US20070095084A1 - Apparatus and method for controlling multi-type air conditioner - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for controlling multi-type air conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070095084A1
US20070095084A1 US11/552,403 US55240306A US2007095084A1 US 20070095084 A1 US20070095084 A1 US 20070095084A1 US 55240306 A US55240306 A US 55240306A US 2007095084 A1 US2007095084 A1 US 2007095084A1
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Prior art keywords
indoor unit
refrigerant
unit
currently operating
currently
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US11/552,403
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English (en)
Inventor
Jeong Taek PARK
Chan Ho Song
Se Yoon HO
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LG Electronics Inc
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LG Electronics Inc
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Publication of US20070095084A1 publication Critical patent/US20070095084A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
    • F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F24F11/83—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F24F11/83—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers
    • F24F11/84—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling the supply of heat-exchange fluids to heat-exchangers using valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
    • F24F2110/10—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
    • F25B2313/023—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for using multiple indoor units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/07—Details of compressors or related parts
    • F25B2400/075—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors
    • F25B2400/0751—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors the compressors having different capacities
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/21—Temperatures
    • F25B2700/2104—Temperatures of an indoor room or compartment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for controlling a multi-type air conditioner.
  • an air conditioner withdraws hot air from a room and the hot air is heat exchanged at an evaporator in a cooling cycle. Cool air generated by the heat exchange is discharged into the room, and repeated operation thereof cools the room.
  • the cooling cycle typically includes a closed circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator.
  • the compressor compresses a gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure for conversion into a gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure converted by the compressor is condensed in the condenser and then converted into a liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure condensed in the condenser is expanded in the expansion device and then converted into a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure.
  • the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure expanded in the expansion device is subjected to heat exchange with indoor air in the evaporator and then evaporated and converted into the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure.
  • the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure generated by the heat exchange in the evaporator is converted again into the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure in the compressor.
  • the cooling cycle including a closed circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator repeatedly performs a compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of a refrigerant.
  • the cooling cycle carries out the heat exchange of indoor air with the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator to generate cool air and then discharges the generated cool air into the room so that the room can be cooled.
  • the compressor In an air conditioner provided with such a cooling cycle, the compressor generates much noise when operating, and the condenser is provided with an additional condensing fan to dissipate heat generated from the condenser. Accordingly, the compressor, the condenser and the condensing fan are provided in an outdoor unit.
  • Noise is scarcely generated in the expansion device and an additional evaporating fan is provided in the evaporator for generating cool air through heat exchange with indoor air.
  • the evaporation fan generates very little noise.
  • the expansion device, the evaporator and the evaporating fan are provided in an indoor unit.
  • the indoor and outdoor units are connected to each other through a connecting pipe, so that the refrigerant supplied from the condenser of the outdoor unit can be introduced into the evaporator through the connecting pipe and the expansion device of the indoor unit and the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator can be introduced into the compressor through the connecting pipe.
  • one indoor unit in such an air conditioner is connected to an outdoor unit.
  • a multi-type air conditioner has been widely used, wherein a plurality of indoor units are connected to an outdoor unit and can be selectively operated to selectively cool a plurality of rooms.
  • the outdoor unit is generally provided with two compressors for supplying sufficient liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure to a plurality of indoor units.
  • a gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure generated through compression by the two compressors is condensed into a liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure by a condenser and then supplied to the plurality of indoor units.
  • each of the first compressor and the second compressor has a 50% refrigerant compression capacity of a total refrigerant compression capacity of 100%.
  • the compression capacities of the two compressors provided in the outdoor unit may be differently set from each other.
  • the first compressor may have a 40% refrigerant compression capacity of the total refrigerant compression capacity while the second compressor may have a 60% refrigerant compression capacity of the total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • Each of the plurality of indoor units includes a solenoid valve for passing or blocking the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure; an expansion device for expanding the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, which has passed through the solenoid valve, into a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure; and an evaporator for performing heat exchange of the liquid refrigerant, which has been expanded in the expansion device, with outdoor air to generate cold air and to convert the liquid refrigerant into a gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure.
  • the multi-type air conditioner if only some of the indoor units connected to the outdoor unit are to be operated, there may occur a case where the minimum refrigerant compression capacity of the compressors is larger than the cooling capacity of the evaporators provided in the indoor units in operation.
  • the minimum refrigerant compression capacity of the compressors is larger than the cooling capacity of the evaporators provided in the indoor units in operation, there may occur a case where the indoor units are operated in an overcooling state and indoor temperature is lower than a preset temperature, thereby causing a user to feel a chill, which in some cases may be detrimental to a user's health.
  • the conventional multi-type air conditioner is configured such that the gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure discharged from the compressor is not introduced into the condenser but is expanded and converted, by the expansion device, into the gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure that in turn is bypassed to an accumulator or a suction side of the compressor.
  • the conventional air conditioner is often provided with an additional solenoid valve and expansion device for bypassing the gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure discharged from the compressor.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a multi-type air conditioner having one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units, wherein a refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit is efficiently bypassed to prevent an overcooling operation without the need for an additional solenoid valve and expansion device.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a multi-type air conditioner, wherein it is determined whether an operating indoor unit is operated in an overcooling state, based on a preset temperature of the indoor unit and an indoor temperature, and if the indoor unit is operating in an overcooling state, a refrigerant is bypassed to a currently inoperative indoor unit to thereby reduce the amount of the refrigerant introduced into the operating indoor unit and to prevent the overcooling operation of the indoor unit.
  • a control method of the present invention for achieving the above objects, if a user manipulates a key disposed at a predetermined indoor unit to give off an operation command, in response, the relevant indoor unit generates the operation command and outputs it to a control unit.
  • the control unit determines which indoor unit has generated the operation command.
  • the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are operated in response to the operation command, while a refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit is supplied to the indoor unit which has generated the operation command.
  • the control unit determines whether the indoor unit is operating in an overcooling state, based on a preset temperature for the operating indoor unit and indoor temperature detected by the operating indoor unit.
  • the overcooling operation of the indoor unit is determined if the preset temperature for the indoor unit is below the temperature of indoor air.
  • control unit determines that the indoor unit is operating in the overcooling state, the control unit selects an indoor unit which is not in operation among the plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit, and bypasses some of the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit to the selected indoor unit. That is, the control unit may select an indoor unit (from among the plurality of indoor units) which is currently stopped.
  • the control method of the present invention includes a control unit supplying a refrigerant discharged from an outdoor unit to at least one first indoor unit currently operating among a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit; determining whether the first indoor unit (e.g., at least one currently operating indoor units) is currently operating in an overcooling state; and bypassing the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit to at least one second indoor unit (e.g., that is at least one currently stopped indoor unit) which is not currently in operation if it is determined that the first indoor unit is operating in the overcooling state.
  • the first indoor unit e.g., at least one currently operating indoor units
  • at least one second indoor unit e.g., that is at least one currently stopped indoor unit
  • FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner to which a control method of the present invention is applied;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the air conditioner to which the control method of the present invention is applied.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner to which a control method of the present invention is applied.
  • reference numeral “ 100 ” designates an outdoor unit
  • reference numerals “ 110 - 1 ”, “ 110 - 2 ”, . . . “ 110 -N” designate a first indoor unit to a N-th indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit ( 100 ).
  • the outdoor unit ( 100 ) includes an accumulator ( 101 ), first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ), back-flow preventers or preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ), a condenser ( 107 ) and a condensing fan ( 109 ).
  • the accumulator ( 101 ) stores a gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure discharged from the first to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) and supplies the stored gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure to the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ). Further, the accumulator ( 101 ) prevents a liquid refrigerant from being supplied to the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ).* The first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) withdraws the gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure stored in the accumulator ( 101 ) and then converts it into a gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the first compressor ( 103 ) has a 40% refrigerant compression capacity out of the total refrigerant compression capacity of a system
  • the second compressor ( 103 a ) has a 60% refrigerant compression capacity of the total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • the back-flow preventers or preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ) prevents the gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure compressed in the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) from flowing backward.
  • check valves may be used as the back-flow preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ) to prevent backflow of the refrigerant.
  • the condenser ( 107 ) condenses the gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, which has been compressed in the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) and which has passed through the back-flow preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ), into the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure for supply to the first to the N-th indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N).
  • the condensing fan ( 109 ) dissipates heat thus generated when the condenser ( 107 ) condenses the gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure into the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the first to the N-th indoor units are provided with solenoid valves ( 111 - 1 , 111 - 2 , . . . , 111 -N), expansion devices ( 113 - 1 , 113 - 2 , . . . , 113 -N), evaporators ( 115 - 1 , 115 - 2 , . . . , 115 -N), evaporating fans ( 117 - 1 , 117 - 2 , . . . , 117 -N) and temperature sensors ( 119 - 1 , 119 - 2 , . . . , 119 -N), respectively.
  • the solenoid valves ( 111 - 1 , 111 - 2 , . . . , 111 -N) pass or block the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure that has been condensed in the condenser ( 107 ).
  • the expansion devices ( 113 - 1 , 113 - 2 , . . . , 113 -N) expand the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, which has passed through the solenoid valves ( 111 - 1 , 111 - 2 , 111 -N), such that the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure is converted into a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure.
  • the evaporators ( 115 - 1 , 115 - 2 , . . . , 115 -N) perform heat exchange of the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure, which has been expanded in the expansion devices ( 113 - 1 , 113 - 2 , . . . , 113 -N) with indoor air to generate cool air while converting the liquid refrigerant into a gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure. Further, the gas refrigerant of low temperature and pressure is introduced into the accumulator ( 101 ) of the outdoor unit ( 100 ).
  • the evaporating fans ( 117 - 1 , 117 - 2 , . . . , 117 -N) withdraw the indoor air so that the indoor air can be subjected to heat exchange in the evaporators ( 115 - 1 , 115 - 2 , . . . , 115 -N) to generate cold air, and then discharge the generated cold air into rooms.
  • the temperature sensors ( 119 - 1 , 119 - 2 , . . . , 119 -N) detect the temperature of indoor air withdrawn when the evaporating fans ( 117 - 1 , 117 - 2 , . . . , 117 -N) are driven.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the air conditioner to which the control method of the present invention is applied.
  • reference numeral “ 200 ” designates a control unit.
  • the control unit ( 200 ) controls a cooling operation of the air conditioner in response to a user's operation command.
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines whether an indoor unit is operating in an overcooling state, on the basis of the temperature of indoor air and a user's preset temperature for the operating indoor unit. If it is determined that the indoor unit is operating in the overcooling state, the control unit bypasses the refrigerant to an indoor unit, which is not in operation, to prevent the overcooling operation of the operating indoor unit. For example, assuming that the indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) performs a cooling operation and other indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . .
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines whether the indoor unit is operating in the overcooling state, on the basis of the temperature of indoor air and a user's preset temperature for the operating indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) If it is determined that the indoor unit is operating in the overcooling state, the control unit makes bypasses the refrigerant to the indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N), which are not in operation, to prevent the overcooling operation of the operating indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ).
  • Reference numeral “ 210 ” designates a compressor driving unit.
  • the compressor driving unit ( 210 ) selectively drives the first compressor ( 103 ) or the second compressor ( 103 a ) under the control of the control unit ( 200 ), thereby compressing the refrigerant.
  • Reference numeral “ 220 ” designates a condensing fan driving unit.
  • the condensing fan driving unit ( 220 ) drives the condensing fan ( 109 ) under the control of the control unit ( 200 ), thereby cooling the condenser ( 107 ).
  • Reference numeral “ 230 ” designates a command input unit.
  • the command input unit ( 230 ) includes a plurality of function keys provided on the indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N). As a user manipulates the function keys to generate a user's command such as an operation command for the air conditioner and a preset temperature signal, the command input unit ( 230 ) transmits the command to the control unit ( 200 ).
  • Reference numeral “ 240 ” designates a temperature detecting unit.
  • the temperature detecting unit ( 240 ) includes the temperature sensors ( 119 - 1 , 119 - 2 , . . . , 119 -N) provided in the indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N), respectively.
  • the temperature detecting unit detects the temperature of indoor air and transmits the detected temperature to the control unit ( 200 ).
  • Reference numeral “ 250 ” designates a solenoid valve driving unit.
  • the solenoid valve driving unit ( 250 ) selectively drives the solenoid valves ( 111 - 1 , 111 - 2 , . . . , 111 -N) provided in the first to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) under the control of the control unit ( 200 ), thereby passing or blocking the refrigerant condensed in the condenser ( 107 ).
  • Reference numeral “ 260 ” designates an expansion device driving unit.
  • the expansion device driving unit ( 260 ) selectively drives the expansion devices ( 113 - 1 , 113 - 2 , . . . , 113 -N) provided in the first to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) under the control of the control unit ( 200 ), thereby expanding the refrigerant that has passed through the solenoid valves ( 111 - 1 , 111 - 2 , . . . , 111 -N).
  • Reference numeral “ 270 ” designates an evaporating fan driving unit
  • the evaporating fan driving unit ( 270 ) selectively drives the evaporating fans ( 117 - 1 , 117 - 2 , . . . , 117 -N) provided at the first to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) under the control of the control unit ( 200 ), thereby withdrawing indoor air and performing heat exchange for the withdrawn air in the evaporators ( 115 - 1 , 115 - 2 , . . . , 115 -N) and discharging cold air into rooms.
  • the command inputting unit ( 230 ) generates an operation command for the air conditioner.
  • the control unit ( 200 ) begins to operate the air conditioner. That is, the control unit ( 200 ) controls the compressor driving unit ( 210 ) to drive the compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) provided in the outdoor unit ( 100 ) and also controls the condensing fan driving unit ( 220 ) to cool the condenser ( 107 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) determines the status of the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ), which is instructed to operate, and performs control such that the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) is to operate. That is, the control unit ( 200 ) controls the solenoid valve driving unit ( 250 ) and the expansion device driving unit ( 260 ) to supply the refrigerant to the evaporator ( 115 - 1 ) of the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) and also controls the evaporating fan driving unit ( 270 ) to drive the evaporating fan ( 117 - 1 ) and to evaporate the refrigerant in the evaporator ( 115 - 1 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines the indoor temperature of a room with the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) installed therein, which is detected by the temperature detecting unit ( 240 ), and a preset temperature set by user' manipulation on the function keys provided on the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ). If it is determined that the indoor temperature is below the preset temperature, the control unit ( 200 ) determines that the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) is operating in the overcooling state.
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines whether the compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) are operating with the minimum refrigerant compression capacity. If the compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) are not operating with the minimum refrigerant compression capacity, the control unit ( 200 ) controls the operations of the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) through the compressor driving unit ( 210 ) to reduce the refrigerant compression capacity (S 312 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) selects one indoor unit to which the refrigerant is not bypassed among the second to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) which are not currently in operation (S 316 ). For example, the control unit selects the second indoor unit (at least one currently stopped indoor unit_) ( 110 - 2 ) as an indoor unit to which the refrigerant is to be bypassed.
  • control unit ( 200 ) controls the selected solenoid valve driving unit ( 250 ) and the expansion device driving unit ( 260 ) to bypass the refrigerant to the evaporator ( 115 - 2 ) of the second indoor unit ( 110 - 2 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) sequentially selects the third to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 3 , . . . , 110 -N) to bypass the refrigerant thereto.
  • the control unit ( 200 ) does not drive the evaporating fans ( 117 - 2 , . . . , 117 -N) provided in the second to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) to which the refrigerant is bypassed, so that the refrigerant cannot be subjected to heat exchange with indoor air in the evaporators ( 115 - 2 , . . . , 115 -N) of the second to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N).
  • the command inputting unit ( 230 ) generates an operation command for the air conditioner in response to the user's manipulation on the function keys, and the generated operation command is inputted into the control unit ( 200 ) (S 300 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) determines whether an indoor unit, which is instructed to operate, is the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) or the second to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) (S 302 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) When the control unit determines that the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) is instructed to operate, the control unit ( 200 ) performs the operation of the air conditioner (S 304 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) controls the compressor driving unit ( 210 ) to drive the first compressor ( 103 ) or the second compressor ( 103 a ) provided in the outdoor unit ( 100 ) so that the refrigerant can be compressed. Further, the control unit ( 200 ) controls the condensing fan driving unit ( 220 ) to drive the condensing fan ( 109 ) provided in the outdoor unit ( 100 ) so that heat generated in the condenser ( 107 ) can be dissipated.
  • control unit ( 200 ) operates the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ). That is, the control unit ( 200 ) controls the solenoid valve driving unit ( 250 ) to open the solenoid valve ( 111 - 1 ) provided in the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) and controls the expansion device driving unit ( 260 ) to cause the solenoid valve ( 111 - 1 ) to expand the refrigerant. Moreover, the control unit controls the evaporating fan driving unit ( 270 ) to drive the evaporating fan ( 117 - 1 ) and to perform heat exchange of the refrigerant with indoor air in the evaporator ( 115 - 1 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines the temperature of the room with the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) installed therein on the basis of a detection signal of the temperature sensor ( 119 - 1 ) of the temperature detecting unit ( 240 ) provided in the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ). Furthermore, the control unit ( 200 ) makes the determination by receiving, through the command input unit ( 230 ), a preset temperature set by user's manipulation on the function keys provided on the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) (S 306 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) compares the indoor temperature with the preset temperature to determine whether the indoor temperature is below the preset temperature (S 308 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines that the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) is not operating in the overcooling state. Then, the control unit repeats the determination on the indoor temperature and the preset temperature (S 306 ) and the determination on whether the indoor temperature is below the preset temperature (S 308 ).
  • the control unit ( 200 ) determines that the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ) is operating in the overcooling state and then determines whether the compressor is operating with the minimum refrigerant compression capacity (S 310 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) determines whether only the first compressor ( 103 ) with a 40% refrigerant compression capacity is operating.
  • control unit ( 200 ) controls the operations of the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) through the compressor driving unit ( 210 ) to reduce the refrigerant compression capacity (S 312 ).
  • the control unit stops the operation of the first compressor ( 103 ) and maintains the operation of only the second compressor ( 103 a ) to reduce the refrigerant compression capacity to 60% of the total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • the control unit stops the operation of the second compressor ( 103 a ) and operates the first compressor ( 103 ) to reduce the refrigerant compression capacity to 40% of the total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • control unit is put on standby for a predetermined period of time (S 314 ) and returns to step S 306 where it makes determination on indoor temperature and the preset temperature.
  • the control unit repeats the step of determining whether the indoor temperature is below the preset temperature.
  • step S 310 If it is determined in step S 310 that the compressor is operating with the minimum refrigerant compression capacity, the control unit ( 200 ) selects one indoor unit to which the refrigerant is not bypassed among the second to N-th indoor units ( 110 - 2 , . . . , 110 -N) that are not currently in operation (S 316 ). For example, the control unit selects the second indoor unit ( 110 - 2 ) as an indoor unit to which the refrigerant is bypassed.
  • the control unit bypasses the refrigerant to the selected second indoor unit ( 110 - 2 ) (S 318 ) and reduces the amount of the refrigerant introduced into the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ), thereby preventing the overcooling operation of the first indoor unit ( 110 - 1 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) controls the solenoid valve driving unit ( 250 ) to open the solenoid valve ( 113 - 2 ) provided in the second outdoor unit ( 110 - 2 ) and controls the expansion device driving unit ( 260 ) to open the expansion device ( 115 - 2 ) provided in the second outdoor unit ( 110 - 2 ).
  • control unit ( 200 ) does not drive the evaporating fan ( 117 - 2 ) provided in the second indoor unit ( 110 - 2 ) so that the refrigerant cannot be subjected to heat exchange with indoor air in the evaporator ( 115 - 2 ) of the second indoor unit ( 110 - 2 ), whereby a corresponding room is not cooled.
  • a refrigerant is bypassed to an indoor unit which is not in operation.
  • the control unit determines whether all indoor temperature detected by temperature sensors of the plurality of indoor units which are operating is below a preset temperature. If it is determined that all the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensors are below the preset temperature, the control unit can select an indoor unit which is not in operation and bypasses a refrigerant to the selected indoor unit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
US11/552,403 2005-10-28 2006-10-24 Apparatus and method for controlling multi-type air conditioner Abandoned US20070095084A1 (en)

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US20080185447A1 (en) * 2007-02-02 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US20080185450A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Apparatus and method for integrated management of multi-type air conditioning system
US20080188989A1 (en) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US20090107173A1 (en) * 2007-10-25 2009-04-30 Lg Electronics Inc. Air conditioner
US7974740B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2011-07-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method using setting information back-up for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US20150032269A1 (en) * 2012-04-23 2015-01-29 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system
US9454160B2 (en) 2012-03-21 2016-09-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Thermal recycling plant system, apparatus for controlling a thermal recycling plant and method of controlling a thermal recycling plant

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CN103791588B (zh) * 2014-01-21 2016-08-24 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 解决多联式空调机组制冷剂偏少的控制方法
JP6431393B2 (ja) * 2015-02-02 2018-11-28 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 空気調和機
CN107655180B (zh) * 2017-11-15 2021-01-26 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 运行控制方法、运行控制装置和多联机式空调器系统
CN108105912B (zh) * 2017-12-11 2019-11-29 广东美的暖通设备有限公司 多联机系统及其防冷媒偏流控制方法、控制装置

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US7494536B2 (en) * 2005-01-04 2009-02-24 Carrier Corporation Method for detecting a fault in an HVAC system
US20060144232A1 (en) * 2005-01-04 2006-07-06 Carrier Corporation Method for detecting a fault in an HVAC system
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US20080188989A1 (en) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
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US8028539B2 (en) 2007-10-25 2011-10-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Air conditioner
US9454160B2 (en) 2012-03-21 2016-09-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Thermal recycling plant system, apparatus for controlling a thermal recycling plant and method of controlling a thermal recycling plant
US20150032269A1 (en) * 2012-04-23 2015-01-29 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system
US9709288B2 (en) * 2012-04-23 2017-07-18 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air-conditioning system

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KR100701769B1 (ko) 2007-03-30
JP2007120937A (ja) 2007-05-17
CN1955598A (zh) 2007-05-02

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