performs a defrost operation when the measured capacitance in the sensing unit is larger than the set value.

The set value includes a plurality of set values according to the amount of water or frost frost present in the outdoor heat exchanger.

The plurality of set values includes a first set value for determining that the control unit determines that the measured capacity in the sensing unit is water in the outdoor heat exchanger.

The plurality of set values are determined to be smaller than the first set value, and include a second set value, which is determined that water is formed in a part and frost is conceived in another part.

The control unit controls the RPM of the outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger to be reduced or the efficiency of the compressor to be lowered if the measured capacity of the sensing unit is greater than the second set value and smaller than the first set value.

The plurality of set values are smaller than the second set value and are compared with any one of third set values determined to be frosted to determine whether or not the defrost operation is to be performed.

The control unit determines to perform the defrosting operation if the measured capacitance in the sensing unit is larger than the third set value and smaller than the second set value.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an air conditioner, including: performing a heating operation; Measuring an electric capacity of a power storage unit provided in the outdoor heat exchanger; Comparing a capacitance of the power storage unit with a set value; And performing defrosting operation when the electric capacity of the power storage unit is larger than the set value.

Information on an environmental variable for an area where the air conditioner is installed is input and a value mapped to information on the environmental variable is determined as the setting value.

Wherein the information on the environmental variable includes first information indicating an area where the air conditioner is installed and representing the waterfront, and if the first information is input, indicating that the foreign matter accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger is salt do.

The information on the environmental variable includes second information indicating a desert region in which the air conditioner is installed. When the second information is input, the outdoor heat exchanger Further comprising the step of operating.

According to the control method of the air conditioner and the air conditioner according to the present embodiment, the sensing unit can sense the concealed frost amount by measuring the capacitance of the space formed in the pair of pins provided in the outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, the accuracy of whether or not to determine the defrosting operation can be improved, thereby improving the operational reliability of the apparatus.

Further, the defrosting operation time can be determined based on the amount of frost measured by the sensing unit, thereby improving the efficiency of the defrosting operation.

In addition, the air conditioner of the present invention can provide the user with information on the degree of defrosting based on the amount of frost measured by the sensing unit when defrosting proceeds. Therefore, there is an advantage that convenience for the user is improved.

Further, the air conditioner of the present invention can be determined differently depending on the installation area. Further, it is possible to provide an air conditioner with improved performance to a user by selecting and performing a separate operation for removing foreign matter accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger based on the environmental variable.

1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing a system of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
3 is a sectional view of an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit according to the first embodiment.
4 is an enlarged view of an outdoor heat exchanger showing a power storage unit according to the first embodiment.
5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
6 is a flowchart of a control method of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
7 is a perspective view of a power storage unit in which a fin spacing is horizontally adjusted according to the second embodiment.
8 is a perspective view of a power storage unit in which the area of the fin according to the second embodiment is adjusted.
9 is a flow chart of a control method of the air conditioner for checking the frost conception state and defrost progress state of the outdoor heat exchanger according to the third embodiment.
10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an air conditioner installed in a coastal area according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart of a method of controlling an air conditioner installed in a desert region according to the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the spirit of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and that those skilled in the art, upon reading and understanding the spirit of the invention, may easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same concept.

1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2.

The air conditioner may be classified into a stand type, a wall type, a ceiling type, or the like depending on the shape of the indoor unit 1. In addition, the air conditioner may include a case of performing only cooling, a case of performing only heating, and a case of performing both cooling and heating.

The indoor unit 1 can discharge the heat-exchanged air to the room. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the indoor unit 1 and is capable of delivering the refrigerant necessary for air conditioning in the indoor unit 1 to the indoor unit 1.

The air conditioner may further include a remote controller (not shown) for controlling the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. The remote controller may include an input unit (not shown) for receiving a user's command and an output unit (not shown) for outputting information corresponding to the user's command. The air conditioner may further include a local controller (not shown) connected to the indoor unit 1 and having an input unit for inputting a user command and an output unit for outputting an operation state of the indoor unit 1 . The output unit included in the remote controller and the local controller may include a display unit as an example.

The air conditioner may further include at least one unit selected from a ventilation unit, an air cleaning unit, a humidifying unit, a dehumidifying unit, a heater, and the like in addition to the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. In addition, an illumination unit, an alarm unit, and the like may be connected to the remote controller (not shown) so that they can operate in cooperation with each other.

The indoor unit 1 may further include an air inlet for sucking indoor air and a discharge port for discharging the heat-exchanged air. In addition, the indoor unit 1 may further include a wind direction adjusting unit provided at the outlet. The wind direction control means can open / close the discharge port and control the direction of the air discharged from the discharge port.

The indoor unit 1 may further include a vane installed at the air inlet or the air outlet. The vane may open / close at least one of the air inlet and the air outlet, and guide the flow direction of the air.

2 is a view showing a system of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the indoor unit 1 may include an indoor heat exchanger 11 in which indoor air and refrigerant are heat-exchanged. When the air conditioner is operated in a cooling operation mode, the indoor heat exchanger (11) can function as an evaporator so that the liquid refrigerant transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (11) can be evaporated by indoor air.

Also, when the air conditioner is operated in the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 11 can function as a condenser in which the gaseous refrigerant delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 11 can be condensed by the indoor air .

The indoor unit 1 may further include an indoor blower 12 for blowing room air to the indoor heat exchanger 11. The indoor air blower 12 may further include an indoor fan motor 121 for generating power and an indoor fan 122 connected to the indoor fan motor 121 to generate a wind power.

The indoor unit (1) may further include the indoor expansion valve (13). When the refrigerant that has not passed through the indoor heat exchanger (11) passes through the indoor expansion valve (13), the indoor expansion valve (13) may not expand the refrigerant. Conversely, when the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 11 passes through the indoor expansion valve 13, the indoor expansion valve 13 can expand the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 11. That is, when the air conditioner is in the cooling operation mode, the indoor expansion valve (13) can expand the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger (11). The indoor expansion valve 13 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV), for example.

Meanwhile, the outdoor unit (2) may include an outdoor heat exchanger (21) in which outdoor air and refrigerant are heat-exchanged. The outdoor heat exchanger 21 can be operated as a condenser in which the gaseous refrigerant transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 can be condensed by the outdoor air.

Further, when the air conditioner is operated in the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger (21) can be operated as an evaporator in which the liquid refrigerant transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (21) can be evaporated by the outdoor air .

The outdoor unit 2 may further include an outdoor blower 31 for blowing outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The outdoor air blower 31 may include an outdoor fan motor 311 for generating power and an outdoor fan 312 connected to the outdoor fan motor 311 to generate a wind power.

The outdoor unit (2) may further include an accumulator (41) for extracting only gaseous refrigerant. The accumulator 41 may extract the gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 41 and deliver the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 51.

The outdoor unit (2) may further include a compressor (51) for compressing the gaseous refrigerant extracted from the accumulator (41). The compressor 51 mixes and compresses the refrigerant introduced from the accumulator 41 and the oil introduced from the oil separator 61 to be described later. The compressor 51 compresses the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 11 according to the operating state of the air conditioner. And the heat exchanger (21). The compressor 51 may include, for example, an inverter compressor having a variable capacity.

The outdoor unit (2) may further include an oil separator (61) for separating refrigerant containing oil discharged from the compressor (51). The oil separator 61 may separate the refrigerant and the oil from each other. The refrigerant separated by the oil separator (61) may be discharged to any one of the indoor heat exchanger (11) and the outdoor heat exchanger (21). In addition, the oil separated by the oil separator 61 can be recovered by the compressor 51.

The outdoor unit (2) may further include a four-way valve (71) capable of switching the flow of the refrigerant separated by the oil separator (61). The refrigerant can be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (21) and the indoor heat exchanger (11) by the four-way valve (71). For example, when the air conditioner performs the heating operation, the four-way valve 71 can regulate the flow of the refrigerant separated from the oil separator 61 to the indoor heat exchanger 11 side. Conversely, when the air conditioner performs the cooling operation, the four-way valve 71 can regulate the flow path so that the refrigerant separated from the oil separator 61 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 21 side.

The outdoor unit (2) may further include an outdoor expansion valve (81). The outdoor expansion valve (81) can expand the refrigerant when the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (21) passes through the outdoor expansion valve (81). When the refrigerant that has not passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (21) passes through the outdoor expansion valve (81), the outdoor expansion valve (81) may not expand the refrigerant. That is, in the heating operation, the outdoor expansion valve (81) can expand the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (21). The outdoor expansion valve 81 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV), for example.

The outdoor unit 2 may further include a sensing unit 251 that can sense and measure the amount of foreign matter adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The foreign matter may include water, ice, dust, and the like. And a power storage unit 230 that forms an electric field with respect to one area of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and accumulates electric charge by the electric field. The sensing unit 251 may measure the electric capacity of the power storage unit 230. Details of the power storage unit 230 will be described later.

Hereinafter, the sensing unit disposed in the outdoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger will be described.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an outdoor heat exchanger showing a sensing unit according to the first embodiment.

3 and 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 may include a refrigerant pipe 210 through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant pipe 210 may include a plurality of refrigerant pipes 210. The outdoor heat exchanger 21 may further include a return band 211 bent in a U-shape to connect the plurality of refrigerant pipes 210. The plurality of refrigerant pipes 210 may be connected in series through the return band 211 to form one refrigerant channel. Alternatively, a plurality of the refrigerant pipes 210 connected in series through the return band 211 may be connected in parallel to form a plurality of refrigerant channels. In the following description, the plurality of refrigerant pipes 210 are provided in the single heat exchanger through the return band 211.

The outdoor heat exchanger (21) may include a fin (220) coupled to the refrigerant pipe (210) and having one or more holes formed therein. The number of holes formed in the fin 220 may correspond to the number of the refrigerant pipes 210 provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 21. Accordingly, the plurality of refrigerant pipes 210 pass through one or more holes formed in the fins 220, so that the plurality of refrigerant pipes 210 can be coupled to the fins 220. The fin 220 may be formed in a flat plate shape. In addition, the fin 220 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant pipe 210 and the air around the fin 220. In addition, the pins 220 may be provided in a plurality of holes in order to increase heat exchange efficiency. The plurality of pins 220 may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

The plurality of fins 220 may include a first pin 231 to which a positive voltage is applied and a second pin 232 to which a negative voltage is applied. The first and second pins 231 and 232 may be formed of a conductor. The outdoor unit 2 may further include a voltage generator 252 for applying a voltage to the first and second pins 231 and 232. The voltage generator 252 and the first and second pins 231 and 232 may be electrically connected to each other by a cable, for example. In detail, the first pin 231 may be positively charged by a positive voltage generator (not shown) provided in the voltage generator 252. The negative voltage may be applied to the second pin 232 by a negative voltage generator (not shown) provided in the voltage generator 252. In summary, the voltage generator 252 can apply positive (+) and negative (-) voltages to the first and second pins 231 and 232 through the cable, respectively.

The outdoor heat exchanger 21 may include an insulating member 240 for electrically isolating the first and second pins 231 and 232 and the refrigerant pipe 210 from each other. The insulation member 240 may be installed on an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 210 in which the first and second pins 231 and 232 are in contact with the refrigerant pipe 210. Accordingly, the first and second pins 231 and 232 and the refrigerant pipe 210 may be electrically disconnected by the insulating member 240.

When positive voltage (+) and negative voltage (-) are applied to the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 respectively, a space between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 An electric field can be formed in the part. In addition, a predetermined charge can be stored in the space portion. The amount of charge stored in the space, that is, the capacitance C can be simply described as follows.

In Equation (1), C denotes capacitance,? _R denotes the dielectric constant of the material, and C ₀ denotes capacitance in free space.

According to Equation (1), the capacitance of the space portion can be determined in proportion to the magnitude of the permittivity ( _r ) of the material located in the space. The dielectric constant (ε _r) of one example, frost (or ice) is greater than the dielectric constant of air (ε _r). When a positive voltage (+) and a negative voltage (-) are applied to the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 respectively, an electric field is formed in the space portion, and the charge can be stored. At this time, if there is only air in the space portion, the capacitance of the space portion may be the first capacitance. When the first fin 231 or the second fin 232 is frosted, the permittivity? _R of the space portion is increased. At this time, the capacitance of the space portion may be the second capacitance. That is, the second capacitance is larger than the first capacitance. In summary, the value of capacitance of the variable space portion can be used to judge whether or not the space portion, that is, the first and second pins 231 and 232, is frosted and the amount of frosted frost.

When the frost amount of frost in the heat exchanger is sensed by using the fact that the capacitance of the space portion is variable, the accuracy of judging the presence of frost actually implanted in the heat exchanger can be improved. As a result, the accuracy of whether or not the defrosting operation can be improved can be improved. In other words, there is an advantage that the gauze phase in which the defrosting is performed is prevented even though the gauze is not generated.

The space defined between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 and between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 can be defined as a power storage unit 230 .

On the other hand, in the outdoor heat exchanger (21), dew can be easily deposited in a region having a large temperature change. The dew formed in the outdoor heat exchanger (21) can be easily frozen by the low temperature environment outdoors. Accordingly, the power storage unit 230 is disposed in a region where the temperature change is expected to be greatest in the outdoor heat exchanger 21, thereby quickly detecting that the dew formed in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is freezing, The defrosting start time point of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 can be determined efficiently. The area where the temperature change is expected to be greatest in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is, for example, an inlet side (A in FIG. 3) in which the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 21 or an outlet side 3, B). Alternatively, the power storage unit 230 may be disposed at a position where the flow of air is most smooth due to the outdoor fan. Therefore, since the power storage unit 230 is disposed in a region where the temperature change of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is large, it is possible to easily determine the time when the outdoor heat exchanger 21 rises into the defrosting state.

In another embodiment, the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 may be formed of nonconductive material. A first detection electrode (not shown) may be disposed on the first fin 231 and may receive a positive voltage from the positive voltage generator. A second detection electrode (not shown) may be disposed on the second fin 232 to receive a negative voltage from the negative voltage generator. The first detection electrode and the second detection electrode may be arranged to face each other. Therefore, the first detecting electrode and the second detecting electrode can form a space portion having an electric capacity by forming an electric field. That is, the power storage unit 230 may be formed by the space formed by the first detection electrode and the second detection electrode.

In this specification, since the first and second pins correspond to the configuration of the power storage unit, the first pin may be referred to as a first power storage unit, and the second fin may be referred to as a second power storage unit.

5 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

4 and 5, the outdoor unit 2 may further include a sensing unit 251 capable of measuring the electric capacity of the power storage unit 230. The sensing unit 251 may measure the electric capacity of the power storage unit 230. The electric capacity output by the sensing unit 251 may be transmitted to the controller 255 for controlling each module (heat exchanger, four-way valve, compressor) of the outdoor unit 2. The details of the control unit 255 will be described later.

The outdoor unit (2) may further include a timer (253) for counting time. The control unit 255 may control the electric capacity of the power storage unit 230 to be acquired at a predetermined periodic interval by using the timer 253. In addition, the controller 255 can control the timer 253 to determine the defrosting time based on the amount of frost detected by the sensing unit 251. [

The outdoor unit (2) may further include a memory (254) in which data is stored. The memory 254 may store a comparison value for determining whether the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is frost-free. The comparison value may include a permittivity of foreign matter (salt, sand) depending on a phase change (solid, liquid, gas) of the gas.

The memory 254 may store mapping information regarding a distance between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 and a variable amount of the electric capacity of the power storage unit 230. The mapping information may include mapped information such that the variable amount of the electric capacity of the power storage unit increases as the distance between the first and second pins 231 and 232 becomes closer. Alternatively, the memory 254 may store mapping information regarding an area of the first fin 231 and the second fin 232, and a variable amount of the capacitance of the power storage unit 230. The mapping information may include mapped information such that the variable amount of the capacitance of the power storage unit increases as the area of the first fin 231 or the second fin 232 increases.

The outdoor unit 2 may further include a controller 255 that can perform defrosting based on the electric capacity measured by the sensing unit 251. The control unit 255 may determine that the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is frosted when the electric capacity exceeds a preset reference value. At this time, the controller 255 may perform the defrost operation.

The defrosting operation includes, for example, performing a cooling operation until a defrosting operation is completed during a heating operation, operating a defrost heater coupled to or positioned adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the like. In the present embodiment, it is clear that there is no limitation in the defrosting operation method.

Hereinafter, a control method of the air conditioner for judging whether or not the defrosting operation is performed will be described.

6 is a flowchart of a control method of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the air conditioner can perform a heating operation according to a user's selection (S1). In the heating operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger (21) can be operated as an evaporator in which the liquid refrigerant transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (21) can be evaporated by the outdoor air. The indoor heat exchanger (11) can function as a condenser in which the gaseous refrigerant delivered to the indoor heat exchanger (11) can be condensed by indoor air. Therefore, the indoor space can be heated by the heating operation of the air conditioner.

During the heating operation of the air conditioner, the controller 255 controls the sensing unit 251 to measure the capacitance Cp of the power storage unit 230 (S3). The controller 255 can measure the electric capacity Cp in real time during heating. Alternatively, the control unit 255 may measure the capacitance Cp at a predetermined periodic interval at the time of heating.

The controller 255 may compare the capacitance Cp of the power storage unit 230 with the reference value Cr at step S5. The set reference value Cr may mean a capacitance value for which the frost is measured. In detail, this may mean a capacity that the frost is confined to the heat exchanger by a specific amount or more and can not satisfy the heating performance of the air conditioner that the user expects.

When the electric capacity Cp of the power storage unit 230 exceeds the set reference value Cr, the controller 255 can operate the defrost operation mode (S7). The electric capacity Cp of the power storage unit 230 exceeds the set reference value Cr may mean that the frost is concealed on the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and the expected performance is not achieved.

Meanwhile, in the process of operating the defrost operation mode, the control unit 255 can acquire the electric capacity Cp of the power storage unit 230 by the sensing unit 251. Then, the obtained capacitance Cp and the set reference value Cr can be compared (S9). At this time, the controller 255 may control the electric capacity Cp of the power storage unit 230 to be acquired at a predetermined interval using the timer 253. At this time, it is possible to provide information to the user through the display provided on the remote controller or the local controller of the air conditioner that the frost amount on the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is reduced through the defrost operation mode. That is, the user can be provided with information on the progress of defrosting. Therefore, there is an advantage that convenience for the user is improved.

When the electric capacity Cp of the power storage unit 230 becomes less than the set reference value Cr, the controller 255 can operate the heating function again after completing the defrosting operation mode (S11) . Or when the room temperature is equal to or higher than the preset temperature set by the user, the heating function does not need to be operated any more, so that the operation of the air conditioner may be terminated.

According to the present embodiment, the sensing unit can sense the frost amount of the frost in the outdoor heat exchanger, so that the accuracy of determining whether the defrosting operation of the air conditioner is started can be improved. Therefore, there is an advantage that the operation reliability of the air conditioner is improved.

Further, in the course of performing the defrosting operation, the defrosting operation time may be determined based on the amount of frost measured by the sensing portion. Therefore, there is an advantage that the defrosting operation efficiency is improved.

In addition, the defrosting operation can be prevented from being performed excessively, thereby reducing power consumption.

Further, it is possible to provide the user with information on the degree of defrosting based on the amount of frost measured in the sensing part as defrosting proceeds. Therefore, the convenience of the user is improved.

In the present embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger is provided with only one power storage unit, but it is also possible to provide a plurality of power storage units. At this time, the control unit can determine the time of rushing out of the outdoor unit by comparing the value of the storage unit and the set reference value by using the sensing unit.

The second embodiment will be described below.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the gap and the area between the first pin and the second pin of the power storage unit are adjusted in order to adjust the sensitivity of the sensing unit.

7 is a perspective view of a power storage unit in which a fin spacing is horizontally adjusted according to the second embodiment.

7, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 includes a first pin 231 receiving a positive voltage (+) from a voltage generator 252 and a second pin 231 receiving a positive voltage (-) from the voltage generator 252 And may include a second pin 232. The first pin 231 and the second pin 232 may be provided as conductors. A plurality of pins 233a and 233b are disposed between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 while the interval between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is adjusted .

When positive (+) and negative (-) voltages are applied from the voltage generator 252 to the first pin 231 and the second pin, respectively, the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 An electric field can be formed in the space portion between the electrodes. A predetermined charge can be stored in the space portion. The amount of charge stored in the space portion, that is, the capacitance C, can be simply described as follows.

Between the capacitance C is in Equation 2, ε _r is the dielectric constant of a material, ε ₀ is the permittivity in vacuum, A is the area of the first and second pins, d comprises a first pin and a second pin It can mean distance.

The distance between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is adjusted so that the electric power of the power storage unit 230 sensed by the sensing unit 251 The capacity (C) variable range can be adjusted. For example, when the distance d between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is relatively small, the variable range of the capacitance C measured by the sensing unit 251 may be large have. Conversely, when the distance d between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is relatively long, the variable range of the capacitance C measured by the sensing unit 251 is small . The defrosting start point can be adjusted according to the variable range of the electric capacity (C).

6, when the distance d between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is relatively small, the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing unit 251 is relatively small, Can be relatively large. Therefore, the time point at which the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing unit 251 exceeds the setting criterion Cr may be relatively fast. Conversely, if the distance d between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is relatively large, the variable range of the capacitance Cp can be relatively small. Therefore, the point of time when the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing unit 251 exceeds the setting criterion (Cr) may be relatively delayed.

8 is a perspective view of a power storage unit in which the area of the fin according to the second embodiment is adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the area of the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 may be adjusted. Specifically, the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 may have an increased area A in a vertical direction (a vertical direction in the drawing). The first and second pins 231 and 232 may pass through the first refrigerant pipe 210a and the second refrigerant pipe 210b. In other words, the first and second pins 231 and 232 can couple the first refrigerant pipe 210a and the second refrigerant pipe 210 to each other. Insulation members may be disposed at portions where the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second refrigerant pipes 210a and 210b are in contact with the first and second pins 231 and 232. Therefore, even if a voltage is applied to the first pin 231 and the second pin 232, the first and second pins 231 and 232 can be electrically disconnected from each other by the insulating member.

Between the first pin 231 and the second pin 232, a plurality of pins 233c and 233d arranged in the vertical direction may be provided. The plurality of pins 233c and 233d may include a nonconductor.

When positive voltage (+) and negative voltage (-) are applied to the first pin (231) and the second pin (232) by the voltage generator (252), the first pin An electric field may be formed in the space portion between the second pins 232, that is, the power storage portion 230. A predetermined charge can be stored in the space portion. The capacitance of the space portion can be briefly described in accordance with Equation (2) above.

According to Equation (2), as the area of the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 is adjusted, the electric capacity C of the power storage unit 230 sensed by the sensing unit 251 is adjusted . For example, when the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 have a relatively small area, the variable range of the capacitance C measured by the sensing unit 251 can be reduced. In contrast, when the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 have a relatively large area, the variable range of the capacitance C measured by the sensing unit 251 may increase. The defrosting start point can be adjusted according to the variable range of the electric capacity (C).

6, when the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 have a relatively small area, the sensing portion 251 may measure a variable range of the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing portion 251. For example, Can be reduced. At this time, the time point at which the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing unit 251 exceeds the set reference value Cr may be delayed relatively. Therefore, the defrosting start time point of the outdoor unit 2 can be delayed. Conversely, when the areas of the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 have a relatively large area, the variable range of the capacitance Cp measured at the sensing unit 251 may be large. At this time, the point of time when the capacitance Cp sensed by the sensing unit 251 exceeds the set reference value Cr may be relatively fast. Therefore, the defrosting start time point of the outdoor unit (2) can be accelerated.

In this embodiment, the variable range of the capacitance measured in the sensing portion is adjusted according to the size of the gap between the first pin and the second fin and the area, and the defrosting start time point of the outdoor unit 2 can be determined. Therefore, it can be understood that the sensitivity of the sensing unit is adjusted by adjusting the variable range according to the size of the interval and the area of the first pin and the second pin.

According to the present embodiment, the user can easily set the defrosting start point by adjusting the sensitivity of the sensing unit.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the variable range of the capacitance measured by the sensing unit is adjusted by adjusting the distance between the first pin and the second pin and the size of the area. However, it is also possible that the area between the first pin and the second pin is adjusted while the distance between the first pin and the second pin is adjusted.

The third embodiment will be described below.

Compared with the previous embodiment, in the third embodiment, in order to confirm the frost-frost state and the defrost progress state of the heat exchanger, it is revealed in advance that a plurality of set values are included according to the amount of water or frost frost Leave.

9 is a flowchart of a control method of the air conditioner for checking the frost-free state and the defrost progress state of the outdoor heat exchanger according to the third embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioner may perform a heating operation at a user's selection (S21). During the heating operation of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger can be operated as an evaporator. During the heating operation of the air conditioner, the control unit 255 may measure the capacitance Cp of the power storage unit 230 by controlling the sensing unit 251. The control unit 255 may compare the set value preset in the memory with the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing unit 251. The set value may include a plurality of set values determined according to the amount of water or frost frost present in the outdoor heat exchanger.

The plurality of set values may refer to an electric capacity for confirming the state of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. For example, a value equal to or greater than the first set value Cr1 may mean a capacitance value measured by the sensing unit 251 when water is formed in the outdoor heat exchanger 21. The value of the range between the second set value Cr2 and the first set value Cr1 which is smaller than the first set value Cr1 may be set such that when the outdoor heat exchanger 21 has water and ice together It may mean the capacitance measured by the sensing unit 251. The value of the range between the third set value Cr3 and the second set value Cr2 which is smaller than the second set value Cr2 may be detected when the ice is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 21 May refer to the capacitance measured at the portion 251. In the case of an electric capacity smaller than the third predetermined value Cr3, it may mean a steady state in which no ice or water is concealed around the outdoor heat exchanger.

First, the control unit 255 may compare the capacitance Cp measured by the sensing unit 251 and the first set value Cr1 with each other (S23).

When the measured capacity Cp of the sensing unit 251 is greater than the first set value Cr1, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is made water-filled by the outdoor temperature and the temperature difference of the outdoor heat exchanger (S25).

Accordingly, the control unit 255 can display on the display of the remote controller and the local controller of the air conditioner that the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is in a state of being water-filled. The control unit 255 can confirm the state of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 by checking the value of the electric capacity Cp measured by the sensing unit 251.

If the measured capacitance Cp of the sensing unit 251 is smaller than the first set value Cr1, the controller 255 compares the capacitance Cp and the second set value Cr2 with each other (S27).

If the measured capacity Cp of the sensing unit 251 is larger than the second preset value Cr2, a frost is concealed on a part of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 and water is condensed on the other part (S29). If the measured capacity Cp of the sensing unit 251 is larger than the second preset value Cr2, it means that the frosting of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 proceeds. Accordingly, the control unit 255 may temporarily reduce the heating efficiency, thereby delaying the frost formation on the outdoor heat exchanger 21. For example, by lowering the RPM of the outdoor fan motor 221 or decreasing the efficiency of the compressor, the controller 255 can temporarily reduce the heating efficiency.

If the measured capacitance Cp of the sensing unit 251 is smaller than the second set value Cr2, the controller 255 compares the capacitance Cp and the third set value Cr3 with each other (S31).

If the measured capacity Cp of the sensing unit 251 is greater than the third predetermined value Cr3, the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is frosted and the user can not achieve the desired performance (S33).

At this time, the controller 255 may perform the defrost operation mode (S35). The control unit 255 may store the state of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 in the memory 254 through steps S23 to S33 while performing the defrost operation mode. The information stored in the memory 254 may be provided to a customer through a display provided in the remote controller and the local controller.

In detail, while the defrosting operation mode is being performed, the controller 255 may measure the capacitance Cp of the power storage unit 230 by controlling the sensing unit 251. The control unit 255 compares the measured electric capacity Cp with the first, second and third set values Cr1, Cr2 and Cr3 to remove the frost conceived in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 Can be confirmed. For example, if the measured capacity Cp of the sensing unit 251 is greater than the second set value Cr2 and less than the third set value Cr3, the defrosting operation of the outdoor heat exchanger 21 Some can be frosted and others may have water. As another example, when the measured capacity Cp of the sensing portion 251 is larger than the first set value Cr1 and smaller than the second set value Cr2, the defrosting operation is performed to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 It can mean a state where water is formed.

If the measured capacitance Cp is smaller than the first, second, and third set values Cr1, Cr2, and Cr3, the control unit 255 can check whether the sensing unit 251 is abnormal (S37). The control unit 255 compares the measured capacitance Cp with the first abnormal variable K1 and the second abnormal variable K2 to detect the abnormality of the sensing unit 251 have. The second abnormal variable K2 may be greater than the first abnormal variable K1.

If the measured capacitance Cp in the sensing unit 251 is greater than the first ideal value K1 and less than the second ideal value K2, the sensing unit 251 is free of errors, It may mean that the heat exchanger 21 can operate normally (S39). Accordingly, the controller 255 may perform the heating of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. [ Alternatively, the control unit 255 may be terminated by a user's setting.

Conversely, when the measured capacitance Cp is smaller than the first ideal variable K1 and larger than the second ideal variable K2, it means that a failure has occurred in the sensing unit 251 (41). Accordingly, the control unit 255 may stop the function of the outdoor unit 2 and display information on the failure of the sensing unit 251 on the display of the local controller and the remote controller (S43). According to the displayed failure information, the user can request maintenance. The failure of the sensing unit 251 may be caused when the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 of the sensing unit 251 are deformed by an external impact, State. ≪ / RTI > Alternatively, the first pin 231 and the second pin 232 may be contacted and electrically connected.

In summary, the control unit 255 compares the measured value of the electric capacity Cp measured by the sensing unit 251 with the predetermined first, second, and third preset values during the heating operation, and outputs the comparison result to the outdoor heat exchanger 21 It is possible to confirm the process in which the frost is conceived and the information removed by the defrosting operation. In addition, the information that the frost is concealed and the information that the frost impregnated by the defrosting operation is removed is provided to the user, thereby improving the usability of the user.

The fourth embodiment will be described below.

Compared with the previous embodiment, the fourth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that, when the air conditioner is installed in the coastal area, the power storage unit and the sensing unit are used to determine the abnormality of the outdoor heat exchanger.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for controlling the air conditioner installed on the shore according to the fourth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the air conditioner may perform cooling or heating operation (S71).

The controller 255 can refer to the memory 254 and determine a predetermined environment variable (S73). The environmental variable may mean information about an area where the air conditioner is installed. For example, in the memory 254, the installed area may include first information that is a coastal area, for example.

The control unit 255 may control the sensing unit 251 to measure the electric capacity Cp of the power storage unit 230 provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 in operation S75.

The control unit 255 may compare the measured capacitance Cp to the sensing unit 251 with a predetermined first set value Cr1 at step S77. The first set value Cr1 and the second set value Cr2 set to a value larger than the first set value Cr1 may be determined as a value mapped to the preset environment variable. For example, if the environmental variable is a coastal area, the first set value Cr1 may be set to a predetermined value such that salt is accumulated in the sensing unit 251 by a predetermined amount or more, . ≪ / RTI > The second set value Cr2 will be described later.

When the measured capacitance Cp of the sensing unit 251 exceeds the first set value Cr1, the control unit 255 controls the amount of salt accumulation, A warning can be displayed (S79).

The controller 255 may compare the measured capacitance Cp to the sensing unit 251 with a predetermined second set value Cr2 at step S81. The second set value Cr2 may mean the electric capacity in a state where the outdoor heat exchanger 21 is highly corrosive.

When the measured capacitance Cp of the sensing unit 251 exceeds the second set value Cr2, the controller 255 stops the function of the outdoor unit and displays an abnormal state on the display unit (S83).

According to the present embodiment, the air conditioner can sense the accumulated salt in the outdoor heat exchanger by controlling the sensing unit, and can recognize a situation in which the user is required to clean the outdoor heat exchanger. Accordingly, there is an advantage that corrosion due to salt accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger (21) can be prevented.

The fifth embodiment will be described below.

Compared with the previous embodiment, the fifth embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the amount of sand accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger is determined using the power storage unit and the sensing unit when the air conditioner is installed in the desert region, .

11 is a flowchart of a method of controlling an air conditioner installed in a desert region according to the fifth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the air conditioner may be stopped by the user when the air conditioning is completed or when it is determined that the air conditioner is no longer required to be driven (S91). The stopping operation may mean that the operation for exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is stopped and cooling or heating is not performed. However, it can be understood that the stop operation is maintained in a standby state so that the outdoor fan motor 311 can be operated under the control of the controller 255 while the power is supplied to the outdoor unit.

The controller 255 refers to the memory 254 and can check a predetermined environment variable (S93). The environmental variable may mean information about an area where the air conditioner is installed. For example, in the memory 254, the installed area may include second information that is a desert area, for example.

The control unit 255 may control the sensing unit 251 to measure the capacitance Cp of the power storage unit 230 provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 in operation S95.

The control unit 255 may compare the measured capacitance Cp to the sensing unit 251 with a preset reference value Cr at step S97. The set reference value Cr may be determined as a value mapped to the predetermined environment variable. Can be determined. For example, when the environmental variable is the desert region, the set reference value Cr prevents the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger from being reduced or a failure occurring due to accumulation of a certain amount or more of sand in the sensing unit 251 May refer to a set capacitance.

If the measured capacitance Cp in the sensing unit 251 exceeds the preset reference value Cr, it can be determined that the sand is accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 (S99)

Therefore, the control unit 255 can remove the sand accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 21 by performing the sand removal mode (S101). The sand removal mode may be to remove the sand accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger 21, for example, by operating the outdoor air blower 31 during the set period.

When the sand removal mode is completed, the control unit 255 may compare the measured capacitance Cp and the set value Cr (S103).

If the measured capacitance Cp in the sensing unit 251 is smaller than the set reference value Cr, it can be determined that normal startup is possible (S105). If the measured capacitance Cp in the sensing unit 251 is larger than the set value Cr, the sand removal mode may be performed again. On the other hand, when the measured electric capacity Cp is greater than the set reference value Cr after the snow removal mode is performed again, it is determined that the outdoor unit 2 has an abnormality, It is possible. At this time, the controller 255 may stop the start-up of the outdoor unit 2.

According to the present embodiment, the air conditioner can detect the amount of sand accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger under the stop operating state by controlling the sensing unit provided in the outdoor heat exchanger. When the amount of sand accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, sand removal is performed to prevent the performance of the heat exchanger from being reduced or failure due to the accumulation of sand in the outdoor heat exchanger .

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. will be.

1: indoor unit 11: indoor heat exchanger
2: outdoor unit 21: outdoor heat exchanger
210: refrigerant piping 211: return band
220: PIN 230:
231: first pin 232: second pin
240: Insulation member 251:
252: voltage generator 253: timer
254: memory 255:
31: outdoor fan 311: outdoor fan motor
312: outdoor fan 51: compressor
71: Four way valve

Claims (20)

An outdoor heat exchanger having a refrigerant pipe and a plurality of fins coupled to the refrigerant pipe;
A power storage unit provided in the outdoor heat exchanger and having a variable capacity according to the amount of foreign matter present in the outdoor heat exchanger; And
And a control unit electrically connected to the power storage unit and determining whether the defrost operation is to be performed based on the variable electric capacity,
The power storage unit includes:
A first power storage unit defined by a first one of the plurality of fins and to which a positive voltage is applied; And
And a second power storage unit, defined by a second one of the plurality of fins, to which a negative voltage is applied,
Further comprising an insulating member for electrically isolating the first storage unit and the second storage unit from the refrigerant pipe,
A space portion is defined between one surface of the first storage portion and one surface of the second storage portion,
When a positive voltage is applied to the first power storage unit and a negative voltage is applied to the second power storage unit, an electric field whose capacitance is varied according to the amount of foreign matter existing in the space unit, group. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein an electric capacity of the power storage unit is determined by an amount of foreign matter that is interposed between the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the insulating member is installed on an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe in which the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit are in contact with each other. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a memory for storing mapping information regarding a distance between the first storage unit and the second storage unit and a variable amount of the capacitance of the storage unit. The method according to claim 6,
The mapping information includes:
And information that is mapped to increase the variable amount of the electric capacity of the power storage unit as the distance between the first and second power storage units becomes closer. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a memory unit for storing mapping information regarding an area of the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit and a variable amount of the capacitance of the power storage unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
The mapping information includes:
And information that is mapped to increase the variable amount of the electric capacity of the power storage unit as the area of the first power storage unit and the second power storage unit increases. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit performs the defrosting operation when the measured capacitance in the sensing unit is larger than the set value. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the set value includes a plurality of set values according to the amount of water or frost that is present in the outdoor heat exchanger. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the plurality of setting values are set to a predetermined value,
Wherein the control unit includes a first set value for determining that the measured capacity of the sensing unit is water formed in the outdoor heat exchanger. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the plurality of setting values are set to a predetermined value,
And a second set value that is determined to be a value smaller than the first set value and that water is formed in a part and frost is conceived in another part of the air conditioner. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the control unit reduces the RPM of the outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger or reduces the efficiency of the compressor when the measured capacity of the sensing unit is greater than the second set value and smaller than the first set value, Harmonics. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the plurality of setting values include:
And determines whether the defrosting operation is to be performed by comparing the first set value with a third set value that is smaller than the second set value and is determined to be frosted. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the control unit determines to perform the defrosting operation if the measured capacitance in the sensing unit is larger than the third set value and smaller than the second set value. Performing a heating operation;
Measuring an electric capacity of a power storage unit provided in the outdoor heat exchanger;
Comparing a capacitance of the power storage unit with a set value; And
And performing defrosting operation when the electric capacity of the power storage unit is larger than the set value,
The outdoor heat exchanger includes a refrigerant pipe and a plurality of fins coupled to the refrigerant pipe,
The power storage unit includes a first power storage unit defined by a first fin of the plurality of fins and to which a positive voltage is applied; And
A second power storage unit defined by a second one of the plurality of fins and to which a negative voltage is applied,
Further comprising an insulating member for electrically isolating the first storage unit and the second storage unit from the refrigerant pipe,
A space portion is defined between one surface of the first charging portion and one surface of the second charging portion,
An electric field is formed in the space portion when a positive voltage is applied to the first power storage unit and a negative voltage is applied to the second power storage unit and the capacitance is varied according to the amount of foreign matter existing in the space portion Wherein the air conditioner is controlled by the air conditioner. 18. The method of claim 17,
Further comprising the step of inputting information on an environmental variable for an area where the air conditioner is installed and determining a value mapped to the information on the environmental variable as the setting value. 19. The method of claim 18,
The information on the environmental variable includes,
Wherein the first information indicating the coast is included in the area where the air conditioner is installed,
Further comprising the step of indicating that the foreign matter accumulated in the outdoor heat exchanger is salt when the first information is input. 19. The method of claim 18,
The information on the environmental variable includes,
The second information indicating the desert region is included in the area where the air conditioner is installed,
Further comprising the step of operating the outdoor fan during the set period to remove foreign matter from the outdoor heat exchanger when the second information is input.

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