Accumulator, air conditioning system, control method and controller

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an accumulator, an air-conditioning system, a control method and a controller, which relate to the field of air-conditioning technology. The accumulator includes: a plurality of heat transfer tube groups, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups includes one or more heat transfer tubes; a plurality of groups of pipeline on-off components, wherein each group of the plurality of pipeline on-off components corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the on-off of the corresponding heat transfer tube; and an energy storage material, which is configured to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the heat transfer tube. The present disclosure controls the on-off of the heat transfer tube group so that the fluid only flows through one or more heat transfer tubes that need to store / release energy, thereby flexibly adjusting the energy storage capacity of the accumulator, and can solve the problem of mismatch between the required storage or release energy and the accumulator capacity. In addition, by controlling the heat transfer tubes of the accumulator in sections, the refrigerant path is shortened and optimized, the fluid pressure loss is reduced and the response time to the system is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to an accumulator, an air conditioning system, a control method, and a controller. Background Art

[0002] Energy storage air conditioning units can use accumulators to store energy during low-peak electricity prices at night, and release energy for cooling or heating during peak electricity prices, making the air conditioning units energy-efficient.

[0003] However, the related technology cannot adjust the storage / release capacity of the accumulator according to the required storage / release energy, resulting in a mismatch between the required storage or release energy and the accumulator capacity, and problems such as the refrigerant flow path being too long. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an accumulator, an air conditioning system, a control method and a controller, which can flexibly adjust the energy storage capacity of the accumulator to solve the problem of mismatch between the required storage energy or release energy and the accumulator capacity.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an accumulator is provided, comprising: a plurality of heat transfer tube groups, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups includes one or more heat transfer tubes; a plurality of groups of pipeline on-off components, wherein each group of the plurality of pipeline on-off components corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the on-off of the corresponding heat transfer tube; and an energy storage material configured to exchange heat with a fluid in the heat transfer tube.

[0006] In some embodiments, the accumulator further includes: a plurality of thermal insulation baffles, wherein each of the plurality of thermal insulation baffles is disposed between two heat transfer tube groups.

[0007] In some embodiments, each heat transfer tube has a first interface and a second interface, and each group of pipeline switching components includes a first pipeline switching mechanism and a second pipeline switching mechanism, wherein the first pipeline switching mechanism is arranged at a position close to the first interface of the corresponding heat transfer tube; and the second pipeline switching mechanism is arranged at a position close to the second interface of the corresponding heat transfer tube.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first interface is connected to the liquid side main pipe of the air conditioning system through a first liquid pipe; and the second interface is connected to the liquid side main pipe of the air conditioning system through a second liquid pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the accumulator further includes: a first flow dividing component located between the first liquid pipe and the plurality of heat transfer pipes; and / or a second flow dividing component located between the second liquid pipe and the plurality of heat transfer pipes.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heat transfer tube includes one or more of a serpentine coil, a fin tube with a folded structure, and a microchannel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first interface and the second interface are located on the same side of the accumulator, or on different sides of the accumulator.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first pipeline on-off mechanism and the second pipeline on-off mechanism are solenoid valves.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioning system is provided, comprising: the above-mentioned accumulator.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method based on the above-mentioned accumulator is also proposed, including: when energy storage is required, obtaining the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group; and controlling at least one heat transfer tube group to store energy based on the required stored energy and the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group.

[0015] In some embodiments, storing energy includes: controlling the heat transfer tube groups to store energy in descending order of remaining energy storage capacity until the required stored energy is met or the accumulator is fully charged.

[0016] In some embodiments, energy storage includes: selecting at least one heat transfer tube group from a plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy storage stage pipeline according to the energy required to be stored, wherein the first energy storage stage pipeline has a residual energy storage capacity that is closest to the required energy to be stored relative to the residual energy storage capacity corresponding to the other heat transfer tube groups; sorting the heat transfer tube groups whose residual energy storage capacity is smaller than the residual energy storage capacity corresponding to the first energy storage stage pipeline in descending order of residual energy storage capacity; and controlling the first energy storage stage pipeline to store energy, and if the residual energy storage capacity of the first energy storage stage pipeline cannot meet the required energy to be stored, controlling the other heat transfer tube groups to store energy in descending order of residual energy storage capacity until the required energy to be stored is met or the accumulator is fully charged.

[0017] In some embodiments, the remaining energy storage capacity is determined based on one or more of the temperature values, structural parameters, material properties, and fluid state parameters of a plurality of position points of the corresponding heat transfer tube group.

[0018] In some embodiments, the energy required to be stored is determined based on the energy storage time and energy storage conditions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the energy required to be stored is determined based on the energy stored in the accumulator under historical energy storage conditions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups performing energy storage are in an open state, and the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups not performing energy storage are in a disconnected state.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method based on the above-mentioned accumulator is also proposed, including: obtaining the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group when energy release is required; and controlling at least one heat transfer tube group to release energy based on the energy to be released and the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group.

[0022] In some embodiments, releasing energy includes: controlling the heat transfer tube groups to release energy in descending order of stored energy until the required energy is met or the accumulator has released all the energy.

[0023] In some embodiments, releasing energy includes: selecting at least one heat transfer tube group from a plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy release stage pipeline according to the energy required to be released, wherein the first energy release stage pipeline is closest to the energy required to be released relative to the stored energy corresponding to the other heat transfer tube groups; among the heat transfer tube groups whose stored energy is less than the energy stored in the first energy storage stage pipeline, sorting them in descending order of stored energy; and controlling the first energy release stage pipeline to release energy. If the stored energy corresponding to the first energy release stage pipeline cannot meet the energy required to be released, then controlling the other heat transfer tube groups to release energy in descending order of stored energy until the energy required to be released is met or the accumulator has released all the energy.

[0024] In some embodiments, the stored energy is determined based on one or more of temperature values, structural parameters, material properties, and fluid state parameters at multiple locations of the corresponding heat transfer tube assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, the energy required to be released is determined based on the energy release time and energy release conditions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the energy required to be released is determined according to the energy value released by the accumulator under historical energy release states.

[0027] In some embodiments, the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups that are releasing energy are in an open state, and the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups that are not releasing energy are in a disconnected state.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a controller is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the control method described above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer program instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the above-mentioned control method is implemented.

[0030] In this disclosed embodiment, by controlling the on / off switching of the heat transfer tube assembly, fluid flows only through the one or more heat transfer tubes that need to store or release energy, thereby flexibly adjusting the accumulator's energy storage capacity and resolving the mismatch between the required storage or release energy and the accumulator's capacity. Furthermore, by controlling the accumulator's heat transfer tubes in sections, the refrigerant path is shortened and optimized, reducing fluid pressure loss and improving system response time.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0033] The present disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of the structures of some embodiments of the accumulator disclosed herein;

[0035] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams of the structures of other embodiments of the accumulator disclosed herein;

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the heat transfer tube of the accumulator disclosed in the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4A A front view of the interior of the accumulator disclosed herein;

[0038] Figure 4B It is a left side view of the interior of the accumulator disclosed herein;

[0039] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams of the structures of some embodiments of the air-conditioning system disclosed herein;

[0040] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the flow of some embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed in the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7A Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0042] Figure 7B Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0043] Figure 8A Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0044] Figure 8B Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0045] Figure 9 Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0046] Figure 10A Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0047] Figure 10B Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0048] Figure 11A Schematic diagrams of the flow of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein;

[0049] Figure 11B Schematic diagrams of flow charts of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein; and

[0050] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the controller disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0053] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0054] Technologies, methods and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods and equipment should be considered part of the authorization specification.

[0055] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0056] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0057] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more clearly understood, the present disclosure is further described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] The energy storage / release capacity of an air conditioning system varies in different scenarios. In many cases, the required storage / release capacity is less than the designed accumulator capacity. For example, in storage conditions, when the energy provided by the system is less than the remaining capacity in the accumulator, the refrigerant still needs to flow through all the accumulator pipes to exchange heat with the energy storage material and store energy. Excessively long pipes will cause unnecessary pressure loss and a longer flow time, which will delay the accumulator's response speed. At the same time, when the refrigerant flows through a highly completed part of the accumulator, the heat exchange temperature difference is small, and the energy storage power drops significantly. A similar energy mismatch problem also exists during energy release.

[0059] Figure 1 The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the accumulator disclosed herein. The accumulator comprises a plurality of heat transfer tube groups 110, a plurality of groups of pipe connection and disconnection components 120, and an energy storage material 130. Each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups 110 includes one or more heat transfer tubes. Each group of the plurality of pipe connection and disconnection components 120 corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the connection and disconnection of the corresponding heat transfer tube. The energy storage material 130 is configured to exchange heat with the fluid in the heat transfer tube.

[0060] In some embodiments, each heat transfer tube has a first interface and a second interface, and each set of pipe opening and closing components includes a first pipe opening and closing mechanism and a second pipe opening and closing mechanism, each of which is, for example, a solenoid valve. The first pipe opening and closing mechanism is disposed on the corresponding heat transfer tube near the first interface, and the second pipe opening and closing mechanism is disposed on the corresponding heat transfer tube near the second interface.

[0061] In some embodiments, the energy storage material is an organic phase change material such as ice water or paraffin, or an inorganic phase change material such as Glauber's salt. The energy storage material stores or releases energy through temperature increases and decreases, as well as phase changes. The fluid in the heat transfer tube exchanges heat with the energy storage material through the tube wall, achieving energy transfer.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fluid is a refrigerant.

[0063] In the above embodiment, by controlling the on / off switching of the heat transfer tube assembly, fluid flows only through the one or more heat transfer tubes that need to store or release energy, thereby flexibly adjusting the accumulator's energy storage capacity and resolving the mismatch between the required storage or release energy and the accumulator's capacity. Furthermore, by controlling the accumulator's heat transfer tubes in sections, the refrigerant path is shortened and optimized, reducing fluid pressure loss and shortening system response time.

[0064] In some embodiments, a heat insulating partition is provided between two heat transfer tube groups 110 to insulate the heat transfer tube groups 110 and improve energy storage efficiency and energy release efficiency.

[0065] The accumulator disclosed herein will be introduced below using specific embodiments as examples.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the accumulator in this embodiment is a rectangular box as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that the accumulator can be of any shape. The accumulator in this embodiment is an example of four heat transfer tubes, namely 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

[0067] The first interfaces of heat transfer tubes 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 are connected to the liquid main pipe of the air conditioning system via the first liquid pipe 204, and the second interfaces are connected to the liquid main pipe of the air conditioning system via the second liquid pipe 205, so that the refrigerant in the air conditioning system can enter the accumulator.

[0068] A pipeline on-off component 212 is provided near the first interface and the second interface of each heat transfer tube 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, wherein the pipeline on-off component 212 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0069] In some embodiments, the accumulator further includes a first flow diversion component or a second flow diversion component, such as a flow diverter or equalizer. The first flow diversion component is located between the first liquid pipe 204 and the plurality of heat transfer tubes 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Alternatively, the second flow diversion component is located between the second liquid pipe 205 and the plurality of heat transfer tubes 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. The provision of the flow diversion component ensures that the refrigerant is evenly distributed to each heat transfer tube.

[0070] In some embodiments, only one flow dividing component is required for each accumulator.

[0071] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, heat transfer tubes 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 have multiple folded structures, such as serpentine coils or finned tubes with folded structures. The heat transfer tubes are folded multiple times in the vertical or horizontal direction to achieve sufficient contact and heat exchange between the refrigerant and the energy storage material.

[0072] In some embodiments, the heat transfer tubes also include microchannels, etc., which can achieve efficient heat exchange.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first and second interfaces of heat transfer tubes 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 are located on the same side of the accumulator, or on different sides. If the first and second interfaces are located on the same side, this facilitates the design and installation of the accumulator. After heat exchange, a temperature difference exists between the inlet and outlet of the accumulator. If the first and second interfaces are located on different sides, this improves the efficiency of the accumulator's energy storage or release.

[0074] In some embodiments, as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the first liquid pipe 204 is located above the second liquid pipe 205 , or the first liquid pipe 204 is located below the second liquid pipe 205 , or the first liquid pipe 204 is flush with the second liquid pipe 205 .

[0075] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the air-conditioning system disclosed herein, the air-conditioning system includes an outdoor unit 1, an energy storage device 2 and an indoor unit.

[0076] The outlet of compressor 101 of outdoor unit 1 is sequentially connected to an oil separator 102, a one-way valve 103, and a four-way valve 104. Four-way valve 104 can communicate with an outdoor heat exchanger 105, which in turn communicates with a third throttle element 106. One path of third throttle element 106 passes through a subcooler 109 to connect to the energy storage device 2, and the other path of third throttle element 106 passes through a fourth throttle element 107, a subcooler 109, and a fifth control valve 108 to connect to a gas-liquid separator 110. The outlet of gas-liquid separator 110 communicates with the air inlet of compressor 101. Third throttle element 106 is, for example, a heating electronic expansion valve, fourth throttle element 107 is, for example, a subcooling electronic expansion valve, and fifth control valve 108 is, for example, a subcooling valve.

[0077] The first end of the accumulator 201 in the energy storage device 2 is connected to the exhaust pipe of the compressor 101 via a first air pipe 202 and to the liquid-side main pipe 3 via a first liquid pipe 204. The second end of the accumulator 201 is connected to the inlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator 110 via a second air pipe 203 and to the liquid-side main pipe 3 via a second liquid pipe 205. To achieve functional switching, a third control valve 208 is arranged on the first air pipe 202 of the accumulator 201, and a first throttle 206 and a first control valve 207 are arranged in parallel on the first liquid pipe 204. A fourth control valve 210 is arranged on the second air pipe 203, and a second throttle 209 is arranged on the second liquid pipe 205. A second control valve 211 is arranged on the liquid-side main pipe 3 between the interface connecting to the first liquid pipe 204 and the interface connecting to the second liquid pipe 205. The liquid-side main pipe 3 and the air-side main pipe 4 are respectively connected to the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit. The third control valve 208 is, for example, a high-pressure gas valve, the first throttle 206 is, for example, a first energy storage electronic expansion valve, the first control valve 207 is, for example, a first cold release valve, the fourth control valve 210 is, for example, a heat release valve, the second throttle 209 is, for example, a second energy storage electronic expansion valve, and the second control valve 211 is, for example, a bypass valve.

[0078] Accumulator 201 includes multiple heat transfer tubes, with tubes 2011-2014 shown as examples. Each heat transfer tube 2011-2014 is provided with a pipe opening / closing mechanism 212 at both ends. One or more heat transfer tubes form a heat transfer tube group, and each heat transfer tube group is separated from each other by a heat insulating partition 213.

[0079] Those skilled in the art should understand that the air-conditioning system with the accumulator may also include other pipe connection methods, which will not be further elaborated here.

[0080] The air-conditioning system disclosed herein can flexibly adjust the energy storage capacity of the accumulator for various energy storage or release scenarios, shorten and optimize the refrigerant path, reduce flow pressure loss, increase response speed, and improve heat exchange efficiency, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0081] Figure 6 The present invention is a flowchart of some embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed herein.

[0082] In step 610, when energy storage is required, the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group is obtained.

[0083] In some embodiments, the remaining energy storage capacity is determined based on temperature values ​​T1-Ta at multiple locations of the corresponding heat transfer tube group, structural parameters L1-Lb, material property parameters M1-Mc, and fluid state parameters R1-Rd.

[0084] For example, an accumulator stores cold energy. As the cold energy is released, the temperature rises, and the remaining storage capacity decreases. Material properties such as specific heat capacity and structural parameters such as volume determine the accumulator's capacity. Refrigerant state parameters correct the calculated capacity, making the result more accurate.

[0085] In some embodiments, a function f(T, L, M, R, ...) is established by combining heat transfer calculations and machine learning methods to calculate the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group.

[0086] In step 620, at least one heat transfer tube group is controlled to store energy according to the required stored energy and the remaining energy storage capacity of each heat transfer tube group.

[0087] In some embodiments, the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups performing energy storage are in an open state, and the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups not performing energy storage are in a disconnected state.

[0088] In some embodiments, the energy required to be stored is determined based on the energy storage time and energy storage conditions.

[0089] In some embodiments, the energy required to be stored is determined based on the energy stored in the accumulator under historical energy storage conditions. For example, an intelligent algorithm, extensive experiments, and data are used to fit the energy storage patterns of the accumulator under energy storage conditions, thereby calculating the energy value to be stored.

[0090] In some embodiments, the required stored energy is a set stored energy.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the pipeline on-off mechanism of each heat transfer tube is controlled according to the required stored energy and the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, so that the refrigerant only flows through one or more heat transfer tube groups that need to store energy, thereby realizing energy storage in stages, shortening and optimizing the refrigerant path, reducing flow pressure loss, increasing response speed and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0092] Figure 7A Schematic diagram of the flow chart of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed in the present invention.

[0093] In step 710 , it is determined in real time whether energy storage is required. If not, step 720 is executed; if yes, step 730 is executed.

[0094] In some embodiments, the judgment process can occur when the air-conditioning system is performing any operating conditions such as conventional cooling, complete cold storage, cooling and cold storage, supercooling cold release, condensation cold release, conventional heating, complete heat storage, heating and heat storage, mixed heat release, independent heat release, defrosting, etc.

[0095] In step 720 , the air conditioning system operates normally, that is, continues to operate under the previous operating conditions.

[0096] In step 730, the remaining energy storage capacities corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups of the accumulator are sorted from smallest to largest.

[0097] In step 740, the heat transfer tube groups are sequentially controlled to store energy until the required stored energy is met or the accumulator is fully charged.

[0098] For example, Figure 7B As shown, the sorted heat transfer tube groups are respectively the first energy storage stage pipeline, the second energy storage stage pipeline, ... the nth energy storage stage pipeline.

[0099] First, the on-off mechanism in the first energy storage stage pipeline is activated, allowing the refrigerant to pass through the first energy storage stage pipeline, exchanging heat with the energy storage material and storing energy. While the first energy storage stage pipeline is storing energy, a real-time determination is made as to whether the first energy storage stage pipeline is fully charged. If not, energy storage continues. If it is, a determination is made as to whether further energy storage is required. If further energy storage is required, the on-off mechanism in the first energy storage stage pipeline is disconnected, and the on-off mechanism in the next energy storage stage pipeline is simultaneously activated to begin the next stage of energy storage. If further energy storage is not required, the previous operating conditions are continued, or the unit's operating conditions are adjusted as needed.

[0100] If the system has entered the final stage of energy storage, it determines whether the energy storage is fully charged. If so, the accumulator is considered fully charged, and the pipeline on-off mechanism is disconnected to stop energy storage. Furthermore, during the above process, it is determined in real time whether the system needs to store energy. If not, the energy storage device is disconnected immediately, and the previous operating conditions are continued, or the unit's operating conditions are adjusted as needed.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group is calculated and prioritized. Based on the required storage capacity, the on / off of each heat transfer tube is controlled, and heat exchange is performed in sequence to complete energy storage, thereby optimizing the refrigerant path. At the same time, the number of times the on / off mechanism is opened and closed is reduced, reducing refrigerant pressure loss and shortening the response time to the system. At the same time, the heat exchange efficiency is improved, thereby achieving the purpose of efficient energy storage.

[0102] Figure 8A Schematic diagram of the flow chart of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed in the present invention.

[0103] In step 810 , it is determined in real time whether energy storage is required. If not, step 820 is executed; if yes, step 830 is executed.

[0104] In step 820 , the air conditioning system operates normally, that is, continues to operate under the previous operating conditions.

[0105] In step 830, based on the required stored energy, at least one heat transfer tube group is selected from the plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy storage stage pipeline, wherein the first energy storage stage pipeline has the closest remaining energy storage capacity to the required stored energy relative to the remaining energy storage capacities of the other heat transfer tube groups.

[0106] In step 840, the heat transfer tube groups whose remaining energy storage capacity is smaller than the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to the first energy storage stage pipeline are sorted in descending order according to the remaining energy storage capacity.

[0107] In step 850, the first stage pipeline is controlled to store energy. If the remaining energy storage capacity of the first stage pipeline cannot meet the required stored energy, the remaining heat transfer tube groups are controlled to store energy in descending order of remaining energy storage capacity until the required stored energy is met or the accumulator is fully charged. This is shown in Figure 8.

[0108] For example, Figure 8B As shown, according to the energy to be stored, a combination of one or more heat transfer tube groups with a remaining capacity closest to the required storage capacity is selected as the pipeline of the first energy storage stage, and the remaining heat transfer tube groups are sorted in descending order according to the remaining energy storage capacity as the pipelines of the second to nth energy storage stages.

[0109] First, the on-off mechanism in the first energy storage stage pipeline is activated, allowing the refrigerant to pass through the first energy storage stage pipeline, exchanging heat with the energy storage material and storing energy. While the first energy storage stage pipeline is storing energy, a real-time determination is made as to whether the first energy storage stage pipeline is fully charged. If not, energy storage continues. If it is, a determination is made as to whether further energy storage is required. If further energy storage is required, the on-off mechanism in the first energy storage stage pipeline is disconnected, and the on-off mechanism in the next energy storage stage pipeline is simultaneously activated to begin the next stage of energy storage. If further energy storage is not required, the previous operating conditions are continued, or the unit's operating conditions are adjusted as needed.

[0110] If the energy storage has entered the last energy storage stage, it is determined whether the energy storage in this stage is full. If the energy storage in this stage is full, it is considered that the accumulator is fully charged with energy, and the pipeline on-off mechanism is disconnected to stop energy storage.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant is made to flow only through one or more energy storage stages that require energy storage, so that the refrigerant path is optimized, the response time to the system is shortened, the refrigerant pressure loss is reduced, and at the same time, the energy is relatively concentrated to improve the heat exchange efficiency, thereby achieving efficient energy storage and reducing power consumption.

[0112] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the flow chart of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed in the present invention.

[0113] In step 910, when energy release is required, the energy stored in each heat transfer tube group is obtained.

[0114] In some embodiments, the stored energy is determined based on temperature values ​​T1-Ta at multiple locations of the corresponding heat transfer tube assembly, structural parameters L1-Lb, material property parameters M1-Mc, and fluid state parameters R1-Rd.

[0115] In some embodiments, a function f(T, L, M, R, ...) is established by combining heat transfer calculations and machine learning methods to calculate the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group.

[0116] In step 920, at least one heat transfer tube group is controlled to release energy according to the energy to be released and the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group.

[0117] In some embodiments, the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups that are releasing energy are in an open state, and the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups that are not releasing energy are in a disconnected state.

[0118] In some embodiments, the energy required to be released is determined based on the energy release time and energy release conditions.

[0119] In some embodiments, the energy to be released is determined based on the energy values ​​released by the accumulator under historical energy release states. For example, an intelligent algorithm, extensive experiments, and data are used to fit the energy release patterns of the accumulator under energy release states, thereby calculating the energy value to be released.

[0120] In some embodiments, the energy to be released is a set release energy.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the pipeline on-off mechanism of each heat transfer tube is controlled according to the energy required to be released and the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, so that the refrigerant only flows through one or more heat transfer tube groups that need to release energy, thereby achieving staged energy release, shortening and optimizing the refrigerant path, reducing flow pressure loss, increasing response speed and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0122] Figure 10A Schematic diagram of the flow chart of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed in the present invention.

[0123] In step 1010 , it is determined in real time whether energy release is required. If not, step 1020 is executed; if yes, step 1030 is executed.

[0124] In some embodiments, the judgment process can occur when the air-conditioning system is performing any operating conditions such as conventional cooling, complete cold storage, cooling and cold storage, supercooling cold release, condensation cold release, conventional heating, complete heat storage, heating and heat storage, mixed heat release, independent heat release, defrosting, etc.

[0125] In step 1020 , the air conditioning system operates normally, that is, continues to operate under the previous operating conditions.

[0126] In step 1030, the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group of the accumulator is sorted from smallest to largest.

[0127] In step 1040, the heat transfer tube groups are controlled in sequence to release energy until the required energy is met or the accumulator has released all the energy.

[0128] For example, Figure 10B As shown, the sorted heat transfer tube groups are respectively the first energy release stage pipeline, the second energy release stage pipeline, ... the nth energy release stage pipeline.

[0129] First, the on-off mechanism in the first energy-release stage pipeline is activated, allowing the refrigerant to pass through this first energy-release stage pipeline, exchanging heat with the energy storage material and releasing energy. While this first energy-release stage pipeline is releasing energy, a real-time determination is made as to whether the first energy-release stage pipeline has fully released energy. If not, energy release continues. If it has, a determination is made as to whether further energy release is necessary. If further energy release is necessary, the on-off mechanism in the first energy-release stage pipeline is disconnected, and the on-off mechanism in the next energy-release stage pipeline is simultaneously activated to begin the next stage of energy storage. If further energy release is not necessary, the previous operating conditions are continued, or the unit's operating conditions are adjusted as needed.

[0130] If the system has entered the final stage of energy release, it determines whether this stage has been fully released. If so, the accumulator is considered to have fully discharged, and the pipeline on-off mechanism is disconnected, stopping energy release. Furthermore, during this process, it is determined in real time whether the system needs to release energy. If not, the energy storage device is disconnected immediately, and the previous operating conditions are continued, or the unit's operating conditions are adjusted as needed.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group is calculated and prioritized. Based on the required energy release, the on / off of each heat transfer tube is controlled, and heat exchange is performed in sequence to complete the energy release, thereby optimizing the refrigerant path, reducing refrigerant pressure loss and shortening the response time to the system, while improving heat exchange efficiency and achieving the purpose of efficient energy release.

[0132] Figure 11A Schematic diagram of the flow chart of other embodiments of the accumulator control method disclosed in the present invention.

[0133] In step 1110 , it is determined in real time whether energy release is required. If not, step 1120 is executed; if yes, step 1130 is executed.

[0134] In step 1120 , the air conditioning system operates normally, that is, continues to operate under the previous operating conditions.

[0135] In step 1130, at least one heat transfer tube group is selected from the plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy release stage pipeline according to the energy required to be released, wherein the first energy release stage pipeline is closest to the energy required to be released relative to the stored energy corresponding to the other heat transfer tube groups.

[0136] In step 1140, the heat transfer tube groups whose stored energy is less than the stored energy of the tubes in the first energy storage stage are sorted in descending order of stored energy.

[0137] In step 1150, the first energy release stage pipeline is controlled to release energy. If the stored energy corresponding to the first energy release stage pipeline cannot meet the energy required to be released, the other heat transfer tube groups are controlled in order of the stored energy from large to small to release energy until the required energy is met or the accumulator has released all the energy.

[0138] For example, Figure 8B As shown, according to the energy to be released, a combination of one or more heat transfer tube groups with the remaining stored energy closest to the required release energy is selected as the first energy release stage pipeline, and the remaining heat transfer tube groups are sorted in descending order according to the stored energy as the second to nth energy release stage pipelines.

[0139] First, the on-off mechanism in the first energy-release stage pipeline is activated, allowing the refrigerant to pass through this first energy-release stage pipeline, exchanging heat with the energy storage material and releasing energy. While this first energy-release stage pipeline is releasing energy, a real-time determination is made as to whether the first energy-release stage pipeline has fully released energy. If not, energy release continues. If it has, a determination is made as to whether further energy release is necessary. If further energy release is necessary, the on-off mechanism in the first energy-release stage pipeline is disconnected, and the on-off mechanism in the next energy-release stage pipeline is simultaneously activated to begin the next stage of energy storage. If further energy release is not necessary, the previous operating conditions are continued, or the unit's operating conditions are adjusted as needed.

[0140] If the energy release has entered the last stage, it is determined whether the energy has been released in this stage. If the energy has been released in this stage, it is considered that the accumulator has completely released the energy, and the pipeline on-off mechanism is disconnected to stop the energy release.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant is made to flow only through one or more energy release stages where energy release is required, so that the refrigerant path is optimized, while the number of times the on-off mechanism is opened and closed is reduced, the response time to the system is shortened, the refrigerant pressure loss is reduced, and the energy is relatively concentrated to improve the heat exchange efficiency, thereby achieving efficient energy release and reducing power consumption.

[0142] Figure 12 The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the controller disclosed herein. The controller 12 includes a memory 1210 and a processor 1220. The memory 1210 may be a disk, flash memory, or any other non-volatile storage medium. The memory is used to execute instructions in the above embodiments. The processor 1220 is coupled to the memory 1210 and may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The processor 1220 is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory.

[0143] In some embodiments, the processor 1220 is coupled to the memory 1210 via a BUS 1230. The controller 1200 may also be connected to an external storage system 1250 via a storage interface 1240 to access external data, and may also be connected to a network or another computer system (not shown) via a network interface 1260. Detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0144] In this embodiment, data instructions are stored in a memory and then processed by a processor to shorten and optimize the refrigerant path, reduce flow pressure loss, increase response speed, and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0145] In other embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method in the above embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, devices, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of embodiments combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transient storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0146] The present disclosure is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0147] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0148] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0149] The present disclosure has been described in detail so far. To avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0150] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An accumulator, comprising: a plurality of heat transfer tube groups, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups comprises one or more heat transfer tubes; Multiple groups of pipeline on-off components, wherein each group of the multiple groups of pipeline on-off components corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the on-off of the corresponding heat transfer tube; an energy storage material configured to exchange heat with the fluid in the heat transfer tube; A controller comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a control method based on instructions stored in the memory, comprising: when energy storage is required, obtaining the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group; and controlling the heat transfer tube groups to store energy in descending order of the remaining energy storage capacity based on the required stored energy and the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, until the required stored energy is met or the accumulator is fully charged.

2. An accumulator, comprising: a plurality of heat transfer tube groups, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups comprises one or more heat transfer tubes; Multiple groups of pipeline on-off components, wherein each group of the multiple groups of pipeline on-off components corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the on-off of the corresponding heat transfer tube; an energy storage material configured to exchange heat with the fluid in the heat transfer tube; A controller comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a control method based on instructions stored in the memory, comprising: when energy storage is required, obtaining a remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group; selecting at least one heat transfer tube group from a plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy storage stage pipeline according to the required stored energy; wherein the first energy storage stage pipeline is closest to the required stored energy relative to the remaining energy storage capacities corresponding to the other heat transfer tube groups; among the heat transfer tube groups whose remaining energy storage capacities are smaller than the remaining energy storage capacities corresponding to the first energy storage stage pipelines, the heat transfer tube groups are sorted in descending order of remaining energy storage capacities, and the first energy storage stage pipelines are controlled to store energy; if the remaining energy storage capacity of the first energy storage stage pipelines cannot meet the required stored energy, the remaining heat transfer tube groups are sequentially controlled in descending order of remaining energy storage capacities to store energy until the required stored energy is met or the accumulator is fully charged.

3. An accumulator comprising: a plurality of heat transfer tube groups, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups comprises one or more heat transfer tubes; Multiple groups of pipeline on-off components, wherein each group of the multiple groups of pipeline on-off components corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the on-off of the corresponding heat transfer tube; an energy storage material configured to exchange heat with the fluid in the heat transfer tube; A controller comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute a control method based on instructions stored in the memory, comprising: when energy release is required, obtaining the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group; and controlling the heat transfer tube groups to release energy in descending order of stored energy according to the energy required to be released and the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, until the required energy to be released is met or the accumulator has released all energy.

4. An accumulator comprising: a plurality of heat transfer tube groups, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tube groups comprises one or more heat transfer tubes; Multiple groups of pipeline on-off components, wherein each group of the multiple groups of pipeline on-off components corresponds to a heat transfer tube and is configured to control the on-off of the corresponding heat transfer tube; an energy storage material configured to exchange heat with the fluid in the heat transfer tube; A controller, the controller includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor is configured to execute a control method based on instructions stored in the memory, including: when energy release is required, obtaining the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, and selecting at least one heat transfer tube group from multiple heat transfer tube groups as a first energy release stage pipeline according to the energy required to be released, wherein the first energy release stage pipeline is closest to the energy required to be released relative to the stored energy corresponding to other heat transfer tube groups, and in the heat transfer tube groups whose stored energy is less than the energy stored in the first energy release stage pipeline, sorting them in descending order of stored energy, controlling the first energy release stage pipeline to release energy, and if the stored energy corresponding to the first energy release stage pipeline cannot meet the energy required to be released, then controlling the other heat transfer tube groups to release energy in descending order of stored energy until the energy required to be released is met or the accumulator has released all the energy.

5. The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A plurality of heat-insulating baffles, wherein each of the plurality of heat-insulating baffles is arranged between two heat transfer tube groups.

6. The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each heat transfer tube has a first interface and a second interface, and each set of pipeline on-off components includes a first pipeline on-off mechanism and a second pipeline on-off mechanism, wherein: The first pipeline on-off mechanism is arranged at a position close to the first interface of the corresponding heat transfer pipe; and The second pipeline on-off mechanism is arranged at a position close to the second interface of the corresponding heat transfer pipe.

7. The accumulator according to claim 6, wherein: The first interface is connected to the liquid side main pipe of the air conditioning system through a first liquid pipe; and The second interface is connected to the liquid side main pipe of the air conditioning system through a second liquid pipe.

8. The accumulator according to claim 7, further comprising: a first flow dividing component, located between the first liquid pipe and the plurality of heat transfer pipes; and / or The second flow dividing component is located between the second liquid pipe and the plurality of heat transfer tubes.

9. The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat transfer tube includes one or more of a serpentine coil, a fin tube with a folded structure, and a microchannel.

10. The accumulator according to claim 6, wherein The first interface and the second interface are located on the same side of the accumulator, or on different sides of the accumulator.

11. The accumulator according to claim 6, wherein: The first pipeline on-off mechanism and the second pipeline on-off mechanism are solenoid valves.

12. An air conditioning system comprising: The accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A control method for an accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: When energy storage is required, obtain the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group; as well as According to the energy required to be stored and the remaining energy storage capacity corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, at least one heat transfer tube group is controlled to store energy.

14. The control method according to claim 13, wherein: Energy storage includes: The heat transfer tube groups are controlled to store energy in descending order of the remaining energy storage capacity until the required stored energy is met or the energy accumulator is fully charged.

15. The control method according to claim 13, wherein: Energy storage includes: According to the required stored energy, at least one heat transfer tube group is selected from the plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy storage stage pipeline, wherein the remaining energy storage capacity of the first energy storage stage pipeline relative to the corresponding remaining energy storage capacity of the other heat transfer tube groups is closest to the required stored energy; Among the heat transfer tube groups whose residual energy storage capacity is smaller than the residual energy storage capacity corresponding to the pipeline in the first energy storage stage, sorting them in descending order of residual energy storage capacity; and The first energy storage stage pipeline is controlled to store energy. If the remaining energy storage capacity of the first energy storage stage pipeline cannot meet the required stored energy, the other heat transfer tube groups are controlled to store energy in descending order of the remaining energy storage capacity until the required stored energy is met or the accumulator is fully charged.

16. The control method according to claim 13, wherein: The remaining energy storage capacity is determined based on one or more of the temperature values, structural parameters, material physical parameters, and fluid state parameters of the corresponding heat transfer tube group at multiple locations.

17. The control method according to claim 13, wherein: The energy required to be stored is determined according to the energy storage time and energy storage working conditions.

18. The control method according to claim 13, wherein: The required stored energy is determined according to the stored energy value of the accumulator under the historical energy storage state.

19. The control method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: The pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups performing energy storage are in an open state, and the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups not performing energy storage are in a disconnected state.

20. A control method for an accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: When energy release is required, the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group is obtained; as well as According to the energy required to be released and the stored energy corresponding to each heat transfer tube group, at least one heat transfer tube group is controlled to release energy.

21. The control method according to claim 20, wherein: Energy release includes: The heat transfer tube groups are controlled to release energy in descending order of stored energy until the required energy is met or the energy accumulator has released all the energy.

22. The control method according to claim 20, wherein: Energy release includes: According to the energy required to be released, at least one heat transfer tube group is selected from the plurality of heat transfer tube groups as a first energy release stage pipeline, wherein the first energy release stage pipeline is closest to the energy required to be released relative to the stored energy corresponding to the other heat transfer tube groups; In the heat transfer tube groups whose stored energy is less than the energy stored in the first energy release stage, the heat transfer tube groups are sorted in descending order of stored energy; and Control the first energy release stage pipeline to release energy. If the stored energy corresponding to the first energy release stage pipeline cannot meet the energy required to be released, control other heat transfer tube groups in order of stored energy from large to small to release energy until the required energy is met or the accumulator has released all the energy.

23. The control method according to claim 20, wherein: The stored energy is determined based on one or more of the temperature values, structural parameters, material physical parameters, and fluid state parameters of a plurality of position points of the corresponding heat transfer tube group.

24. The control method according to claim 20, wherein: The energy required to be released is determined according to the energy release time and energy release conditions.

25. The control method according to claim 20, wherein: The energy required to be released is determined according to the energy value released by the accumulator under the historical energy release state.

26. The control method according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein: The pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups that are releasing energy are in an open state, and the pipeline on-off components corresponding to the heat transfer tube groups that are not releasing energy are in a disconnected state.

27. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor, the control method according to any one of claims 13 to 26 is implemented.

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