METHOD OF PERFORMING COOLING ACCORDING TO COOLING CAPACITY AND AIR CONDITIONER ACCORDING THERETO

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/011127 designating the United States, filed on Jul. 30, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0144168, filed on Oct. 25, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a method of controlling the air conditioner. For example, the disclosure relates to an air conditioner configured to perform cooling according to a cooling capacity, a method of controlling an air conditioner, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program for performing a method of controlling an air conditioner.

Description of Related Art

Air conditioners may adjust the condition of air, such as the temperature, humidity, or cleanliness of air. In general, air conditioners include compressors, condensers, expansion devices, and evaporators and, by controlling such components, may drive refrigerant cycles by compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating refrigerants.

In addition, air conditioners have rated cooling capacities, which represent the areas that are able to be cooled by air conditioners in a reference environment. Furthermore, air conditioners may have a rated current consumption, which is a current for outputting rated cooling capacities in the reference environment.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide an air conditioner configured to perform a cooling operation according to a cooling capacity selected by a user. According to an example embodiment, an air conditioner may include: a compressor, at least one memory storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, individually and/or collectively, configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the at least one memory and to: receive an input for selecting one of a plurality of cooling capacities, of the air conditioner as a maximum cooling capacity capable of being output by the air conditioner; obtain a frequency of the compressor corresponding to the maximum cooling capacity, in response to determining to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature set in the air conditioner and an indoor temperature; and control the compressor based on the obtained frequency.

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a method of controlling an air conditioner configured to perform a cooling operation according to a cooling capacity selected by a user. According to an example embodiment, the method may include: receiving an input for selecting one of a plurality of cooling capacities of the air conditioner as a maximum cooling capacity capable of being output by the air conditioner; obtaining a frequency of the compressor corresponding to the maximum cooling capacity, in response to a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature set in the air conditioner and an indoor temperature; and controlling the compressor based on the obtained frequency.

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing a method of controlling an air conditioner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of setting a maximum cooling capacity, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of changing a maximum cooling capacity according to a user input, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of receiving a user input for selecting a cooling capacity using a user device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of performing a cooling operation, based on a maximum cooling capacity corresponding to a time period, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of receiving a user input for selecting a cooling capacity according to a time period using a user device, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing a user interface for setting a cooling capacity, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of displaying a user interface for setting a cooling capacity in response to receiving a user input for selecting a power-saving mode, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of adjusting the degree of opening of an expansion valve according to a cooling capacity, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example structure of an air conditioner according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to embodiments described herein and may be embodied in different ways. In addition, in the drawings, portions irrelevant to the description may be omitted for clarity, and like components are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the disclosure.

Although terms used herein are from among general terms which are currently and broadly used while considering functions in the disclosure, these terms may vary according to intentions of those of ordinary skill in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, or the like. Therefore, the terms used herein should be defined based on the meaning thereof and descriptions made throughout the disclosure, rather than simply based on the names thereof.

In addition, although terms, such as “first”, “second”, and the like, may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one component from another component.

In addition, the terminology used herein is merely for the purpose of describing various example embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular terms used herein are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout the disclosure, it should be understood that, when one component is referred to as being “coupled to” or “connected to” another component, the one component may be directly coupled to or directly connected to the other component or may be coupled to or connected to the other component with an intervening component therebetween. In addition, it will be understood that, when a region such as an element, a component, a layer, or the like is referred to as “comprising” or “including” a component such as an element, a region, a layer, or the like, the region may further include another component in addition to the component rather than exclude the other component, unless otherwise stated.

Not all the phrases, such as “in an embodiment”, used in various places herein necessarily indicate the same embodiment.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an air conditioner configured to performing cooling according to a cooling capacity set by a user and a method of controlling the air conditioner.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner 1000, of setting a maximum cooling capacity, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1000 may receive an input (e.g., a user input) for selecting the maximum cooling capacity and may perform a cooling operation based on the selected cooling capacity.

The cooling capacity may indicate the degree of ability for the air conditioner 1000 to cool ambient air. The cooling capacity may be represented by power, and because 3.3 m² may be cooled by about 400 W in a reference environment, the cooling capacity may be converted into the area of a space that is able to be cooled. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cooling capacity may be referred to as a cooling ability.

The maximum cooling capacity may refer, for example, to a maximum range of the cooling capacity, which is to be output by the air conditioner 1000, the maximum range being set by a user.

Describing the air conditioner 1000 as outputting a cooling capacity may refer, for example, to the air conditioner 1000 cooling the area of a space corresponding to the cooling capacity by operating at a current and a compressor frequency, which correspond to the cooling capacity.

An actual maximum cooling capacity and a rated cooling capacity may be predetermined (e.g., specified) in correspondence with the air conditioner 1000 and may be stored in the air conditioner 1000. The rated cooling capacity may be a highest value of a cooling capacity that the air conditioner 1000 is able to output in the reference environment while satisfying predetermined energy consumption efficiency. In addition, the actual maximum cooling capacity may be a cooling capacity that the air conditioner 1000 is able to actually output at maximum in the reference environment even though the air conditioner 1000 has energy consumption efficiency that is lower than the predetermined energy consumption efficiency.

The air conditioner 1000 may perform a cooling operation with more than the rated cooling capacity. In this case, although the air conditioner 1000 may cool ambient air more quickly than when the air conditioner 1000 operates with the rated cooling capacity, the energy consumption efficiency thereof may be reduced.

In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may perform a cooling operation with less than the rated cooling capacity. In this case, although the air conditioner 1000 may have a cooling speed lower than that when the air conditioner 1000 operates with the rated cooling capacity, the energy consumption efficiency thereof may be increased.

A plurality of cooling capacities that may be selected by a user may be predetermined in the air conditioner 1000. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1000 may receive, from a remote controller 3000, a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities as the maximum cooling capacity. In this case, the remote controller 3000 may display a user interface 10 for setting a cooling capacity.

The user interface 10 may include a plurality of cooling capacities as select-options. The plurality of cooling capacities may include a rated cooling capacity (“Rated” in FIG. 1), a cooling capacity (“High Performance” in FIG. 1) greater than the rated cooling capacity, and a cooling capacity (“High Efficiency” in FIG. 1) less than the rated cooling capacity.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of cooling capacities displayed on the user interface 10 may be respectively represented by ratios to the rated cooling capacity. For example, and without limitation, the plurality of cooling capacities may be respectively represented by 110%, 100%, 90%, and the like.

In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may indicate, on the user interface 10, the rated cooling capacity, or the maximum cooling capacity currently set in the air conditioner 1000.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the air conditioner 1000 corresponds to an inverter air conditioner 1000 that outputs different cooling capacities according to time periods, the air conditioner 1000 may provide a user interface 10 for selecting a maximum cooling capacity corresponding to each of the time periods. For example, the user interface 10 may include a user interface for selecting a maximum cooling capacity for a period of reducing an indoor temperature to a desired temperature, and a user interface for selecting a maximum cooling capacity for a period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature.

The remote controller 3000 may receive a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities as the maximum cooling capacity. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the remote controller 3000 may receive a user input for selecting one of “High Performance”, “Rated”, and “High Efficiency” using direction buttons 3100 and a confirmation button.

The remote controller 3000 may transmit information regarding the selected cooling capacity to the air conditioner 1000, in response to receiving the user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities as the maximum cooling capacity.

In addition, for example, the air conditioner 1000 may display a user interface for setting the maximum cooling capacity on a display of the air conditioner 1000 and may receive, via the user interface, a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioner 1000 may receive information regarding the maximum cooling capacity selected by a user, from a user device via a server.

The air conditioner 1000 may determine whether to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on detecting that the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature is equal to or greater than a reference difference (for example, 2° C.).

The air conditioner 1000 may obtain a frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, based on a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain an air flow rate corresponding to the maximum cooling capacity.

The air conditioner 1000 may operate the compressor based on the frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may control a fan motor to cause a wind to be ejected at the air flow rate corresponding to the maximum cooling capacity.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may determine a target suction superheat of the air conditioner 1000, based on the frequency of the compressor, the maximum cooling capacity, and an outdoor temperature, and may adjust the degree of opening of the expansion valve, based on the determined target suction superheat.

The air conditioner 1000 may provide a function of selecting the maximum cooling capacity, thereby providing an effect of adjusting a cooling speed, the degree of coolness, and a power-saving ratio, even without adjusting the desired temperature, or together with adjusting the desired temperature.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner 1000 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner 1000 may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 1100, a memory 1400, and a compressor 1910.

The processor 1100 may include various processing circuitry and generally control all operations of the air conditioner 1000. The processor 1100 may control the compressor 1910 by executing programs stored in the memory 1400. The processor 1100, according to various embodiments, may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

The memory 1400 stores various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like required to operate the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1400 may include at least one of volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The memory 1400 may store a plurality of cooling capacities that may be selected by a user. The plurality of cooling capacities that may be selected by the user may respectively have values less than or equal to an actual maximum cooling capacity, which is a highest value capable of being output by the air conditioner 1000.

In addition, the memory 1400 may store a frequency of the compressor 1910 and an output of a fan motor in correspondence with each of the plurality of cooling capacities. Furthermore, because the energy consumption efficiency of the air conditioner 1000 may vary depending on usage environments of the air conditioner 1000, a frequency for outputting the same cooling capacity may be determined as a range of frequencies having a plurality of values rather than a frequency having one value. For example, the range of frequencies may be determined to allow a frequency corresponding to the same cooling capacity to increase along with an increasing outdoor temperature of the air conditioner 1000.

The frequency of the compressor 1910 and the output of the fan motor, which correspond to each of the plurality of cooling capacities, may be experimentally determined.

The processor 1100 may receive a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, as a maximum cooling capacity. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may include a display (not shown) and an input interface (not shown), and the processor 1100 may display a user interface representing the plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, via the display and may directly receive, via the input interface, the user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, as the maximum cooling capacity.

In addition, for example, the processor 1100 may receive the user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, as the maximum cooling capacity, from a remote controller via a short-range wireless communication module (not shown).

Furthermore, for example, the processor 1100 may receive, from, for example, a server, information regarding the maximum cooling capacity selected by the user.

The compressor 1910 may receive power from a power generation device, such as an electric motor, and may increase a pressure of a refrigerant, thereby compressing the refrigerant.

The processor 1100 may obtain the frequency of the compressor 1910, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the processor 1100 may control the compressor 1910 to operate at the obtained frequency of the compressor 1910. As a cooling capacity that is output increases, the frequency of the compressor 1910 may also increase.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of changing a maximum cooling capacity according to a user input, according to various embodiments.

In operation S310, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for selecting one of a plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, of the air conditioner 1000 as a maximum cooling capacity capable of being output by the air conditioner 1000.

For example, the air conditioner 1000 may display a user interface for setting the maximum cooling capacity on a display of the air conditioner 1000 and may receive, via an input interface, a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, for example, the air conditioner 1000 may receive, from a server, information regarding the maximum cooling capacity selected by a user. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioner 1000 may receive, from a remote controller, the information regarding the maximum cooling capacity selected by the user.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 1000, in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, may receive a user input for setting the maximum cooling capacity in correspondence with each indoor unit.

In operation S320, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain a frequency of a compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, in response to a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature set in the air conditioner 1000 and an indoor temperature.

The air conditioner 1000 may determine whether to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on the desired temperature that is set and the indoor temperature.

For example, when a user input for turning on the power is received, the air conditioner 1000 may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on detecting that the difference between the indoor temperature and a default desired temperature is equal to or greater than a reference difference (for example, 2° C.).

In addition, for example, when a user input for changing the desired temperature is received, the air conditioner 1000 may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on detecting that the difference between the changed desired temperature and the indoor temperature is equal to or greater than a reference difference (for example, 1° C.).

Furthermore, for example, the air conditioner 1000 may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, in response to determining that the indoor temperature is greater than the desired temperature.

The air conditioner 1000 may obtain the frequency of the compressor and an output of a fan motor, which correspond to the maximum cooling capacity, based on a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity.

The air conditioner 1000 may store information regarding the plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may store the frequency of the compressor and an air flow rate in correspondence with each of the plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable. For each of the plurality of cooling capacities, the frequency of the compressor, for outputting the cooling capacity, may be experimentally predetermined and may be stored in the air conditioner 1000.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the frequency of the compressor for the cooling capacity may include a range of frequencies having continuous values determined according to usage environments of the air conditioner 1000.

Furthermore, for each of the plurality of cooling capacities, the output of the fan motor, which corresponds to the cooling capacity, may be experimentally predetermined and may be stored. As the cooling capacity increases, the frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the cooling capacity, may increase, and the output of the fan motor, which corresponds to the cooling capacity, may also increase.

In operation S330, the air conditioner 1000 may control the compressor based on the obtained frequency.

The air conditioner 1000 may control the compressor to operate at the obtained frequency and may control the fan motor based on the obtained output of the fan motor, thereby ejecting a wind with an air flow rate corresponding to the selected cooling capacity.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of receiving a user input for selecting a cooling capacity using a user device 2000, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, the user device 2000 may provide a user interface 400 for selecting one of a plurality of cooling capacities. The air conditioner 1000 may receive, from the user device 2000, the cooling capacity selected by a user.

The user interface 400 may display a sentence (or phrase) 410 or an image indicating that a maximum cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 may be set.

The user interface 400 may include a user interface 420 for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities that may be selected by the user. The plurality of cooling capacities may include a rated cooling capacity 421. In addition, the plurality of cooling capacities may include a cooling capacity (e.g., 110% in FIG. 4) greater than the rated cooling capacity 421 and cooling capacities (e.g., 90%, 80%, and 70% in FIG. 4) less than the rated cooling capacity 421.

As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of cooling capacities may be represented by ratios to the rated cooling capacity 421. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may indicate a currently set cooling capacity 423 in distinction from other cooling capacities.

Furthermore, the user interface 400 may include phrases 440 and 450 or images describing effects exhibited when each cooling capacity is selected. For example, the user interface 400 may include the phrase 440 indicating that, as the cooling capacity increases, cooling performance and a cooling speed may each increase and a colder wind is ejected, and the phrase 450 indicating that, as the cooling capacity decreases, energy consumption efficiency and a power-saving ratio may each increase and a less cold wind is ejected.

The user device 2000 may transmit information regarding the selected cooling capacity to the air conditioner 1000. For example, based on receiving a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as 110% of the rated cooling capacity, the user device 2000 may transmit, to a server, a user account, the selected cooling capacity, and information indicating that the selected cooling capacity is the maximum cooling capacity.

The server may store identification information of the user device 2000 and identification information of the air conditioner 1000 of the user, in correspondence with the user account. The server may obtain the identification information of the air conditioner 1000 of the user in correspondence with the received user account and may transmit, to the air conditioner 1000, the selected cooling capacity and the information indicating that the selected cooling capacity is the maximum cooling capacity, based on the obtained identification information of the air conditioner 1000.

The air conditioner 1000 may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature and an indoor temperature. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain a frequency of a compressor and an air flow rate, which correspond to the maximum cooling capacity received from the server and may control the compressor and a fan motor, based on the frequency of the compressor and the air flow rate that are obtained.

For example, in the case of the air conditioner 1000 (for example, a constant-speed air conditioner 1000) always operating with the maximum cooling capacity when the indoor temperature is greater than the desired temperature, based on receiving a user input for changing the maximum cooling capacity to 110% of the rated cooling capacity during the operation of the air conditioner 1000 with the rated cooling capacity, the air conditioner 1000 may change the frequency of the compressor to a frequency corresponding to 110% of the rated cooling capacity and may control the fan motor according to an air flow rate corresponding to 110% of the rated cooling capacity. Therefore, the user may control the air conditioner 1000 to eject a colder wind and increase a cooling speed, even without changing the desired temperature.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of performing a cooling operation based on a maximum cooling capacity corresponding to a time period, according to various embodiments.

In operation S510, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for setting a maximum cooling capacity for one of a plurality of time periods.

For example, the plurality of time periods may include a first period of reducing an indoor temperature to a desired temperature in response to receiving a user input for setting the desired temperature, and a second period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature.

In addition, for example, the plurality of time periods may include a first period of reducing the indoor temperature to a default desired temperature when a user input for turning on the power is received, and a second period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the default desired temperature.

Furthermore, for example, the plurality of time periods may include a first period of reducing the indoor temperature to the desired temperature when it is detected that the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature is equal to or greater than a reference difference due to an increase in the indoor temperature, and a second period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature.

In operation S520, the air conditioner 1000 may determine whether to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity corresponding to a time period, based on the desired temperature set in the air conditioner 1000 and the indoor temperature.

For example, when the plurality of time periods include a first period of reducing the indoor temperature to the default desired temperature when a user input for turning on the power is received, and a second period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may determine whether the difference between the indoor temperature and the default desired temperature is equal to or greater than a reference difference corresponding to the first period, in response to receiving the user input for turning on the power.

The air conditioner 1000 may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity corresponding to the first period, based on determining that the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature is equal to or greater than the reference difference corresponding to the first period.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may determine to operate with the maximum cooling capacity corresponding to the second period.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may operate with a predetermined cooling capacity in correspondence with the second period and, while operating with the predetermined cooling capacity, may determine to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity corresponding to the second period, based on determining that the difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature is equal to or greater than the reference difference corresponding to the second period.

In operation S530, in response to a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain the frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity of a time period.

In operation S540, the air conditioner 1000 may control the compressor based on the obtained frequency.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of receiving a user input for selecting a cooling capacity according to a time period using the user device 2000, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the user device 2000 may provide a user interface 500 for selecting a cooling capacity according to a time period.

While an inverter air conditioner 1000 may perform cooling with a high cooling capacity in a first period of reducing an indoor temperature to a desired temperature when the desired temperature is set, the inverter air conditioner 1000 may continue cooling with a cooling capacity, which is lower than the cooling capacity of the first period, in a second period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor tempera reaches the desired temperature. For example, the cooling capacity corresponding to the first period may be a rated cooling capacity, and the cooling capacity corresponding to the second period may be 80% of the rated cooling capacity.

The user interface 500 for selecting a cooling capacity according to a time period may include a sentence (or phrase) 510 or an image, which indicates that a maximum cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 may be set according to a time period.

The user interface 500 for selecting a cooling capacity according to a time period may include a user interface 520 for setting the maximum cooling capacity corresponding to the first period, and a user interface 530 for setting the maximum cooling capacity corresponding to the second period.

The user device 2000 may receive a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity of the first period and the maximum cooling capacity of the second period and may transmit identification information of each time period and the maximum cooling capacity selected for each time period by a user, to the air conditioner 1000 via a server. For each time period, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain a frequency of a compressor and an air flow rate, which correspond to the selected maximum cooling capacity, and may perform a cooling operation based on the frequency of the compressor and the air flow rate, which are obtained.

For example, as a user input for selecting a maximum cooling capacity of 110% for the first period and selecting a maximum cooling capacity of 70% for the second period is received, the air conditioner 1000 may perform a cooling operation based on the frequency of the compressor and the air flow rate, which correspond to 110%, based on a determination to operate with the maximum cooling capacity in the first period of reducing the indoor temperature to the desired temperature. In addition, based on a determination to operate with the maximum cooling capacity in the second period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may perform a cooling operation based on the frequency of the compressor and the air flow rate, which correspond to 70%.

Therefore, the user may increase a cooling speed by increasing the cooling capacity in a period of reducing an indoor temperature to a desired temperature and may increase a power-saving ratio by reducing the cooling capacity in a period of maintaining the indoor temperature. In addition, when the user feels that it is not cool in the period of maintaining the indoor temperature, the user may control the air conditioner 1000 to eject a colder wind by increasing the cooling capacity even without changing the desired temperature.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of providing a user interface for setting a cooling capacity, according to various embodiments.

In operation S610, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for setting a desired temperature.

While the air conditioner 1000 is performing a cooling operation, the air conditioner 1000 may receive, via an input interface, the user input for setting the desired temperature.

In operation S620, when the user input for setting the desired temperature is received, the air conditioner 1000 may display a user interface including a plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable.

When the user input for setting the desired temperature is received, the air conditioner 1000 may display, via a display, the user interface including the plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable.

In this case, the air conditioner 1000 may display an image indicating a rated cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling capacities, in correspondence with the rated cooling capacity. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may display an image indicating a currently set maximum cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling capacities, in correspondence with the currently set maximum cooling capacity.

When a user feels that a cooling speed is low, or when the user feels that a perceived cooling temperature is higher than an indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature, the user may change the desired temperature in many cases. By providing a user interface for selecting the maximum cooling capacity when the user input for setting the desired temperature is received, the user may change the desired temperature and the cooling capacity together or may change only the cooling capacity without changing the desired temperature.

In operation S630, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities as the maximum cooling capacity.

In operation S640, the air conditioner 1000 may perform a cooling operation based on the selected maximum cooling capacity. Operations S630 and S640 may be described with reference to operations S310 and S330 of FIG. 3.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when a button for setting the desired temperature, of a remote controller, is pushed, the remote controller may display a user interface for selecting the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the remote controller may transmit information regarding the selected maximum cooling capacity to the air conditioner 1000, based on receiving a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when a user input for changing the desired temperature is received, a user device may display a user interface for selecting the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the user device may transmit information regarding the selected maximum cooling capacity to the air conditioner 1000, based on receiving the user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner 1000, of displaying a user interface for setting a cooling capacity in response to receiving a user input for selecting a power-saving mode, according to various embodiments.

In operation S710, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for selecting a power-saving mode.

While the air conditioner 1000 is performing a cooling operation, the air conditioner 1000 may receive, via an input interface, the user input for selecting the power-saving mode. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may receive the user input for selecting the power-saving mode, in a period of maintaining an indoor temperature at a desired temperature.

In operation S720, when the user input for selecting the power-saving mode of the air conditioner 1000 is received, the air conditioner 1000 may display a user interface including a plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable.

When the user input for selecting the power-saving mode is received, the air conditioner 1000 may display, via a display, the user interface including the plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable. In this case, the plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable may include only cooling capacities that are less than a rated cooling capacity.

The air conditioner 1000 may display, on the user interface, an image indicating the rated cooling capacity and an image indicating a currently set cooling capacity.

When the user input for selecting the power-saving mode is received, the air conditioner 1000 may display the user interface including the plurality of cooling capacities that are selectable, and thus, a user may select the degree of power-saving when selecting the power-saving mode.

In operation S730, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities as a maximum cooling capacity.

In operation S740, the air conditioner 1000 may perform a cooling operation based on the selected cooling capacity. Operations S730 and S740 may be described with reference to operations S310 to S330 of FIG. 3.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the user input for selecting the power-saving mode of the air conditioner 1000 is received, a remote controller may display a user interface for selecting the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the remote controller may transmit information regarding the selected maximum cooling capacity to the air conditioner 1000, based on receiving a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the user input for selecting the power-saving mode of the air conditioner 1000 is received, a user interface may display a user interface for selecting the maximum cooling capacity. In addition, the user interface may transmit information regarding the selected maximum cooling capacity to the air conditioner 1000, based on receiving a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of adjusting the degree of opening of an expansion valve according to a cooling capacity, according to various embodiments. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example structure of the air conditioner 1000 according to various embodiments.

In operation S810, the air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for selecting one of a plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, of the air conditioner 1000 as a maximum cooling capacity capable of being output by the air conditioner 1000.

Operation S810 may be described with reference to operation S310 of FIG. 3 and operation S510 of FIG. 5A.

In operation S815, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain a frequency of a compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, in response to a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature set in the air conditioner 1000 and an indoor temperature.

Operation S815 may be described with reference to operation S320 of FIG. 3 and operations S520 and S530 of FIG. 5A.

In operation S820, the air conditioner 1000 may determine a target suction superheat of the air conditioner 1000, based on the maximum cooling capacity, the frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, and an outdoor temperature.

The superheat may refer to a degree of causing liquids not yet vaporized not to be introduced into the compressor.

The air conditioner 1000 may include a target suction superheat calculation module for determining the target suction superheat of the air conditioner 1000, based on the maximum cooling capacity, the frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, and the outdoor temperature.

For example, the target suction superheat may be determined by Equation (1) represented by Target suction superheat=C1*f1 (where f1 is the frequency of the compressor, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity)+C2*f2 (where f2 is the outdoor temperature)+f3 (the maximum cooling capacity)+C3. In Equation (1), the respective coefficients (e.g., C1, C2, and C3) may be experimentally determined.

In addition, the coefficients in Equation (1) may be determined based on an artificial intelligence model.

In operation S830, the air conditioner 1000 may determine whether the target suction superheat is less than a current superheat.

Referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioner 1000 may include an indoor unit 1800 and an outdoor unit 1900. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may include a plurality of indoor units 1800.

The outdoor unit 1900 of the air conditioner 1000 may include a 4-way valve 1950, a compressor 1910, an outdoor heat exchanger 1920, a plate-type heat exchanger 1970, main electric expansion valves (EEVs) (e.g., 1931 and 1932), an economizer vapor injection (EVI) EEV 1933, an accumulator 1960, service valves 1991 and 1993, and a receiver 1995.

In addition, the outdoor unit 1900 may include a compressor-suction-side low-pressure sensor 1943 and a compressor-ejection-side high-pressure sensor 1941. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 1900 may include a compressor-suction-side temperature sensor 1944 and a compressor-ejection-side temperature sensor 1942.

The EEV may refer, for example, to an electronic-type expansion valve and is a device for adjusting a flow rate of a refrigerant.

In addition, the main EEVs (e.g., 1931 and 1932) may include a main EEV1 1931 for adjusting the degree of opening to allow the refrigerant to expand in a heating mode and a main EEV2 1932 for adjusting the degree of opening to allow the refrigerant to expand in a cooling mode.

In addition, the indoor unit 1800 of the air conditioner 1000 may include an indoor heat exchanger 1820 and a fan motor 1810.

In the cooling mode in which the outdoor heat exchanger 1920 operates as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 1820 operates as an evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat in the indoor heat exchanger 1820, passes through the 4-way valve 1950 while being in a gas state with room temperature and low pressure, and then, flows to the accumulator 1960.

The accumulator 1960 may adjust the refrigerant in such a manner that only the gas-state refrigerant, out of the refrigerant introduced from the indoor heat exchanger 1820, is sucked by the compressor 1910 and the liquid-state refrigerant stays in the accumulator 1960.

The refrigerant, which has passed through the accumulator 1960 and is in a gas state with room temperature and low pressure, is sucked into the compressor 1910. The refrigerant sucked into the compressor 1910 is changed into a gas state with high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 1910 and then flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 1920 through the 4-way valve 1950.

The refrigerant in a gas state with high temperature and high pressure emits heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 1920 and changes into a liquid state with room temperature and high pressure.

The refrigerant in a liquid state with room temperature and high pressure flows to the indoor heat exchanger 1820 while being in a liquid state with low temperature and low pressure through the main EEV2 1932 and absorbs heat in the indoor heat exchanger 1820 to change again into a gas state with room temperature and low pressure.

An optimum amount of the refrigerant in the heating mode needs to be less than that in the cooling mode, and the receiver 1995 is a device capable of storing the remaining amount of the refrigerant in the heating mode. The service valves 1991 and 1993 may connect the indoor unit 1800 and the outdoor unit 1900 to each other.

The air conditioner 1000 may calculate, as a current superheat, the difference, T2−T1, between a suction temperature T2 of the refrigerant and a saturation temperature T1 of the refrigerant at low pressure. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioner 1000 may detect the suction temperature T2 of the refrigerant via the compressor-suction-side temperature sensor 1944, may detect a pressure PL via the compressor-suction-side low-pressure sensor 1943, and may calculate, as the current superheat, the difference, T2-T1, between the suction temperature T2 of the refrigerant and the saturation temperature T1 of the refrigerant at the detected pressure PL.

In response to determining that the current superheat is greater than the target suction superheat in operation S830, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the degree of opening of a main EEV in operation S840.

When the current superheat is greater than the target suction superheat, the air conditioner 1000 determines that the refrigerant is overheated, and the air conditioner 1000 may increase the flow rate of the refrigerant by increasing the degree of opening of the main EEV2 1932, thereby causing the current superheat to be consistent with the target suction superheat.

In response to determining that the current superheat is less than the target suction superheat in operation S830, the air conditioner 1000 may decrease the degree of opening of a main EEV in operation S860.

When the current superheat is less than the target suction superheat, to ensure that the total amount of the refrigerant is converted into a gas state in the indoor heat exchanger 1820, the air conditioner 1000 may decrease the flow rate of the refrigerant by decreasing the degree of opening of the main EEV2 1932.

When the current superheat is equal to the target suction superheat, the degree of opening of the main EEV2 1932 may be maintained without change.

In operation S850, the air conditioner 1000 may adjust the degree of opening of an EVI EEV according to the adjustment of the degree of opening of the main EEV.

For example, as the degree of opening of the main EEV2 1932 of FIG. 9 decreases, because a portion of the refrigerant output from the outdoor heat exchanger 1920 needs to flow to the EVI EEV 1933, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the degree of opening of the EVI EEV 1933.

In addition, as the degree of opening of the main EEV2 1932 increases, because the portion of the refrigerant, which could flow to the EVI EEV 1933, needs to flow to the main EEV2 1932, the air conditioner 1000 may decrease the degree of opening of the EVI EEV 1933.

In operation S870, the air conditioner 1000 may determine whether the cooling capacity, the outdoor temperature, or the frequency of the compressor has changed.

Based on determining that the cooling capacity, the outdoor temperature, or the frequency of the compressor has changed, the air conditioner 1000 may return to operation S820 to determine the target suction superheat again.

The air conditioner 1000 may adjust the respective degrees of opening of the main EEV2 1932 and the EVI EEV 1933, based on the target suction superheat determined again.

Based on determining that the cooling capacity, the outdoor temperature, and the frequency of the compressor have not changed, the air conditioner 1000 may return to operation S830 to compare the current superheat with the target suction superheat and may adjust the respective degrees of opening of the main EEV2 1932 and the EVI EEV 1933, based on a result of the comparison.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the air conditioner 1000 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, the air conditioner 1000 may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 1100, an output module (e.g., including output circuitry) 1300, a memory 1400, a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 1500, a sensor 1600, an input interface (e.g., including input circuitry) 1700, an indoor module (e.g., including indoor air conditioning components) 1805, and an outdoor module (e.g., including outdoor air conditioning components) 1905. The same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are respectively denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, the same components as those shown in FIG. 9 are respectively denoted by the same reference numerals.

Not all the illustrated components are necessary components for the air conditioner 1000. The air conditioner 1000 may be implemented by more components than the components shown in FIG. 10 or may be implemented by less components than the components shown in FIG. 10.

The processor 1100 may include various processing circuitry and control all operations of the air conditioner 1000. The processor 1100 may control the output module 1300, the communication module 1500, the sensor 1600, the input interface 1700, the indoor module 1805, and the outdoor module 1905 by, for example, executing at least one instruction or programs stored in the memory 1400.

The processor 1100 may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) for performing operations of a machine learning model. In addition, the processor 1100 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor 1100, according to various embodiments, may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

The memory 1400 stores various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like required to operate the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1400 may include at least one of volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 1400 may include at least one of a flash memory type storage medium, a hard disk type storage medium, a multimedia card micro type storage medium, a card type memory (for example, an SD or XD memory or the like), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may operate a web storage or a cloud server, which performs a storage function on the Internet.

At least one processor 1100 and at least one memory 1400 may be included in one control unit. For example, the at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one micro-controller unit (MCU).

The communication module 1500 may include various communication circuitry and transmit information to and receive information from an external device or an external server according to a protocol, based on control by the processor 1100. The communication module 1500 may include at least one communication module and at least one port, for transmitting data to and receiving data from the external device (not shown).

In addition, the communication module 1500 may communicate with the external device via at least one wired or wireless communication network. The communication module 1500 may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module, or a combination thereof. The communication module 1500 may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with other devices.

The short-range communication module may include at least one communication module (not shown) for performing communication according to communication standards, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), NFC/RFID, Wifi Direct, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), infrared communication, or ZIGBEE. In addition, the long-range communication module may include a communication module (not shown) for performing communication via a network for Internet communication. Furthermore, the long-range communication module may include a mobile communication module for performing communication according to communication standards, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and/or 6G.

The output module 1300 may include various output circuitry including, for example, and without limitation, a display 1310 and a sound output module 1320.

The display 1310 may output image data, which has undergone image processing by an image processing unit (not shown), via a display panel (not shown), according to control by the processor 1100. The display panel (not shown) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, or an electrophoretic display.

The sound output module 1320 may output a sound signal to the outside of the air conditioner 1000. The sound output module 1320 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia reproduction or record reproduction.

The input interface 1700 may include various input circuitry and receive a user input for controlling the air conditioner 1000. The input interface 1700 receives a user input and transfers the user input to the processor 1100.

The input interface 1700 may include, but is not limited to, a user input electronic device including a touch panel for sensing touch by a user, a button for receiving a push operation of a user, a wheel for receiving a rotation operation of a user, a keyboard, a dome switch, and the like.

In addition, the input interface 1700 may include a speech recognition device for speech recognition. For example, the speech recognition device may include a microphone 1710 and may receive a speech command or a speech request of a user. Accordingly, the processor 1100 may control an operation corresponding to the speech command or the speech request to be performed.

In addition, the processor 1100 may include a remote control receiver 1720 capable of receiving a control command from a remote controller (not shown) located at a short range. The remote control receiver 1720 may include an infrared (IR) communication module or the like.

The indoor module 1805 may include various indoor air conditioner components including, for example, and without limitation, a fan motor 1810 and an indoor heat exchanger 1820. In addition, the outdoor module 1905 may include a compressor 1910, an outdoor heat exchanger 1920, and an expansion valve 1930.

The compressor 1910 may compress a refrigerant.

When the air conditioner 1000 operates in a cooling mode, the refrigerant compressed to high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 1910 may circulate in a cooling cycle in the air conditioner 1000 and may cool air around the indoor heat exchanger 1820 by absorbing heat through the indoor heat exchanger 1820. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger 1820 may be referred to as an evaporator. In addition, the refrigerant having absorbed heat may emit heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 1920. In this case, the outdoor heat exchanger 1920 may be referred to as a condenser.

The expansion valve 1930 may adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant. The expansion valve 1930 may include a main EEV1 1931, a main EEV2 1932, and an EVI EEV 1933, which are illustrated in and described in detail with reference to FIG. 9.

In addition, the fan motor 1810 may eject air, which is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 1820, to the outside of the air conditioner 1000 by rotating a blower fan (not shown). The rotation speed (e.g., revolutions per minute) of the fan motor 1810 may be adjusted according to control by the processor 1100.

In addition, the indoor module 1805 may include a blade (not shown). The air conditioner 1000 may change an ejection direction of a wind to an up-and-down direction or a left-and-right direction by moving the blade.

The sensor 1600 may include various sensors.

The sensor 1600 may include a temperature sensor 1610, a pressure sensor 1620, and a humidity sensor 1630.

The air conditioner 1000 may include a plurality of temperature sensors 1610 and a plurality of pressure sensors 1620.

For example, the plurality of temperature sensors 1610 may include, but are not limited to, a temperature sensor arranged on a panel of the air conditioner 1000 to detect an indoor temperature, a temperature sensor arranged in an outdoor unit to detect an outdoor temperature, a compressor-suction-side temperature sensor (1944 of FIG. 9), and a compressor-ejection-side temperature sensor (1942 of FIG. 9).

In addition, for example, the plurality of pressure sensors 1620 may include a compressor-suction-side low-pressure sensor (1943 of FIG. 9) and a compressor-ejection-side high-pressure sensor (1941 of FIG. 9).

The humidity sensor 1630 may detect the humidity of indoor air.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive a user input for selecting one of a plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, of the air conditioner 1000 as a maximum cooling capacity capable of being output by the air conditioner 1000.

For example, the at least one processor 1100 may receive a user input for selecting the maximum cooling capacity, via a touch panel of the input interface 1700, the microphone 1710, or the remote control receiver 1720. In addition, for example, the at least one processor 1100 may receive information regarding the maximum cooling capacity selected by a user, from a server via the communication module 1500.

The at least one processor 1100 may detect the indoor temperature via the temperature sensor 1610.

The at least one processor 1100 may obtain a frequency of the compressor 1910, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, in response to a determination to output the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1000 as the maximum cooling capacity, based on a desired temperature set in the air conditioner 1000 and the indoor temperature.

The at least one processor 1100 may control the compressor 1910 to operate at the obtained frequency.

The at least one processor 1100 may determine a target suction superheat of the air conditioner 1000, based on the obtained frequency, the selected maximum cooling capacity, and the outdoor temperature.

The at least one processor 1100 may adjust the degree of opening of the expansion valve 1930, based on the determined target suction superheat.

The at least one processor 1100 may obtain a rotation speed of the fan motor 1810, which corresponds to the maximum cooling capacity, and may control the fan motor 1810 to operate at the obtained rotation speed.

The at least one processor 1100 may represent, via the display 1310, the plurality of cooling capacities by ratios to a rated cooling capacity.

The at least one processor 1100 may display, via the display 1310, an image indicating the rated cooling capacity of the plurality of cooling capacities, in correspondence with the rated cooling capacity.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive, via the input interface 1700, a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, as a maximum cooling capacity for a period of reducing the indoor temperature to the desired temperature.

In addition, the at least one processor 1100 may receive information regarding the maximum cooling capacity that is set by the user and corresponds to the period of reducing the indoor temperature to the desired temperature, from the server via the communication module 1500.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive, via the input interface 1700, a user input for selecting one of the plurality of cooling capacities, which are selectable, as a maximum cooling capacity for a period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature.

In addition, the at least one processor 1100 may receive information regarding the maximum cooling capacity for the period of maintaining the indoor temperature after the indoor temperature reaches the desired temperature, from the server via the communication module 1500.

When a user input for adjusting the desired temperature of the air conditioner 1000 is received, the at least one processor 1100 may display, via the display 1310, a user interface including the plurality of cooling capacities.

When a user input for selecting a power-saving mode of the air conditioner 1000 is received, the at least one processor 1100 may display, via the display 1310, a user interface including the plurality of cooling capacities.

A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the “non-transitory storage medium” is tangible and may not include signals (for example, electromagnetic waves), whether data is semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium or not. For example, the “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided while included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as merchandise between a seller and a purchaser. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (for example, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be distributed (for example, downloaded or uploaded) online, through an application store or directly between two user devices (for example, smartphones). For online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (for example, a downloadable app) may be at least temporarily stored or be temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a memory of a server of an application store, or a memory of a relay server.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.