An air conditioning unit and its control method

Abstract

This invention discloses an air conditioning unit and its control method. The air conditioning unit includes: an evaporative cooling core, a spray humidification component, and air valves. The evaporative cooling core includes a first channel and a second channel, where air flowing in the first channel can exchange heat with air flowing in the second channel. A first air valve is installed at the inlet of the first channel, a second air valve is installed at the outlet of the first channel, a third air valve is installed at the inlet of the second channel, and a fourth air valve is installed at the outlet of the second channel. The spray humidification component is arranged adjacent to the evaporative cooling core, spraying air towards the inlet side of the second channel of the evaporative cooling core. The spray humidification component is located within an air duct, with a fifth air valve at the inlet and a sixth air valve at the outlet. When the third air valve is open, the air duct is connected to the second channel. This invention integrates spray humidification, evaporative cooling, and core self-cleaning functions in the same air conditioning unit, meeting different user needs while minimizing the space occupied by the air conditioning unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning unit technology, and more specifically, to an air conditioning unit and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the air conditioning industry, the practicality and comfort of air conditioning units are increasingly becoming the focus of users' attention. From traditional cooling and heating functions, various comfort features are gradually emerging, with users increasingly appreciating humidification, dehumidification, and self-cleaning functions. However, most commonly used air conditioners only focus on cooling and heating, paying less attention to humidification and self-cleaning functions.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the problem that existing air conditioning units have limited functionality and cannot meet user needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an air conditioning unit and its control method to at least solve the problem that existing air conditioning units have limited functionality and cannot meet user needs.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioning unit, comprising: an evaporative cooling core, a spray humidification component, and an air valve;

[0006] The evaporative cooling core includes a first channel and a second channel. The air flowing in the first channel and the air flowing in the second channel can exchange heat. A first air valve is provided at the inlet of the first channel, a second air valve is provided at the outlet of the first channel, a third air valve is provided at the inlet of the second channel, and a fourth air valve is provided at the outlet of the second channel.

[0007] The spray humidification component is disposed adjacent to the evaporative cooling core, and the spray humidification component sprays water toward the inlet side of the second channel of the evaporative cooling core;

[0008] The spray humidification component is installed inside the air duct. The air duct has a fifth air valve at its inlet and a sixth air valve at its outlet. When the third air valve is opened, the air duct is connected to the second channel.

[0009] Optionally, the spray humidification component is located below the evaporative cooling core.

[0010] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further includes an air inlet, which is equipped with a seventh air valve, and the air inlet is connected to the inlet of the first channel and the inlet of the air duct.

[0011] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further includes: at least one air supply fan and at least one air outlet, wherein the at least one air outlet is connected to the outlet of the first channel and the outlet of the air duct, and the at least one air outlet corresponds to at least one air supply area, and each air outlet is provided with an eighth air valve, the opening of which is adjustable.

[0012] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further includes: an exhaust vent, the exhaust vent being connected to the outlet of the second channel via an exhaust duct, the exhaust vent being equipped with a ninth air valve, and an exhaust fan being installed in the exhaust duct.

[0013] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further includes: a return air inlet, which is connected to the exhaust air duct via a return air duct, the return air inlet being equipped with a tenth air valve, and an eleventh air valve being provided at the connection between the return air duct and the exhaust air duct.

[0014] This invention also provides an air conditioning unit control method, applied to the air conditioning unit described in this invention, the method comprising:

[0015] Determine the target operating mode of the air conditioning unit;

[0016] The air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit are controlled according to the target operating mode so that the air conditioning unit operates in the target operating mode;

[0017] The operating modes of the air conditioning unit include: spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode, indirect evaporative cooling mode, and core self-cleaning mode.

[0018] Optionally, controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes:

[0019] If the target operating mode is spray humidification mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the fifth and sixth air valves of the air duct, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0020] Optionally, controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes:

[0021] If the target operating mode is direct evaporative cooling mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the first and second air valves of the first channel, the third air valve of the second channel, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0022] Optionally, controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes:

[0023] If the target operating mode is indirect evaporative cooling mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the first and second air valves of the first channel, the third and fourth air valves of the second channel, the fifth air valve of the air duct, the ninth air valve at the exhaust outlet, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area. Open the spray humidification component, and turn on the exhaust fan and the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0024] Optionally, controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes:

[0025] If the target working mode is the core self-cleaning mode, add disinfectant to the spray humidification component, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the fifth air valve of the air duct, the third and fourth air valves of the second channel, and the ninth air valve at the exhaust outlet, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the exhaust fan.

[0026] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0027] When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode or indirect evaporative cooling mode, the actual air volume and set air volume of the target air supply area are obtained.

[0028] If the actual air volume is greater than the set air volume, then reduce the opening of the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, and / or reduce the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0029] If the actual air volume is less than the set air volume, then increase the opening of the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, and / or increase the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0030] Optionally, the spray humidification component includes a water pump and nozzles, and the method further includes:

[0031] When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, the humidity at the outlet of the first channel is obtained;

[0032] If the humidity is less than or equal to a first threshold, the water pump frequency is increased, and / or the number of nozzles opened is increased, so that the humidity is greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold.

[0033] If the humidity is greater than or equal to the second threshold, then reduce the water pump frequency and / or reduce the number of nozzles opened so that the humidity is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0034] This invention also provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in this invention.

[0035] By applying the technical solution of this invention, by setting up an evaporative cooling core, a spray humidification component, and an air valve, spray humidification, evaporative cooling, and core self-cleaning functions are integrated into the same air conditioning unit. This allows for mode switching according to user needs, meeting different user requirements, and efficiently and energy-savingly handling air. At the same time, it minimizes the footprint of the air conditioning unit and solves the problem that existing air conditioning units have limited functionality and cannot meet user needs. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the air conditioning unit control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal gas flow of the air conditioning unit when it is operating in spray humidification mode, as provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow direction inside the air conditioning unit when it is operating in direct evaporative cooling mode, provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow direction inside the air conditioning unit when it is operating in indirect evaporative cooling mode, provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal gas flow of the air conditioning unit when it is operating in the core self-cleaning mode, as provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal gas flow direction of the air conditioning unit when performing zoned constant air volume air supply, as provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the spray humidification control provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0045] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0046] The optional embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] This embodiment provides an air conditioning unit with functions such as spray humidification, evaporative cooling, and core self-cleaning. It can switch modes according to user needs to meet different user requirements, while minimizing the space occupied by the air conditioning unit.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning unit provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit includes: an evaporative cooling core 10, a spray humidification component 20, and an air valve.

[0050] The evaporative cooling core 10 includes a first channel and a second channel. The air flowing in the first channel and the air flowing in the second channel can exchange heat. A first air valve 11 is provided at the inlet of the first channel, a second air valve 12 is provided at the outlet of the first channel, a third air valve 13 is provided at the inlet of the second channel, and a fourth air valve 14 is provided at the outlet of the second channel.

[0051] The airflow directions in the first and second channels can be in the same direction or in different directions (e.g., opposite, intersecting, or perpendicular). To ensure better heat exchange efficiency and effect, the airflow directions in the first and second channels are set to be perpendicular to each other.

[0052] The spray humidification component 20 is arranged adjacent to the evaporative cooling core 10, and the spray humidification component 20 sprays water towards the inlet side of the second channel of the evaporative cooling core 10. The spray humidification component 20 is arranged in the air duct, the inlet of the air duct is provided with a fifth air valve 21, and the outlet of the air duct is provided with a sixth air valve 22. When the third air valve 13 is opened, the air duct is connected to the second channel.

[0053] When the fifth air valve 21 and the sixth air valve 22 are opened, air enters the air duct, and the spray humidification component 20 sprays and humidifies the air entering the air duct. The humidified air flows out of the air duct and is sent to the air supply area, thus realizing spray humidification.

[0054] When the first air valve 11, the second air valve 12 and the third air valve 13 are opened, air enters the evaporative cooling core 10 through the first air valve 11. The spray humidification component 20 humidifies the high-temperature dry air entering from the first air valve 11 in the evaporative cooling core 10, thereby achieving direct evaporative cooling.

[0055] When the first air valve 11, the second air valve 12, the third air valve 13, the fourth air valve 14, and the fifth air valve 21 are opened, the spray humidification component 20 first sprays and humidifies the high-temperature dry air entering the air duct from the fifth air valve 21 to form low-temperature humid air. This low-temperature humid air enters the evaporative cooling core 10 from the third air valve 13. In the evaporative cooling core 10, the low-temperature humid air and the high-temperature dry air entering from the first air valve 11 undergo evaporative cooling treatment, becoming high-temperature humid air that is sent to the outside from the fourth air valve 14. The low-temperature dry air flows out from the second air valve 12 and is sent to the air supply area, thus realizing indirect evaporative cooling.

[0056] When core cleaning is required, the water in the spray humidification component 20 is replaced with disinfectant, the third air valve 13 is opened, and the disinfectant sprayed from the spray humidification component 20 is sent to the evaporative cooling core 10 through the third air valve 13, realizing the self-cleaning and disinfection of the evaporative cooling core, maintaining the equipment's performance and ensuring its service life, without the need for manual entry into the unit for disinfection.

[0057] This embodiment integrates functions such as spray humidification, evaporative cooling, and core self-cleaning into a single air conditioning unit by setting up an evaporative cooling core, spray humidification components, and air valves. This allows for mode switching according to user needs, meeting different user requirements, and efficiently and energy-savingly handling air. At the same time, it minimizes the footprint of the air conditioning unit and solves the problem of existing air conditioning units having limited functionality and failing to meet user needs.

[0058] Preferably, the spray humidification component 20 is located below the evaporative cooling core 10, so that the sprayed water has more sufficient contact with the air and more sufficient heat exchange, thereby improving the effect of spray humidification and evaporative cooling.

[0059] If the spray humidification component 20 is located below the evaporative cooling core 10, when core cleaning is required, the water in the spray humidification component 20 is replaced with disinfectant, the fifth air valve 21, the third air valve 13 and the fourth air valve 14 are opened, and air enters the air duct from the fifth air valve 21, carrying the disinfectant sprayed from the spray humidification component 20 to the evaporative cooling core 10 through the third air valve 13 to clean and disinfect the evaporative cooling core 10. The treated air flows out of the evaporative cooling core 10 through the fourth air valve 14. In this way, the air is used to carry the disinfectant, which can ensure the self-cleaning effect of the core.

[0060] The air conditioning unit also includes an air inlet, which is equipped with a seventh air valve and connects to the inlet of the first channel and the inlet of the air duct. External air enters the unit through the air inlet and flows accordingly within the unit based on different operating modes to achieve the corresponding functions. A filter assembly can also be installed at the air inlet to filter the air entering the unit.

[0061] The air conditioning unit also includes at least one supply fan and at least one air outlet. The at least one air outlet is connected to the outlet of the first channel and the outlet of the air duct. Each of the at least one air outlet corresponds one-to-one with one of the at least one air supply areas. Each air outlet is equipped with an eighth air valve, the opening of which is adjustable. The supply fan and air outlet can have a one-to-one or one-to-many relationship. Air that meets the required air quality can be delivered to the air supply areas through the air outlets to satisfy user needs. A filter assembly can also be installed at the air outlet to filter the air output by the unit, ensuring the air quality delivered to the air supply areas.

[0062] The air conditioning unit also includes: an exhaust vent, which is connected to the outlet of the second channel via an exhaust duct. The exhaust vent is equipped with a ninth damper, and an exhaust fan is installed inside the exhaust duct. The exhaust volume of the evaporator cooling core can be changed by adjusting the opening of the fourth and ninth dampers.

[0063] The air conditioning unit also includes a return air vent, which is connected to the exhaust air duct via a return air duct. The return air vent is equipped with a tenth air valve, and an eleventh air valve is installed at the connection between the return air duct and the exhaust air duct. The return air vent allows for the reuse of the unit's exhaust air, preventing energy waste. The opening degrees of the tenth and eleventh air valves are adjustable; by adjusting these valves, the amount of return air entering the unit can be adjusted, thus changing the air intake conditions of the evaporator cooling core 10 and the spray humidification component 20.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] This embodiment provides an air conditioning unit control method, which can be applied to the air conditioning unit described in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the air conditioning unit control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, as follows: Figure 2As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0066] S201, Determine the target operating mode of the air conditioning unit. The target operating mode can be the operating mode indicated in the control command, that is, the operating mode in which the air conditioning unit will operate.

[0067] S202, control the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode, so that the air conditioning unit operates in the target operating mode; wherein, the operating modes of the air conditioning unit include: spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode, indirect evaporative cooling mode and core self-cleaning mode.

[0068] This embodiment integrates functions such as spray humidification, evaporative cooling, and core self-cleaning into a single air conditioning unit by setting up an evaporative cooling core, spray humidification components, and air valves. By controlling the air valves and spray humidification components, the mode can be switched according to user needs, meeting different user requirements, and efficiently and energy-savingly handling air. At the same time, it minimizes the footprint of the air conditioning unit and solves the problem that existing air conditioning units have limited functions and cannot meet user needs.

[0069] The following explains the step "Controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode" for each mode. The target air supply area refers to the air supply area with air supply requirements.

[0070] (1) If the target working mode is spray humidification mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the fifth and sixth air valves in the air duct, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0071] In spray humidification mode, all air valves except the ones that are open are closed. Outside air enters the unit through the air inlet and then enters the air duct through the fifth air valve 21. The spray humidification component 20 sprays and humidifies the air entering the air duct from the fifth air valve 21. The spray-humidified air then flows out of the air duct through the sixth air valve 22 to be sent to the target air supply area, achieving the spray humidification function, meeting the user's humidity needs, and improving the comfort of air conditioning use.

[0072] (2) If the target working mode is direct evaporative cooling mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the first and second air valves of the first channel, the third air valve of the second channel, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, open the spray humidification component, and open the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0073] In direct evaporative cooling mode, all air valves except the ones that are open are closed. External air enters the unit through the air inlet, passes through the first air valve 11, and enters the first channel of the evaporative cooling core 10. The spray humidification component 20 humidifies the high-temperature dry air entering from the fifth air valve 21 in the evaporative cooling core 10. The treated air flows out through the second air valve 12 to be sent to the target air supply area, achieving the effect of direct evaporative cooling and meeting user needs.

[0074] (3) If the target working mode is indirect evaporative cooling mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the first and second air valves of the first channel, the third and fourth air valves of the second channel, the fifth air valve of the air duct, the ninth air valve at the exhaust port, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area. Open the spray humidification component, and turn on the exhaust fan and the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0075] In the indirect evaporative cooling mode, all air valves except the ones mentioned above are closed. The air from outside the unit enters the unit through the air inlet and is divided into two paths. One path enters the first channel of the evaporative cooling core 10 through the first air valve 11, and the other path enters the air duct where the spray humidification component 20 is located through the fifth air valve 21. The spray humidification component 20 sprays and humidifies the air to form low-temperature humid air, which is then sent to the second channel of the evaporative cooling core 10 by the third air valve 13. In the evaporative cooling core 10, the high-temperature dry air in the first channel and the low-temperature humid air in the second channel undergo evaporative cooling. The low-temperature humid air in the second channel becomes high-temperature humid air and is sent to the outside of the unit by the fourth air valve 14. The high-temperature dry air in the first channel becomes low-temperature dry air and flows out by the second air valve 12 to be sent to the target air supply area, thus achieving the effect of indirect evaporative cooling.

[0076] (4) If the target working mode is the core self-cleaning mode, add disinfectant to the spray humidification component, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the fifth air valve in the air duct, the third and fourth air valves in the second channel, and the ninth air valve at the exhaust outlet, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the exhaust fan.

[0077] In the core self-cleaning mode, all air valves except the ones that are open are closed. The water in the spray humidification component 20 is replaced with disinfectant. Air from outside the unit enters the unit through the air inlet and enters the air duct through the fifth air valve 21. This air, together with the disinfectant sprayed from the spray humidification component 20, enters the evaporative cooling core 10 through the third air valve 13 to clean and disinfect the evaporative cooling core 10. The treated air flows out of the evaporative cooling core 10 through the fourth air valve 14 and is sent to the outside of the unit, achieving the self-cleaning and disinfection function of the evaporative cooling core, maintaining the equipment's performance, ensuring the equipment's service life, and eliminating the need for manual entry into the unit for disinfection.

[0078] When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode, or indirect evaporative cooling mode, it can achieve zoned constant air volume air supply. Specifically, it obtains the actual air volume and the set air volume of the target air supply area. If the actual air volume is greater than the set air volume, it reduces the opening of the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area and / or reduces the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area. If the actual air volume is less than the set air volume, it increases the opening of the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area and / or increases the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

[0079] This implementation method can adjust the opening degree of the eighth air valve at the air outlet of the target air supply area and / or the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area according to the required air volume, so as to achieve zoned constant air volume air supply and meet user needs.

[0080] To better meet user needs, embodiments of the present invention can also adjust the spray humidification rate to meet the outlet air humidity requirements and achieve better humidification or cooling effects. Specifically, the spray humidification component includes a water pump and nozzles. When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, the humidity at the outlet of the first channel is obtained. If the humidity is less than or equal to a first threshold, the water pump frequency is increased, and / or the number of nozzles opened is increased, so that the humidity is greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold. If the humidity is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the water pump frequency is decreased, and / or the number of nozzles opened is decreased, so that the humidity is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold. The first and second thresholds can be obtained based on a set humidity (user-set or default). The first threshold is less than the set humidity, and the second threshold is greater than the set humidity. (The first threshold and the second threshold) constitute the humidity requirement range. For example, the set humidity is 80%, the first threshold is 75%, and the second threshold is 85%.

[0081] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0082] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] The air conditioning unit and its control method described below are illustrated with a specific embodiment. However, it is worth noting that this specific embodiment is only for better illustration of this application and does not constitute an undue limitation of this application. The same or corresponding terminology used in the above embodiment will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0085] refer to Figures 3 to 7 The air conditioning unit mainly includes: evaporator cooling core 10, spray humidification component 20, filter assembly 30, fan (supply fan 41 and exhaust fan 42) and multiple air valves.

[0086] Air valve A (equivalent to the seventh air valve mentioned above) is an air inlet switch type air valve, located at the air inlet end face of the unit, to ensure the air intake of the entire unit.

[0087] Air valve B (equivalent to the first air valve 11 mentioned above) and air valve C (equivalent to the fifth air valve 21 mentioned above) are located on the air inlet side of the evaporative cooling core 10 and the spray humidification component 20, respectively. Both are on / off type air valves. The function of air valve B is to ensure the air inlet to the evaporative cooling core 10, and the function of air valve C is to ensure the air inlet to the spray humidification section.

[0088] The air valve D (equivalent to the third air valve 13 mentioned above) is located below the evaporative cooling core 10 and above the spray humidification component 20. It is an on / off type air valve, and its function is to ensure the air intake from the spray humidification section into the evaporative cooling core 10.

[0089] Air valve E (equivalent to the sixth air valve 22 mentioned above) and air valve F (equivalent to the second air valve 12 mentioned above) are located on the air outlet side of the spray humidification component 20 and the evaporative cooling core 10, respectively. Both are on / off type air valves. The function of air valve E is to ensure the air outlet of the spray humidification section, and the function of air valve F is to ensure the air outlet of the evaporative cooling core 10.

[0090] Air valve G and air valve H (equivalent to the eighth air valve mentioned above) are located at the air inlets of air supply area A and air supply area B, respectively. Both are proportional air valves, and the air supply volume of each air supply area is adjusted by adjusting the opening of the air valve.

[0091] Air valve I (equivalent to the fourth air valve 14 mentioned above) and air valve L (equivalent to the ninth air valve mentioned above) are located at the upper outlet of the evaporator cooling core 10 and the air outlet of the exhaust fan, respectively. Both are proportional air valves, and the air volume of the evaporator cooling section can be adjusted by adjusting the opening of the air valve.

[0092] Air valve J (equivalent to the tenth air valve mentioned above) and air valve K (equivalent to the eleventh air valve mentioned above) are located at the return air inlet on the left side of the evaporator cooling core 10 and the side air inlet in the area above the evaporator cooling core 10, respectively. They are both proportional air valves, and their function is to adjust their opening degree to change the air intake conditions at air valves B and C when necessary.

[0093] Air valves A, B, C, D, E, and F are on / off type air valves, mainly used to guide the airflow direction inside the unit, thereby assisting the air conditioning unit in mode switching. Air valves G, H, I, J, K, and L are proportional type air valves, mainly used to adjust the airflow according to the air volume demand. Differential pressure switches (used to determine the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the usage area) and airflow sensors (used to detect the airflow in the supply area) can be installed in the usage area.

[0094] The air conditioning unit can switch to the following four working modes according to the needs of the usage environment: spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode, indirect evaporative cooling mode, and core self-cleaning mode.

[0095] The specific working principles of each mode are as follows:

[0096] (1) Spray humidification mode

[0097] To operate the air conditioning unit in spray humidification mode, dampers B, D, F, I, J, K, and L need to be closed, dampers A, C, and E need to be opened, and dampers G and H need to be opened to their preset opening degrees (e.g., 70%). When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, the internal airflow direction is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, when the spray humidification component 20 is turned on, it sprays and humidifies the air entering through the air valve C, and then flows out through the air valve E to be sent to each air supply area, achieving the spray humidification function, making the user feel more comfortable and improving the comfort of using the air conditioner.

[0098] (2) Direct evaporation cooling mode

[0099] To operate the air conditioning unit in direct evaporative cooling mode, dampers C, E, I, J, K, and L need to be closed, dampers A, B, D, and F opened, and dampers G and H opened to their preset opening degrees (e.g., 70%). When the air conditioning unit is operating in direct evaporative cooling mode, the internal gas flow direction is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the spray humidification component 20 is turned on and humidifies the high-temperature dry air entering from the air valve B in the evaporative cooling core 10, forming high-temperature humid air that flows out from the air valve F and is sent to each air supply area to achieve the effect of direct evaporative cooling.

[0100] (3) Indirect evaporative cooling mode

[0101] To operate the air conditioning unit in indirect evaporative cooling mode, dampers E, J, and K must be closed, dampers A, B, C, D, F, I, and L must be opened, dampers G and H must be opened to their preset opening degrees (e.g., 70%), and exhaust fan 42 must be turned on. When the air conditioning unit is operating in indirect evaporative cooling mode, the internal gas flow direction is as follows: Figure 5As shown, the spray humidification component 20 is turned on to spray and humidify the high-temperature dry air entering from the air valve C, forming low-temperature humid air which is then sent to the evaporative cooling core 10 through the air valve D. In the evaporative cooling core 10, the low-temperature humid air undergoes evaporative cooling treatment with the high-temperature dry air entering from the air valve B, forming high-temperature humid air which is then sent to the outside through the air valves I and L. At the same time, the high-temperature dry air entering from the air valve B becomes low-temperature dry air and flows out through the air valve F to be sent to various air supply areas, achieving the effect of indirect evaporative cooling.

[0102] (4) Evaporator Cooler Core Self-Cleaning Mode

[0103] Since the evaporative cooling core 10 is frequently used, it requires cleaning and disinfection to maintain the equipment's performance and ensure its lifespan. Therefore, the evaporative cooling core 10 needs to be cleaned and disinfected. Currently, conventional cleaning and disinfection requires manual entry into the unit to use disinfectant, which is costly, and disinfectants are often chemical substances, posing a risk of infection to cleaning personnel. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention provides a core self-cleaning mode, which avoids the above problems.

[0104] To operate the air conditioning unit in core self-cleaning mode, the water in the spray humidification unit 20 needs to be replaced with disinfectant. Then, air valves B, E, F, J, K, G, and H need to be closed, while air valves A, C, D, I, and L need to be fully opened, and the exhaust fan 42 needs to be turned on. When the air conditioning unit is operating in core self-cleaning mode, the internal airflow direction is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, when the gas enters the air duct where the spray humidification component 10 is located from the air valve C, the disinfectant sprayed by the spray humidification component 20 is sent to the evaporative cooling core 10 by the air valve D to clean and disinfect the evaporative cooling core 10. The treated gas flows out of the air valve I and is sent to the outside by the air valve L, thus achieving the function of self-cleaning and disinfection of the evaporative cooling core.

[0105] (5) Zoned constant air volume air supply

[0106] This invention also provides a zoned constant air volume air supply function, used in conjunction with spray humidification and evaporative cooling functions. When the air conditioning unit performs zoned constant air volume air supply, except for air valves G and H which open to a preset degree (e.g., 70%) and then operate individually, the other air valves can be opened and closed normally according to the customer's current operating mode. The internal gas flow direction of the air conditioning unit during zoned constant air volume air supply is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7The arrows at the central air valves B, C, E, and F indicate the possible airflow direction inside the unit, not that all four valves are open. Airflow sensors are installed in air supply zones A and B to detect the airflow within those zones. Based on the customer-defined airflow value, feedback signals are sent to air valves G and H and the corresponding fans at the air outlets. If the actual airflow is insufficient, the opening of the corresponding air valve is increased and / or the frequency of the corresponding fan is increased to improve the airflow in that zone; if the actual airflow is too high, the opening of the corresponding air valve is decreased and / or the frequency of the corresponding fan is reduced to decrease the airflow in that zone.

[0107] The spray humidification component 20 includes: a spray piping system, nozzles, a water tank, a circulating water pump, and a control system. The control system includes a humidity sensor at the air valve F, a flow meter at the spray humidification point, a PLC controller, and some connecting lines, etc., to monitor and control the spray humidification volume. The humidity sensor at the air valve F detects the actual humidity and feeds the data back to the control system.

[0108] Assuming the user sets the humidity to 90%, and the required humidity level at the application site is (90% ± 5%), the specific control of the spray humidification rate is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0109] S801, the system boots up and runs normally.

[0110] S802, the system enters a stable state after running for a certain period of time, such as 5 minutes.

[0111] S803, determine whether the actual supply air humidity H meets the requirement of 85% < H < 95%. If yes, proceed to S810; otherwise, proceed to S804.

[0112] S804, determine whether the actual supply air humidity meets H≥95%. If yes, proceed to S805; otherwise, proceed to S806.

[0113] S805, reduce the pump frequency to reduce the spray water flow rate.

[0114] S806, the actual supply air humidity meets H≤85%.

[0115] S807, increase the pump frequency to increase the spray water flow rate.

[0116] S808, if the water pump frequency cannot be adjusted further, continue to determine whether the actual supply air humidity H meets 85% < H < 95%. If yes, proceed to S810; otherwise, proceed to S809.

[0117] S809, adjust the number of nozzles opened according to the humidity determination. Specifically, if H≤85%, increase the number of nozzles opened; if H≥95%, decrease the number of nozzles opened until the humidity meets the requirements.

[0118] S810: The system pump frequency and the number of nozzles open remain unchanged, and the system operates normally.

[0119] In the above control process, the order of adjusting the pump frequency and the number of nozzles opened can be changed. For example, adjust the number of nozzles opened first, and if the number of nozzles opened cannot be adjusted further, then adjust the pump frequency.

[0120] This embodiment integrates functions such as spray humidification, evaporative cooling, and core self-cleaning into the same air conditioning unit. Mode switching can be achieved through the coordinated control of various air valves, which not only meets the user's needs but also minimizes the unit's footprint.

[0121] Example 4

[0122] This embodiment provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in the above embodiment.

[0123] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0124] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit, characterized in that, include: Evaporator cooling core, spray humidification components and air valves; The evaporative cooling core includes a first channel and a second channel. The air flowing in the first channel and the air flowing in the second channel can exchange heat. A first air valve is provided at the inlet of the first channel, a second air valve is provided at the outlet of the first channel, a third air valve is provided at the inlet of the second channel, and a fourth air valve is provided at the outlet of the second channel. The spray humidification component is disposed adjacent to the evaporative cooling core, and the spray humidification component sprays water toward the inlet side of the second channel of the evaporative cooling core; The spray humidification component is installed inside the air duct. The air duct has a fifth air valve at its inlet and a sixth air valve at its outlet. When the third air valve is opened, the air duct is connected to the second channel.

2. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray humidification component is located below the evaporative cooling core.

3. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit further includes an air inlet, which is equipped with a seventh air valve, and the air inlet is connected to the inlet of the first channel and the inlet of the air duct.

4. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit further includes: at least one air supply fan and at least one air outlet, wherein the at least one air outlet is connected to the outlet of the first channel and the outlet of the air duct, and the at least one air outlet corresponds to at least one air supply area, and each air outlet is provided with an eighth air valve, the opening of which is adjustable.

5. The air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit further includes: an exhaust vent, which is connected to the outlet of the second channel through an exhaust duct, the exhaust vent is equipped with a ninth air valve, and an exhaust fan is installed in the exhaust duct.

6. The air conditioning unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit further includes: a return air inlet, which is connected to the exhaust air duct through a return air duct, the return air inlet is provided with a tenth air valve, and the connection between the return air duct and the exhaust air duct is provided with an eleventh air valve.

7. A method for controlling an air conditioning unit, characterized in that, Applied to the air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprises: Determine the target operating mode of the air conditioning unit; The air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit are controlled according to the target operating mode so that the air conditioning unit operates in the target operating mode; The operating modes of the air conditioning unit include: spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode, indirect evaporative cooling mode, and core self-cleaning mode.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes: If the target operating mode is spray humidification mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the fifth and sixth air valves of the air duct, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes: If the target operating mode is direct evaporative cooling mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the first and second air valves of the first channel, the third air valve of the second channel, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes: If the target operating mode is indirect evaporative cooling mode, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the first and second air valves of the first channel, the third and fourth air valves of the second channel, the fifth air valve of the air duct, the ninth air valve at the exhaust outlet, and the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area. Open the spray humidification component, and turn on the exhaust fan and the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

11. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Controlling the air valves and spray humidification components in the air conditioning unit according to the target operating mode includes: If the target working mode is the core self-cleaning mode, add disinfectant to the spray humidification component, open the seventh air valve at the air inlet of the air conditioning unit, the fifth air valve of the air duct, the third and fourth air valves of the second channel, and the ninth air valve at the exhaust outlet, open the spray humidification component, and turn on the exhaust fan.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, direct evaporative cooling mode or indirect evaporative cooling mode, the actual air volume and set air volume of the target air supply area are obtained. If the actual air volume is greater than the set air volume, then reduce the opening of the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, and / or reduce the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area. If the actual air volume is less than the set air volume, then increase the opening of the eighth air valve at the air outlet corresponding to the target air supply area, and / or increase the frequency of the air supply fan corresponding to the target air supply area.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The spray humidification component includes a water pump and nozzles, and the method further includes: When the air conditioning unit is operating in spray humidification mode, the humidity at the outlet of the first channel is obtained; If the humidity is less than or equal to a first threshold, the water pump frequency is increased, and / or the number of nozzles opened is increased, so that the humidity is greater than the first threshold and less than a second threshold. If the humidity is greater than or equal to the second threshold, then reduce the water pump frequency and / or reduce the number of nozzles opened so that the humidity is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

14. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

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