KR20160086635A - Air conditioner and a method controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air-conditioner and a control method thereof, capable of improving electric power use efficiency. The air-conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: one or more indoor units; an outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit and including a compressor compressing a refrigerant; an engine driving the compressor by generating power using a combustion gas; an electric generator producing electric power using power generated by the engine; a plurality of charging units receiving at least part of electric power produced by the electric generator; a first supply line supplying electricity stored in the plurality of charging units to the outdoor unit; and a second supply line providing electricity stored in the plurality of charging units to the indoor unit, wherein the plurality of charging units may be charged by the electric generator or discharged to the indoor unit or the outdoor unit according to operation capacity of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner,

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

The air conditioner is a device for cooling / heating the room or purifying the air to create a more comfortable indoor environment for the user.

Such an air conditioner can be divided into a separate type air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated from each other, and an integrated type air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are combined into one unit. In addition, a single type air conditioner configured to be used in a narrow place with a capacity capable of driving one indoor unit according to the capacity of the air conditioner, a large-sized air conditioner configured with a very large capacity for use in a company or a restaurant, And a multi-air conditioner configured to sufficiently drive an indoor unit.

Here, the separate type air conditioner is composed of an indoor unit installed in the indoor space to supply warm air or cold air to the inside of the air conditioning space, and an outdoor unit that compresses and expands the refrigerant so that a sufficient heat exchange operation can be performed in the indoor unit.

On the other hand, according to the power source for driving the compressor, it can be classified into EHP type air conditioner and GHP type air conditioner. The EHP method uses electric power as a power source of the compressor, and the GHP method uses fuel such as LNG or LPG as a power source of the compressor. The GHP system operates the engine through fuel combustion to provide the output of the compressor motor.

Prior art documents related to GHP: Application No. 10-2012-0016202

The conventional EHP type air conditioner is advantageous in that the compressor can be easily controlled by adjusting the supply current, is suitable for partial load, and has high energy efficiency. However, the EHP method has a problem that frost is conceived in the outdoor heat exchanger when the low temperature is heated.

On the other hand, the conventional GHP type air conditioner has an advantage of excellent defrost performance by using the waste heat of the engine, but the efficiency of the engine is low due to heat loss and the like.

Meanwhile, the GHP type air conditioner may be provided with a generator, and the generator performs power generation using the power of the engine. The developed electricity can then be used to operate the air conditioner.

However, in the conventional GHP type air conditioner, there is a phenomenon in which the developed electricity quantity is insufficient or remained according to the operation ability, and thus the operation efficiency is lowered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof for charging or discharging a live part.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one indoor unit; An outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit and including a compressor for compressing refrigerant; An engine for generating power by using combustion gas to drive the compressor; A generator for generating power using power generated by the engine; A plurality of charging units capable of receiving at least a part of electric power generated by the generator; A first supply line for supplying electricity stored in the plurality of chargers to the outdoor unit; And a second supply line for supplying electricity stored in the plurality of chargers to the indoor unit, wherein the plurality of chargers are charged from the generator or discharged to the indoor unit or the outdoor unit depending on the operating capability of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit .

The plurality of charging units may include a first charging unit and a second charging unit that are connected in parallel with each other.

In addition, the first charging unit includes a super capacitor.

Further, the second charging section includes a lead-acid battery.

In addition, when the operation capability of the outdoor unit other than the indoor unit is smaller than the setting capability (C1), the first and second charging units are charged by the electric power generated by the generator.

In addition, when the first and second charging units are charged by the electric power generated by the generator, the charging of the second charging unit is performed after the charging of the first charging unit.

The power stored in the first and second charging units may be used for operation of the indoor unit or the outdoor unit if the operation capacity of the outdoor unit is greater than the capacity C1.

In addition, when the electric power stored in the first and second charging units is used, the use of the second charging unit is performed after using the first charging unit.

In addition, when the electric power stored in the first and second charging units is used, the use of the second charging unit is performed after using the first charging unit.

The use of the second charging unit is determined depending on whether the storage capacity stored in the first charging unit is sufficient to cover the electricity quantity required in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit during the use of the first charging unit .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an air conditioner, comprising: a step in which an engine is driven to start a compressor provided in an air conditioner and a generator is operated; And determining whether the plurality of charging units are charged or discharged depending on whether the operating capability of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to the setting capability. If the operating capability of the air conditioner is less than the setting capability, And the electric power stored in the plurality of chargers is discharged to the air conditioner when the operation capability of the air conditioner is equal to or greater than the setting capability.

In addition, the plurality of charging units include a super capacitor and a lead storage battery.

In addition, when electric power generated by the generator is charged to the plurality of charging units, remaining electric power is charged in the lead-acid batteries after charging the super capacitor.

In addition, when the electricity stored in the plurality of chargers is discharged to the air conditioner, electricity is discharged from the lead-acid battery after the electricity of the supercapacitor is discharged.

In addition, the step of discharging electricity stored in the plurality of chargers to the air conditioner may include determining whether the storage capacity of the supercapacitor is sufficient or not; Discharging electricity stored in the supercapacitor; And discharging electricity stored in the lead-acid battery if the storage capacity of the super capacitor is less than the required electricity quantity of the air conditioner.

The step of determining whether the storage capacity of the super capacitor is sufficient may include a step of recognizing whether an operation time of the air conditioner is greater than a power use maintenance time of the super capacitor, And the electricity stored in the lead acid battery is discharged if the operation time is longer than the power use holding time of the super capacitor.

The step of determining whether the storage capacity of the supercapacitor is sufficient may include a step of recognizing whether the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than or equal to a reference voltage and if the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than a reference voltage, And the electricity stored in the battery is discharged.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the engine provided in the outdoor unit is driven to drive the compressor and the generator, and the electric power generated by the generator can be supplied to the components of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and used. The efficiency of power use can be improved.

Also, the first and second charging units may be included in the charging unit, and the first and second charging units may be selectively used or charged depending on the change in the required electricity quantity according to the operation capability of the air conditioner and the characteristics of each charging unit.

Particularly, since the first charging section is constituted by a super capacitor and the second charging section is constituted by a lead-acid battery, the first charging section having a large number of usable charge and discharge is first charged or used. When the required electricity quantity is equal to or higher than the set electricity quantity, The power consumption efficiency can be improved by charging or using the second charger unit when the power generation amount is more than the power generation amount.

In addition, the power generation amount and the required electricity quantity are compared according to the operation capability of the air conditioner. When the generated electricity quantity is relatively large, the first and second charging sections are charged. When the required electricity quantity is relatively large, The operating efficiency of the air conditioner can be improved.

In addition, when the required electric quantity is larger than the electric power generation amount in the course of operation of the air conditioner, the engine output can be increased to increase the electric power generation amount and the charging amount of the charging portion. Therefore, even if the electric power charged in the charging portion is used, .

1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flow chart showing a schematic control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flow chart showing a general procedure in which charging and discharging of a charger is performed according to the operating capability of the air conditioner in the course of operating the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing changes in power generation amount and required electricity amount according to the operating capability of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a specific method of charging / discharging the first and second chargers in the course of operating the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a state in which the first and second charging units are used according to a change in power generation amount and required electricity amount in the course of operation of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

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

1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1, an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 110 disposed outdoors and at least one indoor unit 110 connected to the outdoor unit 110 and having an indoor heat exchanger (160).

The outdoor unit 110 is an outdoor unit driven by a GHP (Gas Heat Pump) method and includes a plurality of components, that is, a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, inside the case 112. No additional power is supplied from the outside to the outdoor unit, and the electric power required for the air conditioner 100 can be supplied by operating the generator by the engine.

In detail, the outdoor unit 110 includes an engine 120 that generates power by combustion gas, and a compressor 130 and a generator 140 that are driven by the power generated by the engine 120. The compressor 130 is a device for compressing a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle, and the generator 140 is understood to be an apparatus for producing electricity necessary for operating the air conditioner 100.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 130 is circulated through the refrigeration cycle while being condensed, expanded and evaporated.

The power generated by the generator 140 is supplied to the outdoor unit fan 115 for generating an air flow or the cooling water pump for flowing the cooling water for cooling the engine 120 . The power generated by the generator 140 may be supplied to an electric power component of the indoor unit 160, for example, an indoor fan (not shown).

The outdoor unit 110 includes a power transmission unit 125 that transmits the power generated by the engine 120 to the generator 140. For example, the power transmission unit 125 includes an engine pulley provided in the engine 120, a generator pulley provided in the generator 140 and spaced apart from the engine pulley, And a belt connecting the generator pulley.

The power of the engine 120 is transmitted to the compressor 130 to compress the refrigerant and is transmitted to the generator 140 through the power transmission unit 125 to produce electric power do.

The outdoor unit 110 includes a plurality of charging units 151 and 152 that can store electric power generated by the generator 140 and a plurality of charging units 151 and 152 that extend from the electric generator 140 to the plurality of charging units 151 and 152, To the plurality of charging units (151, 152).

The plurality of charging units 151 and 152 may store and use the electric power required for the air conditioner 100 according to a set condition. The plurality of charging units 151 and 152 may be connected in parallel by the connection line 145. The power generated by the generator 140 may be selectively stored in at least one of the plurality of charging units 151 and 152.

The plurality of charging units 151 and 152 include a first charging unit 151 and a second charging unit 152. For example, the first charger 151 includes a super capacitor. The supercapacitor can be understood as a component that is used for the purpose of a battery, which is an enhancement of the performance of the capacitor, especially the capacity of the capacitor. The supercapacitor is advantageous in that the amount of power that can be stored is not large, but the number of times of charge or discharge is available is large.

The second charging unit 152 includes a lead storage battery. The lead-acid battery is advantageous in that the amount of power that can be stored is relatively large although the number of times of charge or discharge is not large.

When the first charging unit 151 is configured as a supercapacitor and the second charging unit 152 is formed of a lead acid battery, when power is generated from the generator 140 in terms of charging, the first charging unit 151 And the charging of the second charging unit 152 may be performed when the charging of the first charging unit 151 is completed.

If the power stored in the first charging unit 151 can correspond to the required power only, the power of the first charging unit 151 is used, and the required power is supplied to the first charging unit 151, The use of the second charging unit 152 after the use of the first charging unit 151 can be changed.

The air conditioner 100 is provided with a first supply line 153 for supplying the electric power charged in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 to the electric components of the outdoor unit 110, And further includes a second supply line 154 for supplying power components of the indoor unit 160, for example, to the indoor fan.

2 is a flow chart showing a schematic control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. A method of operating the air conditioner 100 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

When the operation of the air conditioner 100 is started, the engine 120 provided in the GHP type outdoor unit 110 can be driven. In detail, fuel gas such as LNG or LPG is supplied to the engine 120, and the engine can be operated (S11, S12).

Power is generated by driving the engine 120, and the generated power can be transmitted to the compressor 130 and the generator 140. The power transmitted to the compressor 130 is used to compress the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 130, and the power transmitted to the generator 140 can be used to produce power.

The electric power generated by the generator 140 is supplied to the electric components of the air conditioner 100, that is, the electric components of the outdoor unit 110 or the indoor unit 160 so that the operation of the air conditioner 100 can be continued. (S13).

Meanwhile, according to the setting conditions, the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be charged or the electricity charged in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be used.

For example, in the course of operation of the air conditioner 100, the remaining power supplied to the power component of the air conditioner 100 among the power generated by the generator 140 is supplied to the first and second charging units 151 and 152, Lt; / RTI > If the amount of electricity consumed by the air conditioner 100 is greater than the power generated by the generator 140, electricity stored in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be used.

Particularly, when the operating capability (or the operating load) of the air conditioner 100 is larger than the setting capability, the amount of electricity consumed can be increased. Here, the operating capability of the air conditioner 100 can be varied as the operating capability of the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 160, and the operating capability can be increased as the required indoor load is increased.

In one example, the setting capability may be determined as a value corresponding to 100% of the rated capacity of the air conditioner 100. The rated power of 100% means that the outdoor unit capacity and the capacity of the indoor unit to be operated are the same, and the outdoor fan motor and the indoor fan motor are operated at the maximum number of revolutions. That is, it can be understood that the indoor unit is operated at the maximum output by using 100% of the outputable outdoor unit capability.

On the other hand, the sum of capacities of the indoor units that can be connected can be designed to be 120 to 130% of the capacity of the outdoor unit. In other words, the rated power may be formed at about 80% to 90% of the maximum capacity of the air conditioner 100.

As another example, in a state where the operation of the air conditioner 100 is stopped, the air conditioner 100 is required to have a predetermined electric power (hereinafter, standby power) for driving a control circuit or a display. The electricity required for the standby power may be supplied from the first and second charging units 151 and 152.

As the amount of electricity supplied from the first and second charging units 151 and 152 increases, the amount of charge of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 becomes lower and the engine is driven at a predetermined time, 1 and 2 charging units 151 and 152 (S13 and S14).

Hereinafter, a general control method of charging and discharging in the first and second charging at the time of operation of the air conditioner will be described.

3 is a flow chart showing a general procedure in which charging and discharging of a charger is performed according to the operating capability of the air conditioner in the course of operating the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

When the "charging mode" in which charging or discharging is performed in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 during the operation of the air conditioner 100 is started, the compressor 130 and the generator 140 (S21, S22).

Then, the operating capability of the air conditioner 100 is calculated. For example, when the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle increases, that is, when the operating frequency of the compressor increases, or when the number of indoor units to be operated increases, or when the number of revolutions of the outdoor fan increases, The driving capability can be increased (S23).

It can be recognized whether the operating capability (operation load or required load) of the air conditioner 100 is equal to or higher than the setting capability. For example, the setting capability may be determined as a capacity value corresponding to 100% of the rated capacity of the air conditioner 100.

The amount of electricity required by the air conditioner 100 can be recognized as being smaller than the amount of electricity generated by the generator 140 when the operating capability is smaller than the setting capability C1 (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, some of the power generated by the generator 140 may be used to drive the power components of the air conditioner 100, and the remaining power may be charged to the first and second charging units 151 and 152 (S24, S25, S26).

On the other hand, if the operating capability is greater than the setting capability C1, the amount of electricity required by the air conditioner 100 can be recognized as being larger than the amount of electricity generated by the generator 140. [ Accordingly, only the electric power generated by the generator 140 is limited to the driving of the electric power component of the air conditioner 100, and electricity charged in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be used.

Hereinafter, a specific usage determination method regarding which of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 is to be used first will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 (S27 and S28).

The output of the engine 120 may be increased to increase the amount of power generated by the generator 140. When the amount of power generated by the generator 140 is increased, the amount of power supplied to the power component of the air conditioner 100 or the amount of charge of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be increased.

That is, even if the charged electricity of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 is used by increasing the amount of electricity generated by the generator 140 to increase the charging amount of the first and second charging units 151 and 152, It is possible to prevent a phenomenon that the discharge cells 151 and 152 are rapidly discharged. If the power generation amount of the generator 140 is increased, the setting capability C1 may be increased (refer to FIG. 4), and the process may return to step S24 to determine again whether the operating capability is less than the setting capability (S29).

In this way, the first and second charging units 151 and 152 can perform charging or discharging according to the operating capability of the air conditioner 100. In this process, the charging amounts of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 are continuously As shown in FIG. The amount of charge or the degree of charge of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 can be determined from the voltages sensed by the first and second charging units 151 and 152 at step S30.

When the first and second charging units 151 and 152 are fully charged, charging of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be stopped. The power generated by the generator 140 may be supplied to the air conditioner 100 and the output of the engine 120 may be reduced corresponding to the amount of electricity required by the generator 140 (S31, S32)

If the first and second charging units 151 and 152 are not fully charged, the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be continuously charged (S33).

FIG. 4 is a graph showing changes in power generation amount and required electricity amount according to the operating capability of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, as the operation capability of the air conditioner 100, that is, the operation load, increases, the amount of electricity required by the air conditioner 100 increases.

The amount of electricity generated by the generator 140 during the operation of the engine 120 is maintained at a substantially constant level or gradually decreases as the operating capability of the air conditioner 100 increases. Since the amount of electricity required to drive the air conditioner 100 and the load of the compressor 130 may become larger as the operation capacity of the air conditioner 100 increases, It can be reduced slowly.

When the operating capability of the air conditioner 100 is C1, a line indicating the required electricity quantity of the air conditioner 100 and a line indicating the power generation amount are met. The driving capability (C1) may be called a "balancing ability" as a capability of making a power generation amount equal to a required electricity amount.

The operating capability C1 may be in a range of 90 to 130% of the rated capacity of the air conditioner 100. [ For example, the operating capability C1 may be formed in a range of 100% of the rated capacity of the air conditioner 100.

When the operation capacity of the air conditioner 100 is less than C1, the generated electricity quantity is larger than the required electricity quantity of the air conditioner 100, so that the remaining electricity quantity can be charged in the first and second charging sections 151 and 152 (A). As the operation capacity of the air conditioner 100 becomes smaller, the amount of electricity charged in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may increase.

On the other hand, when the operation capacity of the air conditioner 100 is greater than C1, the power generation amount is less than the required electricity amount of the air conditioner 100, so that the charging of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 is limited (Discharging) the electricity amount charged to the first and second charging units 151 and 152 (B).

As described above, the air conditioner according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of charging units, and the charging or discharging of a plurality of charging units can be selectively performed according to the operating capability of the air conditioner, Can be stably operated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a specific method of charging / discharging the first and second chargers in the process of operating the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention. The first and second live parts are used in accordance with the change of the power generation amount and the required electricity amount in the course of operation.

Referring to FIG. 5, a specific method of performing charging or discharging of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 during the operation of the air conditioner 100 is shown. 5 can be understood as a detailed description of the general charge-discharge process of FIG. The description of FIG. 3 will be referred to for the portion overlapping with FIG.

When the "charging mode" in which charging or discharging is performed in the first and second charging units 151 and 152 during the operation of the air conditioner 100 is started, the compressor 130 and the generator 140 (S51, S52).

The operating capability of the air conditioner 100 is calculated (S53). Then, it can be recognized whether the operating capability of the air conditioner 100 is equal to or greater than the setting capability. If the operating capability is less than the set capability, the amount of electricity required by the air conditioner 100 may be recognized to be less than the amount of power generated by the generator 140. [

Accordingly, some of the power generated by the generator 140 may be used to drive the power components of the air conditioner 100, and the remaining power may be charged to the first and second charging units 151 and 152. At this time, the first charging part 151 is first charged, and when the first charging part 151 is completely charged, the second charging part 152 may be charged. This is because, due to the characteristics of the first charging part 151, there is a margin in the number of charge / discharge cycles and the amount of electricity that can be charged is small (S54, S58).

On the other hand, if the operating capability is greater than the setting capability, the amount of electricity required by the air conditioner 100 may be recognized to be greater than the amount of power generated by the generator 140 (S55).

Accordingly, the output of the engine 120 can be increased to increase the amount of power generated by the generator 140. When the power generation amount in the generator 140 is increased, the amount of power supplied to the power components of the air conditioner 100 can be increased. At this time, the amount of electric power can be increased to the maximum power generation amount that can be produced by the generator 140. In this process, the power generation amount may be increased to a value greater than or equal to the required electricity amount, and may still be less than the required electricity amount (S56).

It can be recognized whether or not the power generation amount is equal to or more than the required electricity amount. When the power generation amount is increased to be equal to or greater than the required electricity amount, the first and second charging units 151 and 152 may be charged. At this time, as described above, the charging of the second charging unit 152 may be performed after charging the first charging unit 151 (S57, S58).

On the other hand, if the generated amount is still less than the required amount, that is, if the required amount of electricity is larger than the maximum amount of power generation, the use of the second charging part 152 may be controlled after use of the first charging part 151. In detail, the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 may be determined for use of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 (S59 and S60).

Whether or not the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 is sufficient can be recognized. The determination based on the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 can be performed by the following two methods.

[First Method]

Whether or not the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 is sufficient can be determined using the relative time value with respect to the operation time of the air conditioner 100.

In detail, the operating time of the air conditioner 100 can be compared with the power usage holding time of the first charging unit 151. The power usage holding time of the first charging unit 151 may be previously determined as a time value corresponding to the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151. [

The power use duration time t0 of the first charger may be determined by the following equation.

t0 = {1/2 * CV 2} / ( required power-generation)

C: Capacitance of the first live part

V: Voltage of the first charging unit

The storage capacity C of the first charging unit 151 may be determined according to a combination of the capacitors for configuring the first charging unit 151. The voltage V of the first charging unit may be increased upon charging, Can be reduced.

For example, the required power may be determined by measuring data on power consumption according to the number of rotations of the compressor and the outdoor fan motor and data on measured power consumption according to the number of rotations of the indoor fan motor.

The power generation amount can be determined based on the power generation efficiency _{?, The} motor torque T _mot and the angular speed _?. The formula for determining power generation is as follows.

Power generation (W) = η * T _mot * π * ω

The operation time of the air conditioner 100 can be counted. If the operation time of the counted air conditioner 100 is less than the holding time t1, the required electricity amount can be covered only by using the first charging unit 151 (S62).

On the other hand, when the operating time of the counted air conditioner 100 becomes longer than the holding time t1, the used charging part is changed. That is, the first charging unit 151 is discharged and used until the holding time t1. When the holding time t1 is exceeded, the first charging unit 151 is changed to the second charging unit 152, And power is supplied from the second charging unit 152. At this time, if the amount of electric power that can be supplied from the second charging unit 152 is formed to the extent that the required electric charge is covered and left, the remaining amount of electric power can be used to charge the first charging unit 151 (S63, S64).

[Second Method]

Whether or not the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 is sufficient may be determined using the voltage drop value according to the use of the first charging unit 151.

The use of the first charging unit 151 is performed first. When the first charging unit 151 is used, the voltage of the first charging unit 151 is lowered. The voltage of the first charging unit 151 can be recognized in real time.

If the voltage of the first charging unit 151 is higher than the reference voltage during the use of the first charging unit 151, the use of the first charging unit 151 continues (S62).

On the other hand, if the voltage of the first charging part 151 becomes lower than the reference voltage during the use of the first charging part 151, the use of the second charging part 152 is changed. If there is a remaining amount of power when the second charging part 152 is used, the remaining amount of power may be used to use the first charging part 151 (S63, S64).

The reference voltage may be predetermined to a specific value.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the process of operating the air conditioner 100, when the required electricity quantity is less than the electricity generation quantity, that is, until the time t1, The charging units 151 and 152 are charged.

The amount of electric power stored in the first charging unit 151 can be used when the operation load of the air conditioner 100 is increased and the required electric quantity is increased and the electric energy required for shinking becomes equal to or greater than the electric power generation amount, . In this case, if the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 is formed to a sufficient level to meet the instantaneous required electricity quantity, that is, if the instantaneous required electricity quantity is equal to or less than the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151, 151) (area A). Here, it is understood that the electricity amount W1 is smaller than the sum of the power generation amount and the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151. [

However, when the operation time of the air conditioner 100 becomes equal to or longer than the power use time t0 of the first charging unit 151, that is, when the operation time of the air conditioner 100 becomes t2 or more, The charging unit 151 can change the charging unit used in the second charging unit 152 (region B).

On the other hand, when the instantaneous required electricity amount W2 becomes equal to or greater than the sum of the power generation amount and the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151, the second charging unit 152 can be used. At this time, the first charging unit 151 may be selectively used together. Here, the storage capacity of the second charging unit 152 may be larger than the storage capacity of the first charging unit 151 (A + B). Here, it is understood that the electricity amount W2 is smaller than the sum of the power generation amount and the storage capacity of the first and second chargers 151 and 152. [

If only the second charging unit 152 can supply the necessary electricity amount, the remaining amount of power using only the second charging unit 152 may be used to charge the first charging unit 151. [

On the other hand, if the required electricity quantity is large enough to be used together with the first and second chargers 151 and 152, the first charger 151 may be used together with the second charger 152. The use of the first and second charging units 151 and 152 can be performed until the time t3 when the required electricity amount is larger than the power generation amount.

Depending on the usage pattern of the air conditioner 100, the required electric quantity of the air conditioner 100 may suddenly increase. For example, the number of sudden indoor units is increasing. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the required electricity quantity is kept below the power generation quantity, and suddenly, the required electricity quantity sharply rises in the interval of time t4 to t5. At this time, it is assumed that the instantaneous required electric quantity is equal to or less than the storage capacity W1 of the first charging unit 151. [

In this case, as described in the [first method], whether the operating time of the air conditioner 100 is equal to or more than the power use holding time t0 of the first charging unit 151 in the state of the suddenly increased required electricity quantity Can be determined. If the operation time of the air conditioner 100 is less than the power use time t0 of the first charging unit 151, only the first charging unit 151 can be used. Of course, if the operation time of the air conditioner 100 is not less than the power use time t0 of the first charging unit 151, the use of the second charging unit 152 after use of the first charging unit 151 Lt; / RTI >

Therefore, if the sudden increase in the required electricity quantity is made only for a short time, the use of the first charging unit 151 can cover the required electricity quantity.

Also, the first and second charging units are included, and the first and second charging units can be selectively used or charged according to the change in the required electricity amount according to the operating capability of the air conditioner and the characteristics of each charging unit. And the operation efficiency can be improved.

100: air conditioner 110: outdoor unit
115: outdoor fan 120: engine
130: compressor 140: generator
145: connection line 151: first live part
152: second charging unit 153: first supply line
154: second supply line 160: indoor unit

Claims (16)

At least one indoor unit;
A compressor connected to the indoor unit for compressing the refrigerant; an engine for generating power using combustion gas to drive the compressor; and an outdoor unit for generating power using the power generated by the engine;
A plurality of charging units capable of receiving at least a part of electric power generated by the generator;
A first supply line for supplying electricity stored in the plurality of chargers to the electric components of the outdoor unit; And
And a second supply line for supplying electricity stored in the plurality of chargers to power components of the indoor unit,
Wherein the plurality of charging units are charged from the generator or discharged by the electric power component of the indoor unit or the electric power components of the outdoor unit according to the operation capability of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The method according to claim 1,
In the plurality of charging units,
And a first charging unit and a second charging unit connected in parallel with each other. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the first charging unit includes a super capacitor. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the second charging unit includes a lead-acid battery. The method according to claim 1,
If the operation capability of the outdoor unit other than the indoor unit is smaller than the setting capability (C1)
Wherein the first and second charging units are charged by electric power generated by the generator. 6. The method of claim 5,
When the first and second charging units are charged by the electric power generated by the generator,
Wherein the charging of the second charging unit is performed after the charging of the first charging unit. The method according to claim 1,
If the operation capability of the outdoor unit other than the indoor unit is greater than the setting capability (C1)
Wherein the power stored in the first and second charging units is used for operating the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. 8. The method of claim 7,
When the power stored in the first and second charging units is used,
Wherein the use of the second charging unit is performed after use of the first charging unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
During use of the first charger,
Whether the storage capacity stored in the first charging unit is sufficient to cover the electricity quantity required in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit,
Wherein the use of the second charger is determined. A step in which the engine is driven, a compressor provided in the air conditioner is started, and a generator is operated; And
Determining whether the plurality of charging units are charged or discharged depending on whether the operating capability of the air conditioner is equal to or greater than the setting capability,
The power generated by the generator is charged to the plurality of charging units when the operation capability of the air conditioner is less than the set capability,
Wherein the electricity stored in the plurality of chargers is discharged to the air conditioner if the operating capability of the air conditioner is not less than the set capability. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the plurality of charging units include a super capacitor and a lead storage battery. 12. The method of claim 11,
When power generated by the generator is charged to the plurality of charging units,
Wherein the lead-acid battery is charged with remaining power after charging the super capacitor. 12. The method of claim 11,
When electricity stored in the plurality of chargers is discharged to the air conditioner,
Wherein the electricity of the lead-acid battery is discharged after the electricity of the supercapacitor is discharged. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the electricity stored in the plurality of chargers is discharged to the air conditioner,
Determining whether the storage capacity of the supercapacitor is sufficient;
Discharging electricity stored in the supercapacitor; And
And discharging electricity stored in the lead-acid battery if the storage capacity of the super capacitor is less than a required electricity quantity of the air conditioner. 15. The method of claim 14,
The step of determining whether the storage capacity of the supercapacitor is sufficient,
And recognizing whether an operation time of the air conditioner is greater than a power use maintenance time of the super capacitor,
Wherein the electricity stored in the lead-acid battery is discharged when the operation time of the air conditioner is greater than the power usage holding time of the super capacitor. 15. The method of claim 14,
The step of determining whether the storage capacity of the supercapacitor is sufficient,
Wherein whether the voltage of the supercapacitor is less than a reference voltage is recognized,
Wherein when the voltage of the supercapacitor is lower than a reference voltage, electricity stored in the lead acid battery is discharged.

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