A control method of a coupling system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater

Abstract

The application provides a control method of a coupling system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater, the control method is a cooperative hot water heating mode, the coupling system comprises an air conditioner unit, a heat pump water heater and a heat exchange module, the air conditioner unit is provided with a heat exchange pipeline, the heat exchange pipeline is provided with a heat exchange device, the heat pump water heater comprises a water tank, and the heat exchange module is connected with the heat exchange device and the water tank respectively; the air conditioner unit comprises a first refrigerant pipeline and the heat exchange pipeline, a first electromagnetic valve, a second electromagnetic valve and an electronic expansion valve A are sequentially arranged in the first refrigerant pipeline, the heat exchange pipeline is connected with the first electromagnetic valve and the second electromagnetic valve in the first refrigerant pipeline in parallel, a third electromagnetic valve, a first expansion valve, the heat exchange device and a fourth electromagnetic valve are sequentially arranged in the heat exchange pipeline; a bridge is arranged between the heat exchange pipeline and the first refrigerant pipeline, and a fifth electromagnetic valve is arranged in the bridge; the application can utilize the waste heat during air conditioner refrigeration to assist in heating the water in the water tank, and the energy utilization efficiency is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed on January 21, 2022, with application number "2022100708804" and titled "A Coupling System of Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Water Heater and Its Control Method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of heat pump system technology, and in particular to a control method for a coupled system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater. Background Technology

[0003] Air conditioners are indispensable electrical appliances in people's daily lives, and they come in a variety of structural forms. With the continuous improvement of industrial design and the application of new technologies, materials, and designs, a wide variety of air conditioners have been developed. However, the finned-tube heat exchangers in the outdoor units of air conditioning units currently on the market are prone to frosting in low-temperature, high-humidity environments. Frosting weakens the heat transfer performance of the finned-tube evaporator, increases airflow resistance, degrades fan performance, and increases input current, ultimately leading to a decrease in system heating capacity and the system's coefficient of performance (COP). To maintain stable operation of the air conditioning unit, the outdoor unit of the air source heat pump needs to be defrosted periodically.

[0004] Defrosting can be achieved in many ways: shutdown defrosting, electric heating defrosting, hot gas bypass defrosting, reverse circulation defrosting, etc. Among these, reverse circulation defrosting and electric heating defrosting are currently the most commonly used defrosting methods, but they have the following problems:

[0005] (1) The energy for reverse defrosting mainly comes from the energy stored in the indoor metal coil and the work input to the compressor, which is insufficient for fast and clean defrosting. Insufficient defrosting capacity will prolong the defrosting time, reduce the overall system efficiency, and even result in incomplete defrosting, leading to frequent defrosting cycles and eventually unit failure.

[0006] (2) Electric heating defrosting is inefficient. One part of the work is converted into one part of the heat, but the system cannot fully absorb it, resulting in an electric heating efficiency ratio of less than 1.

[0007] Meanwhile, in people's daily lives, the needs for domestic hot water and air conditioning account for a large proportion of energy consumption, often resulting in the simultaneous installation and use of conventional air conditioners and heat pump water heaters. At the overall system design level, air conditioners and heat pump water heaters, both being heat pump devices, often operate independently, lacking effective coupling, leading to inefficient energy utilization and significant energy waste. Although existing technologies exist that combine air conditioners and heat pump water heaters, the resulting system structure is complex, and the control precision during operation is poor, making it difficult to accurately, efficiently, and promptly regulate the defrosting and other operating conditions of the heat pump equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a control method for a coupling system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater, so as to solve the problem of low energy utilization efficiency of heat pump equipment in the prior art due to the lack of effective coupling.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0010] A control method for a coupled system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater, wherein the control method is a coordinated hot water production mode, the coupled system includes an air conditioning unit, a heat pump water heater, and a heat exchange module. The air conditioning unit is equipped with heat exchange pipelines, and heat exchange devices are installed on the heat exchange pipelines. The heat pump water heater includes a water tank. The heat exchange module is connected to the heat exchange devices and the water tank respectively, so that water in the water tank can flow through the heat exchange devices to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant and circulate back to the water tank. The air conditioning unit includes a first refrigerant pipeline and a heat exchange pipeline, and a first electrical circuit is sequentially installed in the first refrigerant pipeline. The heat exchange pipeline includes a solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and an electronic expansion valve A. The first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve in the first refrigerant pipeline are connected in parallel. The heat exchange pipeline is sequentially equipped with a third solenoid valve, a first expansion valve, a heat exchange device, and a fourth solenoid valve. A bridge is provided between the heat exchange pipeline and the first refrigerant pipeline, and a fifth solenoid valve is provided in the bridge. One end of the bridge is connected to the first refrigerant pipeline, with the connection point located between the first and second solenoid valves. The other end of the bridge is connected to the heat exchange pipeline, with the connection point located between the first expansion valve and the heat exchange device. Therefore, in this application, the air conditioning unit and the heat pump water heater are independent heat pump devices. Based on their ability to operate independently, they can exchange energy between the water in the water heater and the refrigerant in the air conditioner as needed by simply setting up heat exchange pipelines and heat exchange modules. This not only simplifies the structure and facilitates home decoration or renovation, but also effectively reduces the difficulty and cost of connecting household appliances. Furthermore, it effectively couples the independent air conditioning unit and the heat pump water heater, which is beneficial to improving energy utilization efficiency. At the same time, in the coordinated hot water production mode, the waste heat from the air conditioner's cooling process can be used to auxiliary heat the water in the tank. This achieves waste heat recovery from the air conditioner's cooling process and improves the heating efficiency of the hot water, reducing the power consumption of the heat pump water heater.

[0011] Furthermore, the heat exchange module includes a circulation pipeline, which is connected to the heat exchange device and the water tank respectively, forming a circulation loop between the heat exchange device and the water tank. A circulation water pump is installed in the circulation pipeline so that the water in the water tank can flow through the heat exchange device to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant and then circulate back to the water tank.

[0012] Furthermore, the collaborative hot water production mode includes:

[0013] B1. The coupling system controls the air conditioning unit to operate in cooling mode and detects the water temperature T1 in the water tank;

[0014] B2. The coupled system determines whether T1 < third preset temperature and / or whether T1-T2 < fourth preset temperature is satisfied; if yes, proceed to step B3; if no, proceed to step B4.

[0015] B3. The coupling system closes the third solenoid valve, the first expansion valve, the second solenoid valve, and the sixth solenoid valve, opens the first solenoid valve, the fifth solenoid valve, the fourth solenoid valve, and the electronic expansion valve A, starts the circulating water pump, and shuts down the outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger A.

[0016] B4. The coupling system controls the air conditioning unit to maintain normal cooling mode. Therefore, in the coordinated hot water production mode, waste heat from air conditioning cooling can be used to auxiliary heat the water in the tank. This achieves waste heat recovery from air conditioning cooling and improves hot water heating efficiency, reducing the power consumption of the heat pump water heater.

[0017] Furthermore, the air conditioning unit includes a refrigerant branch, which is connected in parallel with the electronic expansion valve A of the first refrigerant pipeline. A sixth solenoid valve is installed in the refrigerant branch. Thus, through the arrangement of the bridge circuit and the refrigerant branch, the first expansion valve or the electronic expansion valve A can be stopped as needed, avoiding interference between the two expansion valves on the same pressure side of the air conditioning unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the control method includes a water tank self-heating mode, which includes: the coupling system real-time detection of the water tank temperature T1, determining whether T1 > a fifth preset temperature; if so, the circulating water pump is activated. Thus, when the water temperature in the tank is too high, the circulating water pump is directly activated regardless of the air conditioner's operating state, preventing water temperature stratification inside the tank, avoiding excessively high condensing temperatures, and reducing system energy efficiency. This improves the system energy efficiency of the heat pump water heater and enhances the self-heating effect inside the water tank.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the control method of the coupling system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater described in this invention has the following advantages:

[0020] The present invention discloses a control method for a coupling system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater. This method addresses the independent operation of the air conditioning unit and the heat pump water heater, enabling energy exchange between the water in the water heater and the refrigerant in the air conditioner, based solely on the installation of heat exchange pipelines and modules. This allows for energy exchange as needed, simplifying the structure and facilitating home renovations and modifications, effectively reducing the difficulty and cost of combining household appliances. Furthermore, it effectively couples the independent air conditioning unit and heat pump water heater, improving energy efficiency. In the coordinated hot water production mode, waste heat from the air conditioner's cooling process can be used to supplement the heating of the water in the tank. This achieves waste heat recovery from the air conditioner and improves the heating efficiency of the hot water, reducing the power consumption of the heat pump water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of an air conditioner and heat pump water heater coupling system in the defrosting state of the air conditioner, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system operation of an air conditioner and heat pump water heater coupling system in the defrosting state of the water heater, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of an air conditioner and heat pump water heater coupling system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the state of air conditioner cooling and water heater producing hot water;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of an air conditioner and heat pump water heater coupling system in the state of hot water production, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. First refrigerant line; 11. First solenoid valve; 12. Second solenoid valve; 2. Heat exchange line; 21. Third solenoid valve; 22. First expansion valve; 23. Heat exchange device; 24. Fourth solenoid valve; 3. Bridge circuit; 31. Fifth solenoid valve; 4. Refrigerant branch circuit; 41. Sixth solenoid valve; 5. Second refrigerant line. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The inventive concepts of this disclosure will be described below using terminology commonly used by those skilled in the art to communicate the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. However, these inventive concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other. In this application, since air conditioners and heat pump water heaters are both heat pump devices and contain components with the same name, for ease of explanation, a letter suffix is ​​added after the name of the component with the same name to distinguish it. In air conditioning units, the suffix is ​​A, and in heat pump water heaters, the suffix is ​​B.

[0030] Meanwhile, in the accompanying drawings of this application, arrows indicate the flow direction of the relevant medium (refrigerant, water, etc.) in the pipeline, and dashed lines indicate that the relevant pipeline is in a closed state.

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] In existing technologies, people often install and use conventional air conditioners and heat pump water heaters at the same time; both are heat pump devices and both face the problem of defrosting; at the same time, in existing technologies, the two often operate independently and lack effective coupling, resulting in inefficient energy utilization and significant energy waste.

[0033] To address the lack of effective coupling, low energy efficiency, and defrosting issues in existing heat pump devices, this embodiment proposes a coupling system between an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1-4 As shown, the coupling system includes an air conditioning unit, a heat pump water heater, and a heat exchange module. The air conditioning unit is equipped with a heat exchange pipeline 2, and the heat exchange pipeline 2 is equipped with a heat exchange device 23. The heat pump water heater includes a water tank. The heat exchange module is connected to the heat exchange device 23 and the water tank respectively, so that the water in the water tank can flow through the heat exchange device 23 to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant and circulate back to the water tank.

[0034] Therefore, in this application, the air conditioning unit and the heat pump water heater are independent heat pump devices. Based on their ability to operate independently, the energy of the water in the water heater and the energy of the refrigerant in the air conditioner can be exchanged as needed by setting up heat exchange pipelines 2 and heat exchange modules. This not only simplifies the structure and facilitates home decoration or renovation, but also effectively couples the independent air conditioning unit and the heat pump water heater, which is beneficial to improving energy utilization efficiency. At the same time, when either device is defrosting, the other device can provide effective heat supply, enabling both heat pump devices to achieve high-efficiency defrosting.

[0035] Meanwhile, for conventional air conditioners and heat pump water heaters installed and used in people's homes, the pipeline can be modified directly on the original equipment without replacing the entire equipment, which can effectively reduce the difficulty and cost of the conversion of household appliances.

[0036] In this application, the air conditioning unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger A. One end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger A through a second refrigerant pipe 5, and a four-way valve A, a compressor A, a high-pressure sensor, etc. are installed in the second refrigerant pipe 5. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger A through a first refrigerant pipe 1, and at least an electronic expansion valve A is installed in the first refrigerant pipe 1. This is the same as the conventional air conditioning structure and will not be described in detail here.

[0037] Unlike conventional air conditioners, in this application, the first refrigerant pipeline 1 is sequentially equipped with a first solenoid valve 11, a second solenoid valve 12, and an electronic expansion valve A. The air conditioning unit is additionally equipped with a heat exchange pipeline 2, which is connected in parallel with the first refrigerant pipeline 1. Specifically, the heat exchange pipeline 2 is connected in parallel with the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12. The heat exchange pipeline 2 is sequentially equipped with a third solenoid valve 21, a first expansion valve 22, a heat exchange device 23, and a fourth solenoid valve 24. A bridge circuit 3 is provided between the heat exchange pipeline 2 and the first refrigerant pipeline 1. Specifically, one end of the bridge circuit 3 is connected to the first refrigerant pipeline 1, with the connection point located between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12; the other end of the bridge circuit 3 is connected to the heat exchange pipeline 2, with the connection point located between the first expansion valve 22 and the heat exchange device 23. A fifth solenoid valve 31 is provided in the bridge circuit 3. By setting up heat exchange pipeline 2, bridge circuit 3 and corresponding solenoid valve structure, the air conditioning unit can not only operate independently, but also adjust the flow of refrigerant through heat exchange device 23 according to actual needs, thereby facilitating timely and effective control of heat exchange between heat exchange device 23 and water in water tank.

[0038] The heat exchange device 23 is preferably a plate heat exchanger, which enables sufficient heat exchange between the refrigerant in the air conditioner and the water in the water tank; the first expansion valve 22 is preferably a conventional electronic expansion valve.

[0039] Furthermore, considering the potential interference between the electronic expansion valve A and the first expansion valve 22 installed in the air conditioning unit, this application also provides an additional refrigerant branch 4, which is connected in parallel with the electronic expansion valve A of the first refrigerant pipeline 1. A sixth solenoid valve 41 is installed in the refrigerant branch 4. Thus, through the installation of the bridge circuit 3 and the refrigerant branch 4, the first expansion valve 22 or the electronic expansion valve A can be stopped as needed, avoiding interference between the two expansion valves on the same pressure side of the air conditioning unit.

[0040] For a heat pump water heater, the components include refrigerant pipelines, a water tank, an electronic expansion valve B, an outdoor heat exchanger B, a compressor B, and a four-way valve B. The water tank has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe for adding water and supplying hot water, respectively. The water tank is equipped with a heat exchanger connected to the refrigerant pipeline for heat transfer. The water tank is also equipped with a temperature sensor for real-time monitoring of the water temperature. This is the same structure as a conventional heat pump water heater and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] The heat exchange module includes a circulation pipeline, which is connected to the heat exchange device 23 and the water tank respectively, forming a circulation loop between the heat exchange device 23 and the water tank. A circulation water pump is installed in the circulation pipeline to provide power for the circulation and heat exchange of the water medium, so that the water in the water tank can flow through the heat exchange device 23 to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant and circulate back to the water tank.

[0042] The coupling system also includes a central processing unit, an outer loop temperature detection device, and a data storage device. The central processing unit can be connected to various electronic control components, such as electronically controlled valves, four-way valves, fans, and detectors, enabling the coupling system to regulate the normal operation of the air conditioning unit and heat pump water heater, as well as acquire, analyze, and process relevant operating data through the central processing unit. The outer loop temperature detection device is used to detect the outdoor ambient temperature in real time, and the data storage device is used to store the relevant data of the coupling system operation.

[0043] Based on the aforementioned coupling system, this application also proposes a control method for the coupling system, which includes a collaborative defrosting mode and a collaborative hot water production mode. The collaborative defrosting mode includes an air conditioner defrosting mode and a water heater defrosting mode.

[0044] As attached Figure 1 As shown in the system operation status, the air conditioning defrosting mode includes: the coupling system controls the air conditioning unit to enter the defrosting state and closes the first solenoid valve 11, the fifth solenoid valve 31, the second solenoid valve 12, and the electronic expansion valve A, and opens the third solenoid valve 21, the first expansion valve 22, the fourth solenoid valve 24, and the sixth solenoid valve 41; the coupling system starts the circulating water pump and keeps the heat pump water heater running normally.

[0045] Thus, in the air conditioning defrost mode, the heat exchange device 23 acts as the evaporator side, exchanging heat with the high-temperature water in the water tank through the circulation pipeline, maintaining the normal operation of the heat pump water heater, so that the air conditioning unit has a stable heat source, which can increase the refrigerant flow and temperature, thereby improving the defrost efficiency. Moreover, in an ambient temperature of -7℃ to 7℃ (easy frosting condition), the COP is 2-3, which is more efficient than electric heating defrost.

[0046] As attached Figure 2 As shown in the system operating status, the water heater defrosting modes include:

[0047] S1, the coupling system controls the heat pump water heater to enter the defrosting state and detects the operating frequency of the air conditioner in heating mode;

[0048] S2. The coupling system determines whether the air conditioner's operating frequency is the maximum operating frequency; if not, proceed to step S3.

[0049] Among them, heat pump equipment often needs to defrost in winter. In the defrosting mode of the water heater, first determine whether the air conditioner's heating mode is at its maximum operating frequency. If it is not operating at its maximum frequency, the compressor has already reduced its frequency, indicating that the indoor load is small and the conditions for the air conditioner to work together with the water heater to defrost are met.

[0050] S3, the coupling system detects the water temperature T1 in the water tank and the outdoor ambient temperature T2;

[0051] S4. The coupling system determines whether T1 < first preset temperature and / or whether T1-T2 < second preset temperature is satisfied; if so, the first solenoid valve 11, the fifth solenoid valve 31, the second solenoid valve 12, and the electronic expansion valve A are closed, the third solenoid valve 21, the first expansion valve 22, the fourth solenoid valve 24, and the sixth solenoid valve 41 are opened, and the circulating water pump is started.

[0052] The setting of the condition T1 < first preset temperature effectively prevents the air conditioning unit from degrading due to excessively high water temperature and condensation temperature during the water heater's defrosting mode, ensuring normal air conditioning heating for the user and avoiding any impact on the user's heating experience. The setting of the condition T1-T2 < second preset temperature ensures that the hot water temperature in the tank is sufficiently high, meaning the heat pump water heater can defrost itself sufficiently, minimizing the frequency of air conditioning-assisted defrosting and ensuring normal air conditioning heating for the user. Both the first and second preset temperatures are preset by the equipment manufacturer in the air conditioning data storage device. In this application, the first preset temperature is 38℃-45℃, and the second preset temperature is 3℃-7℃; preferably, the first preset temperature is 41℃ and the second preset temperature is 5℃.

[0053] Therefore, in the defrost mode of the water heater, some of the heat from the refrigerant in the air conditioning unit can be used to heat the water in the tank, providing heat supplementation for the defrost process. This increases the flow rate and temperature of the refrigerant in the heat pump water heater, thereby improving its defrosting efficiency. Simultaneously, by detecting and analyzing parameters such as the air conditioning operating status, water tank temperature, and ambient temperature, the system's control precision in the collaborative defrost mode can be improved, enabling more accurate, efficient, and timely control of the defrost process. Furthermore, it also enhances the intelligence and automation of the coupled system's operation.

[0054] As attached Figure 3 As shown in the system operation status, the collaborative hot water production mode includes:

[0055] B1. The coupling system controls the air conditioning unit to operate in cooling mode and detects the water temperature T1 in the water tank;

[0056] B2. The coupled system determines whether T1 < third preset temperature and / or whether T1-T2 < fourth preset temperature is satisfied; if yes, proceed to step B3; if no, proceed to step B4.

[0057] The setting of the condition T1 < third preset temperature effectively prevents the air conditioning unit's performance from deteriorating due to excessively high water temperature in the coordinated hot water mode, ensuring normal air conditioning cooling for users and avoiding impacting their cooling experience. The setting of the condition T1-T2 < fourth preset temperature ensures the hot water temperature in the tank is sufficiently high, minimizing the frequency of air conditioning-assisted heating and guaranteeing normal cooling performance. The third and fourth preset temperatures are preset by the equipment manufacturer in the air conditioning data storage device. In this application, the third preset temperature is 38℃-45℃, and the fourth preset temperature is 3℃-7℃; preferably, the third preset temperature is 41℃ and the fourth preset temperature is 5℃.

[0058] B3. The coupling system closes the third solenoid valve 21, the first expansion valve 22, the second solenoid valve 12, and the sixth solenoid valve 41, opens the first solenoid valve 11, the fifth solenoid valve 31, the fourth solenoid valve 24, and the electronic expansion valve A, starts the circulating water pump, and shuts down the outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger A.

[0059] Step B3 involves starting the air conditioner to assist in hot water production. The high-temperature refrigerant from the air conditioner enters the heat exchange device 23 and, through the heat exchange module, assists in heating the water in the tank. This not only enables the recovery of waste heat during air conditioning but also improves the heating efficiency of hot water and reduces the power consumption of the heat pump water heater.

[0060] B4. The coupling system closes the third solenoid valve 21, the first expansion valve 22, the fourth solenoid valve 24, the fifth solenoid valve 31, and the sixth solenoid valve 41, opens the first solenoid valve 11, the second solenoid valve 12, and the electronic expansion valve A, and controls the air conditioning unit to maintain normal cooling mode.

[0061] Step B4 is the state where the air conditioner maintains the normal cooling mode and the heat pump water heater is operating normally. The heat generated by the air conditioner during cooling is still cooled by the outdoor fan. This is basically the same as the independent operation of the air conditioner and the independent operation of the water heater, and the circulating water pump does not need to be run.

[0062] In the coordinated hot water production mode, the waste heat from the air conditioner's cooling process can be used to assist in heating the water in the tank. This not only enables the recovery of waste heat from the air conditioner's cooling process but also improves the heating efficiency of the hot water and reduces the power consumption of the heat pump water heater.

[0063] In addition, as attached Figure 4 As shown in the system operating status, the control method also includes a water tank self-heating mode, specifically:

[0064] The coupling system monitors the water tank temperature T1 in real time and determines whether T1 > the fifth preset temperature. If so, the circulating water pump is turned on regardless of the air conditioner's operating status.

[0065] Specifically, when the water temperature in the tank is too high, the circulating water pump is directly activated to prevent water temperature stratification inside the tank (i.e., the upper part of the tank being much higher than the lower part). This avoids excessively high condensation temperatures and reduced system energy efficiency, thus improving the system energy efficiency of the heat pump water heater and enhancing the self-heat exchange effect inside the tank. The fifth preset temperature is data preset by the equipment manufacturer in the air conditioning data storage device. In this application, the fifth preset temperature is 40℃-45℃, preferably 41℃.

[0066] In this invention, the air conditioning unit and heat pump water heater, in addition to the contents involved in this application, also include other conventional structures, such as housing components, etc. Since the prior art can be referred to, they will not be described in detail here.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a coupled system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater, characterized in that, The control method is a coordinated hot water production mode. The coupling system includes an air conditioning unit, a heat pump water heater, and a heat exchange module. The air conditioning unit is equipped with a heat exchange pipeline (2), and the heat exchange pipeline (2) is equipped with a heat exchange device (23). The heat pump water heater includes a water tank. The heat exchange module is connected to the heat exchange device (23) and the water tank respectively, so that the water in the water tank can flow through the heat exchange device (23) to exchange heat with the air conditioning refrigerant and circulate back to the water tank. The air conditioning unit includes a first refrigerant pipeline (1), a heat exchange pipeline (2), and an outdoor heat exchanger A. The first refrigerant pipeline (1) is sequentially equipped with a first solenoid valve (11), a second solenoid valve (12), and an electronic expansion valve A. The heat exchange pipeline (2) is connected in parallel with the first solenoid valve (11) and the second solenoid valve (12) in the first refrigerant pipeline (1). The heat exchange pipeline (2) is sequentially provided with a third solenoid valve (21), a first expansion valve (22), a heat exchange device (23), and a fourth solenoid valve (24); a bridge circuit (3) is provided between the heat exchange pipeline (2) and the first refrigerant pipeline (1), and a fifth solenoid valve (31) is provided in the bridge circuit (3); one end of the bridge circuit (3) is connected to the first refrigerant pipeline (1), and the connection point is located between the first solenoid valve (11) and the second solenoid valve (12); the other end of the bridge circuit (3) is connected to the heat exchange pipeline (2), and the connection point is located between the first expansion valve (22) and the heat exchange device (23); the air conditioning unit includes a refrigerant branch circuit (4), and the refrigerant branch circuit (4) is connected in parallel with the electronic expansion valve A of the first refrigerant pipeline (1), and a sixth solenoid valve (41) is provided in the refrigerant branch circuit (4); The heat exchange module includes a circulation pipeline, which is connected to the heat exchange device (23) and the water tank respectively, and forms a circulation loop between the heat exchange device (23) and the water tank. A circulation water pump is installed in the circulation pipeline. The coordinated hot water production mode includes: B1. The coupling system controls the air conditioning unit to operate in cooling mode and detects the water temperature T1 in the water tank; B2. The coupled system determines whether T1 < third preset temperature and / or whether T1-T2 < fourth preset temperature is satisfied; if yes, proceed to step B3; if no, proceed to step B4. B3. The coupling system closes the third solenoid valve (21), the first expansion valve (22), the second solenoid valve (12), and the sixth solenoid valve (41), opens the first solenoid valve (11), the fifth solenoid valve (31), the fourth solenoid valve (24), and the electronic expansion valve A, starts the circulating water pump, and shuts down the outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger A. B4. The coupling system controls the air conditioning unit to maintain normal cooling mode.

2. The control method for a coupling system of an air conditioner and a heat pump water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method includes a water tank self-heating mode, which includes: the coupling system detects the water temperature T1 in the water tank in real time and determines whether T1 > the fifth preset temperature; if so, the circulating water pump is turned on.

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