KR20200056164A - Air conditioner and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and to an operating method thereof. The air conditioner is provided with a failure detection unit between a motor and a motor driving unit. By performing a failure test on the motor driving unit and responding to a signal detected from the failure detection unit to determine a failure for the motor driving unit, a failure of the motor driving unit and a failure of the motor are distinguished to be configured to output different errors. Additional damage to a product is prevented through abnormality detection, and the cause of the failure can be easily identified, so that the repair is easy and a malfunction can be quickly responded so as to solve the failure in a short time and allow the product to be normally operated.

Description

Air conditioner and its operation method {Air conditioner and method}

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and an operation method thereof, and more particularly, to an air conditioner and an operation method for determining an abnormality of a product by detecting a change in current or voltage.

The air conditioner is installed to provide a more comfortable indoor environment by discharging cold and hot air into the room to create a comfortable indoor environment, adjusting the indoor temperature, and purifying the indoor air.

The air conditioner is controlled by an indoor unit composed of a heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit composed of a compressor and a heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected to a refrigerant pipe, and refrigerant compressed from the compressor of the outdoor unit is supplied to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe, The refrigerant exchanged in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit flows back into the compressor of the outdoor unit through the refrigerant pipe. Accordingly, the indoor unit discharges cold and hot air into the room through heat exchange using a refrigerant.

The compressor or fan is operated by driving the motor. In order to drive a compressor or a fan and control its operation, the air conditioner includes a motor drive device that converts the input AC power, generates the necessary operating power, and applies it to the motor, thereby operating the compressor or fan.

Such a motor driving device includes a switching element, and as a high load element is included, a problem of element damage due to heat generation may occur.

However, in detecting an air conditioner, there is a problem in that it is impossible to distinguish an abnormality due to a failure of a motor and damage to a device of a converter or an inverter.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0060059 describes a failure diagnosis device and method for a hybrid vehicle. This suggests a method of determining a failure by measuring the phase current from a motor or a driving device of a motor in which a vehicle failure occurs, and calculating the effective value to determine whether it is symmetrical or asymmetrical according to the effective value in the driving device. However, in the prior art, it is only possible to determine whether a failure occurs, and it is not possible to distinguish between a failure of a motor and a failure of a motor driving device.

Due to the inability to distinguish between motor failure and motor drive failure, the air conditioner outputs the same error when the motor breaks down or there is a malfunction in the drive unit. You should check and determine the cause through the test.

The repair personnel dispatched to repair the fault cannot be identified in advance, so that a suitable part cannot be prepared. As a result, immediate repair is difficult and in some cases, it is necessary to replace the entire part including the motor.

Accordingly, a method for discriminating and determining a malfunction of a motor and an abnormality of a motor driving device is required.

An object of the present invention, in the air conditioner and its operation method, detects a product failure by detecting current or voltage, analyzes the generated failure, and the air conditioner to distinguish the abnormality of the motor or motor drive device and its operation In providing a method.

The air conditioner according to the present invention is a motor for driving a compressor or a fan; A motor driving unit that supplies three-phase operating power to the motor by the operation of a plurality of switching elements; A switching control unit applying a switching control signal to control the plurality of switching elements to be turned on and off to the motor driving unit; A failure detection unit connected between the motor driving unit and the motor to detect a failure of the motor driving unit; A control unit that applies a control command to the switching control unit and the failure detection unit to perform a failure test on the motor driving unit, and outputs an error by classifying a failure of any one of the motor driving unit and the motor according to the failure test result; It includes.

The control unit performs a short test and an open test on the plurality of switching elements during the failure test, and determines whether at least one of the plurality of switching elements is in a short or open state to generate the failure test result. It is characterized by.

The controller may determine that any one of the plurality of switching elements is shorted when a current is sensed by the current sensing unit during a short inspection.

The control unit is characterized in that if the current is not sensed by the current sensing unit during the open inspection, the operating switching element among the plurality of switching elements is determined to be open.

The operation method of the air conditioner of the present invention comprises the steps of: performing a failure test to determine whether a motor or a motor driving unit has failed; Controlling the plurality of switching elements provided in the motor driving unit; A failure detecting unit connected between the motor driving unit and the motor, detecting a failure of the motor driving unit; Generating a result of the failure test by determining whether the motor driving unit is abnormal in response to a signal input from the failure detection unit; And outputting an error by classifying a failure of any one of the motor driving unit and the motor according to the failure test result.

During the failure test, detecting a current after turning off the plurality of switching elements and performing a short test on the plurality of switching elements; And operating the plurality of switching elements sequentially to perform an open test on the plurality of switching elements.

The air conditioner and its operating method according to the present invention configured as described above can detect current and voltage to distinguish and detect an abnormality of a motor and an abnormality of a motor driving device.

According to the present invention, when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to easily distinguish the failure of the motor and the motor drive immediately.

According to the present invention, the operation can be maintained or stopped depending on the abnormality detection and its cause.

The present invention can prevent further damage to the product through abnormal detection.

According to the present invention, it is easy to prepare for a fault repair by distinguishing and detecting an abnormality between a motor and a motor driving device.

The present invention has an effect of significantly shortening the time required for repairing a fault and reducing the repair cost accordingly.

1 is a view showing an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the outdoor unit of FIG. 1.
3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a motor and a motor driving device of the outdoor unit of FIG. 2.
4 is a view showing the configuration of the motor drive of FIG. 3.
5 and 6 are diagrams showing the signal flow of the motor drive of FIG. 4.
7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of determining a failure of a motor and a motor drive of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will be clarified with reference to embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments allow the disclosure of the present invention to be complete, and common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the person having the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same components throughout the specification. In addition, the present invention specifies that the configuration of the control unit and other parts included in the air conditioner may be implemented by one or more processors (Micro Processor), and may be implemented by a hardware device.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 20, an outdoor unit 10, and a controller 50.

In addition, the air conditioner may further include a remote control (not shown) that communicates with the indoor unit 20 in a wired or wireless manner, transmits the input data to the indoor unit, and displays an operation state of the air conditioner.

Hereinafter, the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 may be provided in plural, and the number, type, and connection between units are specified in the drawings. The indoor unit may be any of a stand type air conditioner, a wall-mounted air conditioner, and a ceiling type air conditioner, but in the drawings, the ceiling type air conditioner will be described as an example.

The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 transmit and receive mutual data by wired or wireless communication. In addition, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may be connected to the controller 50 by wire or wirelessly to operate under the control of the controller 50.

The outdoor unit 10 supplies a refrigerant to the indoor unit 20 by compressing or heat-exchanging the refrigerant according to a setting by operating a provided compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 10 may be driven by a demand of the controller 50 or the indoor unit 20. At this time, as the cooling / heating capacity is changed corresponding to the driven indoor unit, it is possible that the number of operation of the outdoor unit and the number of operation of the compressor installed in the outdoor unit are variable.

The first outdoor unit 11 may be connected to the first to third indoor units 21 to 23 by a refrigerant pipe, and the second outdoor unit 12 may be connected to the fourth to sixth indoor units 24 to 26 by a refrigerant pipe. .

The controller 50 receives the data of the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10, monitors and displays the operation status thereof, and controls the operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit in response to the input data. In addition, the controller 50 may be connected to an external network, for example, the Internet, to communicate with an external server.

The controller 50 may set a schedule for a plurality of indoor units, set a lock for operation of the indoor unit, or batch control, and create a group including at least one indoor unit among a plurality of indoor units to operate in group units Can be controlled.

The remote control (not shown) is connected to the indoor unit 20, and inputs a user's control command into the indoor unit, and receives and displays status information of the indoor unit. At this time, the remote control may communicate with wired or wireless depending on the type of connection with the indoor unit.

The outdoor unit (10) supplies compressed refrigerant to the connected indoor unit (20). The indoor unit (20) receives refrigerant from the outdoor unit (10) and discharges cold and warm air into the room.

The outdoor unit 10 (11, 12) is provided in plural, a compressor (not shown) for receiving and compressing refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging refrigerant and outdoor air, and a gas refrigerant from the supplied refrigerant And an accumulator (not shown) for extracting and supplying it to the compressor, and a four-way valve (not shown) for selecting a flow path of the refrigerant according to the heating operation. In addition, a plurality of sensors, valves, and an oil recovery unit are further included, but a description of the configuration will be omitted below.

The compressor in the outdoor unit 10 may be driven by a motor driving device that drives the compressor motor. In addition, the indoor fan or the outdoor fan may also be driven by a motor driving device.

The outdoor unit 10 supplies a refrigerant to the indoor unit 20 by compressing or heat-exchanging the refrigerant according to a setting by operating a provided compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger.

At this time, the outdoor unit 10 may supply refrigerant to each of the indoor units connected to a predetermined indoor unit and connected to a predetermined indoor unit, and may also supply refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units by interconnecting the plurality of outdoor units.

The indoor units 20 (21 to 26) are connected to any one of the outdoor units 10 to receive refrigerant from the outdoor units 10 to discharge cold air.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), an indoor fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown) in which the supplied refrigerant is expanded, and a plurality of sensors (not shown).

At this time, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by a communication line to transmit and receive mutual data, and can also communicate with each other by a wireless communication method.

In addition, the air conditioner 100 may be configured with a cooler that cools the room, or may be configured with a heat pump that cools or heats the room.

In addition to the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, the air conditioner may further include at least one of a ventilation device (not shown), an air cleaning device (not shown), a humidifying device (not shown), and a heater (not shown), a security device, and a lighting device It can operate in conjunction with the back. In addition, the air conditioner may further include a second controller (not shown) that is connected to the Internet and remotely controlled, and a server (not shown) that processes and manages the data of the air conditioner.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the outdoor unit of FIG. 1.

2, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is a sensor unit 140, a power supply unit 130, a compressor driving unit 161, a fan driving unit 162, a valve control unit 163, input and output unit 190, memory 120, a communication unit 150, and a control unit 110 for controlling overall operation.

Each part including the control unit 110 may be composed of one or a plurality of microprocessors. In addition, each part of the sensor unit, the power supply unit, the compressor driving unit, the fan driving unit, the valve control unit, the input / output unit, the memory, and the communication unit, as well as the control unit, may each include at least one microprocessor.

The compressor driving unit 161, the fan driving unit 162, and the valve control unit 163 may be configured as one driving unit, and may be configured independently as described above.

The indoor unit may also include a sensor unit, a power supply unit, a fan driving unit, a valve control unit, an input / output unit, a memory, a communication unit, and a control unit.

The power supply unit 130 supplies operating power to the outdoor unit body. The power supply unit 130 rectifies and smooths the commercial power to be connected, and generates and supplies a voltage required by each unit. The power supply unit 130 prevents an inrush current and generates a constant voltage. In addition, the power supply unit 130 may supply operating power to an indoor unit (not shown).

The input / output unit 190 includes at least one of a button, a switch, and a touch input means, input means (not shown) for inputting a user command or predetermined data, and display means (not shown) such as LCD, LED, OLED, etc. It may be configured, and may include a touchpad layered touch screen. The display means displays the driving setting or operation information in a combination of at least one of text, images, special characters, symbols, emoticons, and icons.

In addition, the input / output unit 190 includes an audio output unit (not shown) including a buzzer or speaker for outputting voice guidance, a predetermined warning sound, and an effect sound, and an audio input unit (not shown) including a microphone that receives a predetermined sound. It can contain.

The memory 120 includes control data for controlling the operation, data for the operation mode, data sensed by the sensor unit 140, data transmitted and received through the communication unit 150, input data by the input / output unit 190, and output Data and data for determining whether an operation is abnormal are stored.

Memory 120 is to store data that can be read by a microprocessor (micro processor), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM , Magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device.

The storage device may be a part of the storage area of the memory 120, or may be a memory provided separately from the memory and detachably installed from the air conditioner. For example, the storage device may be an SD memory card, a CF memory card, a USB memory, or a flash memory such as a solid state drive (SSD), and other types of storage devices are also applicable.

The communication unit 150 includes at least one communication module to transmit and receive data in a wired or wireless communication method.

The communication unit 150 transmits and receives data to and from other devices, for example, an indoor unit, another outdoor unit, or a controller. In addition, the communication unit 150 may be connected to a predetermined network to communicate with an external server or terminal. The communication unit 150 transmits and receives data including communication modules such as Wi-Fi and WiBro as well as short-range wireless communication such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, and infrared.

The sensor unit 140 inputs data measured by including a plurality of sensors to the control unit 110. The sensor unit 140 includes a temperature sensor (not shown), a pressure sensor (not shown), a humidity sensor (not shown), a current sensor (not shown), and a voltage sensor (not shown).

A temperature sensor is installed in the refrigerant pipe to measure the temperature of the refrigerant pipe, and is installed in the heat exchanger to detect the outdoor temperature and the heat exchanger temperature, respectively.

The pressure sensor is installed in the refrigerant pipe and senses the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe. The pressure sensor is respectively installed in the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the compressor 171, and is also installed in the heat exchanger.

The compressor driving unit 161 causes the compressor 171 to operate according to a control command from the control unit 110. At this time, the compressor driving unit 160 supplies the operating power to the motor of the compressor so that the compressor 171 operates at a specific operating frequency. Accordingly, when the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows, the compressor 171 compresses it and discharges it as a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant.

The fan driving unit 162 controls the driving of the motor provided in the fan 172 in response to a control command from the control unit 110 to rotate the fan. The fan driving unit 162 supplies operating power to the fan 172 to control the fan 172 to rotate at a set rotational speed. The fan 172 is provided in the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant supplied from the compressor 171 flows into the heat exchanger and sucks and supplies outdoor air to exchange heat with outdoor air, and discharges the heat exchanged air to the outdoors. At this time, the fan 172 may be an inverter fan that can adjust the rotation speed. The fan 172 is composed of a motor and a fan, and the fan rotates as the motor operates under the control of the fan driving unit 162.

The compressor driving unit and the fan driving unit may each be configured as a motor driving device.

The valve control unit 163 may control opening / closing of the plurality of valves 173 provided in the outdoor unit 10 in response to a control command from the control unit 110 or adjusting an opening degree and change a flow path of the refrigerant. At this time, the valve control unit 163 may be provided in each of the plurality of valves (173).

The control unit 110 applies a control command to the compressor driving unit 161 to operate the compressor 171 in response to data received from the indoor unit 20 or the controller 50, and a control command to control the fan 172. It is applied to the fan driving unit 162. In addition, the control unit 110 applies a control command to the valve control unit 163 to control the opening and closing of each of the plurality of valves 173 to change the flow path and flow rate of the refrigerant according to the operation mode.

The control unit 110 determines the states of the compressor 171, the refrigerant, and the fan 172 in response to data input from a plurality of sensors of the sensor unit 140, generates control commands correspondingly, and applies them to each driving unit do.

The controller 110 communicates with the indoor unit 20 at predetermined time intervals through the communication unit 150 to receive data of each indoor unit, and also transmits data of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit 20.

In addition, the control unit 110 determines whether an operation state of each unit is normal, and generates an error based on data sensed by the sensor unit 140 and data stored in the memory 120. The control unit 110 may output an error code for the generated error.

If it is determined as an error, the controller 110 determines whether or not the operation currently being performed can be maintained or operation can be started.

When the operation is possible, the control unit 110 performs a limited operation in which some performance is limited, and counts the number of times due to an error. The control unit 110 may initialize the number of counts corresponding to the type of the error or the time interval at which the error occurs, so that the operation continues.

In addition, the control unit 110 outputs an error when the operation is impossible due to an error or when the limited operation is stopped. The control unit 110 transmits error data to the indoor unit through the communication unit so that a notification about the error and the end of the operation is output through the indoor unit.

The indoor unit 20 outputs an operation state, a notification, or an error message according to data received from the outdoor unit.

During operation, the control unit 110 outputs an error accordingly when an overcurrent is detected. In addition, the control unit 110 may stop the operation when the overcurrent is detected. When an overcurrent of a predetermined size or more is detected, the control unit 110 may stop the operation because the overcurrent may cause a malfunction to the motor or the motor driving device.

In addition, as the overcurrent is detected, the controller 110 may determine whether the motor is abnormal or the motor driving device is abnormal. As the motor is provided in the compressor and the fan, it is determined whether the compressor driving unit or the motor driving unit of the fan driving unit is abnormal based on the position where the overcurrent is detected, including each motor.

The control unit 110 performs a failure test on the switching element provided in the motor driving device, and determines an abnormality of the motor or an abnormality of the motor driving device according to the test result and outputs an error accordingly.

During the failure test, the controller 110 may check whether the switching element is shorted or opened. The control unit repeatedly performs a failure test a predetermined number of times, counts the number of times it is determined to be abnormal, and when the counted number of times reaches a set number of times, it may determine that the motor driving unit is abnormal.

The control unit 110 may output different errors for the abnormality of the motor and the abnormality of the motor driving device, respectively.

The control unit 110 may transmit the error information to the indoor unit, and the indoor unit may output the error information through the display unit provided with the error information.

3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of a motor and a motor driving device of the outdoor unit of FIG. 2.

The outdoor unit 10 may include a motor driving device for driving the motor. The motor drive device receives AC power, converts power, and supplies the converted power to the motor. Accordingly, the motor drive device can also be referred to as a power conversion device.

The motor driving device may be provided in the compressor of the outdoor unit or the motor of the outdoor unit fan. In addition, it may be provided in the motor of the indoor fan of the indoor unit.

The compressor drive and fan drive are motor drives.

The motor driving device includes a motor driving unit 320 outputting operating power for driving the motor to the motor 330, a switching control unit 310 applying a control signal to the motor driving unit 320, and a voltage applied to the motor from the motor driving unit Or it includes a failure detection unit 350 for detecting a current to determine the failure.

In addition, the motor driving apparatus may include at least one overcurrent detection unit that detects an input current or an overcurrent in the motor driving unit.

The motor driving unit 320 includes an inverter that outputs three-phase AC power to the motor. In some cases, the motor driving part 320 may include a rectifying part and a smoothing part. Further, the motor driving unit 320 may include a converter that supplies DC power to the inverter. The description of the rectifying part, smoothing part, and converter will be omitted below.

When the overcurrent is detected, the control unit 110 determines an abnormality in the motor driving apparatus, particularly the motor driving unit, through the switching control unit 310 and the failure detection unit 350.

If there is no abnormality in the motor driving unit according to the test result, the control unit 110 may determine that the motor 330 is abnormal.

When performing a failure test, the control unit 110 controls a plurality of switching elements provided in the motor driving unit 320 through the switching control unit 310, and accordingly controls the plurality of switching elements provided in the motor driving unit based on the current value detected by the failure detection unit. The abnormality can be judged.

The failure detection unit 350 is connected between the motor driving unit 320 and the motor 330 to detect a current or voltage applied to the motor driving unit.

The failure detection unit 350 includes a plurality of switches and a current detection unit. Also, the failure detection unit may include a voltage detection unit.

The failure detection unit 350 may control a plurality of switches according to a control command of the control unit to determine whether the three-phase power is abnormal for each phase.

 The current sensing unit may include a current sensor, a current trnasformer (CT), and a shunt resistor for current detection. The detected current may be a pulsed discrete signal. In addition, when the voltage detection unit is provided, the voltage detection unit may be a resistance element, an OP AMP, or the like for power detection. The detected voltage may be a pulsed discrete signal.

4 is a view showing the configuration of the motor driving unit of FIG. 3.

The motor driver 320 supplies operating power to the motor 330.

The motor driving unit 320 includes a DC link terminal capacitor C and an inverter composed of a plurality of switching elements S1 to S6.

The inverter of the motor driving unit 320 is connected to the capacitor C of the DC link terminal, and includes a plurality of switching elements S1 to S6, and the DC power smoothed by the on / off operation of the switching element is a predetermined frequency. It can be converted to a three-phase AC power, and output to the motor 330.

In the inverter, the upper and lower switching elements S1, S3, and S5 and the lower and lower switching elements S2, S4, and S6 are connected in series, and a total of three pairs of upper and lower switching elements can be connected in parallel to each other. . Further, diodes D1 to D6 may be connected to each switching element.

The switching control unit 310 may output a switching control signal to the inverter to control the switching operation of the inverter. The switching control signal is a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal, which may be generated and output based on the output current flowing through the motor and the voltage across the DC link terminal capacitor.

The switching control unit 310 includes an axis conversion unit (not shown), a speed calculation unit (not shown), a current command generation unit (not shown), a voltage command generation unit (not shown), an axis conversion unit (not shown), and switching It may include a control signal output unit (not shown).

The failure detection unit 350 includes a plurality of switches 351 and a current detection unit 340.

The plurality of switches includes first to third switches W1, W2, and W3 that are respectively connected to three phases of the three-phase power applied to the motor 330.

The current sensing unit is connected to the first to third switches, and the other end is grounded.

The current sensing unit 340 includes a current sensing unit 340 that senses a current applied through at least one of the plurality of switches 351. In some cases, a voltage sensing unit may be provided.

The current sensing unit is connected to ground.

The control unit 110 applies a control command to the switching control unit 310 so that the motor 330 is operated by the inverter. Accordingly, a compressor equipped with a motor or an outdoor fan may operate.

When the overcurrent is detected in the motor driving apparatus through the overcurrent detection unit, the control unit 110 performs a failure test.

When overcurrent is detected, the control unit 110 determines an abnormality of the motor driving unit based on a signal detected by the failure detection unit through tests for three phases of the current flowing from the motor driving unit 320 to the motor 330, respectively. .

When performing the failure test, the control unit 110 controls a plurality of switches 351 of the failure detection unit 350 so that each switch W1, W2, and W3 is sequentially turned on, thereby causing three-phase power. Test by phase.

The first switch W1 is connected between the first switching element S1 and the second switching element S2. The second switch W2 is connected between the third switching element S3 and the fourth switching element S4. The third switch W3 is connected between the fifth switching element S5 and the sixth switching element S6.

As the first to third switches are sequentially turned on, the control unit may detect an abnormal switching element among the plurality of switching elements of the motor driving unit according to the states of the plurality of switches, that is, on and off states.

The control unit 110 determines an abnormality of the motor driving unit according to the operating state of the switching element of the motor driving unit 320 and the current sensed by the current sensing unit 340 in response to the state of each switch among the plurality of switches. .

For example, when the current is sensed by the current sensing unit in a state in which no current should flow between the motor driving unit and the motor, the control unit 110 senses the current by the current sensing unit in a state in which current is normally flowing to the motor. Each failure can be judged.

When an abnormality is detected in one of the phases, the controller 110 may store the result and test the remaining phases.

The control unit 110 may determine that an abnormality occurs in any one of the three phases as an abnormality in the motor driving unit.

In addition, the control unit 110 may determine the abnormality of the motor when the motor driving unit operates normally.

The control unit 110 outputs an error accordingly when an abnormality occurs in the motor or the motor driving device according to the result of the failure test. In addition, the control unit 110 may stop the operation of the compressor or fan, and also allow the outdoor unit to stop operation.

5 and 6 are diagrams showing the signal flow of the motor driving unit of FIG. 4.

The control unit 110 performs a failure test to determine an abnormality in the motor driving unit.

The control unit 110 may apply a control command to the switching control unit 310 and control a plurality of switches of the failure detection unit 350 to be sequentially turned on to perform a failure test for the motor driving unit.

The control unit 110 determines an abnormality of the motor driving unit according to the operating state of the switching element of the motor driving unit 320 and the current sensed by the current sensing unit 340 in correspondence with the state of each switch among the plurality of switches. .

The control unit 110 determines whether the switching element of the motor driving unit 320 is in a short or open state through a failure test.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 110 tests whether the switching element is shorted to the motor driving unit.

The control unit 110 performs a short inspection during a failure test. The switching control unit 310 causes all of the plurality of switching elements S1 to S6 of the motor driving unit to be turned off according to the control command of the control unit.

In a state in which a plurality of switching elements are turned off, the plurality of switches W1 to W3 are sequentially operated (ON) according to the control command of the control unit, and the current detection unit is divided into phases flowing from the motor driving unit to the motor. Detect current.

At this time, since all of the plurality of switching elements of the motor driving unit are in an OFF state, current does not flow from the motor driving unit to the motor.

When the switching element of the motor driving unit is operating normally, the current does not flow from the motor driving unit to the motor, so the current is not sensed by the current sensing unit.

On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in any one switching element, the current sensing unit can sense the current.

The current sensing unit applies the sensed current to the control unit.

If the current sensed by the current sensing unit is 0, that is, if the current is not sensed, it is determined that the motor driving unit is normal for the short inspection.

On the other hand, when a current of a predetermined size or more is sensed by the current sensing unit in the short inspection, the control unit 110 determines that at least one of the plurality of switching elements of the motor driving unit is defective. At this time, it can be seen that the switching element is in a short state.

By sequentially operating the plurality of switches 351 of the failure detection unit 350, the control unit 110 may detect a failed switching element among the plurality of switching elements according to the state of the plurality of switches.

For example, during control, short inspection, when the first switch W1 is turned on, when a current of a predetermined size or more is sensed by the current sensing unit, the control unit controls the first switching element S1 or the second switching. It can be determined that the element S2 is abnormal. At this time, the control unit 110 may determine the abnormality of the first switching element.

When the second switch W2 is turned on, when a current of a predetermined size or more is sensed by the current sensing unit, the control unit may have an abnormality in the third switching element S3 or the fourth switching element S4. You can judge that. At this time, the control unit 110 may determine the abnormality of the third switching element.

In the state where the third switch W3 is ON, when a current of a predetermined size or more is sensed by the current sensing unit, the control unit may have an abnormality in the fifth switching element S5 or the sixth switching element S6. You can judge that. At this time, the controller 110 may determine the abnormality of the fifth switching element.

If a current is not detected for the three phases during the short test, the controller 110 may determine that the switching element is operating normally. At this time, the control unit 110 may determine that the switching element is not shorted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 110 may perform an open inspection during a failure test.

 When performing the open inspection, the controller 110 determines whether the plurality of switching elements are open according to the current sensed through the failure detection unit by sequentially turning on the plurality of switching elements of the motor driving unit.

The control unit 110 applies a control command to the switching control unit 310, and the switching control unit 310 applies a control signal so that the first to sixth switching elements are sequentially turned on.

In addition, the control unit 110 allows the plurality of switches 351 of the failure detection unit 350 to be sequentially turned on. The failure detecting unit operates the first to third switches (ON) in response to the inspection of the switching element.

For example, when checking the first and second switching elements, the first switch W1 is turned on, and when the third and fourth switching elements are checked, the second switch W2 is turned on, and the fifth And when the sixth switching element is inspected, the third switch W3 is turned on.

The current sensing unit senses the current and applies it to the control unit while the first to third switches are operating.

At this time, the control unit 110, if a plurality of switching elements are sequentially operated (ON), and at the same time while the first to third switches are sequentially operated, when current is detected through the current sensing unit, it is determined as normal, and the current If is not detected, it is determined that the corresponding switching element is open.

When the switching element is turned on and the switch of the failure detection unit connected to the switching element is ON, the current charged in the capacitor C flows to the current detection unit through the switching element and the switch, which are in the ON state. If the current is not sensed, it is determined that the corresponding switching element is in an open state because it does not operate normally in a situation where the switching element is to be turned on.

For example, when the first switching element is operated (ON) and the first switch (W1) is operated, current flows and the current sensing unit can sense the current. At this time, when the current is not sensed, it means that the first switching element is not normally turned on according to the control signal, so the controller determines that the first switching element is in an open state.

The control unit may sequentially turn on a plurality of switching elements through the switching control unit to check the state of each switching element.

The control unit 110 determines the state of the plurality of switching elements through a short test and an open test, and outputs an error as an abnormality in the motor driving unit when there is an abnormality.

Meanwhile, if there is no abnormality in the motor driving unit, the control unit may output an error due to an abnormality in the motor.

The control unit stores the result of the failure test for the motor driving unit in the data unit.

The control unit may output different errors for the abnormality of the motor and the abnormality of the motor driving unit.

The repair manpower can determine the failure of the motor and the failure of the motor driving unit according to the type of error. In addition, it can be confirmed that a specific switching element of the motor driving unit is open or short from the stored failure test result.

In addition, when performing a failure diagnosis, the control unit may output the failure test result in the product information.

Accordingly, the diagnosis server may determine the cause of the failure according to the state of the switching element of the motor driving unit based on the outputted failure test result. The diagnostic server may generate a diagnosis result for an abnormality of the switching element.

7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating an operation method of determining a failure of a motor and a motor drive of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when an overcurrent is input, the air conditioner detects the input current or the overcurrent of the motor driving device by the overcurrent detection unit (S310).

When the overcurrent is detected, the controller 110 stops the operation of the outdoor unit.

The controller 110 performs a failure test on the three-phase power source in order to distinguish the failure due to the overcurrent (S320). The control unit may output an error by classifying the motor abnormality from the motor driving unit according to the failure test result.

In the failure test, the controller 110 performs a short test and an open test to check the state of the switching element provided in the motor driving unit.

For convenience of explanation, it is described as performing an open inspection after performing a short inspection, but it is also possible to perform a short inspection after an open inspection. In addition, even if an abnormality is found in the open inspection or the short inspection, the fault information can be stored and the remaining inspection can be performed.

Since there is a high possibility that the plurality of switching elements in the inverter are damaged by overcurrent, and the inverter malfunctions when at least one of the plurality of switching elements is in a short or open state, whether the state of the switching element is normal or abnormal has occurred. Judge.

The control unit 110 controls the switching control unit and the failure detection unit to perform a short test and an open test (S325).

During the short inspection, the control unit 110 applies a control command according to the short inspection to the switching control unit and the failure detection unit. Accordingly, the switching control unit applies a control signal so that a plurality of switching elements, ie, the first to sixth switching elements S1 to S6 are all OFF (S326).

When the first to sixth switching elements of the motor driving part are turned off, power is not applied to the motor from the motor driving part.

The failure detecting unit 350 sequentially operates the first to third switches at a predetermined time interval according to the control command, that is, the switches are turned on. The current sensing unit 340 connected to the first and third switches senses the applied current (S327).

As the first to third switches are connected to each phase of the three-phase power applied to the motor, when the first to third switches are sequentially turned on, it is possible to detect whether each phase is abnormal. The motor driving unit maintains the off state of the plurality of switching elements according to the control signal of the switching control unit.

At this time, while the first to third switches of the failure detection unit sequentially operate (ON), the current detection unit may sense the current when current is applied through the operating switch.

One end of the current sensing unit is connected to the first to third switches, and the other end is grounded. Accordingly, when a current flows between the motor driving unit and the motor, current is applied to the current sensing unit through the on-off switch, and the control unit may determine whether the motor driving unit is abnormal according to the amount of current sensed through the current sensing unit.

The control unit may determine that there is an abnormality in the switching element when the current is sensed through the current sensing unit because the plurality of switching elements of the motor driving unit are in an off state during the short inspection.

That is, in the state in which the first to sixth switching elements are off, it is a normal operating state that no current flows, but detecting the current means that any one switching element is shorted and current is applied. I can judge.

In addition, as the first to third switches are connected to each phase of the three-phase power source, it is possible to check the switching element having an abnormality depending on which switch is the switch operated when the current is sensed.

For example, when the first switch W1 is turned on and the current is sensed by the current sensing unit, the control unit may determine that the first switching element S1 is in a short state. The controller 110 may determine whether or not the short-circuiting switching element is shorted through a short inspection. Since the switching elements of the upper arm and the lower arm form one pair, it is preferable to replace both in case of any one failure.

However, when both the first and second switching elements are shorted, the magnitude of the current sensed through the current sensing unit is sensed as a different value than when only the first switching element is shorted, thereby determining the abnormality of the second switching element. can do.

As a result of the short inspection, if the current is not detected, the controller 110 determines that the switching element of the motor driving unit is normal, and determines that the current is abnormal when the current is sensed.

The control unit repeats the short inspection a predetermined number of times (S328). The control unit controls the switching control unit and the failure detection unit, and repeats a predetermined number of times that the first to third switches are sequentially turned on and off one by one in a state in which a plurality of switching elements are turned off.

The control unit generates a result of the short inspection according to the number of times it is determined to be abnormal (S329).

The control unit determines whether or not the short inspection is abnormal according to whether the number of times determined as abnormal reaches the set number of times (S330).

The control unit may determine that at least one switching element is shorted. For example, if it is determined that the shot inspection is repeated five times or more and three or more times, the final inspection may be judged as abnormal.

Accordingly, the controller 110 may determine that the motor driving unit is defective (S360).

The controller 110 may output an error due to an abnormality in the motor driving unit as failure information (S370). The control unit may store the fault information on the abnormality of the motor driving unit and transmit the fault information to the indoor unit so that the fault information is displayed.

Meanwhile, when the short inspection is completed, the control unit performs an open inspection. It is also possible to perform a short inspection after the open inspection.

The control unit 110 applies a control command for the open inspection to the switching control unit and the failure detection unit (S335).

The switching control unit 310 applies a control signal to the first to sixth switching elements S1 to S6 of the inverter such that the switching elements are sequentially turned ON at predetermined time intervals (S336).

That is, the switching control unit turns on the first switching element S1 for a predetermined time and then turns it off, and when the first switching element is turned off, the second switching element is turned on and off for a predetermined time.

If necessary, the switching control unit may sequentially turn on the second, fourth, and sixth switching elements after the first switching element, the third switching element, and the fifth switching element are sequentially turned on.

In addition, the switching control unit may turn on the first switching element and the second switching element, the third switching element and the fourth switching element, the fifth switching element and the sixth switching element at the same time as a pair, respectively.

Meanwhile, the first to third switches W1 to W3 are turned on in response to the operation of the switching element of the motor driving unit according to the control command of the control unit.

The failure detection unit causes a plurality of switches to be turned on and off in association with the operation of the switching element of the motor driving unit according to the control command. For example, when the first switching element S1 is turned on, the first switch W1 is turned on.

That is, as the first switch W1 is connected to the first switching element and the second switching element, it operates while the first switching element or the second switching element is ON. The second switch W2 operates while the third or fourth switching element is operating, and the third switch W3 operates while the fifth or sixth switching element is operating.

The current sensing unit senses the current applied while the first to third switches are operating (S337).

At this time, as the switching elements of the motor driving unit are sequentially turned on, current is applied to the current sensing unit through the operating switch among the first to third switches.

For example, when the first switching element S1 is turned on and the first switch W1 is turned on, when the current sensing unit senses the current, it can be determined that the first switching element is operating normally.

Further, the control unit may determine whether the first and second switching elements are abnormal based on the magnitude of the current while the first and second switching elements are turned on and the first switch is turned on. Assuming that the first switching element operates normally, it is determined that the second switching element operates normally when a current having a size smaller than that of the first switching element operating alone flows, and the first switching element operates. When a current having the same magnitude as the current flows, it may be determined that there is an abnormality in the second switching element.

When the current is not sensed, the controller may determine that the first switching element is in an open state.

The plurality of switching elements are sequentially turned on and off, and an abnormality is determined through the current sensed by the current sensing unit.

During the open test, the control unit 110 may determine that the current is detected as normal, and determine if the current is not detected as abnormal.

The control unit repeats the open test a predetermined number of times (S338). The control unit controls the switching control unit and the failure detection unit, and repeats a plurality of switching elements and switches sequentially on and off a predetermined number of times.

The control unit generates a result of the open inspection according to the number of times it is determined to be abnormal (S339).

The control unit determines whether the open test is abnormal according to whether the number of times determined as abnormal reaches the set number of times (S340).

When the number of times determined to be abnormal reaches the set number of times, the control unit may determine that at least one switching element is in an open state. For example, if it is determined that the open test is repeated 5 times or more and 3 times or more, it may be finally determined as abnormal.

The control unit may determine whether the first to sixth switching elements of the motor driving unit are abnormal by combining the short test result and the open test result.

When both the short test and the open test are normal, the control unit 110 may determine that the motor is malfunctioning (S350).

In addition, if any one of the switching elements is abnormal, the controller determines that the motor driving unit is defective (S360).

The controller outputs an error by classifying the abnormality caused by the motor or the abnormality caused by the motor driving unit according to the cause of the failure (S370). In addition, the control unit stores the failure information, and transmits the failure information to the indoor unit or the controller so that the failure information is displayed.

Accordingly, the present invention is capable of distinguishing between an abnormality of a motor and an abnormality of a motor driving unit in outputting an error when detecting an overcurrent. According to the present invention, an abnormality of a motor and a motor driving unit is distinguished, and as an error is output, it is possible to easily determine the cause of a failure, so that a failure can be quickly dealt with and repaired.

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

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

10: outdoor unit 20, 21 to 26: indoor unit
50: controller
110: control unit 310: switching control unit
320: motor drive unit 330: motor
340: current sensing unit
350: failure detection unit 351: switch

Claims (18)

A motor driving a compressor or fan;
A motor driving unit that supplies three-phase operating power to the motor by the operation of a plurality of switching elements;
A switching control unit applying a switching control signal to control the plurality of switching elements to be turned on and off to the motor driving unit;
A failure detection unit connected between the motor driving unit and the motor to detect a failure of the motor driving unit;
A control unit that applies a control command to the switching control unit and the failure detection unit to perform a failure test on the motor driving unit, and outputs an error by classifying a failure of any one of the motor driving unit and the motor according to the result of the failure test Air conditioner comprising a. According to claim 1,
Wherein the control unit, when performing the failure test, the air conditioner, characterized in that for determining the abnormality of the motor drive according to the current detected by the failure detection unit. According to claim 1,
The control unit performs a short test and an open test for the plurality of switching elements during the failure test,
The air conditioner, characterized in that for determining whether at least one of the plurality of switching elements is in a short or open state, and generates the failure test result. According to claim 1,
Further comprising an overcurrent detection unit for detecting a current of a predetermined size or more flowing in the input current or the motor driving unit,
When the overcurrent is detected, the control unit stops the operation and performs the failure test. According to claim 1,
The control unit repeats the failure test a predetermined number of times, counts the number of times judged to be abnormal, and when the counted number reaches a set number of times, an air conditioner for determining the failure of the motor driving unit. According to claim 1,
The fault detection unit includes first to third switches connected to each phase of the three-phase power supplied from the motor driving unit to the motor; And
An air conditioner including a current sensing unit connected to the first to third switches to sense a current. The method of claim 6,
The control unit determines that any one of the plurality of switching elements is shorted when a current is sensed by the current sensing unit during a short inspection. The method of claim 7,
The control unit determines that there is an abnormality in a switching element connected to an operating switch among a plurality of switches when a current is sensed by the current sensing unit during a short inspection. The method of claim 6,
The control unit, during the open inspection, if the current is not sensed by the current sensing unit, the air conditioner characterized in that it determines that the operating switching element of the plurality of switching elements is in an open state. The method of claim 6,
In the case of performing the failure test, when performing a short inspection, in response to the control command of the control unit,
The switching control unit turns off the plurality of switching elements (OFF),
The air conditioner, characterized in that the failure detection unit sequentially operates the first to third switches one by one at regular time intervals. The method of claim 6,
In the case of the failure test, in response to an open inspection, in response to the control command of the control unit,
The switching control unit sequentially operates the plurality of switching elements,
The fault detection unit in accordance with the operation of the plurality of switching elements, the air conditioner, characterized in that sequentially operating the first to third switches. The method of claim 11,
The fault detection unit is an air conditioner, characterized in that for operating a switch connected to a switching element that is operated among the plurality of switching elements. Performing a failure test to determine whether a motor or a motor driving unit has failed;
Controlling the plurality of switching elements provided in the motor driving unit;
A failure detecting unit connected between the motor driving unit and the motor, detecting a failure of the motor driving unit;
Generating a result of the failure test by determining whether the motor driving unit is abnormal in response to a signal input from the failure detection unit; And
And outputting an error by classifying a failure of any one of the motor driving unit and the motor according to the result of the failure test. The method of claim 13,
Sensing an input current or a current in the motor driving unit; And
The method of operating the air conditioner further comprising the step of performing the failure test when an overcurrent of a predetermined size is detected. The method of claim 13,
Repeating the failure test a predetermined number of times;
Counting the number of times determined as abnormal during the failure test; And
And when the counted number of times reaches a set number of times, determining the failure of the motor driving unit. The method of claim 13,
During the failure test,
Detecting a current after turning off the plurality of switching elements, and performing a short test on the plurality of switching elements; And
And operating the plurality of switching elements sequentially to perform an open inspection on the plurality of switching elements. The method of claim 16,
In the case of performing the short inspection, sequentially operating a plurality of switches provided in the failure detection unit;
Detecting a current by a current sensing unit connected to the plurality of switches; And
If the current is detected, determining that the switching element connected to the operated switch among the plurality of switching elements is in a short state; further comprising a method of operating an air conditioner. The method of claim 16,
If you do the open inspection,
Sequentially operating a plurality of switches provided in the failure detection unit in response to the operation of the plurality of switching elements;
Detecting a current by a current sensing unit connected to the plurality of switches; And
And when the current is not sensed, determining that the operated switching element among the plurality of switching elements is in an open state; further comprising an air conditioner.

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