KR20010045980A - Method for controlling cooling/heating mode of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for automatically controlling cooling/heating operation mode for air conditioner is provided to maintain comfort indoor area by allowing cooling/heating operation mode to be automatically switched in accordance with the temperature set by a user. CONSTITUTION: A method comprises a step(S1) of setting an indoor temperature and operation mode; a step(S2) of judging whether the operation is a cooling operation mode; a step(S3) of performing a cooling operation, if the operation is a cooling operation mode; a step(S4,S5) of sensing an indoor temperature and comparing the sensed temperature with a preset temperature; a step(S6,S7) of turning off the compressor and interrupting the operation of the blower fan, if the indoor temperature is lower than the allowable lowest limit for the preset temperature; a step(S8,S9) of sensing again the indoor temperature after an elapse of a predetermined time period, judging whether the indoor temperature is lower than the allowable lowest limit for the preset temperature, and converting the operation mode into a cooling operation mode if the indoor temperature is lower than the allowable lowest limit; a step(P3-P5) of performing heating operation and judging whether the sensed indoor temperature is higher than the allowable highest limit for the preset temperature; a step(P6,P7) of turning off the compressor and interrupting the operation of the blower fan, if the indoor temperature is higher; a step(P8,P9) of sensing again the indoor temperature after an elapse of a predetermined time, judging whether the indoor temperature is higher than the maximum allowable highest temperature, and converting the operation mode into a cooling operation mode if the indoor temperature is lower than the maximum allowable highest temperature.

Description

Automatic Control Method of Air Conditioning Equipment {Method for controlling cooling / heating mode of air conditioner}

The present invention relates to a method for automatically controlling a heating and cooling mode of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to a method for automatically controlling a heating and cooling mode of an air conditioner so that a cooling and heating mode can be automatically switched according to a room temperature.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner uses the physical change of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerating cycle 1, that is, the energy change generated when the liquid repeatedly changes from liquid to gas to gas to liquid, thereby cooling or cooling the room. It is a device for heating.

In such an air conditioner, a heating or cooling mode can be set selectively. Then, the controller (not shown) controls the operation of the compressor 3 and the blowing fan 5 to perform the operation of the set mode. For example, when the temperature inside is set and the heating mode is selected, the controller detects the temperature of the room and compares the room temperature with the set temperature. Then, the compressor (3) is driven to operate the refrigeration cycle (1), at which time the refrigerant flowing in the closed section evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (7) and cools the surrounding air, while the outdoor heat exchanger ( Condensation at 9) and deprives heat of its surroundings.

During this operation, when the cold air formed around the indoor heat exchanger 7 is blown into the room using the blower fan 5, the cooling of the room is achieved. On the other hand, in the heating mode, when the warm air formed around the indoor heat exchanger 7 is blown into the room using the blower fan 5, the heating of the room is achieved. In the drawing, reference numeral 11 denotes a cooling fan for cooling the outdoor heat exchanger, 13 a switching valve for switching the cooling mode or the heating mode, and 15 is a control valve for controlling the opening degree of the refrigerant flow path.

As described above, when either one of the cooling mode and the heating mode is performed, for example, when a predetermined time elapses during the operation in the cooling mode, the temperature of the room becomes excessively low, while the predetermined temperature when the heating mode is operated. Over time, the room temperature becomes excessively high. In order to prevent this, the controller periodically detects the temperature of the room and compares it with the set temperature, and controls the driving of the compressor so that the room temperature does not become higher or lower than a predetermined temperature with respect to the set temperature. As a result, the room temperature can be maintained at a temperature set by the user.

However, in the control method of the conventional air conditioner, only one of the cooling mode and the heating mode can be selectively performed, so that the user must manually adjust the cooling mode or the heating mode according to the room temperature. In particular, in the case of a severe season, for example, in a season change, the operation in the cooling mode during the day when the temperature is relatively high, and in the heating mode in the evening when the temperature is relatively low, the indoors can be kept in a comfortable state. It is inconvenient because the user has to manually operate it.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention, in consideration of such a conventional problem, by automatically switching between the cooling mode and the heating mode according to the temperature set by the user, the automatic heating and cooling of the air conditioning equipment that can always keep the room in a comfortable state It is to provide a control method.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle,

2 is a control block diagram for performing an automatic heating and cooling mode control method according to the present invention;

3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for automatically controlling a heating and cooling mode of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

3: compressor 5: blower fan

7: heat exchanger 21: control unit

23: operation unit 25: operation mode selection unit

27: room temperature setting unit 29: room temperature sensor

31: operation mode switching unit

According to the present invention, in the automatic heating and cooling mode control method of the air conditioning apparatus, setting the room temperature, selecting one of the cooling and heating mode;

Detecting the temperature of the room after a predetermined time elapses when the cooling mode is selected, and switching to the heating mode when the room temperature is less than or equal to the maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature; And in one of the heating mode selection and the switching to the heating mode, detecting a temperature of a room after a predetermined time has elapsed, and when the indoor temperature is equal to or greater than a maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the cooling mode is switched to the cooling mode. It is achieved by a method for automatically controlling a heating and cooling mode of an air conditioner, comprising the step of switching.

Here, when the indoor temperature is less than the maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature, the step of switching to the heating mode may include: comparing the indoor temperature with the set temperature; Maintaining the cooling mode when the room temperature is greater than or equal to the lower limit of the set temperature and stopping the compressor when the room temperature is lower than or equal to the lower limit of the set temperature; And after the predetermined time has elapsed, measuring the indoor temperature and comparing the indoor temperature with a maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature.

At this time, the lower limit value is a value subtracted by Δt from the set temperature; Preferably, the maximum allowable lower limit is a value obtained by subtracting (Δt + predetermined temperature) from the set temperature.

When the indoor temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the step of switching to the cooling mode includes: comparing the indoor temperature with the set temperature; Maintaining the heating mode when the indoor temperature is equal to or lower than an allowable upper limit of the preset temperature, and stopping the compressor when the indoor temperature is equal to or larger than an allowable upper limit of the preset temperature; And after the predetermined time elapses, measuring the indoor temperature and comparing the indoor temperature with a maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature.

At this time, the allowable upper limit value is a value added by? T at the set temperature; It is preferable to configure the maximum allowable lower limit to a value obtained by adding (Δt + predetermined temperature) to the set temperature.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the same code | symbol is used about the same structure and name as mentioned above.

1 is a control block diagram for performing the heating and cooling automatic control method according to the present invention. As can be seen in the drawings, the control block diagram for performing the present automatic heating and cooling control method, the compressor (3) and the blowing fan (5) constituting the refrigeration cycle, the operation unit 23 exposed to the user operable and And a control unit 21 for controlling the operation of the refrigeration cycle 1 based on the signal from the operation unit 23.

The operation unit 23 has an operation mode selection unit 25 that can select an operation mode, that is, a cooling mode or a heating mode, and an indoor temperature setting unit 27 that can set an indoor temperature. The control block diagram further includes an indoor temperature sensor 29 for sensing the temperature of the room and an operation mode switching unit 31 for switching the operation mode. The operation mode switching part 31 can be comprised by the switching valve which changes the flow path of the refrigerant | coolant which flows through a refrigerating cycle.

On the other hand, Figure 2 is a flow chart for explaining the heating and cooling operation control method of the air conditioner according to the present invention. As can be seen in this figure, when the user sets the room temperature and selects the operation mode through the operation unit (S1), the control unit 21 confirms this (S2). At this time, when the signal from the operation unit 23 is, for example, the cooling mode, the control unit 21 first commands the operation mode switching unit 31 to perform the cooling operation of the device (S3).

This cooling operation is similar to the operation control method of a general air conditioner, as described with reference to FIG. 1. That is, the compressor 3 is driven to form cold air around the indoor heat exchanger 7, while the blower fan 5 is intermittently driven to blow cold air around the indoor heat exchanger 7 into the room. During this operation, the controller 21 detects the indoor temperature based on the signal from the indoor temperature sensor 29, and then compares the detected indoor temperature with the set temperature (S5). At this time, when the room temperature is more than the lower limit of the set temperature, the above-described cooling operation is continuously performed (S3). However, when the indoor temperature is below the lower limit of the set temperature, the compressor 3 is stopped (S6) to stop the heat exchange around the indoor heat exchanger 7.

Here, the lower limit of the set temperature is a value obtained by subtracting Δt from the set temperature (set temperature-Δt). Δt may be configured to be set by the user, and may be stored as an arbitrary value in the manufacture of the product. Such Δt value is preferably determined at 1 ° C to 5 ° C. For example, when the set temperature is 18 ° C and Δt is 2 ° C, the lower limit of the set temperature is 16 ° C. Therefore, when the room temperature is lower than the allowable lower limit of the set temperature, that is, 16 ° C. or less, the control unit 21 stops driving the compressor 3 and interrupts the operation of the blower fan 5 (S7). In this case, since the heat exchange through the indoor heat exchanger 7 is not made, the temperature of the room gradually rises.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time elapses in this state, the control unit 21 detects the temperature of the room again based on the signal from the room temperature sensor 29 (S8). Then, by comparing the indoor temperature and the set temperature (S9), if the room temperature is more than the maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature, it is again determined whether or not the lower limit of the set temperature (16 ℃) or less (S5). At this time, if the room temperature is still above the lower limit of the set temperature, the compressor 3 remains stopped (S6) and the driving of the blower fan 5 is interrupted (S7), while the room temperature is maintained at the set temperature. When the lower limit is reached, the above-described general cooling operation is performed (S3). However, when the room temperature is equal to or lower than the maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature, the control unit 21 instructs the operation mode switching unit 31 to switch the operation mode to the heating mode.

Here, the maximum allowable lower limit of the room temperature is a value obtained by subtracting a value (Δt + predetermined temperature) obtained by adding a predetermined temperature to Δt (set temperature − (Δt + predetermined temperature)}. The predetermined temperature can also be set by the user or stored at any value in the manufacture of the product. It is preferable to determine such predetermined temperature at 0.2 degreeC-1 degreeC. For example, when the predetermined temperature is 0.5 ° C, the maximum allowable lower limit of the room temperature is 15.5 ° C by calculating 18 ° C-(2 ° C + 0.5 ° C). Therefore, when the room temperature is 15.5 ° C. or less, the operation mode of the device is automatically switched from the cooling mode to the heating mode.

On the other hand, when the operation mode is switched to the heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger 7 condenses the refrigerant, whereby the surrounding air is formed into warmth. At this time, the driving of the blower fan 5 is interrupted, and the warm air around the indoor heat exchanger 7 is blown into the room, thereby heating the room (P3). During this operation, the controller 21 senses the indoor temperature based on the signal of the indoor temperature sensor 29 (P4), and compares the indoor temperature with the set temperature (P5). At this time, when the room temperature is lower than the upper limit of the set temperature, the above-described heating operation is continuously performed (P3). However, when the indoor temperature is above the allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the compressor 3 is stopped (P6) to stop the heat exchange around the indoor heat exchanger 7.

Here, the allowable upper limit of the set temperature is a value obtained by adding? T to the set temperature (set temperature +? T). Δt may be configured to be set by the user, and may be stored as an arbitrary value in the manufacture of the product. Such Δt value is preferably determined at 2 ° C to 6 ° C. For example, when the set temperature is 18 ° C and Δt is 2 ° C, the upper limit of the set temperature is 20 ° C. Therefore, when the room temperature is the allowable upper limit of the set temperature, that is, 20 ° C. or more, the control unit 21 stops driving of the compressor 3 (P6) and interrupts the operation of the blowing fan 5 (P7). In this case, since the heat exchange through the indoor heat exchanger 7 is not made, the temperature of the room gradually rises.

On the other hand, when a predetermined time elapses in this state, the control unit 21 detects the temperature of the room again based on the signal from the room temperature sensor 29 (P8). Then, by comparing the indoor temperature and the set temperature (P9), if the room temperature is more than the maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature, it is again determined whether or not the upper limit of the set temperature (15 ℃) or more (P5). At this time, if the room temperature is still above the allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the compressor 3 is kept stopped (P6) and the driving of only the blower fan 5 is interrupted (P7), while the room temperature is maintained at the set temperature. If lower than the allowable upper limit, perform the normal heating operation (P3). However, when the room temperature is equal to or lower than the maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the control unit 21 instructs the operation mode switching unit 31 to switch the operation mode to the cooling mode.

Here, the maximum allowable upper limit of the room temperature is a value obtained by adding Δt plus a predetermined temperature (Δt + predetermined temperature) to a set temperature (set temperature + (Δt + predetermined temperature)}. The predetermined temperature can also be set by the user or stored at any value in the manufacture of the product. It is preferable to determine such predetermined temperature at 0.2 degreeC-1 degreeC. For example, when the predetermined temperature is 0.5 ° C, the maximum allowable upper limit of the room temperature is 20.5 ° C by calculating 18 ° C + (3 ° C + 0.5 ° C). Therefore, when the room temperature is 20.5 ° C or more, the operation mode of the device is automatically switched from the heating mode to the cooling mode (S3).

As described above, in the present cooling / heating mode control method, when the user sets the room temperature to a predetermined temperature, the operation of the device is appropriately switched to the cooling or heating mode, so that the room is always kept in a comfortable state.

On the other hand, in the above-described and illustrated embodiments, for ease of explanation, the Δt value and the predetermined temperature were respectively applied at relatively large values of 2 ° C. and 0.5 ° C., but this value was applied to the actual air conditioning apparatus. Of course, based on repeated experiments and studies, it can be determined that the appropriate value.

As described above, according to the present invention, by automatically switching the cooling mode and the heating mode according to the temperature set by the user, there is provided a method for automatically controlling the heating and cooling of the air conditioner to keep the room always in a comfortable state.

Claims (5)

In the automatic control of the heating and cooling mode of the air conditioner, Setting a room temperature and selecting one of cooling and heating modes; Detecting the temperature of the room after a predetermined time elapses when the cooling mode is selected, and switching to the heating mode when the room temperature is less than or equal to the maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature; And In either of the heating mode selection and the switching to the heating mode, the temperature of the room is sensed after a predetermined time elapses, and when the indoor temperature is equal to or higher than the maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the cooling mode is switched. Automatic control of the heating and cooling mode of the air conditioning apparatus comprising the step of. The method of claim 1, When the indoor temperature is less than the maximum allowable lower limit of the set temperature, the step of switching to the heating mode, Comparing the indoor temperature with the set temperature; Maintaining the cooling mode when the room temperature is greater than or equal to the lower limit of the set temperature and stopping the compressor when the room temperature is lower than or equal to the lower limit of the set temperature; And And after the predetermined time has elapsed, measuring the room temperature and comparing the room temperature with a maximum allowable lower limit value of the set temperature. The method of claim 2, The lower limit is a value subtracted by Δt from the set temperature; And the maximum allowable lower limit is a value obtained by subtracting (Δt + predetermined temperature) from the set temperature. The method of claim 1, When the indoor temperature is more than the maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature, the step of switching to the cooling mode, Comparing the indoor temperature with the set temperature; Maintaining the heating mode when the indoor temperature is equal to or lower than an allowable upper limit of the preset temperature, and stopping the compressor when the indoor temperature is equal to or larger than an allowable upper limit of the preset temperature; And After the predetermined time elapses, measuring the room temperature and comparing the room temperature with a maximum allowable upper limit of the set temperature. The method of claim 2, The upper limit is a value added by? T at the set temperature; The maximum allowable lower limit is a value obtained by adding (Δt + predetermined temperature) to the set temperature.