DEHUMIDIFIER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME

Abstract

A dehumidifier sets a target humidity value based on an input humidity value received through an input interface during a power-saving mode, acquires an indication frequency of a compressor based on the target humidity value and a humidity value detected by a humidity sensor, and reduces the acquired indication frequency of the compressor at a specified rate to control the operation of the compressor.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier comprising: a compressor; an input interface comprising circuitry configured to receive an input; and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, individually and/or collectively, configured to cause the dehumidifier to reduce an indication frequency of the compressor by a specified ratio in response to a power-saving mode received via the input interface.

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to: set a target humidity value based on an input humidity value received via the input interface, and determine the indication frequency of the compressor based on the target humidity value and a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor.

3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to: acquire an input humidity value via the input interface during a general mode, acquire a preferred humidity value by learning the acquired input humidity value, and set the target humidity value based on the acquired preferred humidity value.

4. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to: acquire an input humidity value of a current operation cycle received via the input interface before a power-off command is received upon receiving the power-off command via the input interface during the general mode, acquire a first average of input humidity values of pre-stored operation cycles, and acquires a second average of the acquired first average and the acquired input humidity value of the current operation cycle, and acquire the acquired second average as the preferred humidity value by rounding down the ones place of the second average by a specified unit.

5. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to: set the target humidity value by adding a specified humidity value to the preferred humidity value based on the preferred humidity value being within a reference humidity range, and set the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value based on the preferred humidity value being out of the reference humidity range.

6. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to: release the power-saving mode based on a variation in the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor being equal to or less than a specified first setting value after a first period has elapsed since the power-saving mode was started, and the humidity value detected by a humidity sensor being equal to or greater than a specified second setting value after a second period, different from the first period, has elapsed since the power-saving mode was started, and control operation of the compressor at the determined indication frequency of the compressor based on releasing the power-saving mode.

7. The dehumidifier according to claim 6, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to: re-perform the power-saving mode based on the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor in response to the release of the power-saving mode being less than a specified third setting value, or the detected humidity value exceeding a value obtained by subtracting a specified fourth setting value from the input humidity value.

8. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising: a first heat exchanger connected to the compressor; a second heat exchanger connected to the first heat exchanger; and a fan configured to blow the air heat-exchanged by the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, wherein the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the fan are integrally provided inside the housing, and an airflow path of the first heat exchanger, an airflow path of the second heat exchanger, and an airflow path of the fan are the same flow path.

9. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a communicator comprising communication circuitry configured to receive a power price, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to cause the dehumidifier to reduce the specified ratio more as the received power price increases.

10. The dehumidifier according to claim 9, further comprising a display, wherein at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, is configured to control the display to display a level of the power-saving mode corresponding to the received power price during the power-saving mode.

11. A method for controlling a dehumidifier including a compressor, the method comprising: setting a target humidity value based on an input humidity value received via an input interface during a power-saving mode, determining an indication frequency of the compressor based on the target humidity value and a humidity value detected by a humidity sensor, and controlling the operation of the compressor by reducing the determined indication frequency of the compressor by a specified ratio.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the setting of the target humidity value comprises: acquiring an input humidity value received via the input interface during a general mode; acquiring a preferred humidity value by learning the acquired input humidity value; and setting the target humidity value based on the acquired preferred humidity value.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the acquiring of the preferred humidity value comprises: acquiring an input humidity value received via the input interface before a power-off command is received upon receiving the power-off command via the input interface during a general mode; acquiring a first average of input humidity values of operation cycles stored in a memory; acquiring a second average of the acquired first average and the acquired input humidity value; and acquiring the acquired second average as the preferred humidity value by rounding down the ones place of the second average by a preset unit, and wherein the setting of the target humidity value comprises setting the target humidity value based on the preferred humidity value and a specified humidity value based on the preferred humidity value being less than a reference humidity value, and setting the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value based on the preferred humidity value being equal to or greater than the reference humidity value.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: releasing the power-saving mode based on a variation in the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor after a first period has elapsed since the power-saving mode was started being equal to or less than a specified first setting value and a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor after a second period has elapsed since the power-saving mode was started is equal to or greater than a preset second setting value; controlling operation of the compressor at the determined indication frequency of the compressor in response to the release of the power-saving mode; and re-performing the power-saving mode based on a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor in response to the release of the power-saving mode being less than a specified third setting value or the detected humidity value being greater than a value obtained by subtracting a specified fourth setting value from the input humidity value.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: receiving a power price via a communicator; identifying a specified ratio corresponding to the received power price; and reducing the indication frequency of the compressor based on the identified specified ratio, wherein the specified ratio corresponding to the received power price increases as the power price increases.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] 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:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example dehumidifier according various embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a dehumidifier according various embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example dehumidifier according various embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 4 is a table illustrating example setting target humidity values of a dehumidifier according various embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating example power consumption corresponding frequency of compressor of a dehumidifier according various embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating example power consumption and amounts of dehumidification of a dehumidifier for each operation mode according to various embodiments;

[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 are tables illustrating example power consumption, amounts of dehumidification, and power-saving rates of a dehumidifier for each operation mode according to various embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating an example time at which a power-saving mode of a dehumidifier is released and re-performed according to various embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of a dehumidifier according various embodiments; and

[0041] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D are diagrams and graphs illustrating example power-saving effects of a dehumidifier with respect to size of indoor spaces according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit technical features disclosed herein to particular modes of practice, and it is to be appreciated that all changes, equivalents, and substitutes of the various embodiments are encompassed in the present disclosure.

[0043] Regarding the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like or related elements throughout the drawings.

[0044] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the context states otherwise.

[0045] Throughout the disclosure, A or B, at least one of A and B, at least one of A or B, A, B or C, at least one of A, B and C, and at least one or A, B, or C may each include any one or all the possible combinations of A, B and C.

[0046] The term and/or is interpreted to include a combination or any of associated elements.

[0047] Terms such as first or second are used to distinguish one component from other components and, therefore, the components are not limited by the terms in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0048] When an element (first element) is mentioned as being connected to or coupled to another element (second element) with or without terms like functionally or communicatively, the one element may be connected to the other either directly (e.g., via a wired connection), wirelessly, or through a third element.

[0049] In addition, the terms such as including or having are intended to indicate the existence of features, numbers, levels, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the disclosure, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, levels, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

[0050] When an element is mentioned as being connected to, coupled to, supported by, or contacting another element, it includes not only a case that the elements are directly connected to, coupled to, supported by or contact each other but also a case that the elements are connected to, coupled to, supported by or contact each other through a third element.

[0051] When an element is mentioned as being located on another element, it implies not only that the element is in direct contact with the other element but also that another element exists between the two elements.

[0052] A dehumidifier according to various example embodiments refers to a device that performs functions such as humidity control in a space to be dehumidified (hereinafter, referred to as indoor space).

[0053] According to an example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a dehumidifier 1 includes a refrigeration cycle for dehumidification. The refrigeration cycle includes a compressor 10, a first heat exchanger 20, and a second heat exchanger 30, through which a refrigerant circulates, and further includes an expansion device and refrigerant pipes connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger 20, the expansion device, and the second heat exchanger 30. All components of the refrigeration cycle may be housed inside a single housing forming the exterior of the dehumidifier.

[0054] The first heat exchanger 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air using a phase change (e.g., condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensing in the first heat exchanger 20, the refrigerant may release heat to the surrounding air.

[0055] Similarly, the second heat exchanger 30 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the surrounding air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is evaporating from the second heat exchanger 30, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the surrounding air.

[0056] For example, the dehumidifier 1 may perform a dehumidification function through the phase change process of the refrigerant that circulates between the first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 30 and may include the compressor 10 configured to compress the refrigerant for such circulation of the refrigerant. The compressor 10 may intake refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor 10 may discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet.

[0057] The refrigerant may circulate in the order of the compressor 10, the first heat exchanger 20, the expansion device, and the second heat exchanger 30 through the refrigerant pipes.

[0058] The dehumidifier 1 may include the expansion device to reduce a pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 30.

[0059] The expansion device may reduce temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using the throttling effect. The expansion device may include orifices that may reduce a cross-sectional area of a flow path. The refrigerant having passed through the orifices may have reduced temperature and pressure.

[0060] For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve configured to control an opening ratio (a ratio a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the expansion valve in a partially opened state to a cross-sectional area of the expansion valve in a fully opened state). An amount of the refrigerant passing through the external device may be controlled based on the opening ratio of the electronic external device.

[0061] The dehumidifier 1 may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor 10. The refrigerant at a low-temperature and a low-pressure evaporated from the second heat exchanger 30 may flow into the accumulator.

[0062] When a refrigerant mixture including refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the accumulator, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and provide the separated refrigerant gas to the compressor 10.

[0063] A fan 40 may be provided near the first heat exchanger 20. The fan 40 may blow air that has passed through the first heat exchanger 20. The fan 40 may also allow air to be drawn into the interior of the housing of the dehumidifier.

[0064] The dehumidifier 1 may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the dehumidifier may be implemented as an environmental sensor.

[0065] The sensor of the dehumidifier may be located at any position inside or outside the dehumidifier. For example, the sensor of the dehumidifier may include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the air around the dehumidifier, a humidity sensor configured to detect a humidity of the air around the dehumidifier, a refrigerant temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the first heat exchanger 20, or a refrigerant pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe passing through the first heat exchanger 20.

[0066] The sensor of the dehumidifier may include refrigerant temperature sensors configured to detect temperatures of the inlet, middle, and/or outlet of the refrigerant pipe passing through the second heat exchanger 30, respectively.

[0067] For example, environmental information detected by each of the sensors of the dehumidifier may be delivered to a processor, which will be described later, or may be transmitted to the outside via a communicator, which will also be described later.

[0068] The dehumidifier 1 may further include a filter configured to remove foreign substances from the air that flows into the housing through the inlet.

[0069] The dehumidifier may include an outlet for discharging air flowing in the housing to the outside.

[0070] The dehumidifier may be provided with an airflow guide to guide a direction of the air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include blades located on the outlet.

[0071] The flow path of the air passing through the first heat exchanger 20, the second heat exchanger 30, and the fan 40, which are arranged between the inlet and the outlet of the housing of the dehumidifier 1, may be identical.

[0072] For example, the flow path P of the air passing through the second heat exchanger 30, the flow path of the air passing through the first heat exchanger 20, and the flow path of the air blown by the fan 40 may be the same.

[0073] To briefly describe a dehumidification process, humid air drawn into the housing through the inlet of the dehumidifier passes through the second heat exchanger 30. As the air passes through the second heat exchanger, the moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface of the second heat exchanger 30, which is below a dew point temperature, and condenses into dew. The moisture in the air may be removed, and the temperature may be lowered.

[0074] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 30 increases in temperature and becomes dry while passing through the first heat exchanger 20. The dry air that has passed through the second heat exchanger may be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet by a blowing force of the fan 40.

[0075] The dehumidifier 1 may include a drain tray 50 disposed below the second heat exchanger 30 to collect the dew formed in the second heat exchanger 30. The dew (e.g., water) collected in the drain tray 50 may be drained to the outside through a drain hose.

[0076] The dehumidifier 1 may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input devices, such as a button, a switch, a touch screen, and/or a touch pad. A user may directly input setting data (e.g., indoor humidity and/or general/power-saving mode) through the input interface.

[0077] The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall).

[0078] The user may input setting data related to the operation of the dehumidifier by controlling the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained via the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface.

[0079] The input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user's voice command may input setting data related to the operation of the dehumidifier remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input via a wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0080] The input interface may include a microphone. Voices of a user may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert a user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the processor.

[0081] The input interface may include a hardware device, such as various buttons, switches, pedals, keyboards, mice, trackballs, levers, handles, or sticks.

[0082] The input interface 110 may include a graphic user interface (GUI), such as a touch pad, e.g., a software device. The touch pad may be implemented as a touch screen panel (TSP) that forms a mutually layered structure with the display.

[0083] The input interface may include a touch screen panel (TSP) that forms a mutually layered structure with a touch pad.

[0084] The processor may include various processing circuitry and control components of the dehumidifier to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice commands. The setting data (e.g., indoor humidity and/or general/power-saving mode) acquired through the input interface may be transmitted to the processor described in greater detail below. In an embodiment, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted to an external device, e.g., server, via the communicator, which will be described later.

[0085] The dehumidifier 1 may include a power module (e.g., including a power supply). The power module may be connected to an external power source and supply power to the components of the dehumidifier.

[0086] The dehumidifier 1 may include a communicator (e.g., including communication circuitry). The communicator may be configured to receive a control signal from the processor of the dehumidifier, which will be described later. Based on a control signal received through the communicator, the dehumidifier may control the operation of the compressor, the expansion device, the accumulator, or the fan. Sensing values detected by the sensors of the dehumidifier may be transmitted to the processor via the communicator.

[0087] The communicator may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range wireless communication module. The communicator may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices.

[0088] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication (NFC) module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, a ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+communication module, and a microwave (uWave) communication module.

[0089] The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module configured to perform various types of long-range communication and may include a mobile communicator. The mobile communicator transmits and receives wireless signals to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0090] The communicator may communicate with external devices such as a server, a mobile device, and other household appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN), where the dehumidifier or the user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) where the server is connected. The dehumidifier or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN). The dehumidifier may be electrically connected to the components of the dehumidifier and include a processor configured to control the operation of each of the components.

[0091] The processor may control a frequency of the compressor and control a rotational speed of the fan. In addition, the processor may create a control signal to control an opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the processor, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit, which includes the compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 20, the expansion valve, and the second heat exchanger 30.

[0092] The various temperature sensors included in the dehumidifier may transmit electrical signals respectively corresponding to the detected temperatures to the processor. In addition, the humidity sensors included in the dehumidifier may transmit electrical signals respectively corresponding to the detected humidity to the processor.

[0093] The processor may acquire an input (e.g., a user input) from the user device including a mobile device, and the like via the communicator, or may acquire a user input directly via the input interface or via a remote controller.

[0094] Upon receiving a control signal corresponding to a user input to select the operation mode such as the general mode and the power-saving mode, the processor may control each of the components to perform the operation of the dehumidifier to correspond to the selected operation mode.

[0095] The processor may include at least one processor and at least one memory.

[0096] The memory may store various types of information required for the operation of the dehumidifier. The memory may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs required for the operation of the dehumidifier. For example, the memory may store various programs for the general mode and/or the power-saving mode of the dehumidifier. The memory may include volatile memory, such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic random access memory (D-RAM), for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory may include non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), for long-term data storage.

[0097] The processor may create a control signal to control the operation of the dehumidifier based on the instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to programs and/or instructions provided by the memory and generate the control signal based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple separate circuits. The processor 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.

[0098] The dehumidifier 1 may include an output interface including various circuitry. The output interface may be electrically connected to the processor and output information related to the operation of the dehumidifier under the control of the processor. For example, information such as the operation mode and the humidity selected by the user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information acquired from sensors, as well as warning and error messages.

[0099] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, may output various sounds. The display may present information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphical elements. For example, operational information of the dehumidifier may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

[0100] The display may be implemented using various types of panels, including, but not limited to, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a digital light processing (DLP) panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), an electro luminescence (EL) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, or an electrochromic display (ECD) panel.

[0101] Hereinafter, dehumidifies according to various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

[0102] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of a dehumidifier according various embodiments.

[0103] The dehumidifier 1 includes an input interface (e.g., including circuitry) 110, an output interface (e.g., including circuitry) 120, a humidity sensor 130, a communicator (e.g., including communication circuitry) 140, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 150, and a memory 160.

[0104] The input interface 110 may include various input circuitry and receive an input, for example, a user input, and transmits the received user input to the processor 150.

[0105] The user input includes the general mode and the power-saving mode, as well as a humidity value desired by the user. In this regard, the humidity value, as a value input by the user, will hereinafter be referred to as input humidity value.

[0106] The user input may further include a power-on command and a power-off command.

[0107] The input interface 110 may include various circuitry, including, for example, a microphone configured to receive the user input in the form of voice or a camera to receive the user input in the form of image.

[0108] The microphone may transmit voice information corresponding to the received user's voice to the processor 150. The camera may transmit image information corresponding to the received user's motion to the processor 150.

[0109] The output interface 120 may include various circuitry and output information corresponding to a control command of the processor 150.

[0110] The output interface 120 may output the user input in response to the control command from the processor 150.

[0111] The output interface 120 may display the input humidity value.

[0112] The output interface 120 may output the operation mode selected by the user.

[0113] During the power-saving mode, the output interface 120 may output information on the release of the power-saving mode and the re-performance of the power-saving mode.

[0114] During the power-saving mode, the output interface 120 may display a preferred humidity value and a target humidity value.

[0115] The output interface 120 may output a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130. The humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 may be an indoor humidity value.

[0116] The output interface 120 may output information on a demand respond (DR) level.

[0117] The output interface 120 may output information on a level of the power-saving mode.

[0118] The level of the power-saving mode, as a level corresponding to the DR level, may include a first power-saving level corresponding to the first DR level, a second power-saving level corresponding to the second DR level, and a third power-saving level corresponding to the third DR level.

[0119] The first DR level may be a mode when the price of power supplied by the power source is the lowest, while the third DR level may be a mode when the price of power supplied by the power source is the highest.

[0120] The output interface 120 may include a display configured to output image information and a speaker configured to output sound information.

[0121] The display may indicate the power-saving mode by displaying text, by displaying an image, or by turning on light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0122] As shown in FIG. 3, the display may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to indicate the power-saving mode, and may indicate the level of the power-saving mode by turning on some or all of the LEDs to correspond to the level of the power-saving mode.

[0123] For example, the display may turn on one LED in the case where the power-saving mode is at the first power-saving level, two LEDs in the case where the power-saving mode is at the second power-saving level, and three LEDs in the case where the power-saving mode is at the third power-saving level.

[0124] The display may display one power-saving emoticon in the case where the power-saving mode is at the first power-saving level, two power-saving emoticons in the case where the power-saving mode is at the second power-saving level, and three power-saving emoticons in the case where the power-saving mode is at the third power-saving level.

[0125] The humidity sensor 130 may detect a humidity in an indoor space where the dehumidifier is disposed and transmit a humidity value corresponding to the detected humidity to the processor 150.

[0126] The humidity sensor 130 may be provided inside the housing of the dehumidifier 1 or outside the housing of the dehumidifier 1.

[0127] The humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 may be a relative humidity value.

[0128] The humidity sensor 130 may be a resistive-type humidity sensor or a capacitive-type humidity sensor.

[0129] The humidity sensor 130 may be a ceramic humidity sensor, a polymer humidity sensor, an electrolytic humidity sensor, a microwave humidity sensor, an ultrasonic humidity sensor, a radiation humidity sensor, or a thermal conductivity humidity sensor.

[0130] The humidity sensor 130 may be a temperature-humidity sensor that detects both temperature and humidity.

[0131] The communicator 140 may include one or more components and/or various communication circuitry that enable communication between components within the dehumidifier.

[0132] The communicator 140 may also include one or more components that enable communication with external devices. For example, communicator 140 may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module, a wired communication module, or a wireless communication module. The external device may include a remote controller (not shown), a user device (not shown), and a server (not shown).

[0133] The short-range wireless communication module may include various types of short-range wireless communication modules that transmit and receive signals using wireless communication networks over short distances, such as a Bluetooth module, an infrared communication module, a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication module, a wireless local access network (WLAN) communication module, a NFC communication module, and a Zigbee communication module.

[0134] The processor 150 may include various processing circuitry and performs the overall control related to the operation of the dehumidifier 1. The processor 150 provided in the dehumidifier 1 may include one or more processors. That is, the processor 150 may include at least one processor.

[0135] The processor 150 performs the control related to the operation of the dehumidifier 1 using data stored in the memory 160.

[0136] The operation of the processor 150 will be described in greater detail below.

[0137] The processor 150 determines the operation mode on the basis of the user input received from the input interface 110. The user input may include signals from buttons, of keys, and touches, as well as voice or image signals.

[0138] In the case where the user input is a voice signal, the processor 150 may identify the voice on the basis of the voice signal. In the case where the user input is an image signal, the processor 150 may detect the user's motion by image processing and analysis.

[0139] The processor 150 determines the input humidity value on the basis of the user input received from the input interface 110.

[0140] The processor 150 may also determine the operation mode and the input humidity value on the basis of a communication signal received via the communicator 140.

[0141] The communication signal received via the communicator 140 may be a communication signal received from at least one of the remote controller, the user device, or the server, and may correspond to the user input.

[0142] The processor 150 may identify the input humidity value received via the input interface 110 upon determination that the operation mode is the general mode, and control the operation of the compressor 10 and the fan 40 on the basis of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 and the identified input humidity value.

[0143] The processor 150 may determine whether the detected humidity value is less than the identified input humidity value, control the compressor 10 and the fan 40 to stop upon determination that the detected humidity value is less than the input humidity value, and periodically identify the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the stop control of the compressor 10 and the fan 40.

[0144] In a state where the compressor 10 and the fan 40 are stopped, the processor 150 may control the operation of the compressor 10 and the fan 40 in the case where the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the input humidity value.

[0145] During the control of the operation of the compressor 10, the processor 150 may determine whether the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the input humidity value, identify a difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value upon determination that the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the identified input humidity value, identify an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the identified difference, and control the operation of the compressor 10 on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor.

[0146] In the regard, the indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the identified difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value may be pre-stored information, which may have been acquired by a test.

[0147] As the difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value decreases, the indication frequency of the compressor may be a lower value.

[0148] During control of the operation of the fan 40, the processor 150 may determine whether the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the input humidity value, identify a difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value upon determination that the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the input humidity value, identify a rotation speed of the fan 40 corresponding to the identified difference, and control the operation of the fan 40 on the basis of the rotation speed of the fan 40.

[0149] In this regard, the rotation speed of the fan corresponding to the difference between the detected humidity value and the identified input humidity value may be pre-stored information, which may have been acquired by a test.

[0150] During the general mode, the processor 150 may control the operation of the compressor 10 and the fan 40 while adjusting or maintaining the indication frequency of the compressor and the rotation speed of the fan on the basis of the detected humidity value, until the detected humidity value reaches the input humidity value.

[0151] The processor 150 may perform the power-saving mode using artificial intelligence (AI) functions. The processor 150 may collect various data and information during the general mode for performing the power-saving mode using AI functions.

[0152] The processor 150 may identify the input humidity value received via the input interface 110 upon determination that the operation mode is the general mode, and determine the identified input humidity value as a humidity value for learning.

[0153] For example, upon receiving a power-on command, the processor 150 may identify an input humidity value received via the input interface 110 during a period between the time the power-on command is received and the time the power-off command is received, and determine the identified input humidity value as an input humidity value for learning.

[0154] Upon receiving a power-off command, the processor 150 may identify the period between the time the power-on command is received and the time the power-off command is received, and identify the input humidity value received via the input interface 110 upon determination that the identified period is over a reference period.

[0155] In the case where multiple input humidity values are received via the input interface 110 during a period between the time the power-on command is received and the time the power-off command is received, the processor 150 may determine the last received input humidity value as the input humidity value for learning.

[0156] Assuming that the period between the time a power-on command is received and the time a power-off command is received is defined as one operation cycle, the processor 150 may determine the last received input humidity value among the input humidity values received during one operation cycle as the input humidity value for learning.

[0157] For example, in the case where a first input humidity value is received at the time the power-on command is received, a second input humidity value is received after a first predetermined period since the power-on command was received, and a third input humidity value is received after a second predetermined period since the power-on command was received, the processor 150 may determine only the third input humidity value as the input humidity value for learning among the first, second, and third input humidity values.

[0158] The processor 150 may determine the input humidity value for learning each time one operation cycle ends and store the recognized input humidity value.

[0159] The processor 150 acquires a preferred humidity value on the basis of the stored input humidity value.

[0160] The processor 150 acquires the preferred humidity value on the basis of input humidity values stored during a plurality of operation cycles.

[0161] For example, the processor 150 acquires an average of plurality of stored input humidity values and determines the preferred humidity value on the basis of the acquired average.

[0162] As another example, the processor 150 may assign a first weight to the input humidity value determined in the last operation cycle among plurality of operation cycles, assign a second weight to input humidity values of the remaining operation cycles, acquire an average of the input humidity value with the first weight and the input humidity values with the second weight, and determine the preferred humidity value on the basis of the acquired average.

[0163] In this regard, the first weight may be greater than the second weight.

[0164] The last operation cycle may be the most recent operation cycle.

[0165] As another example, the processor 150 may identify the time at which a plurality of operation cycles were performed, determine an execution order of performing the plurality of operation cycles on the basis of the identified time, assign different weights to the input humidity values based on the identified execution order of the plurality of operation cycles, acquire an average of the input humidity values assigned with different weights, and acquire the preferred humidity value on the basis of the acquired average.

[0166] The more recent the execution order of the operation cycle, the greater the weight that the processor 150 may assign.

[0167] The processor 150 may acquire the preferred humidity value by rounding down the acquired average by a preset (e.g., specified) unit. The preset unit may be 2%, 3%, 5%, 7%, or 10%.

[0168] The rounding down by a preset unit refers to processing the ones place digit of the number as a multiple of the preset unit.

[0169] For example, in the case where the preset unit is 5%, the processor 150 may round down an acquired average of 38.5% by 5% to acquire a preferred humidity value of 35%, and likewise, round down an acquired average of 40.5% by 5% to acquire a preferred humidity value of 40%. In this case, the preferred humidity value may be acquired in 5% increments such as 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%.

[0170] The processor 150 may acquire the preferred humidity value whenever the operation cycle changes, and store the acquired preferred humidity value.

[0171] The processor 150 may perform the power-saving mode on the basis of an initial preferred humidity value preset in the initial performance of the power-saving mode. In this regard, the initial preferred humidity value may be 55%.

[0172] Upon determination that the operation mode is the power-saving mode, the processor 150 identifies the preferred humidity value, sets a target humidity value on the basis of the identified preferred humidity value.

[0173] The processor 150 may set different target humidity values depending on whether the acquired preferred humidity value is within a reference humidity range or out of the reference humidity range.

[0174] The processor 150 may set the target humidity value by adding a preset humidity value to the preferred humidity value upon determination that the preferred humidity value is within the reference humidity range, and set the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value upon determination that the preferred humidity value is out of the reference humidity range.

[0175] The processor 150 may also set the target humidity value by adding the preset humidity value to the preferred humidity value upon determination that the preferred humidity value is less than a reference humidity value, and set the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value upon determination that the preferred humidity value is equal to or greater than the reference humidity value.

[0176] An example of acquiring the preferred humidity value and setting the target humidity value will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0177] Preferred humidity value=(((input humidity value of cycle 1+input humidity value of cycle 2+ . . . +input humidity value of cycle (n1))/(n1))+input humidity value of cycle n)/2, (rounded down by 5%, and n is a natural number)

[0178] In the case where a total number of operation cycles is 10, the preferred humidity value=(((input humidity value of cycle 1+input humidity value of cycle 2+ . . . +input humidity value of cycle 9)/9)+input humidity value of cycle 10)/2, (rounded down by 5%)

[0179] In the case where the preferred humidity value is within the reference humidity range, the target humidity value=the preferred humidity value+5%.

[0180] In the case where the preferred humidity value is out of the reference humidity range, the target humidity value=the preferred humidity value.

[0181] Upon determination that the operation mode is the power-saving mode, the processor 150 may identify the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, acquire a difference between the detected humidity value and the target humidity value, identify an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the acquired difference, set an operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor and a preset ratio, and control the operation of the compressor 10 on the basis of the set operating frequency of the compressor.

[0182] In this regard, the preset ratio may be about 27%.

[0183] For example, in the case where the indication frequency of the compressor is 47 Hz, the operating frequency of the compressor may be 34 Hz which is 27% lower than 47 Hz.

[0184] Upon determination that the operation mode is the power-saving mode, the processor 150 may control the operation of the fan 40 based on a preset rotation speed.

[0185] Upon determination that the operation mode is the power-saving mode, the processor 150 may also control the operation of the fan 40 based on a difference between the detected humidity value and the target humidity value.

[0186] The processor 150 may identify a DR level received via the communicator 140 and determine a ratio for adjusting the indication frequency of the compressor based on the identified DR level.

[0187] The processor 150 may identify a ratio corresponding to the DR level and set an operation frequency of the compressor based on the identified ratio and the indication frequency of the compressor.

[0188] The ratio corresponding to the DR level may include a first ratio corresponding to a first DR level, a second ratio corresponding to a second DR level, and a third ratio corresponding to a third DR level.

[0189] For example, the first ratio may be 27%, the second ratio may be 45%, and the third ratio may be 63%, and these ratios may be pieces of information obtained by a test and stored in advance.

[0190] In the case where the DR level is the first DR level and the indication frequency of the compressor is 47 Hz, the processor 150 may set the operation frequency of the compressor to 34 Hz, which is 27% lower than 47 Hz.

[0191] In the case where the DR level is the second DR level and the indication frequency of the compressor is 47 Hz, the processor 150 may set the operation frequency of the compressor to 25.85 Hz, which is 45% lower than 47 Hz.

[0192] In the case where the DR level is the third DR level and the indication frequency of the compressor is 47 Hz, the processor 150 may set the operation frequency of the compressor to 17.4 Hz, which is 63% lower than 47 Hz

[0193] During the power-saving mode, the processor 150 may identify the indication frequency of the compressor 10 corresponding to the difference between the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 and the target humidity value, and control the dehumidification while changing the operation frequency of the compressor on the basis of the identified indication frequency and a preset ratio until the detected humidity value reaches the target humidity value.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 5, the power consumption may be reduced by approximately 34% by operating the compressor at a reduced indication frequency during the power-saving mode according to an example embodiment.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 6, although dehumidification capacity also decreases in the case of performing dehumidification at a reduced indication frequency of the compressor during the power-saving mode, a decrease in dehumidification capacity was merely about 18% indicating that the decline in dehumidification performance is insignificant.

[0196] For example, according to an example embodiment, the power-saving efficiency may be improved while the dehumidification capacity may be slightly decreased by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor during the power-saving mode.

[0197] Upon determination that the preferred humidity value is within the reference humidity range, the processor 150 may set the target humidity value by adding the preset humidity value to the preferred humidity value, acquire a difference between the set target humidity value and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, identify an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the acquired difference, set an operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor and a preset ratio, and control the operation of the compressor on the basis of the set operating frequency of the compressor.

[0198] Upon determination that the preferred humidity value is out of the reference humidity range, the processor 150 may set the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value, acquire a difference between the set target humidity value and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, identify an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the acquired difference, set an operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor and a preset ratio, and control the operation of the compressor on the basis of the set operating frequency of the compressor.

[0199] The reference humidity range, as a range corresponding to a comfort level, may be a range of 40% to 60% relative humidity.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the results of a test on the power-saving effect in accordance with the setting of the target humidity value will be described.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 7, in the case where the preferred humidity value is from 30% to 40%, it may be confirmed that a power-saving rate, which is obtained during the power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value, is quite similar to a power-saving rate, which is obtained during a power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the target humidity value by adding 10% to the preferred humidity value.

[0202] In the case where the preferred humidity value is 60%, it may be confirmed that a power-saving rate, which is obtained in a power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value, is quite similar to a power-saving rate, which is obtained in a power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the target humidity value by adding 10% to the preferred humidity value.

Power-saving rate=((power consumption in general modepower consumption of power-saving mode)/power consumption of general mode)*100%

[0203] However, in the case where the preferred humidity value is 50%, it may be confirmed that a power-saving rate, which is obtained in a power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the preferred humidity value as the target humidity value, is significantly different from a power-saving rate, which is obtained in a power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the target humidity value by adding 10% to the preferred humidity value. For example, in the case where the preferred humidity value is 50%, it can be seen that the power-saving efficiency may be improved by setting the target humidity value by increasing the preferred humidity value when performing the power-saving mode.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 8, in a low-humidity indoor environment, upon comparing a power consumption of the general mode with a power consumption of a power-saving mode performed by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the target humidity value by adding 5% to the preferred humidity value, it may be confirmed that the power-saving rate may be increased by performing the power-saving mode by reducing the indication frequency of the compressor and setting the target humidity value by adding 5% to the preferred humidity value.

[0205] It may be confirmed that the power-saving rate is further increased in a larger indoor area.

[0206] The processor 150 may control the release or re-performance of the power-saving mode on the basis of the operating time of the power-saving mode and the amount of humidity change during the performance of the power-saving mode.

[0207] The processor 150 may identify a first humidity value detected by humidity sensor 130 at the time the power-saving mode was started while the power-saving mode is performed, count the elapsed time since the power-saving mode was started, and identify a second humidity value detected by humidity sensor 130 in the case where the counted time is the first period.

[0208] The time the power-saving mode was started may be the time the on-command of the power-saving mode was received.

[0209] In the case where the counted time is the second period, the processor 150 identifies a third humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 in the case where the counted time is the second period.

[0210] The first period may be approximately 20 minutes, and the second period may be approximately 30 minutes.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 9, the processor 150 acquires a difference between a first humidity value h1 and a second humidity value h2, and releases the power-saving mode (point b2) upon determination that the acquired difference (hc=h1h2) is equal to or less than a first setting value s1 (hcs1), and a third humidity value h3 is equal to or greater than the second setting value s2 (h3s2) (point b1). In this regard, the first setting value may be a relative humidity value of 5%, and the second setting value may be a relative humidity value of 60%.

[0212] In this regard, the difference hc between the first humidity value and the second humidity value refers to a change in humidity value detected by humidity sensor 130.

[0213] The processor 150 may acquire a difference between the first humidity value h1 and the second humidity value h2, identify a maintenance period during which the acquired difference is maintained equal to or less than the first setting value upon determination that the acquired difference (hc=h1h2) is equal to or less than the first setting value s1 (hcs1), and release the power-saving mode upon determination that the identified maintenance period is a third period.

[0214] Upon determination that the third humidity value h3 is equal to or greater than the second setting value s2 (h3>=s2), the processor 150 may identify a maintenance period during which the third humidity value h3 is maintained equal to or greater than the second setting value s2, and release the power-saving mode upon determination that the identified maintenance period is a fourth period.

[0215] Upon determination that a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor is equal to the target humidity value, the processor 150 may identify a period during which the detected humidity value is maintained at the target humidity value, and release the power-saving mode in the case where the identified period is a fifth period.

[0216] The third period, the fourth period, and the fifth period may be the same or different.

[0217] The third period, the fourth period, and the fifth period may be approximately 30 minutes, respectively.

[0218] The releasing of the power-saving mode includes changing the operation mode to the general mode.

[0219] The releasing of the power-saving mode includes acquiring a difference between the input humidity value and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, identifying an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the acquired difference, and controlling the operation of the compressor 10 on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor.

[0220] The processor 150 may perform the general mode after releasing the power-saving mode.

[0221] The processor 150 may identify the humidity value hd detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the general mode in a state where the power-saving mode is released, and re-perform the power-saving mode in the case where the detected humidity value is less than a third setting value (s3) (hd<s3).

[0222] In this regard, the third setting value may be a relative humidity value of 55%.

[0223] The processor 150 may identify the humidity value hd detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the general mode in a state where the power-saving mode is released, acquire a value (a=his4) by subtracting a fourth setting value s4 from the input humidity value hi, and re-perform the power-saving mode upon determination that the detected humidity value hd is greater than the acquired value a (hd>a).

[0224] In this regard, the fourth setting value may be a relative humidity value of approximately 5%.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 9, the processor 150 may identify the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the general mode in a state where the power-saving mode is released, and re-perform the power-saving mode (point b3) upon determination that the detected humidity value is less than the third setting value (hd<s3), or the detected humidity value hd is greater than the value (a=his4) obtained by subtracting the fourth setting value s4 from the input humidity value hi (hd>a).

[0226] The processor 150 may identify a period during which the detected humidity value hd is maintained above the value (a=his4) obtained by subtracting a fourth setting value s4 from the input humidity value hi (hd>a), and re-perform the power-saving mode upon determination that the identified period is a sixth period.

[0227] In this regard, the sixth period may be approximately 5 minutes.

[0228] The re-performing of the power-saving mode may include setting a target humidity value on the basis of a preferred humidity value, acquiring an indication frequency of the compressor on the basis of a difference between the target humidity value and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor, setting an operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the indication frequency of the compressor and a preset ratio, and controlling the operation of the compressor on the basis of the set operating frequency of the compressor the target humidity value.

[0229] Another example of setting the target humidity value will be described.

[0230] Upon determination that the operation mode is the power-saving mode, the processor 150 may identify the input humidity value received via the input interface 110, set a target humidity value on the basis of the identified input humidity value, and control the operation of the compressor and the fan on the basis of the set target humidity value.

[0231] Upon receiving a power-off command, the processor 150 identifies an input humidity value received via the input interface 110 during a period between the time the power-on command is received and the time the power-off command is received, and store the identified humidity value.

[0232] In the case where multiple input humidity values are received via the input interface 110 during a period between the time the power-on command is received and the time the power-off command is received, the processor 150 may store the input humidity value received immediately before entering the power-saving mode.

[0233] The processor 150 may set different target humidity values depending on whether the input humidity value is within a reference humidity range or out of the reference humidity range.

[0234] The processor 150 may set the target humidity value by adding a preset humidity value to the input humidity value upon determination that the input humidity value is within the reference humidity range, and set the input humidity value as the target humidity value upon determination that the input humidity value is out of the reference humidity range.

[0235] The memory 160 may store input humidity values for each operation cycle and preferred humidity values for each operation cycle.

[0236] The memory 160 may store information on setting values and time for release and re-performance of the power-saving mode.

[0237] The setting value may include first, second, third, and fourth setting values, and the period may include first, second third, fourth, fifth, and sixth periods.

[0238] The memory 160 may store information on the indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value, and store information on the indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the difference between the detected humidity value and the target humidity value.

[0239] The memory 160 may store the preset ratio for reducing the indication frequency of the compressor.

[0240] The memory 160 may also store rates for reducing the indication frequency of the compressor for each DR level. The higher the power price corresponding to the DR level, the higher the rate may be.

[0241] The memory 160 may store information on the reference humidity value, preset humidity values, and the reference humidity range for controlling the power-saving mode.

[0242] The memory 160 and the processor 150 may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory 160 and the processor 150 may also be implemented on a single chip.

[0243] Artificial intelligence (AI)-related functions according to the present disclosure may operate by a processor and a memory. The processor may be configured as one or more processors. In this case, the one or more processors may be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, AP, or digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics-dedicated processor such as a GPU or a vision processing unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a NPU. Each processor or model (e.g., AI) herein includes processing circuitry, and/or may include multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term processor or model 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, a model, at least one model, and one or more processors are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover various situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor and/or model performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) and/or model(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor and/or model 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. Likewise, the at least one model may include a combination of circuitry and/or processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor and/or model may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0244] One or more processors control processing of input data according to pre-defined operation rules or AI models stored in the memory. In the case where the one or more processors are AI-dedicated processors, the AI-dedicated processors may be designed as hardware structures specialized for processing specific AI models.

[0245] The pre-defined operation rules or AI models are characterized by being generated by training. Being generated by training may refer, for example, to a basic AI model being trained using a training algorithm on multiple training datasets, thereby creating pre-defined operation rules or AI models configured to perform desired characteristics (or objectives). Such training may be performed within a device in which the AI according to the present disclosure operates or may be performed via a separate server and/or system. Examples of training algorithms include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, and reinforcement learning, but are not limited thereto.

[0246] The artificial intelligence (AI) model may include a plurality of neural network layers. Each of the plurality of neural network layers possesses multiple weight values and performs neural network operations through computations between the output of the previous layer and the multiple weight values. The multiple weight values in the plurality of neural network layers may be optimized as a result of training the AI model. For example, during the training process, the multiple weight values may be updated such that a loss value or a cost value acquired from the AI model decreases or is minimized/reduced. The artificial neural network may include a Deep Neural Network (DNN), and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBM), Deep Belief Networks (DBN), Bidirectional Recurrent Deep Neural Networks (BRDNN), and Deep Q-Networks.

[0247] At least one component may be added to or removed from the dehumidifier to correspond to the performance of the components of the dehumidifier illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition, the relative positions of the components may be changed according to the performance or structure of the dehumidifier, which will be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0248] Each of the components shown in FIG. 2 refers to software and/or hardware components such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) and application specific integrated circuits (ASIC).

[0249] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating example operations of the dehumidifier according various embodiments.

[0250] The dehumidifier determines the operation mode on the basis of a user input received from the input interface 110.

[0251] The dehumidifier determines whether the operation mode selected by the user is the general mode (201), and identify an input humidity value received from the input interface 110 upon determination that the operation mode is the general mode.

[0252] Upon determination that no input humidity value has been received from the input interface 110 since a power-on command was received, the dehumidifier may identify operation information of the dehumidifier before the current power-on command is received, and identify an input humidity value while the general mode was performed among the identified pieces of the operation information of the dehumidifier.

[0253] Upon determination that no input humidity value has been received from the input interface 110 since the general mode was selected, the dehumidifier may identify operation information of the dehumidifier before the general mode is selected, and identify an input humidity value while the general mode was performed among the identified pieces of the operation information of the dehumidifier.

[0254] The dehumidifier may also identify the operation mode and the input humidity value on the basis of a communication signal received via the communicator 140.

[0255] The dehumidifier identifies the input humidity value received via the input interface 110 while performing the general mode (202), and controls the operation of the compressor 10 and the fan 40 on the basis of the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 and the identified input humidity value.

[0256] For example, during the control of the operation of the compressor 10, the dehumidifier may determine whether the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the input humidity value, identify a difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value upon determination that the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the identified input humidity value, identify an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the identified difference, and control the operation of the compressor 10 on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor (203).

[0257] In the regard, the indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value may be pre-stored information, which may have been acquired by a test.

[0258] As the difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value decreases, the indication frequency of the compressor may be a lower value.

[0259] During the control of the operation of the fan 40, the dehumidifier may determine whether the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the input humidity value, identify a difference between the detected humidity value and the input humidity value upon determination that the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the input humidity value, identify a rotation speed of the fan 40 corresponding to the identified difference, and control the operation of the fan 40 on the basis of the rotation speed of the fan 40.

[0260] In this regard, the rotation speed of the fan corresponding to the difference between the detected humidity value and the identified input humidity value may be pre-stored information, which may have been acquired by a test.

[0261] The dehumidifier may control the operation of the compressor 10 and the fan 40 while adjusting or maintaining the indication frequency of the compressor and the rotation speed of the fan on the basis of the detected humidity value during the general mode, until the detected humidity value reaches the input humidity value.

[0262] The dehumidifier determines whether the detected humidity value is less than the identified input humidity value while the general mode, and stop the compressor 10 and the fan 40 upon determination that the detected humidity value is less than the input humidity value.

[0263] The dehumidifier may periodically identify the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the stop control of the compressor 10 and the fan 40.

[0264] In a state where the compressor 10 and the fan 40 are stopped, the dehumidifier may control the operation of the compressor 10 and the fan 40 again in the case where the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the input humidity value.

[0265] The dehumidifier may identify the input humidity value received via the input interface 110 while performing the general mode, and determine the identified input humidity value as a humidity value for learning.

[0266] For example, upon receiving a power-off command while performing the general mode, the dehumidifier may identify the elapsed time from the time the power-on command is received to the time the power-off command is received, identify input humidity values received via the input interface 110 between the time the power-on command is received and the time the power-off command is received upon determination that the identified elapsed time is over a reference period, identify the last received input humidity value among the identifies input humidity values, and determine the identified input humidity value as a humidity value for learning.

[0267] Assuming that the period from the time a power-on command is received to the time a power-off command is received is defined as one operation cycle, the dehumidifier may determine the last input humidity value among the input humidity values received during one operation cycle as the input humidity value for learning.

[0268] The dehumidifier may determine the input humidity value for learning each time one operation cycle ends and store the recognized input humidity value.

[0269] The dehumidifier acquires a preferred humidity value by learning the stored input humidity values.

[0270] The dehumidifier may assign a first weight to the input humidity value determined in the last operation cycle among the plurality of operation cycles, assign a second weight to the remaining operation cycles, acquire a first average of the input humidity values assigned with the second weight, acquire a second average of the acquired first average and the input humidity value assigned with the first weight, and acquire a preferred humidity value on the basis of the acquired second average.

[0271] The dehumidifier may acquire the preferred humidity value by rounding down the acquired second average by a preset unit. For example, the dehumidifier may acquire the preferred humidity value by rounding down the acquired second average by 5%. For example, the preferred humidity value may be acquired in 5% increments, e.g., 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, and 60%.

[0272] The dehumidifier may acquire the preferred humidity value whenever the operation cycle is added, and store the acquired preferred humidity value (204).

[0273] Upon determination that the operation mode is the power-saving mode (205), the dehumidifier identifies the preferred humidity value, sets a target humidity value on the basis of the identified preferred humidity value.

[0274] For example, the dehumidifier determines whether the identified preferred humidity value is within the reference humidity range (206), sets the preferred humidity value as a target humidity value upon determination that the identified preferred humidity value is within the reference humidity range (207), and sets a target humidity value based on the preferred humidity value and the preset humidity value upon determination that the preferred humidity value is less than the reference humidity value (208). For example, the dehumidifier may set the target humidity value by adding the preset humidity value to the preferred humidity value upon determination that the preferred humidity value is less than the reference humidity range.

[0275] During the power-saving mode, the dehumidifier identifies a humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, and acquires an indication frequency of the compressor on the basis of the detected humidity value and the target humidity value (209).

[0276] For example, the dehumidifier identifies the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, acquires a difference between the detected humidity value and the target humidity value, and acquires an indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the acquired difference obtained from information stored in the memory.

[0277] The dehumidifier may set an operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor and the preset ratio (210), and control the operation of the compressor 10 on the basis of the set operating frequency of the compressor (211).

[0278] For example, the dehumidifier may operate the compressor at a reduced operating frequency reduced from the identified indication frequency of the compressor by the preset ratio. In this regard, the preset ratio may be about 27%. For example, in the case where the indication frequency of the compressor is 47 Hz, the operating frequency of the compressor may be 34 Hz which is 27% lower than 47 Hz.

[0279] During the power-saving mode, the dehumidifier may also control the operation of the fan 40 based on a preset rotation speed, and control the operation of the fan 40 on the basis of the difference between the detected humidity value and the target humidity value.

[0280] During the power-saving mode, the dehumidifier may identify the indication frequency of the compressor 10 corresponding to the difference between the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 and the target humidity value, and operate the compressor while changing the operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the identified indication frequency and the preset ratio. The dehumidifier may perform dehumidification until the detected humidity value reaches the target humidity value.

[0281] As shown in FIG. 11A, as a result of performing the general mode and the power-saving mode in an indoor space of approximately 43 square meters, it may be confirmed that the power-saving rate of the power-saving mode was 39% compared the general mode.

Power-saving rate=((power consumption of general modepower consumption of power-saving mode)/power consumption of general mode)*100%

[0282] As shown in FIGS. 11B, 11C, and 11D, a difference was observed in power consumption between the general mode and the power-saving mode in the 43 square meter-indoor space, and there is also a corresponding difference in the amount of power saved. However, a difference in humidity value between the general mode and the power-saving mode was insignificant.

[0283] As shown in FIG. 12A, as a result of performing the general mode and the power-saving mode in an indoor space of approximately 26.4 square meters, it can be seen that the power-saving rate of the power-saving mode was 51% compared to the general mode.

[0284] As shown in FIGS. 12B, 12C, and 12D, as a result of performing the general mode and the power-saving mode in an indoor space of approximately 26.4 square meters, a difference was observed in humidity value and power consumption between the general mode and the power-saving mode, and there is also a corresponding difference in the amount of power saved. However, the difference in humidity value between the general mode and the power-saving mode was insignificant.

[0285] According to an example embodiment, it is possible to improve power-saving efficiency while slightly reducing dehumidification capacity.

[0286] The dehumidifier may control release or re-performance of the power-saving mode on the basis of the operating time and the amount of humidity change during the performance of the power-saving mode.

[0287] The dehumidifier may determine whether the dehumidification state satisfies conditions for releasing the power-saving mode while performing the power-saving mode (212).

[0288] Conditions for releasing the power-saving mode may include a condition in which a variation in the humidity values detected after the first period has elapsed since the power-saving mode was started is equal to or less than the first setting value, and a condition in which the detected humidity value is equal to or greater than the second setting value after the second period has elapsed since the power-saving mode was started.

[0289] For example, the dehumidifier identifies a first humidity value detected by humidity sensor 130 at the time the power-saving mode was started, counts the elapsed time since the power-saving mode was started, identifies a second humidity value detected by humidity sensor 130 in the case where the counted time is the first period, and identify a third humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 in the case where the counted time is the second period.

[0290] The dehumidifier acquires a difference between a first humidity value h1 and a second humidity value h2, and determines that the conditions for releasing the power-saving mode are satisfied, upon determination that the acquired difference (hc=h1h2) is equal to or less than a first setting value s1 (hcs1), and a third humidity value h3 is equal to or greater than the second setting value s2 (h3 s2) (point b1).

[0291] The dehumidifier maintains the power-saving mode upon determination that the conditions for releasing the power-saving mode are not satisfied (213), and releases the power-saving mode upon determination that the conditions for releasing the power-saving mode are satisfied (214).

[0292] The maintaining of the power-saving mode includes periodically identifying the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130 while performing the power-saving mode, identifying the indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the difference between the detected humidity value and the target humidity value, and operating the compressor by reducing the identified indication frequency of the compressor by the preset ratio.

[0293] The releasing of the power-saving mode includes performing the general mode.

[0294] The performing of the general mode in response to the release of the power-saving mode includes acquiring the difference between the input humidity value and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 130, identifying the indication frequency of the compressor corresponding to the acquired difference, and controlling the operation of the compressor 10 on the basis of the identified indication frequency of the compressor.

[0295] While performing the general mode in a state where the power-saving mode has been released, the dehumidifier determines whether the dehumidification state during the general mode satisfies the conditions for re-performing the power-saving mode (215).

[0296] Conditions for re-performing the power-saving mode may include conditions that the humidity value hd detected by the humidity sensor 130 is less than the third set value s3 (hd<s3), and conditions that the detected humidity value hd exceeds a value (a=his4) obtained by subtracting the fourth set value s4 from the input humidity value hi (hd>a).

[0297] In a state where the power-saving mode has been released, the dehumidifier identifies the humidity value hd detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the general mode, and re-perform the power-saving mode upon determination that the detected humidity value is less than the third set value s3 (hd<s3).

[0298] In a state where the power-saving mode has been released, the dehumidifier identifies the humidity value hd detected by the humidity sensor 130 during the general mode, acquires a value (a=his4) obtained by subtracting the fourth set value s4 from the input humidity value hi, and re-perform the power-saving mode upon determination that the detected humidity value hd exceeds the value a (hd>a).

[0299] The re-performing of the power-saving mode may include setting a target humidity value on the basis of a preferred humidity value, acquiring an indication frequency of the compressor on the basis of a difference between the target humidity value and the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor, setting an operating frequency of the compressor on the basis of the indication frequency of the compressor and the preset ratio, and controlling the operation of the compressor on the basis of the set operating frequency of the compressor and the target humidity value.

[0300] Various disclosed example embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0301] The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording media in which instructions that may be decoded by a computer are stored. Examples include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0302] Although various example embodiments of the present disclosure have been provided for illustrative purposes, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various embodiments that may be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, including the claims, should be construed as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.