Method for controlling a heat exchanger and a chiller unit

Abstract

The application relates to a heat exchanger, a control method and device of a cooling unit heat exchanger and a cooling unit. The heat exchanger comprises a first pipeline assembly with a first refrigerant conveying pipeline; the first pipeline assembly comprises a first inlet of a first heat exchange mode and a second inlet of a second heat exchange mode; a second pipeline assembly with a second refrigerant conveying pipeline; the second pipeline assembly comprises a first outlet of the first heat exchange mode and a second outlet of the second heat exchange mode; a heat exchanger assembly comprising a plurality of copper pipes, first ends of the plurality of copper pipes being connected with the first refrigerant conveying pipeline, and second ends of the plurality of copper pipes being connected with the second refrigerant conveying pipeline; and a piston assembly, pistons in the piston assembly being located in the first refrigerant conveying pipeline and the second refrigerant conveying pipeline, and used for adjusting the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode. The method can reduce the structural complexity of the cooling unit, and increase the use efficiency of the unit heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a control method, device and cooling unit for a heat exchanger and a cooling unit. Background Technology

[0002] A natural cooling unit in a cooling system can achieve both compressor refrigeration and natural cooling. The unit utilizes the temperature difference between the outside air and the return water to achieve natural cooling. When the outside temperature is sufficiently cold, the compressor will completely stop working, achieving refrigeration without consuming energy. This reduces the compressor's operating pressure while cooling, extends its lifespan, and increases the reliability of the air conditioning unit.

[0003] To achieve both compressor cooling and natural cooling, the unit requires two heat exchangers, namely a condenser and a surface cooler, to be stacked together for cooling. In the existing technology, when the unit is in a state of complete compressor cooling or complete natural cooling, one of the heat exchangers will be completely idle. This increases the structural complexity and reduces the efficiency of the heat exchanger, thus affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a control method, device, computer equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for heat exchangers and cooling unit heat exchangers that can reduce the structural complexity of cooling units, increase the utilization efficiency of unit heat exchangers, and thus improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger comprising:

[0006] A first piping assembly having a first refrigerant delivery pipe; the first piping assembly includes a first inlet for a first heat exchange mode and a second inlet for a second heat exchange mode;

[0007] A second piping assembly having a second refrigerant delivery pipe; the second piping assembly includes a first outlet of the first heat exchange mode and a second outlet of the second heat exchange mode;

[0008] A heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of copper tubes, the first ends of which are connected to a first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second ends of which are connected to a second refrigerant delivery pipe.

[0009] A piston assembly, wherein the piston in the piston assembly is located inside the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe, and is used to adjust the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0010] Secondly, this application also provides a control method for a cooling unit heat exchanger applied to the aforementioned heat exchanger. The control method includes:

[0011] The ambient temperature of the environment where the cooling unit is located is obtained, and the ambient temperature is compared with a preset critical temperature range to obtain the comparison result.

[0012] Based on the comparison results, the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined;

[0013] The piston movement in the piston assembly is controlled based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode.

[0014] Thirdly, this application also provides a cooling unit, including the heat exchanger and controller described above, wherein the controller includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, characterized in that the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the control method described above.

[0015] The aforementioned heat exchanger, by controlling the movement of the piston in the piston assembly within the first and second refrigerant delivery pipes, adjusts the number of copper tubes participating in the first and second heat exchange modes. This allows a single heat exchanger to simultaneously achieve the second heat exchange mode, the first heat exchange mode, and a hybrid heat exchange mode combining the two, which previously required the stacking of a condenser and a surface cooler. By reducing the space occupied, the overall structure of the unit is simplified, increasing the efficiency of the heat exchanger while lowering air resistance, thus effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the unit. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the piping assembly in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in a first heat exchange method of one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in a second heat exchange method in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first moving region and the second moving region in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third and fourth moving regions in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first intermediate moving region and the second intermediate moving region in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the piston assembly in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the piston assembly in another embodiment;

[0026] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooling unit heat exchanger in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of determining the target heat exchange mode of a heat exchanger based on comparison results in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for the heat exchanger of the cooling unit in another embodiment;

[0029] Figure 14 This is a structural block diagram of the control device for the heat exchanger of a cooling unit in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 15 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the controller in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0032] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, in common natural cooling units, to achieve both compressor cooling and natural cooling, two heat exchangers—a condenser 101 and a surface cooler 102—are stacked together. When the unit is in full compressor cooling mode, the corresponding heat exchange method is the second heat exchange method, with the refrigerant flowing only through the condenser 101, and the surface cooler 102 is completely idle. When the unit is in full natural cooling mode, the corresponding heat exchange method is the natural cooling heat exchange method, with the refrigerant flowing only through the surface cooler 102, and the condenser 101 is completely idle. Therefore, common natural cooling units increase structural complexity and reduce the efficiency of the heat exchangers, and the air resistance introduced by stacking two heat exchangers also affects the unit's heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] Based on this, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, a heat exchanger is provided, comprising:

[0034] A first piping assembly 201 having a first refrigerant delivery pipe 2011, the first piping assembly 201 including a first inlet 2012 for a first heat exchange mode and a second inlet 2013 for a second heat exchange mode.

[0035] A second piping assembly 202 having a second refrigerant delivery pipe 2021, the second piping assembly 202 including a first outlet 2022 of a first heat exchange mode and a second outlet 2023 of a second heat exchange mode.

[0036] The heat exchanger assembly 203 includes a plurality of copper tubes 2031, the first end of which is connected to a first refrigerant inlet pipe 2011 and the second end of which is connected to a second refrigerant delivery pipe 2021.

[0037] The piston assembly, in which the piston 204 is located within the first refrigerant delivery pipe 2011 and the second refrigerant delivery pipe 2021, is used to adjust the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0038] The first pipeline assembly 201 and the second pipeline assembly 202 have basically the same structure, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a first inlet 2012 for a first heat exchange method and a second inlet 2013 for a second heat exchange method are respectively provided at both ends of the first refrigerant delivery pipe 2011 of the first piping assembly 201. A first outlet 2022 for a first heat exchange method and a second outlet 2023 for a second heat exchange method are respectively provided at both ends of the second refrigerant delivery pipe 2021 of the second piping assembly 202.

[0039] Specifically, when the heat exchanger uses the first heat exchange method, the refrigerant flows from the first inlet 2012 of the first pipeline assembly 201 into the first refrigerant delivery pipeline 2011, flows through multiple copper pipes 2031 of the heat exchange assembly connected to the first refrigerant delivery pipeline 2011 to the second refrigerant delivery pipeline 2021 of the second pipeline assembly 202, and flows out of the heat exchanger through the first outlet 2022 provided at one end of the second refrigerant delivery pipeline 2021.

[0040] When the heat exchanger uses the second heat exchange method, the refrigerant flows from the second inlet 2013 of the first pipeline assembly 201 into the first refrigerant delivery pipeline 2011, and then flows into the heat exchange assembly 103 through multiple copper tubes 2031 connected to the first refrigerant delivery pipeline 2011 for heat exchange. After the heat exchange is completed, the refrigerant flows from the multiple copper tubes 2031 to the second refrigerant delivery pipeline 2021 of the second pipeline assembly 202, and then flows out of the heat exchanger through the second outlet 2023 provided at one end of the second refrigerant delivery pipeline 2021.

[0041] In this process, a piston 204 from a piston assembly is installed in both the first refrigerant conveying pipe 2011 and the second refrigerant conveying pipe 2021. By controlling the movement of the piston 204 in the first refrigerant conveying pipe 2011 and the second refrigerant conveying pipe 2021, the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode can be adjusted.

[0042] For example, the total number of copper pipes 2031 connected to the first piping assembly and the second piping assembly is n. The control piston 204 moves in the first refrigerant delivery pipe 2011 and the second refrigerant delivery pipe 2021. When the piston is positioned, if the number of copper pipes in the area where the piston 204 is close to the first inlet 2012 and the second inlet 2022 is x, then the number of copper pipes in the area where the piston 204 is close to the second inlet 2013 and the third inlet 2023 is nx. At this time, the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode in the heat exchange assembly is x, and the number of copper pipes participating in the second heat exchange mode is (nx).

[0043] The aforementioned heat exchanger, by controlling the movement of the piston in the piston assembly within the first and second refrigerant delivery pipes, adjusts the number of copper tubes participating in the first and second heat exchange modes. This allows a single heat exchanger to simultaneously achieve the second heat exchange mode, the first heat exchange mode, and a hybrid heat exchange mode combining the two, which previously required the stacking of a condenser and a surface cooler. By reducing the space occupied, the overall structure of the unit is simplified, increasing the efficiency of the heat exchanger while lowering air resistance, thus effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the unit.

[0044] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first inlet of the first heat exchange method is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator, and the first outlet of the first heat exchange method is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator.

[0045] Among them, the first heat exchange method can be the natural cooling heat exchange method, which refers to the heat exchange method of using natural cold sources in the environment to exchange heat with the refrigerant to obtain a low-temperature refrigerant.

[0046] Specifically, the first inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator, and the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator. When the user has a cooling demand, the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat in the indoor evaporator to cool the indoor environment. After absorbing heat, the high-temperature refrigerant flows out from the outlet of the indoor evaporator and flows into the first inlet of the first heat exchange method in the heat exchanger through the refrigerant transmission branch. After entering the heat exchange component, it uses the natural cooling heat exchange method to exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant using the outdoor ambient temperature to achieve a cooling effect. The cooled refrigerant flows out from the first outlet of the first heat exchange method from the heat exchanger and enters the indoor evaporator through the inlet to evaporate and absorb heat, thus cooling the indoor environment.

[0047] It is understood that in this embodiment, the first inlet of the first heat exchange method is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator, and the first outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator. This does not mean that the first inlet and the first outlet are directly connected to the inlet and outlet of the indoor evaporator. Rather, it is only described in terms of the components that the refrigerant heat exchange requires. In reality, there may be refrigerant driving devices such as refrigerant pumps and other necessary components of the cooling unit between the first inlet and the outlet of the indoor evaporator, and between the first outlet and the inlet of the indoor evaporator.

[0048] In this embodiment, by connecting the first inlet of the first heat exchange method to the outlet of the indoor evaporator and connecting the first outlet of the first heat exchange method to the inlet of the indoor evaporator, a natural cooling refrigerant circuit from the evaporator to the heat exchanger is formed. After the refrigerant flows out of the indoor evaporator, it is naturally cooled only by the heat exchanger. The resulting low-temperature refrigerant then continues to enter the indoor evaporator for evaporation and heat absorption. The natural cooling heat exchange method is realized on the heat exchanger.

[0049] Besides natural cooling heat exchange, compressor heat exchange is also a very important heat exchange method in cooling units.

[0050] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second inlet of the second heat exchange method is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the second outlet of the second heat exchange method is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator.

[0051] The second heat exchange method can be the compressor heat exchange method, which refers to the heat exchange method in which the compressor does work on the refrigerant to obtain high temperature and high pressure refrigerant, and then the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is transported to the heat exchanger for heat exchange to obtain low temperature and high pressure refrigerant.

[0052] Specifically, the second inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator. When the user has a cooling demand, the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat in the indoor evaporator to cool the indoor environment. The high-temperature refrigerant after absorbing heat flows from the indoor evaporator into the compressor. The compressor performs work on the refrigerant to obtain high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows out from the compressor outlet and flows into the heat exchanger through the second inlet to exchange heat and obtain low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows out from the second outlet of the heat exchanger and enters the indoor evaporator to evaporate and absorb heat to cool the indoor environment.

[0053] It is understandable that in this embodiment, the second inlet of the second heat exchange method is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the second outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator. This does not mean that the second inlet and second outlet are directly connected to the compressor and the indoor evaporator; rather, the description only considers the components required for refrigerant heat exchange. In reality, there may be other necessary components of the cooling unit, such as a refrigerant pump, expansion valve, or throttling valve, between the second inlet and second outlet and the compressor and indoor evaporator.

[0054] In this embodiment, by connecting the second inlet of the second heat exchange method to the outlet of the compressor and connecting the second outlet of the second heat exchange method to the inlet of the indoor evaporator, a refrigerant circuit for compressor refrigeration is formed. The refrigerant flows out from the indoor evaporator, and after the compressor does work to obtain high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, the low-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant obtained by heat exchange through the heat exchanger continues to enter the indoor evaporator for evaporation and heat absorption. The compressor heat exchange method is realized on the heat exchanger.

[0055] Furthermore, in order to achieve multiple heat exchange methods on a single heat exchanger, the piston within the refrigerant delivery pipeline can be divided into moving zones.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first refrigerant delivery pipe includes a first moving area near the first inlet, and the second refrigerant delivery pipe includes a second moving area near the first outlet. Neither the first nor the second moving area is connected to the copper tubing of the heat exchange assembly. When the piston of the first piping assembly is located in the first moving area and when the piston of the second piping assembly is located in the second moving area, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange through a second heat exchange method.

[0057] Since the first piping assembly and the second piping assembly have roughly the same structure, the first piping assembly and the second piping assembly are combined into one. Figure 6 The display will be shown in the middle. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the first moving area and the second moving area are respectively close to the first inlet of the first refrigerant conveying pipe and the first outlet of the second refrigerant conveying pipe, and both the first moving area and the second moving area are areas in the refrigerant conveying pipe that are not connected to the copper pipes of the heat exchange components.

[0058] Specifically, when the piston of the first pipeline assembly is located in the first moving area and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is located in the second moving area, since both the first and second moving areas are connected to the copper pipes of the heat exchange assembly, the refrigerant branch corresponding to the first heat exchange mode is blocked. The refrigerant cannot enter the heat exchange assembly through the first inlet and then be discharged from the first outlet. Therefore, the heat exchanger exchanges heat entirely through the second heat exchange mode.

[0059] When the heat exchanger is completely heat exchanged through the second heat exchange method, the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant delivery pipe through the second inlet. The first refrigerant delivery pipe feeds the refrigerant into all the copper tubes of the heat exchange component. At this time, the heat exchange area used by the second heat exchange method is the largest. After the refrigerant heat exchange is completed, it enters the second refrigerant delivery pipe through the copper tubes and is then discharged from the second outlet.

[0060] In this embodiment, by setting a first moving area for the piston in the first pipeline assembly and a second moving area in the second pipeline assembly, when the piston is located in the first moving area and the second moving area, the refrigerant branch required for the first heat exchange method can be blocked, so that the heat exchanger can exchange heat completely through the second heat exchange method. At this time, the heat exchange area used by the second heat exchange method is the total heat exchange area of ​​the entire heat exchanger, which will not cause the heat exchanger to be idle, thus improving the utilization efficiency and heat exchange efficiency of the unit's heat exchanger.

[0061] Similarly, in one embodiment, the first refrigerant delivery pipe includes a third moving area near the second inlet, and the second refrigerant delivery pipe includes a fourth moving area near the second outlet; neither the third nor the second moving area is connected to the copper pipe of the heat exchange assembly; when the piston of the first piping assembly is located in the third moving area and when the piston of the second piping assembly is located in the fourth moving area, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange through a first heat exchange method.

[0062] Among them, such as Figure 7 As shown, the third moving area and the fourth moving area are located near the second inlet of the first refrigerant conveying pipe and the second outlet of the second refrigerant conveying pipe, respectively, and both the third moving area and the fourth moving area are areas in the refrigerant conveying pipe that are not connected to the copper pipes of the heat exchange components.

[0063] Specifically, when the piston of the first pipeline assembly is in the third moving region and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is in the fourth moving region, since both the third and fourth moving regions are connected to the copper pipes of the heat exchange assembly, the refrigerant branch corresponding to the second heat exchange mode is blocked. The refrigerant cannot enter the heat exchange assembly through the second inlet and then be discharged from the second outlet. Therefore, at this time, the heat exchanger exchanges heat entirely through the first heat exchange mode.

[0064] When the heat exchanger is completely heat exchanged through the first heat exchange method, the refrigerant enters the first refrigerant delivery pipe through the first inlet. The first refrigerant delivery pipe feeds the refrigerant into all the copper tubes of the heat exchange component. At this time, the heat exchange area used by the first heat exchange method is the largest. After the refrigerant heat exchange is completed, it enters the second refrigerant delivery pipe through the copper tubes and is then discharged from the first outlet.

[0065] In this embodiment, by providing a third moving region for the piston in the first pipeline assembly and a fourth moving region in the second pipeline assembly, when the piston is located in the third and fourth moving regions, the refrigerant branch required for the second heat exchange method can be blocked, allowing the heat exchanger to exchange heat entirely through the first heat exchange method. At this time, the heat exchange area used by the first heat exchange method is the total heat exchange area of ​​the entire heat exchanger, which will not cause the heat exchanger to be idle, thus improving the utilization efficiency and heat exchange efficiency of the unit's heat exchanger.

[0066] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first refrigerant delivery pipe includes a first intermediate moving region located between the first moving region and the third moving region, and the second refrigerant delivery pipe includes a second intermediate moving region located between the second moving region and the fourth moving region. Both the first and second intermediate moving regions are connected to the copper pipes of the heat exchange assembly. When the piston of the first pipeline assembly is located in the first intermediate moving region and when the piston of the second pipeline assembly is located in the second intermediate moving region, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange through a mixture of the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0067] Among them, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first intermediate moving area is located between the first moving area and the third moving area, and the second intermediate moving area is located between the second moving area and the fourth moving area. Both the first intermediate moving area and the second intermediate moving area are connected to all the copper tubes of the heat exchange assembly.

[0068] Specifically, when the piston of the first pipeline assembly is located in the first intermediate moving region and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is located in the second intermediate moving region, both the refrigerant branch of the first heat exchange mode and the refrigerant branch of the second heat exchange mode are in a conducting state. The heat exchanger can be used partly for the first heat exchange mode and partly for the second heat exchange mode. At this time, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange by mixing the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0069] Taking the piston located at the midpoint between the first and second intermediate regions as an example, such as... Figure 9As shown, the piston divides the heat exchange assembly into upper and lower regions. The region above the piston, near the first inlet and second outlet, is the first heat exchange region, and the region below the piston, near the second inlet and second outlet, is the second heat exchange region. When the heat exchanger exchanges heat through a combination of the first and second heat exchange methods, a portion of the refrigerant flows from the indoor evaporator into the first inlet, undergoes heat exchange in the first heat exchange region, flows out from the first outlet, and then re-enters the indoor evaporator for evaporation and heat absorption. Another portion of the refrigerant flows from the indoor evaporator into the compressor for compression. The resulting high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows from the second inlet into the second heat exchange region, undergoes heat exchange, flows out from the second outlet, and then re-enters the indoor evaporator for evaporation and heat absorption.

[0070] In this embodiment, by setting a first intermediate moving area for the piston in the first pipeline assembly and a second intermediate moving area in the second pipeline assembly, when the piston is located in the first and second intermediate moving areas, the refrigerant branches required for the first and second heat exchange modes can be simultaneously connected. Heat exchange through a mixture of the first and second heat exchange modes can be achieved simultaneously on one heat exchanger. Compared with the traditional stacked heat exchanger, it occupies less space and does not need to consider the connection between the condenser and the surface cooler. The overall structure is simpler. At the same time, it achieves the function that originally required two heat exchangers to be stacked with one heat exchanger. The number of heat exchangers required for the whole machine is halved, which greatly reduces the manufacturing cost. It can also improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit while reducing wind resistance.

[0071] To facilitate control of piston movement, in one embodiment, the pistons in the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe move synchronously.

[0072] Specifically, when the pistons of the control piston assembly move in the first and second refrigerant delivery pipes, synchronous control of the two pistons ensures that their movement is synchronized, thus better regulating the number of copper pipes participating in the first and second heat exchange processes. This effectively avoids control errors caused by separate control.

[0073] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the piston assembly includes a drive unit, a traction unit, and a piston; the drive unit is used to drive the traction unit to move the piston synchronously within the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe.

[0074] Specifically, the piston is connected to the traction device. When the piston needs to be moved, the controller in the unit can generate a drive command. After receiving the drive command, the drive device responds to the drive command and drives the traction device to move. The traction device drives the piston to move synchronously in the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe to adjust the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0075] In this embodiment, by connecting the piston to the traction device, the traction device can be controlled by the drive device when the piston needs to be moved, which improves the convenience and accuracy of controlling the piston's movement.

[0076] In one embodiment, the piston assembly is driven by a motor and the traction device is a steel cable.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, two motors and two steel cables are installed at both ends of the pipe assembly. The steel cables are connected to the piston, and the motors on both sides work together to move the steel cables, thereby moving the piston. When the motors stop rotating and lock, the piston is fixed in a specific position in the steel pipe, dividing the entire heat exchange assembly into two areas: the first heat exchange area and the second heat exchange area.

[0078] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a control method for a cooling unit heat exchanger applied to the above-mentioned heat exchanger.

[0079] In one embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, a control method for a heat exchanger in a cooling unit is provided, including the following steps:

[0080] Step 1102: Obtain the ambient temperature of the environment where the cooling unit is located, compare the ambient temperature with the preset critical temperature range, and obtain the comparison result.

[0081] The preset critical temperature range is used to determine the target heat exchange method that the current cooling unit should use. The preset critical temperature range includes an upper limit and a lower limit. The upper limit is the critical temperature threshold for the unit's heat exchanger to use the second heat exchange method, i.e., the compressor heat exchange method. The lower limit is the critical temperature threshold for the unit's heat exchanger to use the first heat exchange method, i.e., the natural cooling heat exchange method. Understandably, the preset critical temperature range is pre-set by technicians based on the unit's actual operating parameters and empirical values.

[0082] Specifically, the controller of the cooling unit obtains the ambient temperature of the current environment in which the cooling unit is located, compares the ambient temperature with the preset critical temperature range, and obtains the temperature comparison result between the ambient temperature and the preset critical temperature range.

[0083] Step 1104: Based on the comparison results, determine the target heat exchange method for the heat exchanger.

[0084] The heat exchanger's heat exchange methods include a first heat exchange method, a second heat exchange method, and a mixed heat exchange method that operates together with the first and second heat exchange methods.

[0085] Specifically, the controller determines the target heat exchange method that the heat exchanger of the cooling unit should use based on the temperature comparison between the ambient temperature and the preset critical temperature range.

[0086] Step 1106: Control the piston movement in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode, and adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode.

[0087] Specifically, after the controller determines the target heat exchange mode that the heat exchanger should use, it generates control commands based on the target heat exchange mode to control the piston in the heat exchanger piston assembly to move in the refrigerant delivery pipe of the heat exchanger. By adjusting the number of copper tubes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode, the heat exchanger is adjusted to operate in the target heat exchange mode.

[0088] In this embodiment, the controller compares the ambient temperature of the cooling unit with the preset critical temperature range. Based on the comparison result, the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is obtained, which can ensure that the target heat exchange mode is the heat exchange mode with the highest heat exchange efficiency at the current moment. By controlling the piston in the heat exchanger piston assembly to move in the refrigerant delivery pipeline of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is adjusted to operate in the target heat exchange mode, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit and increase the utilization efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0089] Furthermore, based on the comparison results, the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined, including: if the comparison result is that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the preset critical temperature range, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be the second heat exchange mode.

[0090] Specifically, if the comparison result shows that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the preset critical temperature range, it indicates that the ambient temperature is too high, and the heat exchanger cannot utilize the ambient temperature to cool the refrigerant in order to achieve the required cooling capacity of the unit. The controller determines that the target heat exchanger's heat exchange mode is the second heat exchange mode, which can be the compressor heat exchange mode. The compressor's work is sufficient to meet the cooling capacity required when the unit is operating in cooling mode, avoiding insufficient cooling capacity that could negatively impact the user experience.

[0091] When the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be a second heat exchange mode, in one embodiment, controlling the piston movement in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode includes:

[0092] Based on the second heat exchange method, the piston of the first pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the first moving area, and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the second moving area.

[0093] Specifically, after determining that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is the second heat exchange mode, the controller, based on the second heat exchange mode, controls the piston of the first piping assembly in the heat exchanger to move to the first moving area, and controls the piston of the second piping assembly to move to the second moving area, blocking the refrigerant branch of the first heat exchange mode, so that the entire heat exchanger uses the second heat exchange mode completely. Through the control method in this embodiment, the utilization efficiency of the heat exchanger can be maximized, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the unit.

[0094] In one embodiment, such as Figure 12 As shown, based on the comparison results, the target heat exchange method of the heat exchanger is determined, including:

[0095] Step 1202: If the comparison result is that the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset critical temperature range, then obtain the required cooling capacity of the cooling unit.

[0096] The cooling capacity of the unit refers to the amount of cooling required by the cooling unit to cool the refrigerant in order to reduce the indoor ambient temperature.

[0097] Specifically, if the comparison result shows that the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset critical temperature range, it indicates that the ambient temperature of the cooling unit is low, and the natural cold source of the external environment can be used as the refrigerant for cooling, thereby reducing power consumption. The controller obtains the cooling capacity required by the current cooling unit.

[0098] Step 1204: Compare the unit's cooling capacity with the natural cooling capacity corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0099] Natural cooling capacity refers to the cooling capacity that the cooling unit can provide when using only the primary heat exchange method (natural cooling heat exchange) at the current ambient temperature. It is understandable that there is a correlation between natural cooling capacity and the ambient temperature of the cooling unit. Technicians can pre-set this based on the unit's operating parameters and empirical values, and then bind the natural cooling capacity to its corresponding ambient temperature and store it in the controller's storage system.

[0100] Specifically, the controller determines the natural cooling capacity that the unit can provide when it is using the first heat exchange method at the ambient temperature of the cooling unit, and compares the natural cooling capacity with the unit cooling capacity required by the cooling unit.

[0101] Step 1206: If the natural cooling capacity is less than the unit's cooling capacity, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be a mixed heat exchange mode that combines the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0102] Specifically, if the natural cooling capacity is less than the unit's cooling capacity, it means that even if the unit's heat exchanger uses only the first heat exchange method, the cooling capacity provided by the ambient temperature cannot meet the current cooling demand of the unit. The controller determines that the target heat exchanger method is a hybrid heat exchange method, combining the first and second heat exchange methods. By using a hybrid heat exchange method, the energy consumption of the cooling unit can be significantly reduced and the unit's heat exchange efficiency improved while meeting user needs.

[0103] After determining that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is a mixed heat exchange mode, in one embodiment, the piston movement in the piston assembly is controlled based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode, including:

[0104] Based on the hybrid heat exchange method, after the piston in the control piston assembly moves to the first and second moving regions, the control piston moves to the third and fourth moving regions respectively, and the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained in real time until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

[0105] Among them, the unit cooling demand condition is used to characterize whether the real-time cooling capacity of the unit meets the unit's cooling demand.

[0106] In one embodiment, the unit's cooling demand condition is that the unit's real-time cooling capacity is equal to the unit's required cooling capacity.

[0107] In actual control of the piston, errors often occur due to the precision of the control equipment. Therefore, in one embodiment, the controller obtains the unit cooling demand conditions based on the unit's required cooling capacity and preset error parameters. The unit cooling demand conditions are that the unit's real-time cooling capacity is greater than or equal to the unit's required cooling capacity and less than or equal to the sum of the unit's cooling capacity and the error parameters.

[0108] Specifically, since the comparison result at this time is that the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset critical temperature range, the external cold source can be selected for heat exchange first. The controller first controls the piston in the piston assembly to move to the third and fourth moving areas, blocking the refrigerant branch of the second heat exchange mode, and adjusting the heat exchanger to the first heat exchange mode, that is, the complete natural cooling heat exchange mode.

[0109] The piston is then slowly moved to the third and fourth moving areas, gradually activating the second heat exchange mode, namely the refrigerant branch of the compressor heat exchange mode, reducing the heat exchange area of ​​the first heat exchange mode. During the movement, the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained. When the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, the piston stops running and maintains the current state to use the hybrid heat exchange mode for heat exchange.

[0110] In this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of a preset critical temperature range, the method, based on a hybrid heat exchange method, first controls the piston in the piston assembly to move to the third and fourth moving regions, and then controls the piston to slowly move to the third and fourth moving regions respectively, while acquiring the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit. When the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, the piston is controlled to stop running. This method enables the hybrid heat exchange method used to meet the user's needs while reducing the unit's operating energy consumption, thereby improving the unit's heat exchange efficiency.

[0111] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control method for the heat exchanger of the cooling unit further includes: if the natural cooling capacity is greater than the cooling capacity of the unit, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be the first heat exchange mode.

[0112] Specifically, if the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset critical temperature range, and the natural cooling capacity is greater than the unit's cooling capacity, it means that the ambient temperature at which the cooling unit is located can provide the cooling capacity required for the unit's operation, and the heat exchanger can use the first heat exchange method entirely. The controller determines that the target heat exchange method for the heat exchanger is the first heat exchange method, i.e., the natural cooling heat exchange method. Using the natural cooling heat exchange method entirely can effectively reduce the energy consumption of the unit when operating in cooling mode, thereby improving the unit's heat exchange efficiency.

[0113] After determining that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is the first heat exchange mode, in one embodiment, the piston movement in the piston assembly is controlled based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode, including:

[0114] Based on the first heat exchange method, the piston of the first pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the third moving region, and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the fourth moving region.

[0115] Specifically, the controller generates control commands based on the first heat exchange method, controlling the piston of the first piping assembly to move to the third moving region, and controlling the piston of the second piping assembly to move to the fourth moving region, blocking the refrigerant branch of the second heat exchange method, so that the entire heat exchanger uses the first heat exchange method, which can be a natural cooling heat exchange method. Through the control method in this embodiment, the utilization efficiency of the heat exchanger can be maximized, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the unit.

[0116] In one embodiment, determining the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger based on the comparison result includes: if the comparison result indicates that the ambient temperature is within a preset critical temperature range, then determining the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger as a hybrid heat exchange mode that combines the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0117] Specifically, if the ambient temperature is within the preset critical temperature range, it means that the cooling unit cannot use the first heat exchange method exclusively, but using the second heat exchange method exclusively would consume too much energy. Therefore, the most suitable heat exchange method at this time is a hybrid heat exchange method, combining the first and second heat exchange methods. The controller controls the heat exchanger to use the hybrid heat exchange method. By using the hybrid heat exchange method, the energy consumption of the cooling unit can be greatly reduced and the heat exchange efficiency of the unit can be improved while meeting user needs.

[0118] After determining that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is a mixed heat exchange mode, in one embodiment, the piston movement in the piston assembly is controlled based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode, including:

[0119] Based on the hybrid heat exchange method, when the piston of the first pipeline assembly moves to the first intermediate moving area, the piston of the second pipeline assembly is controlled to be located in the second intermediate moving area; the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained in real time, and if the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling demand conditions, the position of the piston is maintained to operate the hybrid heat exchange mode.

[0120] Specifically, since the comparison result at this time shows that the ambient temperature is within the preset critical temperature range, it is not possible to determine whether to prioritize using the external cold source for heat exchange or to prioritize using the compressor for heat exchange. To avoid large changes in cooling capacity during heat exchange, the controller first controls the piston of the piston assembly to move to the first intermediate moving area and the second intermediate moving area, and obtains the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit. If the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, it means that the proportion of heat exchange between the first and second heat exchange methods in the mixed heat exchange mode used by the heat exchanger is just enough to meet the unit's cooling requirements. The controller then stops moving the piston and maintains the position of the piston to operate in the mixed heat exchange mode.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is within a preset critical temperature range, the method, based on a hybrid heat exchange method, first controls the piston movement in the piston assembly to the first intermediate moving region and the second intermediate moving region, then obtains the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit. When the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, the piston is controlled to stop running. This method enables the hybrid heat exchange method used to meet the user's needs while reducing the unit's operating energy consumption, thereby improving the unit's heat exchange efficiency.

[0122] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control method for the cooling unit heat exchanger further includes:

[0123] If the real-time cooling capacity does not meet the unit's cooling requirements, the target direction of piston movement is determined based on the real-time cooling capacity and the unit's cooling capacity required at the ambient temperature. The piston is controlled to move in the target direction, and the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is acquired in real time until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

[0124] Specifically, if the real-time cooling capacity of the unit does not meet the unit's cooling requirements when the piston in the piston assembly moves between the first intermediate moving region and the second intermediate moving region, the target moving direction of the piston is determined based on the real-time cooling capacity and the unit's cooling capacity required to cool the unit at the ambient temperature.

[0125] In one embodiment, if the real-time cooling capacity is less than the unit's cooling capacity, it indicates that the cooling capacity provided by natural cooling is low, and it is necessary to increase the first heat exchange method, i.e., the proportion of the compressor heat exchange method in the heat exchange process. The controller determines the target movement direction of the piston as the first movement area and the second movement area.

[0126] In one embodiment, if the real-time cooling capacity is greater than the unit's cooling capacity, it indicates that the cooling capacity provided by the compressor is large and the energy loss is large. It is necessary to add a second heat exchange method, namely the proportion of natural cooling heat exchange method in the heat exchange process. The controller determines the target movement direction of the piston as the third and fourth movement areas.

[0127] Specifically, the piston is controlled to move in the target direction, and the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the piston is in the first intermediate region and the second intermediate region, but the real-time cooling capacity does not meet the unit's cooling requirements, the controller controls the piston to slowly move in the target direction based on the hybrid heat exchange method until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, at which point the piston stops running. This method enables the hybrid heat exchange method to meet the user's needs while reducing the unit's operating energy consumption, thereby improving the unit's heat exchange efficiency.

[0129] In one embodiment, such as Figure 13 As shown, a control method for a heat exchanger in a cooling unit is provided. The cooling unit includes the heat exchanger and controller described in the above embodiment. The control method for the heat exchanger in the cooling unit specifically includes the following steps:

[0130] First, the technicians pre-set the critical temperature for using the compressor heat exchange method as T1 and the critical temperature for using the natural cooling heat exchange method as T2. Based on T1 and T2, the preset critical temperature range [T2, T1] is obtained.

[0131] The controller obtains the ambient temperature T0 of the cooling unit through the ambient temperature sensor and compares T0 with the preset critical temperature range [T2, T1].

[0132] If T0≥T1, the heat exchanger must use the compressor heat exchange method. The piston is controlled to move based on the compressor heat exchange method, blocking the refrigerant branch of the natural cooling heat exchange method.

[0133] If T0 ≤ T2, it is necessary to first determine whether the cooling capacity K1 using only natural cooling heat exchange at this temperature can meet the cooling capacity K0 required by the unit. If yes, the heat exchanger uses only natural cooling heat exchange; if not, the heat exchanger uses a mixed heat exchange method: the piston in the control piping assembly is moved to the first and second moving regions. The real-time cooling capacity of the unit is obtained as K2. If K0 ≤ K2 ≤ K0 + a is not satisfied, the piston is moved to the third and fourth moving regions, that is, the number of copper tubes participating in the compressor heat exchange is increased, so that the proportion of refrigerant in the heat exchanger passing through the compressor heat exchange is increased until K0 ≤ K2 ≤ K0 + a is satisfied. When K0 ≤ K2 ≤ K0 + a is satisfied, the existing number of copper tubes participating in the compressor heat exchange is maintained, and the heat exchanger uses a mixed heat exchange method.

[0134] If T2 < T0 < T1, the heat exchanger uses a mixed heat exchange method. The piston in the control piping assembly moves to the middle position between the first and second intermediate moving regions. The real-time cooling capacity of the unit is obtained as K2. If K2 < K0, the piston moves to the third and fourth moving regions, increasing the number of copper tubes participating in the compressor heat exchange method, thus increasing the proportion of refrigerant in the heat exchanger that undergoes compressor heat exchange, until K0 ≤ K2 ≤ K0 + a is satisfied. If K2 > K0 + a, the piston moves to the first and second moving regions, decreasing the number of copper tubes participating in the compressor heat exchange method, thus increasing the proportion of refrigerant in the heat exchanger that undergoes natural cooling heat exchange, until K0 ≤ K2 ≤ K0 + a is satisfied. When K0 ≤ K2 ≤ K0 + a is satisfied, the existing number of copper tubes participating in the compressor heat exchange method is maintained, and the heat exchanger uses a mixed heat exchange method.

[0135] The method in this embodiment adjusts the movement of the piston within the heat exchanger to enable the heat exchanger to operate in three heat exchange modes: compressor heat exchange, natural cooling heat exchange, and mixed heat exchange. Adjusting the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit while increasing the utilization efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0136] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0137] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a control device for a cooling unit heat exchanger for implementing the control method for the cooling unit heat exchanger described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more control device embodiments for a cooling unit heat exchanger provided below can be found in the limitations of the control method for the cooling unit heat exchanger described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0138] In one embodiment, such as Figure 14As shown, a control device 1400 for a cooling unit heat exchanger is provided, comprising: a comparison module 1401, a target heat exchange mode determination module 1402, and a control module 1403, wherein:

[0139] The comparison module 1401 is used to obtain the ambient temperature of the environment where the cooling unit is located, compare the ambient temperature with a preset critical temperature range, and obtain a comparison result.

[0140] The target heat exchange mode determination module 1402 is used to determine the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger based on the comparison results.

[0141] The control module 1403 is used to control the movement of the piston in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode, so as to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode.

[0142] The control device for the heat exchanger of the aforementioned cooling unit compares the ambient temperature of the cooling unit with the preset critical temperature range. Based on the comparison result, it obtains the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger, ensuring that the target heat exchange mode is the heat exchange mode with the highest heat exchange efficiency at the current moment. By controlling the movement of the piston in the heat exchanger piston assembly in the refrigerant delivery pipeline of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is adjusted to operate in the target heat exchange mode, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit and increase the utilization efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0143] In one embodiment, the target heat exchange mode determination module is further configured to: if the comparison result is that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the preset critical temperature range, then determine that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is the second heat exchange mode.

[0144] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to: control the piston of the first pipeline assembly to move to a first moving area, and control the piston of the second pipeline assembly to move to a second moving area, based on the second heat exchange method.

[0145] In one embodiment, the target heat exchange mode determination module is further configured to: if the comparison result is that the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset critical temperature range, then obtain the unit cooling capacity required by the cooling unit; compare the unit cooling capacity with the natural cooling capacity corresponding to the ambient temperature; if the natural cooling capacity is less than the unit cooling capacity, then determine that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is a mixed heat exchange mode that combines the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to: based on the hybrid heat exchange method, control the piston in the piston assembly to move to the third and fourth moving regions, then control the piston to move to the first and second moving regions respectively, and obtain the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit in real time until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

[0147] In one embodiment, the target heat exchange mode determination module is further configured to: if the natural cooling capacity is greater than the unit cooling capacity, then determine the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger as the first heat exchange mode.

[0148] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to: control the piston of the first pipeline assembly to move to the third moving region, and control the piston of the second pipeline assembly to move to the fourth moving region, based on the first heat exchange method.

[0149] In one embodiment, the target heat exchange mode determination module is further configured to: if the comparison result indicates that the ambient temperature is within the preset critical temperature range, then determine that the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is a mixed heat exchange mode combining the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

[0150] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to: control the piston of the first pipeline assembly to be located in the second intermediate movement area when the piston of the first pipeline assembly moves to the first intermediate movement area based on the hybrid heat exchange method;

[0151] The real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained. If the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, the position of the piston is maintained to operate in a mixed heat exchange mode.

[0152] In one embodiment, the control module is further configured to: if the real-time cooling capacity does not meet the unit's cooling demand conditions, determine the target movement direction of the piston based on the real-time cooling capacity and the unit's cooling capacity required to cool the unit at the ambient temperature;

[0153] The piston is controlled to move in the target direction, and the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained in real time until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

[0154] The various modules in the control device of the aforementioned cooling unit heat exchanger can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0155] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a controller, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 15 As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, and network interface connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides the environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage media. The database stores data such as ambient temperature, preset critical temperature range, and target heat exchange method. The network interface communicates with external terminals via a network connection. When executed by the processor, the computer program implements a control method for a cooling unit heat exchanger.

[0156] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 15 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0157] In one embodiment, a cooling unit, a heat exchanger, and a controller are provided. The controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the specific implementation steps of the control method for the cooling unit and heat exchanger described above.

[0158] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0159] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments described above. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0160] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0161] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes: A first piping assembly having a first refrigerant delivery pipe; the first piping assembly includes a first inlet for a first heat exchange mode and a second inlet for a second heat exchange mode; A second piping assembly having a second refrigerant delivery pipe; the second piping assembly includes a first outlet of the first heat exchange mode and a second outlet of the second heat exchange mode; The first inlet of the first heat exchange method is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator, and the first outlet of the first heat exchange method is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator, forming a natural cooling refrigerant circuit from the evaporator to the heat exchanger; the second inlet of the second heat exchange method is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the second outlet of the second heat exchange method is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator, forming a refrigerant circuit for compressor refrigeration. A heat exchange assembly includes multiple copper tubes, the first end of which is connected to the first refrigerant delivery pipe, and the second end of which is connected to the second refrigerant delivery pipe. A piston assembly, wherein the piston in the piston assembly is located inside the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe, and is used to adjust the number of copper pipes participating in the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first refrigerant delivery pipe includes a first moving area near the first inlet, and the second refrigerant delivery pipe includes a second moving area near the first outlet; neither the first moving area nor the second moving area is connected to the copper pipe of the heat exchange component. When the piston of the first piping assembly is located in the first moving region and when the piston of the second piping assembly is located in the second moving region, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange through the second heat exchange method.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first refrigerant delivery pipe includes a third moving area near the second inlet, and the second refrigerant delivery pipe includes a fourth moving area near the second outlet; neither the third moving area nor the second moving area is connected to the copper pipe of the heat exchange assembly. When the piston of the first piping assembly is located in the third moving region and when the piston of the second piping assembly is located in the fourth moving region, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange through the first heat exchange method.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first refrigerant conveying pipe includes a first intermediate moving area, which is located between the first moving area and the third moving area. The second refrigerant conveying pipe includes a second intermediate moving area, which is located between the second moving area and the fourth moving area. Both the first intermediate moving area and the second intermediate moving area are connected to the copper pipe of the heat exchange component. When the piston of the first pipeline assembly is located in the first intermediate moving region and when the piston of the second pipeline assembly is located in the second intermediate moving region, the heat exchanger performs heat exchange through a mixture of the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 4, characterized in that, The pistons in the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe move synchronously.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The piston assembly includes a drive unit, a traction unit, and a piston; The driving device is used to drive the traction device to move the piston synchronously within the first refrigerant delivery pipe and the second refrigerant delivery pipe.

7. A control method for a heat exchanger in a cooling unit applied to the heat exchanger described in any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that, The control method includes: The ambient temperature of the environment where the cooling unit is located is obtained, and the ambient temperature is compared with a preset critical temperature range to obtain the comparison result. Based on the comparison results, the target heat exchange method of the heat exchanger is determined; The piston movement in the piston assembly is controlled based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Determining the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger based on the comparison results includes: If the comparison result is that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the preset critical temperature range, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be the second heat exchange mode.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method of controlling piston movement in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode includes: Based on the second heat exchange method, the piston of the first pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the first moving area, and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the second moving area.

10. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Determining the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger based on the comparison results includes: If the comparison result is that the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the lower limit of the preset critical temperature range, then the required cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained. Compare the cooling capacity of the unit with the natural cooling capacity corresponding to the ambient temperature; If the natural cooling capacity is less than the unit's cooling capacity, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be a mixed heat exchange mode that combines the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method of controlling the piston movement in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode includes: Based on the hybrid heat exchange method, after controlling the piston in the piston assembly to move to the third and fourth moving regions, the piston is controlled to move to the first and second moving regions respectively, and the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained in real time until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

12. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the natural cooling capacity is greater than the unit cooling capacity, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be the first heat exchange mode.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method of controlling the piston movement in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode includes: Based on the first heat exchange method, the piston of the first pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the third moving region, and the piston of the second pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the fourth moving region.

14. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Determining the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger based on the comparison results includes: If the comparison result indicates that the ambient temperature is within the preset critical temperature range, then the target heat exchange mode of the heat exchanger is determined to be a hybrid heat exchange mode that combines the first heat exchange mode and the second heat exchange mode.

15. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method of controlling the piston movement in the piston assembly based on the target heat exchange mode to adjust the heat exchanger to operate in the target heat exchange mode includes: Based on the hybrid heat exchange method, when the piston of the first pipeline assembly is controlled to move to the first intermediate moving area, the piston of the second pipeline assembly is controlled to be located in the second intermediate moving area. The real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained. If the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements, the position of the piston is maintained to operate in a mixed heat exchange mode.

16. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the real-time cooling capacity does not meet the unit's cooling requirements, the target movement direction of the piston is determined based on the real-time cooling capacity and the unit's cooling capacity required to cool the unit at the ambient temperature. The piston is controlled to move in the target direction, and the real-time cooling capacity of the cooling unit is obtained in real time until the real-time cooling capacity meets the unit's cooling requirements.

17. A cooling unit comprising a heat exchanger and a controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the controller comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 7 to 16.

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