Air conditioning system

Abstract

The present application discloses an air conditioning system, characterized in that: the air conditioning system includes a main heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger and at least one heating device; the air conditioning system also includes a main circulation loop, the main circulation loop includes a first section of main pipe and a second section of main pipe, the first section of main pipe and the second section of main pipe are fluidically connected to form the main circulation loop, the first section of main pipe passes through the main heat exchanger, the second section of main pipe passes through the secondary heat exchanger, and the second section of main pipe can be controllably connected or disconnected; and an auxiliary circulation loop, the auxiliary circulation loop includes a bypass pipeline, the bypass pipeline is bridged between the first section of main pipe and the second section of main pipe, the auxiliary circulation loop is formed by fluidly connecting the first section of main pipe and the bypass pipeline, and the bypass pipeline can be controllably connected or disconnected; at least one heating device is used to heat the fluid flowing into or out of the main heat exchanger. The air conditioning system of the present application can prevent the fluid in the main heat exchanger from freezing, thereby protecting the main heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of air-conditioning systems, and more specifically to a refrigeration condition of an air-conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] The air conditioning system usually includes at least two heat exchangers, wherein the main heat exchanger can exchange heat between the fluid in the air conditioning system (e.g., antifreeze) and the fluid supplied to the air conditioner (e.g., water), thereby reducing the temperature of the fluid (e.g., water) supplied to the air conditioner. Since the temperature of the fluid (e.g., antifreeze) in the air conditioning system is relatively low, and the freezing point of the fluid (e.g., water) supplied to the air conditioner is higher than the temperature of the fluid (e.g., antifreeze) in the air conditioning system, the fluid (e.g., water) supplied to the air conditioner is prone to expand after solidification in the heat exchanger, causing damage to the heat exchanger. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present application, the present application provides an air-conditioning system, which includes a main heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger and at least one heating device; the air-conditioning system also includes: a main circulation loop, the main circulation loop includes a first section of a main line and a second section of a main line, the first section of the main line and the second section of the main line are fluidically connected to form the main circulation loop, the first section of the main line passes through the main heat exchanger, the second section of the main line passes through the secondary heat exchanger, and the second section of the main line can be controllably connected or disconnected; and an auxiliary circulation loop, the auxiliary circulation loop includes a bypass line, the bypass line is bridged between the first section of the main line and the second section of the main line, the auxiliary circulation loop is formed by fluidly connecting the first section of the main line and the bypass line, and the bypass line can be controllably connected or disconnected; wherein the at least one heating device is used to heat the fluid flowing into the main heat exchanger or the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger.

[0004] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, one of the at least one heating device is disposed on the first main pipe.

[0005] According to the air-conditioning system of the first aspect above, when the second section of the main line is disconnected and the bypass line is connected, the main circulation loop is disconnected and the auxiliary circulation loop is connected; when the second section of the main line is connected and the bypass line is connected, the main circulation loop is connected and the auxiliary circulation loop is connected; when the second section of the main line is connected and the bypass line is disconnected, the main circulation loop is connected and the auxiliary circulation loop is disconnected; and when the second section of the main line is disconnected and the bypass line is disconnected, the main circulation loop is disconnected and the auxiliary circulation loop is disconnected.

[0006] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, both the flow rate of the main circulation loop and the flow rate of the auxiliary circulation loop can be adjusted.

[0007] According to the air-conditioning system of the first aspect above, the air-conditioning system also includes a first valve, a second valve and a third valve; wherein the second valve is arranged on the bypass pipeline, and is used to controllably connect or disconnect the bypass pipeline; the first valve and the third valve are arranged on the second section of the main pipeline, and the first valve is arranged on the pipeline before penetrating into the secondary heat exchanger, and the third valve is arranged on the pipeline after penetrating from the secondary heat exchanger, and is used to controllably connect or disconnect the second section of the main pipeline.

[0008] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, one of the at least one heating device is disposed on the first main line or between the second valve and a connection point A between the first main line and the second main line.

[0009] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, the first valve or the third valve can control the flow rate of the second section main line; the second valve can control the flow rate of the bypass.

[0010] According to the air-conditioning system of the first aspect mentioned above, the air-conditioning system also includes at least one fluid driving device and at least one fluid expansion and containing device; the at least one fluid driving device is used to drive the fluid to flow in the main circulation loop and the auxiliary circulation loop.

[0011] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect above, the at least one fluid driving device is a pump; the at least one fluid expansion and containing device is an expansion tank; wherein the pump and the expansion tank are both arranged on the first section of the main pipe.

[0012] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, the air conditioning system further comprises a temperature detection device configured to detect the temperature of the fluid entering the main heat exchanger or the temperature of the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger and provide a temperature detection signal.

[0013] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect above, the air conditioning system also includes a control device, which is configured to control the connection, disconnection or flow regulation of the main circulation loop and the auxiliary circulation loop according to the temperature detection signal provided by the temperature detection device.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present application, the present application provides a method for controlling an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system comprising a primary heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger and at least one heating device, the air conditioning system further comprising a primary circulation loop, the primary circulation loop comprising a first section of a main pipe and a second section of a main pipe, the first section of the main pipe and the second section of the main pipe being fluidically connected to form the primary circulation loop, the first section of the main pipe passing through the primary heat exchanger, the second section of the main pipe passing through the secondary heat exchanger, the method comprising the following steps:

[0015] Connecting a bypass pipeline that can be controllably connected or disconnected between the first section of the main pipeline and the second section of the main pipeline so that the bypass pipeline and the first section of the main pipeline form an auxiliary circulation loop;

[0016] The second main pipeline can be connected or disconnected in a controllable manner;

[0017] The at least one heating device is configured to heat the fluid flowing into the main heat exchanger or the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger;

[0018] Detecting the temperature of the fluid in the first section of the main pipeline, and performing at least one of the following operations according to the detected temperature of the fluid:

[0019] Operation 1: disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline to disconnect the main circulation loop and connecting the bypass pipeline to connect the auxiliary circulation loop, so that the fluid circulates in the auxiliary circulation loop;

[0020] Operation 2: connecting the second section of the main pipeline to connect the main circulation loop and connecting the bypass pipeline to connect the auxiliary circulation loop, so that the fluid circulates in the main circulation loop and the auxiliary circulation loop;

[0021] Operation three: connecting the second main pipeline to connect the main circulation loop and disconnecting the bypass pipeline to disconnect the auxiliary circulation loop, so that the fluid circulates in the main circulation loop;

[0022] Operation 4: disconnecting the second main pipeline to disconnect the main circulation loop and disconnecting the bypass pipeline to disconnect the auxiliary circulation loop, so that the fluid can neither circulate in the main circulation loop nor in the auxiliary circulation loop.

[0023] According to the method for controlling an air-conditioning system according to the above-mentioned second aspect, the air-conditioning system includes a shutdown mode; when the air-conditioning system is in the shutdown mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is lower than the second temperature, the at least one heating device is turned on and the operation four is performed; when the air-conditioning system is in the shutdown mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than the third temperature, the at least one heating device is turned off.

[0024] According to the method for controlling an air-conditioning system in the second aspect above, the air-conditioning system includes an operating mode; when the air-conditioning system is in the operating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is lower than a first temperature, operation two is performed; when the air-conditioning system is in the operating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a second temperature, operation three is performed.

[0025] According to the method for controlling an air-conditioning system in the second aspect above, the air-conditioning system includes a preheating mode; when the air-conditioning system is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is lower than a first temperature, the at least one heating device is turned on and the operation four is performed; when the air-conditioning system is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a second temperature, the operation one is performed; when the air-conditioning system is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a third temperature, the operation two is performed first and then the operation three is performed.

[0026] According to the method for controlling an air conditioning system of the second aspect above, when the air conditioning system is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a second temperature, the at least one heating device is turned off.

[0027] According to the method for controlling an air conditioning system of the second aspect above, when the air conditioning system is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a third temperature, the at least one heating device is turned off.

[0028] According to the method for controlling an air-conditioning system in the second aspect above, the method further includes the following steps: setting a second valve on the bypass pipeline for controllably connecting or disconnecting the bypass pipeline; setting the first valve on the pipeline before penetrating the secondary heat exchanger for controllably connecting or disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline; and controlling the opening of the first valve and the second valve according to the detected temperature of the fluid in the first section of the main pipeline.

[0029] The air conditioning system of the present application can prevent the fluid in the main heat exchanger from freezing, thereby effectively protecting the main heat exchanger in the air conditioning system, and can also shorten the preheating time of the air conditioning system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The features and advantages of the present application may be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like components throughout, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The control components and control connections of the air conditioning system shown;

[0033] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 More detailed structure of the control device in the middle;

[0034] Figure 4 The control process of the control device on the air conditioning system is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The more detailed steps in step 412 are shown;

[0036] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 The more detailed steps in step 414 are shown;

[0037] Figure 7 Shows Figure 4 The steps are shown in more detail in step 416. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Various specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of this specification. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in this application refer to the same or corresponding parts.

[0039] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning system 100 includes a main heat exchanger 106, a secondary heat exchanger 102 and a main circulation loop 162. The main circulation loop 162 includes a first section main line 142 and a second section main line 144. One end of the first section main line 142 is connected to one end of the second section main line 144 at a connection point A, and the other end of the first section main line 142 is connected to the other end of the second section main line 144 at a connection point B, so that the first section main line 142 and the second section main line 144 can be fluidly connected, thereby forming the main circulation loop 162. The first section main line 142 passes through the main heat exchanger 106, and the second section main line 144 passes through the secondary heat exchanger 102. More specifically, the first section main line 142 has a main heat exchanger inlet section 182, a main heat exchanger section 184 and a main heat exchanger outlet section 186 connected in sequence, wherein the main heat exchanger section 184 is located in the main heat exchanger 106. The second main pipeline 144 has a secondary heat exchanger inlet section 192, a secondary heat exchanger section 194 and a secondary heat exchanger outlet section 196 connected in sequence, wherein the secondary heat exchanger section 194 is located in the secondary heat exchanger 102. The air conditioning system 100 contains a fluid (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc.), which can circulate in the main circulation loop 162 to provide a fluid with a lower temperature in the main heat exchanger 106. The air conditioning system 100 also includes a user pipeline 101, which includes a user inlet section 122, a main heat exchanger user section 123 and a user outlet section 124, wherein the main heat exchanger user section 123 is located in the main heat exchanger 106. The user pipeline 101 contains a fluid (e.g., water), which can flow through the user inlet section 122, the main heat exchanger user section 123 and the user outlet section 124 in sequence. In the following description of the present application, the fluid contained in the main circulation loop 162 is referred to as “antifreeze”, and the fluid contained in the user pipeline 101 is referred to as “water”, so as to better distinguish the fluids in different circuits or pipelines.

[0040] When the air-conditioning system 100 is running, for the main circulation loop 162, the secondary heat exchanger 102 can reduce the temperature of the antifreeze in the secondary heat exchanger section 194 in the secondary heat exchanger 102; the antifreeze with a lower temperature then flows through the secondary heat exchanger outlet section 196 and the main heat exchanger inlet section 182 and flows to the main heat exchanger section 184; in the main heat exchanger 106, the antifreeze with a lower temperature is heated up after heat exchange with the water in the main heat exchanger 106, and becomes an antifreeze with a higher temperature; then the antifreeze with a higher temperature flows through the main heat exchanger outlet section 186 and the heat exchanger inlet section 192 and enters the secondary heat exchanger 102 again, thereby forming a main circulation. When the air conditioning system 100 is in operation, for the user pipeline 101, the water with a higher temperature flows through the user inlet section 122 to the main heat exchanger user section 123; in the main heat exchanger 106, the water with a higher temperature exchanges heat with the antifreeze liquid with a lower temperature to cool down; then the water with a lower temperature flows out through the user outlet section 124, thereby supplying the water with a lower temperature to the occasion requiring a lower temperature. As an example, the main heat exchanger 106 can be a plate heat exchanger or a shell and tube heat exchanger, and the secondary heat exchanger 102 can be an air-cooled heat exchanger or an ice storage type heat exchanger.

[0041] The air conditioning system 100 further includes a bypass line 152. The bypass line 152 is connected between the first section of the main line 142 and the second section of the main line 144. More specifically, one end of the bypass line 152 is connected to a connection point A, and the other end of the bypass line 152 is connected to a connection point B. The bypass line 152 can be in fluid communication with the first section of the main line 142 to form an auxiliary circulation loop 164.

[0042] The air conditioning system 100 further includes a first valve 118, a second valve 116, and a third valve 114. The second valve 116 is disposed on the bypass pipeline 152 to control the connection or disconnection of the bypass pipeline 152. The first valve 118 and the third valve 114 are disposed on the second section main pipeline 144 to control the connection or disconnection of the second section main pipeline 144. The first valve 118 is disposed on the secondary heat exchanger inlet section 192, and the third valve 114 is disposed on the secondary heat exchanger outlet section 196. By controlling the connection or disconnection of the first valve 118, the second valve 116, and the third valve 114, the second section main pipeline 144 and the bypass pipeline 152 can be controllably connected or disconnected, thereby selectively connecting or disconnecting the main circulation loop 162 and the circulation loop 164. Specifically, when the second section of the main line 144 is disconnected and the bypass line 152 is connected, the main circulation loop 162 is disconnected and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 is connected; when the second section of the main line 144 is connected and the bypass line 152 is connected, the main circulation loop 162 is connected and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 is connected; when the second section of the main line 144 is connected and the bypass line 152 is disconnected, the main circulation loop 162 is connected and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 is disconnected; when the second section of the main line 144 is disconnected and the bypass line 152 is disconnected, the main circulation loop 162 is disconnected and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 is disconnected.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present application, the third valve 114 is a one-way valve, which allows the fluid in the second main pipeline 144 to flow in only one direction, that is, from the connection point B through the second main pipeline 144 to the connection point A. The first valve 118 and the second valve 116 are electric butterfly valves, and the first valve 118 and the second valve 116 can achieve different openings of 0%-100% for adjusting the flow rate. For example, when the opening of the electric butterfly valve is 0%, the pipeline where the electric butterfly valve is located is disconnected, that is, the electric butterfly valve is closed; when the opening of the electric butterfly valve is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 100%, the pipeline where the electric butterfly valve is located is connected; when the opening of the electric butterfly valve is 100%, the pipeline where the electric butterfly valve is located is connected, and the electric butterfly valve is fully opened. In addition, the electric butterfly valve can also be opened or closed at a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed is determined by the increased opening of the electric butterfly valve per unit time. For example, when the predetermined speed is 10, the electromagnetic butterfly valve increases its opening by 5% per second.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first valve 118, the second valve 116 and the third valve 114 may be configured such that the first valve 118, the second valve 116 and the third valve 114 are all electric butterfly valves, or may be configured such that the second valve 116 and the third valve 114 are electric butterfly valves and the first valve 118 is a one-way valve.

[0045] The air conditioning system 100 further includes a heating device 126, a fluid driving device and a fluid expansion and containing device. The heating device 126 is used to heat the antifreeze liquid flowing into or out of the main heat exchanger 106. The fluid driving device is used to drive the antifreeze liquid in the air conditioning system 100 to circulate. The fluid expansion and containing device is used to contain the antifreeze liquid whose volume increases due to the increase in temperature, and is also used to replenish the antifreeze liquid whose volume decreases due to the decrease in temperature into the system. According to one embodiment of the present application, the heating device 126 is a belt heater (that is, the heating wire is wrapped around the pipeline, the pipeline is heated, and the antifreeze liquid in the pipeline is heated), which is arranged on the main heat exchanger inlet section 182. The fluid driving device is a pump 104, and the fluid expansion and containing device is an expansion tank 110, and the pump 104 and the expansion tank 110 are arranged on the main heat exchanger outlet section 186.

[0046] It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the heating device 126, the fluid driving device and the fluid expansion and containing device can also be arranged at other locations, and more than one can be arranged. For example, the heating device 126 can be arranged on the first section of the main pipeline 142, or on the pipeline from the second valve 116 to the connection point A, or can be arranged around the main heat exchanger 106, as long as the heating device 126 can heat the fluid flowing into the main heat exchanger 106 or the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger 106. The fluid driving device and the fluid expansion and containing device can also be arranged on the first section of the main pipeline 142. As another example, the heating device 126 can be an embedded heater, which is installed in the pipeline to directly contact the antifreeze in the pipeline, thereby heating the antifreeze in the pipeline.

[0047] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The control components (including the control device 204) and control connections of the air conditioning system 100 are shown. Figure 2As shown, the air conditioning system 100 also includes a control device 204 and a temperature detection device 202. The temperature detection device 202 is used to detect the temperature of the antifreeze liquid flowing into the main heat exchanger 106 or the temperature of the antifreeze liquid flowing out of the main heat exchanger 106 and provide a temperature detection signal. The control device 204 is connected to the pump 104, the first valve 118, the second valve 116, the heating device 126 and the secondary heat exchanger 102. The control device 204 is configured to control the connection or disconnection of the main circulation loop 162 and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 according to the temperature signal of the antifreeze liquid. In an embodiment of the present application, the temperature detection device 202 is a temperature sensor, which is arranged on the inlet section 182 of the main heat exchanger, and is used to detect the temperature of the antifreeze liquid flowing into the main heat exchanger 106, and provide the detected temperature signal of the antifreeze liquid to the control device 204. The control device 204 is configured to control the opening and closing of the secondary heat exchanger 102, to control the opening and closing of the pump 104 and the heating device 126 according to the temperature signal of the antifreeze liquid, and to control the flow and disconnection of the first valve 118 and the second valve 116 according to the temperature signal of the antifreeze liquid.

[0048] It should be noted that the control device 204 can control the connection or disconnection of the main circulation loop 162 and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 according to the temperature signal of the fluid not only when the air conditioning system 100 is running. When the air conditioning system 100 is not running (in a shutdown state), the control device 204 can also control the connection or disconnection of the main circulation loop 162 and the auxiliary circulation loop 164 according to the temperature signal of the fluid.

[0049] It should also be noted that the embodiments in this specification are described based on the third valve 114 being a one-way valve. When the first valve 118 is opened, the one-way valve is connected; when the first valve 118 is closed, the one-way valve is disconnected. This can reduce the number of controlled components. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, the third valve 114 can be an electric butterfly valve. The control device 204 can be connected to the third valve 114 (electric butterfly valve) for communication, and the control device 204 can control the circulation and disconnection of the third valve 114 (electric butterfly valve) according to the temperature signal of the antifreeze liquid. As an example, when the first valve 118 is opened, the control device 204 controls the third valve 114 (electric butterfly valve) to be fully opened; when the first valve 118 is closed, the control device 204 controls the third valve 114 (electric butterfly valve) to be closed.

[0050] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 More detailed structure of the control device. Figure 3As shown, the control device 204 includes a bus 302, a processor 304, an input interface 308, an output interface 312, and a memory 314 having a control program 316. Each component in the control device 204, including the processor 304, the input interface 308, the output interface 312, and the memory 314, is communicatively connected to the bus 302, so that the processor 304 can control the operation of the input interface 308, the output interface 312, and the memory 314. Specifically, the memory 314 is used to store programs, instructions, and data, and the processor 304 reads programs, instructions, and data from the memory 314, and can write data to the memory 314. By executing the programs and instructions read from the memory 314, the processor 304 controls the operation of the input interface 308 and the output interface 312.

[0051] Through connection 309, input interface 308 receives external signals and data, including signals and data sent from a temperature sensor.

[0052] Through the connection 311 , the output interface 312 sends control signals to the outside, including sending control signals to the pump 104 , the first valve 118 , the second valve 116 , the heating device 126 and the secondary heat exchanger 102 .

[0053] In the embodiment of the present application, the Figure 4 ‐ Figure 7 The program of the flowchart shown in is stored in the memory 314 of the control device 204. The control device 204 controls the pump 104, the first valve 118, the second valve 116, the heating device 126 and the secondary heat exchanger 102 by executing the program stored in the control device 204 by the processor 304. A plurality of set temperature values ​​are also stored in the memory 314 of the control device 204. As an example, the memory 314 stores a first set temperature, a second set temperature and a third set temperature, wherein the first set temperature is lower than or equal to the second set temperature, and the second set temperature is lower than or equal to the third set temperature. The first set temperature may be 0-2°C, the second set temperature may be 4-6°C, and the first set temperature may be 8-10°C.

[0054] Figure 4The control flow of the control device 204 on the air conditioning system 100 is shown. It should be noted that the air conditioning system 100 has three states, namely, the operating state, the shutdown state and the off state. The shutdown state and the off state are not the same. When the air conditioning system 100 is in the shutdown state, the secondary heat exchanger 102 in the air conditioning system 100 does not work, that is, the antifreeze liquid in the secondary heat exchanger section 194 is not cooled, but the control device 204 is still in the operating state and waits for instructions to control the pump 104, the first valve 118, the second valve 116, the heating device 126 and the secondary heat exchanger 102. In other words, there is no mode in the off state, and there is a shutdown mode and a preheating mode in the shutdown state. The shutdown mode is used when the air conditioning system 100 is in the shutdown state, and the preheating mode is used when the air conditioning system 100 is in the shutdown state and receives a start signal. The air conditioning system 100 that completes the preheating mode enters the operating state, that is, enters the operating mode.

[0055] In step 402, the processor 304 turns off the pump 104, the heating device 126, and the secondary heat exchanger 102, and closes the first valve 118 and the second valve 116. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 404.

[0056] In step 404, the processor 304 determines the operating mode of the air conditioning system, and according to different modes (i.e., shutdown mode, preheating mode and operating mode), the control process goes to the shutdown mode in step 412, the preheating mode in step 414 or the operating mode in step 416.

[0057] Step 412 : When the air conditioning system 100 is in the shutdown mode, the temperature of the antifreeze liquid in the first section of the main pipeline 142 is maintained, thereby maintaining the temperature of the water in the main heat exchanger 106 to avoid damage to the main heat exchanger 106 .

[0058] Step 414: When the air conditioning system 100 is in the shutdown state and receives a start signal (ie, preheating mode), the antifreeze liquid is heated, thereby shortening the time for the antifreeze liquid in the air conditioning system 100 to reach a preset temperature.

[0059] Step 416 : when the air conditioning system 100 is in operation, the temperature of the antifreeze liquid flowing through the main heat exchanger 106 is maintained, thereby maintaining the temperature of the water in the main heat exchanger 106 to avoid damage to the main heat exchanger 106 .

[0060] In step 420, the processor 304 determines whether the air conditioning system 100 has stopped running (i.e., is in the shutdown state). If the air conditioning system 100 has stopped running (i.e., is in the shutdown state), the processor 304 will end the operation. If the air conditioning system 100 is still running (i.e., in the shutdown mode, the preheating mode, and the running mode), the processor 304 will transfer the operation to step 402.

[0061] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 More detailed steps in step 412 (shutdown mode) are shown.

[0062] In step 502, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 504.

[0063] In step 504, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the second set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not lower than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 502. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is lower than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 506.

[0064] In step 506 , the processor 304 turns on the heating device 126 . The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 508 .

[0065] In step 508, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 510.

[0066] In step 510, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the third set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not higher than the third set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 508. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is higher than the third set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 512.

[0067] In step 512, the processor 304 turns off the heating device 126. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 402.

[0068] It should be noted that in step 506, the first valve 118 and the second valve 116 are both in a closed state, and the pump 104 is also turned off. Therefore, the heating device 126 only needs to heat the antifreeze in some pipes in the air-conditioning system 100 to ensure the temperature of the water in the main heat exchanger 106, thereby avoiding damage to the main heat exchanger 106 due to excessively low water temperature and reducing the energy consumption of the heating device 126.

[0069] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 More detailed steps in step 414 (preheat mode) are shown.

[0070] In step 602, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 604.

[0071] In step 604, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the second set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not lower than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 602. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is lower than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 606.

[0072] In step 606 , the processor 304 turns on the heating device 126 , and then the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 608 .

[0073] In step 608, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 610.

[0074] In step 610, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the second set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not higher than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 608. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is higher than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 612.

[0075] In step 612, the processor 304 fully opens the second valve 116 and turns on the pump 104. "Fully opening the second valve 116" means that the opening degree of the second valve 116 is 100%. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 614.

[0076] In step 614, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 616.

[0077] In step 616, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the third set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not higher than the third set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 614. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is higher than the third set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 618.

[0078] In step 618, the first valve 118 is slowly opened until the first valve 118 is fully opened. "Slowly opening the first valve 118" means opening the first valve 118 at a first predetermined speed, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the antifreeze liquid currently detected is always higher than the third set temperature during the process of the first valve 118 being slowly opened, wherein the first predetermined speed is stored in the memory 314 of the control device 204. "The first valve 118 is fully opened" means that the opening degree of the first valve 118 is 100%. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 620.

[0079] In step 620, the second valve 116 is slowly closed. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 402.

[0080] It should be noted that, since the heat provided to the antifreeze liquid after the pump 104 is turned on is much higher than the heat provided by the heating device 126, the heating device 126 can be turned off at any time after the pump 104 is turned on (ie, step 612).

[0081] It should also be noted that in the preheating mode, as shown in step 414, since the preheating is performed in the order of the antifreeze in the local pipeline being heated, the antifreeze in the auxiliary circulation loop 164 being heated, and the antifreeze in the main circulation loop 162 being heated, the energy consumption of the heating device 126 can be reduced while the time for the antifreeze in the air-conditioning system 100 to reach the preset temperature (i.e., the third set temperature) can be shortened.

[0082] Figure 7 Shows Figure 4 More detailed steps in step 416 (Run Mode) are shown.

[0083] In step 702, the processor 304 fully opens the first valve 118 and starts the pump 104 and the secondary heat exchanger 102, so that the antifreeze solution can circulate in the main circulation loop 162. "Fully opening the first valve 118" means adjusting the opening of the first valve 118 to 100%. Then the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 704.

[0084] In step 704, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 706.

[0085] In step 706, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the first set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not lower than the first set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 704. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is lower than the first set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 708.

[0086] In step 708, the processor 304 opens the second valve 116 at a second predetermined speed, and the second predetermined speed can ensure that the speed of opening the second valve 116 is relatively slow, so as to facilitate the control of the temperature of the antifreeze liquid entering the main heat exchanger 106. The second predetermined speed is stored in the memory 314 of the control device 204. Then the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 710.

[0087] In step 710, the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 712.

[0088] In step 712, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the first set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not higher than the first set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 708. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is higher than the first set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 714.

[0089] In step 714, the processor 304 maintains the opening of the second valve 116. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 716.

[0090] In step 716 , the processor 304 obtains the current temperature of the antifreeze liquid from the temperature detection device 202 . The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 718 .

[0091] In step 718, the processor 304 compares the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid with the second set temperature stored in the memory 314. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is not higher than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 716. If the currently detected temperature of the antifreeze liquid is higher than the second set temperature, the processor 304 transfers the operation to step 720.

[0092] In step 720, the processor 304 slowly closes the second valve 116. “Slowly closing the second valve 116” means closing the second valve 116 at a third predetermined speed, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the antifreeze liquid currently detected is always higher than the second set temperature during the process of the second valve 116 being slowly closed, wherein the third predetermined speed is stored in the memory 314 of the control device 204. The processor 304 then transfers the operation to step 402.

[0093] It should be noted that, in the operation mode, as shown in step 416, the bypass line 152 is connected to reduce the flow of the antifreeze solution passing through the secondary heat exchanger 102, thereby reducing the amount of the antifreeze solution to be cooled, so as to maintain the temperature of the antifreeze solution passing through the main heat exchanger 106. Ensuring the temperature of the antifreeze solution passing through the main heat exchanger 106 can also ensure the temperature of the water in the main heat exchanger 106, thereby preventing the main heat exchanger 106 from being damaged due to the excessively low temperature of the water.

[0094] When the air conditioning system is set in a cold area, due to the low ambient temperature, the water in the main heat exchanger with a higher freezing point will freeze (the freezing point of water is 0°C), causing the water to expand after solidifying in the main heat exchanger and damage the heat exchanger. In a traditional air conditioning system, when the air conditioning system is in shutdown mode and the ambient temperature is low, a high-power heating device is used to heat the antifreeze in the entire air conditioning system to ensure that the temperature of the water in the main heat exchanger is higher than the freezing point of the water, thereby realizing antifreeze protection for the main heat exchanger; when the air conditioning system is in preheating mode, a high-power heating device is used to heat the antifreeze in the entire air conditioning system so that the antifreeze reaches the third set temperature.

[0095] In the present application, the air conditioning system 100 is designed to include a main circulation loop 162 and an auxiliary circulation loop 164. When the air conditioning system 100 is in shutdown mode and the ambient temperature is low, the first valve 118, the second valve 116, the third valve 114 and the pump are all closed, and the antifreeze cannot flow. The heating device 126 only needs to heat the antifreeze in the first section of the main pipeline 142, the antifreeze in the pipeline between the third valve 114 and the connection point A, and the antifreeze in the pipeline between the second valve 116 and the connection point A, thereby avoiding heating a large amount of antifreeze contained in the secondary heat exchanger 102 (for example, the capacity of the antifreeze contained in the secondary heat exchanger 102 accounts for about 75%-90% of the antifreeze capacity in the entire air conditioning system 100), so that the heating device 126 with a smaller power can achieve the purpose of protecting the main heat exchanger 106. When the air conditioning system 100 is in the preheating mode, the antifreeze in the air conditioning system 100 is heated and controlled in four stages: in the first stage, the first valve 118, the second valve 116, the third valve 114 and the pump are all closed, and only the local antifreeze is heated; in the second stage, the second valve 116 is opened and the pump is turned on to heat the antifreeze in the auxiliary circulation loop 164; in the third stage, the first valve 118 and the third valve 114 are opened to heat the antifreeze in the auxiliary circulation loop 164 and the main circulation loop 162; in the fourth stage, the auxiliary circulation loop 164 is disconnected so that only the antifreeze in the main circulation loop 162 circulates. The benefit of such a setting is that it can reduce the heat dissipation of the antifreeze in the pipeline to the environment during the heating process and reduce the heat exchange of the antifreeze in the secondary heat exchanger 102, and it can also shorten the time for the antifreeze in the entire main circulation loop 162 to reach the third set temperature. The air conditioning system 100 of the present application can also avoid freezing of water in the main heat exchanger 106 due to the antifreeze temperature being too low in the operating mode. When the air-conditioning system 100 is in operation mode and the temperature of the antifreeze is low, the second valve 116 is opened, and a portion of the antifreeze does not pass through the secondary heat exchanger 102, but flows from the bypass line 152 to the main heat exchanger 106, thereby increasing the temperature of the antifreeze flowing into the main heat exchanger 106, thereby preventing the water in the main heat exchanger 106 from freezing and causing damage to the main heat exchanger 106.

[0096] Although only some features of the present application have been illustrated and described herein, various modifications and changes may be made to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all the above modifications and changes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system (100), characterized in that: The air conditioning system (100) comprises: A primary heat exchanger (106), a secondary heat exchanger (102), and at least one heating device (126); The air conditioning system (100) further comprises: A main circulation loop (162), the main circulation loop (162) comprising a first section of main pipeline (142) and a second section of main pipeline (144), the first section of main pipeline (142) and the second section of main pipeline (144) being fluidically connected to form the main circulation loop (162), the first section of main pipeline (142) passing through the main heat exchanger (106), the second section of main pipeline (144) passing through the secondary heat exchanger (102), and the second section of main pipeline (144) being controllably connectable or disconnectable; an auxiliary circulation loop (164), the auxiliary circulation loop (164) comprising a bypass line (152), the bypass line (152) being connected between the first section of the main line (142) and the second section of the main line (144), the auxiliary circulation loop (164) being formed by fluid communication between the first section of the main line (142) and the bypass line (152), the bypass line (152) being controllably connectable or disconnectable, thereby controlling the auxiliary circulation loop (164) to be connected or disconnected; and A temperature detection device (202) and a control device (204); wherein the at least one heating device (126) is used to heat the fluid flowing into the main heat exchanger (106) or the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger (106); and The temperature detection device (202) is configured to detect the temperature of the fluid in the first section of the main pipeline (142), and the control device (204) is configured to perform at least one of the following operations according to the detected temperature of the fluid: Operation 1: disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to disconnect the main circulation loop (162) and connecting the bypass pipeline (152) to connect the auxiliary circulation loop (164); Operation 2: connecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to connect the main circulation loop (162) and connecting the bypass pipeline (152) to connect the auxiliary circulation loop (164); Operation three: connecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to connect the main circulation loop (162) and disconnecting the bypass pipeline (152) to disconnect the auxiliary circulation loop (164); Operation four: disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to disconnect the main circulation loop (162) and disconnecting the bypass pipeline (152) to disconnect the auxiliary circulation loop (164).

2. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The bypass line (152) is not connected to a heat exchanger so that the auxiliary circulation loop (164) does not have any heat exchanger other than the main heat exchanger (106), so that the connection to the auxiliary circulation loop (164) can be used to reduce the heat released to the outside by the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger (106).

3. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the at least one heating device (126) is disposed on the first section of the main pipeline (142).

4. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow rate of the main circulation loop (162) and the flow rate of the auxiliary circulation loop (164) can both be adjusted.

5. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioning system (100) further includes a first valve (118), a second valve (116) and a third valve (114); Wherein, the second valve (116) is arranged on the bypass pipeline (152) and is used to controllably connect or disconnect the bypass pipeline (152); The first valve (118) and the third valve (114) are arranged on the second section of the main pipeline (144), and the first valve (118) is arranged on the pipeline before entering the secondary heat exchanger (102), and the third valve (114) is arranged on the pipeline after passing through the secondary heat exchanger (102), for controllably connecting or disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline (144).

6. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: One of the at least one heating device (126) is disposed on the first main line (142) or between a connection point (A) between the first main line (142) and the second main line (144) and the second valve (116).

7. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first valve (118) or the third valve (114) is capable of controlling the flow rate of the second section main line (144); The second valve (116) is capable of controlling the flow rate of the bypass line (152).

8. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air conditioning system (100) further comprises at least one fluid driving device and at least one fluid expansion and containing device; the at least one fluid driving device is used to drive the fluid to flow in the main circulation loop (162) and the auxiliary circulation loop (164).

9. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The at least one fluid driving device is a pump (104); The at least one fluid expansion containment device is an expansion tank (110); Wherein, the pump (104) and the expansion tank (110) are both arranged on the first section of the main pipeline (142).

10. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature detection device (202) is used to detect the temperature of the fluid passing through the main heat exchanger (106) or the temperature of the fluid after passing through the main heat exchanger (106) and to provide a temperature detection signal.

11. The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The control device (204) is configured to control the connection, disconnection or flow regulation of the main circulation loop (162) and the auxiliary circulation loop (164) according to the temperature detection signal provided by the temperature detection device (202).

12. A method for controlling an air conditioning system (100), the air conditioning system (100) comprising a primary heat exchanger (106), a secondary heat exchanger (102) and at least one heating device (126), the air conditioning system (100) further comprising a primary circulation loop (162), the primary circulation loop (162) comprising a first section of a main pipe (142) and a second section of a main pipe (144), the first section of the main pipe (142) and the second section of the main pipe (144) being fluidically connected to form the primary circulation loop (162), the first section of the main pipe (142) passing through the primary heat exchanger (106), the second section of the main pipe (144) passing through the secondary heat exchanger (102), characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: A bypass line (152) that can be controllably connected or disconnected is connected between the first section of the main line (142) and the second section of the main line (144), so that the bypass line (152) and the first section of the main line (142) form an auxiliary circulation loop (164); The second main pipeline (144) can be controllably connected or disconnected; The at least one heating device (126) is configured to heat the fluid flowing into the main heat exchanger (106) or the fluid flowing out of the main heat exchanger (106); Detecting the temperature of the fluid in the first section of the main pipeline (142), and performing at least one of the following operations according to the detected temperature of the fluid: Operation 1: disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to disconnect the main circulation loop (162) and connecting the bypass pipeline (152) to connect the auxiliary circulation loop (164), so that the fluid circulates in the auxiliary circulation loop (164); Operation 2: connecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to connect the main circulation loop (162) and connecting the bypass pipeline (152) to connect the auxiliary circulation loop (164), so that the fluid circulates in the main circulation loop (162) and the auxiliary circulation loop (164); Operation three: connecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to connect the main circulation loop (162) and disconnecting the bypass pipeline (152) to disconnect the auxiliary circulation loop (164), so that the fluid circulates in the main circulation loop (162); Operation four: disconnecting the second section of the main pipeline (144) to disconnect the main circulation loop (162) and disconnecting the bypass pipeline (152) to disconnect the auxiliary circulation loop (164), so that the fluid can neither circulate in the main circulation loop (162) nor in the auxiliary circulation loop (164).

13. The method for controlling an air conditioning system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The air conditioning system (100) includes a shutdown mode; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the shutdown mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is lower than a second temperature, turning on the at least one heating device (126) and performing the operation four; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the shutdown mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a third temperature, the at least one heating device (126) is turned off.

14. The method for controlling an air conditioning system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The air conditioning system (100) includes an operating mode; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the operating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is lower than a first temperature, performing the second operation; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the operating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a second temperature, operation three is performed.

15. The method for controlling an air conditioning system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The air conditioning system (100) includes a preheating mode; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is lower than a first temperature, turning on the at least one heating device (126) and performing the operation four; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a second temperature, performing the operation 1; When the air conditioning system (100) is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a third temperature, the second operation is performed first, and then the third operation is performed.

16. The method for controlling an air conditioning system (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that: When the air conditioning system (100) is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a second temperature, the at least one heating device (126) is turned off.

17. The method for controlling an air conditioning system (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that: When the air conditioning system (100) is in the preheating mode and the detected temperature of the fluid is higher than a third temperature, the at least one heating device (126) is turned off.

18. The method for controlling an air conditioning system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises the following steps: A second valve (116) is arranged on the bypass line (152) for controllably connecting or disconnecting the bypass line (152); A first valve (118) is arranged on the pipeline before entering the secondary heat exchanger (102) to controllably connect or disconnect the second section of the main pipeline (144); and The openings of the first valve (118) and the second valve (116) are controlled according to the detected temperature of the fluid in the first section of the main pipeline (142).

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