KR102124931B1 - An air conditioner and a method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is an outdoor unit that heats a refrigerant; An indoor unit that exchanges the outdoor unit with the refrigerant and harmonizes the indoor air; And a power receiving device that receives a power adjustment signal that provides a rating for the degree of power use. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit is stored in a processor, memory, and memory, and is executed by the processor, and the outdoor unit or the indoor unit And a program that executes a power limit mode that limits the movable range of various operations to adjust the power consumption amount in response to the power adjustment signal level when the power adjustment signal is received.

Description

Air conditioner and air conditioner control method {AN AIR CONDITIONER AND A METHOD THEREOF}

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method having different control methods according to a power adjustment signal supplied by a power company or the like.

The air conditioner is installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment to humans by discharging cold and warm air into the room to create a comfortable indoor environment, adjusting the indoor temperature, and purifying the indoor air. In general, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit installed in a room configured as a heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit configured as a compressor and a heat exchanger to supply refrigerant to the indoor unit.

The air conditioner is separated and controlled by an indoor unit composed of a heat exchanger and an outdoor unit composed of a compressor and a heat exchanger, and is operated by controlling the power supplied to the compressor or the heat exchanger. In addition, the air conditioner may be connected to at least one indoor unit in the outdoor unit, and the refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit according to a requested operation state, and thus is operated in a cooling or heating mode.

The air conditioner is operated by cooling or heating according to the flow of the refrigerant. In the cooling operation, when the high temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit from the compressor of the outdoor unit through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, the refrigerant in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit expands and vaporizes. As the temperature of the air decreases and the indoor unit fan rotates, cold air is discharged into the room, and when the high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit from the compressor of the outdoor unit during the heating operation, the high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant is liquefied in the indoor unit heat exchanger. The air warmed by the emitted energy is discharged into the room according to the operation of the indoor fan.

In summer or winter, the use of air conditioners is maximized nationwide, which can lead to extreme power consumption. Therefore, the discussion about the system that can control the use of electricity nationally is intensifying. When a system for a method of instructing to reduce the use of various electronic devices is implemented at a time when power consumption is high, research on an air conditioner that regulates the power consumption is required.

A plurality of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that controls power consumption by itself based on a power adjustment signal.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is an outdoor unit that heats a refrigerant; An indoor unit that exchanges the outdoor unit with the refrigerant and harmonizes the indoor air; And a power receiving device that receives a power adjustment signal that provides a rating for the degree of power use. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit is stored in a processor, memory, and memory, and is executed by the processor, and the outdoor unit or the indoor unit And a program that executes a power limit mode that limits the movable range of various operations to adjust the power consumption amount in response to the power adjustment signal level when the power adjustment signal is received.

An air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: receiving a power adjustment signal that provides a rating for the degree of power use; Grasping the level of the power adjustment signal; And limiting the setting or degree of various operations in order to adjust the amount of power consumption corresponding to the level of the power adjustment signal.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on a power adjustment signal received from a power company or the like, so that the power consumption is adjusted, and a user does not need to separately control it.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may be easy to adjust the power by adjusting the operating frequency of the compressor based on the rating of the power adjustment signal.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may adjust the set temperature or the set air volume of the indoor unit based on the power adjustment signal, and thus, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit together with the power adjustment signal may enable efficient power adjustment.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention gives priority to a plurality of indoor units for an outdoor unit, and determines whether or not to operate according to priority levels, such that temperature and humidity of an important space have a high power control signal rating. Edo can be maintained comfortably.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may transmit a power adjustment signal to a portable terminal capable of accessing information, so that a user can easily check the operating condition of the air conditioner that is fluctuating due to the power adjustment signal.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may display a power adjustment signal and an operation state based thereon in the indoor unit, so that the user can recognize that the setting of the air conditioner is being adjusted due to the power adjustment signal.

The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention may limit the setting of the operation mode selectable by the user as the level of the power adjustment signal increases, or control the amount of power consumption according to the situation.

1 is a view showing the contents that the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is supplied with power,
2 is a view showing the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
3 is a view showing an operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
4 is a view showing a system including an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
6 and 7 are diagrams showing a path for receiving a power adjustment signal of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
8 and 10 are views showing the operation of the indoor unit and the display of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention,
11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will be clarified with reference to embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the person having the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first contact can be referred to as the second contact, and likewise, the second contact can be referred to as the first contact, and the first contact and the second contact are both All contact, but may not be the same contact.

The terms used in the description of the invention are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. When used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, singular forms are intended to include, of course, plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The use of an indication may indicate either or both the singular usage of the term, or the plural form, and vice versa.

It will be understood that the term “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the listed related items. As used herein, the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” designate the existence of specified features, integers, steps, actions, elements and/or components, It will be further understood that it does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

The term “if” means “when” or “~upon”, or “in response to determining” or “responding to a detection, depending on context. It can be interpreted as meaning ". Likewise, the phrases “when determined” or “when [specified condition or event] is detected”, depending on the context, “when determined” or “in response to what is determined” or “when detected [of specified condition or event],” Or "in response to detecting [specified condition or event]".

In the following, embodiments of computing devices, user interfaces for such devices, and related processes for using such devices can be described.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a view showing the contents that the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is supplied with power.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention may operate with power supplied by the power company 10.

The air conditioner 30 is a cooling/heating system that heats a room by a repetitive action of sucking hot air in the room and exchanging it with a low-temperature refrigerant and then discharging it into the room, or heating the room by an opposite action, Compressor-condenser-expansion valve-evaporator is a device that forms a series of cycles.

The air conditioner is mainly divided into an outdoor unit installed outdoors and an indoor unit installed mainly inside a building. An outdoor unit may be provided with a condenser and a compressor, and an indoor unit may be equipped with an evaporator. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may be connected to a central controller (not shown) to receive a control signal.

The air conditioner 30 may receive power supplied by the power company 10 through the power receiving device 20. The power receiving device 20 may extract a power adjustment signal from the power supplied by the power company 10. The power receiving device 20 may include a router or a modem that extracts a power adjustment signal from a power source, but is not limited to the means.

The air conditioner 30 may adjust the power consumption amount based on the power adjustment signal. For example, the air conditioner 30 may control the operation differently according to a plurality of grades of the power adjustment signal to adjust the power consumption. For example, the air conditioner 30 may control the operation of a plurality of indoor units or control the operation of the compressor of the outdoor unit to adjust the power consumption.

The power receiving device 20 may further include a switching circuit (not shown) that varies the signal sent to the air conditioner 30 according to the class of the power adjustment signal. The switching circuit (not shown) may convert the power adjustment signal rating into a signal that can be recognized by the air conditioner 30 and transmit it to the air conditioner 30.

2 is a view showing the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner may be installed in an air conditioning space, that is, the indoor space 100. The indoor unit 200 may be provided with an auxiliary heater 380, an indoor heat exchanger 360, and an indoor fan 350 behind the indoor intake 370 located at the front.

The air in the indoor space 100 is sucked into the air conditioner through the indoor intake 370, and the inhaled indoor air exchanges heat through the indoor heat exchanger 360, so that the temperature is adjusted and the indoor discharge port (not shown) City).

The indoor fan 350 may form a flow path for inhaling and discharging indoor air into the air conditioner, and when the auxiliary heater 380 performs a defrosting operation during the heating operation, the temperature of the indoor space 100 is increased. It can act auxiliaryly to prevent lowering.

The outdoor unit 400 may be installed outside the air conditioning space, that is, outdoors, connected to the indoor unit 200 through a conduit 150 through which the refrigerant flows. Inside the outdoor unit 400, a compressor 410 that compresses refrigerant and converts it into a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 420 that condenses the refrigerant during cooling operation, and evaporates the refrigerant during heating operation, and outdoor air. An outdoor fan 430 for forming a flow path for inhaling and discharging the outdoor unit 400, and an expansion device 440 for expanding the refrigerant and converting it into a low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant may be installed.

When the air conditioner starts the heating operation, the processor may send a control signal for operation to each of the aforementioned driving units. According to the control signal transmitted by the processor, the indoor fan 350 starts rotating, and the compressor 410 can compress and discharge the refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure.

The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 410 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 360 and exchanges heat with the air sucked into the indoor unit 200 by the rotational force of the indoor fan 350. The temperature of indoor air that has been sucked in in a relatively low temperature state may be increased by heat exchange.

The refrigerant heat exchanged through the indoor heat exchanger 360 flows in the order of the expansion device 440, the outdoor heat exchanger 420, and then flows back into the compressor 410, and then continues to the compressor 410, the indoor heat exchanger ( 360), the heating device 440, the outdoor heat exchanger 420 may repeat the heating cycle in order to increase the indoor temperature to a level desired by the user. In the case of the cooling cycle, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 410 may be passed through the expansion device 440, changed to a low temperature, and supplied to the indoor unit 200.

3 is a view showing an operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, an air conditioner according to an embodiment may have a different control method based on a power adjustment signal.

In an embodiment, when the air conditioner receives the power adjustment signal, it may grasp the power consumption demand required by the power adjustment signal. For example, the power adjustment signal may be any one of a plurality of classes. In one embodiment, the outdoor unit may grasp the power adjustment signal rating and grasp the power consumption demand.

The outdoor unit can control the operation state of the air conditioner to satisfy the power consumption. For example, the outdoor unit may adjust the operating frequency of the compressor based on the power consumption demand. For example, the power adjustment signal may include three classes (first class, second class, and third class).

The air conditioner can adjust the operation degree according to the level of the power adjustment signal. The air conditioner may set different operating standards in correspondence with each class of the power adjustment signal. The air conditioner may limit the operation mode or the degree of operation that the user can set according to the grade.

The air conditioner may stop operation when the power adjustment signal has a first rating. The air conditioner can immediately turn off the power when the power control signal has a first rating. The degree of limitation of the air conditioner may increase as the level of the power adjustment signal goes from the third level to the first level. In FIG. 3, the ratings of the power adjustment signal are shown as three, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the rating of the signal supplied by the power company.

The air conditioner may reduce the settable range of the set temperature when the power adjustment signal has a second rating. For example, the air conditioner may reduce the temperature setting range by 4°C when the power adjustment signal has a second rating, but this is only one example.

For example, when the air conditioner performs the cooling operation, in the general case, if the temperature can be set to 18°C, the power adjustment signal can be set to less than 22°C when the class of the power adjustment signal is the second class.

The air conditioner may reduce the temperature setting range by 2°C when the power adjustment signal has a third rating. For example, when the air conditioner performs the cooling operation, in the general case, if the temperature can be set up to 18°C, the power adjustment signal class may be set to less than 20°C when the class is the second class.

The air conditioner may reduce the settable range of the set wind speed when the class of the power adjustment signal is the second class. For example, a limit range of the set wind speed may be set to correspond to each of a plurality of classes of the power adjustment signal. For example, when the power adjustment signal is in the second class, the air conditioner may allow the indoor unit to have the lowest set wind speed. For example, when the power adjustment signal is in the third class, the air conditioner may be a step selected by the user among intermediate and weak steps except for the step in which the set wind speed of the indoor unit is strongest.

The air conditioner can grasp the class of the power adjustment signal. The outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor (not shown) based on the power adjustment signal.

For example, when the air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention uses an inverter to adjust the operating frequency of the compressor, it is possible to control the operating frequency of the compressor based on the power adjustment signal.

For example, if the power adjustment signal is of the first class, the air conditioner can turn off the compressor. When the power adjustment signal is in the second class, the air conditioner can reduce the operating frequency of the compressor to 50%. When the power adjustment signal is the third class, the air conditioner can reduce the operating frequency of the compressor to 75%.

For example, when the air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention is a constant speed air conditioner, the power of the compressor may be turned on/off according to the class of the power adjustment signal.

For example, the constant-speed air conditioner may stop the operation of the compressor when the power adjustment signal is the first class. When the power adjustment signal is in the second or third class, the air conditioner maintains the operation of the compressor and adjusts the set temperature or the set air volume of the indoor unit to adjust power consumption, but this is only one example. And is not limited to this.

For example, if the air conditioner of another embodiment receives the power adjustment signal, the operation of the compressor may be stopped regardless of its class, but is not limited thereto.

The air conditioner can perform control to meet the power consumption demand. The air conditioner can adjust the operating frequency of the compressor of the outdoor unit 120, turn it on/off, and control whether the indoor unit 130 operates or operates in order to satisfy the power consumption demand.

The air conditioner can individually control the operation of a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner may give priority to a plurality of indoor units, and determine whether to operate the indoor unit based on the given priority.

There may be a plurality of indoor units in which the priority given by the outdoor unit 120 corresponds to the first, second, or third priority. When there are multiple indoor units 130, the indoor units corresponding to the first rank, the indoor units corresponding to the second rank, and the indoor units corresponding to the third rank may each be a plurality.

The air conditioner of one embodiment may control whether or not a plurality of indoor units are operated according to the level of the power adjustment signal. For example, when the class of the power adjustment signal is the third class, the air conditioner may stop the operation of the third indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units. For example, when the class of the power adjustment signal is the second class, the air conditioner may stop the operation of the second and third indoor units among the plurality of indoor units. For example, when the class of the power adjustment signal is the first class, the air conditioner may stop the operation of all the indoor units among the plurality of indoor units.

The display of the indoor unit may display a set temperature or a set air volume of the indoor unit. The indoor unit may store data for a set temperature and a set air volume corresponding to each class of the power adjustment signal. The indoor unit display can display a set temperature and a set air volume corresponding to the level of the power adjustment signal.

However, the content of the table in FIG. 3 is only an example, and is not limited thereto.

4 is a view showing a system including an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 4, the air conditioner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a power receiving device 20 for receiving a power adjustment signal from the power company 10, etc., the power adjustment signal from the power receiving device 20 The outdoor unit 400 receiving, the indoor unit 40 receiving the power adjustment signal from the outdoor unit 400, the remote control 60 controlling the indoor unit 40, and the indoor unit 40 receiving the power adjustment signal, and receiving information A portable terminal 50 to be read may be included.

The outdoor unit 400 may be supplied with power from the power company 10. The power receiving device 20 may extract a power adjustment signal from the power supplied from the power company 10. The power receiving device 20 and the power company 10 may perform a kind of power line communication.

The power receiving device 20 may be integral with the outdoor unit 400 or may exist separately. The power receiving device (not shown) may include a router or a model that extracts a power adjustment signal from a power source, but is not limited to the means.

The power receiving device 20 may further include a switching circuit (not shown) that varies the signal sent to the air conditioner according to the class of the power adjustment signal. The switching circuit (not shown) may convert the power adjustment signal rating into a signal that can be recognized by the air conditioner and transmit the signal to the air conditioner.

The power receiving device 20 may include a power device that receives power from a power company to separate the power adjustment signal and a switching circuit that converts the power adjustment signal into a signal that can be recognized by the air conditioner. The power device and the switching circuit may be configured separately, but are not limited thereto.

In FIG. 4, the power receiving device 20 is connected to the outdoor unit 400 (connected to the power receiving device C), but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of indoor units 40 (B) or each of a plurality of groups (A ), but is not limited thereto.

For example, the power receiving device 20 may transmit a power adjustment signal to a plurality of indoor units 40 included in a plurality of groups (dotted box processed parts). When connected to the A portion, the power receiving device 20 may transmit a power adjustment signal to one indoor unit group.

When connected to the B portion, the power receiving device 20 may transmit a power adjustment signal to one indoor unit.

Depending on where the power receiving device 20 is connected, the control method of the air conditioner may be different. For example, when the power receiving device 20 is connected to the outdoor unit 400, the outdoor unit 400 may determine a direction to adjust the amount of power consumption by itself.

The outdoor unit 400 may reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner as a whole by transmitting a countermeasure to the indoor unit 40 after performing the method of adjusting the power consumption by the outdoor unit itself.

For example, when the outdoor unit 400 receives a power adjustment signal, the outdoor unit 400 may determine the degree of operation of the compressor or whether it is on or off according to its class. The outdoor unit 400, in addition to adjusting the degree of operation of the compressor, by changing the operation direction of the indoor unit 40, it is possible to adjust the overall power consumption of the air conditioner.

The outdoor unit 400 may perform the same or different control direction of the connected indoor unit 40 based on the power adjustment signal. For example, in order to reduce the power consumption, the outdoor unit 400 may reduce the power consumption of the plurality of connected indoor units 40 as a whole, or may adjust the power consumption differently according to importance.

When the power receiving device 20 is directly connected to the indoor unit 40 (when connected to B), the indoor unit 40 may consider a method of adjusting the power consumption by itself. For example, the indoor unit 40 can grasp the level of the power adjustment signal and control the operation in response thereto.

The indoor unit 40 may communicate with other indoor units or outdoor units to determine whether or not its own operation or operation direction. For example, when the outdoor unit 400 lowers the power consumption by itself and the power consumption is maintained below the level required by the power adjustment signal, the indoor unit 40 may continue to operate normally.

When it is difficult for the outdoor unit 400 to reduce the power consumption by itself, each of the plurality of indoor units 40 may start an operation for reducing the power consumption. For example, if the difference between the current power consumption and the power consumption required by the power adjustment signal is too small for the outdoor unit 400 to reduce the operation of the compressor, the power consumption is controlled by adjusting the set temperature or the set air volume of the indoor unit 40. Can be.

The outdoor unit 400 may adjust power consumption of the air conditioner based on the power adjustment signal. For example, the outdoor unit 400 may control the operation of the compressor (not shown) based on the power adjustment signal. For example, when the air conditioner of an embodiment of the present invention uses an inverter to adjust the operating frequency of the compressor, it is possible to control the operating frequency of the compressor based on the power adjustment signal.

The power adjustment signal may be any one of a plurality of classes. The outdoor unit 400 can be lowered to the level of the power adjustment signal to adjust the operating frequency of the compressor. For example, the power adjustment signal may include three classes.

For example, when the air conditioner of one embodiment of the present invention is a constant speed air conditioner, the power of the compressor may be turned on/off according to the class of the power adjustment signal.

The outdoor unit 400 may be connected to a plurality of indoor units 40. The outdoor unit 400 may give priority to the plurality of indoor units 40. The outdoor unit 400 may determine whether to operate the indoor unit 40 according to the priority. When receiving the power adjustment signal, the outdoor unit 400 may determine whether to operate the plurality of indoor units 40 based on the priority.

The indoor unit 40 is an expansion valve (not shown) that expands the refrigerant supplied from the connected outdoor unit 400, an indoor heat exchanger that heat exchanges refrigerant, and allows indoor air to flow into the indoor heat exchanger, and the heat exchanged air is returned to the indoor unit. It includes an indoor fan to be exposed (not shown), a plurality of sensors (not shown), and control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the indoor unit.

The indoor unit 40 includes a discharge port for discharging heat-exchanged air, and the discharge port may be provided with a wind direction control means for opening and closing the discharge port and controlling the direction of the discharged air. The indoor unit 40 may control the rotation speed of the indoor fan to control the air sucked in and the air discharged to adjust the air volume.

Each of the plurality of indoor units may be individually connected to a remote control to receive a control signal and operate correspondingly.

The indoor unit 40 may communicate with the remote control 60 by wire or wireless. The indoor unit 130 may include a communication module (not shown) for communicating with the remote controller 60 by wire or wirelessly. When receiving the control signal from the remote controller 60, the indoor unit 130 may notify the remote controller 60 that the control signal has been successfully received, but is not limited thereto.

The indoor unit 40 may transmit a driving state to the remote controller 60. The indoor unit 130 may transmit it to the remote controller 140 when the on/off or the driving state changes. The indoor unit 130 may communicate with the remote controller 140 when an event occurs or according to a certain period.

The indoor unit 40 may receive a power adjustment signal from the outdoor unit 400. The indoor unit 130 may adjust the set air volume that sets the amount of wind discharged by the indoor unit or the set temperature that sets the desired temperature of indoor air that the indoor unit harmonizes based on the power adjustment signal. For example, the power adjustment signal may be any of the first class, the second class, or the third class, and the indoor unit 40 may increase or decrease the set air volume or the set temperature according to the class of the power adjustment signal. have.

The indoor unit 40 may store information regarding a standard for adjusting the set air volume or the set temperature according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. For example, the indoor unit 40 may store a table in which a set air volume or a set temperature is set according to the class of the power adjustment signal, but is not limited to the method.

The indoor unit 40 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the portable terminal 50 capable of viewing information. The indoor unit 40 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the portable terminal 50 so that the user can easily check the operation status of the air conditioner.

The mobile terminal 50 can communicate with the indoor unit 40. The portable terminal 50 may receive a power adjustment signal from the indoor unit 40. The portable terminal 50 may receive information regarding the operation of the air conditioner from the indoor unit 40.

The air conditioner may include a remote control 60. The remote controller 60 can control each indoor unit 40. The remote controller 60 can change the operation mode of the indoor unit 40. The operation mode may include cooling, dehumidification, air cleaning or heating.

5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the outdoor unit 120 is a compressor 250 that exchanges heat of the refrigerant received from the indoor unit 130 and an outdoor unit processor 210 that controls the operation of the compressor 250 in response to a power adjustment signal. It may include.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may perform various functions for the outdoor unit 120 and execute or execute various sets of software programs and/or instructions stored in the outdoor unit memory 220 to process data. The outdoor unit processor 210 may process a signal based on information stored in the outdoor unit memory 220.

The power receiving device 240 may receive an external power source and extract a power adjustment signal that provides information on the degree of power use from the power source. The power receiving device 240 may include a power device that receives power from a power company to separate the power adjustment signal and a switching circuit that converts the power adjustment signal into a signal that can be recognized by the air conditioner. The power device and the switching circuit may be configured separately, but are not limited thereto.

In FIG. 5, the power receiving device 240 is illustrated as being included in the outdoor unit 120, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured separately from the outdoor unit 120. In another embodiment, the power receiving device 240 may be included in the indoor unit 130, or may transmit a power adjustment signal to the indoor unit 130, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the outdoor unit 120 may include a switching circuit of the power receiving device 240, but is not limited thereto. The power device may provide power to the power supply unit 260.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may receive a power adjustment signal from the power receiving device 240. The outdoor unit processor 210 may control the operation of the compressor based on the power adjustment signal. When the compressor 250 is an inverter type, the outdoor unit processor 210 may adjust the operating frequency according to the power adjustment signal. The outdoor unit processor 210 may determine on/off based on the power adjustment signal when the compressor 250 is a constant speed type compressor that continuously compresses refrigerant at a constant speed.

When the outdoor unit processor 210 receives the power adjustment signal, the outdoor unit processor 210 may grasp the power consumption demand required by the power adjustment signal. For example, the power adjustment signal may be any one of a plurality of classes. The outdoor unit processor 210 may grasp the level of the power adjustment signal and grasp the power consumption demand.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may control the operation state of the air conditioner to satisfy the power consumption. For example, the outdoor unit processor 210 may adjust the operating frequency of the compressor based on the power consumption demand.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may execute a power limiting mode that limits the movable range of various operations in order to adjust the amount of power consumption in response to the level of the power adjustment signal. For example, the outdoor unit processor 210 may adjust the operation of the compressor 250 correspondingly when the indoor unit changes the set temperature due to the power adjustment signal. For example, the outdoor unit processor 210 may vary a method of controlling the compressor 250 according to the shape of the compressor 250.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may determine the power consumption demand from the power adjustment signal. The outdoor unit processor 210 may grasp the power consumption demand by the grade of the power adjustment signal.

The power adjustment signal may be any one of a plurality of classes. The outdoor unit processor 210 may perform control to adjust the power consumption of the outdoor unit according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. For example, the outdoor unit processor 210 may adjust the operating frequency of the compressor 250 to adjust the power consumption of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may control the operation of the compressor based on the power adjustment signal. When the compressor 250 is an inverter type, the outdoor unit processor 210 may adjust the operating frequency of the compressor 250 according to the grade of the power adjustment signal to adjust the power consumption.

For example, when the power adjustment signal is the first class, the outdoor unit processor 210 may turn off the compressor 250. When the power adjustment signal is the second grade, the outdoor unit processor 210 may reduce the operating frequency of the compressor 250 to 50%. When the power adjustment signal is the third grade, the outdoor unit processor 210 may reduce the operating frequency of the compressor 250 to 75%.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may control operations of a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit 120 differently. The outdoor unit processor 210 may control the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units differently based on the power adjustment signal. The outdoor unit processor 210 may give priority to each of the plurality of indoor units, and determine whether to operate the indoor unit based on the priority.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may adjust the number of indoor units to be operated among the plurality of indoor units according to the level of the power adjustment signal. The outdoor unit processor 210 can reduce the number of indoor units operating as the power control signal level is higher.

The outdoor unit processor 210 may output control information for satisfying the power consumption demand. The outdoor unit processor 210 may output control information to the outdoor unit communication unit 230. The control information may include a current power consumption demand, information on the operating state of the compressor of the outdoor unit, or a command for turning on/off the indoor unit. The outdoor unit processor 210 may allow the outdoor unit communication unit 230 to transmit the operating frequency of the current compressor 250 or the operation of the compressor 250 to the indoor unit.

For example, when there are three indoor units 130 connected to the outdoor unit 120, and the class of the power adjustment signal is the first class, the outdoor unit processor 210 transmits a signal to turn off the power to all indoor units 130. Can be. When the class of the power adjustment signal is the second class, the outdoor unit processor 210 may transmit a signal to turn off the power to the remaining indoor units 130 except for the first order indoor unit 130. When the class of the power adjustment signal is the third class, the outdoor unit processor 210 may transmit a signal to turn off the power to the remaining indoor units 130 except for the first and second indoor units 130. Since this may vary depending on the number of indoor units 130, it is not common to all embodiments.

The outdoor unit memory 220 may include a high-speed random access memory. The outdoor unit memory 220 may also include non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices, but is not limited thereto, and may include a readable storage medium.

For example, the outdoor unit memory 220 may include Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EPP-ROM), but is not limited thereto. During the operation of the outdoor unit processor 210, the EEP-ROM may be written and erased by the outdoor unit processor 210. The EEP-ROM may be a storage device in which information stored therein is maintained without being erased even when the power supply of the outdoor unit 120 is turned off and power supply is stopped.

The outdoor unit memory 220 may store various programs or data in conjunction with the outdoor unit processor 210.

When the outdoor unit memory 220 receives a power adjustment signal that provides information on the degree of power use, it identifies the power consumption demand required by the power adjustment signal, controls the driving state to meet the power consumption demand, and , A program for outputting control information for satisfying the power consumption request may be stored in a communication device.

The program can control the operation of the outdoor unit or indoor unit. The program can grasp the power consumption demand required by the power adjustment signal. The program can adjust the power consumption of the air conditioner by adjusting the operating frequency of the compressor of the outdoor unit or controlling the operation of the indoor unit according to the power consumption demand.

The program may be stored in both the indoor unit memory or the outdoor unit memory 220, but is not limited thereto. In the case of the embodiment stored in the indoor unit, the program will be described in detail again in the description of the indoor unit 130.

The power receiving device 240 may receive external power. The power receiving device 240 may extract a power adjustment signal from an external power supply. The power receiving device 240 may be a receiver on one side of power line communication. The power line communication may be to communicate by adding a signal having a frequency different from that of a power supply for supplying power to a household appliance.

The power receiving device 240 may grasp the power adjustment signal from the supplied power and transmit it to the processor 210. The power receiving device 240 may extract the power adjustment signal and transmit the remaining power to the power supply unit 260. The power supply unit 260 may convert the power received from the power receiving device 240 into direct current and supply it to the outdoor unit processor 210, but is not limited thereto.

The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may receive an instruction from the outdoor unit processor 210 and communicate with an indoor unit or a mobile terminal. The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may be connected to the outdoor unit processor 210. The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may receive a signal transmitted by the outdoor unit processor 210. The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may transmit the signal generated by the outdoor unit processor 210 to the indoor unit or the portable terminal, but the communication partner is not limited. The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the indoor unit and information on the operation method of the compressor 250.

The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may perform wired/wireless communication. The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may include a radio frequency (RF) circuit when performing wireless communication. The outdoor unit communication unit 230 may transmit and receive an RF signal, which is an electromagnetic signal. The RF circuit can mutually convert the electrical signal and the electromagnetic signal, and communicate with the communication network and other communication devices through the electromagnetic signal.

For example, the RF circuit may include, but is not limited to, an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, memory, etc. Circuits.

The outdoor unit 120 of one embodiment is a compressor 250 that serves to compress the refrigerant, an electric motor for the compressor that drives the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger that dissipates the compressed refrigerant, and is disposed on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger to cool the refrigerant. An outdoor fan made of an outdoor fan that promotes heat dissipation and an electric motor that rotates the outdoor fan, an expansion mechanism that expands condensed refrigerant, a cooling/heating switching valve that changes the flow path of compressed refrigerant, and vaporized refrigerant to temporarily store moisture and After removing the foreign matter, it may include an accumulator that supplies a refrigerant at a constant pressure to the compressor. The outdoor unit 120 may further include a number of other sensors, valves, and supercooling devices, but is not limited thereto.

Depending on the class of the power adjustment signal, the air conditioner may limit the operation of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit for a certain period of time, so that operation is impossible. For example, when the class of the power adjustment signal is the first class, the air conditioner immediately turns off the power and may not operate for a certain period of time, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to the indoor unit 130 block of FIG. 5, the indoor unit 130 is an indoor unit processor 310 that performs various signal processing and calculation, and an indoor unit memory 320 that stores programs or data in conjunction with the indoor unit processor 310. ), an indoor unit communication unit 330 capable of receiving a control signal from the indoor unit processor 310 and displaying information, and communicating with an outdoor unit.

The indoor unit processor 310 may perform various functions for the indoor unit 130 and execute or execute various sets of software programs and/or instructions stored in the indoor unit memory 320 to process data. The indoor unit processor 310 may process a signal based on information stored in the indoor unit memory 320. The indoor unit memory 320 may store various programs or data in conjunction with the indoor unit processor 310.

According to an embodiment, the indoor unit processor 310 may receive a power adjustment signal from an outdoor unit, a portable terminal, or a power receiving device. For example, the indoor unit processor 310 may receive a power adjustment signal through the indoor unit communication unit 330, but is not limited thereto.

The indoor unit processor 310 may perform various controls based on the received power adjustment signal. The indoor unit processor 310 may control the set temperature or the set air volume based on the power adjustment signal. For example, as the rating of the power adjustment signal increases, the set temperature may be set to be close to the outdoor temperature. The higher the rating of the power adjustment signal, the lower the set air volume.

The indoor unit processor 310 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the indoor unit communication unit 330 to the portable terminal. In another embodiment, the indoor unit processor 310 may transmit the power adjustment signal to the server to the indoor unit communication unit 330, and allow the portable terminal to receive the power adjustment signal from the server, but is not limited to the intermediate process. The indoor unit processor 310 may transmit information regarding an operating state of the current air conditioner to the portable terminal to the indoor unit communication unit 330.

The indoor unit processor 310 may control the operation of the indoor unit based on the control information. The control information may include power consumption demand or information regarding the operating state of the compressor of the outdoor unit. The indoor unit processor 310 may control the set temperature or the set air volume based on information on the operating state of the compressor of the outdoor unit. For example, the indoor unit processor 310 may maintain the set temperature or the set air volume when the operating frequency of the compressor is lower than the operating frequency before the outdoor unit receives the power adjustment signal, but is not limited thereto.

For example, when the reduction in the power consumption obtained by reducing the operating frequency of the compressor of the outdoor unit satisfies the power adjustment signal sufficiently, the indoor unit processor may maintain the set temperature or the set air volume of the indoor unit.

In one embodiment, when the reduction in power consumption obtained by reducing the operating frequency of the compressor of the outdoor unit does not sufficiently satisfy the power adjustment signal, the indoor unit processor may control the set temperature of the indoor unit close to the outdoor temperature or lower the set air volume.

The indoor unit processor 310 may limit the set temperature range according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. The indoor unit 130 may further include an indoor fan (blowing fan, 350) for blowing air indoors. The indoor unit processor 310 may limit the rotation speed of the indoor fan (blowing fan 350) according to the grade of the power adjustment signal.

The outdoor unit processor 210 or the indoor unit processor 310 may limit the operation of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit for a predetermined time according to the level of the power adjustment signal. For example, when the outdoor unit processor 210 or the indoor unit processor 310 receives the power adjustment signal, the outdoor unit or the indoor unit processor may set an auto-off mode to automatically turn off the outdoor unit or the indoor unit.

The outdoor unit processor 210 or the indoor unit processor 310 may have a different time until the outdoor unit or the indoor unit is turned off according to the level of the power adjustment signal in the auto-off mode. The outdoor unit processor 210 or the indoor unit processor 310 may determine a time until the power of the outdoor unit or indoor unit is turned off according to the level of the power adjustment signal when performing the auto-off mode.

The indoor unit memory 320 may include a high-speed random access memory. The indoor unit memory 320 may also include a non-volatile memory such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices, but is not limited thereto, and may include a readable storage medium.

The memory 320 of the indoor unit 130 may store a program. The program can determine the power consumption demand by analyzing the power adjustment signal. The program can grasp the level of the power adjustment signal and grasp the power consumption demand. Power consumption requirements may vary depending on the laws and regulations of each country.

For example, in the case of the first grade of the power adjustment signal, the power consumption is set to 0, in the case of the second grade, the power consumption is reduced to the level of 75%, and in the case of the third class, the power consumption is 50%. It can be reduced to, but it may vary depending on the situation.

The program may set a set air volume that sets the amount of wind discharged by the indoor unit or a desired temperature of indoor air that the indoor unit harmonizes based on control information or a power adjustment signal. The indoor unit memory 320 may store information regarding a standard for adjusting the set air volume or the set temperature according to the class of the power adjustment signal.

For example, the indoor unit memory 320 may store information regarding a plurality of stages of a set air volume or a set temperature, which are defined to correspond to a plurality of classes of the power adjustment signal.

The indoor unit 130 may include an output device displaying information and an input device receiving input, but is not limited thereto. The output device may include a speaker outputting sound or a display 340 that emits light to display visually. The input device may include means capable of accepting input from outside, such as physical buttons, dials, slider switches, click wheels, and the like.

The display 340 includes an LPD (light emitting polymer display), a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, and a flexible display. display), but may include at least one of a 3D display, but various methods are not limited thereto.

The display 340 may display operation information of the indoor unit 130. For example, the display 340 may display an operation mode such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, or air cleaning, and may display indoor temperature, wind direction, presence or absence of a heat source in the room, but is not limited thereto. Broad information required for control can be displayed.

According to an embodiment, the display 340 may include a touch-sensitive touch screen that displays a visual output to the user and accepts input from the user based on tactile contact, but is not limited thereto.

The display 340 may display settings that are changed based on the power adjustment signal and the power adjustment signal. The display 340 may display a set air volume or a set temperature that is changed due to the power adjustment signal. The display 340 may indicate that the indoor unit or the outdoor unit is currently being controlled based on the power adjustment signal.

The indoor unit communication unit 330 may be connected to the indoor unit processor 310. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may receive a signal transmitted by the indoor unit processor 310. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may transmit a signal generated by the indoor unit processor 310 to an outdoor unit, a remote controller, or a portable terminal, but the communication partner is not limited.

The indoor unit communication unit 330 may receive control information. The control information may include power consumption demand or information regarding the operating state of the compressor of the outdoor unit.

The indoor unit communication unit 330 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the portable terminal. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may transmit the changed control information to the portable terminal due to the power adjustment signal. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may receive a power adjustment signal and an operation state of the compressor from the outdoor unit. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may receive a signal for turning on/off the power from the outdoor unit.

The indoor unit communication unit 330 may be connected to the outdoor unit communication unit 230 by wire or wireless. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may transmit and receive various signals with the outdoor unit communication unit 230. The indoor unit communication unit 330 may receive a power adjustment signal or a rating signal from the outdoor unit communication unit 230.

6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating a path for receiving a power adjustment signal of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the air conditioner may receive a power adjustment signal from a power receiving device. For example, the power receiving device may extract the power adjustment signal from the power supplied from the power company.

The air conditioner may receive a power adjustment signal from the power receiving device, and change the operation state according to the class of the power adjustment signal. The air conditioner may determine a configurable operation mode or operation degree according to the level of the power adjustment signal.

The air conditioner may transmit information on the type of operation currently being performed, the degree of operation, and the level of the power adjustment signal to the portable terminal.

The portable terminal 50 may display information on the type of operation, the degree of operation, and the grade of the power adjustment signal received from the air conditioner as an output unit.

Referring to FIG. 7, the portable terminal 50 may receive a power adjustment signal from the power company 10. The portable terminal 50 may determine whether the air conditioner 30 should execute the power limit mode based on the power adjustment signal. The portable terminal 50 may display the user to recognize that it is appropriate for the air conditioner to execute the power limit mode.

The portable terminal 50 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the air conditioner. The air conditioner may receive a power adjustment signal from the portable terminal 50. In another embodiment, the mobile terminal 50 may send an instruction to the air conditioner to execute the power limit mode.

8 and 10 are views showing the operation of the indoor unit and the display of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the outdoor unit 120 may give priority to each of the plurality of indoor units 130.

The outdoor unit 120 may individually control operations of a plurality of indoor units. The outdoor unit 120 may give priority to a plurality of indoor units, and determine whether to operate the indoor unit 130 based on the given priority.

There may be a plurality of indoor units in which the priority given by the outdoor unit 120 corresponds to the first, second, or third priority. When there are multiple indoor units 130, the indoor units corresponding to the first rank, the indoor units corresponding to the second rank, and the indoor units corresponding to the third rank may each be a plurality.

When there are three indoor units 130 connected to the outdoor unit 120, and the class of the power adjustment signal is the first class, the processor 210 may transmit a signal to turn off the power to all the indoor units 130.

When the class of the power adjustment signal is the second class, the processor 210 may transmit a signal to turn off the power to the remaining indoor units 130 except for the first order indoor unit 130.

When the class of the power adjustment signal is the third class, the processor 210 may transmit a signal to turn off the power to the remaining indoor units 130 except for the first and second indoor units 130. Since this may vary depending on the number of indoor units 130, it is not common to all embodiments.

9 and 10 are views showing the operation of the indoor unit and the display of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the indoor unit 130 may receive a power adjustment signal from the outdoor unit 120 or a power receiving device (not shown).

The indoor unit 130 may adjust the set air volume that sets the amount of wind discharged by the indoor unit or the set temperature that sets the desired temperature of indoor air that the indoor unit harmonizes based on the power adjustment signal. The indoor unit 130 may store information regarding a standard for adjusting the set air volume or the set temperature according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. The indoor unit 130 may adjust the set air volume or the set temperature based on information regarding a plurality of stages of the set air volume or the set temperature, which are prescribed to correspond to a plurality of classes of the power adjustment signal.

For example, the power adjustment signal may be any of the first class, the second class, or the third class, and the indoor unit 130 may increase or decrease the set air volume or the set temperature according to the class of the power adjustment signal. have.

The indoor unit 130 may display various information on the display 340. The indoor unit 130 may display a set temperature, a set air volume (B), and a rating (A) of a power adjustment signal on the display 340.

The indoor unit 130 may store information regarding a standard for adjusting the set air volume or the set temperature according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. For example, the indoor unit 130 may store a table in which a set air volume or a set temperature is set according to the class of the power adjustment signal, but is not limited to the method.

For example, referring to (a) of FIG. 10, when the indoor unit 130 performs a cooling operation, when the class of the power adjustment signal is class 3 (DRM 3), the set air volume is set to less than or equal to the setting. The temperature can be limited to 22°C or higher. Referring to (b) of FIG. 10, when the indoor unit 130 performs a cooling operation, when the class of the power adjustment signal is class 2 (DRM 2), the set air volume is about, and the set temperature is 24° C. or higher. It can be limited to. Referring to (c) of FIG. 10, when the indoor unit 130 performs a cooling operation, when the power adjustment signal is rated as 1 (DRM 1), the operation may be stopped.

As described above, the display 340 of the indoor unit 130 may display the level of the power adjustment signal, the set temperature, and the set air volume to be checked simultaneously or separately.

The control value of the indoor unit 130 for each class of the power adjustment signal described above is only one embodiment for explaining the contents of the invention, and in other embodiments, the control value may be changed.

9 and 10, the rating of the power adjustment signal is indicated by DRM, but this is only an example, and is not limited to the method or means of display.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 11, the control method of the air conditioner according to an embodiment is a step of receiving a power adjustment signal providing a rating for the degree of power use (S510), grasping the rating of the power adjustment signal ( S520) and in response to the level of the power adjustment signal, the step of executing a power limitation mode to limit the movable range of various operations to control the power consumption (S530).

In step S510 of receiving the power adjustment signal, the air conditioner may receive the power adjustment signal from the power receiving device. For example, the outdoor unit or the indoor unit of the air conditioner may receive a power adjustment signal from the power receiving device.

The power supplied by the power company may include a power adjustment signal having a different frequency component from the power component. The power receiving device may extract a power adjustment signal from the power source.

In step S520 of grasping the level of the power adjustment signal, the processor of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit may grasp the level of the power adjustment signal and accordingly determine the power consumption demand. The power consumption demand may require that the power consumption be reduced by a percentage, or may be reduced to a certain amount or less, but is not limited to the required method.

In step S530 of executing a power limiting mode that limits the movable range of various operations in order to adjust the power consumption in response to the class of the power adjustment signal, the air conditioner controls the operation state based on the power adjustment signal. You can.

For example, when the object receiving the power adjustment signal is the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the outdoor unit may adjust the operating frequency according to the power adjustment signal when the compressor is an inverter type. In step S530 of controlling the operating state, the outdoor unit may determine on/off based on the power adjustment signal when the compressor is a constant speed type compressor that continuously compresses refrigerant at a constant speed.

The power adjustment signal may be any one of a plurality of classes. In step S530 of executing the power limitation mode, the operating frequency of the compressor may be adjusted according to the power consumption demand. For example, when the compressor of the outdoor unit is an inverter type, the processor of the outdoor unit can adjust the operating frequency of the compressor according to the power consumption demand, thereby controlling the power consumption.

The power adjustment signal may be any one of a plurality of classes. In step S530 of executing the power limit mode, when the object receiving the power adjustment signal is an outdoor unit, the operating frequency of the compressor may be adjusted according to the class of the power adjustment signal. For example, when the power adjustment signal is the first class, the processor of the outdoor unit may turn off the compressor. When the power adjustment signal is the second class, the processor of the outdoor unit can reduce the operating frequency of the compressor to 50%. When the power adjustment signal is in the third class, the processor of the outdoor unit can reduce the operating frequency of the compressor to 75%.

In step S530 of executing the power limit mode, the set air volume or the set temperature may be controlled based on information on a plurality of steps of the set air volume or the set temperature corresponding to a plurality of classes of the power adjustment signal.

In step S530 of executing the power limit mode, the operating frequency range of the compressor may be limited according to the level of the power adjustment signal. In step S530 of executing the power limit mode, the set temperature range may be limited according to the level of the power adjustment signal.

In step S530 of executing the power limit mode, the set wind speed range may be limited according to the level of the power adjustment signal. In step S530 of executing the power limitation mode, the operation of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit may be restricted for a predetermined time according to the level of the power adjustment signal.

In step S530 of executing the power limit mode, an auto power off mode for automatically turning off the power may be set according to the level of the power adjustment signal. The step of executing the power limitation mode (S530) may vary the time from turning off the power according to the power adjustment signal in the automatic power off mode.

For example, when the power adjustment signal is the first class, the air conditioner can immediately turn off the power. When the power adjustment signal is the second class, the air conditioner can turn off the power within 10 minutes. When the power adjustment signal is in the third class, the air conditioner can turn off the power within 30 minutes. Depending on the class of the power adjustment signal, the time to be automatically turned off may be different, but the above-described time is only one embodiment, and depending on the situation, the time may be different.

Depending on the class of the power adjustment signal, the air conditioner may limit the operation of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit for a certain period of time, so that operation is impossible. For example, when the class of the power adjustment signal is the first class, the air conditioner immediately turns off the power and may not operate for a certain period of time, but is not limited thereto.

For example, when the indoor unit performs the cooling operation, when the class of the power adjustment signal is class 3, the set air volume may be set to be lower than the middle and the set temperature may be set to 22°C or higher. When the indoor unit performs the cooling operation, when the class of the power adjustment signal is class 2, the set air volume may be set to about, and the set temperature may be limited to 24°C or higher. When the indoor unit performs the cooling operation, when the class of the power adjustment signal is 1 class, the operation may be stopped.

The indoor unit may determine whether to operate based on the control information. Each of the plurality of indoor units may have different operations depending on the power adjustment signal. The indoor unit may decide whether to operate the indoor unit according to information on whether the indoor unit is operating or not. The indoor unit can determine the driving degree based on the control information.

For example, when the outdoor unit is of a constant speed type, the air conditioner may adjust the power consumption by adjusting the set temperature or the set air volume of the indoor unit. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit receiving the power adjustment signal may include a plurality of outdoor units connected to each other and power used by the plurality of indoor units, and thus may have different operating directions.

The air conditioner control method of an embodiment may further include transmitting the power adjustment signal to a portable terminal capable of accessing information (not shown). The indoor unit may transmit a power adjustment signal to a portable terminal capable of viewing information. The indoor unit 130 may transmit a power adjustment signal to the portable terminal, so that the user can easily check the operation status of the air conditioner.

The air conditioner control method of an embodiment may further include outputting control information (not shown) for satisfying a plurality of power consumption demands based on the power adjustment signal. The control information may include information on the current power consumption demand or the operating state of the compressor of the outdoor unit.

For example, the outdoor unit may give priority to each of the plurality of indoor units. The outdoor unit may determine whether to operate the indoor unit based on the priority given. The control information may include information on whether the outdoor unit determines whether to operate the indoor unit based on the priority.

The power adjustment signal is any one of a plurality of classes, and the outdoor unit may control the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units differently. Depending on the level of the power adjustment signal, the number of indoor units to be operated among the plurality of indoor units can be adjusted.

When there are three indoor units connected to the outdoor unit and the power control signal has a first level, the processor of the outdoor unit may transmit a signal to turn off the power to all indoor units.

When the class of the power adjustment signal is the second class, the processor of the outdoor unit may transmit a signal to turn off the power to the remaining indoor units except for the first level indoor unit. When the class of the power adjustment signal is the third class, the processor of the outdoor unit may transmit a signal to turn off the power to the remaining indoor units except for the first and second indoor units. Since this may vary depending on the number of indoor units, it is not common to all embodiments.

Although all the components constituting the embodiments of the present invention are described as being combined or operated as one, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. If within the scope of the object of the present invention, depending on the embodiment, all the components may be operated by selectively combining one or more.

All the components may be implemented by one independent hardware, but a part or all of the components are selectively combined to have a computer module having a program module that performs some or all of the functions combined in one or a plurality of hardware. It can also be implemented as a program.

The plurality of codes and code segments constituting a computer program may be easily deduced by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Such a computer program is stored in a computer readable storage medium (Computer Readable Media) to be read and executed by a computer, thereby implementing an embodiment of the present invention. The storage medium of the computer program may include a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a carrier wave medium, and the like.

The terms "include", "compose" or "have" as described above mean that the corresponding component can be inherent unless otherwise stated, and do not exclude other components. It should be construed that it may further include other components.

All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

Commonly used terms, such as predefined terms, should be interpreted as being consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and are not to be interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

The embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical spirits within the equivalent range should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

10: Electric power company
20: power receiving device
30: air conditioner

Claims (16)

An outdoor unit that exchanges refrigerant;
An indoor unit that exchanges refrigerant with the outdoor unit and harmonizes indoor air; And
It includes; a power receiving device for receiving a power adjustment signal that provides a rating according to the power used from the power supplied to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit;
The outdoor unit or the indoor unit,
Processor; Memory; And a program stored in the memory and executed by the processor to set an operation for controlling power consumption.
The processor executes the program, and when the outdoor unit or the indoor unit receives the power adjustment signal, the power limit for limiting the movable range of various operations to adjust the power consumption amount in response to the class of the power adjustment signal Set the mode, and set the automatic off mode to automatically turn off the outdoor unit or the indoor unit after a certain period of time according to the level of the power adjustment signal,
The power receiving device,
A power device separating the power adjustment signal from the power supplied from a power company; And a switching circuit converting the power adjustment signal into a signal recognizable by the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. According to claim 1,
The processor is an air conditioner that limits the set temperature range according to the class of the power adjustment signal. According to claim 1,
The outdoor unit includes a compressor including an inverter for adjusting the operating frequency,
The processor is an air conditioner that controls the operating frequency of the compressor, based on the level of the power adjustment signal. According to claim 1,
The processor is an air conditioner that limits the set wind speed range according to the class of the power adjustment signal. According to claim 1,
The indoor unit includes a blowing fan for blowing air indoors,
The processor is an air conditioner that limits the rotational speed of the blower fan according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. According to claim 1,
The processor is an air conditioner that limits the operation of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit for a predetermined time according to the level of the power adjustment signal. delete According to claim 1,
In the auto-off mode, the processor adjusts the time until the outdoor unit or the indoor unit is turned off according to the level of the power adjustment signal. According to claim 1,
When the outdoor unit is connected to the plurality of indoor units, an air conditioner that controls the operation state of each of the plurality of indoor units differently according to the class of the power adjustment signal. Extracting, from a power source supplied from a power company, a power adjustment signal that provides a rating for the degree to which the power receiving device uses power;
Converting the power adjustment signal into a signal recognizable by an indoor unit or an outdoor unit;
The indoor unit or the outdoor unit receiving the power adjustment signal;
Grasping the grade of the power adjustment signal; And
Executing a power limit mode to limit a movable range of various operations in order to adjust a power consumption amount in response to the level of the power adjustment signal;
Setting an auto-off mode to automatically turn off the outdoor unit or the indoor unit after a certain period of time according to the level of the power adjustment signal; Air conditioner control method comprising a. The method of claim 10,
The step of executing the power limitation mode;
Air conditioner control method for limiting the operating frequency range of the compressor according to the class of the power adjustment signal. The method of claim 10,
The step of executing the power limitation mode;
The air conditioner control method for limiting a set temperature range according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. The method of claim 10,
The step of executing the power limitation mode;
The air conditioner control method for limiting a set wind speed range according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. The method of claim 10,
The step of executing the power limitation mode;
The air conditioner control method for limiting the operation of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit for a predetermined time according to the grade of the power adjustment signal. delete The method of claim 10,
The step of executing the power limitation mode;
In the auto-off mode, the air conditioner control method for varying the time until the power is turned off according to the level of the power adjustment signal.

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