Gas bearing supply system, and control method and control device thereof, refrigeration system

Abstract

The application relates to the refrigeration technical field and discloses a gas bearing gas supply system for a gas suspension compressor; the system comprises a plurality of electric heating units, each of which comprises a gas outlet, a liquid inlet and a communication port; the gas outlet of each electric heating unit is communicated with a gas supply port of the gas suspension compressor through a gas supply channel; the liquid inlet of each electric heating unit is communicated with a condenser in a refrigeration system where the gas suspension compressor is located through a liquid inlet channel; and the communication port of each electric heating unit is communicated with an evaporator in the refrigeration system where the gas suspension compressor is located through a communication channel. After the liquid inlet channel and the communication channel of the electric heating unit are connected, a local loop is formed, and the automatic liquid supplement of the electric heating unit is completed by using a pressure difference. A refrigerant pump on the liquid inlet channel in the prior art can be omitted, and the reliability is improved. The application further discloses a control method and a control device for the gas bearing gas supply system and a refrigeration system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of refrigeration, for example to a gas bearing gas supply system and a control method and control device thereof, and a refrigeration system. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, the friction resistance between gas and rotor in the gas bearing is small, compared with the magnetic bearing, the gas bearing does not need a complex control system, and has a simple structure and low cost, so in recent years, the gas bearing has been applied to centrifugal compressors to form a gas suspension compressor. The gas suspension compressor has become one of the mainstream directions of the development of the centrifugal compressor at present due to its high efficiency, energy saving and oil-free characteristics. The gas supply for the gas bearing is a key link to ensure the normal operation of the gas suspension compressor. At present, the gas supply system of the gas bearing is mostly realized by connecting a gas tank outside the compressor: first, the refrigerant in the refrigeration system (for example, a condenser) is pumped to the gas tank by a refrigerant pump, then heated by a heater to gasify the refrigerant and generate a stable pressure, and connected to the gas bearing of the compressor through a pipeline to realize the bearing gas supply. Another gas supply mode is to use a refrigerant pump to extract liquid refrigerant from the condenser, and then pass through a throttling device and a gas-liquid separator before being introduced into the gas bearing. The structure of the whole gas supply system is relatively complex, and the effective energy loss is huge due to the throttling process. It can be seen that the existing gas bearing gas supply system all need a refrigerant pump to provide power, and the gas consumption of the gas bearing is often low, which leads to the difficulty in matching the refrigerant pump (the refrigerant flow is too large when starting) and the whole gas supply system, and the refrigerant pump needs to be frequently started and stopped to try to ensure the matching of the gas supply amount of the gas tank and the gas consumption of the gas bearing.

[0003] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist in the related art: the existing gas bearing gas supply system all need a refrigerant pump to provide power, and the refrigerant pump is frequently started and stopped, which reduces the reliability of the gas supply system. SUMMARY

[0004] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the following summary has been presented. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to determine key / important components or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but as a prelude to the detailed description below.

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gas bearing gas supply system and a control method and control device thereof, and a refrigeration system, to solve the technical problem that the existing gas bearing gas supply system all need a refrigerant pump to provide power, and the refrigerant pump is frequently started and stopped, which reduces the reliability of the gas supply system.

[0006] In some embodiments, the gas bearing gas supply system is used for an air-suspension compressor; the gas bearing gas supply system includes: multiple electric heating units, each electric heating unit being connected to the gas supply port of the air-suspension compressor via a gas supply passage, each electric heating unit being connected to the high-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor is located via a liquid inlet passage, and each electric heating unit being connected to the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor is located via a connecting passage; by controlling the opening or closing of the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit, the electric heating unit is made to enter a gas supply state or a preparation state; by controlling the opening of the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit, liquid is replenished to the electric heating unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the control method for a gas bearing gas supply system, wherein the gas bearing gas supply system is the aforementioned gas bearing gas supply system; the control method includes:

[0008] When the first liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state reaches the first preset value, the electric heating unit in the preparation state is switched to the gas supply state, and the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is switched to the preparation state.

[0009] When the second liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the preparation state reaches the first preset value, the liquid inlet passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is controlled to be opened, and the connection passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is opened.

[0010] When the second liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the ready state reaches the second preset value, the liquid inlet passage of the electric heating unit in the ready state is closed, and the connection passage of the electric heating unit in the ready state is closed.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control device for the gas bearing gas supply system includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute the aforementioned control method for the gas bearing gas supply system when executing the program instructions.

[0012] In some embodiments, the refrigeration system includes the aforementioned gas bearing gas supply system; and the aforementioned control device for the gas bearing gas supply system.

[0013] The gas bearing gas supply system, control method, control device, and refrigeration system provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0014] The gas bearing gas supply system of this disclosure utilizes the pressure difference between the high-pressure side (condenser side) and the low-pressure side (evaporator side) within the refrigeration system containing the air-suspension compressor. After connecting the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of an electric heating unit, a local loop is formed. In this local loop, the pressures on both sides of the electric heating unit are different. This pressure difference forces the liquid refrigerant in the condenser on the high-pressure side into the electric heating unit, completing the automatic liquid replenishment of the electric heating unit. By eliminating the refrigerant pump in the liquid inlet passage of the prior art, the gas bearing gas supply system of this disclosure has no power equipment, solving the reliability and gas bearing gas supply pressure fluctuation problems caused by the refrigerant pump, thus improving reliability. Eliminating the expensive refrigerant pump significantly reduces the cost of the gas supply system, alleviating the economic burden on consumers. Furthermore, the gas supply system has a simple structure, its functions are easy to implement, and its reliability is improved. Based on the intermittent gas supply of the electric heating unit, the entire gas supply system achieves uninterrupted and stable gas supply.

[0015] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas bearing gas supply system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric heating unit in a gas bearing gas supply system provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a control method for a gas bearing gas supply system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another control device for a gas bearing gas supply system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 11. Electric heating unit; 12. First electric heating unit; 13. Second electric heating unit; 111. Air outlet; 112. Liquid inlet; 113. Connecting port; 114. Heating device; 115. Temperature detection device; 116. Pressure detection device; 117. Safety valve; 118. Liquid level detection device; 21. Air supply pipe; 22. First air inlet pipe; 23. Second air inlet pipe; 24. First air supply valve; 25. Second air supply valve; 31. Liquid inlet pipe; 32. First liquid outlet pipe; 33. Second liquid outlet pipe; 34. First liquid inlet valve; 35. Second liquid inlet valve; 41. First side connecting pipe; 42. First and second side connecting pipes; 43. Second and second side connecting pipes; 44. First connecting valve; 45. Second connecting valve; 51. Air suspension compressor; 511. Air supply port; 52. Condenser; 53. Throttling device; 54. Evaporator. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0024] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0025] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0029] Combination Figures 1-2 As shown, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a gas bearing gas supply system for an air suspension compressor 51. The gas bearing gas supply system includes multiple electric heating units 11. Each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the gas supply port 511 of the air suspension compressor 51 via a gas supply passage. Each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the high-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor 51 is located via a liquid inlet passage. Each electric heating unit 11 is also connected to the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor 51 is located via a connecting passage. By controlling the opening or closing of the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit 11, the electric heating unit 11 can enter a gas supply state or a preparation state (non-gas supply state). By controlling the opening and closing of the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit 11, liquid replenishment of the electric heating unit 11 can be achieved.

[0030] The gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment utilizes the pressure difference between the high-pressure side (condenser side) and the low-pressure side (evaporator side) within the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor 51 is located. After connecting the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of an electric heating unit, a local loop is formed. In this local loop, the pressures on both sides of the electric heating unit 11 are different. The pressure difference is used to force the liquid refrigerant in the high-pressure side (e.g., condenser 52) of the refrigeration system into the electric heating unit 11, completing the automatic liquid replenishment of the electric heating unit 11. By eliminating the refrigerant pump in the liquid inlet passage of the prior art, the gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment does not have a power device, solving the reliability and gas bearing gas supply pressure fluctuation problems caused by the refrigerant pump, thus improving reliability. By omitting the expensive refrigerant pump, the cost of the gas supply system is significantly reduced, alleviating the economic burden on consumers. Moreover, the gas supply system has a simple structure, its functions are easy to implement, and its reliability is improved.

[0031] The gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment includes multiple electric heating units 11, which can supply gas in turn, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply and maintaining a stable gas pressure without fluctuations. During periods when the electric heating unit 11 is not supplying gas (in the preparation state), its liquid inlet passage and connecting passage are connected to form a local loop. Utilizing the pressure difference, the liquid refrigerant in the high-pressure side of the refrigeration system (e.g., the condenser 52) is forced into the electric heating unit 11, completing the automatic liquid replenishment of the electric heating unit 11. Based on the intermittent gas supply of the electric heating unit 11, an uninterrupted and stable gas supply is achieved for the entire gas supply system.

[0032] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, each electric heating unit 11 has its own gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage and communication passage, thereby enabling control of the gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage and communication passage of each electric heating unit 11.

[0033] In the gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment, when the gas supply is started for the first time, the multiple electric heating units 11 are filled with liquid refrigerant.

[0034] In the gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment, the electric heating unit 11 has two operating states: a gas supply state and a standby state (i.e., a non-gas supply state). As the name suggests, in the gas supply state, the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit 11 is open and the unit is in a heating state, supplying gaseous refrigerant to the air suspension compressor 51. In the standby state, the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit 11 is closed and the unit is in a non-heating state, preventing the supply of gaseous refrigerant to the air suspension compressor 51. One electric heating unit 11 operates in a gas supply state for a period of time and in a standby state for another period. From the perspective of one electric heating unit 11, the gas supply is intermittent; however, from the perspective of the entire gas supply system, a continuous and stable gas supply is achieved. This improves the service life of the electric heating unit 11 and enhances the stability of the gas supply system.

[0035] In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the high-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor 51 is located is the condenser side, and the low-pressure side is the evaporator side. In some embodiments, each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the condenser 52 of the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor 51 is located through a liquid inlet passage, and each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the evaporator 54 of the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor 51 is located through a connecting passage.

[0036] In some embodiments, the multiple electric heating units 11 are not simultaneously in a gas supply state or a ready state. That is, during the gas supply process, when some electric heating units 11 in the gas bearing gas supply system are in a gas supply state, the remaining electric heating units 11 are in a ready state. And when an electric heating unit 11 is in a ready state, the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit are controlled to achieve automatic liquid replenishment for the electric heating unit.

[0037] Optionally, among the multiple electric heating units 11, one or more electric heating units may be in the gas supply state, and one or more electric heating units may be in the preparation state. The number of electric heating units in the gas supply state can be determined based on matching the gas consumption of the air suspension compressor 51 with the gas supply of the electric heating unit 11.

[0038] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the gas bearing gas supply system includes two electric heating units: a first electric heating unit 12 and a second electric heating unit 13. When the first electric heating unit 12 is in the gas supply state, the second electric heating unit 13 is in the standby state; when the first electric heating unit 12 is in the standby state, the second electric heating unit 13 is in the gas supply state.

[0039] In some embodiments, the gas bearing gas supply system further includes multiple valves, which are respectively disposed on the gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage, and connecting passage of multiple electric heating units 11. This allows for the control of opening or closing the gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage, and connecting passage of each electric heating unit 11.

[0040] Optionally, the valves include a check valve (not shown) and a solenoid valve. Check valves are respectively installed on the gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage, and connecting passage to prevent backflow. Solenoid valves open or close the gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage, and connecting passage of each electric heating unit 11.

[0041] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, each electric heating unit 11 includes an outlet 111, a liquid inlet 112, and a connecting port 113. The outlet 111 of each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the air supply port 511 of the air suspension compressor 51 via an air supply passage. The liquid inlet 112 of each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the condenser 52 in the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor 51 is located via a liquid inlet passage. The connecting port 113 of each electric heating unit 11 is connected to the evaporator 54 in the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor 51 is located via a connecting passage. By controlling the opening or closing of the air supply passage connected to the outlet 111 of the electric heating unit 11, the electric heating unit 11 is put into an air supply state or a preparation state (non-air supply state). By controlling the opening of the liquid inlet passage connected to the liquid inlet 112 and the connecting passage connected to the connecting port 113 of the electric heating unit 11, liquid is replenished to the electric heating unit 11.

[0042] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 As shown, the gas bearing gas supply system also includes one or more of a gas supply pipe group, a liquid inlet pipe group, and a connecting pipe group to enable multiple electric heating units 11 to be connected to the gas supply port 511, the high-pressure side (condenser 52), and the low-pressure side (evaporator 54) of the air suspension compressor 51, respectively.

[0043] The air supply pipe assembly includes an air supply pipe 21 and multiple air inlet pipes. The first end of the air supply pipe 21 is connected to the air supply port 511 of the air suspension compressor 51. The second end of the air supply pipe 21 is connected to the first ends of the multiple air inlet pipes, and the second ends of the multiple air inlet pipes are respectively connected to multiple electric heating units 11. That is, the air supply pipe 21 and one air inlet pipe constitute an air supply path corresponding to the electric heating unit 11 connected to that air inlet pipe. Optionally, the second ends of the multiple air inlet pipes are respectively connected to the air outlets 111 of the multiple electric heating units 11. By controlling the opening or closing of this air supply path, the electric heating unit 11 is controlled to enter an air supply state or a preparation state (i.e., stop air supply). Figure 1 As shown, the air supply pipe 21 and the first air inlet pipe 22 constitute the air supply passage of the first electric heating unit 12 (denoted as the first air supply passage), and the air supply pipe 21 and the second air inlet pipe 23 constitute the air supply passage of the second electric heating unit 13 (denoted as the second air supply passage).

[0044] The liquid inlet pipe assembly includes a liquid inlet pipe 31 and multiple liquid outlet pipes. The first end of the liquid inlet pipe 31 is connected to the condenser 52 in the refrigeration system where the air-suspended compressor 51 is located. The second end of the liquid inlet pipe 31 is connected to the first ends of the multiple liquid outlet pipes, and the second ends of the multiple liquid outlet pipes are respectively connected to multiple electric heating units 11. That is, the liquid inlet pipe 31 and one liquid outlet pipe constitute a liquid inlet passage corresponding to the electric heating unit 11 connected to that liquid outlet pipe. Optionally, the second ends of the multiple liquid outlet pipes are respectively connected to the liquid inlet ports 112 of the multiple electric heating units 11. By controlling the opening or closing of this liquid inlet passage, the connection or switching between the electric heating unit 11 and the condenser 52 is controlled. Figure 1 As shown, the inlet pipe 31 and the first outlet pipe 32 constitute the inlet passage of the first electric heating unit 12 (denoted as the first inlet passage), and the inlet pipe 31 and the second outlet pipe 33 constitute the inlet passage of the second electric heating unit 13 (denoted as the second inlet passage).

[0045] The connecting pipe assembly includes a first-side connecting pipe 41 and multiple second-side connecting pipes. The first end of the first-side connecting pipe 41 connects to the evaporator 54 in the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor 51 is located. The second end of the first-side connecting pipe 41 connects to the first ends of the multiple second-side connecting pipes, and the second ends of the multiple second-side connecting pipes connect to multiple electric heating units 11 respectively. That is, the first-side connecting pipe 41 and one second-side connecting pipe constitute a communication path corresponding to the electric heating unit 11 connected to that second-side connecting pipe. Optionally, the second ends of the multiple second-side connecting pipes connect to the communication ports 113 of the multiple electric heating units 11 respectively. Optionally, valves are provided on the multiple second-side connecting pipes, so that the connection or disconnection between each electric heating unit 11 and the condenser 52 can be controlled by controlling the valves. Figure 1 As shown, the first side connecting pipe 41 and the first and second side connecting pipes 42 constitute the connecting path of the first electric heating unit 12 (denoted as the first connecting path), and the first side connecting pipe 41 and the second side connecting pipe 43 constitute the connecting path of the second electric heating unit 13 (denoted as the second connecting path).

[0046] In the gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment, the communication channels between the multiple electric heating units 11 and the gas supply port 511 of the air suspension compressor 51, the condenser 52 and the evaporator 54 are not limited to the aforementioned gas supply pipe group, liquid inlet pipe group and connecting pipe group structure. Other pipe group structures that can achieve the corresponding functions are also acceptable.

[0047] Optionally, the gas bearing gas supply system further includes multiple gas supply valves, multiple liquid inlet valves, and multiple connecting valves; the multiple gas supply valves are respectively installed on multiple gas inlet pipes of the gas supply pipe group, the multiple liquid inlet valves are respectively installed on multiple liquid outlet pipes of the liquid inlet pipe group, and the multiple connecting valves are respectively installed on multiple second-side connecting pipes of the connecting pipe group. Each gas supply valve can control the opening or closing of its respective gas supply passage, each liquid inlet valve can control the opening or closing of its respective liquid inlet passage, and each connecting valve can control the opening or closing of its respective connecting passage.

[0048] like Figure 1 In the gas bearing gas supply system shown, a first gas supply valve 24 is installed on the first inlet pipe 22 of the first gas supply passage; a second gas supply valve 25 is installed on the second inlet pipe 23 of the second gas supply passage. A first liquid inlet valve 34 is installed on the first liquid outlet pipe 32 of the first liquid inlet passage, and a second liquid inlet valve 35 is installed on the second liquid outlet pipe 33 of the second liquid inlet passage. A first connecting valve 44 is installed on the first and second side connecting pipes 42 of the first connecting passage, and a second connecting valve 45 is installed on the second and second side connecting pipes 43 of the second connecting passage.

[0049] A filter device (not shown) may also be installed on each gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage, and connecting passage of the gas bearing gas supply system of this embodiment to filter the refrigerant in the pipeline.

[0050] In the gas bearing gas supply system of this disclosure embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electric heating unit 11 functions as a gas supply tank. Its gas supply principle is as follows: electrical energy controls the heating device 114 within the electric heating unit 11 to heat the liquid refrigerant inside, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into high-pressure gas, which is then discharged from the outlet 111 of the electric heating unit 11 and sent to the bearing clearance of the air-suspension compressor 51 via the gas supply passage. The electric heating unit 11 generally includes a tank, heating device 114, and a filtration and liquid removal device. The tank has an outlet 111 and a liquid inlet 112. The outlet 111 is generally located at the top or upper part of the tank; the liquid inlet 112 is generally located at the lower part of the tank and is immersed in the liquid refrigerant inside the tank. The electric heating unit 11 is equipped with a maximum liquid level line to control the amount of liquid refrigerant inside the electric heating unit 11 and ensure heating effect. Of course, the electric heating unit 11 is also equipped with a temperature detection device 115 (e.g., a temperature sensor) and a pressure detection device 116 (e.g., a pressure sensor) to detect the temperature and pressure inside the electric heating unit 11, as well as a safety valve 117 and other components to assist in the stability of the gas supply to the electric heating unit 11.

[0051] In this embodiment, the tank of the electric heating unit 11 is further provided with a connecting port 113 for connecting to the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air-suspension compressor is located, for example, connecting to the evaporator 54. When both the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit 11 are open, the liquid inlet 112 side of the electric heating unit 11 is the high-pressure side, and the connecting port 113 side is the low-pressure side. Under the action of the pressure difference, the liquid refrigerant in the condenser 52 on the high-pressure side flows into the electric heating unit 11, realizing automatic liquid replenishment. In some embodiments, the position of the connecting port 113 of the electric heating unit 11 is higher than the maximum liquid level line of the electric heating unit 11. That is, the connection position of the electric heating unit 11 and the connecting passage (connecting port 113) is higher than the maximum liquid level line of the electric heating unit 11. The connecting port 113 will not be submerged by the liquid refrigerant in the electric heating unit 11, so the liquid refrigerant in the electric heating unit 11 will not flow out from the connecting port 113, ensuring that liquid replenishment is completed quickly and effectively.

[0052] In some embodiments, the gas bearing gas supply system further includes a liquid level detection device 118, disposed on the electric heating unit 11, for acquiring the liquid level value of the liquid refrigerant within the electric heating unit 11. The liquid level value acquired by the liquid level detection device 118 controls the electric heating unit 11 to enter a gas supply state or a preparation state; and the connection of the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit 11 enables liquid replenishment control of the electric heating unit 11. Optionally, the liquid level detection device 118 can be a liquid level gauge, liquid level sensor, etc.

[0053] In this embodiment, the structure of the plurality of electric heating units 11 is not limited. The plurality of electric heating units 11 can be set separately and independently, or they can be connected together.

[0054] Optionally, multiple electric heating units 11 can be independently configured. For example... Figure 1 The two independently configured electric heating units. That is, each electric heating unit 11 is an electric heating tank.

[0055] Optionally, multiple electric heating units 11 are connected to form an integrated electric heating device. For example, an integrated electric heating device includes multiple independent heating chambers, with each heating chamber serving as an electric heating unit.

[0056] Combination Figure 3 As shown, this disclosure provides a control method for a gas bearing gas supply system, wherein the gas bearing gas supply system is the aforementioned gas bearing gas supply system. The control method includes:

[0057] S110. When the first liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state reaches the first preset value, the electric heating unit in the preparation state is switched to the gas supply state, and the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is switched to the preparation state.

[0058] In step S110, the first preset value can be a single numerical value or a range. Optionally, if the first preset value is a first preset numerical value, then switching control is performed when the first liquid level of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is equal to or lower than the first preset value. Optionally, if the first preset value is a first preset range, then switching control is performed when the first liquid level of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state enters the first preset range.

[0059] The first preset value can be determined based on the lowest liquid level of the electric heating unit. It can be a liquid level value higher than the lowest liquid level, or a range of liquid levels higher than the lowest liquid level. Alternatively, the first preset value can be determined to ensure rapid and effective liquid replenishment. For example, the first preset value can be determined within the range of one-quarter to one-half of the volume of the electric heating unit. It is not limited, as long as the determination of the first preset value is sufficient to determine that the electric heating unit in gas supply mode needs to be replenished with liquid refrigerant.

[0060] The first liquid level value can be obtained by a liquid level detection device 118 installed on the electric heating unit 11, such as a liquid level gauge.

[0061] In step S110, the switching actions of changing the electric heating unit in the preparation state to the gas supply state and changing the electric heating unit in the gas supply state to the preparation state can be performed simultaneously. If they are not performed simultaneously, the electric heating unit in the preparation state is switched to the gas supply state first, and then the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is switched to the preparation state.

[0062] Specifically, switching an electric heating unit in the ready state to the gas supply state involves changing the gas supply path of the electric heating unit in the ready state from closed to open, and starting the electric heating unit to heat. Switching an electric heating unit in the gas supply state to the ready state involves changing the gas supply path of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state from open to closed, and stopping the electric heating unit to heat.

[0063] In step S110, when there are multiple electric heating units in the preparation state, the electric heating units in the preparation state that meet the set rules are switched to the gas supply state according to the set rules. Optionally, the multiple electric heating units in the gas supply system are numbered sequentially, and one or more electric heating units in the preparation state whose numbers follow i to i+1 to i+n are switched to the gas supply state. i is a natural number, and n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0064] For example, the gas supply system includes three electric heating units numbered 1, 2 and 3; when tank 1 is in the gas supply state and the switching conditions are met, tank 2 (or tank 2 and tank 3) is switched to the gas supply state.

[0065] Of course, the rules are not limited to the numbers listed above; any other applicable rules may be used.

[0066] S120. When the second liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the preparation state reaches the first preset value, the liquid inlet passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is controlled to be opened, and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is opened.

[0067] In this step S120, the first preset value is the same as in the aforementioned step S110, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] In step S120, the electric heating unit in the ready state and whose second liquid level has reached the first preset value is generally the electric heating unit that was just switched to the ready state in step S110. At this time, the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit are opened to achieve automatic liquid replenishment. That is, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electric heating unit is in the ready state and its second liquid level has reached the first preset value, the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit are opened for automatic liquid replenishment; in other states, the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit are both closed.

[0069] The second liquid level value can be obtained by a liquid level detection device 118 installed on the electric heating unit 11, such as a liquid level gauge.

[0070] S130. When the second liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the preparation state reaches the second preset value, the liquid inlet passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is closed, and the connection passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is closed.

[0071] In step S130, the setting of the second preset value can be determined based on the highest liquid level of the electric heating unit. This second preset value can be the highest liquid level of the electric heating unit, or it can be slightly lower than that highest liquid level. It is not limited. That is, when the liquid level in the electric heating unit in the preparation state reaches or approaches the highest liquid level of the electric heating unit, it indicates that the liquid replenishment is in place, and the liquid inlet passage and connecting passage of the electric heating unit can be closed.

[0072] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first preset value is less than the second preset value.

[0073] In some embodiments, step S110 specifically includes:

[0074] S111. When the first liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state reaches the first preset value, control the electric heating unit in the preparation state to start heating.

[0075] S112. When the pressure inside the electric heating unit in the preparation state reaches the set gas supply pressure, the electric heating unit in the preparation state is switched to the gas supply state, and the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is switched to the preparation state.

[0076] Specifically, when it is determined that the electric heating unit in the gas supply state needs to be replenished with liquid refrigerant, the electric heating unit in the standby state is activated to heat; and when the gas pressure of the electric heating unit in the standby state reaches the set gas supply pressure, it is switched to the gas supply state. This ensures the stability of the gas supply pressure. The set gas supply pressure is determined based on the gas pressure at the location of the gas bearing.

[0077] The gas supply pressure of the electric heating unit 11 can be obtained by a pressure detection device 116 installed on the electric heating unit 11, such as a pressure gauge.

[0078] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: controlling the electric heating unit in the ready state to start heating when the pressure inside the electric heating unit in the ready state is lower than the set gas supply pressure. That is, ensuring that the pressure inside the electric heating unit in the ready state is always maintained at the set gas supply pressure, reducing the waiting time for switching the electric heating unit in the gas supply state to the ready state. In this embodiment, logically, it must also include: controlling the electric heating unit in the ready state to stop heating when the pressure inside the electric heating unit in the ready state reaches the set gas supply pressure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: when the gas bearing gas supply system starts supplying gas, acquiring the liquid level values ​​of multiple electric heating units, and designating the electric heating units whose liquid level values ​​meet set conditions as the initial gas supply electric heating units. The initial gas supply electric heating units are those in the gas supply state, and the remaining electric heating units are those in the preparation state.

[0080] In this embodiment, the set condition can be that the liquid level is greater than or equal to a third preset value. The third preset value is determined based on the liquid refrigerant in the electric heating unit reaching a certain amount to ensure the gas supply. For example, the third preset value is slightly lower than the maximum liquid level of the electric heating unit.

[0081] Alternatively, the condition can be set as follows: after sorting the liquid level values ​​of multiple electric heating units from high to low, the electric heating unit that is first or among the top few in the sorted list will be selected. This ensures that the liquid refrigerant in the electric heating unit supplied with gas for the first time during this gas supply is of a certain quantity, thus guaranteeing the gas supply effect.

[0082] Below, as follows Figure 1 Taking the gas bearing gas supply system shown as an example, the control method for the gas bearing gas supply system of this disclosure embodiment is described. Before the gas supply system is turned on, the liquid refrigerant in the first electric heating unit 12 (first electric heating tank) and the second electric heating unit 13 (second electric heating tank) is in a full liquid state (i.e., reaching the maximum liquid level line), and the first electric heating unit 12 is started for the first time as a gas supply tank (i.e., the first gas supply valve 24 is in the open state). Then, the control method of this disclosure embodiment includes:

[0083] S210, Obtain the first liquid level value of the first electric heating unit 12.

[0084] S220. When the first liquid level is lower than the first preset value, the heating device 114 of the second electric heating unit 13 is activated to start heating.

[0085] S230. When the pressure inside the second electric heating unit 13 reaches the set gas supply pressure, control the second gas supply valve 25 to open and switch the second electric heating unit 13 to the gas supply state; control the first gas supply valve 24 to close and switch the first electric heating unit 12 to the standby state.

[0086] S240, control the first liquid inlet valve 34 to open and the first connecting valve 44 to open, so that the first liquid inlet passage and the first connecting passage of the first electric heating unit 12 are connected.

[0087] S250. Obtain the second liquid level value of the first electric heating unit 12. When the second liquid level value of the first electric heating unit 12 reaches the second preset value, control the first liquid inlet valve 34 to close and the first connecting valve 44 to close, so that the first liquid inlet passage and the first connecting passage of the first electric heating unit 12 are closed.

[0088] At this time, the first electric heating unit 12 is in the ready state and the second electric heating unit 13 is in the gas supply state; then repeat steps S210 to S250 to interchange the first electric heating unit 12 and the second electric heating unit 13.

[0089] Combination Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides a control device for a gas bearing gas supply system, including a processor 100 and a memory 101. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 102 and a bus 103. The processor 100, communication interface 102, and memory 101 can communicate with each other via the bus 103. The communication interface 102 can be used for information transmission. The processor 100 can call logical instructions in the memory 101 to execute the control method for the gas bearing gas supply system described in the above embodiment.

[0090] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 101 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0091] The memory 101, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 100 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 101, thereby implementing the control method for the gas bearing gas supply system in the above embodiments.

[0092] The memory 101 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0093] This disclosure provides a refrigeration system including the aforementioned gas bearing gas supply system; and the aforementioned control device for the gas bearing gas supply system.

[0094] In the refrigeration system of this disclosure embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes an air-suspended compressor 51, a condenser 52, a throttling device 53, and an evaporator 54 connected in sequence, forming a refrigeration cycle loop through pipelines. One-way valves, flow control devices (electric ball valves), filters, and fluid monitoring devices are also installed on the pipelines of the refrigeration cycle loop. The placement and installation methods can be achieved using conventional methods and will not be elaborated further here.

[0095] In the refrigeration system of this embodiment, the liquid replenishment of the electric heating unit in the gas bearing gas supply system is improved by automatically completing the process using the pressure difference between the high and low pressures of the refrigeration system. This eliminates the need for power equipment, such as a refrigerant pump, thus solving the reliability issues and gas bearing gas supply pressure fluctuation problems associated with refrigerant pumps, thereby improving reliability. Eliminating the costly refrigerant pump significantly reduces the cost of the gas supply system, alleviating the economic burden on consumers. Furthermore, the uninterrupted and stable gas supply of the gas bearing gas supply system improves the stability of the refrigeration system and enhances the user experience.

[0096] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigeration system can be any chiller system, air conditioning system, or refrigerator refrigeration system that uses an air-suspension compressor 51.

[0097] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to execute the above-described control method for a gas bearing gas supply system.

[0098] This disclosure provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the aforementioned control method for a gas bearing gas supply system.

[0099] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0100] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0101] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0104] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A gas bearing gas supply system, characterized in that, Used in air suspension compressors; The gas bearing gas supply system includes: Multiple electric heating units, each of which is connected to the air supply port of the air suspension compressor through an air supply passage, each of which is connected to the high-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor is located through a liquid inlet passage, and each of which is connected to the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor is located through a connecting passage; By controlling the opening or closing of the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit, the electric heating unit can enter a gas supply state or a preparation state. In the gas supply state, the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit is open and the electric heating unit is in a heating state, supplying gaseous refrigerant to the air suspension compressor. In the preparation state, the gas supply passage of the electric heating unit is closed and the electric heating unit is in a non-heating state, and the gaseous refrigerant in the electric heating unit cannot supply gaseous refrigerant to the air suspension compressor. The replenishment of liquid to the electric heating unit is achieved by controlling the opening of the liquid inlet passage and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit.

2. The gas bearing gas supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple valves are respectively installed on the gas supply passage, liquid inlet passage and connecting passage of the multiple electric heating units.

3. The gas bearing gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: One or more of the gas supply pipe group, liquid inlet pipe group, and connecting pipe group; The air supply pipe assembly includes an air supply pipe and multiple air inlet pipes. The first end of the air supply pipe is connected to the air supply port of the air suspension compressor. The second end of the air supply pipe is connected to the first end of the multiple air inlet pipes. The second ends of the multiple air inlet pipes are respectively connected to the multiple electric heating units. The liquid inlet pipe assembly includes a liquid inlet pipe and multiple liquid outlet pipes. The first end of the liquid inlet pipe is used to connect with the condenser in the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor is located. The second end of the liquid inlet pipe is connected with the first end of the multiple liquid outlet pipes. The second ends of the multiple liquid outlet pipes are respectively connected with the multiple electric heating units. The connecting pipe assembly includes a first side connecting pipe and a plurality of second side connecting pipes. The first end of the first side connecting pipe is used to connect to the evaporator in the refrigeration system where the air suspension compressor is located. The second end of the first side connecting pipe is connected to the first end of the plurality of second side connecting pipes. The second ends of the plurality of second side connecting pipes are respectively connected to the plurality of electric heating units.

4. The gas bearing gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connection point between the electric heating unit and the communication passage is higher than the maximum liquid level line of the electric heating unit.

5. The gas bearing gas supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A liquid level detection device is installed on the electric heating unit to obtain the liquid level value of the liquid refrigerant in the electric heating unit.

6. A control method for a gas bearing gas supply system, characterized in that, The gas bearing gas supply system is the gas bearing gas supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein among the plurality of electric heating units, the number of electric heating units in the gas supply state is one or more, and the number of electric heating units in the preparation state is one or more; the control method includes: When the first liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state reaches the first preset value, the electric heating unit in the preparation state is switched to the gas supply state, and the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is switched to the preparation state. When the second liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the preparation state reaches the first preset value, the liquid inlet passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is controlled to be opened, and the connecting passage of the electric heating unit in the preparation state is opened. When the second liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the ready state reaches the second preset value, the liquid inlet passage of the electric heating unit in the ready state is closed, and the connection passage of the electric heating unit in the ready state is closed.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the first liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state reaches a first preset value, switching the electric heating unit in the preparation state to the gas supply state, and switching the electric heating unit in the gas supply state to the preparation state, includes: When the first liquid level value of the electric heating unit in the gas supply state reaches the first preset value, the electric heating unit in the preparation state is controlled to start heating. When the pressure inside the electric heating unit in the ready state reaches the set gas supply pressure, the electric heating unit in the ready state is switched to the gas supply state, and the electric heating unit in the gas supply state is switched to the ready state.

8. The control method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, Also includes: When the pressure inside the electric heating unit in the ready state is lower than the set gas supply pressure, the electric heating unit in the ready state is controlled to start heating.

9. A control device for a gas bearing gas supply system, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute, when executing the program instructions, the control method for a gas bearing gas supply system as described in claim 6, 7 or 8.

10. A refrigeration system, characterized in that, It includes a gas bearing gas supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; and a control device for a gas bearing gas supply system as described in claim 9.

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