TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to the field of air conditioner control technologies,
and more particularly, to a method for controlling an air conditioner, an apparatus
for controlling an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a readable storage medium.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An air conditioner is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors, and the plurality
of temperature sensors may detect a plurality of temperature parameter values in the
air conditioner. In the related art, the air conditioner is controlled to stop operation
in the event that one temperature sensor of an indoor unit of the air conditioner
malfunctions, and inconvenience may be brought to a user.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present application aims to solve one of the technical problems existing in the
related art or related technologies.
[0005] For this purpose, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided according
to the first aspect of the present application.
[0006] An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner is provided according to the second
aspect of the present application.
[0007] An air conditioner is provided according to the third aspect of the present application.
[0008] An air conditioner is provided according to the fourth aspect of the present application.
[0009] A readable storage medium is provided according to the fifth aspect of the present
application.
[0010] In view of this, according to the first aspect of the present application, the method
for controlling the air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes an indoor
unit and at least two temperature sensors, the at least two temperature sensors are
configured to obtain at least two corresponding temperature parameter values in the
indoor unit. The method for controlling the air conditioner includes: obtaining a
fault parameter value in the at least two temperature parameter values if any one
of the at least two temperature sensors is in a fault state; obtaining a parameter
substitution value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating
parameters of the air conditioner; and controlling the air conditioner to be operated
according to the parameter substitution value.
[0011] The method for controlling the air conditioner provided in the present application
is used for controlling the air conditioner. An indoor unit and a plurality of temperature
sensors are provided in the air conditioner, the plurality of temperature sensors
are provided at different positions of each indoor unit, and the plurality of temperature
sensors may detect temperature parameter values at different positions respectively.
A throttle valve and a draught fan are further provided in the indoor unit, the throttle
valve and the draught fan of the indoor unit are controlled according to the plurality
of corresponding temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature
sensors, and a control of the operation of the indoor unit is realized accordingly.
[0012] The indoor unit of the air conditioner continuously collects temperature parameter
values through the plurality of temperature sensors, and continuously collects operating
parameters of the air conditioner, and controls the operation of the air conditioner
according to the collected temperature parameter values and the operating parameters.
Where, the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit are controlled through
the temperature parameter values collected by the temperature sensors.
[0013] Whether there exists malfunctioning temperature sensor(s) arranged in the indoor
unit is detected during the operation of the air conditioner. When detecting that
at least two temperature sensors are in the fault state, a fault sensor in the plurality
of temperature sensors is detected and located. Thus, the fault parameter value in
the temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors
may be determined, and the true value of the fault parameter value is estimated through
other operating parameters of the air conditioner and the parameter substitution value
is obtained. The plurality of collected temperature parameter values is updated by
replacing the fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter values
with the parameter substitution value. The operation of the air conditioner is continued
to be controlled through the parameter substitution value, such that the indoor unit
of the air conditioner can still keep operating under the condition that the temperature
sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner are in the fault state. It is ensured
that the air conditioner can still be operated in a queueing process for maintenance,
so a downtime of the air conditioner in the queueing process for maintenance is shortened.
Thus, a user experience is improved.
[0014] Additionally, according to the method for controlling the air conditioner in the
aforesaid technical solutions provided in the present application, the following additional
technical features may also be included:
[0015] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the indoor unit includes a heat
exchanger, the at least two temperature sensors include a first temperature sensor,
a second temperature sensor and a third temperature sensor. The first temperature
sensor and the second temperature sensor are arranged at two ends of the heat exchanger,
the third temperature sensor is arranged at an air inlet of the indoor unit. The step
of obtaining the fault parameter value in the at least two temperature parameter values
specifically includes: determining fault states of the first temperature sensor, the
second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor; and determining a fault
parameter value according to the fault states. Where, the fault parameter value includes
a temperature value at a refrigerant inlet, a temperature value at a refrigerant outlet
and an ambient temperature value.
[0016] In this arrangement, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes the heat exchanger,
and when the air conditioner is operated in a refrigeration mode, refrigerant flows
to a second end through a first end of the heat exchanger. When the air conditioner
is operated in a heating mode, the refrigerant flows to the first end through the
second end of the heat exchanger. A plurality of temperature sensors are further arranged
in the indoor unit. The plurality of temperature sensors include the first temperature
sensor arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger. The first temperature sensor
may collect a temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of the indoor unit under
a refrigeration mode. The first temperature sensor may collect a temperature value
at a refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit under a heating mode. The plurality of
temperature sensors further include the second temperature sensor arranged at the
second end of the heat exchanger, the second temperature sensor may detect a temperature
value at a refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit in the refrigeration mode. The second
temperature sensor may collect a temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of the
indoor unit under the heating mode. The plurality of temperature sensors further include
a third temperature sensor arranged at the air inlet of the indoor unit, and the third
temperature sensor may collect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit.
That is, the third temperature sensor may collect the ambient temperature value of
the indoor unit.
[0017] A throttle valve and a draught fan are provided in the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
During the operation of the indoor unit, the operation of the indoor unit is controlled
by controlling parameters such as an opening degree of the throttle valve and a rotation
speed of the draught fan. The details of the control method include: adjusting the
opening degree of the throttle valve according to the collected temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet and the
ambient temperature value, and adjusting the rotation speed of the draught fan.
[0018] Whether there exists a fault parameter value in the at least two temperature parameter
values is determined by determining whether each of the plurality of temperature sensors
in the indoor unit of the air conditioner malfunctions. When a malfunctioned temperature
sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors is detected, it is also determined
that a fault parameter value is included in the collected at least two temperature
parameter values. The fault parameter value in the temperature parameter values collected
by the three temperature sensors may be determined by determining whether the three
temperature sensors malfunction respectively, under the determination of the operation
mode of the air conditioner. Thus, the fault parameter value in the collected temperature
parameter values is determined rapidly when there exists a malfunctioned temperature
sensor in the indoor unit, and the air conditioner is prevented from being continuously
controlled according to the fault parameter value, and the duration of operation of
the air conditioner in the fault state is reduced.
[0019] In the aforesaid technical solution, before the step of obtaining the parameter substitution
value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameters
of the air conditioner, the method further includes: controlling the air conditioner
to be operated in a preset operation mode; and obtaining operating parameters of the
air conditioner in the preset operation mode. Where, the preset operation mode includes
the refrigeration mode and the heating mode.
[0020] In this arrangement, since the control parameters and the operating parameters of
the air conditioner operated in the refrigeration mode and the control parameters
and the operating parameters of the air conditioner operated in the heating mode are
different, flow directions of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger of
the indoor unit are also different when the air conditioner is operated in different
modes. Thus, the temperature parameter values collected by the first temperature sensor
and the second temperature sensor are also different. The current operation mode of
the air conditioner needs to be determined before estimating the parameter substitution
value, the fault parameter value is determined according to the operation mode and
whether each temperature sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors malfunctions.
The corresponding operating parameters are collected in the process of operating the
air conditioner in the preset operation mode, then, the parameter substitution value
is estimated through the collected operating parameters. Thus, the calculated parameter
substitution value is consistent with the operation mode of the air conditioner, an
accuracy of operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution
value is improved, and a malfunction of the air conditioner caused due to the control
of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution value that does not
conform to the operation mode is avoided.
[0021] It can be understood that, the operation mode of the air conditioner further includes
an air supplying mode. When the air conditioner is in the air supplying mode, a compressor
of the air conditioner does not need to be operated, and a cut-off valve in the indoor
unit does not need to be started. Thus, the malfunction of the temperature sensor
does not affect the air supplying operation of the air conditioner, and the corresponding
parameter substitution value does not need to be estimated.
[0022] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the first temperature sensor is
in the fault state, the number of the indoor units is at least two, and the step of
obtaining the parameter substitution value corresponding to the fault parameter value
according to the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
determining the fault parameter value as the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet based on the operation of the air conditioner in the heating mode, and obtaining
the number of the indoor units in the operation state in the air conditioner; obtaining
high-pressure saturation temperatures, target subcooling degrees, pressure values
at refrigerant outlets and preset amount of heat output of the at least two indoor
units; and determining the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet according to the number of the indoor units, the high-pressure
saturation temperatures, the target subcooling degrees, the pressure values at the
refrigerant outlets and the preset amount of heat output.
[0023] In this arrangement, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the heating mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant generated
by the compressor flows to the first end through the second end of the heat exchanger
of the indoor unit. Since the first temperature sensor is arranged at the first end
of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature
sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. When the first temperature
sensor is in the fault state, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet may
be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0024] When the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode and the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet is the fault parameter value, the number of the started
indoor units in the air conditioner needs to be determined, and the operating parameters
including the high-pressure saturation temperature of the air conditioner, the preset
amount of heat output, the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet, the target subcooling
degree of the indoor unit are obtained. The parameter substitution value is estimated
through the obtained operating parameters and the number of the indoor unit in operation,
and the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet in the collected temperature parameter
values is substituted with the parameter substitution value. By controlling the operation
of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner
using the updated temperature parameter value, a condition that the air conditioner
cannot be accurately controlled to be operated in the heating mode due to inaccurate
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet may be avoided.
[0025] It is worth noting that, the high-voltage saturation temperature is the hardware
parameter of the air conditioner system. Thus, when the parameter substitution value
is calculated, the high-voltage protection temperature of the system may be directly
invoked. The target subcooling degree is the parameter value obtained through calculation
according to an operation instruction after the operation instruction is received
by the air conditioner. The pressure value at the refrigerant outlet may be directly
collected by arranging the pressure sensors. As an alternative, the pressure value
at the refrigerant outlet may be calculated through other parameter values such as
the temperature at the refrigerant outlet. The preset heat output may be calculated
according to the high-pressure saturation temperature and the ambient environment.
[0026] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the step of determining the parameter
substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
specifically includes: calculating the parameter substitution value corresponding
to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet according to the high-voltage saturation
temperature and the target subcooling degree, when determining that the number of
indoor units is less than the preset number; calculating the parameter substitution
value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet according to
the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet and the preset amount of heat output,
when determining that the number of the indoor units is greater than or equal to the
preset number.
[0027] In this arrangement, if it is detected that the number of indoor units in operation
is less than the preset number, when the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated, the difference value between the high-voltage
saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree is calculated, and thus an
estimated temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is obtained. The estimated temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is used as the parameter substitution value of the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0028] The temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the pressure
saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree by using a formula which is
expressed as:

[0029] Where, T
1 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and the SCS is the target subcooling
degree.
[0030] In this arrangement, if it is detected that the number of the started indoor units
is greater than or equal to the preset number, whether the temperature sensor in each
indoor unit malfunctions is detected. If a fault-free indoor unit is detected, a pressure
value at the refrigerant outlet of an indoor unit without sensor fault is calculated,
and a pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of an indoor unit having a sensor fault
is calculated, the preset amount of heat output is obtained according to the two pressure
values at the refrigerant outlet, enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet of the
heat exchanger is calculated according to the preset amount of heat output, and the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the enthalpy
value of the refrigerant outlet, and the parameter substitution value corresponding
to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated accordingly.
[0031] The pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit without sensor fault
is calculated through the formula which is expressed as:

[0032] Where, P
1 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit without sensor
fault, P
C is the maximum pressure value of an outdoor unit, and dP
1 is a pressure drop across an electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit without
sensor fault.
[0033] It can be understood that, the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve
of the indoor unit without sensor fault may be calculated by calculating the pressure
values at the two ends of the electronic expansion valve collected by the sensors.
The pressure drop may also be obtained by calculation according to a refrigerant flow
value, the enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet, and the preset amount of heat
output of the indoor unit.
[0034] The pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit having a sensor fault
is calculated through a formula which is expressed as:

[0035] H
1 is a liquid column pressure value caused due to height difference between a malfunctioned
indoor unit and a reference point, Hz is the liquid column pressure value caused due
to height difference between the indoor unit having a sensor fault and the reference
point, den is a density of the refrigerant of the malfunctioned indoor unit, P
2 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the malfunctioned indoor unit,
and P
1 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit without sensor
fault.
[0036] It can be understood that, the liquid column pressure value caused due to the height
difference between the indoor unit and the reference point is calculated during a
trial operation stage of the air conditioner. The density of the refrigerant may be
obtained by calculating a physical property function of the liquid refrigerant, and
a segmented fitting curve may be adopted in the process of calculation of the density
of the refrigerant.
[0037] A refrigerant flow value is calculated through a formula, which is expressed as:

[0038] Where, mf is the refrigerant flow value, dp
2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit having
a sensor fault, cv is an opening value of the electronic expansion valve, and den
is the density of the refrigerant of the malfunctioned indoor unit.
[0039] The pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit having
a sensor fault is calculated through a formula, which is expressed as:

[0040] dp
2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit having
a sensor fault, P
C is the maximum pressure value of the outdoor unit, and P
2 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the malfunctioned indoor unit.
[0041] The preset heat output is calculated through a formula, which is expressed as:

[0042] Where, Q is the preset amount of heat output, K
A is a coefficient, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and T
3 is the ambient temperature value.
[0043] The enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger is calculated
through a formula according to the preset amount of heat output, the formula is expressed
as:

[0044] H
1 is an enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet, H
2 is an enthalpy value at the refrigerant inlet, Q is a preset amount of heat output,
and mf is the refrigerant flow value.
[0045] The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
is calculated according to the enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet by using the
following formula. :

[0046] Where, T
1 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, hi is the enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and f
1 is a preset function.
[0047] According to the aforesaid formula, the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit having a sensor fault is accurately
obtained by collecting corresponding parameters of the indoor unit without sensor
fault and calculating according to the corresponding parameters, under the condition
that a plurality of indoor units are powered on. The accuracy of operation of the
air conditioner controlled according to the parameter substitution value is further
improved, and occurrence of other faults during the operation process of the air conditioner
is avoided.
[0048] It may be understood that, when the preset number is selected to be greater than
2, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit having a plurality of malfunctioned sensors may be calculated by
collecting corresponding parameters of one indoor unit without sensor fault, the control
of the operation of the indoor unit having the plurality of malfunctioned sensors
in the air conditioner is realized, and the inconvenience caused due to termination
of operation of the air conditioner is avoided.
[0049] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the step of obtaining the parameter
substitution value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to the operating
parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes: determining the fault parameter
value as the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet on the basis that the air
conditioner is in the refrigeration mode; obtaining the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet of the indoor unit every first preset time duration; and calculating the parameter
substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0050] In this arrangement, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the refrigeration mode, and the refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat
exchanger to the second end of the heat exchanger. Since the first temperature sensor
is arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value
collected by the first temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet. When the first temperature sensor is in the fault state, the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet may be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0051] When the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode and the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet is the fault parameter value, a substitution value
of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet may be estimated according to the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. In the refrigerant mode, the low-temperature
refrigerant flows to the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through
the first end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. During the process in which
the refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger, the low-temperature refrigerant
continuously exchanges heat with ambient air. Therefore, the temperature value at
the refrigerant outlet should be higher than the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet, the difference value between the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
and the first preset difference value is calculated, and the estimated temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet may be obtained, the estimated temperature value at
the refrigerant inlet is used as the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet, and the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
in the collected temperature parameter values is substituted with the parameter substitution
value. By controlling the operation of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the
indoor unit of the air conditioner using the updated temperature parameter value,
a condition that the air conditioner cannot be accurately controlled to be operated
in the heating mode due to the inaccurate temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is avoided.
[0052] The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet by using
a formula which is expressed as:

[0053] Where, T
1 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet, T
2 is the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, and Z
1 is the first preset difference value.
[0054] It can be understood that in the operation process of the refrigeration mode, since
the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit changes continuously, energy losses
of the refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger in the heat exchange process
are also variable. Thus, the estimated parameter substitution value of the refrigerant
inlet is updated every first preset time duration. The updating method includes: collecting
the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet every first preset time duration,
and then re-estimating the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at
the refrigerant inlet according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is continuously updated, the stability of the control of the air conditioner having
a sensor fault is further improved.
[0055] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the indoor unit includes a draught
fan. Before the step of obtaining the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit, the method further includes: controlling the draught fan to stop
operation for a second preset time duration.
[0056] In this arrangement, when the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode
and the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is the fault parameter value, the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is collected every first preset time duration,
and the parameter substitution value is estimated according to the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet. Before each time the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is collected, the draught fan is controlled to stop operation for a second
preset time duration. It can be understood that the operation of the draught fan may
accelerate the heat exchange between the heat exchanger and ambient air. Thus, before
the collection of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, the draught fan
is controlled to stop operation for the second preset time duration, the value of
energy loss of the refrigerant in the heat exchange process may be decreased, and
an accuracy of an estimated parameter substitution value of the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet is further improved.
[0057] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the second temperature sensor is
in the fault state, the step of obtaining the parameter substitution value corresponding
to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameters of the air conditioner
specifically includes: determining the fault parameter value as the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet based on the operation of the air conditioner in the heating
mode, obtaining the high-voltage saturation temperature of the indoor unit; and calculating
the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet according to the high-voltage saturation temperature.
[0058] In this arrangement, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the heating mode, and the refrigerant flows from the second end of the heat exchanger
to the first end of the heat exchanger. Since the second temperature sensor is arranged
at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value collected
by the second temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet.
When the second temperature sensor is in the fault state, the temperature value at
the refrigerant inlet may be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0059] When the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode and the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet is the fault parameter value, the substitution value of the
temperature value at the refrigerant inlet may be estimated according to the high-pressure
saturation temperature. In the heating mode, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed
by the compressor directly flows to the second end of the heat exchanger, thus, the
parameter substitution value of the relatively accurate temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet may be obtained by estimating according to hardware parameters of the air conditioning
system. The high-pressure saturation temperature is the temperature value corresponding
to the refrigerant under a certain pressure, it may be considered that the high-pressure
saturation temperature is the temperature value of the high-pressure and high-temperature
refrigerant output by the compressor, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant
flows to the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through a refrigerant
pipeline, and certain heat loss is caused. The second preset difference value is arranged
according to heat loss. The temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of the heat
exchanger in the heating mode may be estimated by calculating the difference value
between the high-pressure saturation temperature and the second preset difference
value, and the estimated temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is taken as the
parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, and
the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet in the collected temperature parameter
values is substituted with the parameter substitution value. By controlling the operation
of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner
using the updated temperature parameter value, a condition that the air conditioner
cannot be accurately controlled to be operated in the heating mode due to the inaccurate
temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is avoided.
[0060] The temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is calculated according to the high-pressure
saturation temperature by using a formula which is expressed as:

[0061] Where, T
2 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and Z
2 is the second preset difference value.
[0062] It can be understood that during the operation of the heating mode, the compressor
will continue to be operated in the preset operation state, that is, variation ranges
of the pressure value and the temperature value of the refrigerant output by the compressor
are relatively small. Thus, only when the fault parameter value is determined as the
temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the operation of the air conditioner is
continuously controlled according to the parameter substitution value calculated by
the high-voltage saturation temperature and the second preset difference value, the
parameter substitution value does not need to be frequently updated.
[0063] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the second temperature sensor is
in the fault state, the number of the indoor units is at least two, and the step of
obtaining the parameter substitution value corresponding to the fault parameter value
according to the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
determining the fault parameter value as the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet on the basis that the air conditioner is in the refrigeration mode, and obtaining
the number of indoor units in operation state in the air conditioner; obtaining temperature
values at refrigerant inlets, the target superheat degrees, preset amount of heat
output, temperatures of exhaust air and target superheat degrees of exhaust air of
compressors of the at least two indoor units; and determining the parameter substitution
value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet according to
the number of the indoor units, the temperature values at the refrigerant inlet, the
target superheat degrees, the preset amount of heat output, the temperature values
of the exhaust air and the target superheat degrees of the exhaust air.
[0064] In this arrangement, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the refrigeration mode, and the refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat
exchanger to the second end of the heat exchanger. Since the second temperature sensor
is arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value
collected by the second temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet. When the second temperature sensor is in the fault state, the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet may be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0065] When the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode and the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is the fault parameter value, the number of the started
indoor units in the air conditioner needs to be determined, the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet of the air conditioner, the preset amount of heat output
and the target superheat degree, and the temperature of the exhaust air of the compressor
and the target superheat degree of the exhaust air of the compressor are obtained.
The parameter substitution value is estimated through the obtained operating parameters
and the number of the started indoor units, and the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet in the collected temperature parameter values is substituted with the parameter
substitution value. By controlling the operation of the throttle valve and the draught
fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner using the updated temperature parameter
value, a condition that the air conditioner cannot be accurately controlled to be
operated in the heating mode due to the inaccurate temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is avoided.
[0066] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the step of determining the parameter
substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
specifically includes: calculating a parameter substitution value corresponding to
the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet according to the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet and the target superheat degree when determining that the
number of indoor units is less than a preset number; calculating the parameter substitution
value corresponding to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet according to
the superheat degree of the exhaust air, the temperature of the exhaust air, the temperature
at the refrigerant inlet and the target superheat degree when determining that the
number of indoor units is greater than or equal to the preset number.
[0067] In this arrangement, when detecting that the number of the started indoor units is
less than the preset number, when the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated, an estimated temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet is obtained by calculating according to the temperature value at
the refrigerant inlet and the target superheat degree, and the estimated temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is used as the parameter substitution value of the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0068] The temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet and the target superheat degree by using a formula
which is expressed as:

[0069] Where, T
2 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, T
1 is the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, and SHS is the target superheat
degree.
[0070] In the arrangement, when detecting that the number of the started indoor units is
greater than or equal to the preset number, when the parameter substitution value
of the temperature value at a refrigerant rear outlet is calculated, the parameter
substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated
according to the superheat degree of the exhaust air, the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet, the temperature of the exhaust air and the target superheat degree,
so that an estimated temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is obtained, and
the estimated temperature value at the refrigerant rear outlet is used as the parameter
substitution value of the temperature value of the refrigerant rear outlet.
[0071] The temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the superheat
degree of the exhaust air, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the temperature
of the exhaust air, and the target superheat degree by using a formula, which is expressed
as:

[0072] Where, T
2 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, T
1 is a temperature value at a refrigerant inlet, SHS is the target superheat degree,
and DSHS is the target superheat degrees of the exhaust air, the DSH is the temperature
of the exhaust air.
[0073] The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit having a malfunctioned sensor is obtained by collecting the corresponding
parameters of the indoor unit and accurately calculating according to these parameters
through the aforesaid formula. Furthermore, the accuracy of controlling the air conditioner
to be operated through the parameter substitution value is further improved, and an
occurrence of other faults in the operation process of the air conditioner is avoided.
[0074] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the third temperature sensor is
in the fault state, the step of obtaining the parameter substitution value corresponding
to the fault parameter value according to the operating parameters of the air conditioner
specifically includes: determining the fault parameter value as an ambient temperature
value; obtaining a temperature value at the refrigerant outlet every third preset
time duration; and calculating the parameter substitution value corresponding to the
ambient temperature value according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0075] In this arrangement, during the operation of the air conditioner, when the third
temperature sensor is in the fault state, the ambient temperature value collected
by the third temperature sensor is determined as the fault parameter value. The substitution
value of the ambient temperature value may be estimated according to the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet. The estimated ambient temperature value may be obtained
by calculating the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet and the third preset
difference value, the estimated ambient temperature value is used as the parameter
substitution value of the ambient temperature value, and the ambient temperature value
in the collected temperature parameter values is replaced by the parameter substitution
value. By controlling the operation of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the
indoor unit of the air conditioner using the updated temperature parameter value,
a condition that the air conditioner cannot be accurately controlled to be operated
in the heating mode due to the inaccurate temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is avoided.
[0076] The parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature value is estimated according
to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet by using a formula which is expressed
as:

[0077] Where, T
3 is the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature value, T
2 is the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, and Z
3 is the third preset difference value.
[0078] It should be noted that, a difference value between the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet and the ambient temperature value when the air conditioner is operated
in the refrigeration mode and a difference value between the temperature value at
the refrigerant outlet and the ambient temperature value when the air conditioner
is operated in the refrigeration mode are different. Thus, different third preset
difference values are selected according to different operation modes of the air conditioner
before the step of calculating the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature
value.
[0079] It can be understood that, during the operation of the air conditioner, since the
ambient temperature value the indoor unit changes continuously, energy losses of the
refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger in a heat exchange process are also
variable. Thus, the third preset time duration is set, and the substitution value
of the estimated ambient temperature value is updated. The updating method includes:
collecting the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet every third preset time
duration, and then re-estimating the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature
value according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. The parameter
substitution value of the ambient temperature value is continuously updated, the stability
of the control of the air conditioner having a sensor fault is further improved.
[0080] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the indoor unit includes a throttle
valve, before the step of obtaining the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit, the method further includes: controlling the throttle valve to
stop operation for a fourth preset time duration.
[0081] In this arrangement, when the air conditioner is in operation and the ambient temperature
value is the fault parameter value, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
is collected every third preset time duration, and the parameter substitution value
is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. Before
each time the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is collected, the throttle
valve is controlled to stope operation for the fourth preset time duration. It can
be understood that when the throttle valve is in an open state, the low-temperature
or high-temperature refrigerant continues to flow into the heat exchanger, and a great
difference between the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet and the ambient
temperature value is caused. Thus, before the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is collected, the throttle valve is controlled to stop operation for the fourth
preset time duration, the difference between the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet and the ambient temperature value may be reduced, and the accuracy of the estimated
parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is
further improved.
[0082] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the step of determining the fault
states of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor and the third
temperature sensor includes: obtaining a numerical relationship between the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet and
the ambient temperature value; and determining the fault state of the first temperature
sensor, the fault state of the second temperature sensor and the fault state of the
third temperature sensor respectively according to the numerical relationship.
[0083] In this arrangement, whether there exists one malfunctioned temperature sensor in
the three temperature sensors is detected according to a data relationship between
the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor, the temperature
parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor and the temperature parameter
value collected by the third temperature sensor, and the malfunctioned temperature
sensor in the three temperature sensors may be located.
[0084] In any one of the aforesaid technical solutions, the method for controlling the air
conditioner further includes: counting a time duration of an operation process of
the air conditioner controlled according to the parameter substitution value; and
controlling the air conditioner to stop operation when determining that the time duration
reaches a fourth preset time duration.
[0085] In this arrangement, after time duration of the operation process of the air conditioner
controlled according to the estimated temperature parameter value reaches the fourth
preset time duration, the air conditioner is controlled to stop operation. Since the
parameter substitution value of the temperature parameter value is the estimated temperature
parameter value, there is a certain difference between the parameter substitution
value of the temperature parameter value and a true value of the temperature parameter
value. After the time duration of the operation of the air conditioner controlled
according to the estimated temperature parameter value reaches the fourth time duration,
the air conditioner is controlled to stop operation. Thus, the air conditioner may
be prevented from being operated under a fault state of one temperature sensor for
a long time. The stability of operation of the air conditioner is improved.
[0086] An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner is provided according to the second
aspect of the present application, this apparatus includes: a fault parameter acquisition
unit configured to acquire a fault parameter value in at least two temperature parameter
values on the basis that any one of the at least two temperature sensors is in a fault
state; a parameter determination unit configured to obtain a parameter substitution
value corresponding to the fault parameter value according to operating parameters
of the air conditioner; and an operation control unit configured to control the air
conditioner to be operated according to the parameter substitution value.
[0087] The apparatus for controlling the air conditioner provided in the present application
is used for controlling the air conditioner, one indoor unit and a plurality of temperature
sensors are arranged in the air conditioner, the plurality of temperature sensors
are provided at different positions of the indoor unit, and the plurality of temperature
sensors may respectively collect temperature parameter values at the different positions.
A throttle valve and a draught fan are further provided in the indoor unit, and the
throttle valve and the draught fan of the indoor unit are controlled according to
the plurality of corresponding temperature parameter values collected by the plurality
of temperature sensors, and a control of operation of the indoor unit is realized.
[0088] The indoor unit of the air conditioner collects the temperature parameter values
continuously through the plurality of temperature sensors, and collects the operating
parameters of the air conditioner continuously, and controls the operation of the
air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values and the collected
operating parameters. Where, the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor
unit are controlled through the temperature parameter values collected by the temperature
sensors.
[0089] Whether there exists malfunctioned temperature sensor(s) arranged in the indoor unit
is detected during the operation of the air conditioner. When detecting that at least
two temperature sensors are in the fault state, a fault sensor in the plurality of
temperature sensors is detected and located. Thus, the fault parameter value in the
temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors may
be determined, and the true value of the fault parameter value is estimated through
other operating parameters of the air conditioner and the parameter substitution value
is obtained. The plurality of collected temperature parameter values is updated by
replacing the fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter values
with the parameter substitution value. The operation of the air conditioner is continued
to be controlled through the parameter substitution value, such that the indoor unit
of the air conditioner can still keep operation under the condition that the temperature
sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner are in the fault state. It is ensured
that the air conditioner can still be operated in a queueing process for maintenance,
a downtime of the air conditioner in the queueing process for maintenance is shortened.
Thus, a user experience is improved.
[0090] According to the third aspect of the present application, an air conditioner is provided.
The air conditioner includes: an indoor unit; and the apparatus for controlling the
air conditioner according to the second aspect, the apparatus is arranged in the indoor
unit.
[0091] The air conditioner provided in the present application includes the indoor unit
and the apparatus for controlling the air conditioner. The apparatus for controlling
the air conditioner is the device for controlling the air conditioner in the second
aspect and thus has all of the beneficial effects of the apparatus for controlling
the air conditioner in the second aspect, which are not repeatedly described herein.
[0092] The air conditioner further includes an outdoor unit and a refrigerant pipeline,
and the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipeline.
[0093] An air conditioner is provided according to the fourth aspect of the present application,
the air conditioner includes: at least two indoor units; a memory; and a processor.
The memory stores a program or an instruction, the processor is configured to execute
the program or the instruction stored in the memory so as to implement steps of the
method for controlling the air conditioner in the first aspect, and thus has all of
the beneficial effects of the method for controlling the air conditioner in the first
aspect, which are not repeatedly described herein.
[0094] The air conditioner provided in the present application includes at least two indoor
units, a memory, and a processor. A program or an instruction is stored in the memory;
and the processor is configured to execute the program or the instruction stored in
the memory to implement the steps of the method for controlling the air conditioner
in the first aspect, and thus has all of the beneficial effects of the method for
controlling the air conditioner in the first aspect, which are not repeatedly described
herein.
[0095] The air conditioner further includes an outdoor unit and a refrigerant pipeline,
and the outdoor unit is connected to the at least two indoor units through the refrigerant
pipeline.
[0096] A readable storage medium is provided according to the fifth aspect of the present
application, the readable storage medium stores a program or an instruction. When
the program or the instruction is executed by the processor, the steps of the method
for controlling the air conditioner in any one of the aforesaid possible arrangements
are implemented. Thus, the storage medium has all of the beneficial technical effects
of the method for controlling the air conditioner in any possible arrangement, which
are not repeatedly described herein.
[0097] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent
in the following descriptions or be understood through the practice of the present
application.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0098] The aforesaid and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present application
will become apparent and more understandable in the following description of embodiments
with reference to the drawings. Where:
FIG. 1 illustrates a first schematic flow diagram of a method for controlling an air
conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of an indoor unit of the air conditioner
in the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 3 illustrates a second schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 4 illustrates a third schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 6 illustrates a fifth schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 7 illustrates a sixth schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 8 illustrates a seventh schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling
the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 9 illustrates an eighth schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling
the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 10 illustrates a ninth schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 11 illustrates a tenth schematic flow diagram of the method for controlling the
air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 12 illustrates an eleventh schematic block diagram of the method for controlling
the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 13 illustrates a twelfth schematic block diagram of the method for controlling
the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 14 illustrates an apparatus for controlling an air conditioner according to the
second embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an air conditioner according to the
third embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an air conditioner according to the
fourth embodiment of the present application.
[0099] Where, a correspondence relationship between reference numerals and names of components
in FIG. 2 are listed below:
200 indoor unit, 202 heat exchanger, 204 first temperature sensor, 206 second temperature
sensor, 208 third temperature sensor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIOIN OF EMBODIMENTS
[0100] In order to understand the objective, the features and the beneficial effects of
the present application more clearly, the present is further described in detail below
with reference to the accompanying figures and the detailed description of embodiments.
It is worth noting that, the various embodiments and the features in the various embodiments
can be combined mutually without confliction.
[0101] Many details have been illustrated in the following description in order to facilitate
a comprehensive understanding of the present application. However, the present application
may also be implemented in other manners different from the manners described herein.
Thus, the protection scope of the present application is not limited to the embodiments
disclosed hereinafter.
First embodiment:
[0102] As shown in FIG. 1, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided in the
first embodiment of the present application, the air conditioner includes at least
two temperature sensors and an indoor unit. The at least two temperature sensors may
collect at least two temperature parameter values in the indoor unit, the at least
two temperature parameter values correspond to the at least two temperature sensors,
and each temperature sensor is configured to collect one temperature parameter value.
[0103] The method for controlling the air conditioner includes:
In a step of S102, any one of the at least two temperature sensors is determined as
being in a fault state;
In a step of S104, a fault parameter value in the at least two temperature parameter
values is determined.
[0104] In a step of S106, a parameter substitution value is estimated through operating
parameters of the air conditioner.
[0105] In a step of S108, an operation of the air conditioner is controlled through the
parameter substitution value.
[0106] Where, the parameter substitution value corresponds to the fault parameter value.
[0107] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment is used for controlling the air conditioner,
indoor unit(s) and a plurality of temperature sensors are provided in the air conditioner.
The plurality of temperature sensors are located at different positions of the indoor
unit. The plurality of temperature sensors may collect temperature parameter values
at different positions respectively. A throttle valve and a draught fan are further
provided in the indoor unit, the throttle valve and the draught fan of the indoor
unit are controlled according to the plurality of corresponding temperature parameter
values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors. Thus, the control of the
operation of the indoor unit is realized.
[0108] The indoor unit of the air conditioner collects the temperature parameter values
continuously through the plurality of temperature sensors, and collects the operating
parameters of the air conditioner continuously, and controls the operation of the
air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values and the operating
parameters. Where, the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit are controlled
through the temperature parameter values collected by the temperature sensors.
[0109] Whether there exists a malfunctioned temperature sensor in the indoor unit is detected
during the operation of the air conditioner. When detecting that there exists at least
two malfunctioned temperature sensors, the malfunctioned sensors in the plurality
of temperature sensors are detected and located. Thus, the fault parameter values
in the temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors
may be determined, and the true value of the fault parameter value is estimated through
other operating parameters of the air conditioner, and thus the parameter substitution
value is obtained. The fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter
values is substituted with the parameter substitution value, and updating of the plurality
of collected temperature parameter values is realized. The operation of the air conditioner
is continued to be controlled through the parameter substitution value. The indoor
unit of the air conditioner can still keep operation under the condition that there
exists a malfunctioned temperature sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
It is guaranteed that the air conditioner can still be operated in the queueing process
for maintenance, a downtime of the air conditioner in the queueing process for maintenance
is shortened, and a usage experience of a user is improved.
[0110] In some embodiments, when detecting that there exists malfunctioned temperature sensor(s)
in the air conditioner, the air conditioner outputs corresponding prompt information
for prompting fault(s) of the temperature sensor(s).
[0111] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner detects that there exists a malfunctioned
temperature sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors, after the air conditioner
receives an operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner continues to
perform the step of estimating the parameter substitution value, and controlling the
operation of the air conditioner through the parameter substitution value.
[0112] In these embodiments, the air conditioner may determine whether continuous operation
needs to performed according to the actual requirement of the user. If the air conditioner
fails to receive the operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner is controlled
to stop operation after outputting prompt information of "fault and halt". A controllability
of the air conditioner is improved, and the air conditioner may select to continue
to be operated or stop operation according to the requirement of the user when temperature
sensor(s) is/are in the fault state.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 2, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, a heat exchanger 202
is arranged in the indoor unit 200, the temperature sensors includes a first temperature
sensor 204, a second temperature sensor 206, and a third temperature sensor 208. The
first temperature sensor 204 and the second temperature sensor 206 are arranged at
two ends of the heat exchanger 202, the third temperature sensor 208 is arranged at
an air inlet of the indoor unit 200.
[0114] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner includes the heat
exchanger 202, when the air conditioner is operated in a refrigeration mode, refrigerant
flows to a second end through a first end of the heat exchanger 202. When the air
conditioner is operated in a heating mode, the refrigerant flows to the first end
through the second end of the heat exchanger 202. A plurality of temperature sensors
are further arranged in the indoor unit 200. The plurality of temperature sensors
include the first temperature sensor 204 arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger
202. The first temperature sensor 204 may collect a temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet of the indoor unit 200 under a refrigeration mode. The first temperature sensor
204 may collect a temperature value at a refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit 200
under a heating mode. The plurality of temperature sensors further include the second
temperature sensor 206 arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger 202, the second
temperature sensor 206 may detect a temperature value at a refrigerant outlet of the
indoor unit 200 in the refrigeration mode. The second temperature sensor 206 may collect
a temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of the indoor unit 200 under the heating
mode. The plurality of temperature sensors further include a third temperature sensor
208 arranged at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200, and the third temperature sensor
208 may collect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit 200. That is,
the third temperature sensor 208 may collect the ambient temperature value of the
indoor unit 200.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 3, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the step of determining
the fault parameter value in the at least two temperature parameter values specifically
includes:
In a step of S302, a fault state of the first temperature sensor, a fault state of
the second temperature sensor, and a fault state of the third temperature sensor are
detected respectively.
[0116] In a step of S304, a corresponding fault parameter value is determined according
to the fault state of the first temperature sensor, the fault state of the second
temperature sensor, and the fault state of the third temperature sensor.
[0117] Where, the fault parameter value includes a temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet, a temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, and an ambient temperature value.
[0118] In this embodiment, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is provided with a throttle
valve and a draught fan, during the operation of the indoor unit, the operation of
the indoor unit is controlled by controlling parameters such as an opening degree
of the throttle valve and a rotation speed of the draught fan. The detail of the control
method includes: adjusting the opening degree of the throttle valve according to the
collected temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, the ambient temperature value,
and the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, and adjusting the rotation speed
of the draught fan.
[0119] Whether there exists a fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter
values is determined by determining whether each of the plurality of temperature sensors
in the indoor unit of the air conditioner malfunctions. When a malfunctioned temperature
sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors is detected, it is determined that
a fault parameter value is included in the collected multiple temperature parameter
values. The fault parameter value in the temperature parameter values collected by
the three temperature sensors may be determined by determining whether the three temperature
sensors malfunction respectively, under the determination of the operation mode of
the air conditioner. Thus, the fault parameter value in the collected temperature
parameter values is determined rapidly when there exists a malfunctioned temperature
sensor in the indoor unit, and the air conditioner is prevented from being continuously
controlled according to the fault parameter value, the duration of operation of the
air conditioner in the fault state is reduced.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 4, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, before estimating the
parameter substitution value through the operating parameters of the air conditioner,
the method includes:
In a step of S402, the air conditioner is controlled to be operated in a preset operation
mode.
[0121] In a step of S404, operating parameters of the air conditioner are collected in the
preset operation mode.
[0122] The preset operation mode includes a refrigeration mode and a heating mode.
[0123] In this embodiment, since the control parameters and the operating parameters of
the air conditioner operated in the refrigeration mode and the control parameters
and the operating parameters of the air conditioner operated in the heating mode are
different, flow directions of the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger of
the indoor unit are also different when the air conditioner is operated in different
modes. Thus, the temperature parameter values collected by the first temperature sensor
and the second temperature sensor are also different. The current operation mode of
the air conditioner needs to be determined before estimating the parameter substitution
value, the fault parameter value is determined according to the operation mode and
whether each temperature sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors malfunctions.
The corresponding operating parameters are collected in the process of operating the
air conditioner in the preset operation mode, then, the parameter substitution value
is estimated through the collected operating parameters. Thus, the calculated parameter
substitution value is consistent with the operation mode of the air conditioner, an
accuracy of operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution
value is improved, and a malfunction of the air conditioner caused due to the control
of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution value that does not
conform to the operation mode is avoided.
[0124] It can be understood that the operation mode of the air conditioner further includes
an air supplying mode, when the air conditioner is in the air supplying mode, a compressor
of the air conditioner does not need to be operated, and a cut-off valve in the indoor
unit does not need to be started, either. Thus, the malfunction of the temperature
sensor does not affect air supplying operation of the air conditioner, and thus the
corresponding parameter substitution value does not need to be estimated.
[0125] In some embodiments, a fault of the first temperature sensor of the air conditioner
is detected. In the refrigeration mode, since the temperature parameter value collected
by the first temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet,
the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet in the collected temperature parameter
values is determined as the fault parameter value. In the heating mode, since the
temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet in
the collected temperature parameter values is determined as the fault parameter value.
[0126] In some other embodiments, a fault of the second temperature sensor of the air conditioner
is detected. In the refrigeration mode, since the temperature parameter value collected
by the second temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet,
the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet in the collected temperature parameter
values is determined as the fault parameter value. In the heating mode, since the
temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor is the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet in
the collected temperature parameter values is determined as the fault parameter value.
[0127] In some other embodiments, a fault of the third temperature sensor of the air conditioner
is detected. Since the temperature parameter value collected by the third temperature
sensor is the ambient temperature value, the ambient temperature value in the collected
temperature parameter values is determined as the fault parameter value.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 5, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the fault in the first
temperature sensor is determined, and the air conditioner includes a plurality of
indoor units. The step of estimating the parameter substitution value through the
operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
[0129] In a step of S502, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is determined
as the fault parameter value according to the operation of the air conditioner in
the heating mode.
[0130] In a step of S504, the number of the indoor units in the operating state is determined.
[0131] In a step of S506, a preset amount of heat output, a pressure value at the refrigerant
outlet, a target subcooling degree, and a high-pressure saturation temperature.
[0132] In a step of S508, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the preset amount of heat output, the
pressure value at the refrigerant outlet, the target subcooling degree and the high-pressure
saturation temperature.
[0133] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
according to the heating mode, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant
generated by the compressor flows to the first end of the heat exchanger of the indoor
unit through the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. Since the first
temperature sensor is arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature
parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor is the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet. When the first temperature sensor is in a fault state,
the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet may be determined as the fault parameter
value.
[0134] When the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode and the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet is the fault parameter value, the number of the started
indoor units in the air conditioner needs to be determined, and the operating parameters
including the high-pressure saturation temperature of the air conditioner, the preset
amount of heat output, the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet, the target subcooling
degree of the indoor unit are obtained. The parameter substitution value is estimated
through the obtained operating parameters and the number of the indoor unit in operation,
and the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet in the collected temperature parameter
values is substituted with the parameter substitution value. By controlling the operation
of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner
using the updated temperature parameter value, a condition that the air conditioner
cannot be accurately controlled to be operated in the heating mode due to inaccurate
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet may be avoided.
[0135] It is worth noting that, the high-voltage saturation temperature is the hardware
parameter of the air conditioner system. Thus, when the parameter substitution value
is calculated, the high-voltage protection temperature of the system may be directly
invoked. The target subcooling degree is the parameter value obtained through calculation
according to an operation instruction after the operation instruction is received
by the air conditioner. The pressure value at the refrigerant outlet may be directly
collected by arranging the pressure sensors. As an alternative, the pressure value
at the refrigerant outlet may be calculated through other parameter values such as
the temperature at the refrigerant outlet. The preset heat output may be calculated
according to the high-pressure saturation temperature and the ambient environment.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 6, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the step of estimating
the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
specifically includes:
[0137] In a step of S602, it is determined that the air conditioner is operated in a heating
mode.
[0138] In a step of S604, whether the number of indoor units is less than a preset number
is determined; if the number of the indoor units is less than the preset number, a
step of S606 is performed; if the number of the indoor units is equal to or greater
than the preset number, a step of S608 is performed.
[0139] In the step of S606, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at
the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the target subcooling degree and
the high-pressure saturation temperature.
[0140] In the step of S608, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at
the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the preset amount of heat output
and the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0141] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the number of started indoor units is
less than the preset number, when the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated, the parameter substitution value of
the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is obtained by calculating the difference
value between the high-voltage saturation temperature and the target subcooling degree,
and the estimated temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is used as the parameter
substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0142] The temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the target
subcooling degree and the pressure saturation temperature by using a formula which
is expressed as:

[0143] Where, T
1 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and the SCS is the target subcooling
degree.
[0144] In this embodiment, if it is detected that the number of the started indoor units
is greater than or equal to the preset number, whether the temperature sensor in each
indoor unit malfunctions is detected. If a fault-free indoor unit is detected, a pressure
value at the refrigerant outlet of an indoor unit without sensor fault is calculated,
and a pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of an indoor unit having a sensor fault
is calculated, the preset amount of heat output is obtained according to the two pressure
values at the refrigerant outlet, enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet of the
heat exchanger is calculated according to the preset amount of heat output, and the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the enthalpy
value of the refrigerant outlet, and the parameter substitution value corresponding
to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated accordingly.
[0145] The pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit without sensor fault
is calculated through the formula which is expressed as:

[0146] Where, P
1 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit without sensor
fault, P
C is the maximum pressure value of an outdoor unit, and dP
1 is a pressure drop across an electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit without
sensor fault.
[0147] It can be understood that, the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve
of the indoor unit without sensor fault may be calculated by calculating the pressure
values at the two ends of the electronic expansion valve collected by the sensors.
The pressure drop may also be obtained by calculation according to a refrigerant flow
value, the enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet, and the preset amount of heat
output of the indoor unit.
[0148] The pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit having a sensor fault
is calculated through a formula which is expressed as:

[0149] H
1 is a liquid column pressure value caused due to height difference between a malfunctioned
indoor unit and a reference point, Hz is the liquid column pressure value caused due
to height difference between the indoor unit having a sensor fault and the reference
point, den is a density of the refrigerant of the malfunctioned indoor unit, P
2 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the malfunctioned indoor unit,
and P
1 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit without sensor
fault.
[0150] It can be understood that, the liquid column pressure value caused due to the height
difference between the indoor unit and the reference point is calculated during a
trial operation stage of the air conditioner. The density of the refrigerant may be
obtained by calculating a physical property function of the liquid refrigerant, and
a segmented fitting curve may be adopted in the process of calculation of the density
of the refrigerant.
[0151] A refrigerant flow value is calculated through a formula, which is expressed as:

[0152] Where, mf is the refrigerant flow value, dP
2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit having
a sensor fault, cv is an opening value of the electronic expansion valve, and den
is the density of the refrigerant of the malfunctioned indoor unit.
[0153] The pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit having
a sensor fault is calculated through a formula, which is expressed as:

[0154] dp
2 is the pressure drop across the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit having
a sensor fault, P
C is the maximum pressure value of the outdoor unit, and P
2 is the pressure value at the refrigerant outlet of the malfunctioned indoor unit.
[0155] The preset heat output is calculated through a formula, which is expressed as:

[0156] Where, Q is the preset amount of heat output, K
A is a coefficient, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and T
3 is the ambient temperature value.
[0157] The enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger is calculated
through a formula according to the preset amount of heat output, the formula is expressed
as:

[0158] H
1 is an enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet, H
2 is an enthalpy value at the refrigerant inlet, Q is a preset amount of heat output,
and mf is the refrigerant flow value.
[0159] The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
is calculated according to the enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet by using the
following formula. :

[0160] Where, T
1 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, hi is the enthalpy value of the refrigerant outlet, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and f
1 is a preset function.
[0161] According to the aforesaid formula, the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit having a sensor fault is accurately
obtained by collecting corresponding parameters of the indoor unit without sensor
fault and calculating according to the corresponding parameters, under the condition
that a plurality of indoor units are powered on. The accuracy of operation of the
air conditioner controlled according to the parameter substitution value is further
improved, and occurrence of other faults during the operation process of the air conditioner
is avoided.
[0162] In some embodiments, a value range of the preset number is greater than or equal
to 2.
[0163] In these embodiments, when the number of started indoor units in the air conditioner
is greater than or equal to 2, and the started indoor units includes indoor units
having fault-free sensor(s), the parameter substitution value of the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit having sensor fault is calculated by
collecting corresponding parameters of the indoor unit having the fault-free sensor(s).
[0164] It may be understood that, when the preset number is selected to be greater than
2, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit having a plurality of malfunctioned sensors may be calculated by
collecting corresponding parameters of one indoor unit without sensor fault, the control
of the operation of the indoor unit having the plurality of malfunctioned sensors
in the air conditioner is realized, and the inconvenience caused due to termination
of operation of the air conditioner is avoided.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 7, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the first temperature
sensor is in the fault state, the step of estimating the parameter substitution value
through the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
[0166] In a step of S702, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is determined as
the fault parameter value according to the operation of the air conditioner in the
refrigeration mode.
[0167] In a step of S704, the draught fan is controlled to stop operation for a second preset
time duration every first preset time duration, and the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is collected.
[0168] In a step of S706, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet.
[0169] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the refrigeration mode, and the refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat
exchanger to the second end of the heat exchanger. Since the first temperature sensor
is arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value
collected by the first temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet. When the first temperature sensor is in the fault state, the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet may be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0170] When the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode and the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet is the fault parameter value. A substitution value
of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet may be estimated according to the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. In the refrigerant mode, the low-temperature
refrigerant flows to the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through
the first end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. During the process in which
the refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger, the low-temperature refrigerant
continuously exchanges heat with ambient air. Therefore, the temperature value at
the refrigerant outlet should be higher than the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet, the difference value between the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
and the first preset difference value is calculated, and the estimated temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet may be obtained, the estimated temperature value at
the refrigerant inlet is used as the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet, and the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
in the collected temperature parameter values is substituted with the parameter substitution
value. By controlling the operation of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the
indoor unit of the air conditioner using the updated temperature parameter value,
a condition that the air conditioner cannot be accurately controlled to be operated
in the heating mode due to the inaccurate temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is avoided.
[0171] The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet by using
a formula which is expressed as:

[0172] Where, T
1 represents the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet, T
2 represents the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, Z
1 represents the first preset difference value.
[0173] It can be understood that, in the operation process of the air conditioner in the
refrigeration mode, since the ambient temperature value of the indoor unit changes
continuously, energy losses of the refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger in
the heat exchange process are also variable. Thus, the estimated parameter substitution
value of the refrigerant inlet is updated every first preset time duration. The updating
method includes: collecting the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet every
first preset time duration, and then re-estimating the parameter substitution value
of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet according to the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet. The parameter substitution value of the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet is continuously updated, the stability of the control of
the air conditioner having a sensor fault is further improved.
[0174] When the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode and the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet is the fault parameter value, the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet is collected every first preset time duration, and the parameter
substitution value is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet. Before each time the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is collected,
the draught fan is controlled to stop operation for a second preset time duration.
It can be understood that the operation of the draught fan may accelerate the heat
exchange between the heat exchanger and ambient air. Thus, before the collection of
the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, the draught fan is controlled to
stop operation for the second preset time duration, the value of energy loss of the
refrigerant in the heat exchange process may be decreased, and an accuracy of an estimated
parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is
further improved.
[0175] In some embodiments, a value range of the second preset time duration is between
10 seconds and 40 seconds.
[0176] In these embodiments, the value of the second preset time duration is set to be greater
than or equal to 10 seconds, such that there is enough time for the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet to approach the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet.
The value of the second preset time duration is set to be less than or equal to 40
seconds, such that a malfunction of air conditioner caused due to long time of poor
heat exchange of refrigerant in the heat exchanger may be avoided.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 8, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the second temperature
sensor is in the fault state, and the step of estimating the parameter substitution
value through the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
[0178] In a step of S802, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is determined as
the fault parameter value according to the operation of the air conditioner in the
heating mode.
[0179] In a step of S804, a high-voltage saturation temperature is obtained.
[0180] In a step of S806, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet is estimated according to the high-pressure saturation temperature.
[0181] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the heating mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant generated
by the compressor flows to the first end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit
through the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. Since the first temperature
sensor is arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter
value collected by the first temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet. When the first temperature sensor is in the fault state, the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet may be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0182] When the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode and the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet is the fault parameter value, the substitution value of the
temperature value at the refrigerant inlet may be estimated according to the high-pressure
saturation temperature. In the heating mode, the high-temperature refrigerant compressed
by the compressor directly flows to the second end of the heat exchanger, thus, the
parameter substitution value of the relatively accurate temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet may be obtained by estimating according to hardware parameters of the air conditioning
system. The high-pressure saturation temperature is the temperature value corresponding
to the refrigerant under a certain pressure, it may be considered that the high-pressure
saturation temperature is the temperature value of the high-pressure and high-temperature
refrigerant output by the compressor, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant
flows to the second end of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit through a refrigerant
pipeline, and certain heat loss is caused. The second preset difference value is arranged
according to heat loss. The temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of the heat
exchanger in the heating mode may be estimated by calculating the difference value
between the high-pressure saturation temperature and the second preset difference
value, and the estimated temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is taken as the
parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, and
the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet in the collected temperature parameter
values is substituted with the parameter substitution value. By controlling the operation
of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner
using the updated temperature parameter value, a condition that the air conditioner
cannot be accurately controlled to be operated in the heating mode due to the inaccurate
temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is avoided.
[0183] The temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is calculated according to the high-pressure
saturation temperature by using a formula which is expressed as:

[0184] Where, T
2 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet, T
C is the high-voltage saturation temperature, and Z
2 is the second preset difference value.
[0185] It can be understood that, during the operation of the heating mode, the compressor
will continue to be operated in the preset operation state, that is, variation ranges
of the pressure value and the temperature value of the refrigerant output by the compressor
are relatively small. Thus, only when the fault parameter value is determined as the
temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the operation of the air conditioner is
continuously controlled according to the parameter substitution value calculated by
the high-voltage saturation temperature and the second preset difference value, the
parameter substitution value does not need to be frequently updated.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 9, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the second temperature
sensor is in the fault state, and the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor
units. The step of estimating the parameter substitution value according to the operating
parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
[0187] In a step of S902, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is determined
as the fault parameter value according to the operation of the air conditioner in
the refrigeration mode.
[0188] In a step of S904, the number of indoor units in the operation state is determined.
[0189] In a step of S906, the target superheat degree, the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet, the temperature of the exhaust air of the compressor, the preset amount of
heat output, and the target superheat degree of the exhaust air of the compressor
are collected.
[0190] In a step of S908, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the number of indoor units, the target
superheat degree, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the temperature
of the exhaust air of the compressor, the preset amount of heat output and the target
superheat degree of the exhaust air of the compressor.
[0191] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a multi-split air conditioner, that is,
the air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner is operated
in the refrigeration mode, and the refrigerant flows from the first end of the heat
exchanger to the second end of the heat exchanger. Since the second temperature sensor
is arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger, the temperature parameter value
collected by the second temperature sensor is the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet. When the second temperature sensor is in the fault state, the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet may be determined as the fault parameter value.
[0192] When the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode and the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is the fault parameter value, the number of the started
indoor units in the air conditioner needs to be determined, the temperature value
at the refrigerant inlet of the air conditioner, the preset amount of heat output
and the target superheat degree, and the temperature of the exhaust air of the compressor
and the target superheat degree of the exhaust air of the compressor are obtained.
The parameter substitution value is estimated through the obtained operating parameters
and the number of the started indoor units, and the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet in the collected temperature parameter values is substituted with the parameter
substitution value. By controlling the operation of the throttle valve and the draught
fan in the indoor unit of the air conditioner using the updated temperature parameter
value, a condition that the air conditioner cannot be accurately controlled to be
operated in the heating mode due to the inaccurate temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is avoided.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 10, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the step of estimating
the parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
specifically includes:
[0194] In a step of S 1002, operation of the air conditioner in the refrigeration mode is
determined.
[0195] In a step of S 1004, whether the number of indoor units is less than a preset number
is determined; if the number of indoor units is less than the preset number, a step
of S 1006 is performed, if the number of indoor units is equal to or greater than
the preset number, a step of S1008 is performed.
[0196] In the step of S 1006, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the target superheat degree and
the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet.
[0197] In the step of S 1008, the parameter substitution value of the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to temperature of the exhaust air,
the superheat degree of the exhaust air, the target superheat degree, and the temperature
at the refrigerant inlet.
[0198] In this embodiment, when detecting that the number of the started indoor units is
less than the preset number, when the parameter substitution value of the temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated, an estimated temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet is obtained by calculating according to the temperature value at
the refrigerant inlet and the target superheat degree, and the estimated temperature
value at the refrigerant outlet is used as the parameter substitution value of the
temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0199] The temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet and the target superheat degree by using a formula
which is expressed as:

[0200] Where, T
2 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, T
1 is the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, and SHS is the target superheat
degree.
[0201] In this embodiment, when detecting that the number of the started indoor units is
greater than or equal to the preset number, when the parameter substitution value
of the temperature value at a refrigerant rear outlet is calculated, the parameter
substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is calculated
according to the superheat degree of the exhaust air, the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet, the temperature of the exhaust air and the target superheat degree,
so that an estimated temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is obtained, and
the estimated temperature value at the refrigerant rear outlet is used as the parameter
substitution value of the temperature value of the refrigerant rear outlet.
[0202] The temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is estimated according to the superheat
degree of the exhaust air, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the temperature
of the exhaust air, and the target superheat degree by using a formula, which is expressed
as:

[0203] Where, T
2 is the parameter substitution value corresponding to the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet, T
1 is a temperature value at a refrigerant inlet, SHS is the target superheat degree,
and DSHS is the target superheat degrees of the exhaust air, the DSH is the temperature
of the exhaust air.
[0204] The parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit having a malfunctioned sensor is obtained by collecting the corresponding
parameters of the indoor unit and accurately calculating according to these parameters
through the aforesaid formula. Furthermore, the accuracy of controlling the air conditioner
to be operated through the parameter substitution value is further improved, and an
occurrence of other faults in the operation process of the air conditioner is avoided.
[0205] As shown in FIG. 11, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the third temperature
sensor is in the fault state, the step of estimating the parameter substitution value
according to the operating parameters of the air conditioner specifically includes:
In a step of S1102, an ambient temperature value is determined as the fault parameter
value.
[0206] In a step of S1104, the throttle valve is controlled to inactivate the fourth preset
time duration every third preset time duration and the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is obtained.
[0207] In a step of S 1106, the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature
value is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet.
[0208] In this embodiment, during the operation of the air conditioner, when the third temperature
sensor is in the fault state, the ambient temperature value collected by the third
temperature sensor is determined as the fault parameter value. The substitution value
of the ambient temperature value may be estimated according to the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet. The estimated ambient temperature value may be obtained
by calculating the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet and the third preset
difference value, the estimated ambient temperature value is used as the parameter
substitution value of the ambient temperature value, and the ambient temperature value
in the collected temperature parameter values is replaced by the parameter substitution
value. By controlling the operation of the throttle valve and the draught fan in the
indoor unit of the air conditioner using the updated temperature parameter value,
a condition that the air conditioner cannot be accurately controlled to be operated
in the heating mode due to the inaccurate temperature value at the refrigerant inlet
is avoided.
[0209] The parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature value is estimated according
to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet by using a formula which is expressed
as:

[0210] Where, T
3 is the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature value, T
2 is the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet, and Z
3 is the third preset difference value.
[0211] It should be noted that, a difference value between the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet and the ambient temperature value when the air conditioner is operated
in the refrigeration mode and a difference value between the temperature value at
the refrigerant outlet and the ambient temperature value when the air conditioner
is operated in the refrigeration mode are different. Thus, different third preset
difference values are selected according to different operation modes of the air conditioner
before the step of calculating the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature
value.
[0212] It can be understood that, during the operation of the air conditioner, since the
ambient temperature value the indoor unit changes continuously, energy losses of the
refrigerant and the air in the heat exchanger in a heat exchange process are also
variable. Thus, the third preset time duration is set, and the substitution value
of the estimated ambient temperature value is updated. The updating method includes:
collecting the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet every third preset time
duration, and then re-estimating the parameter substitution value of the ambient temperature
value according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. The parameter
substitution value of the ambient temperature value is continuously updated, the stability
of the control of the air conditioner having a sensor fault is further improved.
[0213] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner is in operation and the ambient temperature
value is the fault parameter value, the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
is collected every third preset time duration, and the parameter substitution value
is estimated according to the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet. Before
each time the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet is collected, the throttle
valve is controlled to stope operation for the fourth preset time duration. It can
be understood that when the throttle valve is in an open state, the low-temperature
or high-temperature refrigerant continues to flow into the heat exchanger, and a great
difference between the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet and the ambient
temperature value is caused. Thus, before the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet is collected, the throttle valve is controlled to stop operation for the fourth
preset time duration, the difference between the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet and the ambient temperature value may be reduced, and the accuracy of the estimated
parameter substitution value of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet is
further improved.
[0214] In some embodiments, a value range of the fourth preset time duration is between
60 seconds and 120 seconds.
[0215] In these embodiments, the value of the fourth preset time duration is set to be greater
than or equal to 60 seconds, thus, there is enough time for the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet for approaching the ambient temperature value. The value
of the fourth preset time duration is set to be less than or equal to 120 seconds,
such that the malfunction of the air conditioner caused because that the refrigerant
cannot enter the heat exchanger of the indoor unit for long time may be avoided.
[0216] As shown in FIG. 12, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the step of detecting
the fault state of the first temperature sensor, the fault state of the second temperature
sensor, and the fault state of the third temperature sensor respectively specifically
includes:
[0217] In a step of 1202, a numerical relationship between the temperature value at the
refrigerant inlet, the ambient temperature value, and the temperature value at the
refrigerant outlet is determined.
[0218] In a step of 1204, the fault state of each of the temperature sensors is determined
according to the numerical relationship.
[0219] In this embodiment, whether there exists a malfunctioned temperature sensor in the
three temperature sensors is detected according to the data relationship between the
temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor, the temperature
parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor and the temperature parameter
value collected by the third temperature sensor. Moreover, the malfunctioned temperature
sensor in the three temperature sensors may be located.
[0220] In some embodiments, the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the ambient
temperature value, and the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet are collected,
and it is determined that two of the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet, the
ambient temperature value and the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet are
not fault parameter values.
[0221] When determining that any two temperature parameter values in the three temperature
parameter values are non-fault parameter values, whether the other temperature parameter
value is determined by the method described below.
[0222] The compressor of the air conditioner stops operation, which lasts for a fifth preset
time duration. The other temperature parameter value is determined as the fault parameter
value when the following determination conditions are satisfied, the determination
conditions are expressed as:

[0223] The air conditioner is operated according to the refrigeration mode. The other temperature
parameter value is determined as the fault parameter value when the following determination
conditions are satisfied, the determination conditions are expressed as:

[0224] The air conditioner is operated according to the heating mode. The other temperature
parameter value is determined as the fault parameter value when the following determination
conditions are satisfied, the determination conditions are expressed as:

[0225] Where T
1 is the temperature parameter value collected by the first temperature sensor, T
2 is the temperature parameter value collected by the second temperature sensor, T
3 is the temperature parameter value collected by the third temperature sensor, dT
1 is a first preset value, dT
2 is a second preset value, dT
3 is a third preset value, and dT
4 is a fourth preset value.
[0226] As shown in FIG. 13, in any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the method for controlling
the air conditioner further includes:
[0227] In a step of 1302: a time duration of the operation of the air conditioner controlled
according to the parameter substitution value is counted.
[0228] In a step of 1304, the air conditioner is controlled to stop operation one the basis
that the time duration reaches the fourth preset time duration.
[0229] In this embodiment, after time duration of the operation process of the air conditioner
controlled according to the estimated temperature parameter value reaches the fourth
preset time duration, the air conditioner is controlled to stop operation. Since the
parameter substitution value of the temperature parameter value is the estimated temperature
parameter value, there is a certain difference between the parameter substitution
value of the temperature parameter value and a true value of the temperature parameter
value. After the time duration of the operation of the air conditioner controlled
according to the estimated temperature parameter value reaches the fourth time duration,
the air conditioner is controlled to stop operation. Thus, the air conditioner may
be prevented from being operated under a fault state of one temperature sensor for
a long time. The stability of operation of the air conditioner is improved.
Second embodiment:
[0230] As shown in FIG. 14, an apparatus 1400 for controlling an air conditioner is provided
the first embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1400 includes:
a fault parameter acquisition unit 1402 configured to determine that any one of the
at least two temperature sensors is in a fault state, and determine a fault parameter
value in at least two temperature parameter values;
a parameter determination unit 1404 configured to estimate a parameter substitution
value according to the operating parameter of the air conditioner;
an operation control unit 1406 configured to control an operation of the air conditioner
according to the parameter substitution value.
[0231] The apparatus for controlling the air conditioner provided in the present application
is used for controlling the air conditioner, one indoor unit and a plurality of temperature
sensors are arranged in the air conditioner, the plurality of temperature sensors
are provided at different positions of the indoor unit, and the plurality of temperature
sensors may respectively collect temperature parameter values at the different positions.
A throttle valve and a draught fan are further provided in the indoor unit, and the
throttle valve and the draught fan of the indoor unit are controlled according to
the plurality of corresponding temperature parameter values collected by the plurality
of temperature sensors, and a control of operation of the indoor unit is realized.
[0232] The indoor unit of the air conditioner collects the temperature parameter values
continuously through the plurality of temperature sensors, and collects the operating
parameters of the air conditioner continuously, and controls the operation of the
air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values and the collected
operating parameters. Where, the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor
unit are controlled through the temperature parameter values collected by the temperature
sensors.
[0233] Whether there exists malfunctioned temperature sensor(s) arranged in the indoor unit
is detected during the operation of the air conditioner. When detecting that at least
two temperature sensors are in the fault state, a fault sensor in the plurality of
temperature sensors is detected and located. Thus, the fault parameter value in the
temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors may
be determined, and the true value of the fault parameter value is estimated through
other operating parameters of the air conditioner and the parameter substitution value
is obtained. The plurality of collected temperature parameter values is updated by
replacing the fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter values
with the parameter substitution value. The operation of the air conditioner is continued
to be controlled through the parameter substitution value, such that the indoor unit
of the air conditioner can still keep operation under the condition that the temperature
sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner are in the fault state. It is ensured
that the air conditioner can still be operated in a queueing process for maintenance,
a downtime of the air conditioner in the queueing process for maintenance is shortened.
Thus, a use experience of the user is improved.
[0234] In some embodiments, when a malfunctioned temperature sensor in the air conditioner
is detected, the air conditioner outputs corresponding prompt information for prompting
a fault of the temperature sensor.
[0235] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner detects that there exists a malfunctioned
temperature sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors, after the air conditioner
receives an operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner continues to
perform the step of estimating the parameter substitution value, and controlling the
air conditioner to be operated according to the parameter substitution value.
[0236] In these embodiments, the air conditioner may determine whether continuous operation
needs to performed according to the actual requirement of the user. If the air conditioner
fails to receive the operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner is controlled
to stop operation after outputting prompt information of "fault and halt". A controllability
of the air conditioner is improved, and the air conditioner may select to continue
to be operated or stop operation according to the requirement of the user when temperature
sensor(s) is/are in the fault state.
[0237] As shown in FIG. 2, in the aforesaid embodiment, a heat exchanger 202 is arranged
in the indoor unit 200. The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor
204, a second temperature sensor 206, and a third temperature sensor 208. The first
temperature sensor 204 is arranged at a first end of the heat exchanger 202, the second
temperature sensor 206 is arranged at a second end of the heat exchanger 202, and
the third temperature sensor 208 is arranged at an air inlet of the indoor unit 200.
[0238] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner includes the heat
exchanger 202. When the air conditioner is operated in the refrigeration mode, the
refrigerant flows to the second end of the heat exchanger 202 through the first end
of the heat exchanger 202. When the air conditioner is operated in the heating mode,
the refrigerant flows to the first end of the heat exchanger 202 through the second
end of the heat exchanger 202. A plurality of temperature sensors are further arranged
in the indoor unit 200. The plurality of temperature sensors include the first temperature
sensor 204 arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger 202. In the refrigeration
mode, the first temperature sensor 204 may detect the temperature value at the refrigerant
inlet of the indoor unit 200. In the heating mode, the first temperature sensor 204
may detect the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit 200.
The plurality of temperature sensors further includes the second temperature sensor
206 arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger 202. In the refrigeration mode,
the second temperature sensor 206 may detect the temperature value at the refrigerant
outlet of the indoor unit 200. In the heating mode, the second temperature sensor
206 may detect the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of the indoor unit 200.
The plurality of temperature sensors further include the third temperature sensor
208 arranged at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200, and the third temperature sensor
208 may detect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit 200, that is, the
third temperature sensor 208 may detect the ambient temperature value of the indoor
unit 200.
Third Embodiment:
[0239] As shown in FIG. 15, an air conditioner 1500 is provided in the third embodiment
of the present application, the air conditioner 1500 includes: an indoor unit 1502
and the apparatus 1400 for controlling the air conditioner.
[0240] The apparatus 1400 for controlling the air conditioner, the apparatus 1400 for controlling
the air conditioner is arranged in the indoor unit, and the apparatus 1400 for controlling
the air conditioner is selected as the apparatus 1400 for controlling the air conditioner
in the second embodiment.
[0241] The apparatus 1400 for controlling the air conditioner is configured to control the
air conditioner, one or a plurality of indoor unit(s) and a plurality of temperature
sensors are provided in the air conditioner. The plurality of temperature sensors
are arranged at different positions of the indoor unit, and the plurality of temperature
sensors may collect temperature parameter values at different positions respectively.
A throttle valve and a draught fan are further provided in the indoor unit, and the
throttle valve and the draught fan of the indoor unit are controlled according to
the plurality of corresponding temperature parameter values collected by the plurality
of temperature sensors. Thus, a control of the operation of the indoor unit is realized.
[0242] The indoor unit of the air conditioner collects the temperature parameter values
continuously through the plurality of temperature sensors, collects the operating
parameters of the air conditioner continuously, and controls the operation of the
air conditioner according to the collected temperature parameter values and the operating
parameters. Where, the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor unit are controlled
through the temperature parameter values collected by the temperature sensor.
[0243] Whether there exists malfunctioned temperature sensor(s) arranged in the indoor unit
is detected during the operation of the air conditioner. When detecting that at least
two temperature sensors are in the fault state, a fault sensor in the plurality of
temperature sensors is detected and located. Thus, the fault parameter value in the
temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors may
be determined, and the true value of the fault parameter value is estimated through
other operating parameters of the air conditioner and the parameter substitution value
is obtained. The plurality of collected temperature parameter values is updated by
replacing the fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter values
with the parameter substitution value. The operation of the air conditioner is continued
to be controlled through the parameter substitution value, such that the indoor unit
of the air conditioner can still keep operation under the condition that the temperature
sensor in the indoor unit of the air conditioner are in the fault state. It is ensured
that the air conditioner can still be operated in a queueing process for maintenance,
a downtime of the air conditioner in the queueing process for maintenance is shortened.
Thus, a use experience of the user is improved.
[0244] In some embodiments, when one malfunctioned temperature sensor in the air conditioner
is detected, the air conditioner outputs corresponding prompt information for prompting
a fault of the temperature sensor.
[0245] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner detects that there exist one malfunctioned
temperature sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors, after the air conditioner
receives an operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner continues to
perform the step of estimating the parameter substitution value and controlling the
operation of the air conditioner according to the parameter substitution value.
[0246] In these embodiments, the air conditioner may determine whether continuous operation
needs to performed according to the actual requirement of the user. If the air conditioner
fails to receive the operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner is controlled
to stop operation after outputting prompt information of "fault and halt". A controllability
of the air conditioner is improved, and the air conditioner may select to continue
to be operated or stop operation according to the requirement of the user when temperature
sensor(s) is/are in the fault state.
[0247] In any one of the aforesaid embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an
outdoor unit and a refrigerant pipeline, the outdoor unit is connected to the indoor
unit through the refrigerant pipeline.
Fourth Embodiment:
[0248] As shown in FIG. 16, an air conditioner 1600 is provided in the fourth embodiment
of the present application, the air conditioner 1600 includes at least two indoor
units 200, a memory 1602, and a processor 1604.
[0249] As shown in FIG. 2, in the aforesaid embodiment, a heat exchanger is arranged in
the indoor unit 200, and the temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor,
a second temperature sensor and a third temperature sensor. The first temperature
sensor is arranged at a first end of the heat exchanger, the second temperature sensor
is arranged at a second end of the heat exchanger, and the third temperature sensor
is arranged at an air inlet of the indoor unit 200.
[0250] In the aforesaid embodiment, the indoor unit 200 is provided with the heat exchanger
202, the temperature sensor includes the first temperature sensor 204, the second
temperature sensor 206 and the third temperature sensor 208. The first temperature
sensor 204 is arranged at the first end of the heat exchanger 202, the second temperature
sensor 206 is arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger 202, and the third
temperature sensor 208 is arranged at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200.
[0251] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 includes the
heat exchanger 202. When the air conditioner 1600 is operated in the refrigeration
mode, the refrigerant flows to the second end of the heat exchanger 202 through the
first end of the heat exchanger 202. When the air conditioner 1600 is operated in
the heating mode, the refrigerant flows to the first end of the heat exchanger 202
through the second end of the heat exchanger 202. A plurality of temperature sensors
are further disposed in the indoor unit 200. The plurality of temperature sensors
include a first temperature sensor 204 arranged at a first end of the heat exchanger
202. In the refrigeration mode, the first temperature sensor 204 may detect the temperature
value at the refrigerant inlet of the indoor unit 200. In the heating mode, the first
temperature sensor 204 may detect the temperature value at the refrigerant outlet
of the indoor unit 200. The plurality of temperature sensors further includes a second
temperature sensor 206 arranged at the second end of the heat exchanger 202. In the
refrigeration mode, the second temperature sensor 206 may detect the temperature value
at the refrigerant outlet of the indoor unit 200. In the heating mode, the second
temperature sensor 206 may detect the temperature value at the refrigerant inlet of
the indoor unit 200. The plurality of temperature sensors further include a third
temperature sensor 208 arranged at the air inlet of the indoor unit 200, and the third
temperature sensor 208 may detect the temperature of the air entering the indoor unit
200, that is, the third temperature sensor 208 may detect the ambient temperature
value of the indoor unit 200.
[0252] A program or an instruction is stored in the memory 1602, and the processor 1604
is configured to execute the program or the instruction stored in the memory 1602
to implement the steps of the method for controlling the air conditioner 1600 in the
first embodiment described above.
[0253] The method for controlling the air conditioner 1600 is used for controlling the air
conditioner 1600. Indoor unit(s) 200 and a plurality of temperature sensors are arranged
in the air conditioner 1600, the plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at
different positions of the indoor unit 200, and the plurality of temperature sensors
may collect temperature parameter values at different positions respectively. The
indoor unit 200 is further provided with a throttle valve and a draught fan. The throttle
valve and the draught fan of the indoor unit 200 are controlled according to the plurality
of corresponding temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature
sensors. Thus, the control of the operation of the indoor unit 200 is realized.
[0254] The indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 collects the temperature parameter
values continuously through the plurality of temperature sensors, collects the operating
parameters of the air conditioner 1600 continuously, and controls the operation of
the air conditioner 1600 according to the collected temperature parameter values and
the operating parameters. Where, the throttle valve and the draught fan in the indoor
unit 200 are controlled according to the temperature parameter values collected by
the temperature sensors.
[0255] Whether there exists malfunctioned temperature sensor(s) arranged in the indoor unit
200 is detected during the operation of the air conditioner 1600. When detecting that
at least two temperature sensors are in the fault state, a fault sensor in the plurality
of temperature sensors is detected and located. Thus, the fault parameter value in
the temperature parameter values collected by the plurality of temperature sensors
may be determined, and the true value of the fault parameter value is estimated through
other operating parameters of the air conditioner 1600 and the parameter substitution
value is obtained. The plurality of collected temperature parameter values is updated
by replacing the fault parameter value in the plurality of temperature parameter values
with the parameter substitution value. The operation of the air conditioner 1600 is
continued to be controlled through the parameter substitution value, such that the
indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 can still keep operation under the condition
that the temperature sensor in the indoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1600 are
in the fault state. It is ensured that the air conditioner 1600 can still be operated
in a queueing process for maintenance, a downtime of the air conditioner 1600 in the
queueing process for maintenance is shortened. Thus, a use experience of the user
is improved.
[0256] In some embodiments, when one malfunctioned temperature sensor in the air conditioner
1600 is detected, the air conditioner 1600 outputs corresponding prompt information
for prompting a fault of the temperature sensor.
[0257] In some embodiments, after the air conditioner 1600 detects that there exists one
malfunctioned temperature sensor in the plurality of temperature sensors, the air
conditioner 1600 continues to perform the step of the estimating the parameter substitution
value, and controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1600 according to the
parameter substitution value, after receiving an operation instruction from the user.
[0258] In these embodiments, the air conditioner 1600 may determine whether continuous operation
needs to performed according to the actual requirement of the user. If the air conditioner
1600 fails to receive the operation instruction from the user, the air conditioner
1600 is controlled to stop operation after outputting prompt information of "fault
and halt". A controllability of the air conditioner 1600 is improved, and the air
conditioner 1600 may select to continue to be operated or stop operation according
to the requirement of the user when temperature sensor(s) is/are in the fault state.
Fifth embodiment:
[0259] A readable storage medium is provided in the fifth embodiment of the present application.
The storage medium stores a program, when the program is executed by a processor,
the method for controlling the air conditioner in any one of the aforesaid embodiments
is implemented. Thus, the storage medium has all beneficial technical effects of the
method for controlling the air conditioner in any one of the aforesaid embodiments.
[0260] Where, the readable storage medium may be such as a read-only memory (Read-Only Memory,
ROM), a random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical
disc, etc.
[0261] It needs to be explained that, the term of "a plurality of" used in the claims, the
description and the accompanying figures of the description refers to two or more
than two, unless otherwise there is additional explicit definition. Terms such as
"connect", "mount", "fix", etc., should be generalizedly interpreted. For example,
"connect" may be interpreted as fixed connection, and may also be a detachable connection,
or be an integral connection. "Connect" may be further interpreted as a direct connection
or an indirect connection through intermediary. For the person of ordinary skill in
the art, the specific meanings of the terms in the present application may be interpreted
according to specific conditions of the terms.
[0262] In the description of the present application, the description of the reference terms
such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "detailed description of embodiments"
and the like means that the specific technical features, structures, materials or
characteristics which are described with reference to the embodiments or the examples
are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In
the description of the present application, schematic expressions of the terms mentioned
above are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore,
the specific technical features, structures, materials, or characteristics described
above may be combined in any suitable manner in any of the one or plurality of embodiments
or examples.
[0263] The foregoing embodiments are only some preferable embodiments of the present application,
and these embodiments are not intended to limit the present application. It is obvious
to the person of ordinary skill in the art that, various modifications and changes
may be made in the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement,
improvement, and the like, which are made within the spirit and the principle of the
present application, should all be included in the protection scope of the claims
of the present application.