Patent Description:
Generally, air conditioning systems are used to cool or heat confined spaces, for example, rooms in a building. In such an air conditioning system, a refrigerant is circulated between an indoor unit and an outdoor unit such that the refrigerant absorbs ambient heat while evaporating from a liquid phase, and discharges the absorbed heat while condensing from a gaseous phase. In accordance with such characteristics of the refrigerant, the air conditioning system performs a cooling or heating operation.

In a typical air conditioning system, one indoor unit is installed for one outdoor unit. However, recently, the use of an air conditioning system in the form of a cooling and heating concurrent type air conditioning system has increased. In the cooling and heating concurrent type air conditioning system, a plurality of indoor units having various structures and various capacities are connected to one or more outdoor units, in order to perform a cooling or heating operation for an area where there are a plurality of separated spaces, as in a school, a company, or a hospital.

In such a cooling and heating concurrent type air conditioning system, the number of indoor units is greater than the number of outdoor units, and each indoor unit in a space in which each indoor unit is installed has a different air conditioning load depending on the purpose of the space, the number of people accommodated, and the size.

In addition, a cooling and heating concurrent type air conditioning system according to a related art is implemented using a plurality of solenoid valves to implement a hot water supply mode, a cooling and hot water supply mode, a heating and hot water supply mode.

However, when the air conditioning system is implemented as described above, in the event of leaking of the solenoid valve, an abnormal cycle may occur due to liquid accumulated in a non-operating unit and a reduced amount of circulating refrigerants, and there is no means to detect an abnormality in the solenoid valves.

In addition, in the event of the abnormality in the solenoid valves, there is no choice but to stop the system so as to repair the air conditioner by a repair technician.

<CIT> discloses a heat pump system configured to simultaneously control indoor-heating capacity for an indoor unit and hot-water supply capacity for a hot-water supply unit. Moreover, <CIT> discloses an air conditioner according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> relates to a multi-type air-conditioner.

<CIT> discloses a heat pump hot water supply/heating machine that uses the temperature difference of a water heat exchanger, which differs between hot water supply operation and heating operation, to determine normality/abnormality.

The invention is specified by the independent claim. The present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of quickly and simply detecting an error in an adjustment valve using a plurality of temperature sensors.

The present invention also provides an air conditioner capable of performing an operation for solving an error, without a need to stop the system in the event of an error in every adjustment valve, while protecting the air conditioner in various situations occurring in each operation mode.

The present invention also provides an air conditioner capable of solving a problem in terms of software, without stopping the system, in the event of the problem that can be solved by software according to each operation mode.

The present invention also provides an air conditioner capable of preventing damage to the air conditioner caused by a malfunction of an adjustment valve and supplying cold or hot water of the air conditioner when the adjustment valves malfunctions.

The present invention includes: a first sensor configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a second sensor configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant supplied to the water tank; and a controller configured to determine an abnormality in the first adjustment valve and the second adjustment valve based on temperature values respectively input from the first sensor and the second sensor.

According to the invention there is provided an air conditioner including: a compressor compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger; an indoor heat exchanger; a four-way valve selectively supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the outdoor or indoor heat exchanger; a water tank generating hot water by exchanging heat with a refrigerant; a first adjustment valve for selectively supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the water tank; a second adjustment valve selectively supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the four-way valve; a first sensor configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a second sensor configured to sense temperature of a refrigerant supplied to the water tank; and a controller configured to determine an abnormality in the first adjustment valve and the second adjustment valve based on temperature values respectively input from the first sensor and the second sensor.

The controller is configured to stop the compressor when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value.

When the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value, the controller may determine the abnormality in the adjustment valves according to each operation mode based on the temperature value input from the second sensor, and when the abnormality in the adjustment valves are determined, the controller may control to perform an adjustment valve counter-error operation according to each operation mode.

In the adjustment valve counter-error operation, the controller may control the second adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve and control the first adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve.

In the adjustment valve counter-error operation, the controller may stop the air conditioner.

When the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor is out of a normal temperature range,.

the controller may control the second adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve and control the first adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve.

When the temperature value input from the first sensor is less than a first reference temperature value, the controller may determine whether the adjustment valves operates abnormally according to each operation mode, and when an abnormality in the adjustment valves is determined, the controller may control to perform a refrigerant circulation operation according to each operation mode.

The air conditioner may further include a hot water supply expansion valve disposed at a pipe connecting the water tank and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant circulation may include opening the hot water supply expansion valve.

The air conditioner may further include a hot water supply expansion valve disposed at a pipe connecting the water tank and the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor is less than a first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor is out of a normal temperature range, the controller may control the hot water supply expansion valve to be opened.

The air conditioner may further include a heater disposed in the water tank, and in the cooling and hot water supply operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor is within a normal temperature range, the controller may turn on the heater.

The air conditioner may further include a third sensor configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the cooling operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor is in a normal temperature range, and the temperature value input from the third sensor is within the normal temperature range, the controller may stop the air conditioner.

In the cooling operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor is within a normal temperature range, and the temperature value input from the third sensor is out of the normal temperature range, the controller may restart the air conditioner.

The air conditioner may further include a fourth sensor configured to detect temperature of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger, and in the heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor is within a normal temperature range, and the temperature value input from the fourth sensor is within the normal temperature range, the controller may stop the air conditioner.

In the heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor is within a normal temperature range, and the temperature value input from the fourth sensor is out of the normal temperature range, the controller may restart the air conditioner.

In another aspect, there is provided a control method of an air conditioner, the method including: a compressor outlet temperature detecting step of detecting an outlet temperature of a compressor; a hot water supply pipe temperature detecting step of detecting a change in temperature of a hot water supply pipe; a system error determining step of determining a system error based on the outlet temperature of the compressor; and an abnormality determining step of determining an abnormality in an adjustment valve based on the temperature of the hot water supply pipe when a system error is determined.

In the system error determining step, when the outlet temperature of the compressor is greater than a first reference temperature value, a system error may be determined.

In the abnormality determining step, when the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of a normal temperature range, an abnormality in the adjustment valves may be determined.

In addition, the control method may further include a counter-error operation step of executing an adjustment valve counter-error operation according to each operation mode when an abnormality in the adjustment valves is determined.

In addition, the control method may further include a refrigerant circulation determining step of determining whether to execute a refrigerant circulation based on the temperature of the hot water supply pipe when a system error is determined.

The adjustment valve counter-error operation may include adjusting a second adjustment valve in accordance with a command for a first adjustment valve and adjusting the first adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve.

In another aspect, there is provided is an air conditioner including: a compressor compressing a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger; an indoor heat exchanger;.

a switching part selectively supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger or indoor heat exchanger; a water tank generating hot water by exchanging heat with a refrigerant; a first adjustment valve for selectively supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the water tank; a second adjustment valve for selectively supplying the refrigerant compressed by the compressor to the switching part; a first sensor configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a second sensor configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant supplied to the water tank; and a controller configured to control at least one of the first adjustment valve, the second adjustment valve, and the compressor based on temperature values respectively input from the first sensor and the second sensor, wherein the controller stops the compressor when the temperature value input from the first sensor is greater than a first reference temperature value.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure and methods for achieving those of the present disclosure will become apparent upon referring to embodiments described later in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, embodiments are not limited to the embodiments disclosed hereinafter and may be embodied in different ways. The embodiments are provided for perfection of disclosure and for informing persons skilled in this field of art of the scope of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals may refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

Spatially-relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", or "upper" may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that spatially-relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would then be oriented "above" the other elements. The exemplary terms "below" or "beneath" can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below. Since the device may be oriented in another direction, the spatially-relative terms may be interpreted in accordance with the orientation of the device.

The terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In the drawings, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience of description and clarity. Also, the size or area of each constituent element does not entirely reflect the actual size thereof.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compressor <NUM>, an indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, an outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>, a water tank <NUM>, and a first adjustment valve <NUM>, a second adjustment valve <NUM>, a first sensor <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM>, a switching part, and a controller <NUM>. The switching part includes a four-way valve <NUM>.

The indoor heat exchanger <NUM> functions as an evaporator for evaporating a refrigerant in a cooling operation, and as a condenser for condensing a refrigerant in a heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may be provided in plural. The indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may be accommodated in an indoor unit (IU).

The outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> functions as a condenser for condensing a refrigerant in a cooling operation and as an evaporator for evaporating a refrigerant in a heating operation.

The compressor <NUM> compresses a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant having passed through the evaporator at high temperature and high pressure. The compressor <NUM> may have any of various structures. For example, the compressor <NUM> may be a reciprocating compressor using a cylinder and a piston, a scroll compressor <NUM> using a spiral scroll and a fixed scroll, an inverter compressor <NUM> capable of adjusting an amount of compression of refrigerant based on an operating frequency, and the like. Preferably, a scroll compressor <NUM> may be used.

The compressor <NUM> may include a plurality of compression chambers having different internal pressures. For example, the compressor <NUM> may include a first compression chamber (not shown) in which a refrigerant having passed through an evaporator is compressed, and a second compression chamber (not shown) in which the refrigerant discharged from the first compression chamber is compressed. However, the number of compression chambers is not limited thereto.

The compressor <NUM> is connected to the four-way valve <NUM>. In the compressor <NUM>, a refrigerant evaporated from the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is introduced in a cooling operation, or a refrigerant evaporated from the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is introduced in a heating operation.

The four-way valve <NUM> is a flow-path switching valve that switches a flow of refrigerant in the heating and cooling operations. The four-way valve <NUM> guides a refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> to the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> in the cooling operation and to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in the heating operation.

One side of the four-way valve <NUM> is connected to a discharge side of the compressor <NUM> and the first connection pipe <NUM>. The other side of the four-way valve <NUM> is connected to the four-way valve <NUM> and a second connecting pipe <NUM>.

One side of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is connected to the four-way valve <NUM> and the third connection pipe <NUM>, and the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is connected to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the water tank <NUM>, and a fourth connection pipe <NUM>.

A plurality of indoor heat exchangers <NUM> is connected to the water tank <NUM>, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and the four-way valve <NUM>. One side of the plurality of indoor heat exchangers <NUM> is connected to a plurality of first indoor unit pipes <NUM>, and the plurality of first indoor unit pipes <NUM> is connected to the fourth connection pipe <NUM>. The other side of the plurality of indoor heat exchangers <NUM> is connected to a second indoor unit pipe <NUM>, and the second indoor unit pipe <NUM> is connected to the four-way valve <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> is heat-exchanged with a high-temperature refrigerant discharged through the compressor <NUM> to generate hot water and provide hot water. In the water tank <NUM>, a heater <NUM> for heating water in the water tank <NUM> may be disposed.

The water tank <NUM> may be connected to a place where the hot water is used (not shown). The water tank <NUM> is connected to the place where the hot water is used, a hot water inlet pipe <NUM> and a hot water outlet pipe <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> is connected to the compressor <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> is connected to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> and the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>.

Specifically, one side of the water tank <NUM> may be connected to the compressor <NUM> and a first hot water supply pipe <NUM>. One end of the first hot water supply pipe <NUM> is connected to the water tank <NUM>, and the other end of the first hot water supply pipe <NUM> is connected to the first connection pipe <NUM>. The other side of the water tank <NUM> and the fourth connecting pipe <NUM> are connected to a second hot water supply pipe <NUM>.

The first adjustment valve <NUM> is controlled so that a refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> is selectively supplied to the water tank <NUM>. The first adjustment valve <NUM> may be disposed at the first hot water supply pipe <NUM>. The first adjustment valve <NUM> may be configured as a solenoid valve or an electromagnetic expansion valve.

The second adjustment valve <NUM> is controlled so that a refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> is selectively supplied to the four-way valve <NUM>. The second adjustment valve <NUM> may be disposed at the first connection pipe <NUM>. The second adjustment valve <NUM> may be configured as a solenoid valve or an electromagnetic expansion valve. The second adjustment valve <NUM> may be disposed between the four-way valve <NUM> and a connection point of the first hot water supply pipe <NUM> in the first connection pipe <NUM>.

The expansion valve <NUM> may expand a refrigerant and an opening degree of the expansion valve <NUM> may be adjusted. The expansion valve may be provided in plural. The expansion valve includes an outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM>, an indoor unit expansion valve <NUM>, and a hot water supply expansion valve <NUM>.

The outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>, the indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is connected to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> is connected to the water tank <NUM>.

Specifically, the outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is disposed at the fourth connecting pipe <NUM>, the indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is disposed at each of the plurality of first indoor unit pipes <NUM>, and the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> is disposed at the second hot water supply pipe <NUM>.

The air conditioner may include a plurality of sensors for control operation. The first sensor <NUM> to the fourth sensor <NUM> each may include a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. The first sensor <NUM> to the fourth sensor <NUM> each may provide a temperature value by substituting pressure for temperature, or may provide a temperature value itself.

The first sensor <NUM> detects the temperature of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the first connection pipe <NUM>.

The second sensor <NUM> detects temperature of a refrigerant supplied to the water tank <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the first hot water supply pipe <NUM>.

The third sensor <NUM> senses temperature of a refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM>. The third sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the third connection pipe <NUM>.

The fourth sensor <NUM> detects temperature of a refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>. The fourth sensor <NUM> may be disposed at the second indoor unit pipe <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may control the compressor <NUM>, the four-way valve <NUM>, the expansion valve, the first adjustment valve <NUM>, the second adjustment valve <NUM>, and the heater <NUM>. The controller <NUM> operates the air conditioner in any one of a cooling operation mode, a cooling and hot water supply operation mode, a hot water supply operation mode, a heating operation mode, a heating and hot water supply operation mode, and a hot water supply operation based on the temperature values input from the first sensor <NUM> to the fourth sensor <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a use state according to each mode of the air conditioner will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a use state diagram illustrating a first mode of the air conditioner shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows an embodiment implemented in the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the cooling operation mode, the first adjustment valve <NUM> is closed, the second adjustment valve <NUM> is opened, the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> is closed, the opening degree of the outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is adjusted to throttle a refrigerant, and the indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is fully opened. The four-way valve <NUM> supplies a refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> to the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> and supplies a refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> to the compressor <NUM>.

In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as an evaporator. Since the first adjustment valve <NUM> is closed, a refrigerant is not supplied to the water tank <NUM>.

<FIG> is a use state diagram illustrating a second mode of the air conditioner shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows an embodiment implemented in the cooling and hot water supply operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the cooling and hot water supply operation mode, the first adjustment valve <NUM> is opened, the second adjustment valve <NUM> is opened, and the opening values of the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> and the outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> are adjusted to throttle a refrigerant. The indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is fully opened. The four-way valve <NUM> supplies a refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> to the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> and supplies a refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> to the compressor <NUM>.

In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as an evaporator. The first adjustment valve <NUM> is opened to supply a high-temperature refrigerant to the water tank <NUM> to exchange heat with the water in the water tank <NUM>.

<FIG> is a use state diagram illustrating a third mode of the air conditioner shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows an embodiment implemented in the heating operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the heating operation mode, the first adjustment valve <NUM> is closed, the second adjustment valve <NUM> is opened, the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> is closed, the opening value of the indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is adjusted to throttle a refrigerant, and the outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is fully opened. The four-way valve <NUM> supplies the refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and supplies the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> to the compressor <NUM>.

In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as a condenser. Since the first adjustment valve <NUM> is closed, a refrigerant is not supplied to the water tank <NUM>.

<FIG> is a use state diagram illustrating a fourth mode of the air conditioner shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows an embodiment implemented in the heating/hot water supply operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the heating and hot water supply operation mode, the first adjustment valve <NUM> is opened, the second adjustment valve <NUM> is opened, and the opening values of the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> and the indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> are adjusted to throttle the refrigerant. The outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is fully opened. The four-way valve <NUM> supplies the refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> to the indoor heat exchanger <NUM>, and supplies the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> to the compressor <NUM>.

In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as a condenser. The first adjustment valve <NUM> is opened to supply a high-temperature refrigerant to the water tank <NUM> to exchange heat with the water in the water tank <NUM>.

<FIG> is a use state diagram illustrating a fifth mode of the air conditioner shown in <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows an embodiment implemented in the hot water supply operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the hot water supply operation mode, the first regulating valve <NUM> is opened, the second regulating valve <NUM> is closed, the opening degree of the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM> is adjusted to throttle a refrigerant, the outdoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is fully opened, and the indoor unit expansion valve <NUM> is closed.

The four-way valve <NUM> supplies a refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> to the compressor <NUM>. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> operates as an evaporator, and the water tank <NUM> operates as a condenser. A high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the compressor <NUM> is condensed while exchanging heat with hot water in the water tank <NUM>.

Again, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the operation of the controller <NUM> of the present disclosure will be described.

The controller <NUM> may determine a system error and an abnormality in an adjustment valve based on at least one of temperature values input from the first sensor to the fourth sensor <NUM>.

Thus, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to quickly and simply detect an error in the adjustment valves only with on a temperature value.

Specifically, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine an abnormality in the first adjustment valve <NUM> and the second adjustment valve <NUM> based on the respective temperature values input from the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM>.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may control at least one of the first adjustment valve <NUM>, the second adjustment valve <NUM>, and the compressor <NUM> based on the respective temperature values input from the first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM>.

Specifically, when a temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than a first reference temperature value, the controller <NUM> is configured to stop the compressor <NUM>. In a case where a discharge temperature of the compressor <NUM> is higher than a reference value, a serious damage to the air conditioner may be caused when the compressor <NUM> is continuously operated, and thus, the compressor <NUM> is stopped.

In addition, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the adjustment valves operate abnormally according to a corresponding operation mode based on a temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM>, and when it is determined that the adjustment valves operate abnormally, the controller <NUM> may control to perform an adjustment valve counter-error operation.

Therefore, in the present disclosure, an abnormality in an adjustment valve is determined according to each operation mode and an adjustment valve counter-error operation is performed according to each operation mode, so it is not necessary to stop the system due to errors in all adjustment valves, thereby reducing inconvenience to consumers. There is an advantage of being able to perform a counter-error operation to solve the error while protecting the air conditioner in various situations occurring in each operation mode.

In addition, the present disclosure does not stop the system in the case of a problem that can be solved by software according to each operation mode, but instead lets the software solve the problem, thereby improving user convenience and reducing repair costs.

Here, in the adjustment valve counter-error operation, the controller <NUM> may adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and may adjust the first adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM>. The adjustment valve counter-error operation means that the controller <NUM> adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM>, rather than the first adjustment valve <NUM>, in accordance with a system command or user command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and the first adjustment valve <NUM>, rather than the second adjustment valve <NUM>, in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM>.

Therefore, with this software change, it is possible to solve the problem that the installer erroneously connects the first adjustment valve <NUM> and the second adjustment valve <NUM>.

The adjustment valve counter-error operation may include stopping the air conditioner by the controller <NUM>. In this case, the adjustment valve error is recognized as a problem that cannot be solved by software, so the air conditioner is stopped.

The adjustment valve counter-error operation may include restarting the air conditioner by the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> determines that the error in the adjustment valves can be solved by restarting the air conditioner, so the controller <NUM> restarts the air conditioner.

For example, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and adjust the first adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM>.

Specifically, in the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and adjust the first adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM>.

In the cooling operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, and the third temperature value input from the sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may stop the air conditioner. In this case, the controller <NUM> may determine that the problem cannot be solved by software, so the controller <NUM> may stop the air conditioner and notify a user terminal (not shown).

In the cooling operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, and the third temperature value input from the sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may restart the air conditioner. In this case, the controller <NUM> determines that the problem can be solved by restarting the air conditioner, so the controller <NUM> restarts the air conditioner.

In another example, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, and the temperature value input from the fourth sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may stop the air conditioner.

In the heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is the normal temperature range, and the fourth When the temperature value input from the sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may restart the air conditioner.

In another example, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is less than the first reference temperature value, the controller <NUM> may determine, based on the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM>, whether the adjustment valves operate abnormally according to each operation mode, and when an abnormality in the adjustment valves is determined, the controller <NUM> may control to perform a refrigerant circulation operation according to each operation mode. Here, the refrigerant circulation operation may be to open the hot water supply expansion valve.

Specifically, in the cooling operation mode or heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is less than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may control to perform the refrigerant circulation operation. If refrigerants are accumulated in the water tank <NUM> due to a malfunction of an adjustment valve and the refrigerant is insufficient in the overall air conditioner, the efficiency of the system is reduced.

More specifically, in the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may control the hot water expansion valve to be opened.

In another example, in the cooling and hot water supply operation mode, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than a first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may turn on the heater <NUM>. Even if the adjustment valves malfunction in the cooling and hot water supply operation mode, since hot water needs to be supplied through the water tank <NUM>, hot water is produced through the heater <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a method for controlling the air conditioner of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a control method of the present disclosure includes a compressor outlet temperature detecting step S10 of detecting an outlet temperature of the compressor <NUM>, a hot water supply pipe temperature detecting step S20 of detecting a change in hot water supply pipe temperature, a system error determining step S30 of determining an error in the system based on the outlet temperature of the compressor <NUM>, and an abnormality determining step S40 of, in response to determination of an error in the system, determining an abnormality in an adjustment valve based on the hot water supply pipe temperature.

In the system error determining step S30, when the outlet temperature of the compressor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, a system error is determined. In the abnormality determining step S40, when the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of a normal temperature range, an abnormality in the adjustment valves is determined.

In addition, the present disclosure may further include a counter-error operation step S50 of executing an adjustment valve counter-error operation according to each operation mode when it is determined that the adjustment valves operate abnormally. The adjustment valve counter-error operation is as described above.

In addition, the present disclosure may further include a refrigerant circulation determining step S50 of determining whether to execute refrigerant circulation based on the hot water supply pipe temperature when a system error is not determined in the system error determining step S30. The refrigerant circulation is as described above.

Hereinafter, a control method of an air conditioner of the present disclosure will be described in detail for each operation mode with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a control method in a cooling operation mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, it is determined whether a system error has occurred in step S111. Specifically, the controller <NUM> determines whether a discharge pressure of the compressor <NUM> increases to or above a reference pressure. More specifically, when a temperature value input from a first sensor <NUM> is greater than a first reference temperature value, a controller <NUM> determines that an error has occurred in the system and stops the compressor <NUM> in step S112.

Thereafter, it is determined whether a change in temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within a normal range in step S113. Specifically, when the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may determine that the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of the normal range and determine an abnormality in the adjustment valves in step S114. Then, the controller <NUM> may execute a connection change logic to adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and adjust the first adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM> in step S115.

In addition, when no error has occurred in the system, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the hot water supply pipe temperature is within the normal range in step S116, and when it is determined that the hot water supply pipe temperature is out of the normal range in step S117, the controller <NUM> may execute refrigerant circulation in step S118. Specifically, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is less than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> opens the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM>.

In addition, when an error has occurred in the system and the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine a change in temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> in step S119, and when the change in temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine an abnormality in the adjustment valves in step S120 and may stop the operation of the air conditioner in step S121.

In addition, when an error has occurred in the system and the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine a change in temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> in step S119, and when the change in temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is out of the normal range, the controller <NUM> may restart the air conditioner in step S122.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a control method in a heating operation mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, it is determined whether a system error has occurred in step S211. Specifically, the controller <NUM> determines whether a discharge pressure of the compressor <NUM> increases to or above a reference pressure. More specifically, when a temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than a first reference temperature value, the controller <NUM> determines that an error has occurred in the system and stops the compressor <NUM> in step S212.

Thereafter, the controller <NUM> determines whether a change in temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within a normal range in step S213. Specifically, when the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> determines that the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of the normal range and determines an abnormality in the adjustment valves in step S214. Then, the controller <NUM> may execute a connection change logic to adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and adjust the first adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM> in step S215.

In addition, when no error has occurred in the system, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the hot water supply pipe temperature is within the normal range in step S216, and when it is determined that the hot water supply pipe temperature is out of the normal range in step S217, the controller may execute refrigerant circulation in step S218. Specifically, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is less than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> opens the hot water supply expansion valve <NUM>.

In addition, when an error has occurred in the system and the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, a change of temperature in the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may be determined in step S219. When the change in temperature of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine an abnormality in the adjustment valves in step S220 and may stop the operation of the air conditioner in step S221.

In addition, when an error has occurred in the system and the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, a change in temperature of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> may be determined in step S219, and when the change in temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is out of the normal range, the controller <NUM> may restart the air conditioner in step S222.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a control method in a cool/hot water supply operation mode of the air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Specifically, <FIG> shows an embodiment implemented in the cooling and hot water supply mode of the air conditioner.

First, it is determined whether a system error has occurred in step S311. Specifically, the controller <NUM> determines whether a discharge pressure of the compressor <NUM> increases to or above a reference pressure. More specifically, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the controller <NUM> determines that an error has occurred in the system and stops the compressor <NUM> in step S312.

Thereafter, it is determined whether a change in temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within a normal range in step S313. Specifically, when the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is out of the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> determines that the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of the normal range. When it is determined that the hot water supply pipe temperature is out of the normal range, the controller <NUM> determines whether the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is out of the normal range in step S314. When the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> determines an abnormality in the adjustment valves in step S315 and executes a connection change logic to adjust the second adjustment valve <NUM> in accordance with a command for the first adjustment valve <NUM> and adjust the first adjustment valve in accordance with a command for the second adjustment valve <NUM> in operations S316.

In addition, if no error has occurred in the system, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range in step S317, and when it is determined that the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is within the normal range in step S314.

In addition, when no error has occurred in the system, the controller <NUM> may determine whether temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range in step S317, and when it is determined that the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of the normal range in step S318, the controller <NUM> may turn on the heater <NUM> in step S319. Specifically, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is less than the first reference temperature value and the temperature value input from the second sensor <NUM> is within the normal temperature range, the controller <NUM> may turn on the heater <NUM>.

In addition, when an error has occurred in the system and the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is a change in temperature change of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in step S320, and when the change in temperature of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> is configured to determine an abnormality in the adjustment valves in step S321 and stop the operation of the air conditioner in step S322.

In addition, when an error has occurred in the system and the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may determine whether there is a change in temperature of the indoor heat exchanger <NUM> in step S320, and when the change in temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger <NUM> is out of a normal range, the controller <NUM> may restart the air conditioner in step S323.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a control method in a hot water supply operation mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, it is determined whether a system error has occurred in step S410. Specifically, the controller <NUM> determines whether a discharge pressure of the compressor <NUM> increases to or above a reference pressure. More specifically, when the temperature value input from the first sensor <NUM> is greater than the first reference temperature value, the controller <NUM> may determine that an error has occurred in the system and stops the compressor <NUM> in step S411.

Then, the controller <NUM> may determine whether a change in temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within a normal range in step S412. When the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is out of the normal range, the controller <NUM> may restart the air conditioner in step S413.

In addition, when the temperature of the hot water supply pipe is within the normal range, the controller <NUM> may turn on the heater <NUM> in step S414.

The air conditioner according to the present disclosure has one or more of the following effects.

The present disclosure has the advantage of being able to quickly and simply detect an error in the adjustment valves with only temperature values sensed by a plurality of sensors.

In addition, the present disclosure determines whether an adjustment valve operates abnormally according to each operation mode and performs an adjustment valve counter-error operation according to each operation mode, and therefore, it is not necessary to stop the system due to an error in every adjustment valve. Accordingly, the present disclosure has advantages of being able to reduce inconvenience to consumers and perform an operation to solve an error while protecting the air conditioner in various situations occurring in each operation mode.

In addition, if refrigerants are accumulated in the water tank due to a malfunction of an adjustment valve and there are overall insufficient refrigerants in the air conditioner, reducing the efficiency of the system, and in this regard, the present disclosure has the advantage of circulating the refrigerants through refrigerant circulation, thereby preventing efficiency degradation of the system.

In addition, in the present disclosure, even if an adjustment valve malfunctions in the cooling and hot water supply operation mode, since hot water needs to be supplied through the water tank, the hot water is produced through a heater, and therefore, the present disclosure has the advantage of supplying the hot water even when a valve malfunctions.

Claim 1:
An air conditioner comprising:
a compressor (<NUM>) configured to compress a refrigerant;
an outdoor heat exchanger (<NUM>);
an indoor heat exchanger (<NUM>);
a four-way valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively supply the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (<NUM>) to the outdoor or indoor heat exchanger (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a water tank (<NUM>) configured to generate hot water by exchanging heat with a refrigerant;
wherein the water tank (<NUM>) is connected to the compressor (<NUM>), the indoor heat exchanger (<NUM>) and the outdoor heat exchanger (<NUM>);
a first adjustment valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively supply the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (<NUM>) to the water tank (<NUM>);
a second adjustment valve (<NUM>) configured to selectively supply the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (<NUM>) to the four-way valve (<NUM>);
a first sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor (<NUM>);
a second sensor (<NUM>) configured to detect temperature of a refrigerant supplied to the water tank (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to determine an abnormality based on temperature values respectively input from the first sensor (<NUM>) and the second sensor (<NUM>),
characterized in that the abnormality to be determined is an abnormality in the first adjustment valve (<NUM>) and the second adjustment valve (<NUM>), and
when the temperature value input from the first sensor (<NUM>) is greater than a first reference temperature value, the controller (<NUM>) configured to stop the compressor (<NUM>).