Air conditioner, control method, control device, and storage medium thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner and a control method, a control device and a storage medium thereof. The control method of the air conditioner comprises the following steps: when a cooling-down mode is started, an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of a cooling-down heat exchanger are acquired; the rotation speed of a first circulating pump and a second circulating pump is controlled according to the inlet temperature of the cooling-down heat exchanger to adjust the inlet temperature of the cooling-down heat exchanger; and the rotation speed of the second circulating pump is controlled according to the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the cooling-down heat exchanger to adjust the outlet temperature of the cooling-down heat exchanger. According to the control method of the air conditioner, the temperature of the cooling medium at the inlet of the cooling-down heat exchanger can be adjusted, the condensation phenomenon can be avoided, the outlet temperature of the cooling-down heat exchanger can be adjusted, the air outlet is more uniform, and the use experience of users is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its control method, control device, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the related technology of cold storage air conditioners, the temperature inside the cold storage tank is too low during use, which leads to the inlet temperature of the cold heat exchanger being too low, thus making it easy for condensation to occur. In addition, some of the cold energy is used for dehumidification (handling latent heat), resulting in a certain waste of cold energy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a control method for an air conditioner that can reduce condensation and make the airflow more uniform.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] The present invention also proposes an air conditioner.

[0006] The present invention also proposes a control device for an air conditioner.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a cold storage tank, a cold storage component operating in a cold storage mode, and a cold release component operating in a cold release mode. The cold release component includes a cold extraction heat exchanger, a cold release heat exchanger, and a buffer tank. The inlet and outlet of the cold extraction heat exchanger and the inlet and outlet of the cold release heat exchanger are both connected to the buffer tank. A first circulation pump is provided between the cold release heat exchanger and the buffer tank, and a second circulation pump is provided between the cold extraction heat exchanger and the buffer tank. The control method includes the following steps: when the cold release mode is activated, acquiring the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger; controlling the rotation speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump according to the inlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger to adjust the inlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger; and controlling the rotation speed of the second circulation pump according to the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger to adjust the outlet air temperature of the cold release heat exchanger.

[0008] According to the air conditioner control method of the present invention, by setting up a buffer tank, the refrigerant with a higher temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant with a lower temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger can be fully mixed, thereby improving the overall inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger. By separately controlling the rotation speeds of the first and second circulation pumps, the amount of cooling input from the cooling heat exchanger to the buffer tank and the amount of cooling input to the cooling heat exchanger can be controlled, thereby adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger and preventing condensation. By controlling the rotation speed of the second circulation pump, the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger can also be adjusted, resulting in more uniform airflow and improving the user experience.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps based on the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger includes: reducing the rotational speed of the second circulating pump and increasing the rotational speed of the first circulating pump when the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to a first set temperature; increasing the rotational speed of the second circulating pump and decreasing the rotational speed of the first circulating pump when the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to a second set temperature; and maintaining the rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps unchanged when the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the first set temperature and less than the second set temperature.

[0010] In some embodiments, a fan is provided near the heat exchanger, and when adjusting the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger, the method further includes controlling the fan speed according to the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the rotational speed of the second circulating pump is controlled based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooling heat exchanger.

[0012] In some embodiments, controlling the rotational speed of the second circulating pump based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger includes: reducing the rotational speed of the second circulating pump when the temperature difference is greater than a third set temperature; and maintaining the rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps unchanged when the temperature difference is less than or equal to the third set temperature.

[0013] In some examples, a fan is located near the heat exchanger, and when adjusting the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger, the fan speed is controlled according to the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer box defines a buffer cavity, the heat exchanger for releasing cold and the heat exchanger for taking cold are both in communication with the buffer cavity, and the buffer box has a vent hole to connect the buffer cavity with the outside.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium thereon stores a control program for an air conditioner, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for the air conditioner according to the above embodiments.

[0016] An air conditioner according to a third aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a control program for the air conditioner stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the control program for the air conditioner, it implements the control method for the air conditioner according to the above embodiments.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control device for an air conditioner includes a cold storage tank, a cold storage component operating in a cold storage mode, and a cold release component operating in a cold release mode. The cold release component includes a cold extraction heat exchanger, a cold release heat exchanger, and a buffer tank. The inlet and outlet of the cold extraction heat exchanger and the inlet and outlet of the cold release heat exchanger are both connected to the buffer tank. A first circulation pump is provided between the cold release heat exchanger and the outlet of the buffer tank, and a second circulation pump is provided between the cold extraction heat exchanger and the inlet of the buffer tank. The control device includes: an acquisition module for acquiring the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger when the cold release mode is activated; a control module for controlling the rotation speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump according to the inlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger to adjust the inlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger; and controlling the rotation speed of the second circulation pump according to the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cold release heat exchanger to adjust the outlet air temperature of the cold release heat exchanger.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the control device for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3

[0023] Figure 4 This is a control logic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a control logic diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] Air conditioner 100,

[0027] Cold storage tank 10,

[0028] Cold storage component 20, condenser 21, refrigeration heat exchanger 22, compressor 23, throttling device 24.

[0029] Cooling assembly 30, cooling heat exchanger 31, cooling heat exchanger 32, cooling heat exchanger inlet 321, cooling heat exchanger outlet 322, first circulation pump 33, second circulation pump 34, buffer tank 35, first inlet 351, second inlet 352, first outlet 353, second outlet 354, vent 355, fan 36.

[0030] Control device 40, acquisition module 41, control module 42. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0032] The following is for reference. Figures 1-5 A control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cold storage assembly 20. The cold storage assembly 20 includes a condenser 21, a refrigeration heat exchanger 22, and a compressor 23. The inlet of the compressor 23 is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration heat exchanger 22, the outlet of the compressor 23 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 21, and the outlet of the condenser 21 is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration heat exchanger 22, thereby forming a circulation loop for the flow of the refrigerant. A throttling element 24 is provided between the condenser 21 and the refrigeration heat exchanger 22.

[0034] The air conditioner 100 also includes a cooling assembly 30. The cooling assembly 30 includes a cooling heat exchanger 31, a cooling heat exchanger 32, and a buffer tank 35. The inlet and outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, the inlet 321 and the outlet 322 of the cooling heat exchanger 32 are all connected to the buffer tank 35. A first circulation pump 33 is provided between the cooling heat exchanger 32 and the buffer tank 35, and a second circulation pump 34 is provided between the cooling heat exchanger 31 and the buffer tank 35.

[0035] Specifically, the buffer box 35 has a first inlet 351, a second inlet 352, a first outlet 353, and a second outlet 354. The buffer box 35 defines a buffer cavity. The first inlet 351, the second inlet 352, the first outlet 353, and the second outlet 354 are all connected to the buffer cavity. The first inlet 351 of the buffer box 35 is connected to the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32, the first outlet 353 of the buffer box 35 is connected to the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32, the second inlet 352 of the buffer box 35 is connected to the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, and the second outlet 354 of the buffer box 35 is connected to the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, thereby forming a circulation loop for the flow of the cooling medium.

[0036] The cooling medium can be an ethylene glycol solution. By setting up a buffer tank 35, the cooling medium with a higher temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 can be fully mixed with the cooling medium with a lower temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, thereby increasing the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32.

[0037] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 also includes a cold storage tank 10, a refrigeration heat exchanger 22, and a cooling heat exchanger 31 disposed in the cold storage tank 10, which is filled with water. The cold storage component 20 is adapted to operate in cold storage mode, and the cooling component 30 is adapted to operate in cooling mode. The cold storage mode and the cooling mode are independent of each other, and the two processes alternate continuously, ensuring that the air conditioner 100 can operate safely and stably.

[0038] In cold storage mode, compressor 23 starts working, causing the refrigerant to circulate in compressor 23, heat exchanger 22, condenser 21 and pipeline. Heat exchanger 22 continuously cools the water in cold storage tank 10 until the water in cold storage tank 10 is completely frozen.

[0039] In the cooling mode, the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 start working, causing the cooling medium to circulate in the cooling heat exchanger 31, the cooling heat exchanger 32, the buffer tank 35, the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34, and the pipeline. Since the freezing point of the cooling medium is lower than that of water, the cooling medium can carry away the cold energy of the ice in the cold storage tank 10 during the circulation process, and then circulate it to the cooling heat exchanger 32, thereby releasing the cold energy through the cooling heat exchanger 32 to achieve the purpose of cooling.

[0040] Since the condenser 21 and the cooling heat exchanger 32 are not used at the same time, in order to maximize the heat exchange efficiency, the condenser 21 and the cooling heat exchanger 32 can be placed in the same air duct and placed close to each other, so that hot air can be blown out in the cold storage mode and cool air can be blown out in the cooling mode.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0042] S1: When the cooling mode is turned on, obtain the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooling heat exchanger;

[0043] Specifically, a first temperature detection device can be installed at the inlet of the radiating heat exchanger to detect the temperature of the cooling medium at the inlet of the radiating heat exchanger, and a second temperature detection device can be installed at the outlet of the radiating heat exchanger to detect the temperature of the cooling medium at the outlet of the radiating heat exchanger.

[0044] In the cooling mode, the first and second circulation pumps start working, causing the cooling medium to circulate in the cooling heat exchanger, cooling heat exchanger, buffer tank, the first and second circulation pumps, and the pipeline. During this process, the first temperature detection device monitors the temperature of the cooling medium at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger in real time, and the second temperature detection device monitors the temperature of the cooling medium at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger in real time.

[0045] S2: The speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump are controlled according to the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger to adjust the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger.

[0046] In other words, by controlling the speed of the second circulating pump, the flow rate of the cooler medium discharged from the heat exchanger can be adjusted, thereby controlling the amount of cooling input from the heat exchanger to the buffer tank. By controlling the speed of the first circulating pump, the flow rate of the cooler medium input from the inlet of the heat exchanger can be controlled, thereby controlling the amount of cooling input to the heat exchanger, thus achieving the adjustment of the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0047] S3: The speed of the second circulation pump is controlled according to the inlet and outlet temperatures of the venting heat exchanger to adjust the outlet air temperature of the venting heat exchanger.

[0048] According to the air conditioner control method of the present invention, by setting up a buffer tank, the refrigerant with a higher temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant with a lower temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger can be fully mixed, thereby improving the overall inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger. By separately controlling the rotation speeds of the first and second circulation pumps, the amount of cooling input from the cooling heat exchanger to the buffer tank and the amount of cooling input to the cooling heat exchanger can be controlled, thereby adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger and preventing condensation. By controlling the rotation speed of the second circulation pump, the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger can also be adjusted, resulting in more uniform airflow and improving the user experience.

[0049] The inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is t1, the first set temperature is T1, and the second set temperature is T2.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, step S2 includes:

[0051] When t1≤T1, by reducing the speed of the second circulation pump, the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the heat exchanger can be reduced, thereby reducing the supply of the coolant. By increasing the speed of the first circulation pump, the amount of cold input to the heat exchanger can be increased, thereby increasing the circulation cooling and increasing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, thus preventing condensation.

[0052] When t1≥T2, by increasing the speed of the second circulation pump, the flow rate of the cooler medium discharged from the heat exchanger can be increased, thereby increasing the supply of the cooler medium; by decreasing the speed of the first circulation pump, the amount of cold input to the heat exchanger can be reduced, thereby reducing the circulation cooling, and thus reducing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, reducing the temperature in the buffer tank as quickly as possible.

[0053] When T1 < t1 < T2, the speeds of the first and second circulating pumps can be kept constant, so that the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range.

[0054] Therefore, by controlling the speeds of the first and second circulating pumps respectively, the amount of cold energy input from the heat exchanger to the buffer tank and the amount of cold energy input to the heat exchanger can be controlled, so that the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, reducing the probability of condensation due to the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger being lower than the ambient dew point temperature.

[0055] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 100 has an air duct, a cooling heat exchanger 32 is disposed in the air duct, and the air conditioner 100 also includes a fan 36, which is disposed near the cooling heat exchanger 32. When the fan 36 is working, it can drive the air in the air duct after heat exchange with the cooling heat exchanger 32 to flow, that is, it can drive the flow of the air with a lower temperature formed in the air duct to meet the user's usage needs.

[0056] The fan speed can also be controlled when adjusting the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger.

[0057] Specifically, when t1 ≤ T1, reducing the speed of the second circulating pump reduces the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the heat exchanger, thus reducing the supply of coolant. Increasing the speed of the first circulating pump increases the amount of cooling input to the heat exchanger, increasing circulating cooling and raising the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, preventing condensation. Furthermore, increasing the fan speed further increases circulating cooling, further raising the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger and preventing condensation.

[0058] When t1≥T2, increasing the speed of the second circulating pump increases the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the heat exchanger, thus increasing the supply of coolant. Conversely, decreasing the speed of the first circulating pump reduces the amount of cooling input to the heat exchanger, thereby reducing circulating cooling and lowering the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, ultimately reducing the temperature inside the buffer tank as quickly as possible. Furthermore, reducing the fan speed further reduces circulating cooling.

[0059] When T1 < t1 < T2, the speeds of the first and second circulating pumps can be kept constant, so that the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, and the speed of the fan is kept constant.

[0060] Since the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is generally low, in the cold storage mode, a large amount of cold energy is used for dehumidification (handling latent heat). However, the large temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger can easily lead to low utilization of cold energy and uneven airflow, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0061] Therefore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the rotational speed of the second circulating pump is controlled based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooling heat exchanger. By controlling the rotational speed of the second circulating pump based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooling heat exchanger, the utilization rate of cooling capacity is improved, the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is adjusted, the airflow is made more uniform, and the user experience is enhanced.

[0062] In some embodiments, the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is t1, the outlet temperature is t2, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures is the absolute value of t1-t2, and the third set temperature is T3. t1 is typically -7 to 15°C; for example, t1 is -7°C, t2 is 20°C, and the absolute value of the temperature difference between t1 and t2 is 27°C.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, step S3 includes:

[0064] When the absolute value of t1-t2 is greater than T3, by reducing the speed of the second circulation pump, the flow rate of the cooler refrigerant discharged from the heat exchanger can be reduced, thereby reducing the supply of the cooler refrigerant. The refrigerant mixed in the buffer tank flows into the heat exchanger, increasing the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, reducing the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, improving the utilization rate of cooling capacity, and making the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger more uniform, thereby improving the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0065] When the absolute value of t1-t2 is less than or equal to T3, keep the speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump constant, so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, ensuring the utilization rate of cooling capacity and making the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger uniform, thereby ensuring the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0066] In some examples, the air conditioner 100 has an air duct, a cooling heat exchanger 32 is disposed in the air duct, and the air conditioner 100 also includes a fan 36, which is disposed close to the cooling heat exchanger 32. When the fan 36 is working, it can drive the air in the air duct after exchanging heat with the cooling heat exchanger 32 to flow, that is, it can drive the flow of the lower temperature air formed in the air duct to meet the user's usage needs.

[0067] When adjusting the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger, the fan speed is also controlled.

[0068] Specifically, when the absolute value of t1-t2 is greater than T3, by reducing the speed of the second circulation pump, the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the cooling heat exchanger can be reduced, thereby reducing the supply of the coolant. The coolant mixed in the buffer tank flows into the cooling heat exchanger, increasing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger, reducing the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling heat exchanger, and improving the utilization rate of cooling capacity. By increasing the speed of the fan, the circulation cooling can be further increased, further reducing the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling heat exchanger, improving the utilization rate of cooling capacity, and making the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger more uniform, thereby improving the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0069] When the absolute value of t1-t2 is less than or equal to T3, keep the speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump constant to maintain the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the cooling heat exchanger within a suitable range, ensuring the utilization rate of cooling capacity and making the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger uniform; keep the fan speed constant to further make the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger uniform, thereby ensuring the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer box 35 defines a buffer cavity, and the cooling heat exchanger 32 and the cooling heat exchanger 31 are both connected to the buffer cavity. The buffer box 35 has a vent 355 to connect the buffer cavity to the outside, so that the gas in the cooling medium can be released through the vent 355 during the flow of the cooling medium, thereby preventing the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 from running dry.

[0071] The following is combined with Figures 1-5 A control device 40 for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0072] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cold storage assembly 20. The cold storage assembly 20 includes a condenser 21, a refrigeration heat exchanger 22, and a compressor 23. The inlet of the compressor 23 is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration heat exchanger 22, the outlet of the compressor 23 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 21, and the outlet of the condenser 21 is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration heat exchanger 22, thereby forming a circulation loop for the flow of the refrigerant. A throttling element 24 is provided between the condenser 21 and the refrigeration heat exchanger 22.

[0073] The air conditioner 100 also includes a cooling assembly 30. The cooling assembly 30 includes a cooling heat exchanger 31, a cooling heat exchanger 32, and a buffer tank 35. The inlet and outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, the inlet 321 and the outlet 322 of the cooling heat exchanger 32 are all connected to the buffer tank 35. A first circulation pump 33 is provided between the cooling heat exchanger 32 and the buffer tank 35, and a second circulation pump 34 is provided between the cooling heat exchanger 31 and the buffer tank 35.

[0074] The cooling medium can be an ethylene glycol solution. By setting up a buffer tank 35, the cooling medium with a higher temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 can be fully mixed with the cooling medium with a lower temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, thereby increasing the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32.

[0075] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 also includes a cold storage tank 10, a refrigeration heat exchanger 22, and a cooling heat exchanger 31 disposed in the cold storage tank 10, which is filled with water. The cold storage component 20 is adapted to operate in cold storage mode, and the cooling component 30 is adapted to operate in cooling mode. The cold storage mode and the cooling mode are independent of each other, and the two processes alternate continuously, ensuring that the air conditioner 100 can operate safely and stably.

[0076] In cold storage mode, compressor 23 starts working, causing the refrigerant to circulate in compressor 23, heat exchanger 22, condenser 21 and pipeline. Heat exchanger 22 continuously cools the water in cold storage tank 10 until the water in cold storage tank 10 is completely frozen.

[0077] In the cooling mode, the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 start working, causing the cooling medium to circulate in the cooling heat exchanger 31, the cooling heat exchanger 32, the buffer tank 35, the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34, and the pipeline. Since the freezing point of the cooling medium is lower than that of water, the cooling medium can carry away the cold energy of the ice in the cold storage tank 10 during the circulation process, and then circulate it to the cooling heat exchanger 32, thereby releasing the cold energy through the cooling heat exchanger 32 to achieve the purpose of cooling.

[0078] like Figures 3-4 As shown, the control device 40 includes an acquisition module 41 and a control module 42. When the cooling mode is turned on, the acquisition module 41 can acquire the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32. The control module 42 can control the speed of the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 according to the temperature information acquired by the acquisition module 41, adjust the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32, and also adjust the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32.

[0079] In other words, by controlling the speed of the second circulating pump 34, the flow rate of the cooler medium discharged from the heat exchanger 31 can be adjusted, thereby controlling the amount of cooling input from the heat exchanger 31 to the buffer tank 35. By controlling the speed of the first circulating pump 33, the flow rate of the cooler medium input from the inlet of the heat exchanger 32 can be adjusted, thereby controlling the amount of cooling input to the heat exchanger 32 and thus regulating the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger 32.

[0080] According to the air conditioner control device 40 of the present invention, by separately controlling the rotation speed of the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34, the cooling capacity input from the cooling heat exchanger 31 to the buffer tank 35 and the cooling capacity input to the cooling heat exchanger 32 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 and avoiding condensation. By controlling the rotation speed of the second circulation pump 34, the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32 can also be adjusted, making the airflow more uniform and improving the user experience.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the acquisition module 41 acquires that t1≤T1, the control module 42 controls the second circulation pump to reduce its speed, which can reduce the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the cooling heat exchanger, thereby reducing the supply of the coolant. The control module 42 also controls the first circulation pump to increase its speed, which can increase the amount of cold input to the cooling heat exchanger, thereby increasing the circulation cooling and increasing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger, thus avoiding condensation.

[0082] When the acquisition module 41 obtains that t1≥T2, the control module 42 controls the second circulation pump to increase its speed, which can increase the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the cooling heat exchanger, thereby increasing the supply of the coolant. The control module 42 also controls the first circulation pump to decrease its speed, which can reduce the amount of cold input to the cooling heat exchanger, thereby reducing the circulation cooling and thus reducing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger, reducing the temperature in the buffer tank as quickly as possible.

[0083] When the acquisition module 41 obtains that T1 < t1 < T2, the control module 42 controls the speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump to remain unchanged, so that the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range.

[0084] Therefore, by controlling the speeds of the first and second circulating pumps respectively, the amount of cold energy input from the heat exchanger to the buffer tank and the amount of cold energy input to the heat exchanger can be controlled, so that the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, reducing the probability of condensation due to the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger being lower than the ambient dew point temperature.

[0085] When the acquisition module 41 obtains that the absolute value of t1-t2 is greater than T3, the control module 42 controls the second circulation pump to reduce its speed, which can reduce the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the supply of coolant. The coolant mixed in the buffer tank flows into the heat exchanger, increasing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, reducing the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, improving the utilization rate of cooling capacity, and making the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger more uniform, thereby improving the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0086] When the acquisition module 41 obtains that the absolute value of t1-t2 is less than or equal to T3, the control module 42 controls the speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump to remain unchanged, so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, ensuring the utilization rate of cooling capacity and making the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger uniform, thereby ensuring the comfort of using the air conditioner.

[0087] The following is combined with Figures 1-5 An air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0088] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cold storage assembly 20. The cold storage assembly 20 includes a condenser 21, a refrigeration heat exchanger 22, and a compressor 23. The inlet of the compressor 23 is connected to the outlet of the refrigeration heat exchanger 22, the outlet of the compressor 23 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 21, and the outlet of the condenser 21 is connected to the inlet of the refrigeration heat exchanger 22, thereby forming a circulation loop for the flow of the refrigerant. A throttling element 24 is provided between the condenser 21 and the refrigeration heat exchanger 22.

[0089] The air conditioner 100 also includes a cooling assembly 30. The cooling assembly 30 includes a cooling heat exchanger 31, a cooling heat exchanger 32, and a buffer tank 35. The inlet and outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, the inlet 321 and the outlet 322 of the cooling heat exchanger 32 are all connected to the buffer tank 35. A first circulation pump 33 is provided between the cooling heat exchanger 32 and the buffer tank 35, and a second circulation pump 34 is provided between the cooling heat exchanger 31 and the buffer tank 35.

[0090] The cooling medium can be an ethylene glycol solution. By setting up a buffer tank 35, the cooling medium with a higher temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 can be fully mixed with the cooling medium with a lower temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, thereby increasing the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32.

[0091] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 also includes a cold storage tank 10, a refrigeration heat exchanger 22, and a cooling heat exchanger 31 disposed in the cold storage tank 10, which is filled with water. The cold storage component 20 is adapted to operate in cold storage mode, and the cooling component 30 is adapted to operate in cooling mode. The cold storage mode and the cooling mode are independent of each other, and the two processes alternate continuously, ensuring that the air conditioner 100 can operate safely and stably.

[0092] In cold storage mode, compressor 23 starts working, causing the refrigerant to circulate in compressor 23, heat exchanger 22, condenser 21 and pipeline. Heat exchanger 22 continuously cools the water in cold storage tank 10 until the water in cold storage tank 10 is completely frozen.

[0093] In the cooling mode, the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 start working, causing the cooling medium to circulate in the cooling heat exchanger 31, the cooling heat exchanger 32, the buffer tank 35, the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34, and the pipeline. Since the freezing point of the cooling medium is lower than that of water, the cooling medium can carry away the cold energy of the ice in the cold storage tank 10 during the circulation process, and then circulate it to the cooling heat exchanger 32, thereby releasing the cold energy through the cooling heat exchanger 32 to achieve the purpose of cooling.

[0094] The air conditioner 100 also includes a controller, which is used to acquire the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32 when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, and to control the speed of the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 according to the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32 to adjust the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32; and to control the speed of the second circulation pump 34 according to the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32 to adjust the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32.

[0095] In some embodiments, when the controller obtains t1≤T1, the controller controls the second circulating pump to reduce its speed, which can reduce the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the cooling heat exchanger, thereby reducing the supply of the coolant; the controller also controls the first circulating pump to increase its speed, which can increase the amount of cold input to the cooling heat exchanger, thereby increasing the circulating cooling, and thus increasing the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger, avoiding condensation.

[0096] When the controller detects that t1≥T2, it controls the second circulation pump to increase its speed, which increases the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the supply of the coolant. The controller also controls the first circulation pump to decrease its speed, which reduces the amount of cold input to the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the amount of circulating cold and lowering the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the heat exchanger, thus reducing the temperature inside the buffer tank as quickly as possible.

[0097] When the controller obtains T1 < t1 < T2, the controller controls the speed of the first and second circulating pumps to remain unchanged, so that the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range.

[0098] Therefore, by controlling the speeds of the first and second circulating pumps respectively, the amount of cold energy input from the heat exchanger to the buffer tank and the amount of cold energy input to the heat exchanger can be controlled, so that the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, reducing the probability of condensation due to the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger being lower than the ambient dew point temperature.

[0099] When the controller detects that the absolute value of t1-t2 is greater than T3, the controller controls the second circulation pump to reduce its speed. This reduces the flow rate of the coolant discharged from the heat exchanger, thus reducing the supply of coolant. The coolant mixed in the buffer tank flows into the heat exchanger, increasing the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the heat exchanger. This reduces the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, improving the utilization rate of cooling capacity and making the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger more uniform, thereby improving the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0100] When the controller obtains that the absolute value of t1-t2 is less than or equal to T3, the controller controls the speed of the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump to remain unchanged, so that the temperature difference between the inlet temperature and the outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is maintained within a suitable range, ensuring the utilization rate of cooling capacity and making the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger uniform, thereby ensuring the comfort of the air conditioner.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner 100, by providing a buffer tank 35, can fully mix the refrigerant with a higher temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 with the refrigerant with a lower temperature at the outlet of the cooling heat exchanger 31, thereby increasing the overall inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32. By separately controlling the rotation speeds of the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34, the amount of cooling input from the cooling heat exchanger 31 to the buffer tank 35 and the amount of cooling input to the cooling heat exchanger 32 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 and preventing condensation. By controlling the rotation speed of the second circulation pump 34, the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32 can also be adjusted, resulting in more uniform airflow and improving the user experience.

[0102] like Figure 2As shown, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the buffer box 35 defines a buffer cavity, and the cooling heat exchanger 32 and the cooling heat exchanger 31 are both connected to the buffer cavity. The buffer box 35 has a vent 355 to connect the buffer cavity to the outside, so that the gas in the cooling medium can be released through the vent 355 during the flow of the cooling medium, thereby preventing the first circulation pump 33 and the second circulation pump 34 from running dry.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium thereon stores a control program for an air conditioner, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for an air conditioner according to the above embodiment.

[0104] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a control program for the air conditioner stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the control program for the air conditioner, it implements the control method for the air conditioner according to the above embodiment. The air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention can adjust the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet of the cooling heat exchanger 32 to prevent condensation; it can also adjust the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger 32 to make the airflow more uniform and improve the user experience.

[0105] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0106] Other configurations and operations of the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0107] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0108] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a cold storage tank, a cold storage component operating in cold storage mode, and a cold release component operating in cold release mode. The cold release component includes a cold extraction heat exchanger, a cold release heat exchanger, and a buffer tank. The inlet and outlet of the cold extraction heat exchanger and the inlet and outlet of the cold release heat exchanger are both connected to the buffer tank. A first circulation pump is provided between the cold release heat exchanger and the buffer tank, and a second circulation pump is provided between the cold extraction heat exchanger and the buffer tank. The control method includes the following steps: When the cooling mode is activated, the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger are obtained; The rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps are controlled according to the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger to adjust the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger. The rotational speed of the second circulating pump is controlled according to the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger to adjust the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger. The step of controlling the rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps based on the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger includes: When the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is less than or equal to the first set temperature, the speed of the second circulating pump is reduced and the speed of the first circulating pump is increased. When the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the second set temperature, the speed of the second circulating pump is increased and the speed of the first circulating pump is decreased. When the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is greater than the first set temperature and less than the second set temperature, the rotation speeds of the first circulating pump and the second circulating pump remain constant.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fan is installed near the heat exchanger, and the fan also includes functions for adjusting the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger: The fan speed is controlled based on the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotational speed of the second circulating pump is controlled based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of controlling the speed of the second circulating pump based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger includes: If the temperature difference is greater than the third set temperature, reduce the speed of the second circulation pump; When the temperature difference is less than or equal to the third set temperature, the rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps remain constant.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, A fan is provided near the heat exchanger. When adjusting the outlet air temperature of the heat exchanger, the fan speed is controlled according to the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heat exchanger.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer box defines a buffer cavity, and both the cooling heat exchanger and the cooling heat exchanger are connected to the buffer cavity. The buffer box has a vent hole to connect the buffer cavity to the outside.

7. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores the control program of the air conditioner, which, when executed by the processor, implements the control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The device includes a memory, a processor, and a control program for an air conditioner stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the control program for the air conditioner, it implements the control method for the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6.

9. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a cold storage tank, a cold storage component operating in cold storage mode, and a cold release component operating in cold release mode. The cold release component includes a cold extraction heat exchanger, a cold release heat exchanger, and a buffer tank. The inlet and outlet of the cold extraction heat exchanger and the inlet and outlet of the cold release heat exchanger are both connected to the buffer tank. A first circulation pump is provided between the cold release heat exchanger and the buffer tank, and a second circulation pump is provided between the cold extraction heat exchanger and the buffer tank. The control device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger when the cooling mode is turned on. The control module is used to control the rotation speed of the first circulating pump and the second circulating pump according to the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger to adjust the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger; and to control the rotation speed of the second circulating pump according to the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger to adjust the outlet air temperature of the cooling heat exchanger. The step of controlling the rotational speeds of the first and second circulating pumps based on the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger includes: When the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is less than or equal to the first set temperature, the speed of the second circulating pump is reduced and the speed of the first circulating pump is increased. When the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the second set temperature, the speed of the second circulating pump is increased and the speed of the first circulating pump is decreased. When the inlet temperature of the cooling heat exchanger is greater than the first set temperature and less than the second set temperature, the rotation speeds of the first circulating pump and the second circulating pump remain constant.

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