AIR CONDITIONER FOR PREVENTING/REDUCING DEW CONDENSATION AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/095964 designating the United States, filed on Aug. 1, 2024, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0112281, filed on Aug. 25, 2023, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner for preventing/reducing condensation on a ceiling where an air conditioner is installed, a control method of the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having stored therein a computer program for performing the control method of the air conditioner.

Description of Related Art

An air conditioner is capable of regulating the air quality, such as the temperature, humidity, and dust concentration, of an indoor space where a user resides.

The air conditioner may control a compressor therein to compress a refrigerant at a high temperature and high pressure. The refrigerant compressed at the high temperature and high pressure circulates through a refrigeration cycle within the air conditioner and absorbs heat via a heat exchanger located in an indoor unit, thereby cooling the air around the heat exchanger.

With the recent application of inverter technology in air conditioners, energy efficiency has improved, so even when an air conditioner is used continuously for a week or a month without stopping, its energy consumption does not increase significantly.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner mounted on a ceiling may be provided. The air conditioner may include: a heat exchanger temperature sensor, a compressor, at least one memory storing one or more instructions, and at least one processor comprising processing circuitry, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to execute the one or more instructions stored in the memory to cause the air conditioner to: calculate a dew point of a ceiling interior space where an indoor unit of the air conditioner is provided; obtain a surface temperature of the indoor unit based on a sensor value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor during operation of the air conditioner; and based on the obtained surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing a driving frequency of the compressor.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner may be provided. The method may include: calculating a dew point of a ceiling interior space where an indoor unit of the air conditioner is provided; obtaining a surface temperature of the indoor unit based on a sensor value of a heat exchanger temperature sensor during operation of the air conditioner; and based on the obtained surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, increasing the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing a driving frequency of a compressor.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing, on a computer, 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 preventing/reducing condensation on a ceiling, 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 preventing/reducing condensation on a ceiling, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 includes graphs illustrating temperature and humidity conditions of a ceiling interior space and an indoor space over time as a cooling operation of an air conditioner continues, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of calculating a dew point of a ceiling interior space, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 includes graphs illustrating an example method of controlling a compressor based on a surface temperature of an indoor unit while an air conditioner continues a cooling operation, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of increasing a surface temperature of an indoor unit, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 includes graphs illustrating an example method of controlling a compressor and refrigerant circulation based on a surface temperature of an indoor unit while an air conditioner continues a cooling operation, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 includes graphs illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner including a plurality of indoor units, of increasing a surface temperature of one indoor unit, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating an insulating material of an air conditioner, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of calculating a surface temperature of an insulating material from the internal temperature of an indoor unit, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of preventing/reducing condensation not only in a ceiling interior space but also in an indoor space, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner or a user device, of providing a user interface for setting a condensation prevention/reduction mode, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner, of outputting a notification regarding condensation prevention/reduction, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the present 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.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the various example embodiments set forth herein. Furthermore, parts not related to descriptions of the present disclosure may be omitted to clearly explain the present disclosure in the drawings, and like reference numerals denote like elements throughout.

As the terms used herein, general terms that are currently widely used are selected by taking into account functions in the present disclosure, but the terms may refer to various other terms according to an intention of skilled persons in the art, precedent cases, advent of new technologies, etc. Thus, the terms used herein should be defined not by simple appellations thereof but based on the meaning of the terms together with the overall description of the present disclosure.

Although the terms such as “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component.

The terms used herein are simply used to describe particular embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions used herein are intended to include plural expressions as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When a part is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another part, this includes not only cases where the part is directly connected to the other part, but also cases where the part is electrically coupled to the other part with one or more intervening elements therebetween. When a part “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless there is a particular description contrary thereto, it is understood that the part may further include other elements, not excluding the other elements.

Expressions such as “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” described in various parts of the disclosure do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s).

Embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide an air conditioner that operates to prevent and/or reduce condensation on a ceiling in which an indoor unit is located, and a control method of the air conditioner.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by an air conditioner 1000, of preventing/reducing condensation on a ceiling, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1000 may prevent and/or reduce condensation from occurring on a ceiling 2 where the air conditioner 1000 is installed by controlling a surface temperature of an indoor unit 1001.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may include the indoor unit 1001 that discharges conditioned air into an indoor space, and an outdoor unit (not shown) including a compressor. The indoor unit 1001 of the air conditioner 1000 may be provided in a ceiling interior space 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner 1000 may be installed separately from the indoor unit 1001 so as to face the exterior of a building.

A surface of the indoor unit 1001 may refer to panels surrounding the indoor unit 1001. Furthermore, when an insulating material is attached to the panel of the indoor unit 1001, the surface of the indoor unit 1001 may refer to an outer surface of the insulating material. A panel 1002 facing the indoor space, among the panels surrounding the indoor unit 1001, may include an outlet for discharging conditioned air.

When the air conditioner 1000 continuously performs a cooling operation for an extended period of time, cold air stagnates inside the air conditioner 1000 for a long time, thereby lowering the surface temperature of the indoor unit due to heat conduction. In the indoor space where cool air is discharged by the air conditioner 1000, humidity also decreases as the cooling operation continues, but in the ceiling interior space 20 where the indoor unit is installed, both the temperature and humidity remain almost unchanged. Accordingly, when the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches a dew point of the ceiling interior space due to the prolonged cooling operation, condensation may occur on the surface of the indoor unit. When condensation occurs on the surface of the indoor unit and is left unattended, mold may develop on a portion 10 of the ceiling around the indoor unit.

The ceiling interior space 20 may refer to a space between a concrete wall 1 and the ceiling 2 within the building.

The air conditioner 1000 may obtain the dew point of the ceiling interior space 20 in which the indoor unit is provided.

An indoor temperature and an indoor humidity of the ceiling interior space 20 may be substantially the same as an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity at a time when the air conditioner 1000 starts operating. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may detect, via a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity when the air conditioner 1000 starts operating, and calculate, based on the detected indoor temperature and indoor humidity, the dew point of the ceiling interior space 20 where the indoor unit is provided.

The air conditioner 1000 may obtain the surface temperature of the indoor unit during operation of the air conditioner 1000. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain the surface temperature of the indoor unit based on a sensor value of a heat exchanger temperature sensor.

Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit 1001 approaching the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit to prevent and/or reduce condensation. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing a driving frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner 1000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by increasing a rotation speed of a blower fan while reducing the driving frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner 1000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by temporarily suspending the inflow of refrigerant into the indoor unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the surface temperature of the indoor unit remains lower than or equal to the dew point even after a compressor control reference time lapses following a reduction in the driving frequency of the compressor, the air conditioner 1000 may temporarily suspend the operation of the compressor and the circulation of the refrigerant.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even when the surface temperature of the indoor unit approaches the dew point of the ceiling interior space 20, the air conditioner 1000 may not perform compressor control for preventing/reducing condensation when a predetermined (e.g., specified) time has not elapsed since the start of operation of the air conditioner 1000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even in a case that the surface temperature of the indoor unit approaches the dew point of the ceiling interior space 20, the air conditioner 1000 may not perform compressor control for preventing/reducing condensation when a difference between a desired temperature set by a user and an indoor temperature is greater than or equal to a reference difference.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner 1000 includes an insulating material on outside of the panel, a surface temperature of the insulating material may be obtained as the surface temperature of the indoor unit. For example, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate the surface temperature of the insulating material as the surface temperature of the indoor unit, based on a sensor value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor, a thickness of the insulating material, and a thermal conductivity of the insulating material.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may provide a user interface capable of turning on or off a condensation prevention/reduction mode. The air conditioner 1000 may control the surface temperature of the indoor unit by controlling the compressor and blower of the air conditioner 1000 only when the condensation prevention/reduction mode is turned on.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification indicating that there is a risk of ceiling condensation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit approaching the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification indicating that a cooling temperature is temporarily increased to prevent and/or reduce ceiling condensation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit approaching the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification indicating that cooling is temporarily suspended to prevent and/or reduce ceiling condensation.

With the increase in energy consumption efficiency of the air conditioner 1000, the air conditioner 1000 is increasingly being operated for long periods of time, such as a week or a month. Accordingly, as cold air stagnates inside the indoor unit, condensation is increasingly occurring on a main body and a panel of the indoor unit and on a portion of the ceiling around the indoor unit, of which the temperatures are lowered due to heat conduction.

In newly constructed buildings, humidity inside ceilings may be high due to the presence of uncured cement structures. In such environments, when an indoor unit mounted on a ceiling performs a cooling operation for a long period of time, condensation is likely to occur on a panel of the indoor unit and the ceiling.

By adding an insulating material, such as polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), or styrofoam to the panel of the indoor unit, it is possible to prevent and/or reduce condensation from forming on a portion of the ceiling around the outlet of the indoor unit or mold from developing due to the condensation. However, due to the structural characteristics of the indoor unit and the ceiling, it is difficult to design the insulating material with a thickness greater than or equal to a critical thickness.

By controlling the driving frequency of the compressor and thus increasing the temperature of the indoor unit itself when there is a risk of ceiling condensation, the air conditioner 1000 may prevent and/or reduce condensation from occurring on the main body and panel of the indoor unit, and on the ceiling, without requiring device structural approaches such as using a thick insulating material or changing a flow path structure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the 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, memory 1400, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630, and a compressor 1200.

The air conditioner 1000 may be a ceiling-mounted air conditioner 1000 installed in the ceiling.

The processor 1100 may include various processing circuitry and control operations of the air conditioner 1000. The processor 1100 may control the heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630 and the compressor 1200 by executing at least one instruction or program stored in the memory 1400.

The memory 1400 may store instructions, information, or programs for performing processing or control by the processor 1100.

The heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630 may be provided in a heat exchanger (not shown) within the indoor unit and detect a temperature of the heat exchanger.

The compressor 1200 may compress a refrigerant. A refrigerant compressed to a high temperature and a high pressure by the compressor 1200 may circulate through a refrigeration cycle in the air conditioner 1000 and absorb heat via the heat exchanger located in the indoor unit, thereby cooling the air around the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger located in the indoor unit may be referred to as an evaporator. The cooled air is discharged as wind by the blower fan. In this case, as a driving frequency of the compressor 1200 increases, the air surrounding the heat exchanger is cooled more intensively, and thus, a temperature of the discharged wind also decreases.

The blower fan may discharge the cooled air around the heat exchanger through the outlet. When the blower fan rotates, the cooled air is discharged in the form of wind, and as a rotation speed of the blower fan increases, an air volume or speed of the wind also increases.

When rotations per minute (RPM) of the blower fan speed is insufficient and thus the air cooled by the heat exchanger is not sufficiently discharged through the outlet, the temperature of the indoor unit may remain low.

Even when the RPM of the blower fan is sufficiently high, the temperature of the indoor unit temperature may remain low when a cooling operation continues for an extended period of time.

Even in the case of the air conditioner 1000 (e.g., a wind-free conditioner) that discharges a gentle wind by dispersing the conditioned air through micro-holes within the panel, or in the case of a radiant cooling air conditioner, the temperature of the indoor unit may be maintained at a low level.

When the temperature of the indoor unit drops but the dew point does not decrease accordingly, condensation may occur, which may promote mold growth.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of preventing/reducing condensation on a ceiling, according to various embodiments.

In operation S310, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a dew point of a ceiling interior space where the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1000 is provided.

The air conditioner 1000 may calculate the dew point of the ceiling interior space based on an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity detected at the start of operation of the air conditioner 1000.

In operation S320, the air conditioner 1000 may obtain a surface temperature of the indoor unit based on a sensor value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor during operation of the air conditioner 1000.

When an insulating material is attached to a panel of the indoor unit, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a surface temperature of the insulating material as the surface temperature of the indoor unit, based on the sensor value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor and a thermal conductivity of the insulating material.

In operation S330, based on the obtained surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing a driving frequency of the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even when the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may not reduce the driving frequency of the compressor unless a minimum cooling operation time has elapsed since the start of operation of the air conditioner 1000. The air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor based on the minimum cooling operation time having elapsed since the start of operation of the air conditioner 1000 and the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner 1000 while increasing the rotation speed of the blower fan.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point even after a compressor control reference time has elapsed since the time when the driving frequency of the compressor starts to be reduced, the air conditioner 1000 may temporarily suspend the driving of the compressor and the inflow of a refrigerant into the indoor unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on a surface temperature of one of a plurality of indoor units being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the inflow of refrigerant into the indoor unit may be temporarily suspended without reducing the driving frequency of the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even when the surface temperature of the indoor unit is lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the driving frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner 1000 may be reduced only when a condensation prevention/reduction mode is set.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, a notification indicating that a cooling temperature is to be temporarily increased to prevent and/or reduce ceiling condensation may be output, and the driving frequency of the compressor may then be reduced.

FIG. 4 includes graphs illustrating example temperature and humidity conditions of a ceiling interior space and an indoor space over time as a cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that before and after the operation of the air conditioner 1000, a temperature and a relative humidity of the indoor space decrease, while a temperature and a relative humidity of the ceiling interior space, which is confined by the ceiling, remain almost constant.

Referring to a dry-bulb temperature graph 410 of FIG. 4, as the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues, an indoor dry-bulb temperature 415 reaches 20° C., which is a desired temperature set by the user, and then maintains the desired temperature.

On the other hand, even when the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues for one hour or more, a dry-bulb temperature 413 of the ceiling interior space remains almost the same as an initial temperature (e.g., 24.6° C. of FIG. 4) when the air conditioner 1000 starts operating.

As shown in the dry-bulb temperature graph 410 of FIG. 4, when the air conditioner 1000 starts operating, the temperature of the indoor space may be similar to the temperature of the ceiling interior space.

Therefore, the air conditioner 1000 may determine the temperature of the indoor space (or indoor temperature) at the start of the operation thereof as a temperature of the ceiling interior space during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000.

Referring to a relative humidity graph 420 and an absolute humidity graph 440 of FIG. 4, as the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues, a relative humidity 425 and an absolute humidity 445 of the indoor space respectively decrease significantly compared to a relative humidity (e.g., 72.7% in FIG. 4) and an absolute humidity (e.g., 16.39 grams per cubic meter (g/m³) in FIG. 4) thereof at the start of the operation of the air conditioner 1000, whereas a relative humidity 423 and an absolute humidity 443 of the ceiling interior space remain substantially constant over time.

As illustrated in the relative humidity graph 420 and the absolute humidity graph 440 of FIG. 4, the relative humidity (or absolute humidity) of the indoor space at the start of the operation of the air conditioner 1000 may also be similar to the relative humidity (or absolute humidity) of the ceiling interior space.

Therefore, the air conditioner 1000 may determine the humidity of the indoor space (or indoor humidity) at the start of operation thereof as a humidity of the ceiling interior space during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000.

Referring to a dew point graph 430 of FIG. 4, it can be seen that as the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues, the indoor temperature decreases, causing an indoor dew point 435 to decrease as well. On the other hand, it can be seen that even when the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues, a dew point of the ceiling interior space remains substantially constant. At the start of the operation of the air conditioner 1000, a dew point of the indoor space may be similar to a dew point of the ceiling interior space.

Therefore, the air conditioner 1000 may determine the dew point of the indoor space at the start of the operation thereof as a dew point of the ceiling interior space during a cooling operation.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of calculating a dew point of a ceiling interior space, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a dew point of the ceiling interior space 20 based on a temperature and a humidity of an indoor space 30 at the start of operation thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature and humidity of the indoor space 30 at the start of the operation of the air conditioner 1000 may be almost the same as the temperature and humidity of the ceiling interior space 20. Accordingly, at the start of operation, the air conditioner 1000 may detect the temperature and humidity of the indoor space 30 respectively via a temperature sensor 1610 and a humidity sensor 1620, and calculate a dew point of the ceiling interior space 20 based on the detected temperature and humidity of the indoor space 30.

The temperature sensor 1610 and the humidity sensor 1620 may be provided on the panel 1002, which includes the outlet, from among the panels surrounding the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1000. Accordingly, a temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 1610 may be a temperature of the indoor space 30, and a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 1620 may be a humidity of the indoor space 30.

Based on a surface temperature of the indoor unit reaching the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may perform a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation.

FIG. 6 includes graphs illustrating an example method of controlling a compressor based on a surface temperature of an indoor unit while the air conditioner 1000 continues a cooling operation, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, based on a surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to a dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing a driving frequency of the compressor.

As illustrated in a first graph 610 of FIG. 6, a desired temperature set by the user may be 20° C. and an indoor temperature before operation may be 24.8° C. As shown in a second graph 620 of FIG. 6, as a cooling operation starts, the air conditioner 1000 may perform rapid cooling by increasing the driving frequency of the compressor to a frequency corresponding to the rapid cooling. For example, the frequency corresponding to the rapid cooling may be calculated based on a difference between the indoor temperature and the desired temperature. By performing the rapid cooling, the indoor temperature may be quickly lowered to the desired temperature. As the indoor temperature approaches the desired temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to a cooling-maintenance frequency so as to maintain the indoor temperature at the desired temperature.

As illustrated in a third graph 630 of FIG. 6, as the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000 continues, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may gradually decrease and reach the dew point of the ceiling interior space. When about 45 minutes has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may reach the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

Referring to a portion 631 of the third graph 630 in the vicinity of 45 to 50 minutes, even when the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may not reduce the driving frequency of the compressor unless a minimum cooling operation time (50 minutes in the case of FIG. 6) has elapsed.

Referring to a portion 621 of the second graph 620, in the vicinity of 50 minutes, based on the minimum cooling operation time having elapsed and the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency during a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time (e.g., 10 minutes in the case of FIG. 6).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency may be predetermined and stored in the air conditioner 1000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency and reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to the calculated ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency. In this case, the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency may be a driving frequency corresponding to a minimum cooling capacity.

As shown in a portion 633 of the third graph in the vicinity of 60 minutes, when the driving frequency of the compressor is reduced to the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency during the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may become higher than the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

As shown in a first portion 611 of the first graph 610, when the driving frequency of the compressor is reduced to the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency, the indoor temperature may also rise by about 1° C. to about 2° C., but the user discomfort is minimal (or low) because the temperature increase is not significant and the duration of the increase is not long.

Referring to the portion 621 of the second graph 620 in the vicinity of 60 minutes, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the driving frequency of the compressor back to the cooling-maintenance frequency based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being higher than the dew point temperature after the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time has elapsed.

Referring to a portion of the third graph 630 in the vicinity of 110 minutes, as the cooling operation continues after the frequency is increased to the cooling-maintenance frequency, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may again reach the dew point of the ceiling interior space. Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaching the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may again increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing the driving frequency of the compressor during the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time. As the air conditioner 1000 continuously performs a cooling operation, the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation may be performed approximately periodically.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of increasing a surface temperature of an indoor unit, according to various embodiments.

In operation S710, based on a surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to a dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce a driving frequency of the compressor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency during a compressor control reference time.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the surface temperature of the indoor unit does not reach the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency during the compressor control reference time when a difference between the surface temperature of the indoor unit and the dew point of the ceiling interior space is within a reference difference.

In operation S720, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point even after the compressor control reference time has elapsed, the air conditioner 1000 may temporarily suspend the driving of the compressor and the circulation of refrigerant.

The compressor control reference time is the time for reducing the driving frequency of the compressor to prevent and/or reduce condensation, and may be predetermined and stored in the air conditioner 1000. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the compressor control reference time may be experimentally determined.

The air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit more quickly by not only temporarily stopping the driving of the compressor but also temporarily stopping the circulation of the refrigerant to prevent and/or reduce the cooled refrigerant from flowing into the indoor unit.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may discharge cold air from the indoor unit more quickly by temporarily stopping the driving of the compressor and the circulation of the refrigerant, and by increasing a rotation speed of the blower fan

FIG. 8 includes graphs illustrating an example method of controlling a compressor and refrigerant circulation based on a surface temperature of an indoor unit while the air conditioner 1000 continues a cooling operation, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to a dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may control the compressor and the circulation of refrigerant.

As illustrated in a first graph 810 of FIG. 8, a desired temperature set by the user may be 20° C. and an indoor temperature before operation may be 24.8° C. As illustrated in a third graph 830 of FIG. 8, when about 25 minutes has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1000, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may reach the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

Even when the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may not reduce a driving frequency of the compressor unless a minimum cooling operation time (50 minutes in the case of FIG. 8) has elapsed.

Referring to portions 821 and 831 of a second graph 820 and the third graph 830 in the vicinity of 50 minutes, based on the minimum cooling operation time having elapsed and the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency during a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time (e.g., 10 minutes in the case of FIG. 6).

Referring to the portion 831 of the third graph 830 in the vicinity of 60 minutes, even if the driving frequency of the compressor is reduced to the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency during the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may be lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

Referring to the portion 821 of the second graph 820 in the vicinity of 60 minutes, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point even after the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time has elapsed, the air conditioner 1000 may temporarily suspend the driving of the compressor and the inflow of refrigerant into the indoor unit for a predetermined time.

Referring to a portion 833 of the third graph 830 in the vicinity of 70 minutes, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being higher than the dew point temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may raise the driving frequency of the compressor back to) the cooling-maintenance frequency, and resume the circulation of the refrigerant.

As described in FIG. 8, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point temperature, the driving frequency of the compressor is first reduced to the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency corresponding to a minimum cooling capacity and then the driving of the compressor is subsequently stopped, but when the driving frequency of the compressor is already at the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction frequency while the surface temperature of the indoor unit is lower than or equal to the dew point temperature, the air conditioner 1000 may immediately temporarily suspend the operation of the compressor and the circulation of the refrigerant.

Referring to a portion of the third graph 830 in the vicinity of 140 minutes, as the cooling operation continues after the frequency is increased to the cooling-maintenance frequency, the surface temperature of the indoor unit may again reach the dew point of the ceiling interior space. Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaching the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may again increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing the driving frequency of the compressor during the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction time. As the air conditioner 1000 continuously performs the cooling operation, the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation may be performed approximately periodically.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may temporarily suspend the driving of the compressor and the inflow of refrigerant while increasing a rotation speed of the blower fan.

FIG. 9 includes graphs illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000 including a plurality of indoor units, of increasing a surface temperature of one indoor unit, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9, the air conditioner 1000 may include one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected to the one outdoor unit. Each of the plurality of indoor units may be provided in a ceiling of each room in a house.

The compressor of the air conditioner 1000 may be provided in the outdoor unit, and only one compressor may be provided for the plurality of indoor units. In this case, when only one of the plurality of rooms has a risk of ceiling condensation, reducing a driving frequency of the compressor may cause a cooling temperature to rise in the other rooms, even though they have no risk of ceiling condensation.

Referring to a compressor frequency graph 910 and a portion 911 of an electronic expansion valve (EEV) opening graph 920 of FIG. 9 in the vicinity of 50 to 60 minutes, when a surface temperature of an indoor unit in a first room among the plurality of rooms is lower than or equal to a dew point temperature of a ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may block the EEV connected to the indoor unit of the first room without changing a driving frequency of the compressor. By blocking the EEV connected to the indoor unit of the first room, a refrigerant may not flow to the indoor unit of the first room. Accordingly, referring to a surface temperature graph 930, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit within the first room without affecting the cooling operation in the other rooms.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example insulating material of the air conditioner 1000, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 10, a surface of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1000 may include an insulating material.

A main body 1001 of the indoor unit may be installed to be suspended from a concrete wall above the ceiling 2. The panel 1002 with an outlet among the panels of the indoor unit may be installed to cover the main body 1001 of the indoor unit and a portion of the ceiling 2.

To prevent and/or reduce condensation from occurring on the ceiling 2 due to the low temperature of the indoor unit, insulating materials 1013a, 1013b, 1013c may be attached to the surface of the indoor unit and a portion of the panel 1002.

The air conditioner 1000 may determine a surface temperature of the insulating material as a surface temperature of the indoor unit. The air conditioner 1000 may detect a temperature of a heat exchanger via a heat exchanger temperature sensor inside the indoor unit, and calculate a temperature of an outer surface temperature of the insulating material based on the detected temperature of the heat exchanger, a thickness of the insulating material, and a thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulating material. The air conditioner 1000 may determine the calculated temperature of the outer surface of the insulating material as the surface temperature of the indoor unit.

A calculation formula for calculating the temperature of the outer surface of the insulating material from the temperature of the heat exchanger based on the thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulating material and the thickness thereof may be prestored in the air conditioner 1000. Accordingly, based on the prestored calculation formula, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate the temperature of the outer surface of the insulating material, from the temperature of the heat exchanger, as the surface temperature of the indoor unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of calculating a surface temperature of an insulating material from an internal temperature of an indoor unit, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11, the air conditioner 1000 may calculate a surface temperature of an insulating material from an internal temperature of the indoor unit.

Equation (1) below represents Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction. In Equation (1), {dot over (Q)} represents a heat transfer rate (the amount of heat energy transferred per unit time).

Q = dQ dt ⁢ ( w ) Equation ⁢ ( 1 )

As illustrated in FIG. 11, heat energy transferred from the indoor unit to the insulating material per unit time over the same area A is equal to heat energy transferred from the insulating material to the ceiling interior space, so Equation (2) below may be satisfied.

h · A ⁡ ( T 1 - T in ) = K · A ⁡ ( T 2 - T 1 ) L = h · A ⁡ ( T a - T 2 ) Equation ⁢ ( 2 )

Referring to Equation (2), heat energy transferred from an inside of the indoor unit to a panel of the indoor unit may be expressed as h·A(T₁−T_in), the heat energy transferred from the panel of the indoor unit to an outer surface of the insulating material may be expressed as

K · A ⁡ ( T 2 - T 1 ) L ,

and the heat energy transferred from the outer surface of the insulating material to the ceiling interior space may be expressed as h·A(T_a−T₂). Here, T_in denotes a temperature of a heat exchanger (an evaporator) inside the indoor unit. The temperature of the heat exchanger may be obtained via a heat exchanger temperature sensor within the heat exchanger. T₁ denotes a temperature of the panel of the indoor unit to which the insulating material is attached, T₂ denotes a temperature of the outer surface of the insulating material, and T_a denotes a temperature of the ceiling interior space. Furthermore, h is a heat transfer coefficient of air, L is a thickness of the insulating material, and K is a thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulating material.

Natural convection occurring within the ceiling interior space results in a large difference between T_a and T₂, whereas forced convection occurring within the indoor unit results in a small difference of less than 1° C. between T₁ and T_in. Therefore, based on the assumption that T₁ is equal to T_in, Equation (2) may be expressed as Equation (3).

K · A ⁡ ( T 2 - T 1 ) L = h · A ⁡ ( T a - T 2 ) Equation ⁢ ( 3 )

By rearranging Equation (3) for T₂ that is the surface temperature of the insulating material, T₂ may be expressed via Equation (4) below.

T 2 = ( h · T a + K · T 1 L ) ( K L + h ) Equation ⁢ ( 4 )

In Equation (4), h is a fixed value, L and K are predetermined values, T_a is obtained from an indoor temperature sensor when the air conditioner 1000 starts operating, and T₁ is obtained by the heat exchanger temperature sensor within the indoor unit, so T₂, which is the surface temperature of the insulating material, may be calculated.

Referring to Equation (4), when the driving frequency of the compressor increases, the temperature of the heat exchanger decreases, thereby causing T₁ to decrease and thus T₂, which is the surface temperature of the insulating material, to also decrease Furthermore, when the driving frequency of the compressor decreases, the temperature of the heat exchanger increases, thereby causing T₁ to increase and thus T₂, which is the surface temperature of the insulating material, to also increase.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of preventing/reducing condensation not only in a ceiling interior space but also in an indoor space, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 12, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor to prevent and/or reduce condensation not only within the ceiling interior space 20 but also on the exposed panel 1002 that faces the indoor space among the panels of the indoor unit.

The air conditioner 1000 may periodically detect an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity during operation through the temperature sensor 1610 and the humidity sensor 1620. The air conditioner 1000 may periodically calculate an indoor dew point based on the indoor temperature and indoor humidity during operation. Based on the indoor temperature reaching the calculated indoor dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor.

In a general environment, as the air conditioner 1000 operates, the humidity of the indoor space gradually decreases, so the indoor temperature may not reach the indoor dew point. However, in a space with high insulation performance and high humidity, the indoor temperature may reach the indoor dew point during an initial operation of the air conditioner 1000. In environments where outside air is continuously flows in, the indoor temperature may continuously reach the indoor dew point. In such environments, the air conditioner 1000 may prevent and/or reduce condensation on the exposed panel 1002 by reducing the driving frequency of the compressor. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may increase the rotation speed of the blower fan while adjusting the driving frequency of the compressor.

The air conditioner 1000 may perform a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation along with a condensation prevention/reduction operation on the exposed panel 1002.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000 or a user device, of providing a user interface for setting a condensation prevention/reduction mode, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, the air conditioner 1000 may determine whether to perform a condensation prevention/reduction operation based on whether a condensation prevention/reduction mode is set.

A user device 2000 may provide a user interface for setting or disabling the condensation prevention/reduction mode.

For example, referring to the user device 2000 of FIG. 13, the user device 2000 may display a settings menu for the condensation prevention/reduction mode. Based on a user input for selecting the settings menu for the condensation prevention/reduction mode, a description text 2101 for the condensation prevention/reduction mode and a user interface 2102 for setting or disabling the condensation prevention/reduction mode may be displayed. The user device 2000 may receive a user input for setting or disabling the condensation prevention/reduction mode via the user interface 2102. The user device 2000 may transmit information regarding the setting or disabling of the condensation prevention/reduction mode to the air conditioner 1000 via a server.

The air conditioner 1000 may receive a user input for setting or disabling the condensation prevention/reduction mode via a remote control receiver port (not shown), which is one of input interfaces of the air conditioner 1000.

For example, a remote controller 3000 may include an additional option button 3100 for setting or disabling the condensation prevention/reduction mode. When the additional option button 3100 on the remote controller 3000 is pressed to set or disable the condensation prevention/reduction mode, the air conditioner 1000 may receive, via the remote control receiver, a user input for setting or disabling the condensation prevention/reduction mode.

The air conditioner 1000 may perform a condensation prevention/reduction operation based on the condensation prevention/reduction mode being set and a surface temperature of the indoor unit reaching a dew point of the ceiling interior space. Furthermore, even if the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the air conditioner 1000 may not perform a condensation prevention/reduction operation when the condensation prevention/reduction mode is disabled.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an example method, performed by the air conditioner 1000, of outputting a notification regarding condensation prevention/reduction, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 14, based on a surface temperature of the indoor unit approaching a dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification regarding condensation prevention/reduction. The notification regarding condensation prevention/reduction may include an auditory notification such as a voice notification or a mechanical sound. The notification regarding condensation prevention/reduction may include a visual notification such as a notification phrase or blinking light. The notification regarding condensation prevention/reduction may be transmitted to the user device (2000 of FIG. 13) via a server.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification indicating the start of a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation. For example, based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification indicating the start of a ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation. The notification indicating the start of the ceiling condensation prevention/reduction operation may be, for example, “To prevent ceiling condensation, the cooling temperature will be raised for about 10 minutes,” as shown in FIG. 14.

By notifying the user in advance of an operation to be performed and a reason for the operation before reducing the driving frequency of the compressor or increasing the rotation speed of the blower fan, it is possible to prevent and/or reduce the user from perceiving the operation as a malfunction.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the condensation prevention/reduction mode is not set and the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification indicating a risk of ceiling condensation. In this case, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification guiding the user to raise a desired temperature or to perform a fan mode operation for several minutes.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the condensation prevention/reduction mode is not set and the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaches the dew point, the air conditioner 1000 may output a notification guiding the user to set the condensation prevention/reduction mode.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the air conditioner 1000 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 15, the air conditioner 1000 may include a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 1100, a compressor 1200, an output module (e.g., including circuitry) 1300, memory 1400, a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 1500, a sensor unit (e.g., including at least one sensor) 1600, an input interface (e.g., including circuitry) 1700, a blower unit (e.g., including a blower and/or a fan) 1800, and a heat exchanger 1900. The same reference numerals are assigned to components that are the same as those shown in FIG. 2.

All of the components shown in FIG. 12 are not essential components of the air conditioner 1000. The air conditioner 1000 may be implemented by more components than those shown in FIG. 15, or implemented by fewer components than those shown in FIG. 15.

The processor 1100 may control all operations of the air conditioner 1000. The processor 1100 may execute at least one instruction or programs stored in the memory 1400 to control the output module 1300, the communication module 1500, the sensor unit 1600, the input interface 1700, the indoor module 1800, and the outdoor module 1900.

The processor 1100 may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs operations of a machine learning model. Additionally, the processor 1100 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. Thus, the processor 1100 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 pieces of information, data, instructions, programs, etc. necessary for the operations of the air conditioner 1000. The memory 1400 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 1400 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory-type memory, a hard disk-type memory, a multimedia card micro-type memory, a card-type memory (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) card or an eXtreme Digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), PROM, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disc, and an optical disc. In addition, the air conditioner 1000 may operate a web storage (not shown) or cloud server (not shown) that performs a storage function on the Internet.

The at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one controller unit. For example, the at least one processor 1100 and the at least one memory 1400 may be included in one microcontroller unit (MCU).

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

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) that performs communication according to a communication standard such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC)/radio frequency identification (RFID), a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD), ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared (IR) communication, ZigBee, or the like. Furthermore, the long-range communication module may include a communication module (not shown) that performs communication via a network for Internet communication. Further, the long-range communication module may include a mobile communication module that performs communications in accordance with a communication standard such as 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), and/or 6th generation (6G).

The output module 1300 may include various circuitry, including a display 1310 and/or an audio output module 1320.

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

The audio output module 1320 may include various circuitry and output a sound signal to the outside of the air conditioner 1000. The audio output module 1320 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback.

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

The input interface 1700 may include, but is not limited to, user input devices including a touch panel that detects a user's touch, a button that receives a push manipulation by the user, a wheel that receives a rotation manipulation by the user, a key board, and a dome switch.

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

The input interface 1700 may include a remote control receiver 1720 capable of receiving a control command from a remote controller located in a close vicinity. The remote control receiver 1720 may include an IR communication module, etc.

The compressor 1200 may compress a refrigerant. A refrigerant compressed to a high temperature and a high pressure by the compressor 1200 circulates through a refrigeration cycle in the air conditioner 1000 and absorbs heat via the heat exchanger 1900 located in the indoor unit, thereby cooling the air around the heat exchanger 1900. The heat exchanger 1900 located in the indoor unit may be referred to as an evaporator. Additionally, a heat exchanger may be located in an outdoor unit, and the heat exchanger located in the outdoor unit may be referred to as a condenser.

The blower unit 1800 may include an air inlet 1810, a blower fan 1820, a blower motor 1830, and an air outlet 1840, but is not limited thereto.

The air inlet 1810 may draw in air surrounding the air conditioner 1000.

The blower fan 1820 may form an airflow so that outside air may be drawn into the air conditioner 1000 via the air inlet 1810. Furthermore, the blower fan 1820 may cause air cooled by the heat exchanger 1900 to be discharged outside of the air conditioner 1000 via the air outlet 1840. The blower fan 1820 may be rotated by the blower motor 1830 to create an airflow. A rotation speed (e.g., an RPM) of the blower motor 1830 may be adjusted according to control by the processor 1100.

The air outlet 1840 may include blades (not shown). The air conditioner 1000 may change a direction of wind discharge up and down or left and right by moving the blade.

According to an embodiment, the air outlet 1840 may include a metal cooling panel and a circular air outlet for discharging cold air. The metal cooling panel may include micro-holes, each having a size of sand grains with a diameter of 1 mm, through which cold air is expelled. The cold air may be dispersed uniformly through the metal cooling panel that includes the micro-holes.

The sensor unit 1600 may include various types of sensors.

The sensor unit 1600 may include a temperature sensor 1610, a humidity sensor 1620, and a heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630.

The temperature sensor 1610 and the humidity sensor 1620 may be provided on a panel of the air conditioner 1000 to respectively detect an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity. For example, the temperature sensor 1610 and the humidity sensor 1620 may be provided on the panel (1002 of FIG. 1) of the air conditioner 1000, which includes an outlet for discharging conditioned air into the indoor space, from among the panels of the air conditioner 1000. Accordingly, the temperature sensor 1610 may detect a temperature of an indoor air, and the humidity sensor 1620 may detect a humidity of the indoor air.

The heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630 may be located within the heat exchanger 1900.

The at least one processor 1100 may calculate a dew point of a ceiling interior space where the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1000 is provided.

The at least one processor 1100 may obtain a surface temperature of the indoor unit based on a sensor value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630 during operation of the air conditioner 1000.

Based on the obtained surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the at least one processor 1100 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing a driving frequency of the compressor 1200.

Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit reaching the dew point, the at least one processor 1100 may increase the surface temperature of the indoor unit by reducing the driving frequency of the compressor 1200.

Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point, the at least one processor 1100 may increase a rotation speed of the blower fan 1820 while reducing the driving frequency of the compressor 1200 of the air conditioner 1000.

Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point after a compressor control reference time has elapsed since a time when the driving frequency of the compressor starts to be reduced, the at least one processor 1100 may temporarily suspend driving of the compressor 1200 and inflow of a refrigerant into the indoor unit.

The at least one processor 1100 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor 1200 based on a minimum cooling operation time having elapsed since the start of operation of the air conditioner 1000 and the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

Based on a surface temperature of one of a plurality of indoor units being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the at least one processor 1100 may temporarily suspend the inflow of the refrigerant into the indoor unit without reducing the driving frequency of the compressor 1200.

The at least one processor 1100 may calculate the dew point of the ceiling interior space based on an indoor temperature and an indoor humidity detected at the start of the operation of the air conditioner 1000.

The at least one processor 1100 may calculate a temperature of a surface of an insulating material as the surface temperature of the indoor unit, based on the sensor value of the heat exchanger temperature sensor 1630 and a thermal conductivity of the insulating material.

The at least one processor 1100 may receive, via the input interface 1700, a user input for setting a condensation prevention/reduction mode.

The least one processor 1100 may reduce the driving frequency of the compressor 1200 of the air conditioner 1000 based on the condensation prevention/reduction mode being set and the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space.

Based on the surface temperature of the indoor unit being lower than or equal to the dew point of the ceiling interior space, the at least one processor 1100 may reduce the driving frequency of compressor 1200 after outputting, via the output module 1300, a notification indicating that a cooling temperature is to be temporarily increased to prevent and/or reduce ceiling condensation.

A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. In this regard, the ‘non-transitory’ storage medium may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave) and is a tangible device, and the term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in a computer program product when provided. The computer program product may be traded, as a product, between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM)) or distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) on-line via an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). For online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least transiently stored or temporally generated in the machine-readable storage medium such as memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or 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 modifications, alternatives and/or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical 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.