Air conditioner outdoor unit, heat pump air conditioner, heat pump air conditioner control method and device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a heat pump air conditioner, and a heat pump air conditioner control method and device. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes at least two heat exchange units connected in parallel. The first end of the heat exchange unit is connected to the four-way valve via a first valve. The first end of the heat exchange unit is also connected to the exhaust end of the compressor via a second valve. The second end of the heat exchange unit is connected to the liquid pipe of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner via a third valve. The second end of the heat exchange unit is also connected to the intake end of the compressor via a fourth valve. The present invention divides the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner into at least two heat exchange units connected in parallel. By controlling the corresponding valves, each heat exchange unit can be defrosted in rotation, ensuring continuous heating during defrosting and avoiding excessive drop in indoor temperature due to defrosting. This solution is applicable to both single-unit air conditioners and modular air conditioners, has universality, a wider range of applicability, and stronger engineering practicality. It is easy to install and does not increase costs significantly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, a heat pump air conditioner, and a heat pump air conditioner control method and device. Background Art

[0002] Most heat pump air conditioners currently on the market cannot provide continuous heating. Frost on the outdoor heat exchanger necessitates stopping heating to defrost the unit, especially in harsh outdoor conditions. Defrosting often requires the outdoor unit to switch from heating to cooling mode, disrupting indoor heating during this period. This causes a rapid drop in indoor temperature during the defrost period, impacting comfort.

[0003] To address the problem of heat pump air conditioners being unable to continue heating during defrosting, the existing technologies include the following solutions: (1) adding an electric heating device to the outdoor heat exchanger, such as configuring a heat storage device for defrosting. However, the addition of additional devices will make the system complex and bloated, and the defrosting effect will be poor, making it difficult to implement in practice. (2) Rotating defrost between modules does not require additional external devices, but this is only applicable to modular air conditioners and not to stand-alone air conditioners. Modular air conditioners contain at least two outdoor units connected in parallel, while stand-alone air conditioners contain only one outdoor unit.

[0004] With regard to the problem of how to simply achieve continuous heating during defrosting of a heat pump air conditioner and ensure the versatility of the defrosting solution in the prior art, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioner outdoor unit, a heat pump air conditioner, and a heat pump air conditioner control method and device to at least solve the problem in the prior art of how to simply achieve continuous heating during defrosting of a heat pump air conditioner and ensure the versatility of the defrosting solution.

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner outdoor unit, comprising a compressor, a four-way valve and a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises at least two heat exchange units connected in parallel;

[0007] The first end of the heat exchange unit is connected to the four-way valve through a first valve;

[0008] The first end of the heat exchange unit is also connected to the exhaust end of the compressor through a second valve;

[0009] The second end of the heat exchange unit is connected to the liquid pipe of the air conditioner outdoor unit through a third valve;

[0010] The second end of the heat exchange unit is further connected to the suction end of the compressor through a fourth valve.

[0011] Optionally, the four-way valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the exhaust end of the compressor, the second port is connected to the air pipe of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the third port is connected to the intake end of the compressor, and the fourth port is connected to the first valve.

[0012] Optionally, the opening of the second valve is adjustable.

[0013] Optionally, the air conditioner outdoor unit further includes: a subcooler, the subcooler including a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first end of the first pipeline being connected to the liquid pipe, the second end of the first pipeline being connected to the third valve, the first end of the second pipeline being connected to the liquid pipe via a subcooler expansion valve, and the second end of the second pipeline being connected to the suction end of the compressor via a subcooler solenoid valve;

[0014] One end of the fourth valve is connected to the heat exchange unit, and the other end of the fourth valve is connected between the subcooler solenoid valve and the second end of the second pipeline of the subcooler.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a heat pump air conditioner, comprising: at least one air conditioner outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Optionally, when the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air-conditioning outdoor units, the two or more air-conditioning outdoor units are connected in parallel.

[0017] Optionally, the heat pump air conditioner is a multi-split unit.

[0018] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a heat pump air conditioner control method, which is applied to the heat pump air conditioner described in the embodiment of the present invention. The method includes:

[0019] determining a target operating mode of the heat pump air conditioner;

[0020] For the air-conditioning outdoor unit that has been turned on in the heat pump air conditioner, the four-way valve in the air-conditioning outdoor unit and the first valve, second valve, third valve and fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit are controlled to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operation mode.

[0021] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a rotation defrost mode, controlling the four-way valve in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operating mode includes:

[0022] controlling the four-way valve to connect the first port and the second port of the four-way valve and to connect the third port and the fourth port of the four-way valve;

[0023] For the heat exchange unit performing defrost, close the first valve and the third valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit, and open the second valve and the fourth valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit;

[0024] For a heat exchange unit that performs heating, the first valve and the third valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit are opened, and the second valve and the fourth valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit are closed.

[0025] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a rotation defrost mode, the method further includes:

[0026] Determining whether the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air conditioner outdoor units connected in parallel;

[0027] If so, the opening of the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost is controlled according to the current load, wherein the greater the current load, the smaller the opening of the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost;

[0028] If not, the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost is opened to the maximum opening.

[0029] Optionally, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost; and / or, the more air-conditioning indoor units with heating priority that are turned on, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost.

[0030] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a conventional defrost mode or a cooling mode, controlling the four-way valve in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit so that the heat pump air conditioner executes the target operating mode includes:

[0031] controlling the four-way valve to connect the first port and the fourth port of the four-way valve and to connect the second port and the third port of the four-way valve;

[0032] Control the first valve corresponding to all heat exchange units in the air conditioner outdoor unit to open, the second valve to close, the third valve to open, and the fourth valve to close.

[0033] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a heating mode, controlling the four-way valve in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operating mode includes:

[0034] controlling the four-way valve to connect the first port and the second port of the four-way valve and to connect the third port and the fourth port of the four-way valve;

[0035] Control the first valve corresponding to all heat exchange units in the air conditioner outdoor unit to open, the second valve to close, the third valve to open, and the fourth valve to close.

[0036] Optionally, when the air-conditioning outdoor unit includes a subcooler solenoid valve, if the target operating mode is a rotation defrost mode, the subcooler solenoid valve is opened.

[0037] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a heat pump air conditioner control device, which is applied to the heat pump air conditioner described in the embodiment of the present invention, and the device includes:

[0038] a determination module, configured to determine a target operating mode of the heat pump air conditioner;

[0039] The control module is used to control the four-way valve in the air-conditioning outdoor unit that has been turned on in the heat pump air-conditioning and the first valve, second valve, third valve and fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit, so that the heat pump air-conditioning executes the target operation mode.

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the embodiment of the present invention are implemented.

[0041] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is divided into at least two heat exchange units connected in parallel. By controlling the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve, the heat exchange units can be defrosted in rotation, ensuring continuous heating during defrosting, avoiding excessive drop in indoor temperature due to defrosting, and improving indoor comfort; this solution is applicable to both stand-alone air conditioners and modular air conditioners, has versatility, a wider range of applicability, and stronger engineering practicality; it is easy to install and does not increase costs much. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner outdoor unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of the air conditioner outdoor unit provided by the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a heat pump air conditioning control method provided by Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the rotating defrost mode provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the rotating defrost mode provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0047] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of refrigerant flow in conventional defrosting mode and normal refrigeration mode provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the normal heating mode provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of controlling the opening of the second valve in the rotation defrost mode provided by the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Description of reference numerals:

[0051] Compressor 1, shell top temperature sensor 11, exhaust temperature sensor 12, high-pressure switch 13, high-pressure sensor 14, low-pressure sensor 15, four-way valve 2, heat exchanger 3, heat exchange unit 30, first valve 31, second valve 32, third valve 33, fourth valve 34, defrost temperature sensor 35, ambient temperature sensor 36, liquid pipe 4, gas pipe 5, subcooler 6, subcooler expansion valve 61, subcooler solenoid valve 62, subcooled gas outlet temperature sensor 63, oil separator 7, oil return solenoid valve 71, gas-liquid separator 8, steam separator inlet pipe temperature sensor 81, steam separator outlet pipe temperature sensor 82, IPM heat dissipation 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more apparent, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description, claims, and drawings of the present invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or that are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0054] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0055] The optional embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] This embodiment provides an air conditioner outdoor unit, such as Figure 1 As shown, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes: a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2 and a heat exchanger 3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner through a liquid pipe 4 and a gas pipe 5.

[0058] Heat exchanger 3 includes at least two heat exchange units 30 connected in parallel. A first end of each heat exchange unit 30 is connected to four-way valve 2 via a first valve 31. The first end of each heat exchange unit 30 is also connected to the exhaust port of compressor 1 via a second valve 32. A second end of each heat exchange unit 30 is connected to liquid pipe 4 of the air conditioner outdoor unit via a third valve 33. The second end of each heat exchange unit 30 is also connected to the intake port of compressor 1 via a fourth valve 34.

[0059] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 in the air conditioner outdoor unit is divided into at least two parallel heat exchange units 30. By controlling the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34, the heat exchange units 30 can be defrosted in rotation, ensuring continuous heating during defrosting, avoiding an excessive drop in indoor temperature due to defrosting, and improving indoor comfort. This solution is applicable to both stand-alone air conditioners and modular air conditioners, has versatility, a wider range of applicability, and greater engineering practicality. It is also easy to install and does not increase costs significantly.

[0060] By controlling the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33, and the fourth valve 34, the heat pump air conditioner can switch between various operating modes, such as rotating defrost mode, normal defrost mode, cooling mode, and heating mode. In rotating defrost mode, the heat exchange units 30 in the same outdoor unit defrost in rotation. In normal defrost mode, the heat exchange units 30 in the same outdoor unit defrost simultaneously.

[0061] The heat exchange units 30 in the same air conditioner outdoor unit can be arranged vertically or horizontally.

[0062] The four-way valve 2 includes a first port D, a second port E, a third port S, and a fourth port C. The first port D is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 1, the second port E is connected to the air pipe 5 (specifically, a high-pressure air pipe) of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the third port S is connected to the intake port of the compressor 1, and the fourth port C is connected to the first valve 31. The four-way valve 2 can switch the refrigerant flow direction to enable the air conditioner to enter the corresponding mode.

[0063] The first valve 31, second valve 32, third valve 33, and fourth valve 34 can be solenoid valves, electric ball valves, electronic expansion valves, thermal expansion valves, or other valves with on / off control functions. Preferably, the valves are adjustable in opening, especially the second valve 32 and the third valve 33, such as electronic expansion valves.

[0064] Preferably, the opening of the second valve 32 is adjustable. By adjusting the opening of the second valve 32, the refrigerant flow rate of the defrost branch can be controlled, and the defrost speed can be adjusted more flexibly and intelligently. The larger the opening of the second valve 32, the more high-temperature refrigerant flows from the exhaust end of the compressor 1 to the heat exchange unit 30 for defrosting, and the faster the defrost speed.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner outdoor unit may further include: a subcooler 6, the subcooler including a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first end of the first pipeline being connected to the liquid pipeline 4, the second end of the first pipeline being connected to the third valve 33, the first end of the second pipeline being connected to the liquid pipeline 4 via the subcooler expansion valve 61, and the second end of the second pipeline being connected to the suction end of the compressor 1 via the subcooler solenoid valve 62. One end of the fourth valve 34 is connected to the second end of the heat exchange unit 30, and the other end of the fourth valve 34 is connected between the subcooler solenoid valve 62 and the second end of the second pipeline of the subcooler 6. This embodiment can ensure that the refrigerant at the second end of the heat exchange unit 30 circulates according to demand for a heat pump air conditioner provided with a subcooler.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] This embodiment provides a heat pump air conditioner, comprising: at least one air conditioner outdoor unit as described in the above embodiment. Explanations of terms that are the same or corresponding to those in the above embodiment will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 in the air conditioner outdoor unit is divided into at least two parallel heat exchange units 30. By controlling the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34, the heat exchange units 30 can be defrosted in rotation, ensuring continuous heating during defrosting, avoiding an excessive drop in indoor temperature due to defrosting, and improving indoor comfort. This solution is applicable to both stand-alone air conditioners and modular air conditioners, has versatility, a wider range of applicability, and greater engineering practicality. It is also easy to install and does not increase costs significantly.

[0069] When a heat pump air conditioner includes only one outdoor air conditioner, it is a stand-alone air conditioner.

[0070] When the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air-conditioning outdoor units, these two or more air-conditioning outdoor units are connected in parallel to form a modular air conditioner.

[0071] The heat pump air conditioner can be a multi-split unit, that is, it includes at least one indoor air conditioner and at least one outdoor air conditioner.

[0072] Example 3

[0073] This embodiment provides a heat pump air conditioner control method, which is applied to the heat pump air conditioner described in the above embodiment. Figure 3 Flowchart of the heat pump air conditioning control method provided by the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0074] S301, determining a target operating mode of the heat pump air conditioner.

[0075] S302, for the air-conditioning outdoor unit that has been turned on in the heat pump air-conditioning, control the four-way valve 2 in the air-conditioning outdoor unit and the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to each heat exchange unit 30, so that the heat pump air-conditioning executes the target operation mode.

[0076] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 in the air conditioner's outdoor unit is divided into at least two parallel heat exchange units 30. By controlling the first, second, third, and fourth valves 31, 32, 33, and 34, the heat exchange units 30 can be defrosted alternately, ensuring continuous heating during defrosting, preventing excessive drops in indoor temperature due to defrosting, and improving indoor comfort. This solution is applicable to both standalone and modular air conditioners, offering versatility, a wider range of applications, and enhanced engineering practicality. It is also easy to install without significantly increasing costs. Furthermore, by controlling the first, second, third, and fourth valves 31, 32, 33, and 34, the heat pump air conditioner can switch between various operating modes.

[0077] If the target operation mode is the rotation defrost mode, controlling the four-way valve 2 in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to each heat exchange unit 30 to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operation mode includes:

[0078] Control the four-way valve 2 to connect the first port D and the second port E of the four-way valve 2 and connect the third port S and the fourth port C of the four-way valve 2, so that the heat pump air conditioner maintains heating;

[0079] For the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost, the first valve 31 and the third valve 33 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are closed, and the second valve 32 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are opened;

[0080] For the heat exchange unit 30 performing heating, the first valve 31 and the third valve 33 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are opened, and the second valve 32 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are closed.

[0081] Through the above control, the heat pump air conditioner can execute the rotation defrost mode, and the heat exchange units 30 in the same air conditioner outdoor unit defrost in turn, ensuring that the heat exchange unit 30 is heating during defrosting, thereby achieving continuous heating during defrosting.

[0082] For example, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes heat exchange units A, B, and C. Heat exchange unit A is defrosted first, and heat exchange units B and C are heated. When the defrost end condition is met, heat exchange unit B is defrosted, and heat exchange units A and C are heated. When the defrost end condition is met, heat exchange unit C is defrosted, and heat exchange units A and B are heated.

[0083] If the target operating mode is the rotation defrost mode, the above method may further include: determining whether the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air-conditioning outdoor units connected in parallel (i.e., determining whether the heat pump air conditioner is a modular air conditioner); if so, controlling the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost according to the current load, wherein the greater the current load, the smaller the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost; if not, opening the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost to the maximum opening.

[0084] In this embodiment, for a standalone air conditioner, the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost is opened to its maximum opening to complete defrost as quickly as possible, allowing all heat exchange units 30 to participate in heating, thereby ensuring that a high heating demand is met. For a modular air conditioner, the greater the current load, the smaller the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost, prioritizing heating demand. The smaller the current load, the larger the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost, ensuring that defrost is completed as quickly as possible.

[0085] Specifically, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost; and / or, the more air-conditioning indoor units with heating priority that are turned on, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost.

[0086] The lower the outdoor temperature, the harsher the environment. Therefore, the smaller the maximum opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the defrosting heat exchange unit 30 is allowed to be, to ensure a certain heating effect. For example, if the outdoor temperature is -5°C, the maximum opening of the second valve 32 is allowed to be 400 PLS. If the outdoor temperature is -10°C, the maximum opening of the second valve 32 is allowed to be 300 PLS.

[0087] The heating priority of the air conditioner indoor units can be set. For example, if a VIP indoor unit is set, the VIP indoor unit will be given priority for heating. The more VIP indoor units are turned on, the smaller the maximum opening allowed for the second valve 32 of the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost is, to ensure a certain heating effect.

[0088] If the target operation mode is the conventional defrost mode or the cooling mode, the four-way valve 2 in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to each heat exchange unit 30 are controlled to make the heat pump air conditioner execute the target operation mode, including:

[0089] Control the four-way valve 2 to connect the first port D and the fourth port C of the four-way valve 2 and to connect the second port E and the third port S of the four-way valve 2;

[0090] The first valve 31 corresponding to all heat exchange units 30 in the air conditioner outdoor unit is controlled to be open, the second valve 32 is controlled to be closed, the third valve 33 is controlled to be open, and the fourth valve 34 is controlled to be closed.

[0091] Through the above control, the heat pump air conditioner can be made to perform the normal defrost mode according to actual needs, and each heat exchange unit 30 in the same air conditioner outdoor unit can be defrosted at the same time. Through the above control, the heat pump air conditioner can also be made to perform the cooling mode according to actual needs to meet the user's cooling needs.

[0092] If the target operation mode is the heating mode, the four-way valve 2 in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to each heat exchange unit 30 are controlled to make the heat pump air conditioner execute the target operation mode, including:

[0093] Control the four-way valve 2 to connect the first port D and the second port E of the four-way valve 2 and to connect the third port S and the fourth port C of the four-way valve 2;

[0094] The first valve 31 corresponding to all heat exchange units 30 in the air conditioner outdoor unit is controlled to be open, the second valve 32 is controlled to be closed, the third valve 33 is controlled to be open, and the fourth valve 34 is controlled to be closed.

[0095] Through the above control, the heat pump air conditioner can be made to execute the heating mode according to actual needs to meet the heating needs of users.

[0096] In an optional embodiment, when the air conditioner outdoor unit includes a subcooler solenoid valve 62, if the target operating mode is the rotation defrost mode, the subcooler solenoid valve 62 is opened to ensure that the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost can smoothly return to the suction end of the compressor 1. If the target operating mode is the conventional defrost mode, the cooling mode, or the heating mode, the opening and closing of the subcooler solenoid valve 62 is controlled according to demand. Specifically, when the subcooler expansion valve 61 is opened, the subcooler solenoid valve 62 is also opened. For example, the opening condition of the subcooler expansion valve 61 is: the condensing pressure corresponding to the saturation temperature - the subcooled liquid outlet temperature > T, and T is generally set to about 15°C.

[0097] Example 4

[0098] The heat pump air conditioner and its control method are described below with reference to a specific embodiment. However, it should be noted that this specific embodiment is only for the purpose of better illustrating the present application and does not constitute an undue limitation of the present application. Explanations of terms that are the same or corresponding to those in the above embodiment will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0099] This embodiment is explained by taking the air-conditioning outdoor unit including two heat exchange units 30 as an example. For the sake of distinction, the two heat exchange units 30 are respectively recorded as heat exchange unit 30-A and heat exchange unit 30-B. Correspondingly, the valves corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30-A are: the first valve 31-A, the second valve 32-A, the third valve 33-A and the fourth valve 34-A; the valves corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30-B are: the first valve 31-B, the second valve 32-B, the third valve 33-B and the fourth valve 34-B; the heat exchange unit 30-A corresponds to the defrost temperature sensing package 35-A, and the heat exchange unit 30-B corresponds to the defrost temperature sensing package 35-B.

[0100] For example, the first valve 31-A, the first valve 31-B, the fourth valve 34-A and the fourth valve 34-B are all electric ball valves; the second valve 32-A and the second valve 32-B are both electronic expansion valves, which can be called defrosting EXVs; the third valve 33-A and the third valve 33-B are both electronic expansion valves, which can be called heating EXVs.

[0101] (1) Rotational defrosting mode: The two heat exchange units 30 perform defrosting in turn, and the unit continues to heat.

[0102] 1) Heat exchange unit 30-A defrosts, heat exchange unit 30-B continues to heat, and the refrigerant flows as follows Figure 4 As shown, the valve control is shown in Table 1.

[0103] Table 1 Control diagram of rotating defrost mode

[0104] Valve name Open and closed state Third valve 33-A (heating EXV A) close Third valve 33-B (heating EXV B) open Second valve 32-A (defrost EXV A) open Second valve 32-B (defrost EXV B) close First valve 31-A close First valve 31-B open Fourth valve 34-A open Fourth valve 34-B close Subcooler solenoid valve 62 open Four-way valve 2 Get electricity

[0105] 2) Heat exchange unit 30-B defrosts, heat exchange unit 30-A continues to heat, and the refrigerant flows as follows Figure 5 The valve control is shown in Table 2.

[0106] Table 2 Control diagram in rotating defrost mode

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] (2) Conventional defrosting mode: Both heat exchange units 30 are defrosted and the unit switches to cooling mode. Figure 6 The valve control is shown in Table 3.

[0110] Table 3 Control diagram under normal defrost mode

[0111] Valve name Open and closed state Third valve 33-A (heating EXV A) open Third valve 33-B (heating EXV B) open Second valve 32-A (defrost EXV A) close Second valve 32-B (defrost EXV B) close First valve 31-A open First valve 31-B open Fourth valve 34-A close Fourth valve 34-B close Subcooler solenoid valve 62 Turn on or off as needed Four-way valve 2 Power outage

[0112] (3) Normal heating mode: The refrigerant flow direction is as follows Figure 7 The valve control is shown in Table 4.

[0113] Table 4 Control diagram in normal heating mode

[0114] Valve name Open and closed state Third valve 33-A (heating EXV A) open Third valve 33-B (heating EXV B) open Second valve 32-A (defrost EXV A) close Second valve 32-B (defrost EXV B) close First valve 31-A open First valve 31-B open Fourth valve 34-A close Fourth valve 34-B close Subcooler solenoid valve 62 Turn on or off as needed Four-way valve 2 Get electricity

[0115] (4) Normal cooling mode: The refrigerant flow direction is as follows Figure 6 The valve control is shown in Table 5.

[0116] Table 5 Control diagram in normal cooling mode

[0117]

[0118]

[0119] like Figure 8 As shown, the opening control of the second valve 32 in the rotation defrost mode includes the following steps:

[0120] S801, enter the rotation defrost mode.

[0121] S802, determine whether it is a modular installation, if so, go to S803, if not, go to S805.

[0122] S803, obtaining information such as the startup load, outdoor ambient temperature, and VIP indoor units.

[0123] S804: The greater the startup load, the smaller the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost. The lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the worse the environment, and the smaller the maximum opening allowed for the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost. For example, when the outdoor ambient temperature is -5°C, the maximum allowable adjustment of the second valve 32 is 400PLS; when the outdoor ambient temperature is -10°C, the maximum allowable adjustment of the second valve 32 is 300PLS. When the system has VIP rooms (indoor units), the VIP indoor units remain in heating mode, and non-VIP indoor units are shut down. At this time, the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost is determined according to the capacity of the VIP indoor units. The more VIP indoor units there are, the smaller the maximum allowable adjustment of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost.

[0124] S805 , when the heat exchange unit 30 is defrosted, the opening of the corresponding second valve 32 is opened to the maximum.

[0125] The novel heat pump air conditioner and control method provided in this embodiment solve the problem of continuous heating during defrosting, while offering simple installation and no additional cost (or minimal additional cost), enabling simultaneous heating and defrosting. This system is applicable to both modular and stand-alone air conditioners, achieving versatility. Rotational defrosting can be implemented in both stand-alone and modular air conditioners, broadening its applicability and enhancing engineering practicality. A dedicated defrost bypass branch is configured, and valve control is used to switch the heat pump air conditioner's operating mode, enabling both intelligent rotational defrosting and conventional rapid defrosting. The defrost speed can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the second valve in the defrost branch.

[0126] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowcharts of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and that, although a logical order is shown in the flowcharts, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0127] Example 5

[0128] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a heat pump air conditioner control device, which is applied to the heat pump air conditioner described in the above embodiment and can be used to implement the heat pump air conditioner control method described in the above embodiment. The heat pump air conditioner control device can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The heat pump air conditioner control device includes:

[0129] a determination module, configured to determine a target operating mode of the heat pump air conditioner;

[0130] The control module is used to control the four-way valve 2 in the air-conditioning outdoor unit that has been turned on in the heat pump air-conditioning and the first valve 31, the second valve 32, the third valve 33 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to each heat exchange unit 30, so that the heat pump air-conditioning executes the target operation mode.

[0131] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a rotation defrost mode, the control module is specifically configured to:

[0132] Controlling the four-way valve 2 to connect the first port D and the second port E of the four-way valve 2 and to connect the third port S and the fourth port C of the four-way valve 2;

[0133] For the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost, the first valve 31 and the third valve 33 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are closed, and the second valve 32 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are opened;

[0134] For the heat exchange unit 30 performing heating, the first valve 31 and the third valve 33 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are opened, and the second valve 32 and the fourth valve 34 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 are closed.

[0135] Optionally, the above device may further include:

[0136] a judgment module, configured to judge whether the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air-conditioning outdoor units connected in parallel if the target operation mode is the rotation defrost mode;

[0137] a processing module for controlling, if yes, the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost according to the current load, wherein the greater the current load, the smaller the opening of the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost; and, if no, opening the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost to the maximum opening.

[0138] Optionally, the lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost; and / or, the more air-conditioning indoor units with heating priority that are turned on, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve 32 corresponding to the heat exchange unit 30 performing defrost.

[0139] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a conventional defrost mode or a refrigeration mode, the control module is specifically configured to:

[0140] Controlling the four-way valve 2 to connect the first port D and the fourth port C of the four-way valve 2 and to connect the second port E and the third port S of the four-way valve 2;

[0141] The first valve 31 corresponding to all heat exchange units 30 in the air conditioner outdoor unit is controlled to be open, the second valve 32 is controlled to be closed, the third valve 33 is controlled to be open, and the fourth valve 34 is controlled to be closed.

[0142] Optionally, if the target operating mode is a heating mode, the control module is specifically configured to:

[0143] Controlling the four-way valve 2 to connect the first port D and the second port E of the four-way valve 2 and to connect the third port S and the fourth port C of the four-way valve 2;

[0144] The first valve 31 corresponding to all heat exchange units 30 in the air conditioner outdoor unit is controlled to be open, the second valve 32 is controlled to be closed, the third valve 33 is controlled to be open, and the fourth valve 34 is controlled to be closed.

[0145] Optionally, the control module is further configured to: when the air-conditioning outdoor unit includes a subcooler solenoid valve 62 , if the target operation mode is a rotation defrost mode, open the subcooler solenoid valve 62 .

[0146] The heat pump air conditioner control device can execute the heat pump air conditioner control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the execution method. For technical details not fully described in this embodiment, please refer to the heat pump air conditioner control method provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Example 6

[0148] This embodiment provides a computer device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the steps of the method described in the above embodiment when executing the computer program.

[0149] This embodiment further provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the above embodiment are implemented.

[0150] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and 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 modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of this embodiment.

[0151] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. Based on this understanding, the essence of the above technical solution or the part that contributes to the existing technology can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment or certain parts of the embodiments.

[0152] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner outdoor unit, comprising a compressor, a four-way valve and a heat exchanger, characterized in that: The heat exchanger includes at least two heat exchange units connected in parallel; The first end of the heat exchange unit is connected to the four-way valve through a first valve; The first end of the heat exchange unit is also connected to the exhaust end of the compressor through a second valve; The second end of the heat exchange unit is connected to the liquid pipe of the air conditioner outdoor unit through a third valve; The second end of the heat exchange unit is also connected to the suction end of the compressor through a fourth valve; The four-way valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, wherein the first port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, the second port is connected to the air pipe of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the third port is connected to the suction port of the compressor, and the fourth port is connected to the first valve; The air conditioner outdoor unit also includes: a subcooler, the subcooler includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first end of the first pipeline is connected to the liquid pipe, the second end of the first pipeline is connected to the third valve, the first end of the second pipeline is connected to the liquid pipe through the subcooler expansion valve, the second end of the second pipeline is connected to the suction end of the compressor through the subcooler solenoid valve; one end of the fourth valve is connected to the heat exchange unit, and the other end of the fourth valve is connected between the subcooler solenoid valve and the second end of the second pipeline of the subcooler.

2. The air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening of the second valve is adjustable.

3. A heat pump air conditioner, characterized in that: include: At least one air-conditioning outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The heat pump air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air-conditioning outdoor units, the two or more air-conditioning outdoor units are connected in parallel.

5. The heat pump air conditioner according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The heat pump air conditioner is a multi-split unit.

6. A heat pump air conditioning control method, characterized in that: Applied to the heat pump air conditioner according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the method comprises: determining a target operating mode of the heat pump air conditioner; For the air-conditioning outdoor unit that has been turned on in the heat pump air conditioner, the four-way valve in the air-conditioning outdoor unit and the first valve, second valve, third valve and fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit are controlled to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operation mode.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that If the target operation mode is the rotation defrost mode, controlling the four-way valve in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operation mode includes: controlling the four-way valve to connect the first port and the second port of the four-way valve and to connect the third port and the fourth port of the four-way valve; For the heat exchange unit performing defrost, close the first valve and the third valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit, and open the second valve and the fourth valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit; For a heat exchange unit that performs heating, the first valve and the third valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit are opened, and the second valve and the fourth valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit are closed.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that If the target operating mode is the rotation defrost mode, the method further includes: Determining whether the heat pump air conditioner includes two or more air conditioner outdoor units connected in parallel; If so, the opening of the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost is controlled according to the current load, wherein the greater the current load, the smaller the opening of the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost; If not, the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost is opened to the maximum opening.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The lower the outdoor ambient temperature, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost; and / or, the more air-conditioning indoor units with heating priority that are turned on, the smaller the maximum opening allowed to be adjusted by the second valve corresponding to the heat exchange unit performing defrost.

10. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that If the target operation mode is a conventional defrost mode or a cooling mode, controlling the four-way valve in the air conditioner outdoor unit and the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit so that the heat pump air conditioner executes the target operation mode includes: controlling the four-way valve to connect the first port and the fourth port of the four-way valve and to connect the second port and the third port of the four-way valve; Control the first valve corresponding to all heat exchange units in the air conditioner outdoor unit to open, the second valve to close, the third valve to open, and the fourth valve to close.

11. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that If the target operating mode is the heating mode, controlling the four-way valve in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner and the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit to enable the heat pump air conditioner to execute the target operating mode includes: controlling the four-way valve to connect the first port and the second port of the four-way valve and to connect the third port and the fourth port of the four-way valve; Control the first valve corresponding to all heat exchange units in the air conditioner outdoor unit to open, the second valve to close, the third valve to open, and the fourth valve to close.

12. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that In a case where the air conditioner outdoor unit includes a subcooler solenoid valve, if the target operation mode is the rotation defrost mode, the subcooler solenoid valve is opened.

13. A heat pump air conditioner control device, characterized in that: Applicable to the heat pump air conditioner according to any one of claims 3 to 5, the device comprising: a determination module, configured to determine a target operating mode of the heat pump air conditioner; The control module is used to control the four-way valve in the air-conditioning outdoor unit that has been turned on in the heat pump air-conditioning and the first valve, second valve, third valve and fourth valve corresponding to each heat exchange unit, so that the heat pump air-conditioning executes the target operation mode.

14. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 12 are implemented.

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