KR20180050916A - Air conditioner and controlling method of thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof. The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a compressor which sucks and compresses a refrigerant corresponding to a target superheat degree; an indoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant with indoor air to condense or evaporate; a receiver for receiving and storing a part of the refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant pipe when the receiver is opened; and a control unit. The control unit determines whether a plurality of conditions which can increase the degree of supercooling of the indoor heat exchanger are satisfied during heating operation. In addition, when the plurality of conditions are satisfied, the control unit enters heating prevention control to adjust the target superheat degree of the compressor, and opens the receiver for a predetermined time.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and a control method thereof that can prevent heating chemicals that are generated when a supercooling degree is secured during heating operation.

Generally, the air conditioner sucks hot air in a room through a series of refrigeration cycles consisting of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation, heat-exchanges the refrigerant with the low-temperature refrigerant, and discharges it to the room to cool the room. Exchanges heat with the high-temperature refrigerant, and discharges it to the room to heat the room.

The condensed liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant evaporates as it moves to the expansion valve through the refrigerant pipe, and can change to the gas state. In this case, there is a possibility that the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant flow into the expansion valve at the same time. However, a sufficient refrigerant circulation amount can be ensured only when 100% liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve. When the refrigerant circulation amount is reduced, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner is significantly reduced.

Therefore, when the liquid refrigerant is condensed, the air conditioner cools the liquid refrigerant to a temperature lower than the saturation condensation temperature so that only the liquid refrigerant can flow into the expansion valve, which is referred to as subcooling. Subcooling refers to the degree to which the temperature of the condensed liquid refrigerant is lower than the saturation condensation temperature. Here, the saturated condensation temperature is the temperature at which the refrigerant condenses and liquefies in the condenser. Generally, the air conditioner is operated to have a supercooling degree of about 5 to 8 degrees.

However, if the liquid refrigerant is excessively cooled beyond the set subcooling degree, the heating agent, which is a phenomenon in which the heating is weak in the indoor unit, is generated. Further, when the amount of refrigerant circulated in the refrigeration cycle is large, there is a difficulty in solving the heating-up phenomenon.

The present invention provides an air conditioner and a control method thereof capable of escaping a heating agent by securing a target subcooling degree by performing heating anticorrosion control in the case where a heating medium is generated in the air conditioner due to overcooling of the overcooling degree .

It is another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and its control method capable of fundamentally solving heating medicines during heating operation by reducing the amount of circulating refrigerant when excessively large degree of supercooling of the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle is secured The purpose.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a compressor that sucks and compresses refrigerant corresponding to a target superheat degree; An indoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant with room air to condense or evaporate; A receiver for receiving and storing a part of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe when the refrigerant is opened; And a control unit that determines whether or not the plurality of conditions that can increase the supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger during the heating operation are satisfied and the target superheat degree of the compressor is controlled And a controller for opening the receiver for a predetermined time.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an air conditioner, comprising: sucking and compressing a refrigerant corresponding to a target superheat degree; And determining whether the plurality of conditions that can increase the supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger during the heating operation are satisfied; And entering the heating prevention control if the plurality of conditions are all satisfied; Adjusting the target superheat degree of the compressor; And opening and closing the receiver for a predetermined period of time to inflow and store a part of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant pipe.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when the heating agent is generated due to overcooling in the air conditioner, the target suction superheating degree and the cycle circulating refrigerant amount are simultaneously controlled, Or prevent it.

1 is a view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a control process in the case where the supercooling degree is excessively secured during a heating operation in a general air conditioner.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a heating / anti-fire control process in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a specific control process for a receiver during a heating prevention control process in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The suffix "module" and " part "for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have their own meaning or role. In the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of related arts will be omitted when it is determined that the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein may be blurred. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. , ≪ / RTI > equivalents, and alternatives.

Terms including ordinals, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, . On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between.

The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a component, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

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

The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a multi-type air conditioner for simultaneous heating and cooling. The simultaneous cooling and heating type multi-type air conditioner is characterized in that a plurality of indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 are connected to one outdoor unit A and the indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 are installed in the respective air- . ≪ / RTI > In this case, each of the indoor units B1, B2, B3, and B4 can be operated in one of the heating and cooling modes to air-condition the room.

1, the multi-type air conditioner 100 may include an outdoor unit A, a plurality of indoor units B1, B2, B3, and B4, and a distributor C, as shown in FIG. Here, the plurality of indoor units B1, B2, B3, and B4 may be the first, second, third, and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3, and B4, respectively.

The outdoor unit A may include first and second compressors 53 and 54, an outdoor heat exchanger 51, an outdoor heat exchanger fan 61 and a switching unit 62. Here, the switching unit 62 may be a four-way valve.

The receiver 50 can selectively control the amount of refrigerant circulated in the air conditioner 100 by selectively flowing the refrigerant flowing into the liquid pipe 72 and temporarily storing the refrigerant.

The accumulator 52 can separate the gaseous refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant and the gaseous refrigerant, and supply the separated refrigerant to the first and second compressors 53 and 54. In this case, the accumulator 52 separates the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit or the receiver 50 into gas and liquid, filters the liquid refrigerant, and supplies only the gaseous refrigerant to the first and second compressors 53 and 54 . The higher the internal temperature of the accumulator 52, the greater the efficiency of separating the gaseous refrigerant.

The suction portions of the first and second compressors (53, 54) are connected to the accumulator (52). In this case, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the accumulator 52 can be sucked into the first and second compressors 53 and 54.

The first and second compressors (53, 54) can suck and compress the refrigerant and discharge it. According to an embodiment, the first compressor 53 may be an inverter compressor capable of varying the compression capacity of the refrigerant, and the second compressor 54 may be a constant speed compressor having a constant compression capacity of the refrigerant.

The first and second discharge pipes 55 and 56 are connected to the discharge portions of the first and second compressors 53 and 54, respectively. The first and second discharge pipes 55 and 56 are joined by the joint portion 57. In this case, the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure compressed by the first and second compressors 53 and 54 is discharged to the first and second discharge pipes 55 and 56, and is jointed at the joint portion 57.

First and second oil separators 58 and 59 are installed in the first and second discharge pipes 55 and 56, respectively. The first and second oil separators 58 and 59 can separate the oil from the refrigerant discharged from the first and second compressors 53 and 54. The first and second oil separators 58 and 59 are provided with a first oil separator 58 and a second oil separator 59 for guiding the oil separated from the first and second oil separators 58 and 59 to the suction portions of the first and second compressors 53 and 54, And the second oil return pipes 30 and 31 are connected. In this case, the oil separated by the first and second oil separators 58 and 59 can be recovered to the first and second compressors 53 and 54 through the first and second oil return pipes 30 and 31 have.

A high-pressure gas pipe 63 for bypassing the refrigerant discharged from the first and second compressors 53 and 54 through the four-way valve 62 is connected to the joint portion 57. The joint portion 57 is connected to the four-way valve 62 and the third discharge pipe 68.

The four-way valve 62 can determine the flow path of the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure, which is joined at the joint portion 57. In this case, the four-way valve 62 can switch the flow path of the gaseous refrigerant or can branch and flow the gaseous refrigerant depending on whether the main cooling operation or the heating main operation is performed.

The outdoor heat exchanger (51) is connected to the four-way valve (62) by a first connection pipe (71). In the outdoor heat exchanger (51), the refrigerant can be condensed or evaporated by heat exchange with the outside air. The outdoor heat exchanger (51) serves as a condenser during the cooling operation or simultaneously operates the cooling subject, and the outdoor heat exchanger (51) serves as the evaporator during the heating operation or the heating operation simultaneously.

On the other hand, the outdoor fan 61 is installed around the outdoor heat exchanger 51 to allow outdoor air to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 51 in order to facilitate the heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 51.

An outdoor electronic expansion valve 65 and a supercooling device 66 are installed on a liquid pipe 72 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 51 and the distributor C to each other.

The outdoor electronic banc valve valve (65) expands the refrigerant at the time of operation of the heating room or simultaneous operation of the heating body. Specifically, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 65 is configured such that the refrigerant condensed in the first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31, and 41 is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 51 Expand. To this end, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 65 may be controlled to a predetermined degree.

The outdoor electronic expansion valve 65 does not expand the refrigerant at the time of all the cooling operation or the cooling operation simultaneously. Specifically, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 65 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 51 before the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 51 is introduced into the first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31, Allowing it to pass without being inflated. To this end, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 65 can be fully opened.

The supercooling device 66 can supercool a part of the refrigerant which is passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 51 and moves to the distributor C, during the operation of the cooling operation or the operation of the cooling operation. The subcooling device 66 includes a supercooling device 66a installed to surround a part of the liquid pipe 72 and a subcooling device 66b disposed between the subcooler 66a and the distributor C to divide a part of the refrigerant moving to the distributor C A bypass pipe 66b for bypassing the refrigerant to the inside of the supercooler 66a, an electronic expansion valve 66c installed in the bypass pipe 66b, a number of times of connecting the subcooler 66a and the suction pipe 64 And may include a pipe 66d.

A part of the refrigerant which has flowed to the distributor C along the liquid pipe 72 flows into the bypass pipe 66b at the time of the operation of the cooling chamber or the simultaneous operation of the cooling body. The introduced refrigerant expands through the electronic expansion valve 66c and is guided into the subcooler 66a.

The distributor C is disposed between the outdoor unit A and the first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 so as to control the simultaneous operation of the cooling air chamber, The refrigerant is distributed to the first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 according to the operating conditions. To this end, the dispenser C may include a high pressure gas header 81, a low pressure gas header 82, a liquid header 83 and control valves (not shown).

The high pressure gas header 81 is connected to one side of the high pressure gas pipe 63 of the joint portion 57 and the first, second, third and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31 and 41 . The low-pressure gas header 82 is connected to the suction pipe 64 by a low-pressure gas pipe 75 and is connected to the first, second, . The liquid header 83 is connected to one side of the supercooling device 66 and the first, second, third and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31 and 41, respectively. The high pressure gas pipe 81 and the low pressure gas header 82 and the liquid header 83 are connected to the high pressure gas pipe 63 'and the low pressure gas pipe 75' and the liquid pipe 72 'of another outdoor unit (not shown) Respectively.

The first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 may all be operated or only a part thereof may be operated. Also, some of the first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 may be in the cooling operation and the remaining may be in the heating operation.

The first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 are connected to the first, second, third and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31 and 41, Second, third and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves 12, 22, 32 and 42 and first, second, third and fourth indoor fan units 15, 25, 35 and 45. The first indoor heat exchanger connecting pipes 13, 23, 33 and 43 are connected to one ends of the first, second, third and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31 and 41, The second indoor heat exchanger connecting pipe 14, 24, 34, 44 may be connected to the second indoor heat exchanger connecting pipe.

The first, second, third, and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves (12, 22, 32, 42) are installed on the first indoor heat exchanger connecting pipe (13, 23, 33, 43). Second, third, and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves 12, 22, 32, and 42 during the cooling operation of the first, second, third, and fourth indoor units B1, B2, Can be controlled to a predetermined degree. In this case, the refrigerant may expand through the first, second, third, and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves (12, 22, 32, 42). The first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3 and B4 are connected to the first, second, third and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves 12, 22, 32 and 42, respectively, Can be fully opened. In this case, the refrigerant passes through the first, second, third, and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves (12, 22, 32, 42) and may not expand.

The first indoor heat exchanger connecting piping 13, 23, 33, 43 connected to the first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3, Second, third, and fourth indoor electronic expansion valves 12, 22, 32, 42 in the liquid header 83 of the first, second, third, and fourth indoor expansion valves. In this case, the second indoor heat exchanger connecting piping (14, 24, 34, 44) connected to the first, second, third and fourth indoor units (B1, B2, B3, B4) Pressure gaseous refrigerant vaporized in the first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31, and 41 to the low-pressure gas header 82 of the distributor C.

The first indoor heat exchanger connecting piping 13, 23, 33, 43 connected to the first, second, third and fourth indoor units B1, B2, B3, The liquid refrigerant condensed in the third and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31 and 41 can be guided to the liquid header 83 of the distributor C. In this case, the second indoor heat exchanger connecting piping (14, 24, 34, 44) connected to the first, second, third and fourth indoor units (B1, B2, B3, B4) The gaseous refrigerant can be guided from the high pressure gas header 81 of the distributor C to the first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31, and 41.

The first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers (11, 21, 31, 41) can condense or evaporate the refrigerant by heat exchange with the room air. Specifically, the first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers (11, 21, 31, 41) of the first, second, third and fourth indoor units (B1, B2, B3, B4) ) Can serve as an evaporator. The first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers (11, 21, 31, 41) of the first, second, third and fourth indoor units (B1, B2, B3, B4) Can play a role.

On the other hand, in order to facilitate the heat exchange in the first, second, third and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31 and 41, the first, second, third and fourth indoor fan Second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 31, and 41 are installed around the first, second, third, and fourth indoor heat exchangers 11, 21, 11, 21, 31, 41).

Hereinafter, embodiments in which heating is prevented by controlling the receiver when the overcooling degree is secured in the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a multi-type air conditioner for simultaneous heating and cooling. In this case, the air conditioner 100 may include a temperature sensing unit 210, a pressure sensing unit 220, an indoor heat exchanger 230, a compressor 240, a receiver 250 and a control unit 260 have.

The temperature sensing unit 210 can sense temperature and temperature changes of the components of the air conditioner 100, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe of the air conditioner 100, the outside air of the air conditioner 100, have. To this end, the temperature sensing unit 210 may detect the temperature of a fluid or an object surface using a sensing element, convert the detected temperature into an electric signal, and transmit or output the electric signal. Here, the detecting element may include a thermistor, platinum, nickel, a thermocouple, or the like.

According to one embodiment, the temperature sensing unit 210 can sense the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230. Specifically, the temperature sensing unit 210 can sense the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230 when the air conditioner 100 is in the heating operation. To this end, the detecting element included in the temperature sensing unit 210 may be disposed at an inlet through which the refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 230 and an outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 230. The temperature sensing unit 210 may output the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the measured indoor heat exchanger 230 to the controller 260.

In this case, the inlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230 corresponds to the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 230, and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230 corresponds to that of the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 230 Temperature. Therefore, the temperature sensing unit 230 may measure the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 230 and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 230.

In addition, the temperature sensing unit 210 may sense the temperature of the compressor 240. Specifically, the temperature sensing unit 210 can sense the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the compressor 240 when the air conditioner 100 performs the heating operation. To this end, the sensing element included in the temperature sensing unit 210 may be disposed at the inlet through which the refrigerant is sucked by the compressor 240 and at the outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 240, respectively. The temperature sensing unit 210 may output the measured inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the compressor 240 to the controller 260.

In this case, the inlet temperature of the compressor 240 corresponds to the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 240, and the outlet temperature of the compressor 240 corresponds to the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 240. Accordingly, the temperature sensing unit 210 may measure the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the inlet of the compressor 240 and the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the compressor 240.

The pressure sensing unit 220 can sense pressure and pressure changes of the components of the air conditioner 100, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe of the air conditioner 100, the external air of the air conditioner 100, have. To this end, the pressure sensing unit 220 can detect displacement or deformation of liquid or gas by using a detection element, and convert the detected amount into an electric signal and transmit or output the electric signal. Here, the detecting element may include a capacitor, a differential transformer, a potentiometer, an optical fiber, a strain gauge, a piezoelectric element, a Hall element, and a diode transistor.

In this case, the pressure sensing unit 220 may include a high-pressure sensor for sensing a high pressure, which is a condensation pressure of the refrigerant, and a low-pressure sensor for sensing a low pressure, which is an evaporation pressure of the refrigerant.

According to an embodiment, the pressure sensing unit 220 may sense the pressure of the indoor heat exchanger 230. Specifically, the pressure sensing unit 220 can sense the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of the indoor heat exchanger 230 when the air conditioner 100 performs the heating operation. To this end, the detection element included in the pressure sensing unit 220 may be disposed at an inlet through which the refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 230 and an outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 230. The pressure sensing unit 220 may output the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of the measured indoor heat exchanger 230 to the controller 260.

In this case, the inlet pressure of the indoor heat exchanger 230 corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 230, and the outlet pressure of the indoor heat exchanger 230 corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 230 Pressure. Accordingly, the pressure sensing unit 220 may measure the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 230 and the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 230.

In addition, the pressure sensing unit 220 may sense the pressure of the compressor 240. Specifically, the pressure sensing unit 220 can sense the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of the compressor 240 when the air conditioner 100 is in the heating operation. To this end, the sensing element included in the pressure sensing unit 220 may be disposed at the inlet through which the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 240 and at the outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 240, respectively. The pressure sensing unit 220 may output the measured inlet pressure and outlet pressure of the compressor 240 to the controller 260.

The indoor heat exchanger 230 can evaporate or condense the refrigerant by heat exchange with room air.

When the indoor unit is in the cooling operation mode, the indoor heat exchanger 230 can perform the evaporation function. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger 230 sucks hot air in the room, exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant, evaporates the refrigerant, and then discharges the cooled air into the room.

When the indoor unit is in the heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 230 can perform the condensing function. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger 230 sucks the cold air in the room, heat-exchanges the hot air with the high-temperature refrigerant, condenses the refrigerant, and then discharges warmed air into the room.

The compressor 240 sucks the refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it.

The receiver 250 can control the circulation of the optimal amount of refrigerant during operation of the air conditioner 100. Specifically, the receiver 250 can store a part of refrigerant circulated when the circulating refrigerant amount is excessive, and can supply a part of the stored refrigerant when the circulating refrigerant amount is insufficient.

To this end, the receiver 250 can selectively control the amount of refrigerant circulated in the air conditioner 100 by selectively flowing the refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe 72 and temporarily storing the refrigerant. In this case, as the internal temperature of the receiver 250 is lowered, the condensing efficiency is increased, and it becomes easy to maintain the refrigerant in the liquid phase.

The inlet and outlet sides of the receiver 250 may each be provided with a control valve. By opening and closing the regulating valve, the refrigerant inflow amount to the receiver 250 and the refrigerant discharge amount from the receiver 250 can be adjusted. In this case, the inlet and outlet regulating valves of the receiver 250 may operate inversely. Specifically, when the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 100 is insufficient, the inlet-side regulating valve of the receiver 250 may be shielded and the outlet-side regulating valve of the receiver 250 may be opened. Conversely, if the amount of refrigerant is excessive, the inlet side regulating valve of the receiver 250 may be open and the outlet side regulating valve of the receiver 250 may be shielded.

According to one embodiment, the receiver 250 and the accumulator 52 may be integrally formed. Specifically, a space for gas-liquid separation and a space for storage are formed in a single housing, and the spaces can be partitioned by the heat transfer plate. Here, the heat transfer plate can divide the two spaces vertically or horizontally.

According to another embodiment, the receiver 250 may be formed of a separate component from the accumulator 52 and then fastened to the accumulator 52 by welding or fastening members. In this case, the receiver 250 and the accumulator 52 may include contact surfaces that contact each other. Such a contact surface can play a role corresponding to the above-described heat transfer plate.

The control unit 260 may perform the heating prevention control. In this case, the controller 260 starts heating anti-fire prevention control if the heating anti-fire control entry condition is satisfied, and can terminate the anti-heating fire prevention control if the heating anti-fire control end condition is satisfied. Here, the heating anti-countermeasure control entry condition and the heating anti-countermeasure control termination condition may be related to the indoor unit capacity, the superheating degree of discharge, the degree of supercooling and the capacity of the indoor unit. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

To this end, the control unit 260 can measure the supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger 230 when the air conditioner 100 is in the heating operation. The control unit 260 may measure the degree of supercooling of the indoor heat exchanger 230 based on the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230 sensed by the temperature sensing unit 210. [

In addition, the control unit 260 can measure the degree of superheat of the compressor 240 when the air conditioner 100 performs the heating operation. The control unit 260 may measure the degree of superheat of the compressor 240 based on the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the compressor 220 sensed by the temperature sensing unit 210. [

When performing the heating prevention control, the control unit 260 may control the target superheat degree of the compressor 240 and simultaneously open the receiver 250 for a predetermined time.

Specifically, when the air conditioner 100 is over-cooled during the heating operation, a heating agent is generated. Therefore, to prevent this, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle must be reduced. To this end, the controller 260 may control to reduce the target superheat degree of the compressor 240. In addition, the controller 260 may temporarily store some of the refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner 100 by opening the receiver 250 for a predetermined time. In order to open the receiver 250, the control unit 260 may open the inlet side regulating valve of the receiver 250 and shield the outlet regulating valve of the receiver 250.

Meanwhile, when the air conditioner 100 performs the cooling operation or the heating operation, the control unit 260 can control the constituent elements of the air conditioner 100. According to an embodiment, the control unit 260 may be formed inside or outside of the outdoor unit and the at least one indoor unit.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a control process in the case where the supercooling degree is excessively secured during a heating operation in a general air conditioner.

A target superheat degree of the compressor at the time of heating operation or cooling operation is set in the air conditioner (100). In this case, the air conditioner 100 can start the operation by circulating the amount of refrigerant corresponding to the target superheat degree of the compressor.

When the subcooling degree of the air conditioner 100 is excessively secured during the heating operation, a heating agent is generated. In order to prevent or escape heating medicines, the air conditioner 100 can generally reduce the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. For this purpose, the air conditioner 100 can reduce the target superheat degree of the compressor.

When the target superheat degree of the compressor is reduced, the air conditioner 100 can reduce the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor 240. Thus, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner 100 is reduced.

The air conditioner 100 performs the heating operation (S301).

Concretely, in the case of the simultaneous multi-type air conditioner 100, it is possible to perform the operation of the all-room heating or the simultaneous operation of the heating body. The air conditioner 100 can introduce the refrigerant into the compressor 240 corresponding to the target superheat degree of the compressor during the heating operation or the cooling operation.

The air conditioner 100 measures the supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger 230 (S302).

The subcooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger 230 can be measured based on the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230. The control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 controls the degree of supercooling of the indoor heat exchanger 230 based on the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230 sensed by the temperature sensing unit 210 It can be judged.

If the subcooling degree is not less than the predetermined value (S303-Yes), the air conditioner 100 controls the target superheat degree of the compressor (S304).

If the subcooling degree is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the controller 260 of the air conditioner 100 can determine that the subcooling degree is excessively secured. In this case, the controller 260 of the air conditioner 100 may reduce the target superheat degree of the compressor in order to reduce the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. Thereby, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor 240 can be reduced.

Here, the predetermined value may be set according to the conditions of the air conditioner 100, such as the system specifications, the capacity, the operation status, and the external environment. According to one embodiment, the predetermined value may be set in a range of 5 degrees or more and 8 degrees or less.

On the other hand, if the supercooling degree is less than the predetermined value (S303-No), the air conditioner 100 continues the heating operation. In this case, the controller 260 of the air conditioner 100 operates the compressor 240 without controlling the target superheat degree of the compressor, but with a predetermined target superheat.

In this way, when the air conditioner 100 is over-cooled during the heating operation, the target degree of superheat of the compressor is controlled to reduce the amount of the circulating refrigerant, thereby preventing the heating agent.

However, when the air conditioner 100 operates a refrigeration cycle having a large amount of circulating refrigerant, there is a problem in that it is difficult to solve the fundamental heating drug only by controlling the target superheating degree of the compressor.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a heating / anti-fire control process in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioner 100 can simultaneously control the target superheating degree and the receiver of the compressor according to the heating prevention control process of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 may reduce the target superheat degree of the compressor, and at the same time, open the receiver 250 for a predetermined time.

When the target superheat degree of the compressor is reduced, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor 240 can be reduced. In addition, when the receiver 250 is opened for a predetermined time, some of the circulating refrigerant can be temporarily stored. As a result, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 100 decreases. In this case, the supercooling degree decreases.

The air conditioner 100 performs the heating operation (S401).

Concretely, in the case of the simultaneous multi-type air conditioner 100, it is possible to perform the operation of the all-room heating or the simultaneous operation of the heating body. The air conditioner 100 can introduce the refrigerant into the compressor 240 corresponding to the target superheat degree of the compressor during the heating operation or the cooling operation.

The subcooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger 230 is measured (S402).

The subcooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger 230 can be measured based on the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230. The control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 controls the degree of supercooling of the indoor heat exchanger 230 based on the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 230 sensed by the temperature sensing unit 210 It can be judged.

The air conditioner 100 judges whether or not the heating anti-countermeasure control entry condition is satisfied.

The heating anti-countermeasure control entry condition may include a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may include a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition. In this case, the controller 260 of the air conditioner 100 can determine that the heating-prevention control entry condition is satisfied when both the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are satisfied.

The first condition may be a condition for the indoor unit capacity. Specifically, the first condition may be whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the capacity increase of the indoor unit. According to one embodiment, the predetermined time may be three minutes.

As the indoor unit capacity increases, the amount of circulating refrigerant increases correspondingly. In this case, the supercooling degree is increased. Therefore, the first condition for the capacity of the indoor unit can be set as one of the conditions for entering the heating prevention control.

The second condition may be a condition for discharge superheat. Specifically, the second condition may be whether or not the discharge superheat degree is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in a state in which a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the heating operation. According to one embodiment, the predetermined time may be 9 minutes and the predetermined temperature may be 13 degrees.

The high discharge superheating degree of the compressor means that the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor 240 is large. In this case, the amount of circulating refrigerant increases, and the degree of supercooling increases. Therefore, it is possible to set the second condition for the discharge superheat degree of the compressor as one of the entry conditions of the heating anti-wear control.

The third condition may be a condition for subcooling. Specifically, the third condition may be whether or not the supercooling degree is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in a state where a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the heating operation. The subcooling degree can be measured based on the difference between the condensation temperature and the average inlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. Here, the predetermined temperature may vary depending on the capacity of the indoor unit. According to an embodiment, the predetermined time may be 9 minutes, and the predetermined temperature may be set to 9.5 degrees when only an indoor unit having less than 24k exists, and in other cases, it may be set to 8.5 degrees.

If overcooling is secured, heating agent will be generated during heating operation. Therefore, the third condition for the supercooling degree can be set as one of the entering conditions for the prevention control of heating.

If the condition for entering the heating prevention control control is not satisfied (NO at S403), the air conditioner 100 continues the heating operation without starting the heating anti-countermeasure control. That is, unless both of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are satisfied, the controller 260 of the air conditioner 100 does not perform the heating prevention control.

If the heating anti-countermeasure control entry condition is satisfied (S403-Yes), the air conditioner 100 starts the anti-heating action control (S404).

That is, when both the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are satisfied, the control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 starts the heating prevention control.

The air conditioner 100 opens the receiver 250 for a first predetermined time (S405).

The controller 260 of the air conditioner 100 may control to open the receiver 250 for a first predetermined time. In order to open the receiver 250, the control unit 260 may open the inlet side regulating valve of the receiver 250 and shield the outlet regulating valve of the receiver 250. In this case, the receiver 50 can selectively store the refrigerant flowing into the liquid pipe 72 and temporarily store the refrigerant. Thereby, the amount of refrigerant circulated inside the air conditioner 100 is reduced.

The first predetermined time may be set based on the system specifications of the air conditioner 100, the indoor unit capacity, the operation environment, and the external environment. According to one embodiment, the first predetermined time may be 30 seconds.

The air conditioner 100 controls the target superheat degree of the compressor (S406).

The control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 can reduce the target superheat degree of the compressor. In this case, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor 240 can be reduced. Thereby, the amount of refrigerant circulated inside the air conditioner 100 is reduced.

According to one embodiment, the target superheat of the compressor can be reduced by 0.5 degrees. If the heating prevention control is not performed, the target superheat degree of the compressor can be set to 1.5 degrees. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the target superheat degree of the compressor may be variously set according to the embodiment.

The air conditioner 100 determines whether or not the heating-fire prevention control end condition is satisfied.

The heating-fire prevention control termination condition may be whether or not at least one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied. The plurality of conditions may include a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition. In this case, when the control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 satisfies at least one of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition, it can be determined that the heating-fire prevention control end condition is satisfied.

The first condition may be a condition for the indoor unit capacity. Specifically, the first condition may be whether or not the indoor unit capacity changes.

When the indoor unit capacity changes (that is, decreases or increases), the circulating refrigerant amount changes correspondingly. In this case, the subcooling degree changes. Therefore, the first condition for the capacity of the indoor unit can be set as one of the heating-fire prevention control end conditions.

The second condition may be a condition for discharge superheat. Specifically, the second condition may be whether or not the discharge superheating degree is lower than a predetermined temperature. According to one embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be 13 degrees.

When the discharge superheat degree of the compressor becomes lower than the predetermined temperature, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the compressor 240 is reduced. Therefore, the amount of circulating refrigerant decreases, and the degree of supercooling decreases. Therefore, the second condition for the discharge superheat degree of the compressor can be set by one of the heating-fire prevention control end conditions.

The third condition may be a condition for subcooling. Specifically, the third condition may be whether or not the subcooling degree is lower than the predetermined temperature. The subcooling degree can be measured based on the difference between the condensation temperature and the average inlet temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. Here, the predetermined temperature may vary depending on the capacity of the indoor unit. According to one embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be set to 8.5 degrees when only indoor units having less than 24k exist, and in other cases, it may be set to 7.5 degrees.

When the subcooling degree falls below the predetermined temperature, no heating medicine is generated. Therefore, the third condition for the supercooling degree can be set as one of the heating-fire prevention control termination conditions.

If the heating-fire prevention control end condition is satisfied (S407-Yes), the air conditioner 100 ends the heating-fire prevention control (S409). That is, if at least one of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition is satisfied, the control unit 260 of the air conditioner 100 ends the heating prevention control.

On the other hand, if the heating-fire prevention control termination condition is not satisfied (NO at S407), the air conditioner 100 determines whether the heating-fire prevention control is maintained for the second predetermined time (S408).

If the heating prevention control is not terminated for the second predetermined time after the receiver 250 is opened, the air conditioner 100 can again open the receiver 250. [ Accordingly, if it is determined that the heating-fire prevention control is maintained for the second predetermined time (S408-YES), the air conditioner 100 returns to the step S405 and controls to open the receiver 250 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the heating prevention control is not maintained for the second predetermined time period (NO in step S408), the air conditioner 100 returns to step S406 and controls the target superheat degree of the compressor continuously. According to one embodiment, the second predetermined time may be five minutes.

According to the present embodiment, when the supercooling degree is secured, the target superheating degree and the receiver of the compressor can be simultaneously controlled, and the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant cycle can be quickly controlled. Thereby, heating target medicine can be prevented by quickly and efficiently securing the target subcooling degree.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a specific control process for a receiver during a heating prevention control process in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

According to the heating prevention control process in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control on the receiver 250 can be added.

When performing the heating prevention control, the receiver 250 may be opened for a first predetermined time. According to one embodiment, the predetermined time may be 30 seconds.

The cumulative time of opening the receiver 250 may be below a threshold value. Thus, if the cumulative open time of the receiver 250 exceeds the threshold, the receiver 250 may not be open any more. According to one embodiment, the threshold may be 4 minutes. In this case, the cumulative opening time of the receiver 250 is maximum 4 minutes, and after 4 minutes, the receiver 250 is not opened. Thus, if the receiver 250 is opened for 30 seconds, then the receiver 250 may be no longer open when the receiver 250 is opened eight times and the cumulative open time is four minutes.

The air conditioner 100 does not open the receiver 250 for a first predetermined time period if the heating prevention control termination condition is not satisfied within the second predetermined time after the heating prevention control is started and the receiver 250 is opened. can do. According to one embodiment, the first predetermined time may be 30 seconds and the second predetermined time may be 5 minutes.

The air conditioner 100 starts the heating prevention control (S501).

The air conditioner 100 determines the receiver open accumulation time (S502).

The air conditioner 100 determines whether the accumulation time of the receiver opening is equal to or greater than a threshold value (S503). If the accumulation time of the receiver is greater than or equal to the threshold value (YES in S503), the air conditioner 100 does not control the receiver 250. [ Accordingly, the air conditioner 100 does not open the receiver 250 but controls only the target superheat degree of the compressor (S504).

Thereafter, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the heating-fire prevention control end condition is satisfied (S505). In this case, if the heating-fire prevention control end condition is satisfied (S505-YES), the air conditioner 100 ends the heating-fire prevention control (S506). On the other hand, if the heating-fire prevention control termination condition is not satisfied (NO in step S505), the air conditioner 100 returns to step S504 to continue the heating-fire prevention control.

On the other hand, if the accumulation time of the receiver is less than the threshold value in step S503 (NO in step S503), the air conditioner 100 opens the receiver 250 and controls the target superheat degree of the compressor (S514).

Thereafter, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the heating-fire prevention control end condition is satisfied (S515). If the heating-fire prevention control termination condition is satisfied (S515-YES), the air conditioner 100 ends the heating-fire prevention control (S506). On the other hand, if the heating-fire prevention control termination condition is not satisfied (S515-NO), the air conditioner 100 returns to the step S502 and continues the heating-fire prevention control.

The present invention described above can be embodied as computer-readable codes on a medium on which a program is recorded. The computer readable medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, And may also be implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Also, the computer may include a control unit 180 of the terminal. Accordingly, the above description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects and should be considered illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

100: air conditioner 210: temperature sensing unit
220: pressure sensing unit 230: indoor heat exchanger
240: compressor 250: receiver
260:

Claims (15)

In the air conditioner,
A compressor that sucks and compresses the refrigerant corresponding to the target superheat degree;
An indoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant with indoor air to condense or evaporate;
A receiver for receiving and storing a part of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe when the refrigerant is opened;
Determining whether or not a plurality of conditions that can increase the supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger are satisfied at the time of heating operation, and when the plurality of conditions are satisfied, the control unit enters the heating prevention control to adjust the target superheat degree of the compressor And a controller for opening the receiver for a predetermined period of time. The method according to claim 1,
The receiver comprising an inlet valve and an outlet valve,
Wherein the control unit opens the inlet valve when the receiver is opened and shields the outlet valve. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the predetermined time is 30 seconds. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of conditions include:
A first condition for the capacity of the indoor unit included in the air conditioner; and
A second condition for discharge superheat of the compressor; And
And a third condition for the subcooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger. 5. The method of claim 4,
The first condition is whether or not a first reference time has elapsed after the capacity of the indoor unit has increased,
Wherein the second condition is whether or not the discharge superheat degree is equal to or higher than a first reference temperature in a state in which the second reference time has elapsed after starting the heating operation,
Wherein the third condition is for whether the supercooling degree exceeds a second reference temperature in a state where the second reference time has elapsed after starting the heating operation. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And if the cumulative opening time of the receiver exceeds a threshold value, then adjusts only the target superheat degree of the compressor without opening the receiver. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the threshold value is 4 minutes. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And reduces the target superheat degree to a predetermined value. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the predetermined value is 0.5 DEG. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit judges whether the subcooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger satisfies a plurality of conditions in which the subcooling degree can be reduced and terminates the heating-fire prevention control if at least one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the plurality of conditions include:
A fourth condition for the capacity of the indoor unit included in the air conditioner; and
A fifth condition for discharge superheat of the compressor; And
And the sixth condition for the subcooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger. 12. The method of claim 11,
The fourth condition is whether or not the capacity of the indoor unit has changed,
The fifth condition is whether or not the discharge superheat degree is lower than a first reference temperature,
Wherein the sixth condition is whether the subcooling degree is lower than a second reference temperature. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein,
And when the heating prevention control is not completed until the critical time elapses after entering the heating prevention control, the receiver is re-opened for the predetermined time. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the critical time is 5 minutes. A control method for an air conditioner,
Sucking and compressing the refrigerant corresponding to the target superheat degree;
Determining whether a plurality of conditions that can increase the supercooling degree of the indoor heat exchanger during the heating operation are satisfied;
Entering heating anti-fog control if all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied;
Adjusting the target superheat degree of the compressor; And
And opening the receiver for a predetermined time to allow a part of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant pipe to flow in and store the refrigerant.

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