Cooling unit, method of operation, computer readable storage medium and device

Abstract

The application discloses a cooling unit, an operation method, a computer readable storage medium and equipment, and the cooling unit comprises a cooling mechanism, an evaporator, a heat pump mechanism, a cold liquid distribution device, a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve; the evaporator is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the heat pump mechanism is used for heat exchange with the outside, the heat pump mechanism is provided with a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet, the cold liquid distribution device is used for providing cold liquid, the cold liquid distribution device is provided with a liquid supply port and a liquid return port, the liquid supply port, the liquid outlet and the inlet are communicated with three ports of the first three-way valve through pipelines respectively, and the liquid return port, the outlet and the liquid inlet are communicated with three ports of the second three-way valve through pipelines respectively. The application solves the technical problem that the existing cooling unit wastes heat generated by a data room, and further provides a medium-temperature heat source for the heat pump mechanism, so that the technical effect of energy saving is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a cooling unit, operating method, computer-readable storage medium, and device. Background Technology

[0002] Data centers operate year-round and generate significant heat during operation, necessitating cooling. Cooling units are devices used to cool indoor spaces such as data centers. In developing this invention, the inventors discovered at least the following problems with existing technologies: most current cooling units simply cool and dissipate heat from the data center, wasting the heat generated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a cooling unit, an operating method, a computer-readable storage medium, and an apparatus to solve the technical problem that existing cooling units waste heat generated in data centers.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A cooling unit includes a cooling mechanism, an evaporator, a heat pump mechanism, a refrigerant distribution device, a first three-way valve, and a second three-way valve; indoor return air flows sequentially through the cooling mechanism and the evaporator, and the cooling mechanism and the evaporator are able to exchange heat with the indoor return air, so that the indoor return air forms low-temperature air and flows back into the room;

[0006] The evaporator has an inlet and an outlet. The heat pump mechanism is used for heat exchange with the outside. The heat pump mechanism has a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet. The cold liquid distribution device is used to provide cold liquid. The cold liquid distribution device has a liquid supply port and a liquid return port. The liquid supply port, the liquid outlet, and the liquid inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the first three-way valve through pipelines. The liquid return port, the liquid outlet, and the liquid inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the second three-way valve through pipelines.

[0007] The heat pump mechanism has a heating mode. When the heat pump mechanism is in the heating mode, the cooling unit's operating modes include a first mode that operates when the ambient temperature is high and a second mode that operates when the ambient temperature is low. When the cooling unit switches to the first mode, the first three-way valve connects the liquid outlet, the liquid supply port, and the inlet, and the second three-way valve connects the liquid inlet, the liquid return port, and the outlet. When the cooling unit switches to the second mode, the first three-way valve connects the liquid outlet and the inlet, and the second three-way valve connects the liquid inlet and the outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the cooling mechanism includes a heat exchange core and an indoor fan. The indoor return air flows sequentially through the heat exchange core, the evaporator, and the indoor fan. The indoor return air is cooled down by the cooling of the heat exchange core and the evaporator to form low-temperature air. The indoor fan is used to deliver the low-temperature air into the room.

[0009] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the cooling mechanism further includes an outdoor fan, with outdoor air flowing sequentially through the heat exchange core and the outdoor fan, and capable of exchanging heat with the indoor return air at the heat exchange core. The indoor return air can be cooled down by the cooling of the heat exchange core, the evaporator and the outdoor air to form the low-temperature air, and the outdoor fan is used to exhaust the outdoor air.

[0010] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the cooling mechanism further includes a spray assembly, which includes a first pipe, a liquid receiving tray, and a first pump. The two ends of the first pipe are respectively located above and below the weight direction of the heat exchange core. The liquid receiving tray is located below the weight direction of the heat exchange core. One end of the first pipe is connected to the liquid receiving tray, and the other end is provided with a nozzle corresponding to the heat exchange core. The first pump is connected to the first pipe and is used to drive the liquid in the liquid receiving tray to be sprayed onto the heat exchange core through the nozzle.

[0011] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the spray assembly further includes a first check valve connected to the first pipeline and used to restrict liquid backflow toward the receiving tray.

[0012] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the cooling unit further includes a second pipeline, a third three-way valve, a third pipeline, a fourth three-way valve, a second check valve, and a first regulating valve;

[0013] One end of the second pipeline is connected to the first pipeline, and the other end, the outlet and the inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the third three-way valve through pipelines. The connection between the second pipeline and the first pipeline is located between the first check valve and the first pump. The first regulating valve is connected to the second pipeline.

[0014] One end of the third pipeline is connected to the first pipeline, and the other end, the liquid outlet, and one port of the first three-way valve are respectively connected to three ports on the fourth three-way valve through pipelines. The connection between the third pipeline and the first pipeline is located between the first one-way valve and the nozzle. The second one-way valve is connected to the third pipeline and is used to restrict the liquid in the first pipeline from entering the third pipeline.

[0015] The cooling unit operates in a third mode when the ambient temperature is high. When the cooling unit switches to the third mode, the first regulating valve opens, the third three-way valve connects the first pipeline to the liquid inlet, the fourth three-way valve connects the liquid outlet to the first pipeline, the first three-way valve connects the liquid supply port to the inlet, and the second three-way valve connects the liquid inlet, the liquid return port, and the outlet.

[0016] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the cooling unit further includes:

[0017] The second regulating valve is connected to both the inlet and the first three-way valve.

[0018] A filter, which is connected to the second pipeline and located between the first regulating valve and the third three-way valve.

[0019] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the outlet and the inlet are connected via a fourth pipeline. The cooling unit also includes a water storage tank and a second pump. The water storage tank and the second pump are installed on and connected to the fourth pipeline. The second pump is used to drive the liquid in the water storage tank into the inlet. The water storage tank is used to receive the liquid flowing out of the outlet so as to increase the inlet pressure of the second pump by storing liquid.

[0020] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, the cooling unit further includes a heater installed in the water tank, the heater being used to heat the liquid in the water tank to increase the temperature of the liquid in the fourth pipeline.

[0021] In some embodiments of the cooling unit, there are multiple nozzles, and each nozzle is equally spaced along the extension direction of the first pipeline.

[0022] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the second technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0023] A method for operating a cooling unit, applied to the cooling unit in the above embodiment, the method comprising the following steps:

[0024] The operating method includes the following steps:

[0025] Set the heat pump mechanism to heating mode;

[0026] Obtain the ambient temperature;

[0027] Compare the ambient temperature with the preset temperature;

[0028] When the ambient temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the heat pump mechanism and the cold liquid distribution device are both connected to the evaporator to provide heat exchange liquid to the evaporator;

[0029] When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the heat exchange liquid is supplied to the evaporator only through the heat pump mechanism.

[0030] In some embodiments of the operating method, the cooling unit further includes a spray assembly, the heat pump mechanism is further provided with a cooling mode, and the operating method further includes the following steps:

[0031] Obtain the ambient temperature;

[0032] Compare the ambient temperature with the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly;

[0033] Obtain the operating mode of the heat pump mechanism;

[0034] When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly and the heat pump mechanism is set to the cooling mode, the heat pump mechanism is connected to the spray assembly, and the cold liquid distribution device is connected to the evaporator.

[0035] When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly and the heat pump mechanism is set to heating mode, the heat pump mechanism is connected to the evaporator and the cold liquid distribution device is turned off.

[0036] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the third technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0037] A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the steps in the running direction described in the preceding embodiments.

[0038] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the fourth technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0039] A computer device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the steps of the operating method described in the above embodiments.

[0040] Implementing the embodiments of the present invention will have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0041] The aforementioned cooling unit combines a heat pump mechanism with a cooling mechanism and an evaporator, thereby achieving the technical effect of recovering indoor heat. Specifically, the heat pump mechanism has a heating mode. When the ambient temperature is high, the heat exchange capacity of the cooling mechanism is insufficient. Therefore, to improve the cooling and heat exchange capacity of the evaporator, the cooling unit can switch to a first mode. In the first mode, the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve enable both the cold liquid distribution device and the heat pump mechanism to be connected to the evaporator inlet. This allows a lower-temperature liquid to be supplied to the evaporator, while the higher-temperature liquid after heat exchange in the evaporator can be supplied to the heat pump mechanism for heating and can also flow back to the return liquid port. In the ambient temperature... When the temperature is low, the cooling mechanism can handle most of the cooling of the indoor return air. Therefore, the cooling and heat exchange requirements of the evaporator are not high. At this time, the cooling unit can be operated in the second mode through the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve. In the second mode, the cold liquid distribution device is not connected to the evaporator. The low temperature water returned by the heat pump mechanism is sufficient to supply the evaporator and the indoor return air for heat exchange. At the same time, the liquid after heat exchange in the evaporator can also be supplied to the heat pump mechanism for heating. Thus, by combining the heat pump structure, this invention can utilize the heat of the indoor return air and cool the indoor return air through the evaporator, solving the technical problem of existing cooling units wasting the heat generated in the data center.

[0042] The above-described operating method applied to the cooling unit is based on the same concept as the corresponding cooling unit embodiment, and thus has the same technical effect as the corresponding cooling unit, so it will not be described again here.

[0043] The computer-readable storage medium and computer device provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept as the corresponding cooling unit and the cooling unit operation method embodiments, and thus have the same technical effects as the corresponding cooling unit and its operation method embodiments, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural connection of the cooling unit in one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structural connection of another embodiment of the cooling unit shown;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the complete structure of the cooling mechanism involved in this invention;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a flowchart corresponding to the cooling unit operation method in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a flowchart corresponding to the cooling unit operation method in another embodiment.

[0050] in:

[0051] 10. Cooling mechanism; 11. Heat exchange core; 12. Indoor fan; 13. Outdoor fan; 14. Spray assembly; 141. First pipeline; 142. First pump; 143. Liquid receiving tray; 144. First check valve;

[0052] 20. Evaporator; 30. Heat pump mechanism; 40. First three-way valve; 50. Second three-way valve;

[0053] 61. Water storage tank; 62. Heater; 63. Second pump;

[0054] 70. Second regulating valve;

[0055] 81. Second pipeline; 82. First regulating valve; 83. Filter; 84. Third three-way valve;

[0056] 91. Third pipeline; 92. Fourth three-way valve; 93. Second check valve. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many other different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0058] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling unit includes a cooling mechanism 10, an evaporator 20, a heat pump mechanism 30, a refrigerant distribution device, a first three-way valve 40, and a second three-way valve 50. Indoor return air flows sequentially through the cooling mechanism 10 and the evaporator 20. The cooling mechanism 10 and the evaporator 20 exchange heat with the indoor return air, causing the indoor return air to flow back into the room as low-temperature air. The evaporator 20 has an inlet and an outlet. The heat pump mechanism 30 is used for heat exchange with the outside environment and has a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet. The refrigerant distribution device provides refrigerant (or chilled water; the term "refrigerant" will be used consistently below). The refrigerant distribution device has a supply port and a return port. The supply port, outlet, and inlet are connected to the three ports of the first three-way valve 40 via pipelines. The return port, outlet, and inlet are connected to the three ports of the second three-way valve 50 via pipelines. The second three-way valve 50 controls the opening and closing of the return port. The heat pump mechanism 30 has a heating mode. When the heat pump mechanism 30 is in heating mode, the cooling unit operates in two modes: a first mode for high ambient temperatures and a second mode for low ambient temperatures. When the cooling unit switches to the first mode, the first three-way valve 40 connects the liquid outlet, liquid supply port, and liquid inlet, and the second three-way valve 50 connects the liquid inlet, liquid return port, and liquid outlet. When the cooling unit switches to the second mode, the first three-way valve 40 connects the liquid outlet and liquid inlet, and the second three-way valve 50 connects the liquid inlet and liquid outlet.

[0061] In this embodiment, the heat pump mechanism 30 is provided with a heating mode. When the ambient temperature is high, the heat exchange capacity of the cooling mechanism 10 is insufficient. Therefore, in order to improve the cooling and heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 20, the cooling unit can be switched to the first mode. In the first mode, the first three-way valve 40 and the second three-way valve 50 can connect the cold liquid distribution device and the heat pump mechanism 30 to the inlet of the evaporator 20, so that a lower temperature liquid can be input to the evaporator 20. The higher temperature liquid after heat exchange in the evaporator 20 can be supplied to the heat pump mechanism 30 for heating and can also flow back to the return liquid port. When the ambient temperature is low, the cooling mechanism 10 can handle most of the cooling of the indoor return air. Therefore, the cooling and heat exchange requirements of the evaporator 20 are not high. At this time, the cooling unit can be operated in the second mode through the first three-way valve 40 and the second three-way valve 50. In the second mode, the refrigerant distribution device is not connected to the evaporator 20. The low-temperature water returned by the heat pump mechanism 30 is sufficient to supply the evaporator 20 with heat exchange between the indoor return air and the evaporator 20. At the same time, the liquid after heat exchange in the evaporator 20 can also be supplied to the heat pump mechanism 30 for heating. Thus, by combining the heat pump structure, this invention can utilize the heat of the indoor return air and cool the indoor return air through the evaporator 20, realizing waste heat recovery and solving the technical problem of existing cooling units wasting the heat generated in the data center. Moreover, the recovered waste heat can be used to provide a medium-temperature heat source for the heat pump mechanism 30, achieving energy-saving technical effects.

[0062] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, the cooling mechanism 10 includes a heat exchange core 11 and an indoor fan 12. Indoor return air flows sequentially through the heat exchange core 11, the evaporator 20, and the indoor fan 12. The indoor return air is cooled down by the cooling of the heat exchange core 11 and the evaporator 20, forming low-temperature air. The indoor fan 12 is used to deliver this low-temperature air into the room. It can be understood that the heat exchange core 11, the evaporator 20, and the indoor fan 12 are arranged sequentially along a first direction, with the indoor fan 12 providing power to ensure that the indoor return air flows sequentially through the heat exchange core 11, the evaporator 20, and the indoor fan 12. Specifically, as... Figure 1-3 As shown, the first direction can be from left to right, which can be determined according to the actual layout, and will not be described or limited here.

[0063] In this embodiment, the heat exchange core 11 can be used to exchange heat and cool the indoor return air. In conjunction with the evaporator 20, a low-temperature air that meets the requirements can be formed, thereby achieving heat dissipation and cooling of the data center. In addition, the indoor fan 12 is an exhaust fan used to send the formed low-temperature air into the room, such as the data center.

[0064] It is understandable that the heat exchange core 11 is located at the indoor return air position, and can exchange heat and cool the indoor return air together with the surrounding air. However, when the ambient temperature is high, the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange core 11 will be severely affected, so it is necessary to enhance the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 20.

[0065] In one embodiment of the cooling unit, the cooling mechanism 10 further includes an outdoor fan 13. The outdoor air flows through the heat exchange core 11 and the outdoor fan 13 in sequence, and can exchange heat with the indoor return air at the heat exchange core 11. The indoor return air can be cooled down by the cooling of the heat exchange core 11, the evaporator 20 and the outdoor air to form a low-temperature air. The outdoor fan 13 is used to exhaust the outdoor air.

[0066] In this embodiment, specifically as shown in the accompanying drawings, the flow direction of the indoor return air and the flow direction of the outdoor intake air are set at an angle. The intersection of the indoor return air and the outdoor intake air is located on the heat exchange core 11. In this way, the outdoor intake air can merge with the indoor return air at the heat exchange core 11 and together with the heat exchange core 11, cool the indoor return air. After heat exchange, the outdoor intake air is drawn out by the outdoor fan 13. It can be understood that the outdoor intake air drawn out by the outdoor fan 13 is not the same as the outdoor intake air that initially enters. The outdoor fan 13 and the indoor fan 12 form a circulation of indoor return air and outdoor intake air, which can circulate to cool the indoor return air and maintain air pressure.

[0067] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cooling mechanism 10 also includes a spray assembly 14, which includes a first pipe 141, a liquid receiving tray 143, and a first pump 142. The two ends of the first pipe 141 are respectively located above and below the heat exchange core 11 in the direction of gravity. The liquid receiving tray 143 is located below the heat exchange core 11 in the direction of gravity. One end of the first pipe 141 is connected to the liquid receiving tray 143, and the other end is provided with a nozzle corresponding to the heat exchange core 11. The first pump 142 is connected to the first pipe 141 and is used to drive the liquid in the liquid receiving tray 143 to be sprayed onto the heat exchange core 11 through the nozzle.

[0068] In this embodiment, by setting up the spray assembly 14, liquid can be sprayed onto the heat exchange core 11. The evaporation of the liquid on the heat exchange core 11 will absorb heat, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange core 11. The outdoor fan 13 and the indoor fan 12 accelerate the airflow while drawing air, which can increase the evaporation rate of the liquid on the heat exchange core 11, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange core 11. The unevaporated liquid falls into the liquid receiving tray 143 under the direction of gravity and is recycled.

[0069] Specifically, outdoor air flows sequentially through the heat exchange core 11 and the outdoor fan 13. The first pipe 141 can be a U-shaped structure surrounding the heat exchange core 11, divided into three sections, corresponding to the top, bottom, and side of the heat exchange core 11. It can be understood that the top and bottom of the heat exchange core 11 mentioned here refer to the top and bottom of the heat exchange core 11 in the direction of gravity. The purpose of setting it at the bottom is to utilize the fall of liquid under the action of gravity, so as to receive it through the liquid receiving tray 143.

[0070] Preferably, there can be multiple nozzles, and multiple nozzles are arranged at equal intervals along the extension direction of the first pipe 141. More preferably, a section of the first pipe 141 located above the heat exchange core 11 is arranged along the flow direction of the indoor return air, such as in the horizontal direction, so that the liquid can flow out evenly from each nozzle in the first pipe 141.

[0071] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 3 As shown, the spray assembly 14 also includes a first one-way valve 144, which is connected to the first pipeline 141 and is used to restrict the backflow of liquid toward the receiving tray 143. In this embodiment, by providing the first one-way valve 144, backflow of liquid in the first pipeline 141 can be avoided, thereby preventing liquid in the receiving tray 143 from overflowing due to backflow.

[0072] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cooling unit also includes a second pipe 81, a third three-way valve 84, a third pipe 91, a fourth three-way valve 92, a second check valve 93, and a first regulating valve 82. One end of the second pipe 81 is connected to the first pipe 141, and the other end, the outlet, and the inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the third three-way valve 84 via pipes. The connection between the second pipe 81 and the first pipe 141 is located between the first check valve 144 and the first pump 142. The first regulating valve 82 is connected to the second pipe 81. One end of the third pipe 91 is connected to the first pipe 141, and the other end, the outlet, and one port of the first three-way valve 40 are respectively connected to the three ports of the fourth three-way valve 92 via pipes. The connection between the third pipe 91 and the first pipe 141 is located between the first check valve 144 and the nozzle. The second check valve 93 is connected to the third pipe 91 and is used to restrict the liquid in the first pipe 141 from entering the third pipe 91. The cooling unit has three operating modes, including a third mode that operates when the ambient temperature is high. When the cooling unit switches to the third mode, the first regulating valve 82 opens, the third three-way valve 84 connects the first pipeline 141 to the liquid inlet, the fourth three-way valve 92 connects the liquid outlet to the first pipeline 141, the first three-way valve 40 connects the liquid supply port to the inlet, and the second three-way valve 50 connects the liquid inlet, the liquid return port, and the outlet.

[0073] In this embodiment, by setting the second pipe 81, the third three-way valve 84, the third pipe 91, the fourth three-way valve 92, the second one-way valve 93, and the first regulating valve 82, the cooling unit can also have a third mode of operation when the ambient temperature is high. In the third mode, on the one hand, the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected in series to the spray assembly 14. Part of the liquid in the receiving pan 143 can enter the heat pump mechanism 30 through the second pipe 81, and another part can reach the nozzle under the guidance of the first pipe 141. The liquid coming out of the heat pump mechanism 30 can merge with the liquid in the first pipe 141 through the third pipe 91 and reach the nozzle. On the other hand, also because the ambient temperature is high, even if the liquid in the receiving pan 143 is cooled by the heat pump mechanism 30, it is difficult to make the indoor return air meet the requirements. Therefore, the cold liquid distribution device is also required to work, and to enhance the cooling heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 20 by providing cold liquid to the evaporator 20, so as to cooperate with the other components to dissipate heat from the indoor return air.

[0074] The heat pump mechanism 30 also includes a cooling mode. When the ambient temperature is high, such as during the hot summer season, the heat pump mechanism 30 is in cooling mode. At this time, the temperature of the liquid returning from the heat pump mechanism 30 is much higher than the ambient temperature. The heat pump mechanism 30 is connected to the nozzle through the first pipeline 141, so that the spray assembly 14 can be used to evaporate and cool the liquid returning from the heat pump mechanism 30 to achieve cooling. That is, the spray assembly 14 is equivalent to the cooling tower of the heat pump mechanism 30, eliminating the need to configure a separate cooling device for the heat pump mechanism 30, thereby reducing construction costs.

[0075] It is understood that in this embodiment, the second three-way valve 50 connects the inlet, return outlet, and outlet; that is, the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected to the spray assembly 14, and the cold liquid distribution device is connected to the evaporator 20. Liquid exiting the evaporator 20 outlet can directly flow back to the return outlet, and can also flow back to the inlet. Figure 2 As shown, the second three-way valve 50 can also be replaced by two valve bodies respectively installed on two branch pipelines, which can be regulating valves.

[0076] When the ambient temperature is low, the indoor return air can form a low-temperature air that meets the requirements of the data center by combining the heat exchange and cooling of the spray assembly 14, the heat exchange core 11 and the outdoor air intake. Therefore, in this case, in order to reduce the energy consumption of the overall cooling unit, it is not necessary to further exchange and cool through the evaporator 20. When the evaporator 20 does not need to work, the liquid cooling assembly does not need to supply coolant to the evaporator 20.

[0077] In the preceding embodiments, it can be understood that when the cooling demand of the spray assembly 14 decreases, the liquid flow rate can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the first regulating valve 82.

[0078] Preferably, in one embodiment of a cooling unit, the cooling unit further includes a second regulating valve 70 for adjusting the flow rate through the inlet of the evaporator 20. It is understood that the second regulating valve 70 is connected to both the inlet and the first three-way valve 40, and is connected to both the inlet of the evaporator 20 and one port of the first three-way valve 40. By providing the second regulating valve 70, the liquid flow rate supplied to the evaporator 20 from the outlet of the heat pump mechanism 30 and the supply port of the cold liquid distribution device can be adjusted, thereby better adapting to actual needs and reducing energy loss.

[0079] In addition, based on the previous embodiments, it can be understood that when the heat exchange capacity provided by the evaporator 20 increases, the speed of the outdoor fan 13 can be reduced, further reducing the power consumption of the cooling unit.

[0080] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cooling unit also includes a filter 83, which is connected to the second pipe 81 and located between the first regulating valve 82 and the third three-way valve 84. In this embodiment, by setting the filter 83, the liquid entering the heat pump mechanism 30 from the liquid receiving tray 143 can be filtered. Since the liquid receiving tray 143 needs to receive the liquid flowing down from the heat exchange core 11, the liquid receiving tray 143 is generally set in an open shape, and impurities inevitably enter. Therefore, the setting of the filter 83 helps to avoid damage to the heat pump mechanism 30.

[0081] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outlet and inlet are connected through a fourth pipeline. The cooling unit also includes a water storage tank 61 and a second pump 63. The water storage tank 61 and the second pump 63 are installed on and connected to the fourth pipeline. The second pump 63 is used to drive the liquid in the water storage tank 61 into the inlet. The water storage tank 61 is used to receive the liquid flowing out of the outlet so as to increase the inlet pressure of the second pump 63 by storing liquid.

[0082] In this embodiment, it can be understood that the fourth pipeline is the specific pipeline connecting the outlet and the liquid inlet in the previous embodiment. By setting a water storage tank 61 on the fourth pipeline, the liquid from the outlet of the evaporator 20 can be stored in the water storage tank 61, and then the liquid in the water storage tank 61 can be pumped into the heat pump mechanism 30 by the second pump 63.

[0083] In one embodiment of a cooling unit, such as Figure 3As shown, the cooling unit also includes a heater 62, which is installed in the water storage tank 61. The heater 62 is used to heat the liquid in the water storage tank 61 to increase the temperature of the liquid in the fourth pipeline. In this embodiment, by setting the heater 62, the liquid in the water storage tank 61 can be heated to increase the liquid temperature. Thus, when the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected in series with the evaporator 20, i.e., when the cooling unit is in the first or second mode, heat can be supplemented to the heat pump mechanism 30 by heating the liquid in the water storage tank 61 through the heater 62 to meet the heating demand of the heat pump mechanism 30.

[0084] Specifically, when the ambient temperature is low, the heat pump mechanism 30 needs to provide a large amount of heat. At this time, the temperature of the liquid flowing into the water storage tank 61 after heat exchange in the evaporator 20 is no longer sufficient to meet the heating needs of the heat pump mechanism 30. In this case, the liquid in the water storage tank 61 can be heated by the heater 62, thereby increasing the temperature of the liquid introduced into the heat pump mechanism 30 through the fourth pipeline.

[0085] Based on the preceding embodiments, the following summary can be made: The cooling unit disclosed in this invention involves at least three operating modes: a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. Depending on the object connected in series with the heat pump mechanism 30, it can be divided into the first mode and the second mode when the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected in series with the evaporator 20, and the third mode when the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected in series with the spray assembly 14. Furthermore, the application scenarios of the first, second, and third modes can be divided according to the corresponding ambient temperature. When the ambient temperature is high, the cooling unit can operate in the first and third modes; when the ambient temperature is low, the cooling unit can operate in the second mode. Therefore, when the heat pump mechanism 30 operates in heating and cooling modes, it can extract heat and cold sources through the spray assembly 14 and the evaporator 20, effectively utilizing the waste heat in the data center. The liquid generated by the heat pump mechanism 30 can also be effectively utilized. It is understood that, regardless of whether the heat pump mechanism 30 is in cooling or heating mode, the temperature of the liquid returning from the outlet is lower than the temperature of the indoor return air.

[0086] Understandably, when the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected to one of the evaporator 20 and the spray assembly 14, it is completely blocked from the other.

[0087] It should be noted that the prerequisite for the heat pump mechanism 30 to operate in cooling mode is that both the spray assembly 14 and the cold liquid distribution device are working. Both the spray assembly 14 and the cold liquid distribution device are working when the ambient temperature is high. Therefore, there is a need for cooling when the ambient temperature is high. The cooling and heating functions of the heat pump mechanism 30 are divided according to whether it provides cooling or heating to the user.

[0088] The cooling unit disclosed in this invention also involves several operating modes. For example, when the ambient temperature is low enough, the cooling unit can cool the indoor return air to the required level using the heat exchange core 11 and the outdoor air intake. In this case, neither the spray assembly 14 nor the evaporator 20 needs to be turned on, and therefore the heat pump mechanism 30 and the refrigerant distribution device do not need to be connected. This state is called the dry mode. When the ambient temperature gradually rises, the dry mode is insufficient to cool the indoor return air. The spray assembly 14 is activated but not connected to the heat pump mechanism 30. In this case, the dry mode combined with the spray function forms the spray mode. When the ambient temperature rises further, the heat exchange core 11 and the spray assembly 14 alone cannot meet the requirements. In this case, the evaporator 20 can be connected to the refrigerant distribution device to form the spray + CW mode. This enables the cooling unit to operate in multiple modes, which users can adapt to their needs.

[0089] Additionally, when the cooling unit is operating in spray + CW mode, and the heat pump mechanism 30 is not working, the unit's supply air temperature can be obtained through sensors and compared with a preset supply air temperature. If it is higher than the set supply air temperature, the supply air temperature can be lowered by adjusting the speed of the outdoor fan 13 and the second regulating valve 70; if it is lower than the set supply air temperature, the opposite is true. If the heat pump mechanism 30 has a heating demand, it is connected to the unit to make the unit operate in the first mode. This invention also relates to an operating method for the cooling unit applied in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0090] S1. Set the heat pump mechanism 30 to heating mode.

[0091] S2. Obtain the ambient temperature.

[0092] S3. Compare the ambient temperature with the preset temperature.

[0093] S4. When the ambient temperature is higher than the preset temperature, both the heat pump mechanism 30 and the cold liquid distribution device are connected to the evaporator 20 so as to provide heat exchange liquid to the evaporator 20.

[0094] S5. When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the heat exchange liquid is supplied to the evaporator 20 only through the heat pump mechanism 30.

[0095] In this embodiment, it can be understood that steps S4 and S5 correspond to two different operating modes. The preset temperature can be 18°C, 25°C, 28°C, etc. By setting the preset temperature, the operating mode of the cooling unit can be determined. For example, the ambient temperature in summer and winter corresponds to high temperature and low temperature, respectively. In the hot summer season, specifically, the heat exchange capacity of the cooling mechanism 10 is insufficient due to the high temperature of the outdoor air intake. At this time, it is necessary to increase the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 20. Therefore, the cooling unit can be switched to the first mode. Conversely, in the transitional season and cold season, the room temperature is low and the heat exchange capacity of the cooling mechanism 10 is sufficient. At this time, there is no need for the cold liquid distribution device to increase the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator 20. Therefore, the cooling mechanism 10 can be switched to the second mode. In order to simplify the switching of the cooling unit, if the ambient temperature is higher than 28°C, it is automatically determined that the cooling heat exchange capacity of the cooling mechanism 10 is insufficient and the cooling unit is switched to the first mode. Conversely, if the ambient temperature is lower than 28°C, it will not be described in detail.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also relates to a cooling unit operation method different from the above-described operation method embodiment, comprising the following steps:

[0097] S101. Obtain the ambient temperature.

[0098] S102. Compare the ambient temperature with the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly 14.

[0099] S103, Obtain the operating mode of the heat pump mechanism 30.

[0100] S104 When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly and the heat pump mechanism 30 is set to the cooling mode, the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected to the spray assembly 14, and the cold liquid distribution device is connected to the evaporator 20.

[0101] S105. When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature of the switching point of the spray assembly 14 and the heat pump mechanism 30 is set to the heating mode, the heat pump mechanism 30 is connected to the evaporator and the cold liquid distribution device is turned off.

[0102] In this embodiment, steps S104 and S105 correspond to two different operating modes, namely, the two states when the spray assembly 14 is started and not started. When the spray assembly 14 needs to be started, it generally corresponds to a high ambient temperature, such as summer. At this time, the heat pump mechanism 30 is working in cooling mode. At this time, the spray assembly 14 is connected to the heat pump mechanism 30, and the spray assembly 14 can be used as a cooling tower of the heat pump mechanism 30, which improves the utilization rate of the spray assembly 14 and reduces construction costs. When the spray assembly 14 is not started, that is, the first pump 142 is turned off, and the spray assembly 14 does not need to be started, it can also be understood as a low ambient temperature, such as winter. At this time, the heat pump mechanism 30 is working in heating mode, that is, the entire cooling unit is working in the second mode.

[0103] In addition, the cooling unit can monitor the unit's air supply temperature. When the ambient temperature rises or the heat pump mechanism 30's heating demand decreases, the unit's air supply temperature will rise. At this time, it needs to switch to the first mode. When the ambient temperature drops or the heat pump mechanism 30's heating demand increases, it can switch to the second mode, where only the heat pump mechanism 30 is needed to meet the unit's supplemental cooling capacity.

[0104] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the steps of the running method as described in the above embodiments.

[0105] The present invention also relates to a computer device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the processor performs the steps of the running method as described in the above embodiments.

[0106] The computer-readable storage medium and computer device provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept as the corresponding cooling unit and the cooling unit operation method embodiments, and thus have the same technical effects as the corresponding cooling unit and its operation method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling unit, characterized in that, The cooling unit includes a cooling mechanism, an evaporator, a heat pump mechanism, a refrigerant distribution device, a first three-way valve, and a second three-way valve. The cooling mechanism includes a heat exchange core and a spray assembly. Indoor return air flows sequentially through the heat exchange core and the evaporator. The heat exchange core and the evaporator can exchange heat with the indoor return air, so that the indoor return air forms a low-temperature airflow back into the room. The evaporator has an inlet and an outlet. The heat pump mechanism is used for heat exchange with the outside. The heat pump mechanism has a liquid outlet and a liquid inlet. The cold liquid distribution device is used to provide cold liquid. The cold liquid distribution device has a liquid supply port and a liquid return port. The liquid supply port, the liquid outlet, and the liquid inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the first three-way valve through pipelines. The liquid return port, the liquid outlet, and the liquid inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the second three-way valve through pipelines. The heat pump mechanism has a heating mode. When the heat pump mechanism is in the heating mode, the cooling unit's operating modes include a first mode for operation when the ambient temperature is high and a second mode for operation when the ambient temperature is low. When the cooling unit switches to the first mode, the first three-way valve connects the liquid outlet, the liquid supply port, and the inlet, and the second three-way valve connects the liquid inlet, the liquid return port, and the outlet. When the cooling unit switches to the second mode, the first three-way valve connects the liquid outlet and the inlet, and the second three-way valve connects the liquid inlet and the outlet. The heat pump mechanism is also provided with a cooling mode. When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature of the spray assembly switching point and the heat pump mechanism is set to cooling mode, the heat pump mechanism is connected to the spray assembly, and the cold liquid distribution device is connected to the evaporator, and the spray assembly is started. When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly and the heat pump mechanism is set to heating mode, the heat pump mechanism is connected to the evaporator, and the cold liquid distribution device is turned off, and the spray assembly is not started.

2. The cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling mechanism includes an indoor fan. The indoor return air flows sequentially through the heat exchange core, the evaporator, and the indoor fan. The indoor return air is cooled down by the cooling of the heat exchange core and the evaporator to form low-temperature air. The indoor fan is used to send the low-temperature air into the room.

3. The cooling unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling mechanism also includes an outdoor fan. Outdoor air flows through the heat exchange core and the outdoor fan in sequence, and can exchange heat with the indoor return air at the heat exchange core. The indoor return air can be cooled down by the cooling of the heat exchange core, the evaporator and the outdoor air to form the low-temperature air. The outdoor fan is used to exhaust the outdoor air.

4. The cooling unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The spray assembly includes a first pipe, a liquid receiving tray, and a first pump. The two ends of the first pipe are respectively located above and below the heat exchange core in the direction of gravity. The liquid receiving tray is located below the heat exchange core in the direction of gravity. One end of the first pipe is connected to the liquid receiving tray, and the other end is provided with a nozzle corresponding to the heat exchange core. The first pump is connected to the first pipe and is used to drive the liquid in the liquid receiving tray to be sprayed onto the heat exchange core through the nozzle.

5. The cooling unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The spray assembly also includes a first one-way valve, which is connected to the first pipeline and is used to restrict the backflow of liquid toward the receiving tray.

6. The cooling unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The cooling unit also includes a second pipeline, a third three-way valve, a third pipeline, a fourth three-way valve, a second check valve, and a first regulating valve; One end of the second pipeline is connected to the first pipeline, and the other end, the outlet and the inlet are respectively connected to the three ports of the third three-way valve through pipelines. The connection between the second pipeline and the first pipeline is located between the first check valve and the first pump. The first regulating valve is connected to the second pipeline. One end of the third pipeline is connected to the first pipeline, and the other end, the liquid outlet, and one port of the first three-way valve are respectively connected to three ports on the fourth three-way valve through pipelines. The connection between the third pipeline and the first pipeline is located between the first one-way valve and the nozzle. The second one-way valve is connected to the third pipeline and is used to restrict the liquid in the first pipeline from entering the third pipeline. The cooling unit operates in a third mode when the ambient temperature is high. When the cooling unit switches to the third mode, the first regulating valve opens, the third three-way valve connects the first pipeline to the liquid inlet, the fourth three-way valve connects the liquid outlet to the first pipeline, the first three-way valve connects the liquid supply port to the inlet, and the second three-way valve connects the liquid inlet, the liquid return port, and the outlet.

7. The cooling unit as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cooling unit also includes: The second regulating valve is connected to both the inlet and the first three-way valve. A filter, which is connected to the second pipeline and located between the first regulating valve and the third three-way valve.

8. The cooling unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet and the inlet are connected through a fourth pipeline. The cooling unit also includes a water storage tank and a second pump. The water storage tank and the second pump are installed on and connected to the fourth pipeline. The second pump is used to drive the liquid in the water storage tank to flow into the inlet. The water storage tank is used to receive the liquid flowing out of the outlet so as to increase the inlet pressure of the second pump by storing liquid.

9. The cooling unit as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The cooling unit also includes a heater installed in the water tank. The heater is used to heat the liquid in the water tank to increase the temperature of the liquid in the fourth pipeline.

10. The cooling unit as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The number of nozzles is multiple, and each nozzle is equally spaced along the extension direction of the first pipeline.

11. A method for operating a cooling unit as described in any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The operating method includes the following steps: Set the heat pump mechanism to heating mode; Obtain the ambient temperature; Compare the ambient temperature with the preset temperature; When the ambient temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the heat pump mechanism and the cold liquid distribution device are both connected to the evaporator to provide heat exchange liquid to the evaporator; When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the heat exchange liquid is supplied to the evaporator only through the heat pump mechanism.

12. The operating method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The cooling unit also includes a spray assembly, the heat pump mechanism is further provided with a cooling mode, and the operating method further includes the following steps: Obtain the ambient temperature; Compare the ambient temperature with the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly; Obtain the operating mode of the heat pump mechanism; When the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly and the heat pump mechanism is set to the cooling mode, the heat pump mechanism is connected to the spray assembly, and the cold liquid distribution device is connected to the evaporator. When the ambient temperature is lower than the temperature at the switching point of the spray assembly and the heat pump mechanism is set to heating mode, the heat pump mechanism is connected to the evaporator and the cold liquid distribution device is turned off.

13. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The system contains a computer program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the steps of the running method as described in claim 11 or 12.

14. A computer device, characterized in that, It includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform the steps of the running method as described in claim 11 or 12.

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