US20070113568A1 - Apparatus and method for controlling refrigerant distribution in multi-type air conditioner - Google Patents

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

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Publication number
US20070113568A1
US20070113568A1 US11/552,672 US55267206A US2007113568A1 US 20070113568 A1 US20070113568 A1 US 20070113568A1 US 55267206 A US55267206 A US 55267206A US 2007113568 A1 US2007113568 A1 US 2007113568A1
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Prior art keywords
refrigerant
temperature
indoor
electronic expansion
outdoor unit
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Abandoned
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US11/552,672
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English (en)
Inventor
Ji Young Jang
Chan Ho Song
Jae Hoon SIM
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LG Electronics Inc
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LG Electronics Inc
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Assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC. reassignment LG ELECTRONICS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JANG, JI YOUNG, SIM, JAE HOON, SONG, CHAN HO
Publication of US20070113568A1 publication Critical patent/US20070113568A1/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
    • 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
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • 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
    • F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
    • 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
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • 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
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • F25B41/30—Expansion means; Dispositions thereof
    • F25B41/31—Expansion valves
    • F25B41/34—Expansion valves with the valve member being actuated by electric means, e.g. by piezoelectric actuators
    • 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
    • F25B2313/006—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for two pipes connecting the outdoor side to the indoor side with 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
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/25—Control of valves
    • F25B2600/2513—Expansion valves
    • 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
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
    • F25B2700/21174—Temperatures of an evaporator of the refrigerant at the inlet of the evaporator
    • 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
    • F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
    • F25B2700/21175—Temperatures of an evaporator of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling a refrigerant distributor in a multi-type air conditioner.
  • an air conditioner sucks hot air in 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 rooms 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 compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of a refrigerant.
  • the cooling cycle carries out the heat exchange of hot 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 the evaporator, and an evaporating fan is provided in the evaporator for generating cool air through heat exchange with indoor air.
  • the evaporating 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 condensed in 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 evaporated in the evaporator can be restored to the outdoor unit through the connecting pipe.
  • one indoor unit is connected to one outdoor unit.
  • a multi-type air conditioner wherein a plurality of indoor units are connected to an outdoor unit.
  • the multi-type air conditioner is provided with a refrigerant distributor between one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units.
  • the refrigerant distributor distributes a refrigerant supplied from one outdoor unit.
  • the distributed refrigerant is expanded in expansion devices and then supplied to the indoor units.
  • a multi-type air conditioner Since a plurality of indoor units can be selectively operated to selectively cool a plurality of rooms, such a multi-type air conditioner has an advantage in terms of energy consumption efficiency.
  • the outdoor unit is provided with a plurality of compressors for sufficient supply of a refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units.
  • each of the plurality of compressors provided in the outdoor unit may have the same compression capacity.
  • each of first and second compressors may equally share a total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • each of the two compressors provided in the outdoor unit may have a different compression capacity.
  • the first compressor may have a 40% of a total refrigerant compression capacity while the second compressor may have a 60% of the total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • a gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure compressed by the plurality of compressors is condensed into a liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure by the condenser, and the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure condensed by the condenser is supplied to the refrigerant distributor.
  • the refrigerant distributor includes a plurality of expansion devices provided in a plurality of pipes each connected to the indoor units.
  • the refrigerant distributor distributes the refrigerant supplied from the condenser, and the distributed refrigerant is expanded by the plurality of expansion devices and then supplied to the plurality of indoor units.
  • This multi-type air conditioner typically includes an outdoor unit controller in the outdoor unit.
  • the outdoor unit controller controls the compressors provided in the outdoor unit, and also controls the degrees of opening/closing of the plurality of expansion devices provided in the refrigerant distributor.
  • the outdoor unit and the refrigerant distributor should be connected to each other via a communication line, so that the outdoor unit controller can control the plurality of expansion devices through the communication line to adjust the degrees of opening/closing of the expansion devices.
  • the conventional multi-type air conditioner should use only a refrigerant distributor predetermined for a specific outdoor unit, and only predetermined indoor units should be used as the plurality of indoor units.
  • a refrigerant distributor is provided between one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units.
  • the refrigerant distributor has a plurality of expansion devices in order to distribute a refrigerant supplied from the outdoor and to supply the distributed refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units.
  • an expansion device In a general type air conditioner in which one indoor unit is connected to one outdoor unit, an expansion device, an evaporator and an evaporating fan are provided in the indoor unit.
  • an indoor unit for use in such a general type air conditioner is connected to the refrigerant distributor in the multi-type air conditioner, a refrigerant is first expanded in an expansion device provided in the refrigerant distributor and then supplied to the indoor unit.
  • an expansion device provided in the indoor unit disturbs a flow of the refrigerant expanded in the refrigerant distributor, whereby the indoor unit cannot normally generate cool air.
  • a first object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a refrigerant distributor in a multi-type air conditioner which can be operated by various kinds of indoor units that are not standardized for the multi-type air conditioner.
  • a second object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a refrigerant distributor in a multi-type air conditioner, wherein operation of the multi-type air conditioner is controlled by the refrigerant distributor provided between an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units.
  • a third object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for controlling a refrigerant distributor in a multi-type air conditioner, wherein the refrigerant distributor decides the operation of an outdoor unit according to indoor temperature detected by an indoor unit, and an outdoor unit controller controls the operation of the outdoor unit according to the decided operation of the outdoor unit.
  • the temperature of a refrigerant supplied to a plurality of indoor units connected to a refrigerant distributor and the temperature of a restored or returned refrigerant are determined, and a temperature difference therebetween is calculated.
  • the degree of opening/closing of an electronic expansion valve is controlled by the calculated temperature difference to adjust the amount of the refrigerant supplied to each of the plurality of indoor units.
  • the adjustment of the amount of the refrigerant is decided by comparing the temperature difference between the supplied refrigerant and the returned refrigerant of each indoor unit with a preset temperature difference.
  • the temperature difference between the supplied refrigerant and the returned refrigerant is larger than the preset temperature difference, this corresponds to a case where an expansion device is provided in the corresponding indoor unit to expand the refrigerant. At this time, the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the corresponding indoor unit increases.
  • the electronic expansion valve reduces the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the corresponding indoor units.
  • the amount and expansion of the refrigerant are adjusted by an electronic expansion valve in an indoor unit which is not provided with an expansion device.
  • An electronic expansion valve is fully opened in an indoor unit provided with an expansion device, and the amount and expansion of the refrigerant are adjusted by an expansion device provided in the indoor unit.
  • an apparatus for controlling a refrigerant distributor in a multi-type air conditioner includes a plurality of electronic expansion valves for supplying a refrigerant fed from an outdoor unit to a plurality of indoor units; a plurality of supplying-pipe temperature detecting units for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant supplied from the electronic expansion valves to the indoor units; a plurality of return-pipe (or return-pipe) temperature detecting units for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant returned (or returned) from the indoor units to the outdoor unit; and a refrigerant supply control unit for adjusting the degrees of opening/closing of the electronic expansion valves according to the temperature of the refrigerant detected by the supplying-pipe temperature detecting units and the temperature of the refrigerant detected by the return-pipe temperature detecting units.
  • a method for controlling a refrigerant distributor in a multi-type air conditioner includes a refrigerant supply control unit, determining a temperature of a refrigerant supplied to at least one operating indoor unit and a returned temperature of a refrigerant; and calculating a difference between the determined temperatures of the supplied refrigerant and the returned refrigerant, and adjusting the degree of opening/closing of an electronic expansion valve through which the refrigerant is supplied to a relevant indoor unit, on the basis of the calculated temperature difference.
  • FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle according to a control apparatus of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 3 a to 3 c are flowcharts illustrating a control method of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a view showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle according to a control device of the present invention.
  • reference numeral “ 100 ” designates an outdoor unit
  • reference numeral “ 110 ” designates a refrigerant distributor
  • reference numerals “ 120 - 1 ”, . . . , “ 120 -N” designate first to N-th indoor units.
  • the outdoor unit ( 100 ) is provided with an accumulator ( 101 ), first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ), back-flow preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ), and a condenser ( 107 ).
  • the accumulator ( 101 ) stores a gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure returned from the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N) through the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ) and supplies the stored gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure to the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ).
  • the accumulator ( 101 ) prevents a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure from being supplied to the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ).
  • the outdoor unit ( 100 ) is provided with the accumulator ( 101 ) to prevent the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure from being supplied to the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ).
  • the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) suck the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure stored in the accumulator ( 101 ) and then converts it into a gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the outdoor unit ( 100 ) is provided with the two compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) has been described by way of example.
  • the outdoor unit ( 100 ) may be provided with, any number of compressors, such as three or more compressors.
  • the compression capacity of the first compressor ( 103 ) may be different from that of the second compressor ( 103 a ).
  • the first compressor ( 103 ) may have a 40% refrigerant compression capacity of the total refrigerant compression capacity of the outdoor unit ( 100 ) and the second compressor ( 103 a ) may have a 60% refrigerant compression capacity of the total refrigerant compression capacity.
  • the compression capacity of the first compressor ( 103 ) may be identical to that of the second compressor ( 103 a ).
  • each of the first compressor ( 103 ) and the second compressor ( 103 a ) may have a 50% refrigerant compression capacity of the total refrigerant compression capacity of the outdoor unit ( 100 ).
  • the back-flow preventor or preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ) prevent the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, which have been compressed in the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ), from flowing backward to the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ).
  • Check valves may be used as the back-flow preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ) to prevent the backflow of the refrigerant. Of course other back flow preventors can be used.
  • the condenser ( 107 ) condenses the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, which has been compressed in the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) and has passed through the back-flow preventing means ( 105 , 105 a ), into a liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, and then supplies the liquid refrigerant to the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ).
  • the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ) is provided with first to N-th electronic expansion valves ( 111 - 1 , . . . , 111 -N), first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature sensors ( 113 - 1 , . . . , 113 -N) and first to N-th return-pipe (i.e., return pipe) temperature sensors ( 115 - 1 , . . . , 115 -N).
  • the first to N-th electronic expansion valves ( 111 - 1 , . . . , 111 -N) expand the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure, which has been condensed in the condenser ( 107 ) of the outdoor unit ( 100 ), into a liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure, and then supply the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N), respectively.
  • the first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature sensors ( 113 - 1 , . . . , 113 -N) are mounted on supplying pipes through which the refrigerant is supplied to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N), respectively, and generate temperature-detecting signals according to the temperatures of the supplying pipes. That is, the first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature sensors ( 113 - 1 , . . . , 113 -N) generate temperature-detecting signals according to the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N) through the supplying pipes.
  • the first to N-th return-pipe temperature sensors ( 115 - 1 , . . . , 115 -N) are mounted on return or return pipes through which the refrigerant is returned from the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N), respectively, and generate temperature-detecting signals according to the temperatures of the return pipes. That is, the first to N-th return-pipe temperature sensors ( 115 - 1 , . . . , 115 -N) generate temperature-detecting signals according to the temperature of the refrigerant returned from the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N) through the return pipes.
  • the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) of the outdoor unit ( 100 ) suck the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure stored in the accumulator ( 101 ) and compress it into the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the gas refrigerant of high temperature and pressure which has been compressed in the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ), is introduced into the condenser ( 107 ) through the back-flow preventing valves ( 105 , 105 a ) and then condensed into the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure which has been condensed in the condenser ( 107 ), is supplied to the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ).
  • the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ) expands the liquid refrigerant of high temperature and pressure supplied from the condenser ( 107 ) through the first to N-th electronic expansion valves ( 111 - 1 , . . . , 111 -N) to convert it into the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure that in turn is supplied to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N).
  • the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure supplied through the first to N-th electronic expansion valves ( 111 - 1 , . . . , 111 -N) of the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ) is evaporated in evaporators (not shown) provided in the indoor units and then converted into the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure.
  • the liquid refrigerant of low temperature and pressure is evaporated in the evaporators to be gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure while being subjected to heat exchange with indoor air to generate cool air to be used for cooling spaces or rooms.
  • the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure which has been generated through the evaporation in the evaporator, is returned through the return or return pipes and then stored in the accumulator ( 101 ) of the outdoor unit 100 . These processes are repeated.
  • the first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature sensors ( 113 - 1 , . . . , 113 -N) generate temperature-detecting signals according to the temperatures of the supplying pipes through which the refrigerant is supplied to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N).
  • the first to N-th returnreturn-pipe temperature sensors ( 115 - 1 , . . . , 115 -N) generate temperature-detecting signals according to the temperatures of the return pipes through which the refrigerant is returned from the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N).
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the present invention, which controls the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner of the present invention to perform a cooling operation.
  • reference numerals “ 200 - 1 ”, . . . , “ 200 -N” designate first to N-th key input units.
  • the first to N-th key input units ( 200 - 1 , . . . , 200 -N) are provided on the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N), respectively, and have a plurality of function keys that are manipulated by a user to generate an operation command for the air conditioner.
  • any other type of input mechanism including, but not limited to, touch screens, and mouse activated cursors are also included in the present invention.
  • Reference numerals “ 210 - 1 ”, . . . , “ 210 -N” designate first to N-th indoor temperature detecting units.
  • the first to N-th indoor temperature detecting units ( 210 - 1 , . . . , 210 -N) are provided in the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N), respectively, and each of the indoor temperature detecting units employs a temperature sensor to detect indoor temperature.
  • a thermostatic is used as the temperature sensor, and the temperature of indoor air to be detected varies according to a preset temperature set by the user.
  • the use of other temperature sensors is also within the scope of the present invention.
  • Reference numerals “ 220 - 1 ”, . . . , “ 220 -N” designate first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature detecting units.
  • the first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature detecting units ( 220 - 1 , . . . , 220 -N) are provided in the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ), and utilize temperature-detecting signals of the first to N-th supplying-pipe temperature sensors ( 113 - 1 , . . . , 113 -N) to detect the temperatures of the supplying pipes through which the refrigerant is supplied to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N).
  • Reference numerals “ 230 - 1 ”, . . . , “ 230 -N” represent first to N-th returnreturn-pipe temperature detecting units.
  • the first to N-th returnreturn-pipe temperature detecting units ( 230 - 1 , . . . , 230 -N) are provided in the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ) and utilizes temperature-detecting signals of the first to N-th returnreturn-pipe temperature sensors ( 115 - 1 , . . . , 115 -N) to detect the temperatures of the returnreturn pipes through which the refrigerant is returned from the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N).
  • Reference numerals “ 240 - 1 ”, . . . , “ 240 -N” are first to N-th electronic expansion valve driving units.
  • the first to N-th electronic expansion valve driving units ( 240 - 1 , . . . , 240 -N) are provided in the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ), and control the degrees of opening/closing of the first to N-th electronic expansion valves ( 111 - 1 , . . . , 111 -N) to adjust the amounts of refrigerant which are supplied to the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N).
  • Reference numeral “ 250 ” defines a refrigerant supply control unit.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) is provided in the refrigerant distributor and controls the operation of the air conditioner according to an operation command generated by the first to N-th key input units ( 200 - 1 , . . . , 200 -N).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) controls the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) according to indoor temperature detected by each of the first to N-th indoor temperature detecting units ( 210 - 1 , . . . , 210 -N).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) controls the first to N-th electronic expansion valve driving units ( 240 - 1 , . . .
  • Reference numeral “ 260 ” designates an outdoor unit controller.
  • the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) is provided in the outdoor unit ( 100 ) and selectively operates the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) under control of the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ).
  • control device of the present invention as constructed above, if the user selectively manipulates the first to N-th key input units ( 200 - 1 , . . . , 200 -N) to instruct the air conditioner to operate, a command for operating the air conditioner is inputted into the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ).
  • the operation of the air conditioner will be described on the assumption that a user manipulates the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) provided on the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) to instruct the air conditioner to operate while the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N) are not in operation.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines that the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) is in operation in response to the operation command inputted from the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) and sends a driving signal to the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ).
  • the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) selectively drives the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) according to the driving signal, thereby compressing the gaseous refrigerant of low temperature and pressure stored in the accumulator ( 101 ) into the gaseous refrigerant of high temperature and pressure.
  • the compressed refrigerant is condensed in the condenser ( 107 ) to be supplied to the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) receives an indoor temperature detected by the first indoor temperature detecting unit ( 210 ) and determines that the outdoor unit is in operation.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) transmits the determined operation status of the outdoor unit to the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ), so that the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) can selectively operate the first compressor ( 103 ) or the second compressor ( 103 a ), or operates both the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) causes the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) to increase the refrigerant compression capacity of the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) so that the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) can rapidly lower the temperature of the room.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) causes the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) to reduce the refrigerant compression capacity of the first and second compressors ( 103 , 103 a ), thereby preventing the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) from operating in an overcooling state.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) receives the temperature of the supplying pipe detected by the first supplying-pipe temperature detecting unit ( 220 - 1 ) and the temperature of the return pipe detected by the first return-pipe temperature detecting unit ( 230 ), calculates a difference between the two temperatures, and compares the calculated temperature difference with a preset temperature difference.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) controls the first electronic expansion valve driving unit ( 240 - 1 ) to adjust the degree of opening/closing of the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether the temperature of the supplying pipe detected by the first supplying-pipe temperature detecting unit ( 220 - 1 ) is below the preset temperature. If it is determined that the temperature of the supplying pipe is below the preset temperature, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) controls the first electronic expansion valve driving unit ( 240 - 1 ) to close the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ), thereby preventing the overcooling operation thereof.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) adjusts the degree of opening/closing of the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) according to the preset temperature difference and the difference between the temperature of the supplying pipe and the temperature of the return pipe after passage of a predetermined period of time.
  • FIGS. 3 a to 3 c are flowcharts illustrating the control method of the present invention.
  • a user manipulates the function keys of the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N) provided in the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N) in order to instruct the air conditioner to operate, the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . .
  • An operation command generated from the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N) is inputted into the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) provided in the refrigerant distributor ( 110 ) (S 300 ).
  • the control unit first determines whether the operation command has been inputted from the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N), and then sets into operation mode (S 302 ) the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N) corresponding to the determined first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N),
  • the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N) to instruct the air conditioner to stop its operation
  • the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N) generate a command for stopping the operation of the air conditioner, and the command for stopping the operation is inputted into the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) (S 304 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines that a command for stopping the operation of the air conditioner has been generated, and subsequently sets into halt mode (S 306 ) the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N) corresponding to the first key input unit ( 200 - 1 ) or the second to N-th key input units ( 200 - 2 , . . . , 200 -N), which has generated the command for stopping the operation.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether all the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N) are in halt mode (S 308 ). If it is determined that all the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N) are in halt mode, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) stops the operation of the air conditioner (S 310 ) and terminates the procedures.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines the temperatures of rooms in which currently operating indoor units are installed (S 312 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines indoor temperature detected by the first indoor temperature detecting unit ( 210 - 1 ) provided in the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ). If it is assumed that the first and second indoor units ( 120 - 1 , 120 - 2 ) are in operation mode and the third to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 3 , . . .
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines indoor temperatures detected by the first and second indoor temperature detecting units ( 210 - 1 , 210 - 2 ) that detect the temperatures of rooms with the first and second indoor units ( 120 - 1 , 120 - 2 ) installed therein. If it is assumed that all the first to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 1 , . . . , 120 -N) are in operation mode, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines all indoor temperatures detected by the first to N-th indoor temperature detecting units ( 210 - 1 , 210 -N) that detect the temperatures of rooms with the first to N-th indoor units installed therein.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) excludes the indoor temperature of the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N), which are in indoor temperature ignorance mode, among the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) and the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N) that are in operation mode (S 314 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) decides the operation of the outdoor unit ( 100 ) at the indoor temperature of the remaining first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N), which are not in indoor temperature ignorance mode (S 316 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether either or both of the two compressors ( 103 , 103 a ) of the outdoor unit 100 are operated.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) transmits the determined operation of the compressors to the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) (S 318 ).
  • the outdoor unit controller ( 260 ) selectively operates the first compressor ( 103 ) and the second compressor ( 103 a ) according to the determined operation of the compressors ( 130 , 130 a ) transmitted by the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) selects one by one the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or the second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N), which are in operation mode and are supplied with the refrigerant (S 320 ), and receives the temperature of a supplying pipe and the temperature of a return pipe corresponding to the selected first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) or second to N-th indoor units ( 120 - 2 , . . . , 120 -N), to calculate a difference between the two temperatures (S 322 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) receives the temperature of the supplying pipe detected by the first supplying-pipe temperature detecting unit ( 220 - 1 ) using the supplying-pipe temperature sensor ( 113 - 1 ) and the temperature of the return pipe detected by the first return-pipe temperature detecting unit ( 223 - 1 ) using the return-pipe temperature sensor ( 115 - 1 ), to calculate a temperature difference between the supplying pipe and the return pipe.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) compares the calculated temperature difference with a preset temperature difference (S 324 , S 326 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether the electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) through which the refrigerant is supplied to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) is in a maximum opening state (S 328 ). If it is determined that the electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) is in the maximum opening state, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) continuously maintains the electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) in the maximum opening state, which is a current state (S 330 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) increases the degree of opening of the electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) according to the temperature difference between the supplying pipe and the return pipe, thereby increasing the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the first indoor unit (S 332 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) increases the opening of the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) to a maximum to prevent the refrigerant from being expanded in the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) and to enable a sufficient supply of the refrigerant to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) is in a minimum opening state (S 334 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) keeps the electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) in the minimum opening state, which is a current state (S 336 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) reduces the degree of opening of the electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) according to the temperature difference between the supplying pipe and the return pipe, thereby reducing the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) (S 338 ).
  • the temperature difference between the supplying pipe and the return pipe is less than the preset temperature difference, this corresponds to a case where the expansion device is not disposed at the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) and thus cannot expand the refrigerant and the heat exchange is not performed in the evaporator.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) adjusts the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) for the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) to a minimum opening state so that the refrigerant can be expanded in the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) and supplied to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) maintains the current opening/closing state of the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) at a current level, thereby maintaining the current amount of the refrigerant supplied to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) (S 340 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit selects all the indoor units that are in operation mode and determines whether the adjustment of supply of the refrigerant is completed (S 342 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit returns to step S 302 and selects remaining indoor units, which are in operation mode and are supplied with the refrigerant, one by one. Then, the refrigerant supply control unit calculates a temperature difference between a supplying pipe and a return pipe of the selected indoor unit, compares the calculated temperature difference with a preset temperature difference, and repeatedly performs a process of adjusting the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the corresponding indoor unit according to the comparison results.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) selects the indoor units, which are in operation mode, one by one (S 344 ) and determines whether the refrigerant is currently supplied to the corresponding indoor unit (S 346 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether a predetermined period of time, e.g., 10 minutes, has lapsed after the refrigerant is supplied to the corresponding indoor unit (S 348 ). If the predetermined period of time has lapsed after the refrigerant is supplied to the corresponding indoor unit, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines the temperature of the supplying pipe through which the refrigerant is supplied to the corresponding indoor unit (S 350 ).
  • a predetermined period of time e.g. 10 minutes
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines the temperature of the supplying pipe detected by the first supplying-pipe temperature detecting unit ( 210 - 1 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) therefore blocks the refrigerant supplied to the corresponding indoor unit (s 354 ). That is, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) controls the first electronic expansion valve driving unit ( 240 - 1 ) to close the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ) and prevents the refrigerant from being supplied to the corresponding indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ).
  • an indoor temperature ignorance mode (e.g., in which the first indoor temperature is ignored or excluded, and operation of the compressor is decided based on the remaining indoor temperatures) is set for the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) so that the indoor temperature of the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) can be excluded from step S 314 .
  • the refrigerant supply control unit decides to operate the compressors ( 130 , 130 a ) according to the indoor temperatures of the indoor units that are in operation mode but are not set to the indoor temperature ignorance mode, in step 316 .
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether a predetermined period of time has lapsed after causing the refrigerant not to be supplied to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) (S 358 ). For example, the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) determines whether three minutes, which is an example of a predetermined period of time, has lapsed after blocking the refrigerant not to be supplied to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) causes the refrigerant to be supplied again to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) (S 360 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) controls the first electronic expansion valve driving unit ( 240 - 1 ) to open the first electronic expansion valve ( 111 - 1 ), thereby causing the refrigerant to be supplied again to the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ).
  • the refrigerant supply control unit ( 250 ) releases the indoor temperature ignorance mode set for the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) (S 362 ) and decides to operate the compressors ( 130 , 130 a ) in consideration of the inner temperature of the first indoor unit ( 120 - 1 ) in step S 316 .
  • the refrigerant supply control unit is provided in the refrigerant distributor to decide the operation of the outdoor unit according to indoor temperatures detected by a plurality of indoor temperature detecting units installed in operational indoor units and the outdoor unit controller controls the operations of the compressors of the outdoor unit according to the decided operation of the outdoor unit.
  • the refrigerant supply control unit detects the temperature of a supplying pipe through which the refrigerant is supplied to an indoor unit and the temperature of a return pipe through which the refrigerant is returned from the indoor unit, calculates a temperature difference between the supplying pipe and the return pipe, and adjusts the degree of opening/closing of the electronic expansion valve according to the calculated temperature difference and a preset temperature difference so as to adjust the amount and expansion of the refrigerant supplied to the indoor unit.
  • the amount and expansion of the refrigerant in an indoor unit that is not provided with an expansion device are adjusted in an electronic expansion valve provided in the refrigerant distributor.
  • An electronic expansion valve provided in the refrigerant distributor, for an indoor unit that is provided with the expansion device (i.e., at least one expansion-having indoor unit), is fully opened, so that the expansion device provided in the indoor unit can adjust the amount and expansion of the refrigerant.
  • a multi-type air conditioner can be connected to the refrigerant distributor regardless of whether an indoor unit provided with an expansion device or an indoor unit which is not provided with an expansion device is utilized therewith.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
US11/552,672 2005-10-31 2006-10-25 Apparatus and method for controlling refrigerant distribution in multi-type air conditioner Abandoned US20070113568A1 (en)

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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
US20080185450A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Apparatus and method for integrated management of multi-type air conditioning system
US20080185447A1 (en) * 2007-02-02 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US20080191044A1 (en) * 2007-02-08 2008-08-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Temperature control method for multi-type air conditioner and apparatus therefor
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
US20110232311A1 (en) * 2010-03-23 2011-09-29 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Multi-room air conditioning apparatus
US8028539B2 (en) 2007-10-25 2011-10-04 Lg Electronics Inc. Air conditioner
CN102278804A (zh) * 2011-08-31 2011-12-14 宁波奥克斯电气有限公司 多联式空调机组制热时防止冷媒偏流的控制方法
US9151526B2 (en) 2011-12-22 2015-10-06 Lennox Industries Inc. Method to control electronic expansion valve
CN105865096A (zh) * 2016-04-29 2016-08-17 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 一种提升多联机机组制热效果的方法及其机组
US9835360B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2017-12-05 Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc Refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor
WO2018018765A1 (zh) * 2016-07-29 2018-02-01 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 冷暖型空调器及控制方法
CN110160231A (zh) * 2019-05-29 2019-08-23 广东美的暖通设备有限公司 阀体控制方法、室内机以及计算机可读存储介质
JP2021138237A (ja) * 2020-03-04 2021-09-16 株式会社デンソー 車両用空調装置
US11209195B2 (en) * 2017-03-31 2021-12-28 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner with a refrigerant having a property of undergoing disproportionation
US11236919B2 (en) * 2019-07-03 2022-02-01 Carrier Corporation Heat exchanging unit, a heat exchanging system and a method of determining failure of a control valve therein
US11333379B2 (en) * 2018-06-12 2022-05-17 Hefei Midea Heating & Ventilating Equipment Co., Ltd. Air conditioner controlling method and apparatus and air conditioner having the same

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WO2018018764A1 (zh) * 2016-07-29 2018-02-01 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 冷暖型空调器及控制方法
KR102117571B1 (ko) * 2020-03-10 2020-06-01 김경란 빙상경기장의 냉매순환 배관장치

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US7532950B2 (en) 2007-02-01 2009-05-12 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US20080188989A1 (en) * 2007-02-01 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US20080185447A1 (en) * 2007-02-02 2008-08-07 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
US7831339B2 (en) 2007-02-02 2010-11-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Integrated management system and method for controlling multi-type air conditioners
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
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CN105865096A (zh) * 2016-04-29 2016-08-17 宁波奥克斯电气股份有限公司 一种提升多联机机组制热效果的方法及其机组
WO2018018765A1 (zh) * 2016-07-29 2018-02-01 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 冷暖型空调器及控制方法
US11209195B2 (en) * 2017-03-31 2021-12-28 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner with a refrigerant having a property of undergoing disproportionation
US11333379B2 (en) * 2018-06-12 2022-05-17 Hefei Midea Heating & Ventilating Equipment Co., Ltd. Air conditioner controlling method and apparatus and air conditioner having the same
CN110160231A (zh) * 2019-05-29 2019-08-23 广东美的暖通设备有限公司 阀体控制方法、室内机以及计算机可读存储介质
US11236919B2 (en) * 2019-07-03 2022-02-01 Carrier Corporation Heat exchanging unit, a heat exchanging system and a method of determining failure of a control valve therein
JP2021138237A (ja) * 2020-03-04 2021-09-16 株式会社デンソー 車両用空調装置
JP7467988B2 (ja) 2020-03-04 2024-04-16 株式会社デンソー 車両用空調装置

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